Five Questions with Andrew Zachman ’19, ’24
October 31, 2024
Meet CARDNL research associate Andrew Zachman. Zachman recently began working full-time as a research associate with the Carolina Drone Lab (CARDNL). He is currently working on using terrestrial LiDAR, a remote sensing technology, to quantify forest structure and thermal imagery to detect bobwhite quail and black rails. Outside of work, Zachman enjoys cooking and sharing meals with his friends, inspecting the native plant garden he manages with his wife, and running and birding with his dog Odie.

Tell us about your career so far.
I completed my undergrad at UNC-Chapel Hill and studied environmental science and marine science. After graduating, I worked at a research institute affiliated with Acadia National Park. When that job wrapped up, I moved back to North Carolina and began working at North Carolina State Parks as a forest restoration specialist. I implemented restoration projects across the state and engaged in prescribed fires and invasive species management. This experience led me to return to UNC to study fire ecology with Susan Cohen and Carolina Drone Lab. I just wrapped up my M.S. degree and am now working full-time with the lab.

What got you interested in using drones for forest/wildlife management?
Natural resource managers are plagued by understaffing, underfunding and increasing demands on natural resources. This highlights the need for improved efficiency which I think drones can provide. Finding ways to be better land stewards is my ultimate goal, and drones are a new tool with a promising horizon.

What is the coolest part of your job?
I think getting to work in areas that the public doesn’t have access to is the coolest part. It’s a perk you can’t put a price on.

What does a typical day of work look like for you at CARDNL?
Typically, I am either in the field flying drones, processing data/working with our equipment, or reading literature pertaining to an upcoming project.

Is there anything else you want us to know about you?
I love getting to work on new and unique projects so If anyone has a need for drones in their research reach out to me. I’d be happy to help!