From the Classroom to Critical Missions: CMU Helps Prepare the Next Generation Workforce During Northern Strike

As emerging technologies reshaped national defense, Central Michigan University's (CMU) Drone Lab provided students with opportunities to contribute to one of the nation's largest military training exercises while developing the technical skills needed for careers in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

Through its participation in Northern Strike, the Department of War's premier reserve component readiness exercise, CMU's Drone Lab demonstrated how higher education could contribute meaningful technical expertise while preparing the future workforce supporting defense, emergency response and advanced aviation.

The university contributed faculty expertise and student talent to operational research activities, reinforcing the growing role higher education played in advancing emerging technologies while strengthening Michigan's defense innovation ecosystem. Through the Central Ecosystem for National Security (CENS), CMU connects government, research and industry to create opportunities for innovation, workforce development and collaboration that support national security missions.

At the center of CMU's contribution was the university's Drone Lab, where collaboration with government, military and industry partners created opportunities for students to apply classroom learning in real-world environments. 

“The CMU Drone Lab gives students the opportunity to move beyond the classroom and apply their skills in real environments," said CMU President Neil MacKinnon. "Participation in Northern Strike demonstrates the value of hands-on learning while showcasing how our faculty and students contribute to important national defense initiatives. These experiences prepare our graduates for careers in one of the fastest growing sectors of the workforce."

During Northern Strike, CMU faculty and students conducted aerial data collection and operational testing alongside government, military and industry partners. The exercise provided students with firsthand experience operating in a complex, multidisciplinary environment while contributing to research involving emerging technologies.

"Students in our Drone Lab train using the same FAA Part 107 standards, mission planning processes and operational procedures required in professional environments," said CMU faculty member Kevin Campbell. "Northern Strike has allowed them to apply those skills in a large-scale operational environment, gaining experience that simply can't be replicated in a classroom."

CMU student Nick Placencia served as the project's drone pilot, collecting aerial imagery that supported operational testing throughout the exercise. His participation highlighted how the Drone Lab equipped students with the technical knowledge, professionalism and confidence to contribute to real-world missions.

The Drone Lab's participation in Northern Strike reflected CMU's broader commitment to experiential learning, applied research and workforce development. Through collaborations with the Michigan National Guard and industry partners, students gained valuable experience while helping evaluate technologies that support national security and public safety.

To learn more about CENS and how CMU is advancing innovation, workforce development and defense collaboration, visit cmurc.com/cens.

About the Central Ecosystem for National Security (CENS)

The Central Ecosystem for National Security (CENS) brings together government, research institutions, industry and entrepreneurs to accelerate innovation that supports U.S. national security. CENS advances mission-relevant technologies, develops the future workforce and helps national security-focused ventures progress from early concepts to scalable companies. By delivering the right support at the right time, CENS strengthens Michigan's role in the nation's defense innovation ecosystem.

About CMU Drone Lab

The CMU Drone Lab features more than 30 unmanned aircraft systems and provides hands-on training in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, flight planning, mission preparation, equipment inspections and safe flight operations. Open to students from any major, the program prepared participants to earn their FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, a credential required for many commercial and government drone operations.