This summer, professors of Geography and Earth Science, Dr. Alison Feeney and Dr. Timothy Hawkins, earned their FAA Part 107 drone pilot certifications. Obtaining this license allows them to operate drones equipped with advanced LiDAR and thermal imaging cameras for both research and classroom instruction, providing students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in environmental and geospatial studies.
LiDAR and thermal imaging technologies offer the most comprehensive and detailed approach to studying the environment. According to Feeney, LiDAR provided highly detailed elevation models that complement the study of topography, erosion, slope stability and archaeological features hidden beneath vegetation. In addition, according to Hawkins, thermal imaging measures infrared heat energy emitted from surfaces. The data can show how temperature varies across different materials and landscapes.
Feeney, who is the chair of the Geography and Earth Sciences Department, explained that her motivation came from the desire to keep courses aligned with the latest technology in the field.
“With several recent retirements and resignations, our remaining faculty have had to develop new courses, which has provided the chance to examine emerging technologies,” Feeney said. “I wanted to make sure that we rebuild, we bring the latest geospatial tools and techniques into our classrooms and fieldwork.”
The drone was purchased through a grant from the Shippensburg University Foundation’s Kresge Science Endowment, a fund created with a matching challenge gift from the Kresge Foundation along with generous gifts from Shipppensburg University alumni and friends in 2002. Since then, the income earned annually from this endowment provides competitive grant opportunities for academic departments including biology, chemistry/biochemistry, physics, geography/environmental science, and psychology, advancing new ideas and research opportunities across campus.
The funding provided the department with new drones, thermal and LiDAR payloads and advanced software that allows students to work with the same technology used by professionals in GIS, environmental consulting and resource management.
“I pursued my Part 107 drone certification to integrate drone technology directly into teaching and research,” Feeney said. “Drones have transformed how we study the environment, and I wanted our students to gain hands-on experience with the same tools used by professionals. This certification allows me to legally and safely operate drones for research, instruction and applied community projects…it is such an exciting way to get students out in the field doing hands-on activities and gaining valuable workforce skills.”
This fall, Feeney introduced GIS III, a required course for the GIS minor that emphasizes real-world applications of drone technology. In collaboration with the Small Business Development Center, students work in small groups with local clients to plan flights, operate drones and collect LIDAR and thermal images.
“They are working with the client to determine their needs with a final project that includes video production and spatial analysis to support local economic development while building their professional portfolios that demonstrate both technical skill and creative applications,” Feeney explained.
Kevin Peter, a biology graduate student and Sean David, a geo-environmental undergraduate, have also recently received their Part 107 certifications. Furthermore, Paul Marr, professor in the Geography and Earth Science department, is currently pursuing his Part 107 certification while on his sabbatical.
During his sabbatical, Marr is preparing to launch a new course in geoarchaeology that will use drone-based mapping to study Camp Michaux, within the Michaux State Forest. Honor students, Lauren Wolford and Ted Crosset, are set to work under faculty and alongside state employees to map landforms and identify physical evidence that reflects on how the site has evolved.
“I think it’s exciting that students will be a part of this research and see how technology can uncover new insights into Pennsylvania’s landscape and cultural history,” Feeney said.
For Hawkins, who teaches courses in environmental geography, thermal imaging is what mainly sparked his interest in obtaining his Part 107 certification.
“Our department drone expert retired, and we needed the ability to continue to operate our equipment and teach our students about the technology,” Hawkins said. “I also had been wanting to use drones for thermal imaging of urban environments, so this seemed like a perfect opportunity to learn how to fly.”
“I’m interested in measuring the urban environment and the temperature of different building materials and surfaces under different shading and weather conditions,” Hawkins shared. “Urban areas can often be 10 degrees warmer than rural areas, which can have a significant impact on human health, energy costs and pollution levels. Drones allow for a bird’s eye view that is more fine-grained than a satellite image.”
Now, as a certified drone pilot, Hawkins is able to allow students to fly drones under his supervision. “Flying the drone is a great hands–on experience and you get to see how jazzed some of the students get by the data collection process and the results they receive afterwards,” he beamed.
Both Hawkins and Feeney see drone technology as a major step forward for the department’s ability to prepare students for the workforce.
“Drones are amazing and being used in so many ways,” said Feeney. “They can provide access and information faster and safer than what humans can acquire.” The use of drones at Ship has a strong potential to strengthen partnerships with agencies like DCNR and local governments that need high-resolution data. Drone-based mapping can also help support the region with conservation planning, tourism management and sustainable initiatives across Pennsylvania.
“It’s exciting to see Ship students earning certifications, conducting applied research and contributing to local projects. They’re connecting classroom learning with meaningful impact,” expressed Feeney.
Geography and Earth science students flying drones under the supervision of Professor Feeney
The Geography and Earth Science department’s latest use of drone technology represents Ship’s commitment to innovation and offering hands-on learning opportunities that will benefit students as they step into the field.
