CNO and OU Partner to Research Advanced Technologies and Improve Rural Communities

Published February 21, 2024

DURANT, OK – The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma (CNO) Advanced Technology Initiatives (ATI) has teamed up with the University of Oklahoma (OU) to research advanced transportation technologies, resilience to severe weather events, and defense and security challenges such as the development of counter-drone systems. The two entities have signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to achieve technological advancements, workforce development, economic growth, and scientific discovery, aligning OU’s academic objectives with CNO’s educational and economic priorities.

James L. Grimsley, Executive Director of Advanced Technology Initiatives, expressed his excitement about the partnership, saying “We are excited to work with the University of Oklahoma in several exciting fields. Both CNO and OU are developing world-class capabilities to address important challenges for our communities. This collaboration will accelerate our ability to improve the quality of life and health in our Reservation.”

The MOU enables OU and CNO to share resources and connect stakeholders to find solutions for challenges facing rural and tribal communities, improving the safety and quality of life in those communities. Additionally, this agreement will create opportunities for Choctaw students interested in STEM fields like engineering, environmental sciences, meteorology, and aviation.

“We are thrilled to partner with CNO on this important work and leverage OU’s deep research expertise in radar technologies and severe weather for the benefit of the state and nation,” said Drew Allen, Deputy Executive Director of OU’s Oklahoma Aerospace and Defense Innovation Institute.

About the UAS IPP Program

The Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Integration Pilot Program (IPP) is an opportunity for state, local, and tribal governments to partner with private sector entities, such as UAS operators or manufacturers, to accelerate safe UAS integration. The program will help the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) craft new enabling rules that allow more complex low-altitude UAS operations by:

Identifying ways to balance local and national interests related to UAS integration
Improving communications with local, state and tribal jurisdictions
Addressing security and privacy risks
Accelerating the approval of operations that currently require special authorizations

The program is expected to foster a meaningful dialogue on the balance between local and national interests related to UAS integration, and provide actionable information to the USDOT on expanded and universal integration of UAS into the National Airspace System.

About the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

The Choctaw Nation is the third-largest Indian Nation in the United States with more than 225,000 tribal members and 12,000-plus associates. This ancient people has an oral tradition dating back over 13,000 years. The first tribe over the Trail of Tears, its historic reservation boundaries are in the southeast corner of Oklahoma, covering 10,923 square miles. The Choctaw Nation's vision, "Living out the Chahta Spirit of faith, family and culture," is evident as it continues to focus on providing opportunities for growth and prosperity. For more information about the Choctaw Nation, its culture, heritage, and traditions, please visit choctawnation.com.

Inquiries

Contact Kristina Humenesky for any media relations needs at [email protected]

About the University of Oklahoma

Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is a public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma. As the state’s flagship university, OU serves the educational, cultural, economic and health care needs of the state, region and nation. OU was named the state’s highest-ranking university in U.S. News & World Report’s most recent Best Colleges list. For more information about the university, visit ou.edu.