Drone Program Helping Student Veteran Reach New Heights

Joe Bianchi spent nearly a decade trying to figure out what career he wanted to pursue. He finally found it in Onondaga Community College's Geospatial Science and Technology degree program.

Bianchi graduated from Cicero-North Syracuse High School in 2013 and began his college education at a four-year school that fall. "I really wasn't sure what I wanted to do. I went for a while, then thought I would take a semester off and try something else." He eventually returned, left again, and joined the Army National Guard where he would work for the next three years.

He heard about OCC's new Geospatial Science and Technology degree program and decided to enroll in the spring 2021 semester. Students learn to pilot and operate drones while gathering data, critically evaluating it, and learning to use the information to make maps. It's a great STEM option for students who love technology and creativity but may not be strong in heavy math theory.

In between classes and his work with the National Guard, Bianchi is also a Student Assistant with Professors Mike Grieb (Career and Applied Technologies) and Buffy Quinn (Geospatial Science and Technology). "Joe works with me on a National Science Foundation grant where we use drones to collect data for digital mapping projects. He has been instrumental in the testing, troubleshooting, and operation of our equipment and software. His professionalism and work ethic have contributed to this work in a really meaningful way, and I am fortunate to have his help," said Professor Quinn.

Bianchi is wrapping up his final semester at OCC. In the fall he will enroll at SUNY Cortland and pursue a degree in Geographic Information Systems.