Team

Eric (Arek) Saczuk, PhD

Lead, RPAS Hub; Faculty, Geomatics Department

Born in Poland, Eric presently resides in Vancouver with his wife and two daughters. He’s a full-time instructor at BCIT, RPAS Hub Lead, Research Chair, and Geomatics consultant. He’s also a Fellow International (’18) of The Explorers Club, a Transport Canada Certified RPAS Flight Reviewer, and a Nikon professional services photographer. As the lead photographer for Hambleton Fine Art Services, Eric’s photographs brighten the spaces of hundreds of commercial spaces all over the world. Through his company, Space Hog Graphics, Eric uses his artistic talents to help underprivileged children in Nepal gain access to healthcare and education. With a deep passion for adventure travel to off-the-beaten-path destinations, he’s created photographs that feature prominently in the short documentaries Beyond the Gates of Phu (2013) and Colours of Edziza (2015). Contact Eric: Eric_Saczuk@bcit.ca

Michal Aibin, PhD

Research Faculty, Computing Department

Michal is a full-time research faculty member at BCIT and a Visiting Associate Professor at Northeastern University. He’s also a member of IEEE and ACM, a Transport Canada Certified RPAS Advanced Pilot, and a Nikon professional services photographer. He began his doctoral studies at the Department of Systems and Computer Networks at the Wroclaw University of Technology in 2012 and received his doctoral degree in June 2017 by defending the thesis “Dynamic Routing Algorithms for Cloud-Ready Elastic Optical Networks.” His research topics are related to the optimization of computer networks and RPAS technology. In particular, he applies computer vision, machine learning, and deep learning concepts to enable technology advancements in areas mentioned above. He is also active in creating video content from his RPAS research flights, which can be seen here: https://vimeopro.com/user39882855/rpas/. Contact Michael: maibin@bcit.ca

Cheryl Cahill, BBA, MA

Chief Instructor, Aviation Operations

Cheryl joined BCIT in 2000 and is currently the Chief Instructor of Aviation Operations programs. She’s held frontline operations and management positions in the airline industry, and has over 25 years of experience designing, delivering and evaluating training. Prior to joining BCIT, she operated her own training consultancy firm, The Education Centre (TEC) Corporation, advising a diverse range of clients. She has an educational background in aviation, commerce, and adult education, including a master’s degree in Aeronautical Sciences–Aviation/Aerospace Educational Technology from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University (2015). Cheryl is an active board member on the British Columbia Aviation Council and is passionate about all areas of aviation operations. Contact Cheryl: Cheryl_Cahill@bcit.ca

Chris Cambon

Video & Digital Media Producer, Learning and Teaching Centre (LTC)

Chris has over 35 years of experience in the media industry. He works as a video and digital media producer for the LTC, where he and his team create engaging instructional, informational, and marketing content. Chris started using RPAS for aerial filming more than 10 years ago, as an alternative to traditional helicopter flights. As a pilot and payload operator specializing in aerial cinematography and heavy lift systems, Chris has worked with industry partners, students, and the media in hopes of bringing BCIT to the forefront of the RPAS field. Chris is also part of the BCIT RPAS Emergency Response Team, which trains directly with first responders during the yearly BCIT Disaster Day exercises. Contact Chris: Chris_Cambon@bcit.ca

Sean Galway, BSc, MSc

Faculty, Geomatics Department

Sean spent the first decade of his professional life in the field of hydrography, using multibeam sonars mounted on vessels to create nautical charts of the ocean floor. Eventually the desire to break the bonds of gravity came calling, and Sean joined the emerging field of airborne LiDAR and laser-scanning technologies. His marine sector training prepared him to specialize in integrating these complex LiDAR systems to ensure they collected accurate spatial data, and he soon became known within industry as a highly specialized swath systems integrator. A BCIT faculty member since 2013, Sean holds a Bachelor of Science in Geological Oceanography (UBC) and a Master of Science in Engineering (UNB Ocean Mapping Group). One day, he hopes to complete his Private Pilot’s License (PPL), but until then—it’s through RPAS platforms that he takes to the sky. Contact Sean: sgalway@bcit.ca

David Griffiths

Faculty, Broadcast & Media Communications, Television Option

David’s been working in the production community for more than 30 years and has been a faculty member of BCIT’s Television and Video Production program since 1999. He continues to freelance in the local community in sports broadcasting, episodic television, feature films, and as a specialized technician for production companies around the GVRD. Since 2019, David has held an Advanced Drone Operators Pilot certificate from Transport Canada. Contact David: David_Griffiths@bcit.ca

Brian Hosier, BSc, MBA

Director, Learning and Teaching Centre

Brian leads the Learning and Teaching Centre and is a new RPAS pilot who recently discovered his passion to fly. Brian works diligently to find resources and support for the RPAS Hub team but his goal is to help BCIT be a leader in Western Canada within the RPAS industry. He believes the RPAS industry is still evolving but during these exciting times, the role of RPAS in education and industry will surpass our wildest expectations. He has spent 25 years in IT, but pivoted into education technology and administration over a decade ago. Brian holds a bachelor’s degree in Technology Management (BCIT) and an MBA from SFU. Contact Brian: Brian_Hosier@bcit.ca

Justin Perry

Program Lead, Indigenous Internship Program

Justin has worked across the province in natural resource management specializing in RPAS technology, silviculture, plant identification, and wildfire management. Justin holds a private pilot’s license for fixed-wing aircraft, which allowed him to be an early adopter of RPAS technology. As a chief pilot, he was responsible for overseeing and leading wildfire mapping missions with RPAS and infrared scanning technology across BC. In November 2023, Justin spoke at TEDx Abbotsford about “Holistic Wildfire Management”. Although he appreciates the applications of technology, he also brings with him “two-eyed seeing,” and shares the importance of culture in his classes. Justin is a member of Métis Nation BC and often shares his knowledge of the traditional use of plants as medicine. Justin is currently BCIT’s Program Lead for the Indigenous Internship Program, which opens applied research projects to Indigenous youth across Canada.  Justin graduated as valedictorian of BCIT’s School of Construction and the Environment in 2018 and attributes his success to his instructors and to elder Alf Dumont.

Cyrus Raoufi, PhD, PEng