Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES
WORLDWIDE/ONLINE
2024 - 2025 ANNUAL REPORT
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Dean’s Message
Mission, Vision and Goals
Educational Excellence in Numbers
New Initiatives
Student Success Support
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Program Highlights Research and Grants
Dean’s Awards
Philanthropic Council
Countering Human Trafficking MOOC Student and Alumni Testimonials
Glimpse Into the Future Leadership Spotlight
Academic Impact and Worldwide Outreach
Leadership Team
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide College of Arts & Sciences 1 Aerospace Boulevard | Daytona Beach, Florida 32114
worldwide@erau.edu https://worldwide.erau.edu/coas
DEAN’S MESSAGE
We continue to develop and deliver flagship academic and research programs across disciplines to integrate research, teaching and outreach into an interdisciplinary excellence hub. Adding to our M.S. in Human Factors program that achieved Human Factors and Ergonomic Society accreditation, we launched a B.S. in Human Factors Psychology program and will be launching a B.S. in Data Science program. All our 2025-2026 academic year degree programs are STEM-designated. We also held our third annual Humanistic STEM (H-STEM) symposium that grew out of a National Science Foundation grant and is part of our broader H-STEM student success component. H-STEM is embedded in the general education program so that students learn early in their academic careers that multiple lenses of inquiry can help to develop these abilities. Further fostering our research enterprise, we acceded to the Center for Space and Atmospheric Research (CSAR). Formerly a college-level center, CSAR at our sister College of Arts & Sciences on the Daytona Beach campus has been elevated to a university-level center of excellence. CSAR focuses on modeling, observational and experimental studies that span space and atmospheric physics, planetary science and astrophysics, with new research opportunities for faculty and students in our Department of Mathematics, Science and Technology.
I appreciate your interest in the College of Arts & Sciences (COAS) at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University — Worldwide Campus! During the 2024-2025 academic year, we brought our motto of “Innovative Education and Research to Foster Positive Change around the World” to life in several significant ways. We expanded the reach of our Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on “Combating Human Trafficking: Understanding, Prevention and Action,” engaging a global audience. The MOOC was developed in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Center for Countering Human Trafficking. Our partnership with the U.S. Naval Community College brought about the brand new A.S. in Emergency Management and undergraduate certificate in Emergency Management Leadership. Most recently, we have successfully held our inaugural Pracademic Emergency Management and Homeland Security Virtual Summit, a nationwide and international event attracting more than 300 participants. Following our vision “to be a destination college for multidisciplinary studies and impactful collaborative research, as well as continue to be a national leader in general education, developing opportunities for our diverse student population to fulfill their educational goals and become responsive, responsible global citizens,” we successfully fostered our mission that is rooted in “developing and supporting career-ready graduates and advances all students to be lifelong learners and leaders in their professional disciplines.” We continued to make significant steps toward becoming a true destination college this year. We welcomed new research and scholarship-strong junior and senior faculty and expanded our research portfolio, which added new productivity, as well as national and international research and education partnerships. We are proud to deliver the General Education program to all students of Embry-Riddle Worldwide as well as to those students from residential campuses who seek an online accelerator. In advancing the General Education program, we have put an emphasis on artificial intelligence and comprehensive space studies, from policy and culture to technology, in collaboration with our College of Aviation.
COAS makes studying great!
Alexander Siedschlag, Ph.D., M.A. Dean and Professor Worldwide College of Arts & Sciences
MISSION
VISION
The Embry-Riddle Worldwide College of Arts & Sciences develops and supports career-ready graduates and advances all students to be lifelong learners and leaders in their professional disciplines. Through the General Education program, the college emphasizes academic rigor in critical thinking, global perspectives, creative problem solving, communication, scientific and cultural literacy and ethical interaction with the contemporary world. In its academic degree programs, the college focuses on applied studies that implement innovative curricula to educate students for long-term professional success. Experienced faculty from diverse backgrounds prepare students to be analytically comprehensive by promoting disciplinary knowledge and the ability to conduct defensible analysis. The college supports learners through extensive student success components, experiential learning opportunities and engagement with public and private sector partners. The college conducts basic, applied and translational research and engages in creative work. It also provides mentored research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. In doing so, it fosters unique and innovative disciplinary, multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research, approaches to and applications in STEM, social and behavioral sciences, humanities and comprehensive civil security studies that have societal impact. Furthermore, the college serves as a hub for education, research and engagement with government and industry in security and resilience, building focus areas in fields such as humanistic STEM and data science.
Our vision is to be a destination college for multidisciplinary studies and impactful collaborative research, as well as continue to be a national leader in general education, developing opportunities for our diverse student population to fulfill their educational goals and become responsive, responsible global citizens.
