The Lehigh-grad-turned-engineer who protects whales with his “SnotBot”

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Lehigh grad Chris Zadra uses his Snotbot drone to study whales, pioneering non-invasive research methods that are transforming marine conservation efforts.

In a world where technology and nature often seem at odds, one Lehigh University alumnus is using his engineering expertise to bridge the gap and protect some of our planet’s most majestic creatures.

Chris Zadra, a 2016 (bachelor’s) and 2017 (master’s) graduate, has taken his passion for drones and turned it into a groundbreaking career in whale conservation. As the program manager for the Drones for Whale Research program at Ocean Alliance, Zadra is at the forefront of innovative techniques that are revolutionizing our understanding of whales and their ecosystems.

Snot your average drone

At the heart of Zadra’s work is the aptly named SnotBot, a modified consumer drone that flies through a whale’s spout to collect biological samples. This ingenious device allows researchers to gather crucial data on whale genetics, hormones, and microbiomes without disturbing the animals.

“SnotBot is the umbrella name for these various drone-based applications,” explains Ocean Alliance, the Massachusetts-based nonprofit where Zadra works. The organization’s motto, “Save the Whales, Save the Oceans, Save Ourselves,” underscores the interconnectedness of marine conservation and human wellbeing (Ocean Alliance, 2024).

Tagging innovation: A game-changer in whale research

Perhaps even more groundbreaking is Zadra’s work in drone-based whale tagging. In 2022, Ocean Alliance became the first group in the world to successfully deploy data tags on whales using drones. This minimally invasive method has transformed researchers’ ability to study whale behavior and movement patterns. “It is a game-changer and is one of Ocean Alliance’s most significant contributions to whale science in our +50 year history,” the organization proudly states on is website.

According to Lehigh News, Zadra’s unique skill set makes him possibly “the only person in the world using drones to drop data tags onto the backs of whales to gather unprecedented insight into how whales live.” This innovative approach not only increases the efficiency of tag deployment but also reduces stress on the whales, allowing for more comprehensive and ethical research.

From Lehigh to the high seas

Zadra’s journey from Lehigh’s campus to the open ocean is a testament to the power of combining passion with education. His background in engineering, coupled with his entrepreneurial spirit and interest in drones, provided the perfect foundation for his current role. As Lehigh News reports, Zadra “turned his engineering acumen, entrepreneurial spirit and longtime interest in drones into a life-changing career.”

The impact of Zadra’s work extends beyond just whale research. Ocean Alliance’s SnotBot program has expanded to include applications in whale disentanglement efforts and body condition assessment. These initiatives are crucial in addressing some of the most pressing threats to whale populations, including entanglement in fishing gear and overall health monitoring.

As we face increasing environmental challenges, innovators like Chris Zadra remind us of the potential for technology to serve as a powerful tool for conservation. His work not only advances our understanding of whales but also inspires a new generation of engineers and scientists to apply their skills to pressing environmental issues. In the vast expanse of the ocean, a small drone guided by a passionate Lehigh graduate is making waves in the world of marine conservation, one whale snot sample at a time.

 

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