Suzanne Kearns

Dr. Kearns is an aviation academic with a focus on education and improving pilot performance. Her research explores how to optimize the next generation of aviation professionals (NGAP) by analyzing processes to attract people to the field of aviation. An accomplished educator both in the classroom and through electronic courseware, she has taught thousands of aviation professionals worldwide. She is a former airplane and helicopter pilot and is internationally recognized within the aviation industry.

Dr. Kearns is the author or co-author of six books, including the textbook “Fundamentals of International Aviation” which is used around the world in multiple translations. In 2021 she founded the Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics (WISA), a research institute at the University of Waterloo which she leads as its Director. WISA includes more than 140 faculty members and has a mission to become the world’s leading hub for sustainable aeronautical research, technology, and education.

• Aviation education

• Pilot performance

• Aviation sustainability

• Next Generation Aviation Professionals (NGAP)

• Competency based education

• Human factors

• Aviation safety

• Sustainable aeronautics

• 2007 Doctorate of Philosophy, Education, Specialization: Instructional Design for Online Learning, Capella University

• 2002 Master of Science, Human Factors and Systems Engineering, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

• 2000 Bachelor of Science, Aeronautical Science, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Aeronautical Science

• 1998 College Diploma, Helicopter Pilot Flight Program, Canadore College of Applied Arts and Technology

• Pilot Experience:

• 1995 - 2002 Commercial Airplane Pilot’s License, Multi-Engine and IFR ratings

• 1997 - 2002 Commercial Helicopter Pilot’s License

• 2024 Esprit de Corps, Top 25 Women in Defense in Canada

• 2022 Dr. Ian McKenzie Award for Commitment to the University of Waterloo’s Aviation Students

• 2021 Women’s Executive Network, Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada

• 2021 University of Waterloo, Distinguished Teacher Award

• 2019 Northern Lights Aero Foundation, Elsie MacGill Award, Education Category

• 2018 University Aviation Association, William A. Wheatley Award

• 2017 Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS), Fellow

• Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics (Founder & Executive Director)

• National Research Council – Aerospace (Advisory Committee Member)

• Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) (Fellow)

• AVIA 100 - Introduction to Aviation
  • Taught in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
• AVIA 310 - Human Factors in Aviation
  • Taught in 2021
• AVIA 417 - Aviation Safety
  • Taught in 2022
• AVIA 601 - Interdisciplinary Aeronautics
  • Taught in 2022, 2023, 2024

* Only courses taught in the past 5 years are displayed.

• For the full list of Suzanne Kearns' publications, please see Google Scholar.

• Kearns, S., Zingg, D., & Ryley, T. (2025). Advancing Sustainable Aviation: Developments in aviation sustainability from the academic perspective. In ICAO Environmental Report 2025 (Chapter 1, pp. 57–63). International Civil Aviation Organization. Envreport2025_16.pdf

• Kearns, S., & Bülbül, G. (2025, November 24). Building a human-centred future for Canadian Aviation. The Hill Times. https://www.hilltimes.com/story/2025/11/24/building-a-human-centred-future-for-canadian-aviation/482574/

• Kearns, S. K. (2021). Fundamentals of international aviation, 2nd Edition. England: Routledge. ISBN: 9780367467944 https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003031154

• Kearns, S. K., Mavin, T., & Hodge, S. (Eds.). (2020). Engaging the next generation of aviation professionals. Aldershot, England: Routledge. ISBN: 9780367254278 https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429287732

• Kearns, S. K., Mavin, T., & Hodge, S. (2016). Competency-based education in aviation: Exploring alternate training pathways. Aldershot, England: Ashgate/Routledge. ISBN: 1472438566 https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315563220

• Kearns, S. K. (2010). e-Learning in aviation. Aldershot, England: Ashgate. ISBN: 0754678792 https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315579009

• The future of flight depends on sustainability that goes beyond biofuels. October 21, 2024 In this podcast, Dr. Kearns discusses her journey in aviation and her efforts in promoting sustainable aeronautics through the Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics.
• Sus​tainable Aviation: An Interview with Suzanne Kearns. July 19, 2023 In this interview, Dr. Kearns shares her vision on the challenges and innovations in aviation sustainability.
• Bey​ond the Bulletin: Sustainable Flight / Suzanne Kearns. December 2022 Dr. Kearns discusses sustainable flight initiatives and the role of the Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics in this YouTube video.