Unmanned Aerial Systems Fundamentals

Andrew Wentworth serves as a UAS Subject Matter Expert at the Alaska Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration (ACUASI), where he manages critical programs including the SeaHunter initiative for protecting endangered North Atlantic right whales. After accumulating over two decades of experience across military, private industry, and academic sectors, he joined ACUASI in 2016, bringing expertise from his roles as a UAS Developmental Flight Test Pilot at DRS Technologies and UAS Team Leader for the United States Army. As the first graduate to earn an MS in Unmanned Systems from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Worldwide Campus, he has established himself as a leading authority in unmanned aviation. His current work at ACUASI involves managing complex UAS operations, where he has notably improved the efficiency of whale detection systems, reducing reporting times from 48 hours to 6-8 hours through the integration of onboard computing and AI technologies. His credentials include an FAA single-engine airplane license with instrument rating and an sUAS remote pilot certificate, complementing his extensive experience in UAS curriculum development and technical writing. Through his leadership of the SeaHunter program, he continues to advance the field of unmanned aviation while contributing to critical environmental conservation efforts.

Matthew Balazs serves as Research Assistant Professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and Deputy Director of the Alaska Coastal Cooperative, where he combines expertise in geospatial sciences with innovative approaches to climate change adaptation. After completing his PhD in Geology with emphasis in remote sensing in 2021, he has established himself as a leader in applying advanced remote sensing technologies to natural hazard assessment. His research spans novel applications of UAS data collection, GIS technology, and 3D remote sensing for coastal hazard monitoring. As a key figure in the $13.9 million NSF-funded AC³TION project, he works to help coastal communities respond to climate change challenges, emphasizing the importance of strong relationships between researchers and local communities. His expertise in visualization and virtual reality has enhanced education and outreach activities, making complex scientific data more accessible to stakeholders. Through his work at the Geophysical Institute, he continues to advance the understanding of mass wasting hazards in Alaskan fjords while developing innovative approaches to coastal resilience and climate adaptation.

Brian Holst serves as a Configuration Design Engineer at Boeing's Phantom Works Advanced Vertical Lift group, where he synthesizes conceptual and preliminary aerospace vehicle designs. After growing up in Eastern Europe, he pursued his education at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, earning both a BS and MS in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Aerospace Engineering. His master's thesis focused on estimating rotor noise generated by small unmanned multirotors, demonstrating his early interest in advanced aerial systems. His research contributions include work on interdisciplinary engineering applications of unmanned aircraft systems and participation in the AIAA Student Design/Build/Fly Competition. In his current role at Boeing, he focuses on translating customer requirements into viable vehicle configurations, conducting comprehensive trade studies that evaluate performance, structural integrity, regulatory compliance, and cost effectiveness. His expertise spans both traditional aerospace engineering and emerging technologies in vertical lift systems, contributing to Boeing's advanced aviation initiatives.

Michael Willis is pursuing his Master's degree in Geospatial Sciences at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, building upon his BS in Environmental Science with a minor in Geographic Information Systems from the same institution. His research focuses on applying advanced remote sensing technologies to fisheries management, particularly in Southwest Alaska's critical anadromous fish habitats. His work aligns with emerging trends in fisheries science, where satellite and airborne remote sensing have become instrumental in monitoring aquatic ecosystems and assessing fish habitats across broad geographic areas

Michael Hatfield serves as Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and Associate Director for Education at the Alaska Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration (ACUASI). After earning his BS in electrical engineering from Ohio Northern University, MS from California State University Fresno, and PhD in Electrical/Aerospace Engineering from UAF, he built an impressive career spanning military service and academia. His 28-year Air Force career included roles as Deputy Director of the AF Office of Scientific Research and Director of the Air Force Research Laboratory's Air Vehicles Directorate. Since joining UAF in 2013, he has pioneered the development of aerospace education programs, incrementally building from graduate courses in unmanned aircraft systems to a full aerospace engineering degree program. His leadership has been instrumental in establishing UAF's aerospace curriculum, including the creation of popular UAS courses, an aerospace engineering minor, and most recently, a master's certificate in aerospace engineering. As faculty advisor for UAF's student chapter of the American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics, he actively mentors students while conducting research in UAS applications and remote sensing. His work has earned him notable recognition, including the William P. Clements Award for Outstanding Educator in Astronautics and the John P. Wittry Award for Outstanding Instructor in Engineering Design during his time at the US Air Force Academy.