Last week offered a clear example of the value of Baxter’s community partnerships. Our Drone Cluster—led by faculty member Lauren Dickinson —visited the Portland Jetport, where staff generously welcomed our students, provided lunch, and offered a behind-the-scenes look at airport operations. Despite the government shutdown, the Jetport team made space for our students to learn, ask questions, and explore careers essential to a functioning transportation system. Their expressed interest, time and support were greatly appreciated.
Experiences like this demonstrate why Baxter’s connections in the community are so special. Students were able to connect their academic work to real professional environments, see pathways within the aviation and transportation sectors, and understand how accountability and rigor relate directly to workforce expectations. This is not inquiry for the sake of inquiry—it is preparation for meaningful careers and engagement with the community.
The Drone Cluster’s current projects include a search and rescue drone designed to assist emergency responders, a water-sampling drone that can test remote waterways, and a vaccine-delivery drone exploring potential solutions for rural healthcare access. Two students are also developing a “Drone Camp,” a summer program that introduces younger learners to the fundamentals of drone technology.
These initiatives reflect Baxter’s Real World Now disposition of learning: what is practical, relevant, and connected to community needs. Through hands-on engineering, collaboration with professionals, and exposure to emerging technologies, students are building both technical competency and an awareness of the broader systems they may one day help shape.
The visit to the Jetport underscored a belief we here at Baxter sharel: partnerships and real-world engagement accelerate learning. We hope that experiences will remain central to helping students connect their work to the opportunities and responsibilities that define the future workforce. Thank you to Paul Bradbury, CEO, for making this possible.
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