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Ph.D. in Aviation

Aimed at producing the next generation of scholars to teach and conduct aviation research, this program is designed to help working professionals elevate their careers.

The mission of the Ph.D. in Aviation program is to produce outstanding scholars for careers in research and teaching in the aviation field.

At Embry-Riddle, Ph.D. in Aviation students take part in a rigorous, research-driven program that pushes them to their greatest potential.

The Embry-Riddle Ph.D. in Aviation program allows highly qualified students and professionals from diverse backgrounds and aviation career paths to immerse themselves in this high-powered world of aviation.

As the nation’s first Ph.D. program in Aviation, this degree is designed to educate students and professionals in conducting state-of-the-art research in all areas of this important field of study, extending the aviation body of knowledge. 

Your academic journey will focus on building skills and foundational knowledge to conduct research in Aviation Safety, Aviation Human Factors, Aviation Operations and Intradisciplinary Studies.

The program has been designed to accommodate working professionals who seek to advance their knowledge and conduct high-quality research in aviation while being employed; the flexible, mainly online and hybrid delivery of this program enables students to continue professional careers while pursuing doctoral education.

The program consists of 60 graduate credit hours , 36 of which will come from online courses designed to provide Ph.D. students with aviation knowledge in their intended specialization. Eighteen credit hours are earned completing the dissertation — an extensive, real-world research project.

Application Deadline

The deadline for applications and all supporting documents is February 1st for the following August cohort. The application package is considered an indication of your ability to perform in a challenging, professional environment. It should be carefully and thoroughly prepared, completed and submitted on or before the deadline of February 1st.

About Aviation at the Daytona Beach, FL Campus

The Ph.D. in Aviation program at Embry-Riddle takes place as a part of the world’s largest aviation-oriented university — Embry-Riddle's Daytona Beach Campus, which has extensive experience in graduate education and leading-edge research. The Ph.D. in Aviation degree is housed in the  College of Aviation.

Program Educational Goals

Graduates of the Ph.D. in Aviation degree program will:

• Contribute at the high levels of performance and productivity in academic, business or scientific fields of aviation.
• Conduct and disseminate scholarly research addressing contemporary or future problems in the global aviation industry.
• Actively participate in national and international bodies to sustain continuous improvement in aviation.
• Perform professionally and effectively across multicultural and multidisciplinary units in aviation.

Specializations

The program offers four areas of specialization:

• Aviation Safety: This specialization focuses on safety management systems, safety management practices and tools in aviation, and national and international aviation safety regulations.
• Aviation Human Factors: This specialization focuses on human factors theories and principles, human factors practices in aviation, and human-centered design concepts for real-world aviation technologies.
• Aviation Operations: This specialization focuses on current practices and future trends in aviation, operations research and decision-making tools, multicultural team operations, and aviation organizational dynamics.
• Intradisciplinary: For students with a broader interest in aviation, this specialization offers a cross-disciplinary approach to aviation where they can build a curriculum appropriate for their educational needs.

The program consists of coursework, residencies, qualifying examination and dissertation.

• Coursework – 36 credit hours: The coursework consists of four core courses, specialization courses and elective courses.
• Residency – 6 credit hours: Students are required to complete a minimum of three Residency seminars at the Embry-Riddle Daytona Beach campus. 
• Qualifying Examination: The exam is administered over a two-day period and tests the student’s mastery of completed course subject matter and preparation to conduct dissertation research.
• Dissertation – 18 credit hours: Students work on the dissertation research under the advisement of the Dissertation Advisory Committee. The student must complete and defend the dissertation successfully.

Students are required to complete three five-day on-campus Residency seminars. The seminars include multiple activities and allow students to network face-to-face with other students, faculty and staff while participating in sessions that prepare them for the next phase of the program. The residencies are scheduled during mid-August.

Learn more about the Daytona Beach, FL Campus

The program consists of 60 graduate credit hours. Of those 60 hours, a minimum of 48 hours must be above a Master's degree, and a minimum of 54 hours must be completed at Embry-Riddle. The combined total transfer credit hours that can be applied to the Ph.D. in Aviation degree may not exceed six credit hours. The list of acceptable Master's courses is provided below.

• DAV courses are offered primarily online; limited courses are offered in-person on the Daytona Beach campus.
• Only listed MSA courses are acceptable for the Ph.D. program.

Core Requirements

Students are required to take the following core courses:

Specialization and Elective Courses

Students will complete eight of the following courses:

Acceptable Master's Courses

Only the following MS in Aviation courses are accepted (pre-approval required)

Students are required to attend three, five-day annual residencies at the Daytona campus.

Qualifying Examination

Students must pass the Qualifying Examination to be admitted to candidacy. The exam is administered over a two-day period and tests the student´s mastery of completed course subject matter and preparation to conduct dissertation research.

Dissertation

Once the student has successfully completed the Qualifying Examination, the student will register for Dissertation Research 1. The student must complete 18 credit hours of dissertation courses, at a minimum, and register for at least 3 hours of dissertation courses each semester (i.e., continuous enrollment) until the dissertation has been completed.

Face-to-Face Courses

There are limited face-to-face Ph.D. and Master's courses offered on the Daytona Beach campus, as follows

Ph.D. Residential Courses

Master's residential courses (pre-approval required).

Students can select one of four specializations.

Aviation Safety

In addition to completing all other required coursework, students must take the following courses to specialize in Aviation Safety.

Aviation Human Factors

In addition to completing all other required coursework, students must take the following courses to specialize in Aviation Human Factors .

Aviation Operations

In addition to completing all other required coursework, students must take the following courses to specialize in Aviation Operations .

Intradisciplinary

The Intradisciplinary Specialization is for students who wish to work outside of the traditional academic boundaries, combining coursework from any specialization, while meeting basic course requirements. Students will complete all four core courses and eight other courses. 

International Students

International residential students must be enrolled full-time during required semesters (Fall and Spring) to remain in lawful F-1 status. Students must enroll in at least six graduate credits for each required semester of study (APD 03 - Ph.D. Course Load Definition). They can complete a maximum of three credits of online coursework per semester toward the minimum number of credits for full-time enrollment during required semesters. Other courses must be completed in face-to-face classes on the Daytona Beach campus.

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Important dates.

• Summer 2025 Cohort: Deadline is February 1, 2025

Residency 2024

• August 12-16

 Online Course Schedule

• Log in to ERNIE to see the Online Course Schedule

Request Degree Info

Request Information

If you would like to receive more information about the Ph.D. in Aviation degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University , please complete this form and a representative will reach out to you and answer your questions. 

Katie Esguerra Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Department of Doctoral Studies 1 Aerospace Boulevard Daytona Beach, FL 32114 (386) 226-6546 [email protected]

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Imaging Ph.D. in Aviation 1 Aerospace Boulevard Daytona Beach, FL 32114-3900 (386) 226-7499 Fax: (386) 226-7279

We welcome you to apply to the Ph.D. in Aviation program. The Ph.D. application process is competitive, with limited positions in the program available.

Students are admitted only during the Summer E semester each year, which is the Residency Seminar in August. Then, the student will begin taking courses in the Fall semester.

The application package is considered an indication of your ability to perform in a challenging, professional environment. It should be carefully and thoroughly prepared. 

The Admissions Committee carefully considers all applications completed by February 1.

Are you ready to become one of the world's leading authorities on aviation? Begin the application process to be considered for the Ph.D. in Aviation program.

How to Get Started

Admissions Requirements

International Applicants

Are you eligible to apply.

Applicants must meet one of the following two conditions:

• Possess a bachelor and a master's degree, one of which must be in an aviation-related field such as aeronautical science, aviation technology, aviation management, professional pilot, aviation maintenance, aviation electronics, aviation safety and aeronautics.
• Possess a bachelor and master’s degree in non-aviation disciplines, supplemented by at least one year of full-time-equivalent service in the aviation industry as a professional pilot, maintenance manager, air traffic controller or other professional aviation position.

Application Materials

Online Application Form:

Click the "Apply Now" button on the Ph.D. in Aviation homepage or start the application process . This form will be processed internally, typically within 24 to 48 business hours.

Application Fee:

A non-refundable application fee of $50 will be required upon the submission of your application.

Application Submission

Deadline: A completed application package, including those items listed in the Admissions Requirement sections, must be received no later than February 1 in order to receive full consideration for summer admissions. Students are only considered for and admitted to the program for the Summer E semester.

Where to send:

All documents, with the exclusion of official transcripts, may be submitted through our Secure Upload link or may be e-mailed in PDF format to [email protected] . If an applicant so desires, printed materials and official transcripts may be sent to:

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Imaging Ph.D. in Aviation 1 Aerospace Boulevard Daytona Beach, FL 32114-3900

Notification of decision: Applicants will be informed of admissions decisions within 60 days of the due date.

Affirmative Action

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University shall actively seek to recruit and admit students promoting the concepts of diversity and ethnicity in the program.

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Scores (optional):

• GRE scores must be taken in the past five years.
• Scores are to be sent directly to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Information about the GRE can be found at ETS .

Bachelor's and master's degree official transcripts are required and are to be sent directly from all colleges and universities attended. A GPA of 3.5/4.0 in graduate programs and 3.0/4.0 in undergraduate programs is required. If you are an international applicant, be sure to click on the “International Applicants” link for information regarding the evaluation of foreign credentials.

Statement of Goals:

Completing the Ph.D. in Aviation is a transformative experience that is designed to prepare graduates to make significant contributions to the industry as research scholars and leaders. In 500 words or fewer, please describe your personal and professional goals and how earning the Ph.D. in Aviation from Embry-Riddle aids you in achieving those outcomes with consideration to the Ph.D. experience as it affects your life in the short and long term.

Sample of Writing:

Please submit a writing sample in 500 words or less that describes a significant aviation or aerospace problem you believe would be worthy of research exploration as part of your doctoral program.

Please also briefly describe a method or approach you might use in addressing the problem.

Fiscal and Time Responsibility:

Because education at this level is expensive, students are requested to carefully review their options.

Costs for 2023-2024 will be $1,376 per credit hour, $300 for books per course, a one-time software cost of $200 and a residency fee of $1,500.

Additional details can be found under the Finance section.

Applicants are asked, in 500 words or fewer, to provide a brief fiscal plan, as well as to show how they will accommodate an anticipated workload of approximately 14 hours per class per week as part of their normal work/family schedule. Students are required to enroll in a minimum of five courses per year in addition to the annual residency seminar. Most students will enroll in two courses per term, three terms per year, in addition to the annual residency.

Letters of Recommendation:

Three letters of recommendation are required. Both professional and academic references are suggested.

The letter of recommendation form can be found here and is also provided in the application package.

Applicants must provide a current resume outlining past educational and work experiences.

Video Introduction Statement:

Up to two minutes of video recording, answering the questions that are listed on this application page . Please follow the directions on the recording options, as well as condensing the video file for proper submission.

All documents, with the exclusion of official transcripts, may be submitted through our Secure Upload link.

Evaluation of Foreign Credentials:

International students who completed their postsecondary education outside of the United States will be required to have their transcripts evaluated by World Education Services, Inc.

World Education Services, Inc. Bowling Green Station P.O. Box 5087 New York, N.Y. 10274-5087 (Tel) 212-966-6311 (Fax) 212-739-6100

The official evaluation must be in English, include a course-by-course evaluation, and be certified by the credential evaluating service. A fee is charged for the translation service and must be paid by the applicant.

The results of the evaluation must be sent directly from World Education Services, Inc. to:

English Proficiency Exam: Applicants for whom English is not their primary language must submit an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam score. The minimum IELTS requirement is 6.0 and TOEFL minimums are:

• 600 on the paper-based exam
• 250 on the computer-based exam
• 105 on the Internet-based exam

TOEFL or IELTS scores must be sent directly to Embry-Riddle by the testing agency.

If an applicant's primary language is not English but he/she has completed an undergraduate or graduate degree in an English speaking institution, they may request the TOEFL/IELTS requirement be waived.

RESIDENTIAL OPTION

The School of Graduate Studies offers a residential option for Ph.D. students who desire to study on the Daytona Beach campus during required semesters. All residential students must follow the degree requirements on the Ph.D. in Aviation website.

International Residential Students

International students interested in the residential option must go through the admission process as other applicants and meet the requirements for international applicants. Once they are admitted to the program, they can apply for an F-1 visa. See the links below for the detailed requirements for international students.

• Information about international programs
• Ph.D. in Aviation admission requirements
• International graduate admissions
• Requirements for international applicants
• Visa : Visit the  Office of International Student & Scholar Service (ISS)  for the detailed process and requirements for the F-1 visa application.
• Requirements : International residential students must be enrolled full-time during required semesters (Fall and Spring) to remain in lawful F-1 status. Students must enroll in at least six graduate credits for each required semester of study (APD 03 - Ph.D. Course Load Definition). They can complete a maximum of three credits of online coursework per semester toward the minimum number of credits for full-time enrollment during required semesters. Other courses must be completed in face-to-face classes on the Daytona Beach campus.

Ph.D. Assistantship

The School of Graduate Studies may provide Ph.D. assistantship positions to selected, qualified residential students. They are designed to assist Ph.D. students with the enrollment cost in the Ph.D. program and to provide research experiences that contribute to an enrichment of the academic experience. The number of assistantships available each year depends on the program’s budget availability and must be approved by the Dean of the College of Aviation.

Assistantship Application

To be eligible for a Ph.D. assistantship, applicants must have been admitted to the Ph.D. in Aviation program. A position announcement will be sent to applicants with complete admission applications in early March when the positions are confirmed. Applicants interested in the assistantship position must submit a separate letter of assistantship application explaining their qualifications and why they think they are a good fit. The admission committee will review all applications and select final applicants for web conference interviews. After the interviews, the committee will submit recommendations to the Associate Dean for the School of Graduate Studies. The final selection will be reviewed and approved by the Dean of the College of Aviation.

Ph.D. residential students will receive the Ph.D. assistantship, which covers tuition waivers, residency fees and an annual stipend for  up to four years , pending budget availability and satisfactory performance. The student is responsible for other costs, including health insurance.

Requirements

To be eligible to receive and maintain this assistantship, the student needs to comply with the University Academic Doctorate Policies APD-09, Ph.D. Research and Teaching Assistantships. Specifically, during the assistantship appointment, the student is expected to:

• Reside in the Daytona Beach area and maintain daily office hours at the Ph.D. Residential Students office.
• Perform tasks assigned by the Program Coordinator and/or academic advisor, including but not limited to assisting faculty in funded research projects and journal publications, and supporting the School of Graduate Studies in academic and promotional activities.
• Work 20 hours per week to support faculty and the program in the aforementioned assigned tasks.
• Sign an annual 12-month contract and perform the assigned tasks satisfactorily during this contract appointment. The contract is renewable annually, pending budget availability and satisfactory performance.
• Be registered as full-time students as determined by the program.
• Be enrolled in a Ph.D. degree program and be performing satisfactorily. Satisfactory performance includes maintaining a CGPA of 3.20 or higher, passing the Qualifying Exam on time and progressing well with the dissertation research.
• Meet with the academic advisor to complete the annual performance evaluation at the end of each contract year.

Other Employment

While holding a funded assistantship, a student’s total University employment (including the assistantship) may not exceed 25 hours per week. Students holding an assistantship may have other University employment, but it must be approved by Associate Dean for the School of Graduate Studies. Employment outside the University while holding a funded assistantship is generally not allowed. Exceptions to this rule must be approved by the Office of the Provost.

International students are not allowed to work outside of the University, and the total University employment must not exceed 20 hours per week to remain in lawful F-1 status.

Earning a Ph.D. in Aviation from Embry-Riddle comes with costs, but we’ve worked to make it as easy as possible for students to receive assistance and pay for their tuition and other expenses.

Many of our students earn grants, scholarships, and fellowship funding throughout their tenure in their program from various entities.

Veterans are eligible to receive Financial Aid through several federal programs, and other students can receive aid from the government and private lenders.

We also break down the Estimated Cost of Attendance to see what expenses to expect during an online semester or on-campus residency.

Financial Aid

Estimated Costs

Payment Options

Veterans’ assistance.

If you are a U.S. Veteran, you may be eligible for funds through the various programs from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA).

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University degree programs are approved by the appropriate State Department of Veterans Affairs (State Approving Agency) for enrollment of persons eligible to receive education benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA).

For further information concerning approved programs and the application process, eligible persons should contact Donna Giambra, Daytona Beach Veterans Affairs at 386-226-6350 or by email at [email protected] .

Private Lenders

To be eligible for private educational loans, borrower and co-borrower must pass a credit check. Applying with a qualified co-borrower may give you the best rate.

Private loan credit checks are valid for a limited time. Most private loans have variable interest rates.

We recommend you contact them prior to applying.

Federal Financial Aid

Students wishing to use federal financial aid can apply online on the federal website .

The FAFSA application will have to be filled out every year. The application is available January 1 of each year.

One of the final steps in completing the FAFSA is supplying Embry-Riddle's federal school code. Our school code is 001479 .

