Congratulations to Bryan Kowalczyk on his hire and appointment as Advanced Air Mobility Deputy Director with the UDOT Aeronautics Division. Bryan previously served as the Director of the Applied Autonomy Lab within the University of Cincinnati’s Office of Research, where he led research initiatives in Uncrewed Aircraft Systems, Emergency Management, Robotics, Connected Autonomous Vehicles, and Advanced Air Mobility. Many of the lab’s projects involved close collaboration with the Ohio Department of Transportation, supporting statewide UAS research, operational integration, and emerging technology evaluation. He also taught in the university’s Fire Science and Emergency Management program as an Adjunct Professor, offering courses on Uncrewed Systems and Next Generation Technology for Emergency Responders.

Bryan holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering. He is actively involved in the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) contributing to the Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems & the Aviation in Multimodal Transportation Integration Committees.

Beyond academia, Bryan volunteered as a UAS pilot and support member for UAS500 – Southwest Ohio Regional Drone Team. Additionally, he participated in the Southwest Ohio Public Safety UAS Coordination Group through OHGRU and DroneResponders, supporting regional public safety missions and coordination.

Please join us in welcoming Bryan to UDOT and to his role as AAM Deputy Director.