Overview
In March of this year, Carleton University’s Aerospace Engineering Program experienced a tremendous loss: Jason Robert Nyun Hlaing, a life-long aviation enthusiast and a highly-skilled drone pilot, passed away unexpectedly. The memory of Jason, who worked passionately in areas ranging from drone technology to lithium battery safety, lives on in the corridors of our labs and classrooms. This scholarship aims to honor his legacy by supporting the next generation of aerospace engineers, innovating in fields that mattered deeply to Jason.
The Background
Jason was an embodiment of what makes Carleton’s Aerospace Engineering Program so special. His love for model aviation, keen interest in sustainable materials, and devotion to teaching students about battery safety made him an incredible asset to our academic community. Jason was an exceptional model aircraft and drone pilot who supported numerous research and capstone projects. He worked with junior students, technologists and senior graduates throughout Carleton.
Our cause is simple: to keep his spirit alive by nurturing students who share similar interests and aspirations. Through this scholarship, we seek to support students pursuing studies in drone technology and battery safety, areas that were close to Jason’s heart.
The Rollout
The funds collected from this campaign will be used to establish an endowed scholarship in honor of Jason Robert Nyun Hlaing. This financial endowment will provide lasting support to undergraduate students enrolled in Carleton University’s Aerospace Engineering Program. The focus will be on students engaged in or showing significant interest in research related to drone technology and battery safety.
The Impact
This scholarship will have a positive impact on multiple aspects of Carleton’s community. By providing important financial support it will support innovation. In an academic sense, it advances both the aerospace field and the broader scope of engineering research, supporting areas critical to the future of aerospace and aviation safety. On a personal level, it serves as an enduring tribute to Jason, a way to keep his dreams and passions alive in students who follow in his footsteps. But the effects go even further, spilling out into the community by encouraging a new generation of engineers to think critically about real-world challenges in aviation safety and sustainability. From a pedagogical standpoint, the scholarship will support a culture of interdisciplinary hands-on learning. It motivates students to dig deeper into research, engage with their communities, and think beyond the classroom. This, in turn, enriches our teaching methodologies and academic curriculum, continually feeding back into a cycle of improvement and growth for both faculty and students at Carleton University.