GOALS
Enhance our students’ experience through holistically delivered, rigorous education Systematically advance our programs, certificates and curriculum Increase the scholastic and social presence of the college through research, creative works, professional leadership and innovation Champion our faculty and strengthen our college through engagement, coordination and partnership Implement the interdisciplinary, interdepartmental Virtual Collaboratory for Security and Resilience Education, Research and Engagement
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INVEST IN THE FUTURE
At Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Worldwide College of Arts & Sciences, we are dedicated to producing career-ready graduates who become lifelong learners and leaders. With an emphasis on research, we provide basic, applied and translational research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. Our faculty mentors promote unique and innovative disciplinary, multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research approaches with applications across STEM, social and behavioral sciences, civil security studies and humanities. Investing in our students helps them graduate ready to make an impact as critical thinkers and expert communicators with well-developed scientific and cultural literacy skills. Please donate today and help us shape a brighter future.
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# 1
EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE
IN NUMBERS
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769
529
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Admitted Students
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Full-Time Faculty
Adjunct Faculty
DEGREE PROGRAMS
Online Associate’s Degree s A.S. in Emergency Management Online Bachelor’s Degree s B.S. in Communication s B.S. in Data Science s B.S. in Emergency Services s B.S. in Homeland Security s B.S. in Human Factors Psychology s B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies s B.S. in Safety Management 5 Combined Program Pathways s B.S. in Communication/M.S. in Human Security and Resilience s B.S. in Emergency Services/M.S. in Emergency Services s B.S. in Homeland Security/M.S. in Human Security and Resilience s B.S. in Human Factors Psychology/ M.S. in Human Factors s B.S. in Safety Management/M.S. in Occupational Safety Management Online Graduate Degree s M.S. in Emergency Services s M.S. in Human Factors s M.S. in Human Security and Resilience s M.S. in Occupational Safety Management Online Graduate Certificates s Human Factors s Human Security and Resilience s Occupational Safety Management
Online Undergraduate Certificates s Airport Baggage Handling Systems Implementation s Artificial Intelligence, Ethics and Creativity s Crisis, Risk and Resilience Communication s Emergency Management Leadership s Occupational Safety and Health Online Minors s Airport Baggage Handling Systems Implementation s Applied Data Science s Artificial Intelligence, Ethics and Creativity s Aviation, Technology and Society s Communication s Crisis, Risk and Resilience Communication s Economics s Emergency Services s Environmental Science s Homeland Security s Human Factors s Humanistic STEM s Industrial/Organizational Psychology s International Relations s Mathematics s Military Science s Military Studies s Occupational Safety and Health s Psychology s Research Foundations s Science Literacy s Security and Intelligence s Space Policy, History and Culture
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NEW INITIATIVES
DEAN’S VIRTUAL SPEAKER SERIES RESILIENCE REIMAGINED
The College of Arts & Sciences at Embry-Riddle Worldwide hosts the Resilience Reimagined Dean’s Virtual Speaker Series each month, featuring thought leaders and experts from a variety of disciplines. These sessions offer timely insights and fresh perspectives on challenges related to whole community resilience, locally, nationally and globally. The series aligns with the College’s broader vision to serve as a destination for multidisciplinary education and impactful collaborative research. It also reinforces the College’s commitment to preparing a diverse student population to become responsive, responsible global citizens. Resilience Reimagined reflects the College’s growing focus on education and research across the safety and security continuum. Topics often explore key areas within its online programs, including safety, human factors, homeland security, emergency services and human resilience — connecting academic exploration with real-world relevance.
- 2024 25 RESILIENCE REIMAGINED EVENTS
s Global Insights on Strengthening Resilience AUGUST 2024 Speaker: Mary Boyer, Senior Disaster Risk Management Specialist, Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR), World Bank This session explored international strategies for emergency preparedness and resilience. Boyer shared insights on reducing disaster vulnerability, risk financing and global coordination frameworks. Drawing on her experience spanning disaster recovery in Latin America and the Caribbean, counterinsurgency support in Afghanistan and policy work with the African Union, Boyer offered a multifaceted perspective of global resilience-building. s The “R” Word: Advancing Future Resilience Concepts SEPTEMBER 2024 Speaker: Dr. George M. Schwartz, Ed.D., Brigadier General (Ret.), US Army; Visiting Professor, U.S. Army War College Dr. Schwartz presented a strategic overview of resilience planning, focusing on defense and international development. He shared insights from his work with the World Bank’s GFDRR, discussing leadership, preparedness and institutional coordination. This session emphasized how globally informed planning models can enhance resilience across U.S. systems and infrastructure.
Blue Lightning Initiative — Combat Human Trafficking OCTOBER 2024 Speaker: Jonathan Barry, Senior Engagement Manager, Blue Campaign/Blue Lightning Initiative, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Jonathan Barry introduced the Blue Lightning Initiative; a federal program aimed at training aviation personnel to identify and report signs of human trafficking. With over 350,000 participants, the initiative continues to expand its reach across transportation sectors. Barry highlighted collaborative models that connect government, private industry and community stakeholders to identify exploitation and protect vulnerable populations through targeted education and coordinated reporting systems.