After completing the FAFSA, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). This document lists the information you and your family have provided and tells you what your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is for the year you are applying.

The Financial Aid Office receives this information in an electronic format, as well. You do not need to mail your SAR to us unless you would like us to make corrections for you. You can also correct your information online.

Once we receive your information, we will prepare an award letter that outlines the aid programs for which you are eligible.

Federal Direct Loans

As a doctoral student, you are only eligible for Federal Direct Loans.

Students must meet enrollment requirement of three credit hours per term to receive a Federal Direct Loan disbursement. The residency of two credit hours is not covered under federal financial aid. Please review the Financial Aid Terms and Conditions for a better understanding of financial aid policies and student's responsibilities as a Financial Aid recipient.

Please keep in mind the maximum aggregate limit for Federal Direct Loans is $138,500 (includes undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral studies).

You can review your loan information on the federal website  to determine if you have enough loan eligibility to cover your entire doctoral program.

Estimated Cost of Attendance

• Tuition: $1,376 per credit hour ($4,128 per three-credit course)
• Books: $300 (estimated) per three-credit course
• Software: $200 (one-time expense)
• Total: $4,628 for a one-course semester

Residency Seminar

• Tuition: $1,376 per credit hour ($2,752 per two-credit residency course)
• Residency Fee: $1,500
• Books, Software and Materials: $300 (estimated) per three-credit course
• Room and Board: $90 per day plus tax for a room in an off-campus hotel within walking distance of the Daytona Beach campus ($630 for one-week residency)
• Meals: $30 per day ($210 for one-week residency)
• Total: $5,392 for one residency course session
• American Express
• Personal checks are acceptable forms of payment.

Ways to Pay

All payments must include the student's name and identification number.

Online: Payments can be made online by logging in to ERNIE and accessing the Student Services tab. Under Manage Your Student Account , click on View Account Statement .

By Telephone:  386-226-6329

By Mail: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Imaging Ph.D. in Aviation 1 Aerospace Boulevard Daytona Beach, FL 32114-3900

Required Dates

Tuition charges are due at the time of registration. Registration for all course work occurs two weeks prior to classes beginning.

Residency fees (currently $1,500) are due six weeks prior to the start of the residency.

Embry-Riddle is the world’s largest aviation-oriented university and has extensive experience in graduate education and leading-edge research.

The Ph.D. in Aviation program draws its faculty mainly from the Daytona Beach, Florida, campus and the Worldwide Campus of Embry-Riddle.

The doctoral faculty members are nationally and internationally recognized scholars in aviation and closely related disciplines and in research methods.

These faculty members have extensive teaching, research and publication records in their disciplines.

Faculty members also participate in professional development to build their skills as instructional designers and facilitators and work with exceptional instructional designers to develop rigorous, engaging and meaningful courses.

Also, learn more about the Ph.D. in Aviation Advisory Board .

Dr. Frank Ayers

Adjunct Faculty and Professor of Aeronautical Science

Read More about Dr. Ayers

Dr. Bruce Conway

Adjunct faculty and Professor and Associate Dean, College of Aeronautics, Worldwide 

Read More about Dr. Conway

Bruce Conway, Ph.D.

Title:  Professor and Associate Dean Email: [email protected]

Dr. Bruce Conway began his professional career in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, working for 37 years at the Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA. At Langley he held positions ranging from research engineer working on advanced spacecraft control system research to service as Chief of the Instrument Research Division. In this latter position, he was responsible for sensor and measurement technology R&D in a wide variety of disciplines, including electro-mechanical instrumentation, nondestructive evaluation techniques and instrumentation, thermal instrumentation, nonintrusive gas parameter and optical spectroscopy measurements, photo-optical techniques, and pressure measurement instrumentation; Prior to this, Dr. Conway served as Assistant Chief, of the Flight Electronics Division at NASA - Langley, where he managed electronics and instrumentation research and applications to spacecraft and aircraft flight experiments. In the early 1970's he was a Principal Investigator and project engineer for a Skylab space flight astronaut-manned experiment (Experiment T-013) to assess disturbances to spacecraft control systems from onboard crew movements.

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Dr. Andy Dattel

Associate Professor of School of Graduate Studies

Read More about Dr. Dattel

Dr. David Esser

Adjunct faculty and Professor of Aeronautical Science

Read More about Dr.  Esser

David Esser, Ph.D.

Title: Professor Email: [email protected]

Dr. Esser was a member of the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Flight Department from 1981 to 1995, and has been a member of the Aeronautical Science Department since that time. His undergraduate degrees are from Embry-Riddle in Aviation Management, Computer Science, and Aeronautical Science. In 1989, he was awarded the M.S. in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle, graduating at the top of his class. Professor Esser completed the Ph.D. Degree in Organization and Management Leadership from Capella University, again graduating at the top of his class. His dissertation pertained to airline Advanced Qualification Training and Line Check Safety Audits to validate Threat and Error Mitigation techniques. It also involved Flight Operations Quality Assurance and Aviation Safety Action Program data collection. He holds FAA Airline Transport Pilot certificate with a Type Rating in Airbus A319/320: Advised Graduate Research Projects and Thesis in Topics of CRM, AQP, Flight Data Monitoring, and FOQA.

Dr. Mark Friend

Professor of School of Graduate Studies and Program Coordinator for the M.S. in Occupational Safety Management 

Read More about Dr. Friend

Mark Friend, Ed.D.

Title:  Professor Email: [email protected]

Dr. Mark A. Friend, CSP, Professor of Doctoral Studies at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, is a professional member of the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) with more than thirty-five years in higher education. He is a former Director of the Board of Certified Safety Professionals BCSP) and Professional Member of the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) where he helped establish the Academic Practice Specialty. He has worked as a safety consultant, trainer, expert witness, and author. His text, Fundamentals of Occupational Safety and Health, a top-selling book in the field, is currently in its fifth edition. He has received the PPG Safety Educator of the Year, the National Safety Management Society/West Virginia University Alumni Achievement Award, the ASSE Culbertson Award for Volunteer Service and the ASSE Academic Practice Specialty Safety Professional of the Year Award. He and his wife Kathy live in New Smyrna Beach, Florida.

Dr. Steven Hampton

Professor of School of Graduate Studies and Associate Dean for Research & Graduate Studies 

Read More about Dr. Hampton

Steven Hampton, Ed.D.

Title: Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies, College of Aviation Email:   [email protected]

Dr. Hampton was a member of the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Flight Department from 1974 to 1995, and has been a member of the Aeronautical Science Department since that time. He served as interim Associate Provost for Research and Graduate Programs from 2000 - 2003. His undergraduate degree from Embry-Riddle is in Aeronautical Studies and he holds both pilot and maintenance certifications from the FAA. In 1989; his major Applied Research Proposal on flight training was the basis for much of his research through the 1990's resulting in changes to Federal Advisory Circulars, training methodologies, and developmental training programs/curriculums for emerging technologies.

Hampton has received and managed multiple research grants from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and NASA, been a board member of the National Safe Skies Alliance (NSSA), National Coalition for Aviation Mobility (NCAM), and is currently a member of the Institute Management Council (IMC) for the NextGen Institute (NGATS) supporting the Joint program Development Office (JPDO). Executive Director of the Southeast SATSLab (NASA) (2001 - 2005). Currently, Steven is the Executive Director of the FAA Center of Excellence for General Aviation leading a coalition of four established universities conducting some 65+ research projects supporting the FAA and the Aviation Industry.

Dr. Dahai Liu

Professor of School of Graduate Studies

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Dr. Kadie Mullins

Adjunct faculty and Executive Director of Administrative Assessment

Read More about Dr. Mullins

Dr. Jane Pan

Assistant Professor of School of Graduate Studies

Read More about Dr. Pan

Dr. John Sabel

Adjunct faculty and Adjunct Assistant Professor, College of Business, Worldwide

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John Sabel, J.D.

Title: Professor Email: [email protected]

John Sabel is an attorney and airline pilot, currently flying as an Airbus A-320 Captain. He served eight years as a Check Airman and FAA Aircrew Program Designee at a Part 121 air carrier. Sabel holds a Juris Doctor degree from Duquesne University School of Law, and Aeronautical Science and Aviation Management degrees from Embry-Riddle. He has logged over 15,000 hours of flight time and holds an Airline Transport Pilot certificate (EMB-110, DC-9, B-737, B-757/B-767, A-319/A-320/A-321), a Flight Engineer certificate, a Certified Flight Instructor certificate, and Ground Instructor certificate. He represents pilots in FAA certificate action matters and serves as a consultant and expert witness for aviation-related litigation. Sabel is a member of the US Airline Pilots Association’s Safety and Accident Investigation committees, and the Air Carrier Safety and Pilot Training Aviation Rulemaking Committee. He has taught aviation law courses for the past three years. His article, Airline-Airport Facilities Agreements – An Overview, is published in the SMU Journal of Air Law and Commerce.

Dr. Alan Stolzer

Professor of School of Graduate Studies and Dean, College of Aviation

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Alan Stolzer, Ph.D.

Title:   Dean of the College of Aviation and Professor in the Department of Doctoral Studies Email: [email protected]

Dr. Stolzer is the Dean of the College of Aviation and a Professor in the Department of Doctoral Studies. Stolzer has been in academia for 28 years in administrative positions including department chair and associate dean. Stolzer holds a Ph.D. in Quality Systems, an M.S. from Embry-Riddle, and a B.S. from the College of the Ozarks. He has over 8,000 of flight time, an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate, a Certified Flight Instructor Certificate, and an A&P mechanic's certificate. He also holds professional certifications from the American Society for Quality - Quality Engineer, Quality Manager, and Quality Auditor, as well as a Project Manager Certificate from the Project Management Institute. Dr. Stolzer's teaching and research interests include Safety Management Systems (SMS), aviation safety programs such as Flight Operations Quality Assurance, and project management. He has published two books on SMS - Safety Management Systems in Aviation (2008), currently under revision, and Implementing Safety Management Systems in Aviation (2011), both published by Ashgate Publications. He is widely published in aviation safety and quality areas, and has won and managed several grants. Stolzer has served on the Board of Trustees of the Aviation Accreditation Board International for 15 years, and chaired its Accreditation Committee from 2002 to 2012.

Dr. Jennifer Thropp

Read More about Dr. Thropp

Dr. Dothang Truong

Professor of School of Graduate Studies and Program Coordinator for the Ph.D. in Aviation

Read More about Dr. Truong

Dothang Truong, Ph.D.

Title: Professor Email: [email protected]

Dr. Dothang Truong is Full Professor of Doctoral Studies at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL. He received his Ph.D. in Manufacturing Management from the University of Toledo in 2004. He is an APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) and a member of Transportation Research Board (TRB)’s Economics and Forecasting Committee. He has strong expertise in transportation management, risk assessment and modeling, cloud computing and the Internet of Things, supply chain and logistics management, e-commerce, decision support, data mining, and research methodology. He teaches data mining, operations research and decision-making, advanced statistics, structural equation modeling, logistics and supply chain management, and transportation management. His research interests include airline efficiency evaluation, airline and passenger segmentation, low cost carriers, the Internet of Things (IoT) for aviation, data mining for a complex and dynamic system, risk assessment model for sUAS, risk perception and behavioral intention models for passenger choice for airlines and airports, and data envelopment analysis model for SMS effectiveness. He has worked in FAA funded research and has been active in submitting research proposals to the FAA, NSF, and TRB. He has established a strong record of publication in top-tier journals including Journal of Air Transport Management, Transportation Journal, International Journal of Aeronautical Science & Aerospace Research, International Journal of Business Analytics, International Journal of Production Research, International Journal of Electronic Market, Journal of Business-to-Business Marketing, Journal of Organizational Computing and Electronic Commerce, Industrial Marketing Management, International Journal of Entrepreneurship, Journal of Enterprise Information Management, International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning , among others. He received the Blackboard Exemplary Course Award in 2014, and the Best Research Paper Award by International Academy of Business and Public Administration Disciplines in two consecutive years 2006 and 2007.

Dr. Scott Winter

Read More about Dr. Winter

Title: Assistant Professor Email: [email protected]

Dr. Scott R. Winter is an Assistant Professor of Doctoral Studies in the School of Graduate Studies at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. His primary responsibilities involve teaching graduate level courses in research methods, quantitative data analysis, and qualitative data analysis. Dr. Winter maintains an active research agenda, which focuses on pilot decision-making and consumer perceptions toward automation. Dr. Winter completed his Ph.D. in the Aviation Technology department at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana (2013), and he completed his undergraduate and master’s degree at Minnesota State University, Mankato in Minnesota. His Bachelor’s degree was in professional flight with a minor in geography (2005), and his Master’s degree was in Cross Disciplinary Studies (2006) with emphasis areas on aviation and education.

For his time in industry, Dr. Winter was employed with Cirrus Aircraft in Duluth, Minnesota from October 2006 until December 2009.  While employed with Cirrus, he worked as a member of the Flight Standards and Operations Department.  In that role, he served as a company check airman and provided initial and recurrent training to company pilots. Dr. Winter also wrote a monthly website called Pilot’s World that addressed safety and pilot training issues. His time at Cirrus offered him the opportunity to gain experience working for one of the world’s leading general aviation manufacturers and to fly one of the most advanced single-engine piston aircraft. He completed international training at Cirrus where he flew training missions in South Africa, Australia, Brazil, the Caribbean, England, France, Germany, and Poland.

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RELATED DEGREES

You may be interested in the following degrees:

Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering

Doctor of Aviation Business Administration

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International Institute of Air and Space Law

The International Institute of Air and Space Law is one of the leading international academic research and teaching institutes in the world, specialising in legal and policy issues regarding aviation and space activities in the broadest sense of the word.

Its objective is to contribute to the development of aviation and space law and related policy by conducting and promoting research and teaching at graduate and post-graduate level. The relevance and topicality of the work is guaranteed by an extensive exchange of information with the air transport and space industry. The Institute has a modern library and organises numerous courses and conferences on all aspects of aviation and space law and policy.

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Why Saint Louis University

Take Flight

SLU’s Parks College hosts a versatile aircraft fleet, including these cutting-edge airplane options: Diamond DA-20, Seminole PA44, Piper Archer PA28-181 with Garmin G1000nxi, Canadair Regional Jet Simulator.

Aviation, Ph.D.

Saint Louis University's Ph.D. in aviation science is offered in an entirely online format, making it ideal for working professionals.

Program Highlights

• Ph.D. students in aviation science at Saint Louis University complete coursework before scheduling a qualifying exam that focuses on topics related to the coursework and assesses general preparation for graduate research.
• Upon successfully passing the qualifying exam, students develop a dissertation proposal under the supervision of a research mentor. Students then present and defend the dissertation proposal.
• After conducting research and writing a dissertation, students defend the dissertation in a public forum and then privately to the committee.

Curriculum Overview

Students will work with their advisor and Ph.D. committee to determine the specific coursework to complete the program. Those students holding an appropriate Master of Science degree may include a maximum of 27 credits of the associated M.S. degree course credits, but not the thesis or project credits, in the 63 credits required for the Ph.D. degree. 

Graduates with a Ph.D. in aviation science are uniquely qualified to conduct aviation-related research in academia, government and industry.

Admission Requirements

Begin your application for this program at  www.slu.edu/apply .

Most admitted students meet the following criteria:

• Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0
• A four-year undergraduate degree in aviation or a field related to the desired graduate program

Application Requirements

• Online application form 
• Official transcript(s) of all previous degrees
• Three letters of recommendation (preferably from recent instructors)
• A writing sample solely authored by the applicant that has been preferably composed within the last two to three years. The sample should relate to a contemporary issue in aviation or describe the student’s proposed research agenda and how that contemporary issue or proposed research agenda matches the research currently being conducted by faculty in the Department of Aviation Science . Submissions should be formatted in APA style, be between 3,500-4,500 words, and include an abstract of fewer than 300 words.
• Curriculum vitae/résumé
• Professional goal statement

Requirements for International Students

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:

• Demonstration of  English Language Proficiency
• A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the time at Saint Louis University
• A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of study at the University
• Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.

Application and Assistantship Deadlines

The department only reviews applications for the fall semester. To be considered for enrollment in the fall semester, submit application materials by March 31.

Admitted students who want to be considered for an assistantship must submit a separate application for assistantship consideration by March 1.

Review Process

Once the online application is complete, and all the materials are received, the application is reviewed by the Parks College Office of Graduate Education and Research before being sent to the  Department of Aviation Science  for a recommendation. The final decision is made by Parks’ associate dean of graduate education and research.

Admissions decisions are made based on the background and educational experience of students. Applications are reviewed when completed, and decisions are generally made within a few weeks.

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

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Scholarships and Financial Aid

The School of Science and Engineering offers graduate fellowship awards and assistantships each year. Assistantships provide tuition, stipend and health insurance. There are also many opportunities for students to receive funding through external research grants that are managed by individual faculty.

For more information, visit the student financial services office online at www.slu.edu/financial-aid .

