CopterSonde-SWX: development of a UAS-based Vertical Atmospheric Profiler for severe weather

Dr. Antonio R. Segales

Research Engineer

My research centers around developing small unmanned aircraft systems for adaptive atmospheric sampling which involves CAD modeling, systems optimization, hardware and software integration, and control theory. I have led the design of the CopterSonde series of vehicles, which is used to perfrom controlled and targeted weather sampling at high temporal and spatial resolutions. I am also advising other projects in which sensor integration or new UAS are required.

Dr. Tyler M. Bell

Assistant Professor

Dr. Tyler Bell is an Assistant Professor in the School of Meteorology and School of Aviation at the University of Oklahoma. Dr. Bell earned his B.S. (2016), M.S. (2018), and Ph.D. (2021) in Meteorology from the University of Oklahoma. Prior to joining the faculty in Fall 2025, he served as a Research Scientist at the Cooperative Institute for High-Impact Weather Research and Operations from 2020 to 2025.

Dr. Joshua G. Gebauer

Research Scientist

Dr. Elizabeth N. Smith

Research Meteorologist

Elizabeth joined NSSL as a research meteorologist in January 2020, where she focuses on boundary-layer processes relevant to near- and pre-storm environments and convection initiation.