EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION OF AERONAUTICS LEADERS
Driven by Waterloo’s unique mix of experiential learning and real-world impact, we’re equipping the next generation of aeronautics leaders and building a sustainable future for the aviation, space, and aerospace sectors.
Our approach revolves around three key, ongoing initiatives:
The Collaborative Aeronautics Program (CAP), an entirely new and interdisciplinary approach to aeronautical graduate studies.
WISA's online aviation courses are designed for professionals and everyday learners who want to build their knowledge and skills to thrive in the dynamic and evolving aviation industry, with a focus on sustainability.
Our thriving aviation student community of 300+ undergraduate student pilots is vital to our success. Supporting laboratories with research expertise and studies as research participants, we aim to build a strong talent pipeline for sustainable aeronautics.
“Aeronautics is at an historic crossroads of demand, innovation, and sustained capacity. As a Waterloo professor and former graduate student, and as a test pilot/astronaut, I was delighted to be asked to be a WISA Advisor and have been excited to see the ensuing progress and industry need. All new ventures require good ideas and public awareness to succeed. As an Advisor to WISA, I have been honoured to provide support through meetings and speaking at public events, helping in a small way with the excellent and growing capabilities of the Institute.”
Commander Chris Hadfield
Collaborative Aeronautics Program
Supported by academic units from Waterloo's six faculties, as well as WISA’s rich industry and government network, the Collaborative Aeronautics Program (CAP) is developing the future of talent with a unique approach to graduate training in aeronautics.
Graduate students apply directly to their chosen program and select the Aeronautics admission option. While working toward the degree requirements in their home unit, they also complete aeronautical training alongside CAP students from other fields. Students build foundational knowledge in aeronautics, complete a consulting project with industry partners, faculty, and students across disciplines, and apply their research skills and interests to address sustainable aeronautics challenges.
Through the CAP, our goal is to uniquely equip the next generation of leaders with the interdisciplinary skills needed to align innovation with impact. Explore the profiles below to see how our seven CAP students are investigating critical challenges and opportunities in sustainable aeronautics from their respective disciplines.
Dr. Shi Cao
Associate Professor Faculty of Engineering
“As a founding associate director, my goal was to build a hub for researchers and students who are passionate about aeronautics research and practice. The rapid growth of WISA has greatly exceeded my expectation. Since the second year of WISA, I have focused on leading the Collaborative Aeronautics Program (CAP) as the Committee Chair, gaining support and funding from both internal and external sources. I am happy to see that the first cohort of CAP students enjoyed the program, and we have welcomed an enthusiastic new class for our second year.
CAP student spotlight
Our innovative students share their research and how they hope to transform the future of aeronautics.
“I joined WISA to be part of an extraordinary idea that had the potential to be transformational to the future of the aerospace industry. Another salient drawing feature was the fact that from its inception it was designed to be a holistic approach incorporating the multidisciplinary fields that are tackling the challenges and opportunities of creating a sustainable aerospace industry.”
Dr. Martin Smith, Ph.D. Co-Founder/CEO, Presage Group Inc.
E-learning courses
WISA is developing three self-paced courses to promote sustainability in aviation:
- Fundamentals of International Aviation: Designed to equip the next generation of aviation professionals and everyday learners with a comprehensive understanding of the global air transport sector.
- Aviation Sustainability: Learners discover the principles and practices of aviation sustainability and acquire the knowledge and tools to champion a more sustainable future for aviation.
- Aviation and Climate Change: Explores the interplay between aviation and climate change to champion pathways toward building a sustainable future for aviation.
For learners who complete all three courses online, WISA plans to provide a higher-level International Aviation Sustainability Certificate.
While these courses will be geared toward learners in aviation-related careers, anyone who is curious or passionate about air transport will be welcome to take the courses.
Mentorship
Mentorship is an integral part of WISA’s approach to supporting education and talent development in sustainable aeronautics. WISA leaders and faculty mentors work with master’s and PhD students from Waterloo's six faculties as they pursue forward-thinking research and tackle unique interdisciplinary questions.
“Mentorship played a cardinal role in helping me thrive and learn in the University of Waterloo environment. University, in general, can be daunting, especially with the addition of the aviation requirement allocated with the geography and aviation program. I have had the honour of being mentored by alumni and current students, which has prepared me for the learning objectives to come, as well as personal development opportunities. Mentorship has inspired me to improve myself and pass on knowledge to the future of the University of Waterloo Aviation.”