The donated platforms will serve as the foundation for hands-on research into drone forensics, counter-unmanned aircraft system (UAS) technologies and secure-by-design autonomous systems. This initiative marks a significant milestone in the partnership’s mission to safeguard national airspace and strengthen America’s drone defense and analysis capabilities.
“This donation moves our partnership from concept to capability,” said Alexandria Donathan, executive director of the Institute for Cyber Security. “These drones represent more than research equipment. They are the starting point for innovation that will prepare our students and partners to face tomorrow’s aerial threats.”
The ICS research team, in coordination with Marshall’s aviation and engineering faculty, will use the drones to analyze telemetry data, test counter-UAS software and develop forensic workflows to extract digital evidence from compromised or recovered UAVs. The data and lessons learned will inform the development of new training modules for cybersecurity, forensics and aviation students, starting in the 2026–2027 academic year.
“Our goal is to turn operational experience into academic innovation,” said Liam Bowers, CEO of DroneTrace. “By putting these drones directly into the hands of researchers and students, we’re creating a proving ground for the next generation of cyber-aviation defense.”
The collaboration exemplifies how industry-academic partnerships can strengthen the Appalachian innovation ecosystem, support national security objectives, and create Marshall-made, mission-ready professionals at the intersection of cyber and aviation.
Future initiatives between ICS and DroneTrace include:
· Establishing a dedicated Drone Forensics, Counter-UAS, and Autonomous Vehicle Lab within the new ICS facility.
· Launching joint student research assistantships focused on UAV exploitation and cyber-physical resilience.
· Developing cyber-safety training modules for pilots and aircraft technicians.
· Hosting an annual Drone Forensics Challenge, bringing together academia, defense, and industry innovators.
“Each drone tells a story” said Donathan. “Our mission is to teach students how to read that story, how to find the threat, understand it, and build resilience against it.”
For more information about the Institute for Cyber Security, visit www.marshall.edu/cyber.
To learn more about DroneTrace, visit www.dronetrace.com.