Autonomous Aerial Systems Office

Director

Jeremy Crowley is the Director of the Autonomous Aerial Systems Office (AASO) at the University of Montana (UM). He has worked in the private sector, state and federal agencies, and academia for over 20 years mostly focusing on geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing (RS) for water resource investigations. For about the past 10 years unmanned aerial systems (UAS) have played a central focus of his research.  He also has been teaching UAS classes for the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology, Montana Technological University, and UM (as well as the University of Alaska Anchorage, UM Western, etc.). Most of his current research focuses on satellite and UAS remote sensing, big data analysis, time series analysis, sensor fusion, and robotics.

Assistant Director

Bart Bauer serves as the Assistant Director of the Autonomous Aerial Systems Office (AASO), for the University of Montana (UofM). Bart has been employed by the UofM since 2019, where he started as a Montana Space Grant Consortium intern. He is also an alumnus of the UofM, where he received his Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Biology and GIS Science and Technologies Certificate. Bart is a licensed FAA Part 107 UAS pilot with years of experience flying both multi-rotor and fixed-wing UAS for the university. Bart has worked on a variety of projects throughout the community, including various youth outreach programs, first responder trainings, as well as being an active member of MCSAR. Bart is a 20-year U.S. Navy veteran. 

UAS Operations Officer

Josh Kornoff serves as the UAS Operations Officer at the University of Montana, where he leads technical aspects of initiatives like the Headwaters Tech Hub ASSIST Program and manages high-impact research grants including the Montana Department of Transportation WEEDS project. With a background as an aerospace entrepreneur and FAA-certified pilot, he specializes in the integration of AI/ML, advanced sensor fusion, and complex autonomous flight operations. 

Drone Pilot and Geospatial Analyst

Diandra Lewis is a GIS analyst and FAA-certified drone pilot passionate about applying UAV technology to ecological research, particularly wildlife biology and conservation. At the University of Montana, she uses drones like Wingtra, Mavic, and Sentaero to capture high-resolution imagery and LiDAR data, which she then transforms into detailed maps and 3D models for ecological monitoring. With a background in ecology, evolution, and wildlife management, she combines her extensive field experience with advanced geospatial tools to support informed environmental decisions.

Drone Pilot and Geospatial Analyst

Ian joined AASO in 2024 as a pilot and GIS analyst. He has a background in water resources with over 10 years of experience in water-related monitoring, including field data collection in ecosystems across the West, stream gauge and weather station installations, and R programming.  While working on his Master's in 2017, Ian first discovered UAS as a tool to identify cattle and vegetation interactions on rangelands. Since then, he has continued to use UAS both recreationally and professionally. His current work at AASO includes geospatial and hydrologic data analysis, long-term repeat mapping, and improving processing workflows and infrastructure. Ian also works with the O'Connor Center for the Rocky Mountain West, developing tools to help land managers make evidence-based decisions.  When not at work, you'll mostly find Ian on a mountain bike or snowboard.

Drone Pilot and Geospatial Analyst

Patrick has been a FAA certified pilot for 6 years. He received a Bachelors of Sciences in Geosciences and a Master of Sciences in Environmental Studies, both at the University of Montana. His background is in water resources and GIS with 8 years of experience. He assists AASO in both drone operations and GIS.