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s Transnational Assemblages & Crisis Communication NOVEMBER 2024
s AI in Action: Enhancing Public Safety in Communities FEBRUARY 2025 Speaker: Adam Montella, MPA, CMP, CHS-V, Executive Vice President, SummitET Adam Montella discussed the expanding role of artificial intelligence in emergency management. He addressed how machine learning, predictive analytics and automation are transforming response operations, while also highlighting ethical and regulatory concerns. Montella emphasized the importance of balancing technological innovation with human oversight to ensure both efficiency and public trust in safety systems. s Community Mobilization and Active Citizenship MARCH 2025 Speaker: Seth Konadu Awuah, Ghanian Aviation Professional, Youth Activist and Founding Member, COAS Worldwide Philanthropic Council Seth Konadu Awuah led an inspiring session on resilience, global citizenship and the power of purpose- driven leadership in aviation. As founder of Young Aviators Ghana, he has engaged over 30,000 students in aerospace career development. Awuah’s discussion emphasized youth empowerment, civic responsibility and the role of education in building resilience. He also highlighted his upcoming participation in the Nobel Peace Prize Forum in Oslo. s Operational Risk & Resiliency in Financial Services APRIL 2025 Speakers: Michael Ivie and Emily Gamlin, Eclipse Consulting Group Michael Ivie and Emily Gamlin examined how financial institutions manage risk in a dynamic regulatory and technological environment. They covered key topics such as business continuity, information and communication technology (ICT) systems, cybersecurity and compliance structures. Drawing on their consulting expertise, they shared regulatory best practices designed to ensure stability during operational disruptions, emphasizing integrated, proactive approaches to enterprise risk management across the financial sector.
Speaker: Dr. Sweta Baniya, Assistant Professor of Rhetoric, Professional and Technical Writing, Virginia Tech Dr. Sweta Baniya examined crisis communication through a decolonial, justice-centered lens. Her research focused on local coalitions’ responses to disaster in marginalized communities, drawing on case studies from Nepal and Puerto Rico. She introduced the “transnational assemblages” framework, which emphasizes the importance of centering local knowledge, equity and rhetorical agency in disaster recovery practices, urging scholars and practitioners to prioritize those most affected by crises. s Resilient Florida — Strategies and Instruments DECEMBER 2024 Speaker: Dr. Wesley Brooks, Chief Resilience Officer, Florida Statewide Office of Resilience Dr. Wesley Brooks discussed key policy tools used to enhance Florida’s environmental and infrastructural resilience. He provided updates on agency coordination, flood mitigation strategies and statewide recovery planning. Drawing on his background in ecological science and leadership in coastal restoration, Dr. Brooks outlined a practical approach to navigating climate risks across Florida’s urban and natural systems. s Communication Theory in Survivor- Centered Advocacy JANUARY 2025 Speakers: Dr. Iuliia Hoban, Dr. Alex Rister and Maya Adkins This session highlighted interdisciplinary research funded by the Embry-Riddle 2024–2025 FIRST grant, exploring how the Communication Theory of Resilience (CTR) can improve communication strategies in survivor-centered, anti-human trafficking organizations. Dr. Iuliia Hoban, Program Chair for the M.S. in Human Security and Resilience; Dr. Alex Rister, Program Chair for the B.S. in Communication; and Maya Adkins, an undergraduate Homeland Security student, shared practical insights from a research project on the intersection of communication, human security and resilience. They demonstrated how CTR provides applied solutions to strengthen organizational resilience and enhance survivor-focused messaging in the anti-trafficking mission.
SCAN HERE TO WATCH
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NEW INITIATIVES
CONNECT WITH COURTNEY
PHI BETA DELTA HONOR SOCIETY FOR INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARS
ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT The College of Arts & Sciences is advancing its commitment to alumni engagement by building inclusive, meaningful opportunities that connect graduates with current students, faculty and ongoing college initiatives. From social media interactions and storytelling to strategic collaborations and volunteerism, these efforts aim to strengthen community bonds and foster lifelong relationships across generations of Eagles. At the helm of this work is Courtney Allen, M.A., who joined the college this year as Associate Director of Alumni Engagement. With over two decades of experience in K–16 education, counseling psychology and program leadership, Courtney is spearheading new initiatives designed to elevate alumni voices and involvement. One such initiative is the newly formed Dean’s Student and Alumni Council. Through Courtney’s work, the college is not only celebrating the accomplishments of its alumni but also actively involving them in shaping the future of the Eagle community.
In 2024, the College of Arts & Sciences led the successful establishment of the Theta Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Delta Honor Society for International Scholars at Embry-Riddle Worldwide. Officially approved by the society’s Board of Directors, this chapter represents a significant milestone in the college’s commitment to advancing international education and global scholarship. The initiative was led by Dr. Karim Hardy, associate professor in the Department of Mathematics, Science and Technology. Phi Beta Delta is an interdisciplinary honor society that recognizes academic excellence among international students, scholars who have studied abroad and faculty and staff engaged in international work. The society promotes global engagement, supports international academic programming and fosters collaboration across cultures and disciplines. The chapter’s establishment strengthens the college’s mission to promote interdisciplinary global learning and foster scholarly collaboration.