• Graduates will be able to assess relevant literature or scholarly contributions in the field(s) of study.
• Graduates will be able to apply the major practices, theories or research methodologies in the field(s) of study.
• Graduates will be able to apply knowledge from the field(s) of study to address problems in broader contexts.
• Graduates will be able to articulate arguments or explanations to both a disciplinary or professional audience and to a general audience, in both oral and written forms.
• Graduates will be able to evidence of scholarly and/or professional integrity in the field of study.

The courses in SLU'S Doctor of Philosophy in Aviation curriculum are taught in an entirely online format. The aviation Ph.D. program requires a total of 63 credits beyond a bachelor's degree, including:

• 12 credits of dissertation research
• At least 12 credits in aviation research
• At least 12 credits in aviation foundation 
• 3 credits in ASCI 5980 Graduate Reading Course (1-3 cr)
• At least 12 credits in a second discipline complementary to the knowledge of aviation, with department approval
• Up to 12 credits in aviation electives

Students will work with an adviser and Ph.D. committee to determine the specific coursework to complete the Ph.D. in aviation. If students have an applicable master’s degree, 27 credits of that program may count towards the 63 credits necessary, with department approval. No research or project credits will be counted towards the advanced standing for the Ph.D.

Please note: the courses in the Ph.D. in Aviation curriculum are taught in an entirely online format.

Non-Course Requirement 

All students must complete an exit survey with their department/program during their final semester.

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.

Aviation Research attributed courses

Aviation foundation attributed courses, aviation elective attributed courses.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Roadmap for Students with Advanced Standing

ASCI 5980 Graduate Reading must be taken in the last semester of coursework prior to taking the Ph.D. qualifying examination, which is a requirement of the program.

Roadmap for Students without Advanced Standing

For more information about any School of Science and Engineering graduate program, please email [email protected] .

Aerospace Sciences Ph.D.

Become part of the next generation of aerospace leaders to oversee cutting-edge advancements in aviation and space.

Successful aerospace professionals possess broad backgrounds linking science, engineering, policy, business and law. Get your doctoral education from a world-renowned center for aerospace learning, the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences at UND.

Why earn a Ph.D. in aerospace science?

Application opens on August 1. Completed applications and all required materials must be received by February 1.

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

UND's Aerospace Sciences Ph.D. program provides interdisciplinary teaching and research at the highest academic level. Our goal is to graduate highly educated aerospace scholars and leaders. You'll learn skills to mix technology and science with an understanding of the politics and economics of the aerospace fields. You'll enhance your analytical, technical, research and communication skills through classroom and research activities. The result will be capabilities to carry out independent, original and applied aerospace research at a high level.

You'll experience outstanding faculty focus while in the program. Leverage faculty expertise drawn from disciplines such as:

• Aerodynamics
• Aerospace engineering
• Aviation management
• Computer science
• Machine learning and artificial intelligence
• Orbital mechanics
• Planetary science
• Public policy and law
• Remote sensing
• Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)

Aerospace Science Ph.D. at UND

Gain the extensive technical knowledge needed to be a successful leader in the industry by applying solutions gained through theory and applied research.

Be part of a program nationally acclaimed for achievements in aviation education, atmospheric research, space studies, and earth system science and policy research.

Get a unique perspective and training that integrates and combines traditional disciplines related to space.

Access an extensive and involved alumni network that provides real-time industry feedback to research and development work by dissertation candidates.

Pursue the doctorate from anywhere in the world with our online synchronous curriculum, while still receiving real time faculty and student interaction.

Conduct research in the Space Studies department's Human Spaceflight Lab or Observatory .

Careers with a Ph.D. in Aerospace Science

Median salary for an aerospace program manager

Payscale.com

Median salary for an aerospace engineer

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

A doctoral degree in Aerospace Sciences from UND lets you further develop the critical skills needed to fill leadership roles. These opportunities span government and research agencies, educational institutions and private aerospace and aviation companies.

UND bearers of doctoral degrees have gone onto careers in top space exploration enterprises and aerospace technology companies. Some opportunities graduates can expect include:

• Aerospace Defense Managers develop and implement strategies to ensure national security through the application of cutting-edge aerospace technologies. They oversee and coordinate defense-related aerospace projects.
• Aerospace Laboratory Directors lead research and development initiatives in specialized laboratories. They design and execute experiments, manage research teams, and collaborate with industry partners to drive innovation in aerospace technology.
• Aerospace Program Directors play a crucial role in overseeing the planning, execution, and success of aerospace programs within private companies or government agencies. They are responsible for managing resources and ensuring the timely delivery of aerospace products and services.
• Aerospace Science Researchers conduct in-depth research, publish scholarly articles, and explore emerging trends to contribute to the theoretical foundations and practical applications of aerospace sciences.
• Federal Agency Policymakers influence and shape policies related to aerospace and aviation at the national level. They work with government agencies to develop regulations, standards, and guidelines that govern the aerospace industry.
• Higher Education Professors teach courses, mentor students, and engage in research to advance the aerospace industry.
• Senior Aerospace Engineers are integral members of aerospace technology companies. They lead engineering teams, contribute to the design and development of aerospace systems, and execute complex projects.
• Senior Aircraft Engineers lead initiatives related to aircraft design, maintenance, and improvement, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and the incorporation of cutting-edge technologies.

Aerospace Sciences Ph.D. Courses

AVIT 521. Ethics in Aerospace. 3 Credits.

The course will introduce ethical concepts and frameworks used in professional decision-making. Students will engage with faculty and outside speakers to weigh decisions in the applicable ethical frameworks. Students participation will include graded elements of formal case presentations, class discussion sessions, essay examinations and review of scholarly and trade journal articles. The course will have a strong emphasis on research project design to assess dynamics of ethical decision-making in different populations, as well as exploring educational opportunities in the aerospace industry.

SPST 565. Space Law. 3 Credits.

This course serves as a graduate-level introduction to the field of Law as applied to Space Law. The course examines the origins and evolution of the laws of outer space from the beginnings of the space age to the present. International laws governing access and use of space, and national laws regulating governmental and commercial activities in space are reviewed and analyzed. On demand.

SPST 410. Life Support Systems. 3 Credits.

A review of the physiological effects of living in space including a discussion of current and near-term life support systems equipment for the provision of oxygen, water, food, and radiation protection. In addition, a review will be made of the issues associated with the development of fully closed ecological life-support systems that will be essential to the long-term development of space. On demand.

SPST 512. Human Performance in Extreme Environments. 3 Credits.

This course identifies the impact that the stressors of extreme environments have on human performance. The course objectives are to highlight the differences and similarities among extreme environments and to demonstrate that, despite the differences lessons learned from operations in a given extreme environment can be effectively applied to other environments. Although settings such as space, mountains, or deep sea exhibit unique characteristics, the human physiological and psychological reactions and adaptations to these extreme settings stay similar. On demand.

AVIT 520. Strategic Airport Planning. 3 Credits.

This course will explore the elements of airport planning within the public administration domain. Emphasis will be placed on individual airport's strategic plans, how airports operate efficiently and effectively with changing regulations and economic fluctuations in the global marketplace.

AVIT 513. Aviation Safety Management Systems. 3 Credits.

An in-depth study of aviation safety management concepts and principles as they relate to effective safety programs within the airlines, corporate aviation, general aviation and airports.

Online Aerospace Sciences Ph.D. Degree

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Live Online Aerospace Ph.D. Courses

Synchronous classes are held in real-time. If you’re the kind of learner who likes active discussion and immediate feedback through live interaction, you’ll enjoy this online course format.

Every class is different, but generally, you’ll log into a virtual classroom at scheduled times to:

• Listen to a lecture.
• Ask questions.
• Participate in class discussions.
• Conduct group activities.
• Participate in video-sharing.
• Have chat conversations.
• Use interactive whiteboards.
• Take live polls.

You should prepare for your classes by finishing any assigned readings, compiling questions for your instructor, and thinking about how to contribute to the next live class.

Campus Visits

Ph.D. students may be expected to come to campus for research as the discretion of their Committee. Traditionally, this results in minimally one-week on campus per year, but individual students will need to consult with their Committee to determine how much on campus, if any, is needed. Additionally, a Ph.D. candidate should be present for the Ph.D. dissertation defense.

Leading Online Aerospace Sciences Ph.D.

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a combination of online and on campus classes. You can feel reassured knowing you won't be alone in your online learning journey and you'll have resources and services tailored to your needs. No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on campus student.

• Same degree:  All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) . Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
• Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
• Real interaction:  You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
• Your own academic advisor:  As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
• Free online tutoring:  We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
• Unlimited academic coaching:  Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
• Full online access:  Dig into virtual research from the Chester Fritz Library. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
• 24/7 technical support:  UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
• Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.

Best Online College

Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

• Affordability
• Student satisfaction (retention rate)
• Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
• Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Payscale.com)

First in Space

Sara Sabryy, the first Egyptian to reach space, is pursuing a doctorate in Aerospace Sciences at UND.

Read Sara's Story

Connect with the space studies and aviation faculty you'll work with at UND's world-renowned center for aerospace learning.

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• John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences

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Ph.D. in Aviation Technology and Management

Our PhD in Aviation Technology and Management program prepares graduates to serve important education, research and policy-making roles in the aviation industry.

This on-campus doctoral program requires at least 90 credit hours of coursework and research at the graduate level. Students who enter the program with a master’s degree may apply up to a maximum of 30 course credit hours toward the minimum of 90 credit hours required for the PhD degree, subject to faculty advisor approval.

Applicants should expect to:

• Request a research advisor.*
• Establish a graduate advisory committee.
• Submit a plan of study.
• Pass written and oral candidacy examinations.
• Submit a dissertation proposal.
• Conduct dissertation research.
• Defend a dissertation.

*A research advisor is a faculty member that advises and mentors a doctoral student with mutual research interests. Learn more about our faculty research interests .

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from an accredited college or university. Exceptionally well-prepared bachelor’s students may seek admission directly into the PhD program. Academic preparation and performance in focus areas related to aviation (e.g. aviation safety, aviation sustainability, aviation management, workforce development, operational research methods and aviation human factors) will be given high priority when considering candidates for admission. Critical emphasis will be placed on evidence of research experience and aptitude.

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Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Aviation

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Prepare Your Career for Takeoff with Liberty’s Ph.D. in Aviation

Are you an experienced aviation professional looking to diversify your career prospects or grow your knowledge of aeronautics? Have you long considered the idea of teaching aspiring pilots? Perhaps earning a terminal degree has always been a goal of yours – but you haven’t been able to find a program that aligns with your unique interests. If so, Liberty University’s 100% online Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Aviation may be for you.

Our Ph.D. in Aviation is designed to help prepare you for research opportunities in the aviation industry. Through access to expert professors, like-minded peers, vast research resources, and a rigorous curriculum, you can emerge from this program a more confident, prepared aviation professional.

The time to pursue an online Ph.D. in Aviation has never been better, and at Liberty, it has never been simpler. Partner with us and earn a valuable, marketable, doctoral-level aviation degree!

What Will You Learn in Liberty University’s Ph.D. in Aviation?

• Contemporary issues in aviation policy
• Global aviation law
• Human factors and aviation automation

In addition to the learning points above, you will study advanced aviation research, aviation statistics, qualitative and quantitative research methods, the economic environment of aviation, and much more! This degree program also requires a dissertation – which will allow you to conduct your own scholarly research and contribute to the knowledge base in the field.

Potential Careers for Ph.D. in Aviation Graduates

• Aircraft manufacturer manager
• Aircraft manufacturer safety program manager
• Airline safety program manager
• Airport manager
• Aviation researcher
• Aviation trainer
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) safety inspector
• Military senior leader

Benefits of Pursuing Your Ph.D. in Aviation with Liberty University

As a leader in distance education since 1985, we understand what it takes to create a flexible and affordable education for busy people. Since we have been investing in distance and online learning for decades, our experience has taught us how to streamline our degree options so you can focus on what really matters to you. While many schools offer online degrees, we believe Liberty stands out.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• We are  recognized by multiple institutions for our academic quality, affordability, and accessibility . Our commitment to excellence also helped us rank among Niche.com’s  top 3 online schools in America . Earning your online degree from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
• The majority of tuition for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs has not increased in 9 years. While many other online colleges have raised tuition, Liberty has been able to keep costs low as a nonprofit university.
• You can complete this Ph.D. in Aviation program in as little as 3 years!
• Throughout this program, you’ll have access to expert professors with years of experience and a passion for helping you succeed.

Military Tuition Discount

We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want — at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only  $300/credit hour . Here’s how:

• If you’re earning or have earned a master’s degree through Liberty, you automatically qualify for the low price (when you begin within 2 years of your master’s completion).
• If you haven’t earned a graduate degree through Liberty, our Executive Certificate program allows you to pay only $300/credit hour for a postgraduate certificate that can stand alone or potentially count as the first 21 hours of a related doctoral degree. Then pay just $300/credit hour for your doctorate. Learn more !

Credit Hours

100% online, 8-week courses

Interested in studying on campus?

Transfer Credits

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Next Start Date

May 13, 2024

Accreditation

Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC

“In the times in which we’re living today, Liberty University’s mission , the mission of training up a generation of Champions for Christ in literally every occupation, has never been more important .”

FORMER VICE PRESIDENT MIKE PENCE

Experience That Matters to You

As an accredited Christian college with a 7,000-acre campus in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty University offers you an education that is both academically challenging and rooted in a biblical worldview.

At Liberty, you’ll benefit from 35+ years of learning, growing, adapting, and innovating for the distance learner — and more than a decade of researching the needs of the online student. You can be confident that we’ve taken the time to learn what’s important to you.

And what’s that?

• Affordability
• Accessibility
• Academic Quality

These important factors challenged us to find new financial solutions, get ahead of industry trends, and blaze trails into cutting-edge career fields — and it’s paid off. That’s the difference experience makes.

Ranked in the top 10% of Niche.com’s best online schools in America   and recognized by multiple institutions for   academic quality, affordability, and accessibility.

Why Choose Liberty University?

Enjoy flexible courses.

Choose from a wide variety of programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral level, most of which are 100% online*. With an 8-week format and 8 start dates per year, it’s easy to fit your courses around your schedule!

* Some exclusions apply. Please refer to our exclusions page for more information.

Maximize Your Time

Start and finish your degree faster! Liberty requires no standardized testing for admission, and you can transfer previous course credit — transfer in up to 75% of a bachelor’s degree and up to 50% of a master’s, postgraduate, or doctoral degree — or discover how your life, career, or military experience may count toward your college degree.

Grow in Your Faith

All of our courses are taught from a Christian perspective, and our faculty see themselves as mentors. Our mission is to Train Champions for Christ — we’re committed to championing you as you study to go further in your field, become a leader in your industry, or start a new career.

Access Academic Support

Throughout your educational journey, you will have access to academic resources that will aid in the completion of your degree. Services include our Jerry Falwell Library, writing center, tutoring, study aids, IT assistance, 30+ tutorial videos, live webinars, and personalized help from our academic advising team.

An Online Education with On-Campus Benefits

Cheer on 20 NCAA Division I games that air nationwide

Graduate with your peers

Be inspired by world-renowned speakers at Convocation

Why we’re nonprofit.

As a nonprofit (not-for-profit) university, Liberty is in the business of training skilled professionals to make a difference in the world – not gaining profit, revenue, or producing dividends for shareholders. In keeping with our commitment to your education, we invest our resources back into degree programs and into your student experience.

While many other online colleges have raised tuition, Liberty has been able to keep costs low as a nonprofit university and has not increased tuition for 9 straight years. Lower tuition means less student loan debt for students.

For Liberty University, nonprofit is more than a status; it is a valuable opportunity to invest in the lives of students who will go out and impact the world.

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Financing Options

Financial aid.

Nearly 80% of all Liberty students in an online program are awarded financial aid. Virginia residents may qualify for additional aid — learn more !

Corporate Tuition Assistance

Deferred – If your company reimburses you for the cost of your education, you pay only a portion of your balance up front. You submit your grades to your employer who pays you, and then you pay the remaining balance for your classes.

Tuition Discounts

Qualified military service members, veterans, and their spouses can receive up to 55% off their tuition rate for eligible programs!

Contact one of our Admissions Counselors for more information by calling (800) 424-9595 .

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*Some restrictions may occur for this promotion to apply. This promotion also excludes active faculty and staff, military, Non-Degree Seeking, DGIA, Continuing Education, WSB, and Certificates.

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Air and Space Law Curriculum

Master of laws in air and space law curriculum.

A student may be awarded an LL.M. by earning 26 credits and satisfying the following requirements:

• Successful completion of 4 core courses (12 credit hours) and 2 elective courses (6 credit hours);
• Successful completion of 8 Master’s thesis credits supporting a Master’s thesis; and
• Successful completion of a Master’s thesis constituting a publishable work of 30,000 words in length.

