Improving aviation safety standards one student at a time

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Marisa Aguiar’s path as an aviation educator was shaped by a deeply personal event that cast a long shadow over her early view of the aviation world. Her father was the pilot of American Eagle Flight 4184 that crashed near Roselawn, Indiana, in 1994.

“Growing up in the shadow of my father’s accident, aviation was something that wasn’t discussed much in my family,” Aguiar said.

However, an encounter at a 20-year memorial observance for the crash with one of the lead investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) changed everything. Both the Federal Aviation Administration and NTSB ruled the crash was caused by ice buildup on the plane’s wings.

“He told me things I had never heard before, including that my dad was a great pilot,” she said. “I became hungry to learn everything I could about aviation.”

Today Aguiar, an adjunct professor in Purdue Global’s School of Aviation, is a passionate aviation researcher and advocate for student success. With a rich background in aviation safety research, she brings a genuine commitment to mentoring the next generation of aviation professionals.

“Safety was what my dissertation was on — specifically safety management systems,” Aguiar said. “My father’s accident was one of a series of incidents around that time, so safety management systems were an important piece that came out of that, and we’re still moving the needle on that.”

Aguiar earned a master’s degree in aeronautical science and a doctorate in aviation with a focus on human factors and aviation safety from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Her research interests include metacognitive situation awareness, safety management systems, data mining and predictive modeling.

Throughout her career, Aguiar has contributed to the aviation industry through journal articles and served as co-author of the book “Safety Management Systems: Applications for the Aviation Industry.” She also works to bridge the gap between academia and industry, using her knowledge to enhance aviation safety practices and to guide students toward successful careers.

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Finding her landing at Purdue Global

Aguiar joined Purdue Global in August 2020, at a time when her life was undergoing significant changes both personally and professionally.

“I was still finishing my dissertation, and my second son had just been born in January 2020, right before COVID-19 shut everything down,” she said. The pandemic gave her a new perspective on work-life balance. “I loved working remotely. It allowed me to be a present parent for the first time since having children, and I wasn’t going back.”

When Aguiar realized that her specialized PhD might not open doors for traditional aviation roles, she found a teaching opportunity with Purdue Global’s newly created professional flight program.

“I met with Lynn Massenzio (associate dean of Purdue Global’s College of Social and Behavioral Sciences), and I knew this was where I belonged,” Aguiar said. “It wasn’t just a job — it was a place where I could thrive.”

Purdue Global’s School of Aviation is a collaboration with Purdue University’s School of Aviation and Transportation Technology. The collaboration, which was announced in 2019, combines the quality of Purdue’s legendary aviation program and aviation history with Purdue Global’s flexibility and affordability.

Course development, teaching and mentorship

Aguiar teaches a range of courses within the aviation program, with a strong focus on aviation business, management and statistics.

“The courses I teach are so important because they prepare students to become leaders in the industry,” she said. “It’s not just about producing good workers — it’s about fostering competent managers and strong leaders who can navigate the complexities of aviation.”

Her teaching philosophy is rooted in her belief that education should empower students to realize their full potential.

“I’m here to serve as a guide for their success,” Aguiar said. “That’s why I provide my personal contact information and encourage open communication. Life happens, and I want my students to know they can reach out when they need support.”

One of the key components of her courses are the seminars, which serve as a vital tool for student engagement.

“Since this is a remote program, it’s crucial to create a sense of community,” Aguiar said. “The seminar helps break down the barriers that can make students feel isolated or unsupported. We create an inclusive environment where students can thrive.”

Aguiar’s dedication to student success has had a lasting impact on many of her students.

“I’ve had the privilege of writing recommendation letters for several students who have gone on to get promotions or pursue further educational opportunities,” she said. “Seeing them achieve success is incredibly rewarding.”

Aguiar has played an instrumental role in the development of the aviation management degree program, helping to shape its curriculum.

“I served as the aviation expert to support the team in creating the program,” Aguiar said. “One of my proudest accomplishments is the creation of AV 499, the capstone course for the program. I’m thrilled to have had the chance to both develop and teach it.”

As the aviation industry continues to evolve and embraces online learning, Aguiar believes that staying ahead of trends is essential.

“Course updates and revisions will be critical to ensure our students are receiving the most accurate and relevant information,” she said. “We need to continue adapting our curriculum to meet the changing needs of the industry.”

Aguiar said the online learning environment allows for so much more flexibility for students, providing options for classes and flight training with an official flight school partner at a location close to where they live.

“If you think about the flight student, they’ve got their head in the clouds — their passion is not on paper,” Aguiar said. “These are students who want to be engaged in the industry. This program provides the necessary academic content and support in a format that is realistic and flexible while they’re earning the degree and advancing their careers at the same time. That immersion in the industry coupled with quality education while training at your flight school of choice — online learning really is the way to go.”

As Aguiar continues her work at Purdue Global, she is excited about the future of aviation education.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed the cognitive process behind researching and synthesizing the development of content for course creation,” she said. “The way we approach aviation education and the skills we teach will be critical to shaping the next generation of aviation professionals.”

About Purdue Global

Purdue Global is Purdue’s online university for working adults who have life experience and often some college credits. It offers flexible paths for students to earn an associate, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree, based on their work experience, military service and previous college credits, no matter where they are in their life journey. Purdue Global is a nonprofit, public university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and backed by Purdue University. For more information, visit https://www.purdueglobal.edu.