ACEP Researchers Take to the Sky

Paul Duvoy, research engineer at ACEP’s Alaska Hydrokinetic Research Center, and Amanda Byrd, ACEP’s biomass coordinator, had an initial training with a DJI Phantom 4 drone. ACEP’s new drone features stereo vision positioning, an obstacle-sensing system and 4K video capabilities.

The drone has numerous possible uses, including producing digital elevation models, surveying for marine debris and capturing high-quality video.

Rich Buzard, a doctoral student in geosciences, provided initial training with the drone.

Amanda Byrd, left, and Rich Buzard fly ACEP's drone in the new Engineering Learning and Innovation Facility's high bay during the first training session. Photo by Paul Duvoy/AHERC.