Master’s Thesis Credits

In addition to course credits, students will earn 8 Master’s thesis credits for independent research conducted on their thesis topics. Topics will be approved in advance by a supervisor, who will guide students in development and research of thesis topics and provide support and critical assessments of the thesis project.

Master’s Thesis

A Masters thesis is 30,000-word project, including abstract, footnotes and bibliography, that provides a substantial analytical contribution to current academic discourse on a topic or to novel concepts or practices. The thesis must demonstrate substantial knowledge, intellectual curiosity, critical argument, and scholarly ambition and it must clearly articulate theoretical and methodological approaches to the research and writing.

Graduate Certificate in Air and Space Law Curriculum

Students may be awarded a Graduate Certificate by earning 12 credit hours in air and/or space law courses: 2 core courses (6 credit hours); and 2 elective courses (6 credit hours). The Graduate Certificate Program can be tailored to address aviation law, space law or both, in the following manner:

Core Courses (Students select two)

• International Space Law
• Public International Air Law
• U.S. Domestic Space Law
• U.S. National Aviation Law

Elective Courses (Students select two)

• Aerospace Business and Law
• Aerospace Technology, Security and Privacy
• Astra Politica
• Comparative National Space Law
• Cybersecurity Law
• International Aviation Financing and Leasing Law
• International Telecommunications Law
• Private International Air Law
• Space Security Law

Air and Space Law Course Descriptions

Aerospace Business and Law (3 credit hours) This course assesses and address the complex legal issues faced by the aerospace industry against the backdrop of fundamental business principles.  In addition to reviewing regulations impacting the aviation and space industries, this course will provide students with a foundational understanding of US procurement, fiscal and export control law as well as other laws that directly affect planning in aerospace businesses.

Aerospace Technology, Security and Privacy (3 credit hours) Aerospace technologies offer incredible benefits to support science, foreign policy, national security and commerce. This course will explore these benefits – including with respect to disaster management and environmental protections – as well as the significant privacy factors impacted and the concomitant legal challenges associated therewith.  It provides an overview of national and international trends in the use of both satellite and drone platforms as surveillance tools and reviews the laws and regulations related to the same.  The course will focus on both air and space surveillance platforms and consider the implications of each.

Astra Politica (3 credit hours ) This course provides an analysis of stakeholder motivations, legal and ethical responsibilities and relationships in space activities both in low Earth orbit and beyond in order to gain an understanding of the impact of space activities on national and international relations and assess legal frameworks and developing legal solutions for resource management.

Comparative National Space Law (3 credit hours ) This course surveys the national regulatory frameworks governing space activities, with a particular focus on the legal frameworks that govern private and governmental entities engaged in commercial space activities.  Activities addressed at the national or regional level include discussions on national space authorities, supranational bodies, and licensing schemes and operation requirements for launching, remote sensing and telecommunications. The course provides students with a thorough knowledge of the myriad legal issues involved in space activities, including State obligations under the UN treaties, international law, private international law, and national space laws and policies.

Cybersecurity Law (3 credit hours ) This course provides students with an understanding of the development of law and policy related to cybersecurity. It will examine the social and legal processes developed by governments, the private sector, and civil society to protect cyberspace. The course will address U.S. and international laws related to cybersecurity, the security of Information and Communication Technologies, data security, information security, law enforcement surveillance, cybercriminal combat, privacy and other related issues. It will examine the interactive roles of nation-states and other stakeholders and consider the concepts of cyberpower and cyberwar.

International Aviation Finance and Leasing Law (3 credit hours) This course covers the primary legal and practical aspects of international aviation finance and leasing Law, and focuses on special international and national private air law (lex specialis) that applies to cross-border financing and leasing of aircraft objects.  This course also addresses the relevant international disputes that currently arise in the international aviation finance practice.

International Space Law (3 credit hours) This course provides an overview of current international space law in U.N. resolutions and treaties and customary law. It identifies legal theory and principles used in the advancement of civil, military, and commercial space activities.

International Telecommunication Law (3 credit hours) Telecommunications Law addresses legal issues of the transnational flow of information and the technology that facilitates these transfers.  These issues addressed include State interests in technical controls as well as in content controls of international communication.

Private International Air Law (3 credit hours) This course covers the unification of private international air law through the adoption of international conventions, such as air carriers’ liability under the Warsaw Convention System; the Rome Convention on liability caused by aircraft on the surface of the earth; the Geneva Convention on recognition of rights in aircraft; the Cape Town Convention on aircraft financing; insurance aspects and implications of the air carrier’s international liability; among others.

Public International Air Law (3 credit hours) This course examines the relevant principles and public international law that apply to the use of airspace by examining the sources of international air law and the law-making processes affecting the regime of airspace and international air transport. The following topics are discussed: sources of international air law; case study of international aviation organizations (International Civil Aviation Organization, International Air Transport Association, and regional bodies) and their functions; civil and State aircraft; legal management of aviation security and aviation environmental harm; international standards and recommended practices regarding safety, security, airports, air navigation; State certification and licensing; and accident investigation; among others.

Space Security Law (3 credit hours) Space Security Law covers a wide variety of legal issues dealing both with security of the space environment and national security derived from reliance on space assets. These issues are examined through both international and national legal regimes.

U.S. National Aviation Law (3 credit hours) This course covers aviation laws, regulations, and policy of the United States. It explores all major aspects of aviation law, including, but not limited to: government regulation of aircraft, air carriers, airmen, and airports; airport, air traffic control, and aircraft manufacturers’ liability; air carriers’ liability in domestic carriage of passengers and cargo; aircraft financing; economic regulation of domestic air routes and rates; aviation security; and environmental aviation law.

U.S. Domestic Space Law (3 credit hours) This course covers the most developed body of national space law in the world: that of the United States. It addresses the nation’s civil and commercial programs and offers a wide variety of commercial activities: launches, remote sensing, and satellite communications, among others.

Master’s Thesis I-III (8 credit hours) These courses are dedicated to the development of a student’s written thesis. They will cover advanced legal writing and research skills, literature review, thesis proposal development, and completion of a student’s written thesis.

If you have any questions about the Program in Air & Space Law, please email  [email protected] .

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• Top LLMs in Air and Space Law

Top 10 LLMs in Air and Space Law

The aviation sector is experiencing a period of rapid growth, with air traffic set to double by 2030, led by the Africa and Asia Pacific regions, and private companies trying to commercialize space flight. Regulators, airlines, airports and manufacturers are all grappling with a range of complex legal and regulatory challenges. That means the demand for qualified legal expertise in this exciting and evolving field is booming.

Only a handful of law schools offer an LL.M. in Space Law. But many more offer courses in related fields such as Aerospace Law and Satellite Communication Law. We have ranked the best of them below.

The courses are highly-competitive and enrol only a handful of students each year. That arguably places a premium on holders of these niche degrees. They typically go on to work in a diverse range of careers. This includes at private companies like Elon Musk’s SpaceX, for civilian agencies like the NASA Jet Propulsion Lab, or even military operations like the US Cyber Command.

In addition, graduates go on to work for think-tanks, consulting companies and law firms which specialize in this diverse and dynamic sector of the economy.

McGill University’s Institute of Air and Space Law is one of the few institutions that offer a dedicated LL.M. in Space Law. Some 25 students from Canada and abroad are admitted to the 12-month program each year. The students on the course can stay on at the highly ranked law school and work towards a PhD, if they so wish.

The University of Nebraska runs a Space, Cyber, and Telecommunications Law program. The law school runs both an online and in-person LL.M. course along with the only doctoral-level space law degree in the US. Graduates go on to work for private space exploration companies, government agencies, think-tanks and law firms.

Leiden University in the Netherlands puts on the LL.M. program in Air and Space Law, run out of the International Institute of Air and Space Law at the university, a leading international academic research and teaching establishment. An intensive one-year course, it combines public air law, private air law and space law. It has a European and international focus.

As part of Northumbria’s LL.M. program, students can take the Space Law specialism. Participants acquire vision, advanced skills in policy negotiations and apply scientific understanding to their work. Alongside space, cyber and telecoms law, students will study modules on Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Cyber Law, which have significant applications in space activity.

The University of Mississippi School of Law runs the Program in Air and Space Law, the first such LL.M. program in the US at an ABA-accredited law school. The Graduate Certificate in Air and Space Law is primarily for part-time, online students who are professionals working in aerospace industries. Students can study online, on-campus full-time or part-time.

The University of Luxembourg’s Master in Space, Communication and Media Law combines a range of modules on space law, satellite communication law, media law, intellectual property law, as well as data protection law at a national, European and global level. Students will become experts in the regulation of space, communication, ICT and media law within the context of this exciting and evolving sector.

The University of Pretoria Faculty of Law, the highest ranked law school in Africa, puts on the LL.M. International Air, Space and Telecommunications Law. The program can be completed in one or two years. Students will learn about the public and private aspects of air law and the regulatory system of international telecoms, along with the use of space for military purposes.

The University of Toulouse in France runs an LL.M. in International Aviation Law. Students on this program benefit from being located in Toulouse, which has been home to major aerospace companies such as Airbus for half a century. Executives from these companies deliver guest lectures and consider internship applications from LL.M. students. The university’s European School of Law offers programs taught in English, which are widely recognized in the business world.

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Doctor of Aviation, Av.D. (Online)

Download the Course List for Doctor of Aviation, Av.D. (Online)

Find out exactly what classes you'll be taking

The Doctor of Aviation Degree (AvD)

Florida Tech's College of Aeronautics is consistently recognized as offering one of the best and most comprehensive university-based aviation programs in the country. In keeping with this notable distinction, Florida Tech was the first to establish the AvD degree and, to our knowledge, it is still the only doctor of aviation program in the country.

Students in the AvD program are generally full-time professionals in the aviation/aerospace industry. They enter this doctoral program for many reasons: some are seeking the AvD because their job requires a terminal degree, while others hope to advance their career in their current occupation. The program is not classroom-based, but is 100% online.

Who May Apply for This Program?

Candidates must already have a master's degree to apply for this program, and the AvD takes a minimum of three years to complete. Along the way, however, you will acquire excellent research skills–how to plan, conduct, and report research on a variety of important aviation topics–to help you address the critical issues facing the aviation industry today. You'll also be exposed to coursework that is directly and immediately applicable to your profession.

Interactive, Personal Online Program

Earning a doctorate online is the perfect solution for working professionals with busy schedules. Florida Tech's AvD program is highly interactive and brings students and faculty together–even from thousands of miles away–through engaging discussion boards and energetic live chat sessions with professors and peers for a sense of academic closeness that is often missing in other online programs. By combining traditional aviation expertise with a high-tech learning environment, Florida Tech gives students the best of both academic worlds: the benefits of the university's history of excellence in aviation education, training, and research, in the convenience of an online environment.

Learn from Internationally Recognized Aviation Experts

Students seeking an AvD learn from professors who are not only highly experienced as commercial, private, and military pilots, but are also experts in at least one other area such as aviation law, safety, avionics, or environmental science, making this different from other online aviation programs in the country. Our faculty know the industry backwards and forwards–airport consulting, design, and management; airline management; aviation human factors; meteorology; and air traffic control.

Florida Tech professors have written and co-authored textbooks on aviation management and aviation safety, as well as journal articles and hundreds of citations on topics such as aeronautical decision-making, operational requirements for traffic awareness and avoidance, G-force-induced loss of consciousness, aviation accident investigation, aviation computer applications, and haptic feedback in aviation systems.

A History of Excellence

Florida Tech was among several universities selected to be part of the FAA Center of Excellence P artnership to E nhance G eneral A viation S afety, A ccessibility, and S ustainability. PEGASAS , as it is known, is a research partnership between academia, industry, and the federal government, and covers a broad spectrum of aviation degree topics.

Florida Tech's AvD program gives graduates access to cutting-edge industry research and knowledge, as well as an opportunity to build a network of professionals in aviation and business–an important benefit in a competitive industry and in any online aviation degree.

Accreditation

Florida Tech has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), a regional accrediting agency recognized by the US Department of Education. Accreditation by SACSCOC is a statement of Florida Tech's continuing commitment to integrity and its capacity to provide effective programs and services based on agreed-upon accreditation standards.

Stimulating Coursework

Most doctoral programs involve two components: coursework and research. For coursework, while the curriculum may change slightly from year to year, AvD students will learn the fundamentals of research in aviation; gain a background in statistics, quantitative reasoning, and modeling; do strategic analysis in aviation using game theory; and perform qualitative research.

After successfully completing all the required coursework, students must then successfully pass both written and oral comprehensive examinations. These exams represent a synthesis of the overall program's coursework and are designed to assess whether students are academically prepared to begin the research component of the program. The research/dissertation phase includes creating a proposal, implementing a study, analyzing the data, writing the dissertation, and defending it.

What is the Difference Between the AvD and Florida Tech's PhD in Aviation Sciences?

All doctorates are called terminal degrees, because they are the highest degrees awarded. Academic degrees such as the PhD, or doctor of philosophy, is strongly research-based and grounded in theory. Professional doctorates, such as the JD for attorneys and the MD for medical doctors, do not necessarily have a research component, and for those that do, the research is generally more applied than theoretical, and is intended for the practitioner.

Although there is some overlap in the content of some of the courses (after all, they are both research-oriented doctoral programs), the PhD in Aviation Sciences and the AvD program are completely independent of one another. In addition to the coursework, the dissertation research for each program has a completely different focus: the PhD research is theory-oriented, while the AvD research is practitioner-oriented. AvD students' dissertation research is oriented toward business/industry practitioners, and typically involves a practical field problem.

Doctoral Research in Aviation

Research helps experts in many areas of aviation make the industry less complex and safer. It also helps consultants and experts predict and prevent scenarios that cause airline accidents, interruptions in service, technical challenges, and even such things as pilot shortages and fuel prices.

The AvD is designed to meet the inherent challenges of aviation and to advance the frontiers of aviation knowledge, going from research to real-world application in:

• Airport design, development, and management
• Airport technology
• Airworthiness
• Aviation security
• Aviation safety management systems (SMS)
• Education and training
• Environment/sustainability
• Fire safety
• Green airport design
• Human factors in aeronautics
• Meteorology
• Operations research
• Organizational development
• Propulsion and structures

Expert Career Enhancement

Merging airlines and expanding airports need aviation-savvy executives and consultants to lead them through industry challenges, and Florida Tech AvD candidates are uniquely equipped to fill these positions. From senior researchers at government agencies to executive-level positions, AvD graduates work as consultants and industry experts, researching and analyzing issues that affect the performance and safety of aviation. As graduates of the only AvD program in the country, Florida Tech students are in a class by themselves, ready to work alongside seasoned professionals tackling new and emerging issues in the private sector, commercial airlines, or the military.

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Air & Aviation Law - a new focus at UCT Law

The University of Cape Town is now inviting applications for admission to the Faculty of Law’s PhD and Master's Programmes with a focus on Air and Aviation Law. These degrees are by research and dissertation only (no course work).

This is an exciting new area for the Faculty, and is led by Distinguished Professor Philippe Salazar who recently authored Air Law (2019) – a book focused on the laws of air and aviation in South Africa, the first book of its kind on this particular legal focus, and a publication hailed as of great value to the aviation community (more information on this can be found at https://www.law.uct.ac.za/news/flying-safely-new-book-air-law ).

Distinguished Professor Salazar is keen to work with postgraduate research students interested in this area of specialisation. Students are invited to submit topics for their research, provided that they remain within the wider range of aviation or air law regulations, international or local. Cases are looked at individually on the merit of the proposal.

This is a unique opportunity for pilots or aviation administrators to gain an advanced degree from Africa's top-ranking institution and from an internationally renowned Law Faculty, and the programme has already attracted top aviation executives.

Students do NOT need to hold a law degree to enrol for a Masters programme. For a PhD, however, a LLM (Masters in Law) is recommended - but  not compulsory.  For more information contact UCT Law’s Postgraduate Manager, Ms Patricia Phillips or Distinguished Prof Philippe-Joseph Salazar , and visit www.sals.uct.ac.za for general information about postgraduate study in the Faculty of Law.

More From Forbes

Pilots with phds: from the cockpit to the classroom.

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Passenger airplane during takeoff in the Dutch capital, Amsterdam Schiphol International Airport AMS ... [+] / EHAM in the Netherlands during a cloudy day. (Photo by Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Society likes to romanticize the life of a pilot, but it is difficult in many ways. Commercial pilots face life on the road, where they are frequently away from home. They may find it difficult to eat properly and exercise. Boredom is a constant battle while waiting at airports and sitting in the cockpit for many hours, often while the autopilot manages the tasks that pilots used to do manually. Pilots are frequently tempted to take a break from piloting or even quit altogether. It is not always voluntary. If a pilot fails a medical exam, they are grounded—sometimes permanently.

Many pilots look to their future long before departing the cockpit. Some of them already possess a Bachelor’s degree, but it might not be in a field that promises the financial success they are used to. They must still pay those pesky mortgages and living costs. A few of them decide to seek out higher degrees, and some sign up for a terminal degree. A terminal degree is the pinnacle of academic success—the highest degree one can get in a particular field.

