The Aviation Lab
Advancing Human Performance Capabilities and Psychological Resilience for Aviation Safety
The Aviation Lab at the University of Washington addresses real-world challenges in the aerospace industry through rigorous, human-centered research. Our work examines the psychological, emotional, and systemic factors that influence safety and performance among aviation professionals, with a growing focus on resilience.
Building on our foundational research in psychological safety, our current work reframes resilience not simply as “bouncing back,” but as the capacity to adapt, transform, and thrive in the face of ongoing demands. We investigate how emotional intelligence contributes to psychological resilience and, through a Safety-II lens—which focuses on understanding and reinforcing what goes right in complex, high-performing systems—we examine the behaviors, conditions, and team dynamics that enable success in aviation. These insights are mapped onto pilot training and human performance frameworks to inform evidence-based interventions.
Our lab also explores the potential for technology—especially AI-powered tools—to address psychological distress among pilots and air traffic controllers. In particular, we’re investigating how emotionally intelligent systems can support mental well-being, reduce stigma, and enhance decision-making support in safety-critical environments.
Through Directed Research Groups (DRGs) with students and active collaboration with industry partners, the Aviation Lab combines academic rigor with practical impact—bridging the gap between research and application to improve aviation safety, resilience, and human performance.
Building on our foundational research in psychological safety, our current work reframes resilience not simply as “bouncing back,” but as the capacity to adapt, transform, and thrive in the face of ongoing demands. We investigate how emotional intelligence contributes to psychological resilience and, through a Safety-II lens—which focuses on understanding and reinforcing what goes right in complex, high-performing systems—we examine the behaviors, conditions, and team dynamics that enable success in aviation. These insights are mapped onto pilot training and human performance frameworks to inform evidence-based interventions.
Our lab also explores the potential for technology—especially AI-powered tools—to address psychological distress among pilots and air traffic controllers. In particular, we’re investigating how emotionally intelligent systems can support mental well-being, reduce stigma, and enhance decision-making support in safety-critical environments.
Through Directed Research Groups (DRGs) with students and active collaboration with industry partners, the Aviation Lab combines academic rigor with practical impact—bridging the gap between research and application to improve aviation safety, resilience, and human performance.
