Joseph Vacek

Biography

Joseph J. Vacek, J.D. is a full professor at UND Aerospace, and is the former graduate program director for the department of Aviation. He holds courtesy appointments in the Department of Space Studies and at the UND School of Law. Vacek’s primary research relates to Uncrewed Aircraft Systems. He holds FAA commercial pilot and flight instructor certificates, as well as a remote pilot certificate. His research in the UAS technical field has resulted in multiple patents. Vacek also serves as an executive in a technology company providing remote sensing and optical detection technologies. He is noted as a UAS legal expert, and has presented his work to the United States Federal Courts System, the American Bar Association, and several regional, state, and local bar associations.  Vacek serves as a reviewer for several national and international journals in the areas of aviation and UAS law.