Four Pilots’ Stories

Dr. Becky Lutte is a former airline pilot for a small commuter airline in the Midwest. She planned to continue on that path and fly for United Airlines. At that time, the major airlines froze their hiring, so she picked up a part-time teaching job. “ What I didn’t expect was how much I enjoyed teaching. I quickly realized where I could contribute in new ways to the field. The path led to a fully funded Master’s degree and PhD. Those degrees allowed me to further pursue research in aviation .” A crash at her airlines caused the death of two of her colleagues. Becky wanted to be a part of the solution, so she turned to research on FAA responses to crisis events. Her research has expanded into recruitment and retention of women in aviation. Dr. Lutte currently serves as an Associate Professor in Aviation at the University of Nebraska-Omaha, and is a strong advocate for aviation safety.

Dr. Jason Herkimer flies for Spirit Airlines and operates an Airbus A320. He received his PhD in Aviation Sciences from Florida Institute of Technology in 2017, and spent some time teaching in the classroom. He continues to fly. “ Not only was earning a PhD a practical insurance policy if I ever lost my ability to fly, it also expanded my knowledge base and my perspective on all matters of aviation. A professional pilot has a duty to continue to hone his craft, to mentor new pilots, and to contribute to the overall knowledge of the field. ” Many pilots like Dr. Herkimer love flying, but understand that there is a life after the cockpit and they want to be ready for it.

Dr. David Cross currently flies a B-787 Dreamliner for United Airlines and possesses two doctorates. He earned his EdD in 1993 and added a PhD in 2012. He started his piloting career at a different airline. “ When I was furloughed, I learned quickly that a lot of employers were not interested in you. Pilots have a wealth of practical knowledge, but without the degree, it is very difficult to teach. Fortunately, I had been taking classes toward my doctorate, so I took six months off and finished my dissertation .” Dr. Cross teaches online for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, but has plans to teach in residence after his flying career.

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Dr. Victoria Dunbar started flying in 1999. She found it tough to find a job after 9/11, and turned to flight instruction and teaching at Indiana State University. She finished up her Master’s Degree and began taking doctoral credits. In 2010, she moved to the Florida Institute of Technology, where she eventually became the Associate Dean of the College of Aviation while raising two boys. “ To move up in the academic world, one needs a PhD. I took evening classes for several years, and did homework on weekends or early mornings while my family slept. It was a tremendous amount of work, but I was determined to complete it .” The desire to fly never left, and the more time she spent in the classroom, the more she missed flying. So in 2019, Dr. Dunbar decided to return to flying full-time for Air Wisconsin Airlines, where she pilots a CRJ-200 regional jet.

Where to Get Started

Only 2% of Americans hold a doctorate . Getting a doctorate is an incredibly challenging task. Drs. Lutte, Herkimer, Cross and Dunbar had different reasons for their pursuit of this degree, but they all share one thing in common. They are dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge.

In the past, pilots would be forced to furlough or leave the airlines to attend a residence program. Current pilots have more options—numerous online universities offer programs in almost any field. Military pilots can take advantage of these programs while they are on deployment. Many traditional brick-and-mortar universities conduct online doctoral programs that provide a convenient way to finish school from the comfort of your living room—or flight deck.

Aviation offers several types of doctorates. The PhD is the traditional doctorate that many fields award after the successful completion of 2-4 years of schooling beyond a Master’s degree. It can be in Aviation Sciences , Aviation Business Administration , or Aviation Human Factors, among others. Expect a rigorous course load, combined with several years of research. Many universities also offer PhDs in non-aviation fields.

The Doctorate of Education (EdD) is a terminal degree designed for educators or working professionals. This path focuses on developing practical skills. The Doctorate of Aviation (AvD), is designed to prepare working professionals who want to make scholarly contributions to the profession while taking on higher leadership positions in their organization.

Pilots looking for a career beyond the cockpit should consider graduate school. You can take classes after flying, while flying, or even while building up the flight hours needed to land that first piloting job.

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LLM in Air and Space Law (Thesis and Non-Thesis)

The LLM Thesis program in Air and Space Law is available to applicants who wish to focus on original, scholarly research and writing under the supervision of a law professor. The thesis must show familiarity with previous work in the field and demonstrate the student’s capacity for independent analysis, writing skills, and organization. The LLM Non-Thesis program in Air and Space Law is available to applicants who wish to gain a wide exposure to a range of courses taught within and related to the domain of air and space law.

See  the McGill IASL site for additional information concerning the Institute of Air and Space Law.

LLM in Air and Space Law Thesis and Non-Thesis requirements

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Universities in Moscow, Russia - Rankings & Reviews -

For business studies see our separate ranking of business schools in Moscow, Russia

• 27 Sep, 2023: THE World University Rankings updated with Moscow State University M. V. Lomonosov ranked highest among 21 listed universities in Moscow.
• 15 Aug, 2023: ARWU Academic Ranking of World Universities - ShanghaiRanking updated with Moscow State University M. V. Lomonosov ranked highest among 6 listed universities in Moscow.
• 31 Jul, 2023: Webometrics published most recent results of Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities . Includes 42 universities from Moscow.
• 22 Jul, 2023: Latest URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field (Business) from Urap . 115 universities from Moscow appear in this ranking.

Rankings of universities in Moscow, Russia 2024

Moscow State University M. V. Lomonosov

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Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology

National Research University Higher School of Economics

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in Business, Computer Science, Medicine, Law, Education, Health... Study at your own pace , conveniently from home .

National Research Nuclear University MEPI

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Peoples' Friendship University of Russia

Bauman Moscow State Technical University

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National University of Science and Technology "MISIS"

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Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University

• University rankings (14)

Plekhanov Russian University of Economics

Finance Academy under the Government of the Russian Federation

• University rankings (10)

MGIMO University

• University rankings (6)

National Research University Moscow Power Engineering Institute

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Moscow Aviation Institute (National Research University)

Russian National Research Medical University

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Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration

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Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia

Moscow Institute of Electronic Technology

Moscow State University of Civil Engineering

Skolkovo Institute of Science & Technology

Russian State University for the Humanities

Russian Technological University MIREA

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Russian State University of Oil and Gas

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Russian State Agricultural University

Moscow Polytech

Moscow State Pedagogical University

Moscow State Technological University "Stankin"

Moscow Technical University of Communications and Informatics

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Russian State Social University

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Moscow City Teachers' Training University

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Moscow State University of Food Production

New Economic School

Moscow State University of Psychology and Education

• University rankings (2)

Moscow State Regional University

• University rankings (1)

Moscow State Linguistic University

Russian State Geological Prospecting University

Russian New University

Moscow State University of Railway Engineering

Moscow State University of Technology and Management

Pushkin State Russian Language Institute

Moscow State Technical University of Civil Aviation

Moscow State University of Geodesy and Cartography

Moscow University for the Humanities

Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory

Saint Tikhon's Orthodox University

State University of Land Management

Gaidar Institute for Economic Policy

Modern University for the Humanities

Moscow International Higher Business School

Moscow State University of Design and Technology

Moscow Metropolitan Governance University

Highest subject rankings of universities in moscow, moscow key facts for international students.

49 out of 69 Universities in Moscow Ranked in at least one ranking

24 Different Rankings list Universities in Moscow (18 institution and 6 subject rankings)

16 Global Rankings rank Universities in Moscow Among TOP 200

Population: 10382000

Time: GMT +3

District/province: Moscow,

* 100 = prices in London

• Living costs without accommodation 61* (39% cheaper than London)
• All costs including accommodation 57* (43% cheaper than London)
• Meals (grocery & lower cost restaurants) 59* (41% cheaper than London)
• Average Big Mac price 188.65 RUB

• Residential voltage: 230 V
• Frequency: 50 Hz

Map with location of universities in Moscow

Useful related pages

What is the best ranked university in Moscow?

What university in moscow is listed in most university rankings, what university in moscow is best ranked for studying business, what university in moscow is best ranked for studying languages & literature, what university in moscow is best ranked for studying natural sciences, what university in moscow is best ranked for studying mathematics, what university in moscow is best ranked for studying education, what university in moscow is best ranked for studying social studies & humanities, what university in moscow is best ranked for studying engineering, what university in moscow is best ranked for studying law, what university in moscow is best ranked for studying computer science, what university in moscow is best ranked for studying medicine & health, what university in moscow is best ranked for studying agriculture, ranking publishers, british quacquarelli symonds, uk, qs world university rankings  (published: 27 june, 2023).

Academic Reputation 40% Employer Reputation 10% Faculty/Student Ratio 20% Citations per faculty 20% International Faculty Ratio 5% International Student Ratio 5%

view methodology

QS Employability Rankings  (Published: 23 September, 2021)

Employer reputation 30% Alumni outcomes 25% Partnerships with Employers per Faculty 25% Employer/Student Connections 10% Graduate employment rate 10%

QS 50 under 50  (Published: 24 June, 2020)

Based on the QS World University rankings methodology, the top 50 universities that are under 50 years old.

QS University Rankings: EECA Emerging Europe & Central Asia  (Published: 15 December, 2021)

Academic reputation 30% Employer reputation 20% Faculty/student ratio 10% Papers per faculty 10% International research network 10%

QS University Rankings BRICS  (Published: 06 May, 2019)

Academic reputation 30% Employer reputation 20% Faculty/student ratio 20% Staff with a PhD 10% Papers per faculty 10%

QS World University Rankings: Sustainability  (Published: 26 October, 2022)

Cwur center for world university rankings, cwur center for world university rankings  (published: 25 april, 2022).

Research Performance: 40%

• Research Output: 10%
• High-Quality Publications: 10%
• Influence: 10%
• Citations: 10%

Quality of Education: 25%

Alumni Employment: 25%

Quality of Faculty: 10%

Centre for Science and Technology Studies, Leiden University, Netherlands

Cwts leiden ranking  (published: 22 june, 2022).

Scientific Impact Number of Publications Collaboration Open Access Gender Diversity

NTU ranking

Ntu performance ranking of scientific papers  (published: 11 july, 2023).

Research Productivity: 25%

• # Articles last 11 years: 10%
• # Articles current year: 15%

Research Impact: 35%

• # Citations last 11 years: 15%
• # Citations last 2 years: 10%
• Average # citations last 11 years: 10%

Research Excellence: 40%

• H-index last 2 years: 10%
• # Highly cited papers last 11 years: 15%
• # Articles current year in high-impact journals: 15%

Nature Index

Nature index - young universities  (published: 08 december, 2021), rur ranking agency (moscow, russia), rur world university rankings  (published: 25 may, 2023).

Teaching: 40%

• Ratio Faculty/Student: 8%
• Ratio Faculty/Bachelor Degrees Awarded: 8%
• Ratio Faculty/Doctoral Degrees Awarded: 8%
• Ratio Doctoral Degrees Awarded/Bachelor Degrees Awarded: 8%
• World Teaching Reputation: 8%

Research: 40%

• Citations per Academic/Research Staff: 8%
• Doctoral Degrees per Accepted PhD: 8%
• Normalized Citation Impact: 8%
• Papers per Academic/Research Staff: 8%
• World Research Reputation: 8%

International Diversity: 10%

• International Faculty: 2%
• International Students: 2%
• International Co-Authored Papers: 2%
• Reputation Outside Geographical Region: 2%
• International Level: 2%

Financial Sustainability: 10%

• Institutional Income per Faculty: 2%
• Institutional Income per Student: 2%
• Papers per Research Income: 2%
• Research Income per Academic/Research Staff: 2%
• Research Income per Institutional Income: 2%

RUR Academic Rankings  (Published: 25 May, 2023)

Normalized citation impact (Citations of research publications from all university authors compared with world averages) 20% Citation per papers 20% Papers per academic and research staff 20% International research reputation 20% Share of research publications written in international co-authorship 20%

RUR Reputation Ranking  (Published: 25 May, 2023)

Teaching Reputation 50% Research Reputation 50%

Scimago Institutions

Scimago institutions rankings  (published: 06 march, 2023).

Research 50% Innovation 30% Societal 20%

ShanghaiRanking Consultancy

Arwu academic ranking of world universities - shanghairanking  (published: 15 august, 2023).

Quality of Education 10%

• Alumni winning Nobel Prizes/Field Medals 10%

Quality of Faculty 40%

• Staff winning Nobel Prizes/Field Medals 20%
• Highly Cited Researchers 20%

Research Output 40%

• Papers published in Nature and Science 20%
• Papers indexed in Science Citation Index-Expanded & Social Science Citation Index 20%

Per Capita Performance 10%

THE Times Higher Education, UK

The world university rankings  (published: 27 september, 2023).

30% Teaching (the Learning Environment)

• Reputation survey: 15%
• Staff-to-student ratio: 4.5%
• Doctorate-to-bachelor’s ratio: 2.25%
• Doctorates-awarded-to-academic-staff ratio: 6%
• Institutional income: 2.25%

30% Research (Volume, Income and Reputation)

• Reputation survey: 18%
• Research income: 6%
• Research productivity: 6%

30% Citations (Research Influence)

7.5% International Outlook (Staff, Students and Research)

• Proportion of international students: 2.5%
• Proportion of international staff: 2.5%
• International collaboration: 2.5%

2.5% Industry Income (Knowledge Transfer)"

THE World Reputation Rankings  (Published: 16 November, 2022)

Research Reputation 66,6% Teaching Reputation 33,3%

THE Emerging Economies University Ranking - Times Higher Education  (Published: 19 October, 2021)

Teaching 30% Research (volume, income and reputation) 30% Citations 20% International outlook (staff, students, research) 10% Industry income (knowledge transfer) 10%

THE Young University Rankings  (Published: 03 July, 2023)

Teaching 30% Research (volume, income and reputation) 30% Citations 30% International outlook (staff, students, research) 7.5% Industry income (knowledge transfer) 2.5%

THE World University Impact Rankings - Overall  (Published: 01 June, 2023)

The china subject ratings overall  (published: 11 may, 2022), urap world ranking - university ranking by academic performance  (published: 28 november, 2022), us news: best global universities  (published: 24 october, 2022), webometrics, webometrics ranking web of universities  (published: 31 july, 2023).

Visibility 50% Excellence 35% Transparency 10% Presence 5%

2024 Truman Scholars

The Foundation reviewed 709 files from 285 institutions. Students were nominated by their institution based on their records of leadership, public service, and academic achievement. Our Finalist Selection Committee selected 193 students from 136 institutions to interview with the Foundation’s Regional Review Panels between March 1 and April 4. The complete listing of the 2024 Truman Scholarship Finalists can be found in our News section .

In 2024, we selected 60 outstanding college students from 54 institutions as Truman Scholars. Read more about them in our Press Release . Biographies, provided by the Scholars, appear below.

Kaylyn studies social policy and legal studies and recently returned from Ecuador where she held a Gilman Scholarship. Kaylyn is co-president of the Undergraduate Prison Education Partnership, was selected as a Debarry Civic Scholar, was among GLAAD’s 20 Under 20 LGBTQ+ Activists in 2021, and testified in front of Illinois General Assembly to help unanimously pass a bill to reform sexual assault law. She was appointed by Governor J.B. Pritzker to serve on the Illinois Council on Women and Girls, serves on the advisory board for the National Organization for Victim Advocacy, and serves on the advisory board for The Harbour, a youth homeless shelter. She interned with KAN-WIN, a nonprofit for Asian survivors of domestic violence, and will work for the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawai’ians, and Pacific Islanders in spring of 2024. Last summer, Kaylyn worked at the US Special Envoy for Afghan Women, Girls, and Human Rights. She is a Women of Color Advancing Peace, Security, and Conflict Resolution Pipeline Fellow and will work in the US Embassy in South Africa this summer. From keynotes to panels, she has spoken across the country about her experiences as a survivor of domestic and sexual violence.    

Daniel Arakawa

Born and raised in the Aloha State of Hawai'i, Daniel is double-majoring in political science and sociology. Inspired by his interest in the criminal justice system and commitment to addressing its inherent disparities, he is dedicated to pursuing a career in public service that allows him to work directly with those affected by these disparities. He intends to pursue a JD focusing on criminal law and prosecutorial experience. While serving in the Lieutenant Governor’s Office and subsequently joining the Governor’s Office of Hawai'i, he developed his passion for public service and an understanding of the political process by working closely with and supporting underserved communities. After graduate school, he plans to continue his commitment to service as an Assistant United States Attorney and aspires to serve as a federal judge. In his spare time, Daniel enjoys cooking, lifting weights, and practicing jiu-jitsu (no-Gi, of course).    

