About
Tracy Yother serves as Assistant Professor in Aeronautical Engineering Technology (AET) within Purdue University's School of Aviation and Transportation Technology. With over 18 years of industry experience at Boeing, McDonnell Douglas, and Pratt & Whitney spanning product support, program management, and business development, she teaches undergraduate Powerplant Systems courses and graduate-level aviation leadership/process improvement curricula while maintaining active FAA Airframe and Powerplant certification.
Her academic credentials include:
- Ph.D. in Career and Technical Education from Purdue University
- M.S. in Technology, Aviation Logistics from Purdue University
- B.S. in Aviation Technology from Purdue University
Dr. Yother's research pioneers the integration of emerging technologies into aviation maintenance education, with dual focus on faculty credentialing challenges and AI-driven maintenance solutions. She leads NIST-funded development of electric propulsion standards curriculum while advancing natural language processing applications for maintenance record analysis and defect detection through API integration. Her work bridges industry standards with academic training requirements for next-generation aviation technicians.
Recent publications reveal strong thematic continuity in aviation education innovation, particularly addressing workforce development for electric propulsion systems and AI-enhanced maintenance practices. Her scholarship consistently connects curriculum design with industry consensus standards while expanding into diversity initiatives and sustainable maintenance technologies.
Recognition includes:
- February 2021: School of Aviation and Transportation Technology’s Outstanding Faculty in Learning Award
Dr. Yother directs NIST Standards Curricula Development Program funding for electric propulsion aviation standards while maintaining active leadership in professional communities. As ASEE Aerospace Division Chair and member of UAA Maintenance Division and Aviation Technician Education Council, she shapes national conversations on aviation maintenance education standards and workforce development strategies.
Her research directly informs Purdue's aviation technology programs through industry partnerships, with current focus on developing training frameworks for high-voltage aircraft systems and AI-assisted maintenance protocols that address emerging industry challenges.
