Inspiring the Next Generation of Humanitarian Mine Action Researchers

Humanitarian mine action (HMA) is a critically under-researched field when compared to other hazards fields of similar societal impact. A potential solution to this problem is early exposure to and engagement in the HMA field in undergraduate education. Early undergraduate education emphasizing technical and social aspects of HMA can help protect lives by building a robust pipeline of passionate researchers who will find new solutions to the global explosive ordnance (EO) crisis. Early engagement of the next generation of HMA researchers and policy makers can occur through various classroom experiences, undergraduate research projects, and public outreach events. These include but are not limited to course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs); presenting research results at local, national, and international conferences; dissemination in edited and peer-reviewed publications; local community events; and through social media outreach. Early engagement, active guidance, and mentorship of such students by mid-career and experienced HMA scholars and practitioners could dramatically reduce the learning curve associated with entry into the HMA sector and allow for more fruitful long-term collaboration between academic institutions, private industry, and leading nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) operating across different facets of HMA

PG-7 RPG in Three Environments

PG-7 rocket propelled grenade (RPG) in (a) short grass, (b) bare ground, (c) and tall grass environments. Collected at Oklahoma State University CENFEX Explosives Training and Research Range

Spectral Profiles of TM62 and VPMA-3 ERW

This data was collected with a DJI Matrice 600 UAV with a Corning microHSI 410 SHARK at Oklahoma State University CENFEX Explosives Training and Research Range

PFM-1 Antipersonnel Landmines from Three Optical Sensors and a Derivative Data Product

This data was collected with a DJI Matrice 600 UAV with a Corning microHSI 410 SHARK, Parrot Sequoia multispectral camera, and DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise Dual at Oklahoma State University CENFEX Explosives Training and Research Range