DAYTON, Ohio (January 9, 2014)... Woolpert, a national geospatial, architecture and infrastructure firm headquartered in Dayton, announced it has conducted an unmanned aerial system (UAS) joint test flight at Wilmington Air Park with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Mobile District. The test was conducted to determine the viability of using Woolpert's Altavian Nova Block II unmanned aerial system (UAS) accompanied by a metric camera system for upcoming USACE Mobile District mapping projects.

The USACE Mobile District has partnered with Woolpert to use the larger UAS because it is more stable and, accompanied with the metric camera system, allows for repeatable, calibrated performance which results in high-resolution data and more accurate imagery.

"Using an accurate, high-resolution metric camera system with a UAV, we can continue to explore the many applications and benefits of unmanned aerial technology," said Clint Padgett, Chief, Spatial Data Branch, USACE Mobile District.

Despite the FAA's recent announcement of its six UAS test sites, which did not include Ohio in its selection, the USACE Mobile District will continue to work with Woolpert to further develop operational concepts for upcoming 2014 UAS data collection efforts.

"The Dayton Development Coalition sees UAS as an industry with high growth potential. The entire Dayton Region is positioned to capitalize on future opportunities regardless of the FAA designation," said Jeff Hoagland, President & CEO, Dayton Development Coalition. "Woolpert and other DDC members are poised to benefit."

Through its partnership with Sinclair Community College, Woolpert was able to conduct the test flight using Sinclair's Certificate of Authorization (COA) granted by the FAA. A COA is currently required in order for organizations to operate a UAV until the FAA opens the air space for commercial use of UAVs.

The recent test flight was a necessary step in USACE Mobile District's plans to continue to lead growth of domestic UAS technology use for science applications and reliable, safe and efficient data creation.

About Woolpert

Woolpert, ranked by Engineering News-Record as a top national design firm, provides professional design, geospatial and infrastructure services to clients in the public and private sectors. Founded in 1911, Woolpert's innovative design approach and commitment to the creative application of technology have grown the firm into a leader in the consulting industry. With more than 600 professionals in 22 offices located throughout the U.S., Woolpert's collaborative and multidisciplinary approach is driven by great people, great clients and great projects. For more information on Woolpert, visit Woolpert's website. For insight on industry trends and emerging topics, visit our Thought Leaders blog.

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DECORAH, IA (01/21/2014)(readMedia)-- 741 Luther College students were named to the fall 2013 dean's list. To be named to Luther's dean's list, a student must earn a semester grade point average of 3.5 or better on a 4.0 scale and must complete at least 12 credit hours with 10 hours of conventional grades (A, B, C, D).

Area students on Luther's dean's list include :

Meredith Bruster, a first year from Bettendorf, Iowa, is the daughter of Eric and Teri Bruster.

Emily Crowe, a first year from Davenport, Iowa, is the daughter of Catherine Hanson and David Crowe.

Solveig Entwistle, a senior from Bettendorf, Iowa, is the daughter of James Entwistle and Siv Brit Saetre.

Molly Eversoll, a senior from Clinton, Iowa, is the daughter of Richard and Sally Eversoll.

Kelli Golinghorst, a junior from Dixon, Iowa, is the daughter of David and Linda Golinghorst.

Chloe Gumpert, a senior from Eldridge, Iowa, is the daughter of Tamra and Joseph Gumbert.

Miranda Gumpert, a first year from Eldridge, Iowa, is the daughter of Joseph and Tamra Gumbert.

Madison Johnson, a sophomore from Clinton, Iowa, is the daughter of Jeff Johnson and Cathy Layton-Johnson.

Blake Letney, a sophomore from Bettendorf, Iowa, is the son of Todd and Robin Letney.

Melissa Lockwood, a junior from Bettendorf, Iowa, is the daughter of Jeff and Lora Lockwood.

Kayla Naber, a junior from Eldridge, Iowa, is the daughter of Glen and Jacqueline Naber.

Kelsey Rose, a junior from Bettendorf, Iowa, is the daughter of Kevin and Mary Ann Rose.

Evan Woodard, a sophomore from Bettendorf, Iowa, is the son of Sonia Sundstedt.

Lauren Gonyier, a junior from East Moline, Ill., is the daughter of Kirk Gonyier and Sheryl Kotula.

Savannah Horn, a first year from Morrison, Ill., is the daughter of Joel and Susan Horn.

