MSU Alumnus Cox Returns for Geosystems Research Institute Seminar

April 17, 2025

JD Cox, a Mississippi State University alumnus and current faculty member at Northwestern State University, returned to campus this month as part of the Geosystems Research Institute's seminar series.

Cox shared about his work leading Northwestern State's Advanced Remote & Geospatial Operations Lab (ARGO). Located on NSU's main campus in Natchitoches, Louisiana, the applied research and training lab has established a growing list of drone-based capabilities to serve northwest Louisiana.

"We do everything from cinematography to disaster response, but our focus is on uncrewed aircraft systems and geospatial applications," said Cox, who received his master's degree in geosciences from MSU in 2022.

Cox's interdisciplinary lab is also supporting academic classes on the NSU campus through the university's remote systems science and technology curriculum. He also leads K-12 outreach efforts, including a drone obstacle course that can be taken to schools and other events.

ARGO has worked with forestry stakeholders to conduct aerial reconnaissance and mapping, including drone flights to assess storm damage. The lab has also partnered with local communities to create 3-D models of historic buildings that are at risk of collapse, helping to preserve key architectural information.

An assistant professor in NSU's Department of Biology and Microbiology, Cox said he enjoys helping students discover different ways drones can be used to create usable products for the product. In one class, students are required to create a map of downtown Natchitoches using aerial imagery.

"Maps need to be easily read and processed by the public," Cox said.

For more on ARGO, visit www.nsula.edu/argo.