Ian Wilhite is an interdisciplinary engineering student at Texas A&M University, specializing in robotics and controls. A hands-on builder and problem solver, Ian has combined his passion for technology and service by founding the Disaster Response Observation Network (DRON), a project using drones to assist first responders during wildfires. “Of course I don’t know what I’m doing — because no one’s done this before,” he said with a grin, capturing both his humor and his fearless approach to innovation.
Ian thrives in creative technical spaces and is actively pursuing research opportunities in robotics and autonomous systems. He plans to attend graduate school to expand his expertise in control systems and applied technology. Through Science Influencers, Ian hopes to refine how he communicates innovation — showing that engineering isn’t just circuitry and code, but collaboration, compassion, and courage to imagine something new.