Daniel Block

Daniel is pursuing a double-major in environmental studies and American studies, with a minor in legal studies. He plans to pursue a JD/MEM from Yale, focusing on novel greenhouse gas regulations and the Clean Air Act. Currently, Daniel works as the farm and program director at Zumwalt Acres, a leading carbon-negative farm in rural Illinois that is rooted in Jewish values of justice. His role involves fostering consensus among scientists, farmers, and government agencies to equitably transition the Midwest agricultural landscape toward sustainability. Through connecting farmers to Zumwalt Acres' $5 million US Department of Agriculture Climate Smart Commodities Grant, Daniel has seen how federal policy plays a key role in the transition to a carbon-negative society. Motivated by this, he aims to push the administrative state to adopt innovative, just, and market-based regulatory solutions to climate change. Daniel also serves as the senior content editor for the Brandeis Undergraduate Law Journal, where he authored an article on gender affirming care and religious liberty, with another forthcoming on the administrative state and the major questions doctrine. Daniel is an incoming summer intern for the Honorable Judge Lee Rudofsky of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas.

Jackson Boaz

Jackson is completing his studies in communications, legal institutions, economics, and government. After growing up in a small town in rural Northern California, he has spent the last half-decade moving around the country working on campaigns, from city councils to presidential races and everything in between. This work has brought him to California, Iowa (three times!), Georgia, Ohio, Rhode Island, and now Washington, DC. He intends to pursue a JD, with a focus in constitutional law, and has a particular interest in democratizing the federal grantmaking process. More specifically, he is passionate about expanding access to technical assistance for small towns and rural communities that need the most support in discovering and applying for much-needed federal dollars. Jackson currently works in digital communications for Representative Adam Schiff’s campaign for the US Senate, as well as in the Congressman’s official office. Past work includes staff roles on the campaigns of US Senator Jon Ossoff, California Senate President Pro Tempore Mike McGuire, Iowa State Senator Zach Wahls (IA 13), Congresswoman Cindy Axne, and many more. When he is not working, Jackson is an avid cook and likes to prepare elaborate dinner parties for friends.

Christian Boudreaux

Christian has always been fascinated by the ocean. He is currently majoring in biology and minoring in environmental studies, Spanish, and chemistry. His goal is to work as a marine biologist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. He is a passionate environmental advocate and works to promote environmental service in his community. As a freshman, he started an aquatic conservation organization at his institution and became the leader of a tree-planting organization. From leading efforts to clean Mississippi’s waterways and remove invasive species with Aqua Culture, to maintaining a large tree farm and organizing plantings at various locations in his community, Christian has connected hundreds of volunteers with meaningful projects to make a positive environmental impact across his state and in his hometown of Oxford. Aspiring to earn a PhD exploring the genetic components underlying stress tolerance and survival in marine organisms, he plans to continue empowering communities to care for their marine environments and to create management and conservation strategies that can be implemented into meaningful policy. In his free time, Christian enjoys playing soccer, taking photos, kayaking, camping, SCUBA diving, and anything and everything that has to do with nature. 

Allison Boyd

Originally from Washington, Indiana, Allison is a first-generation college student majoring in aeronautical engineering technology and pursuing airframe and powerplant certifications. Once certified, she can conduct, inspect, and supervise air vehicle inspection and maintenance activities, giving her a unique perspective on aircraft maintenance procedures and publications. She intends to pursue an MS in computational analysis and public policy with the goal of ensuring safe and reliable aviation transportation. In 2022, Allison interned on the Lunar Surface Integration team at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Johnson Space Center, where she developed an interest in policy and its impact on safety regulations. On campus, Allison is devoted to serving her local aviation community. She is president of ATEaM, director of activities for Purdue Aviation Day, an ambassador for the School of Aviation and Transportation Technology, and a member of the Aviation Technology Student Council. As Purdue Aviation Day’s director of activities, Allison created initiatives to lower barriers for students entering the aviation workforce, including creating a scholarship and collaborating with the Federal Aviation Administration to increase recruitment opportunities in the Midwest. Her long-term goals are to address aerospace workforce development and tackle aviation safety challenges.

Paul is a student of philosophy and religion. Shaped by his justice-impacted background, he is committed to advocating for marginalized communities, particularly the formerly incarcerated. Paul aspires to a PhD exploring the philosophy of science and cognitive science, with the goal of bridging his research and teaching to influence policy. His seeks to contribute to substantial criminal justice reform through collaboration with prestigious think tanks. Paul honed his research skills in a computational biology summer internship at Princeton University via the National Science Foundation’s Research Experience for Undergraduates program. He also serves as an instructor with the First Year Rutgers-Camden Experience Program, as well as a member of the Vice Chancellor's External Affairs Program. Beyond his scholarly pursuits, Paul enjoys exercise and fostering connections with his university peers. 

Elizabeth Caldwell

Elizabeth is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in genetics with a minor in biochemistry. Inspired by her lived experience with an understudied genetic disability, she intends to pursue an MD/MPH and bridge the gap between patient care, policy, and rare disease research. On campus, Elizabeth serves as the co-founder and president of Tigers 4 Accessibility, Clemson’s first disability-focused student group, organizes an annual campuswide Accessibility Awareness Week, and serves on the University’s Accessibility Commission to voice the concerns of students with disabilities. Elizabeth has also conducted extensive rare disease research at Clemson and St. Jude in an effort to alleviate the research deficit on such conditions. She is an active volunteer at the local Free Clinic, where she founded and fundraised for its Mobility Aid Program, which provides durable medical equipment to patients with financial need. Elizabeth plans to dedicate her career to advocating for accessible, equitable healthcare for patients, particularly those with disabilities, and seeking greater understanding of understudied genetic disorders.

Anna Dellit

Anna double-majors in legal studies and Black studies, with a minor in Asian American studies and a certificate in civic engagement. She serves as a lead tutor in Chicago's juvenile detention centers, bringing college preparatory materials to incarcerated students while developing her mentorship pedagogy. Additionally, she conducted research with the Searle Center for Advancing Learning and Teaching to center minoritized student perspectives at a predominately white institution. She remains involved with her hometown of Portland, Oregon, through work with those experiencing houselessness with Blanchet House of Hospitality, and carries that perspective to her advocacy for affordable housing with Evanston’s Connections for the Homeless. Cognizant of how education, race, and poverty operate in context with one another, Anna intends to pursue a JD with an emphasis on civil rights to uproot mass incarceration as a symptom of poverty and anti-Blackness. After studying abroad in Vietnam as the first person in her family to return since the Fall of Saigon, and interning with the Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon, Anna hopes to bring a transnational lens to her legal and advocacy work and create further space for Black and Asian solidarity. 

Grant Dillivan

Grant studies criminal justice and psychology. Their understanding of the American criminal justice system and the disproportionate imprisonment of the mentally ill have compelled them to focus on a career in correctional psychology. Grant intends to pursue a PsyD in clinical psychology with a concentration in forensic psychology. They are particularly interested in expanding substance abuse treatment available to incarcerated populations. Previously, Grant interned in the Wyoming Department of Corrections (WDOC) central office. They also conduct independent research on public perceptions of private prisons, and how education affects these perceptions. Grant has presented his research findings at the University of Wyoming Thyra and Keith Thompson Honors Convocation, the annual American Psychology-Law Society Conference, and the annual Rocky Mountain Psychology Association Conference. Grant enjoys reading and spending time outdoors in the Mountain West. One of Grant’s most interesting facts is meeting convicted serial killer Robert Joseph Silveria, Jr. – AKA “The Boxcar Killer” - during his WDOC internship. 

Juan is a dedicated individual currently pursuing his bachelor's degree in social work and intends to pursue an MSW. Despite facing abuse, foster care, and a period of incarceration in his past, Juan has overcome this adversity and currently serves as a behavioral health case manager and senior peer recovery support specialist, where he provides crucial support to individuals in need. Juan is a first-generation, nontraditional college student, who is passionate about substance abuse awareness. He served as the student representative on the Substance Abuse Coalition at Rose State College, where he organized a panel discussion, shared his story, and gathered professionals to educate students on the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse. Beyond academia, Juan is a dedicated single father of two and an active member of his community, where he coaches soccer and volunteers with youth programs. His commitment to service extends to volunteering at the Oklahoma Department of Corrections and aiding post-prison placement. Involved in charitable endeavors like the Oklahoma City Rescue Mission, Juan's journey illustrates the transformative power of resilience and service. His unwavering dedication serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring others to overcome obstacles and effect positive change. 

Alex Drahos

Alex majors in international relations, political science, and urban studies as a Foundation Fellow. He is passionate about reimagining urban systems and structures to better align with human sociology, psychology, and physicality. Alex intends to pursue an MPA focused on urban innovation with the goal of leading a city in implementing equitable policies to improve livability and social connection. This interest prompted him to create a $75 million regional economic development plan with the Center for Advancing Innovation, propose civic infrastructure legislative outreach strategies for a coalition of 100 local nonprofits/governments, and advise a Georgia county commissioner on affordable housing and transportation policies. Leading teams as a University Innovation Fellow, Alex has prototyped smart city technology products, modeled urban economic impact for the National Hockey League, and designed sustainable transportation systems for Delta Airlines. On campus, he researches urban public spaces and hate crimes in post-conflict societies, redesigns class curricula with active learning pedagogy, and helps lead the Georgia Political Review . Alex enjoys backpacking, political history books, playing cello, and board game nights.

Jane Drinkwater

Jane studies political science and digital product (UX) design. Volunteering in low-income communities showed her technology’s vital role in connecting people to government services. Ever since then, she has had a goal to make online government tools more user-friendly so that barriers like disability, digital literacy, age, socioeconomic status, and language do not inhibit Americans’ access to government programs. She is currently a research fellow at the Center for the Study of Elections and Democracy and serves as the president of her university’s UX Design Association. In addition to researching the usability of Orem City and Utah County websites, Jane has developed extensive technological experience as the lead UX designer of a software startup (PROPOR) and a language-learning platform (the Missionary Training Center). In the summer of 2024, she will be a user research intern at Vivint. She plans to pursue an MPP/PhD in psychology with a focus on public sector technology. When she has free time, Jane loves to make music and ski in Utah’s beautiful mountains.    

Adelaide Easter

Hailing from Salina, Adelaide studies agricultural economics and global food systems leadership with minors in leadership and international agriculture. Through 4-H, she presented the problem of feeding an estimated 10 billion people by 2050 to the US Department of Agriculture, sparking her passion for food security. Adelaide intends to pursue an MS in food and agriculture law to work at the intersection of policy and development, making agriculture more equitable and addressing the root causes of hunger. Her academic journey is enhanced by her advocacy work. As a Flinchbaugh Food & Agriculture Policy Fellow, she interned at the state and federal levels, including with Kansas Grain Sorghum, National Sorghum Producers, and US Senator Jerry Moran's office (co-founder of the Senate Hunger Caucus), furthering her knowledge of agricultural policy and international food assistance issues. Serving as the basic needs director for student government and a member of the leadership team for Food Security Scholars, Adelaide was motivated to create the Student Basic Needs Coalition to address food insecurity and promote access to resources like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Additionally, Adelaide enjoys supporting K-State sports and spending time with friends at the local coffee shop.

Desaree Edwards

Originally from Mississippi, Desaree is a first-generation college student studying neuroscience and human rights advocacy. After high school, she enlisted in the US Navy as a Nuclear Machinist’s Mate and was handpicked for the initial integration of women into submarines, becoming the first enlisted nuclear-trained female submariner in the Atlantic Fleet. Aboard the USS FLORIDA (SSGN 728), she deployed three times and served as her division leading petty officer and as a sexual assault victim advocate. The challenges she and other female crewmembers faced during the integration motivated her to separate from the Navy and pivot towards a career in advocacy. Combined with her personal experiences, Desaree’s work as a legal assistant for a Judge Advocate General and her internship at a criminal defense firm sharpened her focus towards combatting human trafficking. She seeks to earn a JD with an emphasis on public interest law. Desaree is passionate about advocating for adult survivors of human trafficking by increasing awareness and victim identification, strengthening legal advocacy and support services, and developing survivor-centric policies. In her spare time, she enjoys hosting crawfish boils, making friends with the crows in her neighborhood, and cuddling her lab, Sandy, and pit bull, Ramses.

Ray Epstein

Ray is double-majoring in English (with a concentration in creative writing) and communication and social influence. She has been a committed activist organizing to prevent sexual violence since middle school, and has since become the founding president of Temple University’s chapter of It’s On Us: Student Activists Against Sexual Assault. Through a partnership between her student organization and Uber, Ray secured $350,000 in free rides for Temple students needing to escape vulnerable situations. She currently occupies the first LGBTQ+ Caucus Chair position at It’s On Us National, where she is developing programming to better represent the experiences of queer survivors. As vice president of Planned Parenthood Generation Temple University, she is spearheading an initiative to bring emergency contraceptive vending machines to her campus. She is also an ambassador for Callisto, an encrypted matching system for survivors of sexual violence, and a campus lead for the Every Voice Coalition, where she promotes survivor-based legislation in Pennsylvania. Previously, she interned at Take Back the Night Foundation, Network for Victim Recovery of DC, and Break the Cycle. She intends to pursue a JD and support survivors through further legislative efforts. 

Gavin is an aspiring research meteorologist and climate science communicator. Growing up in rural Southeast Missouri, he was exposed to all types of weather which fascinated him at a young age. He is passionate about the social and economic vulnerabilities exacerbated by extreme weather events, particularly in the American Mid-South. He intends to pursue a PhD in meteorology from the University of Oklahoma focusing on behavioral insights surrounding severe weather preparedness and communication strategies. Gavin intends to inform public policy through the lens of the National Weather Service’s mission to protect life and property in the United States. He has enjoyed volunteering as a SkyWarn Storm Spotter with the National Weather Service and previously interned at the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory, presenting his research at the American Geophysical Union’s annual fall meeting. Gavin is a first-generation college student at Dartmouth College, where he enjoys fishing, club golf, and taking daily weather observations at the Shattuck Observatory. 

Bitaniya Giday

Bitaniya is a first-generation Ethiopian American residing in Seattle. As a community organizer, she hopes to dismantle internalized carceral logics through storytelling, community care, and healing to incite imaginative capacities for abolition. Her first collection of poems, Motherland , explores her experiences as a first-generation Black woman, reflecting her own family’s path of immigration across the world. As a cultural worker and university student, she works to restore autonomy to history’s originators by researching Black women’s erasure and contradictory relationships to historical geographies. She was heavily involved in the community design and implementation of Restorative Community Pathways a multimillion-dollar juvenile pre-court diversion program based in King County. She also serves as part of Wa Na Wari’s Black Spatial Histories cohort, learning community-based oral history and Black memory work.

Eli Glickman

Eli studies political science and is interested in national security and emerging technologies. As the grandson of a sailor in the US Navy and a mathematician who worked at Los Alamos National Laboratory, he aims to work at the intersection of national security and science and technology. He intends to pursue a master’s degree in security studies with an emphasis on nuclear weapons policy. Eager to expand opportunities for students to engage with national security and foreign policy issues, Eli co-founded and leads the Alexander Hamilton Society at Berkeley and established a fellowship for ROTC and non-ROTC students to bridge the civil-military divide on campus. He was a 2023 Hertog War Studies Scholar at the Institute for the Study of War, interned for both US Senator Tom Cotton and the Coalition Defense of Taiwan Project at the American Enterprise Institute, and is an undergraduate research fellow at the Berkeley Risk and Security Lab. Eli is also an assistant debate coach at the College Preparatory School in Oakland and an Eagle Scout.

Axel Hawkins

Axel is a first-generation college student majoring in history with a minor in political science. Her roots, coming from a family that was lifted out of generational poverty by union jobs in rural, isolated Port Royal, Kentucky, inspired her to pursue a career in the labor movement. She began volunteering with Communications Workers of America (CWA) in 2016, joined as a member herself in 2021, and became a CWA NextGen Lead Activist for Public Sector Workers in 2023. She has also served as both treasurer and vice president of her university’s student government association, and was recently elected president, becoming the first openly LGBT person to win this office. She has also served as a delegate to the 2022 Georgia Democratic Convention, an ex-officio member of the Henry County Democratic Committee, chairwoman of the Young Democrats of Georgia Labor Caucus, and is finishing her second term as president of GCSU Young Democrats. She plans to pursue a JD and work to create pro-union policies to benefit America’s working families. She is also a member of the Delta Gamma fraternity, a devotee of all things “Sex and the City,” a perfume collector, and an avid Dolly Parton fan. 

Lezlie Hilario

Born to Dominican immigrants in Perth Amboy, Lezlie is a first-generation college student pursuing a double-major in political science and global interdisciplinary studies, along with minors in peace and justice and public administration. Lezlie's academic focus is driven by her aspiration to empower low-income communities of color in urban areas through the nonprofit sector. Her policy interests encompass advocating for diversity in K-12 curriculum, expanding college readiness programs, and championing equitable voting laws, particularly within communities of color. At Villanova, Lezlie is actively involved in various leadership roles. She is a cheerleader on the Villanova cheer team, serves as co-president of the Latin American Student Organization, and is a member of the leadership team for BIPOC, a multicultural student-athlete group on campus. Lezlie is an alumna of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, where she worked on Capitol Hill in the US House of Representatives. This summer, she will participate in the Public Policy & International Affairs Program's Junior Summer Institute at Princeton University, further preparing herself for graduate school. Post-graduation, Lezlie aims to pursue an MPA while engaging in community organizing efforts in her hometown. 

