ARCS: Reaching for the Stars, Solving Earth's Challenges
ARCS (Autonomy Research Center for STEAHM) is a NASA-sponsored Center of Excellence dedicated to transforming the lives of underserved/underrepresented students and faculty across CSUN.
We prepare leaders to converge multiple disciplines—Sciences, Technology & Engineering, Entrepreneurship & Business, Arts, Humanities, and Mathematics (STEAHM)—to conduct groundbreaking research with NASA and industries including tech, AI, biomed/healthcare, utilities, aerospace, sustainability, food production, and more.
In nearly six years, 1100+ students and faculty from seven colleges have collaborated on vital research. This year we’re launching several visionary projects, including these:
- SoCal Wildfire Protection: We’re partnering with fire and police depts to create innovative drone tech + digital twins for large-scale monitoring and data collection/application during wildfires. The results mean real-time decision-making and rapid responses, saving people, property and funds.
- Home Fire Protection: FIREShield will create an easy-to-use, affordable home system that mitigates residential fire damage using water from a swimming pool.
- Boosting Food Crops: FOODI is developing autonomous, hydroponic-based Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) methods to increase production, local sourcing, and nutrient levels, while reducing costs and environmental impact. CEA can help meet year-round demand for local foods by growing crops in greenhouses, warehouses, rooftops, and vertical farms.
- Safeguarding Our Environment: Our RecyKOOL team is collaborating with WM to create human-centered AI programs for educational, specialized AI, and analytics applications in waste management and recycling. After all, investing in our environment today leads to a better tomorrow.
- Exploring the Heavens: We’re building on our NASA JPL roots with projects like Mars habitats, the Mars Science Helicopter, Human-Machine Teaming, and supporting Artemis (landing the first woman and first person of color on the Moon).
- Enhancing Diabetes Care: We're working with Medtronic's research team to further advance the highest quality care for diabetics.
We've established a culture of convergence research at CSUN to address real-world, societal problems. That’s why ARCS grads become leaders in AI, aerospace, healthcare, business, sustainability…you name it.
Your support launches exciting research and internships. Join our journey. Donate today!
Click the "Donate" button above to give to ARCS.