Abigail Lobdell, a junior from Sterling, Ill., is the daughter of Brian and Lisa Lobdell.

Paige Lobdell, a sophomore from Sterling, Ill., is the daughter of Brian and Lisa Lobdell.

Kylie Romeo, a sophomore from Moline, Ill., is the daughter of Kelly and Anthony Romeo.

Connor Stanton, a senior from Morrison, Ill., is the son of Paul and Tricia Stanton.

This fall's list includes 741 students; 137 freshmen, 186 sophomores, 203 juniors and 215 seniors.

Luther is a selective four-year college located in northeast Iowa. The college has an enrollment of 2,500 students and offers a liberal arts education leading to the bachelor of arts degree in 60 majors and pre-professional programs.

In January, the job search websites go crazy as people start the New Year resolved to find work that's more satisfying.

"While thousands of people are dealing with the tragedy of unemployment, many others are looking for jobs that are more fulfilling than the ones they have," says attorney and author Pamela Samuels Young, www.pamelasamuelsyoung.com, whose newest novel, "Anybody's Daughter," is one of five nominees for NAACP Image Awards' Outstanding Literary Work, Fiction.

In January 2013, job search website Indeed.com had a record 17.3 million unique visitors?a 24-percent jump, and January 2014 will likely see a similar increase. Many of those job seekers won't be looking for just a job, but one they're passionate about.

"It's great if your day job is your passion," Young says. "But if it's not, you don't have to give up a position that pays the bills in order to pursue your dream. You can do both."

Since 2006, Young has pursued her passion?writing legal thrillers?as well as her day job as Managing Counsel for Labor and Employment Law for Toyota Motors Sales, U.S.A., Inc. She was described by one reviewer as "John Grisham with a sister's twist."

"I enjoy practicing law and I didn't want to leave Toyota, nor could I afford to. But I also had a burning desire to write mystery novels," says Young. "Anybody's Daughter," her sixth novel, is described by Kirkus Reviews as a "fast-paced, well-written thriller that's grounded in social issues." The book takes readers inside the world of child sex trafficking in the United States.

"I've always believed that if you have a dream, you should formulate a plan and make it happen. So that's what I did."

Young's plan included rising at 4 a.m. to squeeze in some writing time before heading off to work, and turning weekends and vacation time into creation time.

"Sometimes it's hard to believe that I've published six novels, while still practicing law," she says. "The hard work and commitment have definitely paid off."

Young offers these tips for busy professionals itching to pursue their own passions.

· Schedule time to devote to your passion. "On my calendar, you'll find a few hours or full days blocked out as 'Writing Time' every week," Young says. "You have to schedule time for your passion. If you don't, the day-to-day demands of life will get in the way."

· Put "passion" time ahead of "pleasure" time. If you're working full-time and pursuing another "job," you won't have a lot of free time. "You'll have to cut back on watching television, socializing with friends and even family time," Young says. "Explain your goals to friends and family. People who have your best interests at heart will support you. "But do take an occasional break to relax.  Otherwise, you'll burn yourself out by working around the clock."

· Learn from others. Surround yourself with people who share your passion. Sign up for newsletters, read books and join communities of other like-minded people, Young says. "There are tons of professional groups whose sole function is to help their members develop their creative talents and business goals." Young is a diehard member of Sisters in Crime, an organization that promotes the advancement of women mystery writers. "Not only will you get energy and inspiration from networking with others, you'll grow."

· Don't put your day job on the backburner. Young says it's important to give your day job 100 percent. "I never want my co-workers to think I'm phoning it in because I also have a writing career." That attitude has paid off. "I have a strong support system at work. My co-workers read my books, critique my manuscripts and come to book signings." Many of the people Young thanks in the Acknowledgements in each of her books are co-workers. Her fourth novel is even dedicated to another Toyota attorney.

"Don't just dream about pursuing your passion," Young says, "make it happen!"

About Pamela Samuels Young

Pamela Samuels Young is a novelist, motivational speaker and Managing Counsel for Labor and Employment Law for Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., the sales and distribution arm for Toyota and Lexus vehicles in North America. She published the first of her six legal thrillers in 2006.  "Anybody's Daughter" is her latest. Her novel "Buying Time" won the American Library Association's Black Caucus 2010 Fiction Award.

The NAACP Image Awards celebrates the accomplishments of people of color in the fields of television, music, literature and film and also honors individuals or groups who promote social justice through creative endeavors. Winners will be announced Feb. 21-22.