"Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity" - Lucius Annaeus SenecaI am currently a UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) pilot with the Lee County Mosquito Control District in Lee County, Florida, where I combine my passion for UAS with my commitment to solving real-world problems in the industry. I operate a blue-listed fleet of aircraft including the Leading-Edge Precision Vision 40X, the Freefly Systems Astro, and the Skydio X10. My journey into the world of drones began in 2016, when I purchased a cheap quadcopter to teach myself how to fly. What started as a hobby quickly evolved into a deeper fascination with a focus on aerial photography and videography. By 2017, I had upgraded my equipment and began sharpening my skills as a hobbyist aerial photographer/videographer.In 2019, I decided to take my passion to the next level by pursuing a formal education in UAS operations at the University of North Dakota. I graduated at the end of 2023 with dual bachelor's degrees: one in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and the other in Aviation Safety & Operations. During my time at UND, I also earned my commercial ASEL license along with an instrument rating and a complex aircraft endorsement solidifying my technical knowledge and hands-on expertise in the National Airspace System (NAS).While studying at UND, I was blessed to be an operations intern at the Northern Plains UAS Test Site during the summer of 2022 and the summer of 2023. My tenure at the NPUASTS as an operations intern provided a strong foundation in collaborating with the FAA and industry partners. Here, our team contributed to the development of systems and procedures for the safe integration of unmanned aircraft into the NAS, fortifying my commitment to enhancing aviation safety and operational excellence.Today, I’m excited to be applying that knowledge at LCMCD, where I use drone technology to tackle unique challenges such as aerial larviciding treatments, aerial inspections, and aerial mapping missions! We are even currently researching ways to release sterile mosquitoes via drone! I’m always eager to expand my skill set and contribute to solving the complex issues facing the UAS industry today. Whether it’s advancing aerial data collection or exploring new applications, I’m driven by the potential of drones to make a real impact in this country.In my free time I enjoy hiking, camping, swimming, watching movies, and hanging out with my girlfriend, dog, and cat. I also enjoy training in Mixed Martial Arts, mostly Jiu-Jitsu.