Wade Hawkins is an accomplished professional with over 28 years of experience in Geospatial Technology, Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), education, and research. He has led numerous innovative applied research and development initiatives, collaborating with industry partners and various governmental and non-governmental agencies. As the Research Chair for the Centre for Innovation and Research in Unmanned Systems (CIRUS) at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) in Calgary, Alberta, Wade leads a talented team of Principal Investigators, Advanced Drone Pilots, Geospatial Experts, and Research Technicians. Their work focuses on integrating drones, sensors, and analytics to meet clients' applied research needs. In addition to his professional role, Wade actively volunteers as a board member for the Fernie Trails Alliance and the Western Sky Land Trust, reflecting his commitment to environmental and community initiatives. He also values family time and enjoys outdoor activities such as mountain biking, wake surfing, and skiing.