OPL makes its research facilities available to visitors, including K-12 and college-age groups, campus teams, lawmakers, community organizations, industry partners, and many others curious about STEM fields.
Flying Farmers visit OPL, November 23
The Iowa-Missouri Chapter of the International Flying Farmers visited OPL. Information about the history and projects of the Operational Performance Laboratory was "super interesting, and the unique aircraft and equipment questions were also well answered," said Larry Jennings, of Flying Farmers. There were 29 members and guest present at the meeting Saturday from Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin.
"A comment herd more than once was, 'I didn't know this was at the University of Iowa,'" Jennings said. "I would recommend a similar visit to any aviation group."
The Flying Farmers of Iowa , Inc was founded at Ames, Iowa on August 8, 1946. Its mission is to promote agriculture and aviation. The small group has friends scattered throughout the United States and Canada.
Community Leadership Program visits OPL, Nov. 8
Greater Iowa City, Inc.’s Community Leadership Program, which was created in 1990 to foster informed, well-equipped, invested leaders, toured the Operator Performance Laboratory during the program's Economic Development Day on Nov. 8. The group learned about the enormous impact local airports have on the economy and hear from the leaders of those institutions. OPL Director Tom “Mach” Schnell provided unique insight on the many different ways advanced research is coming out of the region and how leading aerospace companies rely on and invest money back into our economy.
IISE chapter visits OPL, Oct. 24
On October 24th, OPL hosted the Iowa chapter of the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE). The group was treated to a full, personal walk through of the lab by Dr. Tom "Mach" Schnell, complete with enriching discussions on flight physics, the use of human factors designs in military-grade HUDs, and the future role of industrial engineers in the aviation space in general. A statement from the club's president reads that it was "their most exciting event of the year". OPL looks forward to their future outreach and collaboration with the Iowa IISE chapter!
OPL displays AgilePod at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base open house
The Operator Performance Lab (OPL) was invited to display equipment at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio on July 18. The occasion was an open house of flight test partners under the Air Force Research Laboratory sensors directorate.
OPL displayed its AgilePod system, which is mounted to the belly of the L-39ZA research jet. The modular, flight-approved container allows research partners to flight test a variety of sensors, communication links, and other instruments. OPL has been using the AgilePod system for numerous projects funded by Collins Aerospace, including the 2023 Northern Edge Exercise in Alaska.
The event was attended by nearly 400 directorate members and other guests from across the Air Force.
OPL hosts former NASA astronaut on July 16
The Operator Performance Laboratory (OPL) hosted Andrew Feustel, a former NASA astronaut and geophysicist who participated in three space flights over his 23 year career at the space agency. Among his key assignments, Feustel served as the commander on the International Space Station in 2018, deputy chief of the NASA Astronaut Office in 2020, and acting chief astronaut in November 2022. Feustel, who holds a PhD in the geological sciences, specializing in seismology, retired from NASA in 2023 but continues to engage in private sector projects.
Feustel was invited to OPL through a personal connection. His longtime friend’s son, Scott Donnellan, is a graduate research assistant at OPL and a graduate student in mechanical engineering. During the visit, Feustel met with OPL director Tom “Mach” Schnell for a tour of facilities, and Dean Ann McKenna. They discussed the possibility of future collaboration with Feustel, who is also a mechanic and entrepreneur.
Learn more about Feustel at www.andrewfeustel.com.
Kirkwood aviation maintenance technology program visits OPL on June 10
Kirkwood Community College's FAA Certified Part 147 Aviation Maintenance Technology program took a tour of OPL on June 10th, 2024. The program has 22 students and 2 instructors. In this program students learn the skills required to get their Airframe and Powerplant certificate, allowing them to legally work on US certified aircraft. The program provides students provides opportunities for tours of potential employers. OPL provided a great opportunity to show a very different side of aircraft maintenance opportunities, given the experimental nature of their work.
Rep. Miller-Meeks learns about OPL's research contributions on April 22
Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks paid a visit to the Operator Performance Laboratory while traveling her district on April 22, 2024.
The congresswoman learned of OPL's contribution's to DARPA's Air Combat Evolution (ACE) initiative to improve artificial intelligence as a resource in dog fights.
OPL Director Tom "Mach" Schnell and team also discussed work evaluating a next generation fixed-wing helmet, which was selected by the U.S. Air Force as the new standard helmet for many of its aircraft.
Schnell described efforts after the derecho to map power lines, an important contribution to resilience of the power grid.
Rep. Miller-Meeks commented, the "cutting-edge flight test outfit, OPL stands in a league of its own, setting the standard for flight testing globally.
OPL tour among engineering alumni events on April 11
College of Engineering alumni and friends on campus for the Honored Engineering Alumni events were treated to a tour of the Operator Performance Lab. OPL Director Tom "Mach" Schnell explained the origins and purpose of the lab's fleet of aircraft and other instruments. The visit occurred on April 11.
