Nickolas Daniel Macchiarella

Title
Professor
Email
Department
Aeronautical Science Department
College
College of Aviation

Areas of Expertise

Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS), UAS remote sensing, AI for environmental monitoring, simulation system design and development, virtual environments for training, web/computer-based training and helicopter operations.

Nickolas Daniel Macchiarella

Nickolas “Dan” Macchiarella serves as a professor of Aeronautical Science at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where he previously held roles as department chair and academic dean. His research integrates cutting-edge technology with environmental and cultural preservation, focusing on the use of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) equipped with advanced remote sensors.

Dr. Macchiarella’s current projects utilize UAS platforms to collect environmental data that supports decision-making for climate adaptation and resilience. His work employs artificial intelligence (AI), photogrammetry, LiDAR and multi- and hyperspectral imaging to study ecosystems, cultural heritage sites and archaeological locations.

As Principal Investigator and operational test pilot, he leads several major research initiatives, including:

  • COASTech–Brevard Zoo Collaboration: Using UAS to monitor Florida’s eastern coastal ecosystems, with emphasis on sea turtle lifecycles, seagrass health, harmful algal blooms, and shoreline erosion.

  • NOAA Sea Grant – Indian River Lagoon Project: Assessing the impact of climate change and human activity on regional resilience through green infrastructure prioritization.

  • NSF – Cape Canaveral Green Stormwater Infrastructure Project: Leveraging UAS remote sensing and LiDAR to evaluate water flow systems that reduce urban flooding and enhance coastal adaptation.

Beyond research, Dr. Macchiarella leads study abroad programs where students conduct hands-on service learning, applying UAS technology to address real-world environmental and societal challenges. A recipient of the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Award, he has contributed internationally to advancing STEM education and the preservation of cultural heritage through aerial technologies.

  • Ph.D. - Doctor of Philosophy in Computing Technology in Education, Nova Southeastern University
  • M.Ed. - Master of Education in Occupational Training and Development, University of Louisville
  • B.S. - Bachelor of Science in Business Administration: Management and Military Science, University of Central Florida
  • Remote Pilot - Federal Aviation Administration
  • Commercial Pilot - Federal Aviation Administration
  • Ground Instructor - Federal Aviation Administration
  • AS 473: Operational Application in UAS
  • AS 423: UAS Infrastr Dev & Mod
Recent courses include: AS 368 UAS Remote Sensing, AS 390 UAS Applications, UA 390 and 490 Practicum in UAS, and AS 423 AAM Infrastructure Development and Modeling. 

Phi Beta Delta - Honor Society for International Scholars