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RESEARCH COUNCIL The College of Arts & Sciences Research Council was created in 2023 to enhance research through faculty mentorship and support. The Research Council, chaired by Dr. Christina Frederick, senior faculty research mentor, is comprised of tenured faculty from each department within the college. This year, the council engaged in a variety of activities including the administration of the dean’s Start-Up Funding Program. This program funded two innovative projects, including a multi-disciplinary effort to understand generative AI in higher education. The Research Council also engaged in outreach activities to other campuses, including participation in proposal reviews for the VP of Research Office and Discovery Day through the Office of Undergraduate Research. The Research Council also presented a faculty seminar featuring a panel discussion of journal editors. The editors reflected on the peer-review process and shared insights on how they view submissions. The Research Council will maintain its efforts next year with the Start-Up Funding Program to support research and scholarship efforts.
SECURITY EDUCATION & RESEARCH HUB The future of our technology-driven society begins with the safety and security of the people, places and systems that form it. Peaceful global progress depends on the collaborative efforts of industry, government organizations and leading institutions like Embry-Riddle to develop safety and security innovations that monitor, address and prevent threat environments. To meet this pressing and fundamental need, we are forming the Virtual Collaboratory for Security and Resilience Education, Research and Engagement. Once fully established, the virtual collaboratory will include: s Out-of-classroom research partnerships/internships across the homeland security enterprise s Educational partnerships with agencies and volunteer organizations across the country s Stipends/monetary awards for student-applied research s Travel grants for junior faculty and guest scholars s An E-book security research collection in the Hunt Library s Annual conferences and summer schools that may develop into a graduate school for Civil Security Studies
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STUDENT SUCCESS SUPPORT
VECTOR A TRAJECTORY FOR STUDENT SUCCESS Virtual Environment for Communication: Teaching, Outreach and Research (VECTOR) helps support students and faculty in teaching, learning and research related to all forms of communication using our unique Virtual Communications Lab (VCL). The VCL provides help through free tutoring workshops and online resources with tutors who can work with students at any stage of the communication compositions process — from brainstorming a speech topic and helping design effective visuals for a personal website or portfolio to providing tips on topics such as grammar, presentation techniques and APA guidelines. VECTOR further supports faculty teaching and research in communication through workshops, a writing group, research collaboration and communication across the curriculum program.
The College of Arts & Sciences is home to the following student success support components:
HUMANISTIC STEM (H-STEM) EMPOWERING AN INTERDISCIPLINARY MINDSET Humanistic STEM (H-STEM) is an interdisciplinary initiative that blends STEM and humanities disciplinary perspectives to develop critical thinking, creativity and communication skills. Established by a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant, H-STEM is embedded in the general education curriculum and encourages students to approach complex challenges through multiple perspectives. Key elements of H-STEM include: s An annual H-STEM Symposium and Speaker Series s A Humanistic STEM Minor s Curriculum infusions that combine STEM and humanities perspectives (e.g., History of Aviation, International Economics, Psychology of Creativity) H-STEM aims to empower students with the interdisciplinary mindset, creativity and communication skills needed to navigate complex problems and succeed in a rapidly evolving workforce. EQUATES ELEVATE YOUR QUANTITATIVE SKILLS Everything Quantitative for Teachers and Students (EQUATES) is a new initiative in the Department of Mathematics, Science and Technology that helps both faculty and students with videos to support teaching and learning, a peer tutoring center, professional development workshops and research. Activities include the creation of a searchable video repository, with unique videos created by the Department of Mathematics, Science and Technology faculty, to be used by faculty and students in all COAS departments and in other colleges.
PATHWAYS YOUR MAP TO TOMORROW
PATHWAYS is the home for various COAS resources united by their commitment to fostering a culture of achievement and growth. With a mission to empower students to excel in their academic pursuits and beyond, PATHWAYS offers a wide array of resources and opportunities tailored both to meet individual interests and goals as well as encourage the development of a community of scholars. PATHWAYS aims to inspire students to reach their full potential and to establish themselves as lifelong learners through: s Student Interest Groups s Honor Societies s Undergraduate Minors s Honors Summer Seminars
s Study Abroad Summer Program s Pathway to Student Research s Digital Credentials
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FITZGERALD IHEKWOABA PATHWAYS STUDENT Study Abroad | Greece | 2024 Studying abroad through the Humanistic STEM program was one of the most meaningful experiences of my academic journey. Traveling to places like Rome, Naples, Samos and Athens gave me the chance to explore mathematics and sciences through new lenses — connecting technology with culture, ethics and humanistic integration in ways I had never imagined. What resonated most was the power of diverse perspectives. Walking through ancient ruins and learning how past societies approached problem-solving helped me reflect on my own academic challenges and rethink the narrow mindset I had been applying across my classes. The program gave me the freedom to grow intellectually and personally, encouraging me to embrace complex obstacles with a stronger, more confident and innovative nature. Working alongside classmates from different backgrounds and adjusting to unique environments taught me to think more globally and draw insights from varied perspectives. The lessons I learned continue to shape how I approach unfamiliar problems and push beyond my own limits to overcome adversity. This experience not only helped me grow as a student but also reshaped my worldview and how I see my role in the field of aeronautics. It reminded me that problem-solving is about being open to learning and listening to the people and the world around us.
