Dr. David Flynn and Dr. Sheila Hanson recognized for the UND Award for Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Research and Creative Activity at the UND 2026 Founders Day Awards

Since 1904, University of North Dakota Founders Day has celebrated the university’s legacy and impact, commemorating UND’s official founding on February 27, 1883.

This year, the Nistler College of Business and Public Administration and the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences, in collaboration with UND’s Division of Research and Economic Development and the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation, were recognized for the MHA Drone Project — a first-of-its-kind initiative on Tribal lands in North Dakota and among the first in the nation.

The project established a sustainable framework for integrating uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) on Tribal lands and developed a scalable approach for delivering life-saving medications to remote communities in northcentral North Dakota. Achieving this milestone required extensive interdisciplinary collaboration, including close coordination with the MHA Drone Advisory Board, engagement with the MHA Tribal Business Council, and securing beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) approval from the Federal Aviation Administration.

The initiative underscores the importance of research partnerships grounded in Tribal sovereignty, community engagement, and innovation.

Congratulations to David Flynn  and Sheila Hanson on receiving this recognition.