Mark Rayant

During the second year of my master’s program, I was admitted to USC’s Innovation in Engineering and Design for Global Crisis program, commonly known as Lives Not Grades. This immersive course functions as both an academic experience and a startup incubator, placing students in crisis regions to develop social entrepreneurship solutions.

Following the outbreak of the Russia–Ukraine war, my cohort traveled to Romania and into Ukraine, where we met with refugees, local officials, and individuals directly impacted by the conflict. After extensive field research, my team focused on addressing the humanitarian threat posed by landmines.

Our work centered on the PFM-1 “Butterfly” mine—a Soviet-era anti-personnel device deployed in large quantities and disproportionately affecting civilians. In response, we founded SkyGuard, a landmine detection initiative.

SkyGuard consists of a lightweight sensor package compatible with commercial drones, paired with AI-driven image processing software. When deployed over contaminated areas, the system identifies and geolocates unexploded ordnance, producing clear maps for disposal teams. Multiple working prototypes were built and successfully tested with user groups in the field.

SkyGuard was named a semifinalist in both the Min Family Challenge and the Maseeh Entrepreneurship Prize Competition, and finished as runner-up in the Lives Not Grades program. While limited product–market fit prevented continued commercialization, the designs, schematics, data, component information, and software are available at no cost upon request.

My introduction to peacebuilding emerged organically through my work with Tikkun Olam Makers, where I collaborated with Israeli and Palestinian engineers to create technologies serving both communities.

Although trained as an engineer rather than an activist, the events of October 7th and the subsequent war compelled me to act. As I witnessed rising hostility toward my family, peers, and the broader Jewish community—particularly on campus—I felt a responsibility to respond constructively. I concluded that my most effective contribution would be to foster dialogue and relationships across divides.

I began organizing and tabling on campus to build alliances between Jewish and Muslim students, working alongside peers, student organizations, and external partners such as Sharaka. I engaged university leadership across student wellness, DEI, and religious life, making meaningful progress before a university-wide scandal escalated tensions to a point where the work could no longer continue. After graduation I undertook diplomatic missions around Europe and the Middle East, and had the privilege of both volunteering and meeting several ambassadors and regional officials in pursuit of peace.

Today, that commitment continues in a different form. After achieving conversational proficiency in Hebrew, I have spent over a year studying Arabic daily. I am currently developing a video project exploring the shared values, traditions, and narratives within Judaism and Islam, with the goal of promoting mutual understanding. These videos will be published here as they are released.