Kevin A. Adkins

Dr. Kevin A. Adkins is a Professor in the College of Aviation at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, specializing in aeronautical science. He holds bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in aerospace engineering, with advanced coursework in atmospheric science. His research focuses on advanced air mobility (AAM), unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) applications, and meteorological analysis using UAS. He directs the UNVAIL and AAMRIL labs, and has prior experience in the USAF and aerospace industry as a flight test engineer.

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

Research interests include UAS flight test, urban boundary layer meteorology, and AAM operational concepts. He teaches courses like Concepts in Advanced Air Mobility and has developed the first U.S. collegiate AAM course.

His 53+ publications span UAS meteorology, AAM safety, and environmental applications. Recent work includes hyperlocal weather prediction tools and bioaerosol sampling mechanisms.

Awards include the NDIA Best Paper Award (2019), Distinguished Teaching Award (2018), and Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society. He advises student research projects and holds FAA pilot certifications.

Labs: UNVAIL (Unmanned Vehicle and Atmospheric Investigation Lab) and AAMRIL (Advanced Air Mobility Research & Innovation Lab). Engaged in industry partnerships with NASA, USDA, and private firms.