Natasha Heap

Natasha Heap is a Lecturer and Program Director for the Bachelor of Aviation at the University of Southern Queensland. She is a former airline captain with 25 years of aviation experience and is currently a PhD candidate, integrating her expertise in biological anthropology with aviation safety. Her work is centered on improving air accident investigation practices through interdisciplinary research.

Her research interests include aviation safety, aviation archaeology, forensic anthropology, air accident investigation, historic aviation, human factors in aviation, and Safety Management Systems (SMS). She emphasizes methodical, evidence-based approaches to accident investigation, drawing parallels between forensic archaeology and aviation forensics.

The available articles highlight her expertise in aviation risk management and the ethical implications of public speculation during ongoing investigations. Her work addresses global challenges such as conflict zone airspace navigation and the psychological and operational impacts of disasters on the aviation industry.

• National and international aviation safety protocols
• Role of ICAO and airline risk mitigation strategies
• Impact of geopolitical conflict on flight operations
• Human error and training deficiencies in aviation accidents
• Media responsibility in reporting aviation disasters
• Long-term investigation timelines and forensic integrity

Natasha Heap is actively involved in research supervision and public engagement, contributing to media discussions and policy awareness. She has not disclosed any formal grants or awards in the provided materials, but her interdisciplinary scholarship bridges industry practice and academic inquiry. She is based in Brisbane and maintains a professional presence on Bluesky.

She is associated with the University of Southern Queensland and is not indicated to lead or belong to any formal research lab or team, though her work implies collaboration with aviation safety bodies and forensic research communities.