I was working with the National Innovation Center in Kirtipur, Nepal. I made contributions to the structural design, analysis, and testing of the drone fuselage and payload deployment mechanism. I used many of the mechanical design and analysis skills I have learned in MIT classes in the process of designing and constructing the drone. Some of the fabrication techniques available in Nepal were different from those at MIT so I had the opportunity to explore new and uniquely constrained methods of design and fabrication.
Josiah's story
Josiah Shimandle shared that being in a new place was the most stimulating way to learn. He worked on a drone intended to deliver medical supplies to remote hospitals in rural Nepal.
Being in a new place is one of the most stimulating ways in which to learn, and I truly view this past summer as a fundamental part of my MIT education so far. I was at the National Innovation Center in Nepal, assisting with the design and fabrication of a drone intended to deliver medical supplies to remote hospitals in rural Nepal. I gained valuable experience and reinforcement of hands on mechanical design and testing that has helped me to continue in developing my general skills as an engineer. I also gained a broader perspective as to how engineering innovation takes place within the developing world.Josiah Shimandle '26
Major & Class Year
Mechanical Engineering '26
Location
Nepal
MISTI program
Internships
MISTI Host
National Innovation Center