Bio

Dexter is currently a Pr. Technical Leader for the Electric Power Research Institute. Dexter is a part of EPRI’s Transmission and Distribution Program in the Power Delivery and Utilization sector. His working responsibilities include supporting EPRI’s ongoing UAS research portfolio; identifying new research opportunities; and supporting the UAS needs of the utility industry. A few specific research areas of interest include investigating the automation capabilities of UAS for automated inspections and evaluating the state of the industry for computer vision, AI, and image processing. Before joining EPRI, Dexter worked for 10 years for Southern Company Services in their Research and Development department. His previous work activities involved leading Southern Company’s Distribution Research Program; developing the company's UAS program; and managing Southern Company's UAS research. Dexter began his career as a Research Engineer for Distribution. Dexter’s primary research focus is the identification and evaluation of new methods and technologies to manage the power delivery distribution system. He accomplished this by leading collaborative research with internal and external organizations. In 2014, Dexter transitioned his research focus to the use and integration of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) for Southern Company. Dexter was heavily involved in identifying utility applications of UAS, managing UAS demonstrations, developing company policy, and working with the Federal Aviation Administration. With his aviation background and research experience, Dexter worked to accelerate the adoption of UAS for the electric utility industry. In early 2017, he successfully transitioned a fully functional UAS program from R&D to Southern Company Operations. After his UAS research, Dexter was a Senior Research Engineer in Southern Company’s Research and Development department. His primary role was to identify new technologies and innovative solutions that return value to the distribution business units.