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Suzanne Kearns, PhD
Founding Director at Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics
Dr. Suzanne Kearns is a distinguished aviation academic and the Founding Director of the Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics (WISA) at the University of Waterloo.1 Her career combines expertise in aviation, education, and sustainability.
Academic Background and Qualifications
Dr. Kearns has an impressive educational background in aviation and related fields:
- PhD in Education (2007)
- Master's degree in Human Factors and Systems Engineering from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- Bachelor's degree in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- College Diploma in helicopter flight training from Canadore College
- Commercial multi-engine instrument pilot licenses for both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft2
Professional Experience
As an Associate Professor in the Department of Geography and Environmental Management at the University of Waterloo, Dr. Kearns focuses on aviation education and improving pilot performance.3 Her research explores optimizing the next generation of aviation professionals (NGAP) and processes to attract people to the aviation field.
In June 2021, Dr. Kearns founded WISA and became its Founding Director.2 The institute's mission is to be the world's leading hub for sustainable aeronautics research, technology, and education.
Achievements and Contributions
Dr. Kearns is internationally recognized for her work in aviation:
- Author of six books, including the widely used textbook "Fundamentals of International Aviation"
- Developer of e-learning courses, including a free course on aviation fundamentals for the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
- Past-President of the University Aviation Association (UAA)
- Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society (FRAeS)
- Recipient of the Distinguished Teacher Award at the University of Waterloo in 202123
Her expertise has led to collaborations with international agencies and frequent invitations as a speaker at international conferences. Dr. Kearns is also known for her dedication to student supervision and fostering a community of aviation students at the University of Waterloo.2
Personal Life
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dr. Kearns describes herself as a proud wife and mother of three.4
Highlights
Interesting article about the importance of sustainability education for the next generation of professionals -
"Teaching our youth to care
As we confront an array of global challenges, from climate change and biodiversity loss to social inequality, it has become increasingly clear that addressing these issues starts with education..."
What does "sustainability" mean to you?
Despite years as an airplane and helicopter pilot, advanced aviation degrees, and a career focused on aviation, when I was first tasked with creating a classroom-based 'Aviation Sustainability' course at the University of Waterloo, I had a limited view of sustainability. I thought it was just about environmental protection, which made me question how it was relevant to aviation operations. I was wrong.
Developing and teaching the course over several years taught me that sustainability is about making decisions today that don't compromise future generations ability to make theirs. It’s about future-focused decision making and operations that balance and optimize environmental stewardship, social responsibility, workforce well-being, and economic viability.
In aviation, this holistic perspective is essential. Consider a perfectly green, net-zero aircraft—if there aren’t skilled professionals to operate it, or if it’s too costly for operators, we won't realize its potential. Sustainability touches every aspect of the industry.
I’m excited to introduce our new Aviation Sustainability eLearning course, which explores how sustainable development applies across all sectors of aviation. It’s time to recognize that every aviation job is, in fact, a sustainability job.
Join us in shaping a future for aviation that is sustainable, innovative, and inclusive: https://lnkd.in/gSWWepgg
#Aviation #Sustainability #Innovation #FutureOfFlight
