Expertise
2023 - Diploma in Aviation Safety Education, International Air Transport Association (IATA, Canada) focused on enhancing aviation safety protocols.
2018 - PhD in Aviation/Human Factors, School of Aviation, Faculty of Science, University of New South Wales (Australia), contributing to the field of human factors research.
2013 - MSc in Human Factors, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham (UK), emphasizing the role of human factors in aviation safety.
2013 - Graduate Research Diploma in Theory and Methodology of Professional Education, Flight Academy of National Aviation University (Ukraine), exploring approaches in aviation safety education.
2011 - Graduate Research Diploma in Theory and Methodology of Professional Education, National University of Educational Management of the National Academy of Pedagogical Sciences (Ukraine), integrating elements of defence engagement in educational practices.
2008 - Master of Education/English, State Teachers' Training University (Ukraine).
2007 - Bachelor of Education/English, State Teachers' Training University (Ukraine).
Education & Executive Development
Educating the next generation of defence and aviation professionals through comprehensive aviation safety education. Delivering executive education for senior Defence and industry leaders while fostering strong defence engagement. Designing professional development programs focused on leadership, human factors research, and safety. We are passionate about mentoring researchers and emerging leaders.
Research & Development
As a Senior Lecturer in Aviation and Human Factors at UNSW Canberra, situated within the Australian Defence Force Academy, I lead the Human Factors Research Lab. My role as Chief Investigator at the Australian Army Research Centre focuses on crucial areas such as autonomous systems, drone warfare, and international humanitarian law from 2023 to 2026. I am also a researcher and author of the first longitudinal, evidence-based study examining the employment of uncrewed systems in the Russia–Ukraine war, conducted from 2022 to 2026. My published research spans essential topics in aviation safety education, autonomous systems, human factors research, AI, and human performance. Additionally, I participate as an academic partner in the Defence Trailblazer program, which fosters collaboration between industry, academia, and defence. Furthermore, I hold the position of VP Education at the Advanced Air Mobility Institute.
Government & Defence Engagement
Collaboration with the Ukrainian government, military, and defence industry — including the BRAVE1 defence-tech cluster, Unmanned Systems Forces, and non-government organisations — emphasizes the importance of aviation safety education. Our policy advisory contributions focus on enhancing defence engagement, covering defence capability planning, doctrine development, and procurement strategy across allied nations. We maintain regular engagement with NATO bodies, including NATO's Joint Analysis, Training and Education Centre (JATEC) and NATO Science and Technology workshops, to support human factors research. Additionally, our partnerships extend to the US Department of War Command, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), and various defence agencies across allied nations.
Industry Engagement
Strategic partnership development with Australian and international defence industry organisations enhances our defence engagement initiatives. We collaborate with defence industry partners on UAS, C-UAS, electronic warfare, and autonomous systems capability development, while also focusing on aviation safety education and human factors research. Our industry engagement spans events such as the Drone Capability Coalition Summit, the Australia–New Zealand–Ukraine Cooperation Forum, and various Indo-Pacific defence forums. Additionally, we partner with Australian and allied defence industry stakeholders on research, capability assessment, and technology evaluation.
Media & Public Engagement
Regular expert commentator and analyst for BBC World Service, BBC News (London), CNBC (USA), ABC, SBS, Channel 9, Channel 7, Forbes, New Scientist, Indo-Pacific Forum, and others, focusing on critical issues such as aviation safety education and defence engagement. I am frequently invited as a keynote speaker and panellist at national and international defence forums, NATO events, and government agencies across allied nations. Notably, I have been an invited speaker at the Drone Capability Coalition Summit, the Australia–New Zealand–Ukraine Cooperation Forum, NATO JATEC, NATO Science and Technology workshops, and engagements discussing human factors research with the US Department of War Command.
Awards & Recognition
2026
Excellence Award Winner – recognising the highest achievement among all individual categories, Australian Defence Industry Awards; Academic of the Year Winner - Australian Defence Industry Awards; Science & Technology Achievement Award Winner – AOC (Electronic Warfare) Australia & New Zealand; Alumni Award - by the University of Nottingham, UK
2025
Women in Defence Tech Role Model – by the Women in Defense Tech (International). Academic of the Year Winner – Australian Defence Industry Awards; ‘Gold Award’ for the HFES Training Technical Group Circle of Excellence Program – by the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (USA);
2024
Women in Defence – Research & Development Winner 2024 – ADM Women in Defence Awards; Woman of the Year Winner 2024 by the HFE WOMAN, Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (USA); Women in AAM, Industry Leader 2024 – (winner) by eVTOL insights; ‘Gold Award’ for the HFES Training Technical Group Circle of Excellence Program – 2024 by the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (USA); Best Training and Development Program Winner 2024 – by the Defence & National Security Workforce Awards for the Aviation Program at the School of Science, UNSW Canberra, recognising my commitment to aviation safety education as a Female Leader of the team and the program (Australia). Best Researcher Award 2024 (winner) for the Contribution and Honourable Achievement in Innovative Research at the 13th International Conference on Communications and Media Studies (International), highlighting advancements in defence engagement and human factors research.