Brook Gugsa’s Award-Winning Aerospace Research: Electric Propulsion for Small UAVs
Brook Gugsa developed and tested a lightweight UAV integrating a hybrid electric propulsion system to enhance efficiency and flight safety. His interdisciplinary research—combining mechanical design, aerodynamics, and control systems—won first place at the 2024 Ethiopian High School Research Competition. The project reflects his passion for safer and more sustainable flight technologies in the growing field of aerospace engineering.
WINNER
6/9/20251 min read
Brook Gugsa — 1st Place Winner, 2024
The Ethiopian High School Research Challenge is a nationwide platform that brings together exceptional high school students from across Ethiopia to explore, innovate, and address real-world scientific challenges. Participants progress through regional selections, semifinal evaluations, and a national final judged by leading experts and institutions, including the Ethiopian Information and Network Security Agency (INSA).
In the 2025 competition, Brook Mesfin Gugsa earned 1st Place for his project titled “Electric Propulsion System Design and Performance Evaluation for Small UAVs.” His research focused on developing a hybrid electric propulsion system that improves flight efficiency, reliability, and control for lightweight drones.
Brook’s project impressed INSA’s research and engineering judges for its technical rigor, interdisciplinary integration, and relevance to Ethiopia’s growing aerospace sector. His work reflects the competition’s core mission—to empower students to apply scientific knowledge in innovative ways that serve the nation’s technological advancement.
The Ethiopian High School Research Challenge continues to support young innovators through mentorship, national recognition, and opportunities to transform ideas into impactful solutions.
