Unmanned Vehicle and Atmospheric Investigation Lab

Nikolaus Rentzke

Nik recently completed a dual major in Computational Mathematics and Meteorology. Starting his Sophomore year, Nik served as a tutor in the Weather Lab, becoming the manager of the lab the following year. In his Junior year, he became associated with the UNVAIL undertaking research in the urban boundary layer (UBL) by analyzing data collected from unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Nik undertook a senior capstones project for Meteorology related to the climatology of solar radiation and wind speed to identify ideal regions for renewable energy, ultimately putting together a climate portfolio of companies that are utilizing these ideal regions for energy production. His computational mathematics capstone involved additional work with Dr. Adkins and Dr. Ryan Wallace of Embry-Riddle.

Andrew Caputo

While at Embry-Riddle, Andrew was part of the Honors Program and majored in Engineering Physics (Systems Concentration), with minors in Applied Mathematics and Aviation Law. Mr. Caputo began working in Dr. Adkins lab in Spring of 2019 as part of preparing for his Senior Design Project. Andrew worked alongside Anthony Oreo and Victor Alterizio to develop an atmospheric sensing suite for a transition (hybrid) UAS. Following graduation from ERAU in May 2020 (he still remains active in the lab), he enrolled in a Master’s Program at the University of Central Florida specializing in Optics and Photonics and works inside the Integrated Photonics Lab. Following this degree, Andrew plans on attending law school, with the goal of specializing in Aviation and Intellectual Property Law.

Peter Douglass

Peter Douglass graduated from Embry-Riddle in May 2020 with a B.S. in Engineering Physics and a concentration in Instrumentation. While at ERAU, Mr. Douglass also spent time working in the Space and Atmospheric Instrumentation Lab (SAIL) on a high altitude balloon system which sought to characterize stratospheric turbulence through in-situ measurement. Peter is presently enrolled in a Ph.D. program in Electrical Engineering at the University of Connecticut, concentrating in the area of Electronics, Photonics, and Biophotonics.

Aspen Taylor

Aspen first became affiliated with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) as a concurrently enrolled student while at Fort Pierce Central High School. At that point in time, she began helping with on-farm research that investigated the integration of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into the farm and crop production management workflow under Dr. Adkins. Aspen is an Honors student presently enrolled in the Accelerated M.S. Mechanical Engineering program and will be completing her undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering (Biomedical Systems track) in Spring 2021. Upon completing her ERAU undergraduate studies, Ms. Taylor plans to continue her studies in Mechanical Engineering at ERAU.

Chris Bailey

Chris first became affiliated with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) as a concurrently enrolled student while at Fort Pierce Central High School. At that point in time, Chris began helping with on-farm research that investigated the integration of small unmanned aircraft systems into the farm and crop production management workflow under Dr. Adkins. Mr. Bailey graduated Cum Laude from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach in December 2020 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Aviation Business Administration and a concentration in Air Transportation. Chris is an instrument-rated Commercial AMEL pilot with complex, high-altitude, and high-performance endorsements. Mr. Bailey now serves as a professional pilot flying BE-1900s.

Victor Alterizio

Victor Alterizio earned his Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics, with a concentration in Space Systems Engineering, and a minor in Applied Mathematics from Embry-Riddle.

Peter Wambolt

Mr. Wambolt earned a Bachelor of Science in Unmanned Aircraft Systems and a Master of Science in Project Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. While at Embry-Riddle, Peter served as the UAS Program Coordinator and UAS Project Manager for the Gaetz Aerospace Institute. Peter is now employed by Parrot Drone, serving as their United States Program Coordinator.