Defending the Skies: Oklahoma State University’s Mission to Counter Emerging Drone Threats: Dr. Jamey Jacobs, Exe Director of OAIRE

Dr. Jamey Jacob is Executive Director of the Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research and Education and the Williams Chair in Energy Technology at Oklahoma State University. Under his leadership, OSU launched the Counter-UAS Center of Excellence, now the nation’s central hub for coordinated research, development, testing and evaluation of counter-drone systems. Working closely with the Joint Force CUAS University at Fort Sill, the center assesses vendor technologies, establishes performance standards and accelerates next-generation defenses—all while addressing the growing national shortage of highly trained engineers in this mission-critical domain. With unique testing environments and deep alignment with military needs, OSU plays a pivotal role in strengthening national security and maintaining U.S. leadership in UAS innovation.

Beyond directing the Center, Dr. Jacob is a Regents Professor of Aerospace Engineering and a nationally recognized leader in emerging aerospace systems, securing nearly $50 million in research funding from federal agencies and industry partners. He has testified before Congress on the critical need for sustained investment in drone research and advanced air mobility, and he leads major initiatives including the EDA-funded LaunchPad and UAS Flight Corridor, NASA’s WINDMAP weather program, OSU’s work within the Tulsa Hub for Ethical and Trustworthy Autonomy, and the NIST initiative developing certification standards for next-generation aircraft. A native Oklahoman, he holds degrees from the University of Oklahoma and UC Berkeley, and is an FAA Part 107 pilot with roughly 500 flight hours.

In this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Dr. Jacob talks about OSU’s efforts to advance the nation’s counter-UAS capabilities; what Ukraine’s drone innovations reveal about the future of warfare, and how OSU’s research in atmospheric science, public safety, and wildlife applications is shaping the next generation of drone operations.