While working in the Office of Applied Science of the Department of Natural Resources, I have taken on the responsibilities and roles of Unmanned Aerial Systems Coordinator and Pilot. The responsibilities include managing a drone flight program, earning and retaining a FAA Part 107 pilot license, and planning, coordinating, and executing flight missions related to scientific research being conducted by fisheries and wildlife biologists and research scientists.
In addition to Scientific projects which I've been involved with include:
- Beaver Influence on Coldwater Stream Habitat and Trout Populations in Wisconsin
- Otter surveying
- Elk surveying
- Groundwater interactions with coldwater streams in relation to brook trout redds
While the primary goal of the flight missions is often to collect aerial imagery, I take every opportunity I can to gain more insight and hands on experience with the projects I assist. For instance, I've spent a fair amount of time wading through trout streams assisting in habitat surveys and various other forms of data collection related to beaver and trout. I have also presented on the scientific impact at conferences.
