Welcome to the 2015 Drone Challenge at James Madison University! We are the landmine detection team!
Through experimentation with new GPR (ground penetrating radar) technology, our goal is to recognize and detect both active and dormant landmines composed of metal and non-metal materials in Syria. It is our hope that by detecting these landmines we will prevent injury and save lives in a much more cost efficient manner.
Follow us on our landmine detection journey through the fall semester, but first get to know us!
Hey everyone, my name is Drew Knight. I am from Charlottesville, VA. I’m a senior Geographic Science major with interest in 
GIS and remote sensing. I like to be active, get out with friends, and explore new places when I have free time. If it’s a nice day you can probably find me hiking somewhere on the Blue Ridge mountains.
Hey guys! My name is Hope Ucciardi and I am from Monmouth County, New Jersey, but I’m a southern girl at heart. I am a junior WRTC major and plan to attend the University of Tennessee law school after graduation. I am the public relations committee head of the Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority on campus and I can usually be found on the third floor of ECL. I am interested in the communications and public relations aspect of this project but also eager to expand my knowledge of the physics behind these drones.
Hello! My name is Niklavs Barbars. I was born in Riga, Latvia, and moved to the USA in 2009. Since then I’ve enrolled at JMU as
an Industrial Design major, which is my biggest passion. I also love to draw, play soccer, and be close to nature. My lifetime goal is to become a lead designer on a production car!
My name is Patrick Murphy, I’m a senior WRTC major from the small town of Southborough, Massachusetts, which is about 35 minutes outside of Boston. I transferred to James Madison University after attending the University of Rhode Island for my freshman year, where I played lacrosse, and I see this decision as one of the best choices of my life. I’m a diehard Boston sports fan and I want the world to know that Tom Brady is completely and unequivocally innocent.
I am Josiah Lapolla. I am currently a senior Physics and Mathematics major with a minor in Astronomy. I have loved every minute of my time here at JMU; I definitely bleed purple and gold! I am a very enthusiastic and energetic person when I have 
some sleep under my belt and always have new ideas for how to improve upon the status quo. I intend on pursuing my doctorate degree in theoretical astrophysics after graduating with my bachelors. I have a variety of hobbies including snowboarding, skydiving, hanging with my friends, and discussing new ideas. Physics and astronomy are my absolute passions and I am always open to talking about them and sharing my love of the subjects with anyone interested!
Hey all! My name is Kelsey Moffitt, I am a senior Industrial Design major interested in systems design and user journey. When I’m not in class you can usually find me hiking in the Shenandoah, working in the design woodshop, or relaxing with a book in my hammock out in the sunshine. I’m excited to get the chance to work with this team on such an important topic.
Authors:
Hope Ucciardi & Patrick Murphy