Adaure Iwuh

Adaure is a public health honors student in Detroit. Prior to this, she spent several years in Malawi, studying nursing and midwifery at Malamulo College of Health Sciences. Her clinical experiences as a midwife in high-demand, low-resource settings inspired her to pursue systemic work that could improve maternal and child health through policy and institutional reform. Adaure uses her personal, professional, and academic experiences to engage in understanding political institutions and how they interact with sociocultural questions that affect health and societal wellbeing. Adaure was a Mayoral Fellow for the City of Detroit, where she conducted vector and disease surveillance and community health education in the Environmental Health division of the Detroit Health Department. After the fellowship, she continued to work at the Detroit Health Department, where she now pursues outreach efforts in housing, environmental health, and process improvement. She plans to earn an MPH/MPP in community health sciences and health policy to address policy and research gaps at the intersection of housing and maternal health. She is committed to coordinating community-facing activities in Detroit that promote sustainability and efficiency in public health practice.

Rincon Jagarlamudi

As the proud son of two immigrant parents, Rincon majors in biochemistry with minors in medicine, health, and society and data science. On campus, Rincon is the co-president of Next Steps Ambassa’dores, which is the dynamic peer support group for Vanderbilt’s inclusive higher education program for neurodiverse individuals, and serves as the campus policy chair for Active Minds, a group committed to heightening awareness and supporting mental health on college campuses. He founded the flagship ambassador site for the nonprofit Hip Hop Public Health, using hip-hop music and culture to break down cultural barriers to health literacy and equity in Nashville. Rincon intends to enter medical school and earn an MPH degree post-graduation. He aspires to pair his existing role as a disability rights advocate with his eventual status as a physician to care for patients with neurodevelopmental conditions. Outside of advocacy and service, Rincon can be found watching Formula 1 races, singing karaoke, or playing pickup basketball with friends. 

Elijah Kahlenberg

As an aspiring academic and civil servant, Elijah is currently pursuing a degree in government, Middle East studies, and Jewish studies. Elijah intends to specialize in legal, historical, and policy matters impacting conflict de-escalation and conflict resolution in the Middle East. Accordingly, Elijah has undertaken and led various grassroots peace initiatives pertinent to the Middle East. In the summer of 2022, he worked out of a Palestinian farm on behalf of the Roots peace movement, the only organization in the West Bank erecting joint initiatives for mutual understanding and reconciliation between local Jews and Palestinians. For the past two years, Elijah has led Atidna International, an organization establishing joint frameworks for dialogue and peacebuilding between Jewish/Israeli and Arab/Palestinian students on college campuses as the organization’s founder and president. From The Forward to NBC Dallas-Fort Worth, Elijah’s peacebuilding initiatives have been heralded in both print and televised media. He also writes extensively about Middle East and North African politics. To prepare for his future endeavors, Elijah hopes to pursue a joint JD/PhD concentrating on international law, Middle East studies, and international security.

Alyssa Kemp

Alyssa is an environmental engineering student with minors in interdisciplinary problem-solving and climate change. Originally from Cavalier, a rural town in northeast North Dakota, she is passionate about improving climate change resilience and economic development in rural communities. Alyssa's career goal is to become an environmental attorney, focusing on securing cleaner, more affordable energy, revitalizing rural areas, and collaborating with environmental justice partners to drive change. On campus, she is currently a Nina Henderson Provost Scholar, where she builds capacity in local workforce development organizations to implement climate transition job training programs. Additionally, Alyssa develops and teaches undergraduate engineering curricula that incorporate social and environmental justice lessons to empower future engineers to advocate for equitable and sustainable solutions in their professional practice. She has conducted research on community-based heat mitigation techniques, the impacts of increased flooding on various social vulnerabilities, and the use of community gardens to promote access to healthy foods, reduce flooding, and improve economic development. In her free time, Alyssa volunteers at a local after-school program, where she introduces high school students to careers in technology. She also enjoys hiking, stargazing, and cooking with friends.    

Lisa Kopelnik

Lisa studies in the politics honors program and double-majors in economics. As a first-generation American born to Ukrainian-Jewish immigrants, she is deeply committed to public service and making change through law and the justice system. She aspires to focus her career on expanding civil rights, promoting restorative justice, and uplifting values aligned with our democracy. She is passionate about facilitating dialogue across difference and civil discourse, believing that seeking common ground and understanding is a necessary starting point to bringing about change. As the chair of the University Judiciary Committee, she adjudicates Standards of Conduct violations with a focus on restorative and educational approaches that promote safety, freedom, and respect for all students. She cultivated her passion for civil rights as an intern with Equal Rights Advocates, a gender justice policy and legal nonprofit organization based in San Francisco. As a legal intern, she worked with attorneys to provide legal aid to women seeking justice and accountability in discrimination cases, and worked on California policy to provide legal and economic support for women. In her free time, she enjoys attending Jewish community events and spending time with her friends and family. 

Aravind Krishnan

The son of Indian immigrants, Aravind studies molecular & cell biology, healthcare management & policy, and statistics. His backgrounds in community health and basic science motivated him to pursue a career focused on addressing health disparities in under-resourced communities through advancing care for infectious diseases, due to their disproportionate impact on these populations. He intends to pursue an MD/PhD focused on immunology and communicable diseases, and subsequently hopes to work with the National Institutes of Health on continuing this research and also translating his findings by implementing community-informed interventions, with the aim of developing his own lab with these foci. Aravind founded ToxiSense, a research organization focused on creating more cost-effective, sustainable, rapid diagnostics for bacterial toxin contamination and infection. He also helps lead the Shelter Health Outreach Program, an organization of over 100 students alleviating health disparities faced by Philadelphians experiencing homelessness and other barriers to care. They do so through city-wide hypertension screening clinics, partnerships with Penn Medicine and Penn Dental to provide on-site care, case management, community health research, and a permanent free clinic in West Philadelphia. Aravind thanks his mom and dad for being his greatest inspirations, and all his other mentors that have supported him along the way.

Pranav Krishnan

Pranav studies political science and economics and is interested in international security, foreign policy, and strategic competition in an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape. On campus, he leads the Alexander Hamilton Society for Foreign Policy, is an editor for the Wisconsin International Review , and volunteers with the Missing in Action - Recovery and Identification Project, as well as Service to School. Previously, he worked as an international development researcher for Dane County and interned at the Center for American Progress and the US Department of Defense. He plans to pursue an MSc in international relations at the London School of Economics and Political Science before attending law school and seeking a career in public service to promote principled and prudent American engagement abroad in championing democracy, human rights, and international law.

Kayle Lauck

Kayle studies political science with minors in politics, philosophy, and economics, and education, schooling, and society. She has completed research assistantships focused on rural development, domestic agricultural policy, coastal resiliency, Native American history, and stream ecology. Kayle is passionate about improving rural mental healthcare access and worked with South Dakota State University Extension to distribute mental healthcare vouchers and coordinate suicide prevention training. She also co-founded South Dakota College Connections, an organization dedicated to aiding South Dakota high school students navigate the college admissions process. Kayle's commitment to rural development brought her to Washington for the National Farmers Union Legislative Fly-In, where she advocated for small farmers and sustainable agricultural policies. She continued that work during a 4-month internship with the US House Committee on Agriculture. Kayle has also studied and volunteered in Poland, Israel, and Ireland, to further understand histories of oppression, environmental peacebuilding, and agricultural sustainability. While on campus, Kayle has served as a sustainability co-chair in her student government and co-founded the Agricultural Student Association. Kayle intends to return to South Dakota and work to remedy the diverse issues that harm rural populations throughout her home state.

Julie Ann Laxamana

Born and raised in Guam, Julie is majoring in criminal justice and minoring in biology. She intends to pursue an MPA to further her public service around her region and the national community. On campus, she is currently the student regent member on her university’s Board of Regents, and served as treasurer for the Public Administration and Legal Studies Society Club for three years. She uses these platforms to amplify and address her community needs of homelessness and recidivism. In the local community, she serves as legislative secretary for the 34th Guam Youth Congress, and is a recipient of the 2024 Congressional Gold Medal. Julie will intern at the White House this summer. She strives to foster and promote social justices in the interest of those whose voice have been muted in the participation of policy. Julie’s goal is to grow into an educated individual who is worthy of public trust, and who solves problems with the highest ethical consideration while practicing the principles of democracy. When she is not serving the public, she enjoys watching movies, playing with her cats, and taking pictures.

Reese Lycan

Born and raised in Lexington, Reese is a biochemistry and molecular biology major at the Honors College with minors in computer science and public health. As director of government relations, Reese oversaw the crafting of policy proposals that were presented to city, state, and national officials, based in part on a student insight survey she created. She led a student advocacy mission to Washington, where she championed to White House and Congressional leaders for improved resources for first-generation and immigrant students, stricter legislation regarding sexual assault and hazing, and increased higher education support. Reese’s passion for advocacy intersects with her passion for healthcare. She volunteers weekly in her city’s emergency department and is published in the Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry Journal as a member of the Simoska Research Lab, where she researches mechanisms of bacteria that affect immunocompromised patients. These experiences have inspired her pursuit of an MD/MPH for a career in medicine and public health policy. Her goal is to work as a physician for underserved populations to build a foundation to lead healthcare policy reform and advocate for rural Appalachia at the federal level. 

Kelsey Monaghan-Bergson

Kelsey studies behavioral sciences, concentrating in sociology, with a minor in diversity and inclusion. Motivated to capitalize on the unique strength of American diversity to outthink US adversaries, particularly through neurodiversity as a key force multiplier, she aims to reform the US Department of Defense (DOD) accessions and retention policy. Her goal is not only to accept neurodiverse (ND) individuals into the military, but also to break down stereotypes and promote greater acceptance and empowerment in society as a whole. She aspires to pursue a master's in social innovation with a concentration in neurodiversity studies before serving as an information operations officer in the US Air Force (USAF). She plans to continue her joint research on astro psychiatric artificial intelligence and apply her education across the full spectrum of military operations to influence relevant actors' perceptions, behavior, and actions through gray zone tactics. Kelsey is an action officer for the USAF's ND Initiative, a DOD Intellectual Edge Alliance Fellow, and a Certified Professional Innovator from the University of Michigan College of Engineering. Outside of the military, Kelsey loves drawing, hiking, Garfield the Cat, and Pokémon.

Alexandra Mork

Alexandra studies political science and history. On campus, she served as editor-in-chief of the Brown Political Review , the largest political publication in the Ivy League.  Currently, she is conducting research on voter registration in high schools as a fellow for the Taubman Center for American Politics. Motivated by her interests in education, democracy reform, and criminal justice issues, she has interned for the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights, the Center for American Progress, the Rhode Island Center for Justice, Organize New Hampshire, Public Citizen, and Loyola’s Project for the Innocent. She also serves as a tutor for system-impacted students in Rhode Island and a coach for debate students in California. Particularly passionate about access to legal services for low-income people, she founded the Student Legal Association Supporting Housing, which organizes Brown student volunteers to assist Providence tenants in their eviction proceedings. Alexandra hopes to earn a JD/MPA to pursue her interest in legal justice and ultimately work as a civil rights appellate lawyer. 

Jackson Morris

Born and raised in Omaha, Jackson studies biomedical engineering with a minor in applied math and statistics. His experiences as a disabled student and observation of the lack of representation in STEM professions has led him to advocate for the rights and aspirations of disabled Americans. He is especially interested in improving higher education for disabled students. As part of a Biomedical Engineering Design Team, he is creating a better ventricular catheter for hydrocephalus patients and will be leading his own team next year. Jackson is a Lime Connect Fellow and gratefully serves his peers as vice president of the his university’s student government association, co-chair of its university-wide student advisory body, and chair of advocacy and activism for Advocates for Disability Awareness. After graduation, Jackson plans to pursue a JD with an emphasis in disability law. In his free time, he performs acrobatics, runs, and enjoys hanging out with his friends and Design Team.

Laila Nasher

Born in Aden, Yemen, and raised by a single mother in Detroit, Laila is an immigrant whose experiences push her to fight for impoverished communities like her own. Having grown up beneath the poverty line and as a product of school closures, Laila believes education is a fundamental civil right. She plans to pursue a JD/EdM and aims to protect access to an equitable K-12 education through legal and public office in her home city. Over the past eight years, Laila has dedicated herself to understanding how education inequity differently impacts disparate communities like her own. She bridges the gap between policy and people by both working with local policymakers and mentoring young Detroiters. Laila runs bazaars for Yemeni migrant women and is currently creating a scholarship to encourage Yemeni-American girls to pursue college. At Harvard, she studies history and anthropology, is a Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellow, and acts as a liaison between the campus’s first-generation students and administration. Through this role, Laila has founded some of Harvard’s most impactful first-generation student initiatives. In her free time, you can find her trying new cafes and reading.     

Yudidt Nonthe Sanchez

Originally from Mesa, Yudidt is a first-generation college student studying public service and public policy. She comes from Indigenous descent from the Otomi people from Mexico. After graduating high school, Yudidt interned in Washington, volunteered as a missionary in Brazil, and studied international relations as a US Department of State Gilman Scholar in Sydney, Australia. She served as student body president at Mesa Community College and interned at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum and Smithsonian National Zoo. As a community organizer for the Arizona Education Association, Yudidt advocated for higher pay for teachers. She is a former IGNITE National Fellow, Andrew Goodman Ambassador, and Smithsonian Young Ambassador. She intends to pursue a JD at Arizona State University with an emphasis on gender equity and immigration policy. Dedicated to inspiring the next generation of women leaders, she aspires to serve as Mesa’s first Latina mayor. In her spare time, Yudidt likes to visit her friends who live in other countries and regularly volunteers at College Bound AZ, which helps students apply for college. She enjoys practicing yoga and likes to listen to Billie Eilish.

Tej is studying molecular biology, healthcare management & policy, and statistics. Inspired by his experiences as an advocate and volunteer, Tej seeks to make healthcare systems more equitable and cost-effective. Focused on health economics, radiation oncology, and human-algorithm collaboration in clinical care, his research has been published in Nature Medicine , JAMA Health Forum , Journal of National Cancer Institute , IJROBP , and Journal of Clinical Oncology . Tej co-founded the Social Equity Action Lab, a youth-led think tank that brings together students, institutional partners, and policymakers across the country to inform legislation on key issues such as America’s mental health crisis, value-based payment reform, and healthcare decarbonization. On campus, he is the director of the Locust Bioventures group, coordinator for the Netter Center High School Pipeline Program, and policy/outcomes researcher for the Shelter Health Outreach Program. He also interned with the Mongan Institute for Health Policy and Institute for Healthcare Improvement, working on projects covering Medicare Part D policy and alternative payment models. Following graduation, Tej intends to pursue an MD/MPP and leverage insights from medicine and policy to improve nationwide care delivery.

Yadira Paz-Martinez

Originally from Clinton, North Carolina, Yadira is the proud daughter of Mexican blue-collar and farmworker immigrants. She is studying public policy with a minor in history and a certificate in human rights. As a first-generation low-income student, Yadira serves as the Duke Student Government vice president for equity and outreach, addressing equitable fees, aiding DACA students, and advocating for marginalized students. Yadira is also the co-president of Duke Define America, leading a team that supports immigrants at Duke, in Durham, and beyond. Advocating for farmworker justice, she was an Into the Fields intern for Student Action with Farmworkers and currently serves on their theater committee. In the summer of 2023, Yadira worked for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute in the office of US Representative Yadira Caraveo and learned about systemic barriers within the agricultural industry. She is also a Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellow, researching the socialization of farmworkers in rural North Carolina based on the influences of geopolitical power that impact their experiences. Yadira aspires earn a JD to advance labor rights for farmworkers and low-wage workers.

CJ Petersen

Born and raised in southwest Iowa, CJ is hard of hearing and grew up using American Sign Language at home. Living at the intersection of the LGBTQ+ and disability communities, CJ strives for inclusion and acceptance for all who want to participate in the political process. Whether he is running for Iowa Senate, leading a rural queer working group, or clerking for Representative Sami Scheetz in the Iowa Legislature, strengthening civic engagement among rural Iowans is the priority for CJ. He is pursuing a degree in political science while serving as communications director for the Iowa Auditor of State, Rob Sand (IA 05). CJ and his husband live on a small farm in rural Audubon County, where they are active members of the Iowa Farmers’ Union and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. CJ is passionate about working toward climate solutions as part of a robust rural economic development agenda.

