The O'Colly, Thursday, February 1, 2024.

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Thursday, February 1, 2024

Oklahoma fire chiefs converge to learn how OAIRE drone research helps first responders save lives Courtesy of OSU News

as well as how to advance that technology and put it in the people’s hands. Jacob explained the three general applications of unmanned aircraft systems technology are: observation, delivery and weather, and where they are headed in the During an emergency, future. time is of the utmost imporTulsa Fire Chief Michael tance. Baker said opportunities to Oklahoma State Univerwork with Jacob prompt him sity researchers are looking and other fire chiefs to begin to use drone technology to thinking about how UAS techprovide first responders with nology will have broad impliassistance in aiding their recations on the future of their sponse times. profession from training and Dr. Jamey Jacob, execubudgets to public safety. tive director of OSU’s OklaOne significant focus area homa Aerospace Institute for for OAIRE centers on seaResearch and Education, spoke sonal fire weather and general Thursday about the future of weather patterns, emphasizing drones in first response at the Oklahoma Fire Chief Associa- the utilization of systems for effective disaster response. The tion winter workshop in the application of drones in obserConocoPhillips OSU Alumni vations spans various critical Center. Under the umbrella of The areas, including assessing fuel Innovation Foundation at OSU, load and condition characteristics, enhancing situational OAIRE is developing new awareness, collecting data for technology to help fire chiefs wildfire modeling, evaluating statewide through collaborative programs like the Launch- flood situations, and aiding in search and rescue efforts. Pad Center for Advanced Air In Oklahoma, research Mobility Drones for First concentrates on wildfires, JaResponders program. cob said. Drones serve multiple “At The Innovation Founpurposes, not only for fire dation, we believe that drivdetection, but also for guiding ing innovation in cutting-edge ground personnel beyond initial drone technology holds the sighting points. Using diverse potential to revolutionize lifesaving solutions in emergency sensors, including infrared, enables the identification of hot response,” said Elizabeth Polspots and fire lines, facilitatlard, CEO of The Innovation Foundation. “Dr. Jamey Jacob’s ing strategic deployment. In exemplary work at OAIRE un- addition, the imagery obtained through drone technology often derscores our commitment, as we pioneer a future where tech- surpasses the resolution of satellite imagery, enhancing nology seamlessly integrates overall effectiveness in disaster into real-world applications through hands-on research and response and management. “Drone technology will development.” help us to determine how we This research is also better tailor our deployment elevating OSU to lead in aeroand let me know what resourcspace innovation and applicaes I need to send,” Baker said. tion aligning with the univer“Fire apparatus are very expensity’s strategic plan to become sive, and the more you drive the preeminent land-grant them, the more they break university. down. Every time we leave a OSU has one of the best fire station, it’s a risk. I put fire protection programs as people out in jeopardy. well as excellent drone programs, Jacob said. The drone program is focused on engiSee OAIRE on 7 neering development systems,

Cloe Campfield Scout, a Pete’s Pet Posse member, is one of the dogs that could make an appearance at “Furry Friend Friday” this month.

Fun February

On-campus events to know Kennedy Thomason News & Lifestyle Editor

With it, comes plenty of campus events to keep your month busy. Here are some of the highlights: Starting strong on Thursday, the Student Union Activities Board is hosting February, the first full calendar month of the semes- the “Nearly Naked Mile” at 4:30 p.m. Participants will ter, begins Thursday.

race in minimal clothing, donating everything they don’t wear to the Stillwater community. “Furry Friend Friday” will be back at Colvin Recreation center each week at 10 a.m. Pete’s Pet Posse dogs will be available for one hour of pet therapy. See Events on5

Marriage and Family Therapy Clinic offers free Relationship Check-Ins for couples in February Christy Lang OSU News

OSU News Gabe Yandell, a visiting instructor and clinical director, said anyone from married couples to those who are only dating can benefit from relationship checkups.

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, the Oklahoma State University Marriage and Family Therapy Clinic is offering free relationship checkups throughout February to help couples in the Stillwater area strengthen their bonds. The one-hour sessions provide an opportunity for couples to check in on their relationship’s health and growth areas ahead of the romantic holiday. “At the MFTC, we love celebrating love and relationships,” said Gabe Yandell, a visiting instructor and clinical director. “Our free relationship check-ins are how we celebrate Valentine’s Day.” Participating couples can expect an easy sign-up and intake process for the session. After signing up, couples will

take a short survey backed by a successful and respected premarital and marital enrichment curriculum. MFTC therapists then analyze the survey data to form ideas and advice tailored to each couple. “All couples ranging from dating to married for 20+ years can benefit from this holiday experience,” Yandell said. Beyond the checkups, the MFTC provides ongoing counseling for individuals, couples and families at reduced costs, serving as a high-quality mental health resource for the OSU community and residents of Stillwater and surrounding areas. With expertise spanning from anxiety and depression to complex family dynamics, the clinic aims to provide low-cost, high-quality care to OSU and the surrounding community. Couples interested in a free session can contact the clinic at 405-744-5058 or fill out a contact form at https://education.okstate. edu/outreach/marriage-familytherapy-clinic/contact-form.html news.ed@ocolly.com


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