In this episode of the Clemson Drone Podcast, host Joe Burgett sits down with Chris Harris, a seasoned professional from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). Chris shares his journey from a background in Civil Engineering to becoming a licensed professional engineer specializing in UAS technology and 3D project visualization. The discussion spans Chris's experiences with various DOTs, his role in founding an engineering automation group, and the evolution of drone technology within ODOT.

Key topics covered include Chris's strategic approach to building and expanding the drone program, the importance of engagement during road shows, and the unique applications of drone technology in environmental tasks, surveying, and communication. Listeners will gain insights into the challenges faced by drone pilots, the training process, and the crucial role of technology in cost-effective operations.

About Chris Harris

Chris Harris is an Automation Engineer at the Oregon Dept. of Transportation where he’s worked since 2008. He has a B.S. and M.S. in Civil Engineering from Virginia Tech and is a licensed Professional Engineer. Prior to moving to Oregon, he worked for Pennsylvania and Virginia DOTs in design and construction. His current role in ODOT’s Engineering Automation Section involves researching and implementing new technology that promotes greater accuracy and efficiency for survey, design, and construction activities across the Agency including unmanned aircraft systems and 3D project visualizations.

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Contact Dr Joe Burgett | Clemson Drone: 

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Contact Chris Harris: 

• Website: oregon.gov
• Linkedin: Chris Harris
  
  

In this episode, host Joe Burgett engages in a captivating conversation with Darryl Jones, the Forest Protection Chief at the South Carolina Forestry Commission. Darryl shares insights into his extensive role, covering wildfire suppression, emergency response, law enforcement, and forestry assistance. 

The episode delves into the evolution of drone usage in forestry management, showcasing its pivotal role in wildfire prevention and controlled burns. Darryl explains how drones equipped with advanced technology contribute to the efficiency and safety of their missions, highlighting a remarkable shift since the early experimental days in 2015. The discussion unfolds the diverse applications of drones, from inspecting communication towers to executing controlled burns, all aimed at safeguarding South Carolina's vast landscapes.

About Darryl Jones

Darryl Jones, with a BS degree in forest management from Clemson University, is the Forest Protection Chief at the South Carolina Forestry Commission. With a career spanning back to 1992, Darryl has been a driving force in adopting drone technology for forestry management. 

As the current president of SCiDUC (South Carolina Interagency Drone Users Consortium), Darryl plays a crucial role in promoting collaboration and knowledge exchange among government agencies utilizing drones. His expertise in utilizing drones for wildfire management and emergency response adds a unique perspective to the podcast.

Resources discussed in this episode:

• SCiDUC: sciduc.org

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Contact Dr Joe Burgett | Clemson Drone: 

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Contact Darryl Jones: 

• Website:scfc.gov
• Linkedin: Darryl Jones
• Email: [email protected]

In this episode of the Clemson Drone Podcast, host Joe Burgett dives into the world of drone technology with a special guest, David Gallagher, Flight Operations Manager for the Ohio Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) Center. David shares insights into the evolution of the drone industry over the past decade, emphasizing the transformative impact of changing regulations. The discussion unfolds to reveal the critical role drones play in various sectors, from construction monitoring and bridge inspections to collaboration with public health and radiation divisions.

David sheds light on the logistics of managing a diverse team of pilots, including full-time and part-time members with varied backgrounds. He emphasizes the importance of empowering individuals to obtain their Part 107 certification and how this approach has proven more successful for their program. The episode also delves into the operational aspects, including flight planning, fleet management, and ongoing training to ensure safety and efficiency.

About David Gallagher

David Gallagher, with over a decade of experience in the drone industry, serves as the Flight Operations Manager for the Ohio Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) Center. His journey into the drone world began with a background in political and government affairs, leading to a pivotal role in shaping communication strategies and legislative interactions for the Ohio UAS Center. With a keen focus on integrating drone technology into public services, David has become a key figure in advancing the use of drones in various applications.

Resources discussed in this episode:

• DroneLogebook: dronelogbook.com

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Contact Dr Joe Burgett | Clemson Drone: 

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Contact David Gallagher: 

• Website: drive.ohio.gov/
• Linkedin: David Gallagher
  
  

 Join Dr. Joe Burgett in this episode of "Clemson Drone" as he engages in a compelling conversation with Mark Jahnke, the Chief Technology Officer of South Carolina ETV (SCETV). Mark shares insights into the transformative impact of drones on tower inspections, highlighting their role in enhancing efficiency and safety.

The discussion explores SCETV's mission in broadcasting PBS and NPR, its involvement in emergency communications, and the challenges of manual tower inspections. Mark provides a glimpse into the unique aspects of SCETV's drone program, emphasizing the potential for AI-driven drones to create 2D and 3D maps of towers for real-time data collection.

The episode also touches on broader industry trends, positioning drones as valuable tools for organizations seeking financial benefits, safety improvements, and time reductions. With practical advice and a focus on realistic planning, this episode serves as a guide for those interested in integrating drones into their operations. Discover how SCETV is leading the way in leveraging drone technology, revolutionizing tower inspections and paving the path for innovation in the UAS industry.

