Submitting Campus

Worldwide

Department

Aeronautics

Document Type

Presentation without Video

Publication/Presentation Date

5-11-2026

Abstract/Description

As artificial intelligence transforms aviation, aerospace, and autonomy-related sectors, higher education must adapt to meet evolving workforce demands. This session shares emerging findings from a nationwide study led by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, focused on employer perceptions of AI adoption, responsible use, and workforce preparedness in domains including uncrewed systems, space systems, robotics, and advanced air mobility. Based on a structured survey and follow-up interviews, the presentation explores how organizations are using AI tools, from generative platforms to enterprise systems, and defining effective and inappropriate use in operational contexts. Participants will gain insight into critical concerns (e.g., data privacy, compliance, security, and workforce displacement), along with the growing need for secure, enterprise-controlled “walled garden” AI environments. The session also examines how employers assess job readiness in recent graduates, highlight skill gaps, and prioritize training in areas such as AI ethics, prompt engineering, and system integration. These findings inform curriculum development and re-skilling strategies to align education with real-world needs.

Location

Detroit, MI, USA

Grant or Award Name

This research was partially supported by the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Faculty Research Development Program; in relation to the Transforming Online Education: Integrating AI-Enhanced Tools for Personalized Learning and Dynamic Content Delivery project. The collaboration that led to the publication and presentation of this work received support from the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University–Worldwide Research Scholars Program (supported by NSF #2315560).

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