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.

• 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

• AVIA 100 - Introduction to Aviation
  • Taught in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
• AVIA 101 - Professional Pilot Program Course 1
  • Taught in 2020
• AVIA 310 - Human Factors in Aviation
  • Taught in 2020, 2021
• AVIA 320 - Aviation Safety
  • Taught in 2020
• AVIA 417 - Aviation Safety
  • Taught in 2022
• AVIA 601 - Interdisciplinary Aeronautics
  • Taught in 2022, 2023, 2024
• GEOG 315 - Aviation Sustainability
  • Taught in 2020

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

• Kearns, S., & ElAlfy, A. (2024, November 25). Flying into the future: the case for sustainable aeronautics. The Hill Times. Flying into the future: the case for sustainable aeronautics - The Hill Times

• Kearns., S. (2024, April 17), Aviation sustainability is more than just cleaner jet fuel. The Hill Times. Aviation sustainability is more than just cleaner jet fuel - The Hill Times

• Lynch, A., Cao, S., Niechweij-Szwedo, E., Kearns, S., & Irving, E. (2024, January). Are current visual medical requirements worsening the global pilot shortage? Civil Aviation Training Magazine. Are Current Visual Medical Requirements Worsening the Global Pilot Shortage? | Halldale Group

• Kearns. S. (2023, November 29). Creating a sustainable workforce for Canada’s aeronautics sector. The Hill Times. Creating a sustainable workforce for Canada’s aeronautics sector - The Hill Times

• Kearns, S. & Parker, P. (2022, November 28). COVID restart: Towards a sustainable future for aviation. The Hill Times. COVID restart: towards a sustainable future for aviation - The Hill Times

• Kearns, S., Joly, L., Zingg, D., & Ryley, T. (2022, September). Training the youth on environmental challenges in aviation. International Civil Aviation Organization Environmental Report 2022, 42-47, ICAO Environmental Report.

• Kearns, S. & Parker, P. (2022, April 4). For the aviation industry to survive and thrive, it will take many open minds. The Hill Times. For the aviation industry to survive and thrive, it will take many open minds - The Hill Times

• Kearns, S. & Parker, P. (2021, November 24). Action on sustainable aviation is critical for our planet and future workforce. The Hill Times. Action on sustainable aviation is critical for our planet and future workforce - The Hill Times

• Kearns, S. (2021, November 9). Mobilizing research to support aviation – and make it sustainable. Waterloo Region Record. Mobilizing research to support aviation — and make it sustainable

• Kearns, S. (2021, February 22). Can the aviation sector recover without enough employees? The Hill Times. Reprinted by Wings Magazine in March 2021.

• Kearns, S. K. (2021). Fundamentals of international aviation (Second Edition.). Routledge.

• 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.