Kevin A Adkins

Dr. Kevin A. Adkins is a Professor in the College of Aviation at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where he teaches aerodynamics, aircraft performance, and uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) courses. He pioneered the first collegiate Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) course in the U.S. in 2023 and directs two labs: the Advanced Air Mobility Research and Innovation Lab (AAMRIL) and the Uncrewed Vehicle and Atmospheric Investigation Lab (UNVAIL).

• Education: Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering (Mississippi State University), M.Eng. and B.S. in Aerospace Engineering (University of Michigan-Ann Arbor)

His research focuses on atmospheric boundary layer meteorology using UAS, AAM concepts of operation (ConOps), and flight test engineering. He collaborates extensively on sensor development for environmental monitoring, including low-cost particulate matter sensors and bioaerosol sampling mechanisms.

Recent publications emphasize UAS applications in wildfire detection, urban microclimate analysis, and wind farm humidity studies. Dr. Adkins serves on advisory committees for the Florida Department of Transportation's AAM initiative and ASTM International's UAS standards.

• Awards: Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society, ERAU Researcher of the Year (2020), PIEoneer Real Life Learning Award (2019), AUVSI Best Paper Award (2019)

He mentors numerous student projects on UAS sensor development and atmospheric research, with teams winning symposium awards. His labs integrate experiential learning with international fieldwork in Puerto Rico, Norway, and Lithuania.