Sept. 3, 2021
NBAA joins with the aviation education community in marking the passing of the renowned educator, professional speaker and instructional strategist Dr. Mary Niemczyk, who passed away Aug. 27.
An FAA-certified pilot and associate professor in the aviation program at Arizona State University, Niemczyk’s research focused on improving instructional and learning strategies to enhance the performance of individuals in complex, ill-defined environments, such as aviation. Widely published in peer-reviewed aviation and education journals, she worked to determine the best attributes, skills, and knowledge that can lead to successful performance in aviation training.
“Mary was a significant contributor to NBAA’s training and education products,” said Steve Brown, NBAA chief operating officer. “Her insights and collaborative, constructive style were a model of professionalism.”
A significant portion of her research centered on how to effectively utilize the talents of the Millennial generation and Generation Z in the aviation industry. Recently, she co-founded an organization that works to improve workplace performance by bridging the gap between generations.
Niemczyk was a board member of Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI), and Dr. Thomas Carney, AABI’s vice president of accreditation, said of Dr. Niemczyk, “Among Mary’s many wonderful attributes, I think one of her greatest gifts is that she was one of the most civilized persons I have had the honor of knowing. As pilots, we know that we will all ‘fly west’, but for those who are left behind, it is sad and lonely to stand on the ramp and watch a friend depart on that final flight.”
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.