Nicholas Alley

Nicholas Alley is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Area-I, Inc., a company specializing in unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Established in 2009 and based in Kennesaw, Georgia, Area-I has gained recognition for its innovative tube-launched unmanned aircraft, notably the ALTIUS platform, which is designed for various military applications including surveillance and reconnaissance.12

Educational Background

Dr. Alley earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Utah State University (USU) in 2006, where he focused on fluids and flight mechanics. His academic journey included significant involvement in unmanned aircraft design and construction, notably serving as the chief engineer for USU's Wright Flyer project, which celebrated the centennial of flight.23

Professional Experience

Before founding Area-I, Alley worked at the Idaho National Laboratory, developing UAVs for security applications. He later took a position as a research faculty member at Georgia Tech, where he taught unmanned aircraft design.23 Under his leadership, Area-I has grown to over 100 employees and secured nearly $100 million in contracts with various branches of the U.S. military and NASA.2

Contributions and Legacy

Alley is recognized for his contributions to the aerospace field, particularly in developing technologies that enhance UAS capabilities. His work has not only advanced military applications but also set a foundation for future aerospace engineering initiatives. Recently, he has also focused on philanthropic efforts to support aerospace education at USU through an endowed fellowship named after his mentor, Dr. Warren Phillips.34

Personal Life

Nicholas Alley resides in Georgia with his wife and five children. His commitment to education and mentorship reflects his belief in nurturing the next generation of aerospace engineers.3