Student Spotlight: Ryan Moss

Student Spotlight: Ryan Moss

Student Spotlight: Ryan Moss


For Ryan Moss, an internship at the UAS Test Site seemed like the natural next step. The mechanical engineering student has participated in numerous engineering and robotics clubs during his two years at the University of Maryland.

What first sparked your interest in UAS technology?

My interest in robotics began at a young age—I was interested in all things technical. But I really dug into the field in high school though FIRST robotics FRC, VEX robotics, and various other small robotics competitions. My interest in UAS technology followed as I became more experienced.

What is the goal of your internship project?

The goal of my project is to create a vehicle which is able to maneuver both in the air and on land. This enables it to be highly adaptable to its environment. Such a vehicle would be ideal for search and rescue, exploration, maintenance, or any other activity that could benefit from live video feed from difficult-to-reach places.

Where are you in your project?

I have completed construction of the vehicle and am currently in the final testing phase. The components were all 3D printed out of ABS plastic and carbon fiber infused nylon. 

What have you enjoyed most about working at the UAS Test Site?

The thing I have enjoyed most about working at the test site has been the freedom to design and test various aspects of my project through rapid prototyping. My system would not have come as far as fast without this capability.

What has been the most challenging element of your internship so far?

The 3D printer has been one of the most useful tools of this internship. However, it has also been one of the biggest challenges. Between planning printing schedules, testing new filaments, and conducting maintenance, the printer has consumed much of my time and energy.

What do you know about UAS technology, testing, or project planning now that you didn't before your internship?

I have learned a lot about the technical aspects of UAS systems, especially the the correct operation of a vehicle to ensure safety.

What advice do you have for students considering an internship at the UAS Test Site next summer?

I would advise students thinking of applying to the UAS internship next summer to be creative with their project and to be as timely as they can in completing it.

Related Articles:
Student Spotlight: Toby Dilworth
Diving Deeper into Competition, and Recruitment
UMD Student Team Lauded for Award-Winning Drone
Yu Named Elkins Professor
Miao Yu receives NSF funding to develop ice-measuring sensors
CareDx Acquires UMD-linked Transplant Tech Firm
Modi Briefed on UMD-led Aquaculture Research
“Gambit” Pays Off in UMD Team’s Search-and-Rescue Competition Win
UMD’s SeaDroneSim can generate simulated images and videos to help UAV systems recognize ‘objects of interest’ in the water
New algorithms for multi-robot systems in low communication situations

August 1, 2017


Prev   Next

Current Headlines

Two BIOE Students Receive MPower Graduate Fellowships

Three UMD Students Receive SAMPE Leadership Awards

International Energy Cooperation Center Established at University of Maryland

Maryland Researchers Awarded $1.5 Million to Pioneer Batteries for Electric Rail and Maritime Transportation

Researcher’s Pacific Dive Spurred Innovations in Robotics with Machine Intelligence to Create Biodegradable Plastic Substitutes

UMD Professor and Alum Among 2024 VFS Awardees

Agents of Positive Change: Highlighting Women Maryland Engineers

Celebrating Women in Aerospace Engineering: Christine Hartzell

News Resources

Return to Newsroom

Search News

Archived News

Events Resources

Events Calendar