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CHASE COBAUGH PATHWAYS STUDENT
ARMANDO SANCHEZ JR. PATHWAYS STUDENT HONR 150 | Summer 2024 Program
HONR 150 | Summer 2024 Program Honors 150 Monster Culture stands out as the most memorable class I have taken at Embry-Riddle. As my first honors class, I was a bit apprehensive about what to expect, but the experience proved to be both challenging and rewarding. Dr. Higgins and Dr. Bourdeau fostered a dynamic, interactive environment that made me excited to connect with my classmates. Every student selected a different film for their final project, which encouraged differing perspectives and rich conversations. I knew each of my classmates by name and engaged in meaningful discussions about the films assigned. A highlight for me was the final assignment, which was introduced at the beginning of the term. Rather than a typical end-of-course project, it was framed as an opportunity to dive deeper and apply the monster theses to a wide range of characters. I was eager to read each of my classmates’ projects and thoroughly enjoyed seeing an in-depth breakdown of each new monster. Dr. Higgins and Dr. Bourdeau supported us, offering one-on-one guidance and using clear examples to break down complex ideas. This course was a memorable and exciting experience for me.
Pursuing my B.S. in Aeronautics with a minor in Military Science through Embry-Riddle Worldwide has offered flexibility to balance my academic goals with a demanding schedule. The experience has been challenging, and I’m especially proud of having been named to the Dean’s list across multiple terms. When I received an email about a new Honors Program, I saw it as the perfect opportunity to push myself further and enrolled immediately. The experience deepened my appreciation for global cultures while strengthening my analytical and interpretative skills. One of the most memorable aspects of the program was our exploration of monsters in fiction, from Godzilla to Bram Stoker’s Dracula as well as films without a traditional monster figure. We examined the cultural origins and symbolism behind these figures. Through open discussion and critical analysis, I gained new insights from my professors and classmates and was encouraged to share my own perspectives. The Honors Program also prepared me to engage with current global issues. We studied the rise of AI and large language models like ChatGPT, discussing the benefits, risks and appropriate academic use, while maintaining academic integrity and utilizing critical thinking skills. The Honors Program continues to shape the way I approach academic challenges and professional growth. Whether analyzing a monster film or refining my academic work, I apply the critical thinking skills and global awareness gained.
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PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
USNCC ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE IN EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT In collaboration with the United States Naval Community College (USNCC), COAS offers an Associate of Science in Emergency Management.
M.S. IN HUMAN SECURITY AND RESILIENCE
Awareness and understanding of the impact of the constant barrage of threats to life as we know it has become a growing area of academic study. Embry-Riddle has created a graduate program in Human Security and Resilience to support individuals who seek the knowledge to meet these challenges head-on. The M.S. in Human Security and Resilience is a 30-credit online program offered through the Department of Emergency, Disaster and Global Security Studies in the College of Arts & Sciences. The degree is tailored for recent graduates and working professionals who want to advance their careers in this complex specialty. The study of Human Security and Resilience is an exploration of the interplay between economic security, food security, health security, environmental security, personal security, community security and political security. Our students have the opportunity to learn these concepts from military officers, scholars, historians and professionals with experience in defense, environmental security, population health, international business, political science, humanitarian law and other relevant disciplines.
This program was designed for active-duty enlisted members of the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Coast Guard Reservists. Completion provides a naval-relevant credential that enhances operational readiness and sets students on a path of lifelong learning and success. Offered entirely online and asynchronously to work with any schedule, the A.S. in Emergency Management gives enlisted professionals the ability to: s Work with communities to reduce the risk of disasters and manage them when they occur s Work with government agencies, non-profit organizations and private companies in planning processes to minimize damage and disruption during emergencies s Organize disaster response efforts s Support the recovery of communities hit by disaster s Plan initiatives for resilient communities Our faculty members are subject matter and mission space experts with extensive experience who combine classroom learning with real-world applications of the material. They are excited to share their knowledge and facilitate environments where the next generation of emergency management professionals will grow and thrive.
FEATURED MINOR AIRPORT BAGGAGE HANDLING SYSTEMS IMPLEMENTATION The Minor in Airport Baggage Handling Systems Implementation provides students with supplemental knowledge and the tools required to be knowledgeable in baggage handling system design and implementation. The target audience for this minor includes professionals currently working in this field as well as those who aspire to be part of the airport industry. The objective is to understand the lifecycle of implementation of baggage handling systems and its relation to the overall airport system, its safety and its security.
