Boeing Corporation logo on a white building with blue sky in Seattle. Boeing is a leading aerospace and defense manufacturer in the US. (By IanDewarPhotography for Adobe Stock)
Faculty Advance RF Sensor Drone Technology and Wideband Beamforming Systems Through HBCU Partnership
Two FAMU-FSU College of Engineering professors have received recognition through Boeing’s AMIE Innovation Investment Program, securing funding to advance drone technology and wireless communication systems critical to next-generation aerospace and telecommunications applications.
Associate Professor Shonda Bernadin and Assistant Professor Bayaner Arigong were selected for the program, which supports research and collaborative initiatives among Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and industry partners. The awards underscore the role of innovation within HBCU engineering programs and their contributions to advancing technological capabilities.
HBCU Innovation Investment Program
The AMIE Innovation Investment Program targets four critical areas
- Robust Research Capability
- Curriculum Development
- HBCU Outreach/Pipeline Program
- HBCU Scholarship Program.
The initiative reflects Boeing’s expanded commitment to HBCU partnerships, building on an $8 million multi-year partnership with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund announced in 2022.
“Receiving this award is a tremendous honor. It speaks to the talent, passion and commitment of our students and faculty to engage in cutting edge research and help push the boundaries of engineering research,” Bernadin explained. “With the support from Boeing and AMIE, we are excited to empower and train our students to engage with industry, network with other universities and build technical acuity in real-world applications.”
RF Sensor Drone Payload Development
Bernadin received $10,000 to lead the Electrical and Computer Engineering Research Mentoring Program’s RF Sensor Drone Payload Summer Project. The initiative focuses on developing drone payload systems that enable command, control and data transmission for RF sensor applications.
The project involves integrating advanced sensor technology onto an NCAT quad plane, demonstrating collaborative efforts among HBCU institutions in advancing unmanned aerial vehicle capabilities. According to industry analysis from Unmanned Systems Technology, this work addresses growing demand for RF sensor drone technology, which has applications spanning spectrum monitoring to intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations.
Current RF sensor applications in drone systems enable passive detection and analysis of radio frequency signals across multiple frequency bands, supporting both commercial and defense applications, according to RF technology specialists at CRFS. The technology enhances situational awareness by combining mobility, elevation and advanced RF analysis capabilities.
Wideband Beamforming Research
Arigong secured $7,000 for research on beamforming technology, specifically developing a new type of phased array capable of operating across a wide frequency range from 2 to 18 GHz. This research addresses limitations in current beamforming systems, which typically operate within narrow frequency ranges.
“This award recognizes our dedication and encourages faculty and students to dive into the innovation of cutting-edge technology in science and engineering, particularly in microelectronics,” Arigong stated. “With it, we are poised to develop groundbreaking advancements in wireless transmission and sensing—pushing beyond the fundamental barriers that current technologies face.”
Beamforming technology directs wireless signals toward specific users or objects, improving connection quality and signal detection capabilities. Applications include 5G and emerging 6G networks, satellite communications, radar systems, autonomous vehicle sensors and medical imaging for tumor detection.
The global beamformer market is projected to reach $569.3 million by 2031, with a compound annual growth rate of 16% from 2024 to 2031, according to StartUs Insights industry analysis. The phased array antenna market was valued at $3.64 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach $10.69 billion by 2031, reflecting growing demand for advanced wireless communication systems, according to International Defense, Security and Technology market research.
Student Research Engagement
Ahmed Zoghlami, a doctoral student in electrical engineering, works alongside Bernadin on drone development projects. The program provides hands-on experience in complex engineering challenges and research methodology.
“This program has empowered me to tackle complex engineering challenges,” Zoghlami shares. “I’ve honed my research skills and grown as both a team member and a leader.”
The student expressed enthusiasm for the technical aspects of the work: “Bringing a machine to life from just an idea! I get to design and build drones from scratch, crafting my own flight controllers and integrating sensors. It’s the thrill of hands-on engineering that drives my passion!”
The AMIE funding supports graduate student involvement in projects emphasizing teamwork, innovation and practical problem-solving approaches to engineering challenges.
Industry-Academic Collaboration
The Boeing AMIE program represents part of the company’s broader strategy to develop talent pipelines through HBCU partnerships. Boeing’s collaboration with HBCUs includes campus recruitment initiatives, career immersion activities, student scholarships, and research support through 2026, according to the company’s partnership with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.
This investment in HBCU engineering programs reflects industry recognition of the institutions’ contributions to developing technical talent and advancing research in critical technology areas. The awards provide financial support while creating opportunities for students to engage with industry applications and professional networks.
The recognition of Bernadin and Arigong’s work demonstrates FAMU-FSU College of Engineering’s continued involvement in research areas relevant to the aerospace and telecommunications industries. The projects supported through AMIE funding contribute to the college’s mission of preparing skilled engineers and advancing technological development.
Editor’s Note: This article was edited with a custom prompt for Claude Sonnet 4, an AI assistant created by Anthropic. The AI optimized the article for SEO discoverability, improved clarity, structure and readability while preserving the original reporting and factual content. All information and viewpoints remain those of the author and publication. This disclosure is part of our commitment to transparency in our editorial process. Last edited: July 7, 2025.
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