MEET TEAM OTUS
The OTUS Project is a research project led by Louis Tucker, Nelson Tucker, Tanner Beard, Erik Fox & Louis (Sr) Tucker. Founded by students in meteorology and engineering, OTUS is pioneering the use of cutting-edge UAV technology, software, and sensor engineering to investigate tornadoes in ways never before possible.
Our goal is to protect life and property by improving our understanding of wind forces for structural resilience and collecting thermodynamic data to enhance computer models and hazard prediction. Through advanced drone deployments, strategic partnerships, and real-time fieldwork, OTUS is pushing storm science forward—documenting every step to inspire, educate, and build the support needed to continue this mission.
Louis Tucker
CEO & Lead Pilot
Louis has flown drones his whole life and picked up drone racing in 2019. Thousands of flight hours later, he became the 2023 National Collegiate Drone Racing Champion and led his School to a 1st place finish in 2024. Older brother to Nelson, Louis learned about the challenges that researchers faced when gathering data near/inside a tornado, and figured that the OTUS concept was possible with the right engineering expertise to solve such issues. After pulling in Tanner, a close friend through drone racing, OTUS was born and in less than 3 months he flew the first drone inside a tornado in May 2024.
Nelson Tucker
Chief Science Officer
Hailing from northern Virginia, Nelson has had a fascination with weather since young childhood. He developed a particular interest in wind-based phenomena. Over time this interest has grown greatly, and he has spent much of his life immersing himself in the science and history of volatile weather. Nelson completed his B.S. in Meteorology at Millersville University. He is currently a graduate student researcher in the Texas Tech University Aerodynamic Impacts and Resilience Lab (TTU-AIR) pursuing a masters in Atmospheric Science. In his spare time, Nelson enjoys weather photography and timelapsing, researching, mapping, and damage analysis.
Tanner Beard
Chief Engineer, Secondary Pilot
Tanner is a aerospace engineer based in Brownsville, TX with over 8 years experience building, flying and racing quads and fixed wing aircraft. He is a sponsored drone racing pilot, placing 2nd at the 2023 collegiate drone racing racing nationals. Tanner has transformed his house into a workshop with a mill, lathe, welder and 3d printers. Outside of drones, Tanner enjoys longboard dancing, surfing and storm chasing!
Erik Fox
Professional Storm Chaser
Erik has been chasing since 1995 and has been a field correspondent since 2016 for Weather Nation. Before being a correspondent, he was a DOD forecaster from 2010-2015. Erik started the National Storm Chaser Summit (NSCS) in 2019 with James Menzies. When not chasing tornadoes and severe weather, Erik is a police officer and has been with the force since 2010.
Louis (Sr) Tucker
Senior Advisor / Chase Car Driver
Father of Louis and Nelson, and fellow veteran with Erik, Commander Lou runs his own national security consulting practice outside of Washington, D.C. As chase car (and primary back-up) driver, he is OTUS' indispensable utility player - supporting wherever needed, and advising on all business matters. From Navy SEAL, to CIA Operator, to senior Capitol Hill staffer, and now as a successful business entrepreneur, one thing he hadn't done was get up close and personal with Tornadoes - until introduced to them by his two sons! With his passionate support of the team, and his joy in pursuing extreme weather with them, Commander Lou rounds out the OTUS-5!