Justin Cummings, Ph.D. is based at UC Santa Cruz and has been a drone operator and sensor technician since March of 2020.  Justin Cummings, holds a BA in Spanish and a BS in Biology from Eastern Illinois University and a Ph.D. from the department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and a designated emphasis in Environmental Studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz. His work has focused on tropical forest restoration, plant physiology, invasive species ecology, ecosystem. physiology, conservation science, environmental instrumentation, remote sensing using drones, and justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion program development and management.  He also served as Mayor of the City of Santa Cruz in 2020 and has been on the Santa Cruz City Council since December of 2018.