Revolutionizing Runway Safety: Georgia Southern's New Innovation

Innovation is soaring high at Georgia Southern University, where an alumnus has played a pivotal role in crafting a technology poised to transform runway safety across the globe.

A Patent with a Purpose

TXU 2-444-239—while just a string of letters and numbers to most, represents significant strides in safety for Professor Valentin Soloiu, Ph.D., and his brilliant protégé, David Ortegon. Their work culminated in a patent awarded by the U.S. Copyright Office for a novel system designed to enhance aircraft systems and runway navigation safety.

Dreams Taking Flight

Ortegon’s passion for aviation started in his homeland, Colombia, and carried him to America. He joined Georgia Southern’s program in 2017 to learn the secrets that keep massive aircraft afloat. Under Dr. Soloiu’s tutelage in the Intelligent Vehicles Laboratory, he began to make those dreams a reality. As stated in Grice Connect, the professors’ and students’ collaborative effort became the cornerstone of revolutionary tech.

Building the Future

The intelligent system developed by Soloiu and Ortegon employs integrated sensors that help pilots avert potential dangers during runway navigation through real-time data analysis. Soloiu heralded Ortegon’s commitment to balancing research with his studies while navigating language barriers and technical challenges.

From Lab to Market

The journey isn’t finished for the Soloiu-Ortegon innovation. With the groundwork laid, the focus shifts to product development and commercialization to meet market demand, showcasing how classroom concepts evolve into real-world applications.

A Legacy of Learning and Leading

Now thriving in Detroit’s automotive industry, Ortegon attributes his career trajectory to the formative experiences in Georgia Southern’s labs. He continues to leverage the hands-on training he received, blending intellect and application to thrive in the world of automated navigation technologies, a journey forever rooted in his mentor’s unwavering support.

Closing Thoughts

Georgia Southern University stands as a beacon of innovation, fostering breakthroughs that transcend classroom boundaries. Flight safety is just the start; the sky is no longer the limit.