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Keeping runways safer: Georgia Southern alumni receive aircraft safety technology patent | Newsroom

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Keeping runways safer: Georgia Southern alumni receive aircraft safety technology patent | Newsroom


Alumni David Obando Ortegon pictured with Valentin Soloiu, Ph.D.

TXU 2-444-239. 

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That registration number won’t mean much to most people. But for Georgia Southern University Mechanical Engineering Professor Valentin Soloiu, Ph.D., and alumnus David Ortegon (‘23), it is a step toward safer runway navigation and validation for countless hours spent in the laboratory.

The two were awarded a patent by the U.S. Copyright Office, recognizing them as the creators of a technical system that offers advanced safety features for aircraft systems monitoring runway navigation.

“We started working on this years back, when Dr. Soloiu launched the Intelligent Vehicles Laboratory,” explained Ortegon. “He was very interested in finding a way to decrease collisions or accidents for airplanes during runway navigation and taxiing, something that is now extremely relevant.”  

The system uses data output from integrated sensors that constantly record data from the surroundings and the aircraft’s envelope. This data generates safety warnings or can take proactive measures if any obstacles are detected, helping the pilot to avoid potential collisions. 

Soloiu credits Ortegon with the heavy lifting on the research. The two worked together for three years, fulfilling Ortegon’s childhood dreams of making such a big heavy craft stay up in the sky. 

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“I’ve always wanted to understand the engineering behind this,” he said. “It’s always been a dream of mine to figure out aircraft work.”

Ortegon, originally from Colombia, came to Georgia Southern in 2017 to pursue a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering. Soloiu, impressed by Ortegon’s tenacity and dedication to his studies, mentored him as he acclimated to his new home. 

“English is not my first language,” explained Ortegon. “I had a lot of trouble trying to understand everything in a technical way because there was a lot of terminology that, for me, was completely abstract. Doctor Soloiu supported me in everything.” 

When the project began in 2020, Ortegon had to balance numerous research responsibilities with an ever-increasing workload.    

“The process was slow, but very thorough,” he explained. “But I’m very proud to say that we were able to accomplish what we wanted.”

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Ortegan and Soloiu developed painstakingly intricate algorithms focusing on advanced driving assistance features. This allowed them to make sure that the landing gear system didn’t just detect obstacles but also took corrective actions in the event of an emergency.

“The next step is to develop a product or service that will incorporate this new technology,” explained Soloiu. “We will work to meet the market needs by making this technology ready for commercialization.”

Ortegon has since graduated and moved to Detroit, Michigan, where he works in research and development of automated/intelligent navigation technologies at FEV North America, a leader in the American automotive industry. He credits his career success to his advanced research in Dr. Soloiu’s Labs. 

“Research is what really helped me to move to the next level as an engineer,” he explained. “But Soloiu prepared me to work in this industry. He supported me in every project I took on. It’s because of his mentorship that I got simulation and hands-on experimental experience in the laboratory. And to this day, it still feels like I never left the lab at Georgia Southern.”  



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Georgia man charged with trafficking 17-year-old girl for sex in McDuffie County, AG says

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Georgia man charged with trafficking 17-year-old girl for sex in McDuffie County, AG says


A McDuffie County man is facing multiple felony charges after Georgia authorities say he trafficked and sexually exploited a 17-year-old girl.

Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr announced Monday that Jimmy Mance, 40, of Thomson, has been charged with trafficking a minor for sexual servitude and sexual exploitation of a child. 

According to the Attorney General’s Office, the case stems from allegations that the teenager was sold for sex, with the victim later recovered in December 2025. 

“This is yet another step in our ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking in every corner of this state,” Carr said in a statement. “If you buy or sell a child for sex, we will find you, arrest you and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.” 

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Charges filed

Authorities say Mance is facing several charges, including:

  • Trafficking of persons for sexual servitude (harboring a minor)
  • Trafficking of persons for sexual servitude (providing a minor)
  • Two counts of sexual exploitation of a child involving explicit material

Warrants were taken out on April 13 by the Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit. 

Multiple agencies assisted in the investigation and arrest, including the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, McDuffie County Sheriff’s Office, Thomson Police Department, and sheriff’s offices in Columbia and Bibb counties. 

Statewide crackdown on trafficking

The case highlights Georgia’s ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking, particularly involving minors.

The Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit — created in 2019 — has secured more than 70 convictions and helped rescue or assist over 200 children, according to state officials. 

Carr expanded the unit last year to include additional prosecutors and investigators serving Augusta and surrounding counties, part of a broader push to target trafficking networks statewide. 

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Officials say the unit works alongside local and state law enforcement to investigate and prosecute cases involving sexual exploitation and forced labor.

What happens next

Authorities emphasize that the charges are allegations, and Mance is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. 

The case remains under investigation.



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NY Giants draft news: Exciting Georgia State wide receiver taking ‘30’ visit

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NY Giants draft news: Exciting Georgia State wide receiver taking ‘30’ visit


Hurst’s development could go in two distinct directions. If he emphasizes precision, refines his routes, and adds a little muscle to his frame, Hurst could become an aspiring A.J. Green – a big-play primary receiver who can defeat press-man coverage and run the full route tree.

If Hurst bulks up further and his route tree is limited, he could become a big-play possession option like Tee Higgins who isn’t asked to run as full of a route tree and wins with his size at the boundary.

There’s reason for optimism that Hurst will become a weekly contributor in the league. It’s probably a stretch to believe Hurst will become a top-end primary receiver, but others with his athletic gifts have done it before.

Hurst has a medium-high floor with a high ceiling. That’s worth the investment.

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2026 Masters: How Georgia golfers fared at Augusta National

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2026 Masters: How Georgia golfers fared at Augusta National


AUGUSTA, GEORGIA – APRIL 12: Russell Henley of the United States plays his shot from the 12th tee during the final round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 12, 2026 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Get

While Rory McIlroy took home the green jacket, local favorites and former University of Georgia standouts made a major impact at Augusta National this year.

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2026 Masters: Rory McIlroy survives late drama to win second green jacket

What we know:

Russell Henley delivered the best performance among the former Georgia Bulldogs in the field. 

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The Macon native surged into contention during the final round, finishing in a tie for third place at 10-under par. He ended the tournament just two strokes behind McIlroy.

By the numbers:

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Several other players with local ties finished under par for the tournament:

  • Patrick Reed: The Augusta University alum finished in 12th place at 5-under par after a final-round 73.
  • Harris English: The former Bulldog kept a steady pace to finish tied for 30th at 1-under par.
  • Brian Harman: The 2023 Open winner finished tied for 33rd at even par.
  • Sepp Straka: The UGA alum finished at 2-over par in a tie for 41st place.

Dig deeper:

Not every local star saw the weekend. Two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson missed the cut after finishing 5-over par on Friday. 

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Joining him on the sidelines was 18-year-old Mason Howell, a future Georgia Bulldog who was the youngest player in the 2026 field. Howell finished at 9-over par.

Local perspective:

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The strong showing by Henley and other University of Georgia alumni provided plenty of highlights for local fans. 

With multiple players finishing in the top 40, the “Bulldog pro” presence remains a dominant storyline at Augusta National.

The Source: Information in this article comes from Augusta National tournament scoring records.

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