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RESEARCH AND SCHOLARSHIP
SELECT FACULTY PUBLICATIONS Highlight denotes faculty member
s Aydiner, C. , & Corbin, T . (2024). Bridging theory and practice: Applied research methods in security and emergency services. Journal of Security, Intelligence, and Resilience Education , 18 (2), 1-6. s Billings, J. , Kwesell, A. , Cosby, S., & Lin, S. (2024). Coming out of isolation: Impacts of COVID-19 on physical activity, diet, mental well-being, and sleep over time. Frontiers in Psychology, Section: Health Psychology, 15 , 1-11. s Chang, R. (2024). Challenges in preparing for and responding to disasters in Taiwan and the U.S.: Reflections from practice and academia. In D. A. McIntire & L. M. Phipps (Eds.), Current and emerging trends in the management of international disasters. (pp. 137-154). Mavs Open Press. s Colwell, M., Forde, T., Hunter, A., Werner, M., Aydiner, C. , Danek, R., Frederick, C. , Irish, A., McManus, B., Moran, K. , Siedschlag, A. , & Tran, A. (2024). Optimizing human performance at TSA airport screening checkpoints: Integrating psychology in security systems. Journal of Psychological Inquiry, 28 (2), 55-64. s Gendi, M., Marcham, C. , & O’Toole, M. (2024). Assessing safety culture: Lessons from the aviation industry. Professional Safety, 69 (10), 26-34. s Rister, A. (2024). Navigating the skies: The aviation industry’s corporate social responsibility communication for human trafficking awareness. International Journal of Strategic Communication, 19 (3), 419-433. s Velez, M., & Rister, A. (2024). Beyond academic integrity: Navigating institutional and disciplinary anxieties about AI-assisted authorship in technical and professional communication. Journal of Business and Technical Communication, 39 (1), 115-132. s Villarreal, E., Marcham, C. , O’Toole, M., & Eltz, B. (2025). The power of system safety techniques: Application of system safety analysis to zoo worker disease exposure prevention. Professional Safety, 70 (3), 24-34. s Vincenzi, D. , & Liu, D. (2025). Realism in simulation. (Chapter 1). In K. Lemos, S. Malmquist, S. Pruchinicki,
The College of Arts & Sciences conducts basic, applied and translational research and engages in creative work. The college also provides mentored research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. In doing so, it fosters unique and innovative disciplinary, multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research with applications to STEM, social and behavioral sciences, humanities and comprehensive civil security studies that have a societal impact. Recent presentations at national and international conferences included topics such as: s A conceptual typology of compound hazards to improve theory and practice s Analyzing the evolving definition of homeland security and its representation in current federal strategies, policies and planning frameworks s Cultivating cyber scholars: Research support for online STEM students s Displacement in emergency management: Comparative insights from Ukrainian and Turkish refugee crises in Germany s Elaborating an equivalence way of thinking in counting: A focus on partitioning outcome sets s Emergency planning and response: Research and practice s Interdisciplinary perspectives on AI feedback: Actionable strategies for higher education sleep research in first responders s Leveraging generative AI for personalized and engaging educational experiences s National disaster resilience preparedness s Pa nel: “The importance of raising awareness on human trafficking in the aviation industry” s Space, security policy and resilience s The PATHWAYS program: Fostering undergraduate research success in an online environment
and D. Vincenzi (Eds.), Realism in Simulation: Application and Theory. Taylor and Francis.
s Zhang, T., Frederick, C. , Dattel, A., Blickensderfer, E., & Chaparro, B. (2024). User experience, motivation and self-efficacy comparisons between virtual reality and conventional PC-based flight simulation training. Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research , 33 (5), 1-11.
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GRANTS AWARDED s Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Faculty Innovation Research in Science and Technology (FIRST) Grant s Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Innovative Teaching Grant from the Rothwell Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (RCTLE) s Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Undergraduate Research Collaborative Grants Program s Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University — Worldwide — College of Arts & Sciences
Faculty Startup Funds Program s National Science Foundation
RESEARCH FACULTY HIGHLIGHT DR. EMILY DUX SPELTZ Assistant Professor of Applied Linguistics and Technology in the Department of Humanities
practices. Drawing on these experiences, she now focuses on guiding educators in the responsible and effective integration of AI tools in teaching and learning. She has recently published two teaching cases on advanced GenAI prompting and human-in-the-loop workflows in the Writing Across the Curriculum Clearinghouse and the Teaching Repository for AI-Infused Learning, providing practical strategies for educators navigating the use of
& Communication
Dr. Emily Dux Speltz is an assistant professor of Applied Linguistics and Technology in the Department of Humanities & Communication. She earned her Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics and Technology from Iowa State University in 2023. Her research focuses on the writing process, generative AI in education and computer-assisted writing pedagogy. She recently completed work on ProWrite, an NSF-funded project (Cyberlearning and Future Learning Technologies Program) that made use of biometric technologies — including keystroke logging and eye tracking — to improve process-focused writing instruction. In collaboration with Iowa State University, Nottingham Trent University (UK) and Eindhoven University of Technology (Netherlands), the project explored real-time feedback for student writers, shifting focus from traditional product-based assessment to moment-by-moment writing-process support. Dr. Dux Speltz continues to publish findings from this project, with two papers under review and additional manuscripts
AI in classrooms.
She was awarded an Innovative Teaching Grant from the Rothwell Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (RCTLE) at Embry-Riddle. This award supports Dr. Dux Speltz’s development and evaluation of an AI & Ethics course, which launched in March 2025 and funds a collaboration to evaluate and enhance project-based learning (PBL) approaches to AI education. The project aims to contribute to a broader curricular effort to establish a new minor in AI, Critical Thinking and Creativity, which she is leading alongside Department Chair, Dr.
David Higgins.
