The Aviation Lab
Advancing Human-Centered Safety Through Research, Policy, and Innovation
The Aviation Lab at the University of Washington conducts research to address critical gaps in aviation and aerospace safety, with a particular emphasis on informing policy and advancing the field of human factors. Our work investigates the psychological, emotional, and systemic dimensions that influence safety and performance across safety-critical aviation roles, including pilots and air traffic controllers.
Policy Reform
Building on foundational research in psychological safety, our current work focuses on addressing key research gaps to inform aeromedical policy. Specifically, we examine the intersection of mental health, psychological resilience, and the role of technology in supporting more adaptive, human-centered systems—aimed at enhancing decision-making, improving safety outcomes, and promoting overall well-being among aviation professionals.
Drawing on behavioral science and viewed through a Safety-II lens, our research examines the interpersonal, cognitive, and organizational factors that enable resilient and adaptive performance. We focus in particular on the role of emotional intelligence in high-stakes decision-making, team coordination, and system-level safety outcomes.
Drawing on behavioral science and viewed through a Safety-II lens, our research examines the interpersonal, cognitive, and organizational factors that enable resilient and adaptive performance. We focus in particular on the role of emotional intelligence in high-stakes decision-making, team coordination, and system-level safety outcomes.
A Key Objective
A key objective of our research is to inform evidence-based policy development around pilot training, mental health standards, and Safety Management Systems (SMS). By aligning our findings with industry competency frameworks and regulatory structures, we aim to shape scalable interventions that enhance human performance and systemic safety.
The lab also explores the role of emerging technologies—particularly AI-powered tools—in reducing psychological distress, supporting emotionally intelligent decision-making, and strengthening trust and well-being in operational environments. These technologies have the potential to complement regulatory efforts by addressing barriers to mental health support and providing micro-interventions that reinforce adaptive behavior in real time.
Through Directed Research Groups (DRGs), interdisciplinary scholarship, and close collaboration with industry and regulatory partners, the Aviation Lab bridges the divide between academic research and applied policy—contributing practical, research-driven solutions to today’s most pressing challenges in aerospace human factors.
The lab also explores the role of emerging technologies—particularly AI-powered tools—in reducing psychological distress, supporting emotionally intelligent decision-making, and strengthening trust and well-being in operational environments. These technologies have the potential to complement regulatory efforts by addressing barriers to mental health support and providing micro-interventions that reinforce adaptive behavior in real time.
Through Directed Research Groups (DRGs), interdisciplinary scholarship, and close collaboration with industry and regulatory partners, the Aviation Lab bridges the divide between academic research and applied policy—contributing practical, research-driven solutions to today’s most pressing challenges in aerospace human factors.