Community Leadership Program visits OPL on Feb. 9
This year’s Greater Iowa City, Inc.’s Community Leadership Program (CLP) class toured OPL. This is a yearly class of leaders in the community who embark on both leadership development and the major sectors that make up our community. Sessions focus on topics ranging from health care to agriculture, human services to arts and culture. Each session is designed and facilitated by a programming committee and session leaders who are experts in their fields. These volunteers constantly update the program’s content and activities based on participant feedback and changes in the community. The class touring the OPL was enjoying economic development day and learning how the airport and advanced research like the OPL play a significant part in local and regional economic development. By the end of the program, CLP class members know more about the community than nearly anyone else.
Riverdale High FTC club visits OPL on Jan. 29
The Robotic Rams, from Riverdale High School in Port Byron, Illinois, witnessed rumbling aircrafts and advanced simulators displaying cutting-edge research, while passionate engineers and pilots ignited their imaginations with human-machine collaboration. The hangars at the University of Iowa Operator Performance Lab are filled with possibility! The laboratory left the Robotic Rams team buzzing with newfound knowledge and a hunger to push their own dreams further.
Logan Ogden
Robotic Rams
FTC Team #6596
Williamsburg schools talented and gifted program visits OPL
The Operator Performance Lab hosted approximately 20 seventh and eight grader students from the talented and gifted program at the Williamsburg Community School District. The visit was on Oct. 23, 2023.
Collins leaders visit OPL as campus looks to expand opportunities for collaboration
OPL welcomed leaders from Collins Aerospace as part of a tour of several research areas at the University of Iowa on September 27, 2023. The goals was discussing opportunities for expanding collaborations between the two organizations. OPL already has a robust working relationship with Collins that dates multiple decades.
OPL a popular choice for Discover Your University
The Operator Performance Laboratory was one of the top choices for the University of Iowa's new Discover Your University series. The program allows faculty and staff from across campus to learn about the unique and remarkable programs at Iowa. OPL proudly volunteered to be an option for the September 21, 2023, Discover Your University Day, and presented its research and equipment for nearly 20 colleagues.
IISE tours OPL
The Iowa chapter of the Institute of Industrial & Systems Engineers (IISE) toured OPL on Sept. 7, 2023. OPL director Thomas "Mach" Schnell described how the lab's research spans the development of cutting-edge flight technologies, including Synthetic Vision Systems (SVS) and Head-Up Displays (HUDs).
"Our members were captivated by the practical applications of these technologies, particularly in high-performance jet training aircraft. It's inspiring to see the advancements being made here at Iowa, especially with the collaborations with various companies and government entities. One of the highlights of our visit was the firsthand experience with an advanced F-35 helmet and gaining insight into the meticulous human factors considerations involved in HUD design.
Above all, what struck us most was OPL's commitment to enhancing operator performance by seamlessly integrating human factors with cutting-edge technology. We left with a deep appreciation for OPL's contributions to this field and the role ISEs can play in it. "
Alexander (Olek) Gralczyk
President, Institute of Industrial & Systems Engineers
Optimist Club fly-in pancake breakfast
OPL displayed several of its aircraft, including its L-29 Delfin jet; L-39 Albatros jet, and MI-2 Hoplite helicopter as part of the 44th annual Optimist Club fly-in pancake breakfast held at the Iowa City Municipal Airport on August 27, 2023. Approximately 1,500 people attended. Visitors also got views of the University of Iowa Air Care Helicopter, the Iowa State Highway Patrol Aircraft , and the Cessna 210, which just completed a trip around the world to fight polio. Visitors enjoyed an auto show consisting of antique Porche and British cars, ladder trucks from Iowa City and surrounding community fire departments and activities provided by the Iowa City Library Bookmobile and Iowa Children's Museum. Proceeds from the breakfast help further the commitment of the Optimists to support local youth programs and charities.
EAA Chapter 33
The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), Chapter 33 visited OPL on Saturday Aug. 26, 2023. Over the years, through their work at Collins Aerospace, a number of EAA Chapter 33 members have worked with OPL. OPL Director and Chief Test Pilot Tom “Mach” Schnell welcomed the group and provided an overview of the research lab.
Tippie College of Business Graduate Admissions Team
OPL hosted the Tippie team on Aug. 9, 2023.
Collins Aerospace interns, new hires, and co-ops
Collins Aerospace interns, new hires, and co-ops toured OPL.
Edge of Space
Students from the University of Iowa Edge of Space program toured OPL on July 14, 2023. Edge of Space is a paid summer research experience centered around space-based instrumentation for observing Earth and space. The two-week program draws students from around the country. Learn more.
Faith Academy
Fourth graders from the Faith Academy in Iowa City visited OPL on April 26, 2023, as part of an effort to raise awareness about STEM fields.
