Drone Lab Collaborators – University of Idaho Drone Lab

Dr. Jason Karl (PI)

Dr. Karl’s research focuses on how imagery collected from drones can be used for measuring and monitoring rangeland and arid ecosystems. Jason is particularly interested in how drones might be used to improve the measurement of indicators that are challenging to measure using traditional field methods like vegetation biomass and utilization and soil erosion. Jason leverages graduate and undergraduate students in his research and is always on the lookout for talented students who are interested in contributing. With over 5 years of experience in flying drones and using drone-collected imagery in research, Jason coordinated the establishment of the UI Drone Lab to help facilitate the use of drones in high-impact research by sharing resources and lessons learned.

Dr. Jae Ryu

Dr. Jae Ryu’s research focuses on sustainable water resources planning and management in Idaho and the west. He flies drones carrying everything from nets to high-end hyperspectral sensors to study agriculture and semi-arid environments in a changing climate. Dr. Ryu was also a recipient of a VIP grant (Vandal Ideas Project) aimed at supporting STEM education and improving go-on rates in Idaho. Through this grant (titled iDrone), Dr. Ryu and Dr. Kirsten LaPaglia held workshops for 7th-11th grade students across Idaho focusing on the basic concepts of unmanned aerial systems.

Dr. Karla Eitel

A team of UI investigators, led by Dr. Karla Eitel, received NSF funding for their project, Building STEM Identity and Career Interests in Native American Students By Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and Remote Sensing Technologies. About 90 Native American students worked hands-on with remote sensing technology to explore local ecological issues through summer camp, school-based programs, and internships to support the development of culturally connected STEM identities.

Alysson Statz

Teens in Valley County are getting first-person flying lessons aimed at getting youth excited about science and math as part of a new drone camp offered by University of Idaho Extension 4-H Youth Development. The program teaches youth about the rules and regulations of owning drones, along with the science of flight. The first drone camp was held in the summer of 2018 in McCall and Cascade, and a future camp is planned for summer of 2019.

Matthew Steinwurtzel

Matthew is a current graduate student pursuing his master’s degree in Fish and Wildlife Management within the Master of Natural Resources Program. Studying under Dr. Karl and Dr. Brian Kennedy, his research focuses on utilizing UAS thermal infrared (TIR) imagery to analyze the impacts beavers have on the aquatic thermal and storage properties of salmonid-bearing streams.