VMI Inspires Teens with 鈥淏uild & Fly鈥�
Dr. Sherif Abdelhamid, assistant professor in the Department of Computer and Information Sciences (CIS) and outreach liaison officer for the Cyber Defense (CyDef) Laboratory at 麻豆女演员 Institute, participated in 鈥淏uild & Fly with VMI,鈥� a free drone event for students ages 13-18 held April 19 at the New College Institute (NCI) in Martinsville, Virginia.
According to Abdelhamid, the event was part of the outreach initiative by CIS and CyDef. 鈥淚t was a unique opportunity for teens to experience drone science and learn about career options in robotics and innovation. In addition to the hands-on activities, we shared with the students and their parents information about VMI, the different departments, and the cadet life experience.鈥�
James Bangura 鈥�26, from Dumfries, Virginia, and Ben Hagerich 鈥�26 from Glen Allen, both majoring in computer science, accompanied Abdelhamid to NCI. Bangura said the event was rewarding. 鈥淚t was a great experience teaching the kids about drones and virtual reality while sharing the unique opportunities available at VMI.鈥�
Hagerich agreed. 鈥淚 had a great time connecting with young students and teaching them the basics of drone programming and piloting!鈥�
Other organizations involved with the event include iVue Robotics, AFCEA, and Shenandoah University.
Marianne HauseCommunications & Marketing
VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE
