Lauren Burmester

Dr. Lauren Burmester serves as an Assistant Professor in the Aeronautical Science Department within Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's College of Aviation at the Daytona Beach campus. With over 18 years of combined aviation and higher education experience, she teaches core courses including AS 380: Pilot Career Planning Interview Techniques and AS 120: Principles of Aeronautical Science, while providing specialized instruction in the High-Altitude Hypoxia Training Normobaric Chamber. Her institutional roles include overseeing pilot and UAS partnership programs and serving on the University Disciplinary Committee Honor Board.

Dr. Burmester's educational credentials demonstrate deep aviation specialization:

• Ed.D. in Educational Leadership (Capella University)
• M.S. in Aeronautics: Aviation Aerospace Safety (Embry-Riddle)
• B.S. in Aerospace Studies: Space Studies, Aviation Safety & Business Administration (Embry-Riddle)

Her research tackles critical aviation industry challenges through the lens of educational leadership. She investigates workforce development solutions for the pilot shortage, analyzes gender disparities in aviation careers, and develops evidence-based mentoring initiatives. Current projects examine pilot pathway program effectiveness and mental health factors affecting aviation professionals, directly addressing sustainability concerns in the industry.

Dr. Burmester's scholarly contributions include publications on educational program design, with her 2014 research on online learning attrition informing current aviation training methodologies. Her work consistently bridges educational theory with practical aviation applications.

Recognition for her mentorship excellence includes prestigious awards:

• 2025 ERAU CTLE Mentor of the Year
• 2024 Laura Bassi Editorial Scholarship Recipient

As an advisor, Dr. Burmester guides students through formal coursework, partnership programs, and the Dancing Eagles Club. Her research on mentoring initiatives directly informs her hands-on approach to student development, while her industry affiliations with NBAA, WAI, and AUSVI provide students with professional networking opportunities. She actively connects classroom learning to real-world aviation career pathways.

Externally, Dr. Burmester amplifies her impact through leadership as Vice Chair of the iHart Flying Foundation's Board, where she champions women's participation in aviation. Her interdisciplinary background in Egyptology further enriches her educational perspective, demonstrating unconventional connections between historical studies and modern aviation challenges.