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. Andrew is now in 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.
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 was an Honors student during her studies at ERAU and graduated with a B.S. and M.S in Mechanical Engineering (Biomedical Systems track).
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 airline transport pilot (ATP) now flying the 777 for Atlas Air.
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.
Anthony Oreo
Anthony received his B.S. and M.S. in Engineering Physics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. While an undergraduate student, he was an active member of ERAU's Honors Program, an educational program for the top 7% of academic performers at the University.
Carissa Rowen
Growing up in Florida with immigrant parents, Carissa has always had an extreme appreciation for the natural beauty of the world around her. This led to her beginning her pursuit of physics. Ms. Rowan graduated with a B.S. in Engineering Physics with a concentration in instrumentation. Carissa possesses a passion for sustainable energy sources and conservation efforts (we must maintain this natural beauty, of course!). Carissa found purpose in her work in the lab as she applied her knowledge of instrumentation to researching our impact on the atmosphere.
Christopher (CJ) Swinford
Christopher received his B.S. in Engineering Physics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and is currently enrolled in a M.S. in Applied Physics at Johns Hopkins University.
Robert Moore
Robert received his undergraduate and masters degree in Unmanned Aircraft Systems from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Since being an early undergraduate student, Mr. Moore was involved with several unmanned aircraft (UA) development projects. Robert's extensive experience in UA development was utilized to develop unique UA specifically tailored for the lab's missions.
Maximilian Blasko
Max is an alum of Engineering Physics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, earning both a B.S. and M.S degree from the department.
Blake Neal
As a Florida native, Blake found a passion for agriculture at an early age. With this passion, Mr. Neal pursued a bachelor’s in Unmanned Aircraft Systems with minors in Meteorology and GIS, hoping to combine his knowledge in these fields to pursue a career in Precision Agriculture. Maintaining this interest, Blake is presently pursuing his M.S. in UAS.