The Role of Education in Attracting Young People as the Next Generation of Aviators: The Differences between Women and Men Students

Ashley Habig; Caroline K. Marete; Debra Henneberry; Cheng Wang

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Conference: 2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition
Location: Portland, Oregon
Publication Date: June 23, 2024
Start Date: June 23, 2024
End Date: July 12, 2024
Conference Session: Aerospace Division (AERO) Technical Session 1
Tagged Division: Aerospace Division (AERO)
Tagged Topic: Diversity
Permanent URL: https://peer.asee.org/48131

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Paper Authors

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Ashley Habig Purdue University

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Ashley Habig is an Assistant Clinical Professor at Purdue University in the School of Aviation and Transportation Technology. Mrs. Habig holds a M.S. in Aviation and Aerospace Management from Purdue University. Her research interests include the representation of women and minorities in aviation and aerospace, and aviation maintenance training programs.

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Caroline K. Marete Purdue University orcid.org/0000-0003-1633-2889

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Caroline K Marete is a Visiting Assistant Professor at Purdue University, School of Aviation and Transportation technology (SATT). Dr. Marete holds a M.S. and Ph.D. in Aviation and Transportation Technology from Purdue University. Her research focuses on air transportation sustainability and representation of women and minorities in the aviation and aerospace sector.

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Debra Henneberry Purdue University orcid.org/0009-0006-1720-2233

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Debra Henneberry is an Assistant Professor at Purdue University in the School of Aviation and Transportation Technology. Dr. Henneberry came to Purdue from an aeronautical college in New York City, where she worked primarily with underrepresented groups in the pilot population for 11 years. Prior to joining higher education. Dr. Henneberry’s research interests focus on human factors and flight training. Her dissertation addressed the lack of female pilots and how to interest young girls in an aviation career.

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Cheng Wang Minnesota State University, Mankato

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Cheng Wang is an Assistant Professor at Minnesota State University, Mankato, Department of Aviation. She received a M.S. in Aviation and Aerospace Management and a Ph.D. in Technology from Purdue University. Dr. Wang conducts research in aviation safety, operations, and education.

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Abstract

Lack of awareness of aviation careers among younger generations and the continued male dominance of the aviation and aerospace industries have contributed to a complex workforce shortage. The lack of female representation at top decision-making positions (e.g. C-suite holders), creates a dearth of role models for younger women interested in aviation and aerospace professions, which may discourage them from pursuing careers in this field. By revitalizing interest in aviation among the younger generation and embracing diversity, the aviation industry can pave the way for a more sustainable future. Contemporary research suggests that early exposure to aviation and aerospace careers is key to attracting young women to aviation and aerospace opportunities.

This study focuses on the different motivational factors that influence youth to pursue aviation technology related careers. Specifically, the researchers focus on the differences between women and men. The aim of the study is to gain insight into what attracts women to careers in aviation. Understanding these differences is important as aviation is a male dominated industry and there is ongoing advocacy to increase participation of women in aviation industry. Previous studies have focused on professional female pilots. In addition to pilots, this study will include students pursuing careers in aviation maintenance, management, and unmanned aircraft systems. Study participants are undergraduate students currently enrolled in one of the largest aviation technology programs in the country. This study contributes to the body of knowledge on workforce diversity in aviation and aerospace education and approaches to improve the pipeline for the aviation and aerospace sector workforce.

Several themes were identified through thematic analyses. The outcomes of this research provide valuable insights into developing effective recruitment strategies to enhance diversity in aviation and aerospace collegiate programs. Moreover, understanding the choices of college students will broaden and strengthen the pipeline of graduates, thereby contributing positively to the challenge of developing a diverse and robust industry workforce.

Citation
Format

Habig, A., & Marete, C. K., & Henneberry, D., & Wang, C. (2024, June), The Role of Education in Attracting Young People as the Next Generation of Aviators: The Differences between Women and Men Students Paper presented at 2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Portland, Oregon. https://peer.asee.org/48131

TY - CPAPER
AB - Lack of awareness of aviation careers among younger generations and the continued male dominance of the aviation and aerospace industries have contributed to a complex workforce shortage. The lack of female representation at top decision-making positions (e.g. C-suite holders), creates a dearth of role models for younger women interested in aviation and aerospace professions, which may discourage them from pursuing careers in this field. By revitalizing interest in aviation among the younger generation and embracing diversity, the aviation industry can pave the way for a more sustainable future. Contemporary research suggests that early exposure to aviation and aerospace careers is key to attracting young women to aviation and aerospace opportunities.

This study focuses on the different motivational factors that influence youth to pursue aviation technology related careers. Specifically, the researchers focus on the differences between women and men. The aim of the study is to gain insight into what attracts women to careers in aviation. Understanding these differences is important as aviation is a male dominated industry and there is ongoing advocacy to increase participation of women in aviation industry. Previous studies have focused on professional female pilots. In addition to pilots, this study will include students pursuing careers in aviation maintenance, management, and unmanned aircraft systems. Study participants are undergraduate students currently enrolled in one of the largest aviation technology programs in the country. This study contributes to the body of knowledge on workforce diversity in aviation and aerospace education and approaches to improve the pipeline for the aviation and aerospace sector workforce.

Several themes were identified through thematic analyses. The outcomes of this research provide valuable insights into developing effective recruitment strategies to enhance diversity in aviation and aerospace collegiate programs. Moreover, understanding the choices of college students will broaden and strengthen the pipeline of graduates, thereby contributing positively to the challenge of developing a diverse and robust industry workforce.
AU - Ashley Habig
AU - Caroline K. Marete
AU - Debra Henneberry
AU - Cheng Wang
CY - Portland, Oregon
DA - 2024/06/23
PB - ASEE Conferences
TI - The Role of Education in Attracting Young People as the Next Generation of Aviators: The Differences between Women and Men Students
UR - https://peer.asee.org/48131
ER -