Carson Rutherford's work has him looking to the skies.

Only after the 2019 Merritt High School graduate had begun pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering at Oklahoma State University did he decide to study Aerospace Engineering as well.  

"I knew I favored aerospace-related stuff after going through a couple of aerospace-specific classes, especially the propulsion class," Rutherford said.

He soldiered through all of his challenging engineering classes and graduated from OSU in 2023 with degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Aerospace Engineering.

After graduation, Rutherford briefly worked on the B-1 Bomber for Boeing.

Then, in April 2024, he went to work for his alma mater as a Research and Design Engineer at the Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research and Education in Oklahoma City.

"Oklahoma State University is an academic institution with outstanding research knowledge in the areas of advanced air mobility, autonomous systems, and aerospace," Rutherford said.   

He also said that OAIRE connects academic resources with industry and federal entities for aerospace development.  

As an R&D Engineer, Rutherford gets to have fun working with drones.

He builds and flies them, testing Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems.  He also does computer programming and creates virtual testing scenarios.

The drones that he makes are used for weather research and something called "swarming development."

"The focus of my drone work is on being able to test and challenge systems from other manufacturers and give feedback on how to improve their capabilities," Rutherford said.

He believes that because of Oklahoma's aerospace background and its "development and testing capabilities," the state is well positioned for aerospace industry leadership, especially when it comes to drone technology.

Rutherford's employer has already worked with the Oklahoma Space Port at Burns Flat and looks to expand that relationship.

"Furthering project opportunities, such as collaborations with Dawn Aerospace to design and launch a student capstone payload into suborbital flight, are part of our strategic plan, and OAIRE is excited to strengthen our ties to the Spaceport ecosystem," Rutherford said.

So, his work will keep him looking to the skies—to the benefit of western Oklahoma, the nation, and humanity.