Italo Peralta

Global Challenge: Combating the Increasing Threat of Wildfires Caused by Climate Change

Abstract:

"Wildfires are a growing global concern, posing significant threats to ecosystems, property, public safety and there are economical ramifications. To address the urgent need for early detection and active fires, our team is developing a UAV (named FireFly) optimized for wildfire surveillance with a primary focus on endurance flights that are meant to scan regions of land and collect weather information to help determine wildfire circumstances.

The goal is to create an aerodynamic, fuel-efficient platform capable of long-endurance flights over vast, fire-prone areas and relay effective real time data to firefighting agencies.
The UAV's airframe is engineered to minimize drag and maximize lift-to-drag ratio, ensuring fuel efficiency and extended operational range. The fuselage and wing structures are designed using lightweight materials to reduce overall weight without compromising structural integrity. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations and testing to justify the UAVs airfoil choice, enabling optimal aero-performance in different environmental conditions.

This initiative aligns and was inspired by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals , particularly Goal 13: Climate Action but by the nature of the project it is also applicable to Goal 9: Infrastructure and Goal 11: Sustainable Cities. With the goal of contributing an innovative solution that would combat wildfires to protect ecosystems, public safety, property, and protect the economic stability of regions that would be affected."

Bio:

Italo Peralta was born in Queens, New York, into a small Hispanic family. Initially trained to become an FAA-certified Aircraft Mechanic straight out of high school, he had no intentions of pursuing college. However, following the pandemic and the federal shutdown, he made the pivotal decision to pursue higher education. Italo was honored to be selected as a GLASS Honors Scholar, an opportunity that enabled him to travel globally, study in Europe, and engage in remarkable academic and professional experiences.

His work focuses on the global challenge of sustainability, particularly in urban settings and existing infrastructure. His aspirations lie in the advancement of aerospace systems that are not only innovative but also grounded in the principles of sustainable development. A key example of this mission is Firefly, a UAV designed to detect, monitor, and aid in the combat of wildfires—contributing directly to sustainable cities, climate action, and resilient infrastructure.

As he continues his educational journey, Italo's goals extend beyond personal milestones. He is committed to making a meaningful impact on the global stage and giving back to the NYU Tandon community by inspiring and guiding fellow students on the path to becoming globally conscious engineers.