Moving forward, Dr. Dux Speltz is working to unite her two main areas of research — process-focused writing instruction and ethical AI integration — into a cohesive agenda. Her current focus is on investigating how to support students’ writing processes as they engage with AI tools. She has begun to explore additional cross- institutional collaborations to develop interdisciplinary projects at the intersection of writing, AI and process-
in progress.
Dr. Dux Speltz was also recently a co-principal investigator for an NSF-funded conference titled “Text Production and Comprehension by Human and Artificial Intelligence,” bringing together experts in cognitive science, linguistics and natural language processing to explore how generative AI is transforming educational and communicative
focused instruction.
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DEAN’S AWARDS The College of Arts & Sciences proudly launched the Dean’s Student Awards program in 2024, recognizing outstanding students and alumni who exemplify academic excellence, leadership and the values of Embry-Riddle Worldwide. These awards honor individuals who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in their degree program. Each recipient was selected for their academic performance, exemplary commitment to purpose and determination for success even in the face of adversity. Awardees receive formal recognition and commemorative plaques in celebration of their contributions to the college and their ongoing potential as professionals, scholars and leaders.
2025 AWARD RECIPIENTS
JOSHUA COSTELLO B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies
An emergency management coordinator based in Gainesville, Florida, Joshua has a passion for philosophy, creative writing and global exploration. After retiring from active duty and relocating from Italy, he initially fell behind in coursework but successfully caught up through determination, tutoring and the support of his professors, ultimately earning near-perfect scores. Joshua plans to continue into a master’s program and complete his incident command certifications, with the goal of supporting fire rescue operations and protecting both people and public lands.
MONIQUE GARCIA M.S. in Human Factors A U.S. Air Force veteran with 12 years of
service, Monique is a Human Factors Engineer supporting NASA’s Orion and Artemis missions while pursuing her M.S. in Human Factors at Embry-Riddle. Her studies have strengthened her ability to contribute across spacecraft systems and human spaceflight programs. She’s engaged in resilience research with Dr. Jeff Thompson and has twice served as an analog astronaut at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Garcia values the relationships she’s built across the spaceflight community and credits her education with expanding her capacity to support missions to the Moon, Mars and beyond.
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PHILANTHROPIC COUNCIL The Embry-Riddle Worldwide College of Arts & Sciences Philanthropic Council’s mission is to invest in students by pooling their contributions to fund innovative student projects and special initiatives. Through collective giving, council members have a high impact on the students receiving support. Past projects have spanned space physics, climate science and astrophysics, empowering students to pursue hands-on, interdisciplinary research with real-world applications. Every year, the Philanthropic Council meets virtually to engage with students and view presentations by the top selected student project groups. On this day, council members vote for the winning project and financial support is awarded. Throughout the year, council members are invited to attend events virtually, correspond with college deans and engage with the Philanthropy team. Although the time commitment is minimal, the overall impact of being a council member is significant.
ENOCH HAAS B.S. in Emergency Services
Originally from Kyiv, Ukraine, Enoch has built a lifelong connection to aviation. After moving to the U.S. in 2019, he enlisted in the Navy and now serves as an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Handling aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, guiding aircraft on the flight deck. Despite frequent deployments, Enoch has pursued his dream of attending Embry-Riddle, a goal he set as a teenager after first learning about the university. He is now committed to building a military career focused on improving service members’ quality of life, with his education at Embry-Riddle playing a key role in shaping that mission.
Interested in learning more? Contact Lisa Rivey Director, Philanthropic Organizations 386.226.7343 | lisa.rivey@erau.edu
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27.6 MIL PEOPLE IN FORCED LABOR 2022 GLOBAL ESTIMATES INTERNATIONAL LABOR ORGANIZATION
FACULTY STUDIED HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND OFFERED FREE MASSIVE OPEN ONLINE COURSE
and Resilience at Embry-Riddle Worldwide, helped create a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on the topic of human trafficking which, in the first round, ran for three weeks in July 2024. The MOOC, titled “Combating Human Trafficking: Understanding, Prevention and Action,” was globally accessible and free to all. A second MOOC was offered in January 2025. “We wanted to make sure our work could be used by the community — that it was not just ivory tower research that had little impact,” said Dr. Hoban, whose background is in global affairs, focusing on security and conflict studies. Dr. Alexander Siedschlag, dean of the Worldwide Campus College of Arts & Sciences, developed the initial idea and content for the MOOC in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Center for Countering Human Trafficking. He spoke enthusiastically of Embry-Riddle’s involvement with the issue. “I was excited to see the establishment of a focus area on human trafficking studies here at the Worldwide Campus’ College of Arts & Sciences. This further strengthened our human security and resilience focus, where we also offer a unique online graduate program,” Siedschlag said. “I applaud Alex and Iuliia on the successful implementation of the MOOC as a whole. Their concurrent research project on parallel action research during the Worldwide offering of the MOOC was of extreme importance to foster
