Joseph Hupy

Joseph Hupy is an Associate Professor at Purdue University's Polytechnic Institute, holding courtesy appointments in Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences (EAPS) and Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR). With over 20 years of expertise in geospatial data collection, he specializes in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) for hazardous-environment surveying and industry applications.

His educational foundation includes:

• Ph.D. in Geography (Soil Geomorphology emphasis) from Michigan State University (2005)
• M.A. in Geography (Aeolian Geomorphology emphasis) from New Mexico State University (2001)
• B.S. in Geography (GIS/Remote Sensing emphasis) from Central Michigan University (1998)

Dr. Hupy's research pioneers UAS integration for microtopographic surveys in explosive environments, evolving from WWI battlefield studies to forest disturbance analysis. His work emphasizes sensor-platform optimization across kites, balloons, and multi-rotor drones to solve landscape-scale spatial questions, particularly in mining and forestry sectors.

His 2016 publications reveal foundational contributions to UAS temporal analysis in GIS and geospatial STEM education, establishing methodologies later expanded in industry partnerships. These works highlight cross-disciplinary applications from courtroom evidence to agricultural monitoring.

Key recognition includes:

• University of Wisconsin System Regent Scholar (2016) for reducing overhead costs in industrial sand mining via UAS

Dr. Hupy actively secures research funding, notably a January 2020 grant from the Hardwood Tree Improvement & Regeneration Center for forest disturbance quantification. Through Menet Aero, he provides UAS services to construction, mining, DOD, agriculture, and energy sectors, leveraging FAA Part 107 and UAS firefighting certifications. His operational expertise spans C-Astral Bramor ppX systems and Robota Goose autopilot platforms.

While dedicated lab facilities aren't specified, his work integrates Purdue's aviation infrastructure with Menet Aero's field operations, focusing on real-world UAS deployment in high-risk environments and industry innovation.