Dr. Alfred D. Ducharme

Alfred D. Ducharme is a distinguished electrical engineer and innovator with a prolific career in academia and industry. He earned his Ph.D. and M.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Central Florida and a B.S. from the University of Massachusetts – Lowell. As the Chief Technology Officer at Hoverfly Technologies, Ducharme played a pivotal role in advancing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology, notably developing the world's first professional multi-rotor flight controller, HoverflyPRO and HoverflyGPS, used by National Geographic Explorer Team. He holds over 30 U.S. and international patents, reflecting his inventive contributions to solid-state lighting, UAV systems, and optical technologies.

Throughout his academic career at the University of Central Florida, Ducharme significantly contributed to the development of the BSEET-Photonics degree program, expanding engineering education and online course delivery. His leadership as Assistant Dean of Distance and Distributed Learning was marked by the modernization of distance education systems, impacting thousands of engineering students. Ducharme's research interests span optical testing, LED technologies, and robotics, with numerous publications and awards, including the prestigious Rudolf Kingslake Award from SPIE. His career reflects a deep commitment to innovation, education, and the practical application of engineering principles.