College Values // STUDENT CENTRICITY
Business Analytics Program Sees Student Research Success In July 2024, the Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics program celebrated its first student research publication. Veteran student Ryan Zierman published a paper entitled “Identifying Aircraft Damage Mitigating Factors with Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI): An Evidence-Based Approach to Rule-Making for Pilot Training Schools” in The Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research (JAAER). The article explores how artificial intelligence can help prevent aircraft damage during pilot training incidents. With a growing focus on pilot training due to worldwide shortages, this research applies machine learning to FAA data to uncover which factors contribute to aircraft safety. The study shows that pilot experience, the environment in which pilots train and whether the training happens in FAA- approved schools all play critical roles in reducing damage during incidents. However, the research goes beyond just predicting outcomes — it uses XAI to provide insights into the “why” behind the data, allowing regulators to make smarter, evidence-based decisions. The study opens the door for improvements in aviation safety and training programs by making safety-focused rule-making more transparent and rooted in data. It also highlights a pressing need for better data collection and governance to enhance future safety analysis and decision-making. Zierman noted, “I would not have pursued publishing my research project if it were not for Dr. Cankaya’s encouragement… A supportive professor can inspire students to push their boundaries, explore new ideas and take on challenges they might not have considered on their own… I was fortunate to have a professor who fostered a learning environment where I felt encouraged to excel beyond what was required, making a significant difference in my academic journey.”
Ryan Zierman B.S. Business Analytics, ’23
12 | Worldwide College of Business
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