About Mark Jahnke

Mark Jahnke has served the broadcast community since 2002. A graduate of Evangel University in Springfield, Missouri, Jahnke is currently the Chief Technology Officer for South Carolina ETV (SCETV) in Columbia, SC. Since 2020, Jahnke has been integral in creating a drone program at SCETV. His focus on policy and practical application has directed SCETV’s drone program forward for creative content creation and engineering structural analysis.

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Contact Dr Joe Burgett | Clemson Drone: 

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Contact Mark Jahnke | SCETV: 

• Linkedin: Mark Jahnke
• Website: scetv.org
• Instagram: @southcarolinaetv
• Twitter: @SCETV
• Facebook: South Carolina ETV
• YouTube: SouthCarolinaETV
• Pinterest: South Caroline ETV
• Flickr: South Carolina ETV
  
  

 Episode Notes

In this inaugural episode of the Clemson Drone Podcast, host Dr. Joe Burgett from Clemson University engages in a compelling conversation with two industry experts from Duke Energy—Jackson Rollins, the director of the unmanned aerial system, and Garrett Scott, the chief pilot. Duke Energy, a major utility company in the Southeast, services millions of customers across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida, utilizing a diverse energy portfolio.

Jackson Rollins sheds light on Duke's emergence into the drone space, outlining the evolution of their UAS program, which has now become the largest in South Carolina. With around 50 pilots, Duke Energy employs drones for a variety of tasks, particularly heavy on inspections. Garrett Scott delves into the intricacies of managing a mix of full-time and contract pilots, emphasizing safety, training, and collaboration with in-house experts.

The conversation covers the Carolina Grid Data Improvement Project, where Duke Energy's drone teams collect data on distribution infrastructure to enhance operational efficiency. Garrett details the strategies for training pilots with little drone or electrical infrastructure knowledge. The episode concludes with valuable advice for smaller utility companies interested in establishing their UAS programs, emphasizing the need for corporate policies, adherence to aviation standards, and collaborative networking within the drone industry.

About Jackson Rollins: 

Jackson Rollins, with his extensive background in the utilities industry, serves as the Director of Unmanned Aerial Systems at Duke Energy Corporation. Holding a Civil Engineering degree with a focus on Structures from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Rollins brings a wealth of expertise in areas such as AutoCAD, Welding, Renewable Energy, Engineering Design, and Power Generation. His strong skills in program and project management have played a pivotal role in the growth of Duke Energy’s UAS team. Under his management, the team expanded from a mere two employees in 2015 to over 55, highlighting the increasing recognition of drones' potential to enhance safety and accomplish tasks previously deemed impossible.

About Garrett Scott: 

An accomplished professional aviator and UAS leader, Garrett’s visionary approach and technical expertise drive transformative projects, earning him recognition as an influential industry figure, sought-after speaker, and problem solver for complex challenges. Embracing his role in shaping the future of drone operations, he passionately inspires the next generation of aviators and innovators.

Garrett's journey began at HAZON Solutions, where he took flight as a UAS Pilot and later the Training & Technology Division Manager. With his expertise, he not only set the gold standard for enterprise training in the commercial UAS realm but also spearheaded the company’s "training as a service" offering that catered to a league of Fortune 500 utility giants. Moving forward, Garrett's path led him to the Duke Energy UAS team, where he orchestrated the launch of the company's first large-scale UAS distribution GIS correction program. Today, as Duke Energy's Chief Pilot - UAS, Garrett continues to shape the future of large scale UAS operations.

Garrett is a certificated Private Pilot, ASEL, with an Instrument rating. He holds a B.S. in Aeronautics - Unmanned Aerial Systems and an M.S. in Aviation Leadership. Additionally, he is an ITC Level III - Master Thermographer. Garrett excels at seamlessly applying traditional aviation concepts to the emerging UAS industry

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Contact Dr Joe Burgett | Clemson Drone: 

• ClemsonDrone.com
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Contact Jackson Rollins & Garrett Scott | Duke Energy: 

• Website: duke-energy.com
• Article: Drones help Duke Energy work safer, more efficiently
• Instagram: @duke_energy
• Twitter: @DukeEnergy
• Facebook: Duke Energy
• YouTube: @DukeEnergyMediaCtr
• LinkedIn: Duke Energy Corporation
• LinkedIn: Jackson Rollins
• LinkedIn: Garrett Scott
  
  

I'm excited to host a dynamic 20 to 40-minute interviews with prominent figures in the drone community! These interviews will feature leaders from public agencies, innovative private companies, and visionary entrepreneurs. The goal is to ignite the drone community's passion by sharing inspiring success stories! 

🚀💡

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Contact Dr Joe Burgett | Clemson Drone: 

• ClemsonDrone.com
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• Instagram: Clemson Drone Course