Education
I hold an B.S. in applied
Geography from East Carolina University and will earn a M.A. in Geography from
East Carolina University (planned graduation, June, 2011). My overarching
focus at East Carolina University has been the application of Terrestrial
Laser Scanning (TLS) for Geographic research.
Research
I have a keen interest for geomorphology, the study of the
evolution of landscapes. TLS has provided my research with unique perspective
on the effect of geomporhic events within context of broader landscape
evolution. A central theme to my research has been developing an understanding
of the effects of wildfire on watershed processes, in particular the influence
of wildfire on the initiation of debris flow events. The effects of wildfires
on hillslopes have typically been researched methodologically and accounted for
in hazard mitigation models by either viewing the surface at large scales but
coarse resolutions or by studying small plots within a watershed to better
understand a landscape compartment's individual processes. Using TLS, my
research views the landscape uniquely, measuring the surface at high
resolutions and a relatively large-scale, allowing a more realistic image of
surface evolution, as it changes from event to geomoprohic event.
Terrestrial Laser Scanning
I began working with TLS in the summer of 2008
through my professor and adviser Dr. Thad Wasklewicz. Using Dr. Wasklewicz's
10+ years of experience pioneering TLS within geomorphic research, I have
learned proficiency and self-sufficiency with Leica ScanStation 2 and C10 laser
scanners. More importantly however, I have learned the importance of
appropriate scanning methodologies, not just by being meticulous and organized,
but to place scan and target positions thoughtfully, producing the most
efficient surveys for a variety of purposes. My scanning philosophy has been
developed in the most rigorous scanning environments, and in doing so have
extended my knowledge of the applications and capabilities of TLS and my skill
set as an operator.
As a graduate student I have been given the opportunity to lead Terrestrial Laser Scanning field work which has required the coordination of people and resources along with the responsibility of producing quality results for entities within and outside the university. While in school I have also actively pursued using the Terrain Analysis Lab's laser scanners in cooperation for student, faculty member and outside business projects. My experience actively pursuing and leading laser scanning work has further developed my skill-set in pressure filled environments, honing my idea of the purpose and potential markets for Terrestrial Laser Scanning.
While my initial interest and experience with TLS dealt largely with geomorphic research, my passion for the technology has expanded my interest into its relevant application for Building Information Management, 3D Visualization, Historical Preservation and as-built modeling. In 2010, the Innovation and Design lab at East Carolina University employed me as a graduate assistant to model video game environments from TLS point clouds. Working with the design lab has given me an enhanced skill set, positioned within the growing need for TLS in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industries.
As a graduate student I have been given the opportunity to lead Terrestrial Laser Scanning field work which has required the coordination of people and resources along with the responsibility of producing quality results for entities within and outside the university. While in school I have also actively pursued using the Terrain Analysis Lab's laser scanners in cooperation for student, faculty member and outside business projects. My experience actively pursuing and leading laser scanning work has further developed my skill-set in pressure filled environments, honing my idea of the purpose and potential markets for Terrestrial Laser Scanning.
While my initial interest and experience with TLS dealt largely with geomorphic research, my passion for the technology has expanded my interest into its relevant application for Building Information Management, 3D Visualization, Historical Preservation and as-built modeling. In 2010, the Innovation and Design lab at East Carolina University employed me as a graduate assistant to model video game environments from TLS point clouds. Working with the design lab has given me an enhanced skill set, positioned within the growing need for TLS in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industries.
Thad Wester
3/27/2011
3/27/2011
