Unmanned Aerial Systems Operations

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.

Franz Langegger serves as GIS Technician and UAS Pilot at the Austrian Service for Torrent and Avalanche Control, where he has established himself as a leading expert in terrain mapping and natural hazard assessment. With over two decades of experience in surveying and remote sensing, he has pioneered the implementation of unmanned aerial systems for monitoring Alpine terrain and assessing natural hazards. His work includes developing QGIS tools for daily workflows and implementing advanced terrain mapping techniques to support avalanche and torrent control operations. Through his expertise in civil engineering and CAD, he contributes to the development of natural hazard protection measures while maintaining active involvement in GIS technology advancement. His recent work focuses on integrating UAS-based photogrammetry with traditional surveying methods to enhance the monitoring and assessment of Alpine hazards, particularly in challenging terrain where conventional mapping techniques are limited.

Nicole Kamp serves as Remote Sensing Expert at the Provincial Government of Styria's Department of Statistics and Geoinformation while maintaining research ties with the University of Graz. After earning her PhD focusing on LiDAR applications and geomorphology, she has built an impressive career spanning 14 years in spatial data analysis and natural hazard assessment. Her expertise includes advanced LiDAR data processing, geomorphometric analysis, and the application of unmanned aerial systems for terrain mapping. Through her work comparing multi-temporal digital terrain models derived from different LiDAR platforms, she has contributed significantly to understanding error sources and uncertainties in geomorphic impact studies. As a skilled practitioner in both airborne and UAV-based remote sensing, she specializes in processing point cloud data for natural hazard assessment in Alpine regions. Her background includes specialized training in high-mountain geography and climate, complementing her technical expertise in remote sensing and GIS. Beyond her primary work, she previously served as a ski and snowboard instructor, bringing practical mountain experience to her scientific work in Alpine environments.

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.