Mapping Solutions
Ohio Wesleyan Student Explores Using Drones for Hydrologic, Ecological Research
Name: Logan McFarland '27
Hometown: Granville, Ohio
High School: Granville High School
Majors: Environmental Science and Geography
OWU Connection Experience: Summer Science Research Program
McFarland is participating in OWU's annual 10-week Summer Science Research Program (SSRP), which enables students to conduct original research in collaboration with Ohio Wesleyan professors. McFarland is researching "Utilizing UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) for Hydrologic and Ecological Mapping" under the mentorship of Nathan Rowley, Ph.D., associate professor of Environment and Sustainability.
[R]emote sensing – taking data on a place without having to physically be there – allows us to analyze environmental problems much easier with the use of various sensors and processing softwares.
What We're Researching
"We are researching the ability of drone imagery to map patterns in water and ecology. It is important because remote sensing – taking data on a place without having to physically be there – allows us to analyze environmental problems much easier with the use of various sensors and processing softwares.
"I have always been interested in remote sensing since coming to OWU, so when an opportunity presented itself where I could get paid to explore something I was already interested in I decided to go for it."
My Favorite Moment
"My favorite moment so far was being able to prepare myself enough to fly a $30,000 drone. SSRP allows you to be introduced to the responsibilities of being in a research lab, which has been very valuable for me."
Lessons Learned
"I learned how to create my own methods in a research situation. Most of my classes that I have taken at OWU and in high school have been highly directed, but I am learning how to create a research question and work toward answering that, which has been difficult but fun."
My Faculty Mentor
My mentor is Dr. Rowley, and I have learned a lot from him about managing many things at once while still having time to do fun stuff. He is mentoring my research, working on his own research, teaching summer classes, and dealing with a baby at home. Through all of these things, he still finds time to go to the gym and get outside, which I find very admirable."
My Campus Involvements
"I am part of the Rock Climbing Club as well as the Environmental Science Student Board."
Why I Chose Ohio Wesleyan?
"I chose OWU because of the beautiful campus and small class sizes, and the financial benefits helped with my decision as well."
My Plans After Graduation
"I am currently deciding what my plans after graduation are going to be, but I am deciding between going to grad school or going into the workforce."