Nickolas Macchiarella

Nickolas D. “Dan” Macchiarella, Ph.D., Professor, Aeronautical Science is a former department chair and college dean. Dan’s research activities include serving as principal investigator (PI) and operational test pilot. His current efforts focus upon using UAS “drones” with remote sensors. Technologies include artificial intelligence (AI), photogrammetry, LiDAR, multi and hyperspectral cameras.  Presently, he works with UAS for remote sensing the environment, cultural heritage locations, and archaeology. Current projects are COASTech-Brevard Zoo, remotely sensing the eastern coastal environment of Florida including the lifecycle of sea turtles from the beach to the Gulf Stream. UAS application for NOAA’s Green Infrastructure Prioritization and Conditions Assessment for Climate Change Adaptation in the Indian River Lagoon Watershed and the National Science Foundation (NSF) funded Assessing the Performance of Green Stormwater Infrastructure for Climate Adaptation and Coastal Resilience in the City of Cape Canaveral, Florida. Dan regularly leads study abroad programs where students support research and conduct service-learning while flying drones to meet real world needs. He is a past awardee of the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program for STEM education and cultural heritage preservation.