Dr. Alex Rister’s goal was to help “women be advocates for each other,” which led her to community volunteer work and academic research related to the issue of human trafficking. Dr. Rister is an assistant professor and program chair for the Bachelor of Science in Communication at the College of Arts & Sciences. Her community work, which comprised partnering with local nonprofits, including a safe house for women in Orlando, Florida, coalesced with her research in communication as she explored the question, “How are we messaging in words, and in visuals, this terrible crime?” “When you are tasked with research and community work, it’s even more intense,” Dr. Rister said. “I felt that inner fire to galvanize the people around me to really care about the issue.” According to the International Labour Organization, an estimated 27.6 million people were in forced labor as of 2022. An estimated 33% of trafficking victims are recruited by a family member or caregiver, 28% by an intimate partner and 22% by an employer, according to Polaris, the nonprofit organization that oversees the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline. Dr. Rister and Dr. Iuliia Hoban, assistant professor and program chair for the Master of Science in Human Security
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the discipline of human security, as well as, and according to our college’s motto — innovative education and research to promote positive change around the world.” As of fall 2024, Embry-Riddle offers a four-plus- one program in which students can earn a B.S. in Communication with a new specialization in crisis, risk and resilience communication; then, transition into an M.S. in Human Security and Resilience, completing both programs online in five years. Countering human trafficking is an evolving research topic at Embry-Riddle Worldwide. Dr. Hoban explained that in her research on the impact of armed conflict and other international security threats on vulnerable populations, “human trafficking consistently emerged as a pressing concern.” Often, the survivors of human trafficking are people made vulnerable by their situations, having emerged from war, disasters, foster care, previous abuse or other difficult situations, the researchers said. Misconceptions about the issue and about who is affected have often resulted in a kind of “moral panic,” Dr. Rister said. In some cases, for instance, migrants fleeing violence and repression have been mistakenly blamed for causing human trafficking, “which leads to harmful responses,” she said. The researchers’ work focused on promoting a better understanding of human trafficking and effective ways to address it. Their exploration of the topic highlighted “survivor-centered approaches,” Dr. Hoban explained,
where survivors of human trafficking are essentially asked, “What do you need to heal?” This approach prioritizes the well-being of survivors, avoiding the re-traumatization often associated with prosecution. “Our study aimed to ultimately provide practical insights for nonprofits, government agencies, policymakers and scholars to effectively address this crime in survivor- centered ways,” Dr. Rister said. Maya Adkins, an undergraduate majoring in Homeland Security with minor in Global Conflict Studies, worked with the two professors, having found herself “instantly drawn to courses focusing on international anti-trafficking efforts.” Adkins said the opportunity to do this research and the mentorship she received have “significantly influenced the trajectory of my postgraduate career aspirations.” The first MOOC ended just before the United Nations- sponsored World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on July 30, 2024 — a call to action to expand global awareness and support to end human trafficking. The second MOOC launched on January 11, 2025, National Human Trafficking Awareness Day and “Wear Blue Day,” sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Blue Campaign to raise whole- community awareness about human trafficking and the importance of combating it. Originally written by Michaela Jarvis with Embry-Riddle’s News Team.
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IN THEIR OWN WORDS
MIRRETTE GENDI MS, CSP, CHMM M.S. in Occupational Safety Management, ’23 With nearly fifteen years of experience in health and safety leadership, I understood the importance of continuous growth in a fast-evolving field. Enrolling in the M.S. in Occupational Safety Management (MSOSM) program challenged me to deepen my expertise, approaching health and safety through a more scientific and structured lens. Not only did an MSOSM help equip me with a more diverse set of tools to approach health and safety applications with a scientific perspective, but it also trained me to follow a structured method to risk management, in a setting that challenged me and encouraged me to get creative with solutions to safety problems. The MSOSM offered course selections that covered various domains of safety management and curricula that reflected the issues that safety professionals face in today’s business environment. The flexibility of the program made the goal of achieving my graduate degree attainable, all while working a demanding job and being available for my family. I graduated in 2023 and was honored to work alongside Dr. Marcham and Dr. O’Toole to publish my Capstone Project “Safety Culture Assessment” in the Professional Safety Journal of the American Society of Safety Professionals.
EMMA VILLARREAL M.S. in Occupational Safety Management, ’22 My passion for occupational safety management began during my undergraduate studies in Environmental Science at Baylor University, where I interned at a zoo and discovered the critical role of safety programs in protecting staff, visitors and animals. After gaining industry experience as a health scientist and earning my Association of Safety Professionals certification, I enrolled in Embry-Riddle’s M.S. in Occupational Safety Management program to expand my expertise. The coursework was immediately relevant to my career goals, and I appreciated how assignments allowed me to apply lessons to real-world scenarios like managing zoo safety programs. With the support of outstanding faculty and peers, I developed practical skills that helped turn academic projects into professional accomplishments. Under Dr. Cheri Marcham’s mentorship, my capstone project, “Applying System Safety Analysis to Zoo Worker Disease Exposure Prevention,” was published in the March 2025 issue of the Professional Safety Journal of the American Society of Safety Professionals.. Since graduating with Distinction in 2022 and earning my Associate Safety and Health Manger certification and Graduate Safety Practicitioner designation, I’ve advanced into research and environmental health and safety roles, building on the foundation the program provided. I’m excited to continue applying the skills I gained at Embry-Riddle and highly recommend the program to future safety professionals.
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