Dr. Alistair Drake

Biography

Alistair Drake is an Honorary Senior Lecturer with a background in Physics, having earned both his BA and DPhil from Oxford University. He holds a Graduate Certificate in Higher Education from the University of New South Wales. His research primarily focuses on insect migration, utilizing special-purpose radars to observe migration patterns. Notably, he has designed and built a series of entomological radar units currently operational in Hay, New South Wales. His work encompasses the analysis of radar signals to study the radar-reflecting properties of insects and investigates the relationship between insect migration and weather conditions. He has a keen interest in the orientation behaviors of insects during migratory flights at altitudes reaching hundreds of meters and examines pest migration to improve pest management forecasting using radar technology. Drake has contributed to the emerging field of aeroecology, which explores the ecological interactions of flying organisms. Although retired, he continues to engage in research and contributes to professional courses focused on non-ionizing radiation safety. His previous teaching primarily covered meteorology and general physics, and he currently offers intensive courses for defense and civilian personnel in radiation safety.

Research Interests