Jay Philbrick

Jay is passionate about evidence-based policy to promote equitable economic opportunity. He currently studies economics, applied mathematics, and computer science. Growing up in rural Maine, Jay saw firsthand the life-changing impact of public investment in education and defense. Inspired by this, he has interned with the White House’s Council of Economic Advisers, the US State Department's Office of Monetary Affairs, and in Maine's Governor's Economic Recovery Committee, helping save Americans nearly $4 billion and guiding $1 billion in effective investments in broadband and workforce development. Jay has also conducted research at Yale Law School, the Federal Reserve, and Brown University, focused on evaluating retirement, rural development, and social safety net policies. He has presented his research to executive and legislative branch policymakers, as well as academics. Jay also stays involved politically, serving on his county and state political party committees, a Maine gubernatorial campaign, and as a presidential elector in 2020. He intends to pursue a JD and a PhD in economics to analyze and implement evidence-based policy as a researcher and policymaker in Maine. In his free time, Jay enjoys playing trivia, promoting inclusion, running, and traveling with friends and family.

Marley Ramon

Raised in Albuquerque, Marley is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in political science and art, with a minor in English as a National Merit and National Hispanic Scholar. Merging traditional and unconventional backgrounds for a legal occupation, each discipline intertwines to drive her focus on presentation and individual expression within the political world. Leading university groups focused on representing student voices, Marley is passionate about nurturing a sustainable community and does so as her university’s chief editor and Phi Sigma Alpha political science honor society president. Inspired through her work interning with the executive director of the Democratic Party of New Mexico, Marley intends to pursue her JD with concentrations in constitutionality and civil rights. Previously, Marley interned with the Air Force Research Laboratory. Outside of class, Marley enjoys writing creative fiction and poetry, making jewelry, and playing water polo for her university. 

Thomas Riggs

TJ Riggs is a student activist studying political science and Spanish. He has spent his life moving both internationally and around the United States, inspiring his interest in the ways different communities overcome setbacks. His freshman year, he was tasked with reviving Samford University’s chapter of Amnesty International, which served as his introduction to the world of human rights activism. TJ became involved with death penalty advocacy in Alabama and was asked to serve as Amnesty International’s Alabama state death penalty abolition coordinator. In his role, he has worked closely with local legislators, partner organizations, and international human rights groups to advance the fight for abolition in the state. Outside of his activism, TJ is a varsity policy debater for his university’s team and has earned three consecutive bids to the National Debate Tournament. TJ also serves as the head coach of a youth outreach debate program through ImpactAmerica. He intends to pursue a JD and continue his death penalty work through both legislative activism and on-the-ground legal representation. In his free time, TJ enjoys spending time with friends, researching for debate, and visiting local restaurants

Camila Rios-Picorelli

Camila is majoring in secondary education with a concentration in history and social sciences and a minor in human rights studies. Since childhood, she knew she wanted to be a teacher and dreamed of someday opening her own school. Her background in education, combined with her human rights studies, inspires her to work to make a quality education accessible for everyone. Camila intends to pursue a master's degree with an emphasis in educational psychology and learning design. Camila is particularly interested in how people learn, including how best to design curricula, materials, and learning spaces to better support that learning process. As part of her honors thesis, she is creating a manual to guide educators in Puerto Rico to incorporate social-emotional learning in their classrooms. 

Edwin Santos

Edwin, from Northern Virginia, is a first-generation Salvadoran-American majoring in legal studies within the Politics, Policy & Law Scholars Program. He is also in the Community-Based Research Scholars Program and the School of Public Affairs Combined Program concurrently earning his MPA. On campus, he co-founded Latinos En Acción, which is a chapter of United We Dream, the largest immigrant youth network and serves as student body president. Off campus, he is involved in organizations centered around immigration, such as the Capital Area Immigrants’ Rights (CAIR) Coalition and Kids in Need of Defense (KIND), and gained experience in state and federal government. Edwin has been selected for the Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship, the Henry Clay College Student Congress, and the Public Policy and International Affairs Junior Summer Institute at UC-Berkeley. He plans to attend law school to become an attorney and support low-income families at the intersection of criminal and immigration law. Years later, he hopes to serve his community as an elected official dedicated to creating inclusive and representative policies.

Diego Sarmiento

Born and raised in Santa Ana, Diego Antranik is the proud son of Bolivian and Mexican immigrants. From a young age, his mom, dad, and aunt instilled in him the value of public service, education, resilience, and community. Over the past four years, Diego has mobilized thousands of his neighbors to engage and vote in local politics through community organizing. Interning at the Orange County Board of Supervisors’ office, Diego helped push forward an unprecedented homelessness prevention program. The pilot program provides $400 a month to 100 single-parent households and senior citizens on the brink of losing their homes. Diego hopes to continue the fight to give his community a political voice through his “Santanero Voter Initiative,” a program to increase voter turnout among Latino youth. He is committed to a life of public service, believing that politics should be responsive to everybody, not just large corporations, and that every person is entitled to basic needs such as healthcare, housing, and a life of dignity. Diego studies political science and public affairs and intends to pursue a JD/MA in economics.

Isaac Seiler

Isaac is driven by a love for public service and a commitment to community. His career in advocacy began when he organized hundreds of students to protest his former college’s decision to fire a professor for officiating a gay wedding. Isaac organized protests, events, and petitions, working to support and protect queer students along the way. He then pursued a year in politics and government, starting as a congressional campaign intern before being promoted to oversee digital operations and strategy. Isaac played a pivotal role in a landslide victory. At just 20 years old, he went on to direct the creation of a new congressional office and served as communications director, building an entire program from the ground up in a matter of months. Isaac also has substantial formal research experience, writes for student publications, and consults for political campaigns. He is completing his BA in sociology and political science and plans to earn his JD to enforce tax law and drive tax reform. Isaac intends to eventually run for public office, working to represent his community and advocate for positive change.

Albiona Selimi

Albiona is pursuing a major in political science, with minors in justice and women’s studies. As a daughter of Macedonian-Albanian immigrants, she grew up knowing the value of an individual’s vote in America. Her interest in voting rights and civic engagement inspires her to advocate for voting rights in her future legal career. She intends to pursue a JD with an emphasis on public interest and social justice. On campus, Albiona previously served in student government and currently serves the university as student regent on the University of Alaska Board of Regents. In her free time, she loves to read, scrapbook, and listen to podcasts. 

Jahneé Smith

Jahneé is a dedicated community organizer and cultural worker, passionate about empowering youth. Currently a full-time youth organizer at Miami Homes for All, Jahneé mobilizes youth with firsthand experience of housing insecurity. They have organized around homelessness nationwide through internships with organizations like The Bronx Defenders and Causa Justa: Just Cause via the Center of Third World Organizing’s Movement Activist Apprenticeship Program. Committed to combating discrimination based on having a criminal record, Jahneé actively contributes to Beyond the Bars as a member, advocating for fair access to employment and housing. As a 2023 Changemaker with The Alliance for LGBTQ+, they led a banned book and people’s history campaign, establishing little libraries of banned books across Miami-Dade County Public Schools zones. Expressing art and passion through zines and poetry with Art for the People South Florida, Jahneé integrates personal experiences as a homeless, justice-impacted, queer, Latine individual to challenge the status quo. Majoring in global studies and women and gender studies, Jahneé aspires to earn an MPA and a PhD in community well-being.    

Jaiden Stansberry

Growing up in the National Park Service encouraged a dedication to natural resources for Jaiden. She is currently studying forestry with a minor in fire sciences and management and has worked as a wildland firefighter for the National Park Service for the past two years. Her experience inspired her to focus on prescribed fire implementation and challenges. She intends to pursue an MS in natural resources stewardship with a concentration in forest sciences to expand her knowledge of the influence of policy in forest management. Jaiden is particularly interested in designing prescribed fire programs for the National Park Service to support natural disturbances on a landscape while mitigating fuel to protect property and life. She hopes to encourage collaborative efforts between National Parks and local tribes to perform burning in areas with cultural significance. In her free time, Jaiden can be found flyfishing the Blackfoot River and traveling to different National Parks.

Sophia Stewart

Sophia studies political science, foreign area studies, and Japanese. Her background in policy development and personal understanding of sexual crimes has compelled her to focus her undergraduate studies and research on sexual crimes and justice. She intends to pursue an MS in data science. Sophia is focused on data collection and effective prevention education and plans to use her further education to support the development of these goals. Sophia has previously conducted research on sensitive-subject surveying to evaluate the effectiveness of current military sexual crime prevention efforts with the Office of Labor and Economic Analysis, as well as conducting personal and team research projects with both the Academy and Stamps Foundation. Sophia also enjoys Brazilian jiu-jitsu, volunteering with children and young adults with learning disabilities via The Resource Exchange, and supporting the Academy’s Public Affairs projects. 

Anitvir Taunque

Anitvir is currently studying biomedical science and is passionate about health literacy, particularly how it impacts the ability of patients to receive and follow through with prescribed medical care. He founded the Columbus chapter of Red Saree, a nonprofit organization devoted to raising awareness for and decreasing the prevalence of heart disease within ethnically diverse communities. For the last several years, Anitvir has also been an involved volunteer in multiple free clinics and spent a summer abroad in India volunteering at a mission hospital surgical center. He built ServUS, a sustainability start-up devoted to empowering and incentivizing students to engage in service. He is currently pursuing a fellowship through the Asia Foundation’s LeadNEXT ambassadors program focused on global leadership and collaboration. He hopes to pursue a combined MD/MS with a concentration in health policy management to guide health literacy decision making. In his free time, Anitvir enjoys playing basketball, playing chess, and trying all kinds of different food.

Alex Taylor

Born and raised in Baton Rouge, Alex is majoring in political science. He serves as vice president of the Columbia Political Union, program coordinator for the Eric H. Holder Jr. Initiative, and justice intern for the Brennan Center for Justice. During his freshman year of college, Alex co-founded "Reachout!" an initiative to empower marginalized high school students with the resources to create competitive college resumes. A current Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholar, Alex has a broad interest in movements to end mass incarceration. His background in prison volunteering, interning as an investigator for The Bronx Defenders, and researching death penalty litigation at Columbia Law School inspires him to pursue a career in criminal justice reform. He plans to pursue a JD with an emphasis on progressive prosecution. After graduating, he aspires to work as an assistant district attorney with an emphasis on appeals and helping youth offenders in his hometown. In his free time, Alex enjoys cooking, attending jazz shows, and reading science fiction novels. 

Born in Queens to migrant workers and then living several years in Asia, Wena’s experiences drive her political and legal advocacy for migration labor and diasporic communities as well as an understanding of the uniqueness of transnational identities. A proud first-generation student, Wena studies race & ethnicity studies and history with a specialization in political economy. She is a Laidlaw Scholar and serves as a university senator. Educated in New York City Public Schools, she has served as a director of the educational equity nonprofit IntegrateNYC and been involved in local elections. Inspired by the immigrant street vendors who nourish the hearts of New Yorkers, she has worked since high school with the Urban Justice Center’s Street Vendor Project on policies to accommodate licenses and legal resources for vendors. Her dedication to labor rights has been nourished by experiences as a White House intern, Columbia Law Review DEI director, and a research assistant exploring the legal history of immigration. Wena intends to pursue a JD/MPP to reconcile the gaps in labor law that have historically excluded protections for migrant workers. In her free time, she enjoys writing prose, practicing the Chinese harp, and building intergenerational friendships with street vendors on food crawls around NYC.

Mikayla Tillery

Mikayla majors in urban studies and Black studies and commits her time to housing justice advocacy and racial justice activism. She hopes to pursue a career that makes material differences for those disadvantaged by housing discrimination, neighborhood segregation, and redlining. She has worked to transition Black first-year students to Stanford through New Student Orientation programming, produced policy memos on tenant protections that influence the US Department of Energy, Environmental Protection Agency, and other legislators to center frontline, renter communities in the energy transition, and served on the Stanford Board of Trustees to advocate for equitable land use. These experiences teach her that a future where affordable, climate-conscious housing as a human right is within reach. In her free time, she enjoys pottery, reality television, and traveling.

Grace Truslow

Grace is a dedicated honors student majoring in political science and minoring in sustainability. She aspires to earn a JD and to work in the federal government as an environmental lawyer, ensuring equity in land use policy implementation. She is particularly interested in applying lessons from the past to create a future of community-informed infrastructure development during the green energy transition. Originally from Rhode Island, her interest in public service was sparked through environmental work in local advocacy, nonprofit, and research spaces. In Washington, Grace has expanded her policy knowledge in transportation, financial services, energy, and agriculture through a multitude of internship opportunities, including with US Department of Transportation Deputy Secretary Polly Trottenberg, US Senator Jack Reed, and former Representative David Cicilline. During the implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, she reviewed grant applications for the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grant Program and assisted in developing a report on the US Transportation Decarbonization Blueprint. Grace is an active member of her academic community as a leader of the University Honors Peer Advising Program, an editor for the Undergraduate Review , and an undergraduate research assistant. 

Lee Waldman

Lee is pursuing a degree in sociology and the study of women, gender, and sexuality to inform his activism in housing justice. He is a founding member of Ithaca’s Youth Action Board, a group of young people working to fight youth homelessness in their community. Lee, along with his team, won the US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program grant, a multimillion-dollar grant dedicated to elevating youth voice in service provision. Lee has been a central force in grant execution, helping found a Temporary Living Project and a Permanent Supportive Housing Project for youth in need of assistance in Tompkins County. He focuses on the safety of LGBTQ+ disabled youth, as protecting marginalized populations is the root of equitable policy. Lee is a community advocate and a member of the Ithaca Continuum of Care, a network of organizations and stakeholders working together to end homelessness. In his role, he uplifts the voices of people with lived experience of homelessness, ensuring that people at the heart of policy are not lost in the discussion. Lee plans to pursue an MSW/MPP with the goal of achieving a radically safe future for his community.

Ella, an enrolled member of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation, is from Crookston, Minnesota. She studies public policy. Her community-based advocacy centers around the 15 nuclear missile silos housed on her Tribe’s reservation, which will soon be modernized, generating extensive environmental, public health, and safety concerns. To raise awareness about this injustice, Ella published an investigative podcast series “The Missiles on Our Rez” with Scientific American . She also works for Nuclear Princeton and Princeton’s Program on Science and Global Security, where she investigates nuclear assaults against Tribal communities. Ella previously served on the Minnesota Young Women’s Initiative Cabinet and the National Council of Urban Indian Health Youth Council. Outside the classroom, she aims to grow institutional support for Native students. She served as president of Natives at Princeton and led Princeton’s Indigenous Advocacy Coalition, where she worked with the administration, alumni, and students to hire Native faculty and organize events. She intends to pursue a JD with an emphasis on federal Indian law and environmental justice. After graduating, she will pursue community-engaged policy and journalism to empower Tribes to enact legislation that aligns with their wants and needs.

Trenton White

Trent is a driven first-generation Roan Scholar, majoring in political science with a minor in public administration. Fueled by a deep-seated passion for public service and a keen interest in higher education policy, he aspires to build a career in politics and law. Trent envisions pursuing a JD with a focus on public policy, ultimately aiming to empower underserved individuals in the Appalachian region by providing legal counsel, safeguarding the rights of the marginalized, and helping develop legislation to enrich educational opportunities within rural communities. Trent has worked tirelessly to foster a positive campus environment and provide greater opportunities for students. He founded and currently serves as president of his university’s mock trial team, and is also president of the student government association. He interned with the Johnson City Chamber of Commerce, where he gained insights into the intricate workings of local governance, and served as a constituent services intern for US Senator Bill Hagerty – a role that reflects his commitment to understanding and addressing regional needs at the federal level. Beyond his academic and professional pursuits, Trent enjoys spending quality time with friends and indulging in a shared passion for horror movies.

Mielad Ziaee

Mielad is passionate about eliminating health disparities among racially and economically marginalized communities. Coming from an immigrant family in Texas, he aims to leverage research to inform – and reform – health policies and systems. He conducts health equity research as a National Institutes of Health All of Us Research Scholar and collaborates with hospital leadership at the Kennedy Krieger Institute on food insecurity research as a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention John R. Lewis Scholar. Noticing gaps in his research on how large institutions respond to community needs, Mielad advocates at a systemic level, currently serving as Governor Greg Abbott’s appointed student regent of the University of Houston System. He is also the first youth member of the board of directors of the American Red Cross, Houston Chapter. Mielad intends to pursue an MD/PhD with a focus on data-driven health policy and management. He hopes to ensure all Americans can access healthcare regardless of their background. In his free time, Mielad enjoys morning runs, baking, and visiting farmers markets.    

Zane studies sociology, political science, and gender, sexuality & women’s studies. Their interdisciplinary background has helped inform their understanding of social justice and equity. Zane intends to pursue a JD/MA in human rights studies, eventually working in public interest law to protect the interests of queer communities and dismantle the inequity inherent in our current systems. They are putting themself through school and are the first of their siblings to attend college. Zane is currently working on a thesis that investigates and subverts recent legislative attacks on the queer community. In 2023, they were awarded the Brennens Summer Research Fellowship from the University of Vermont in order to study how to make queer history more accessible to demographics impacted by recent legislative bans on it being taught in schools. They are currently interning at the Vermont Statehouse for a state senator, and are a Dru Scholar and a Pedro Zamora Scholar. Zane enjoys yoga, gardening, and curating inclusive social settings.

Some entries have been edited for length or clarity.