Dr. Donna Delparte

Professor, Department of Geosciences

Dr. Donna M. Delparte is a Professor in the Department of Geosciences at Idaho State University whose research integrates remote sensing, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), and machine learning to support real-world decision making in conservation and environmental planning, precision agriculture, resource management, and natural hazard analysis. Dr. Delparte is a certified FAA remote pilot and has over 14 years of experience flying fixed wing and multicopter UAS. Her work integrates drone-based photogrammetry, LiDAR, hyperspectral, and thermal imagery with spatial analytics to examine complex environments at fine scales. Her recent research focus is using UAS imagery for detecting thermal heat stress in plants and river systems, advanced AI learning such as YOLO for object detection in UAS imagery, spectral analysis for crop threats, and modeling of complex landscape processes.

Mentorship and collaboration are foundational to Dr. Delparte's approach. She works closely with graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and interdisciplinary partners, prioritizing hands-on training and applied problem-solving. As Chair of the AmericaView Board of Directors—a national earth observation consortium representing 44 states—she advances spatial literacy, workforce development, and the thoughtful application of geospatial technologies to address challenges at local, regional, and national levels.

Dr. Delparte teaches in ISU’s Geospatial Science Programs, including the Masters of Geographic Information Sciences program - her courses include graduate and undergraduate courses in remote sensing, GIS, and UAS for conservation and resource management applications.