Biography: Kathy H. Abbott, PhD
Chief Scientific and Technical Advisor for Flight Deck Human Factors
Dr. Kathy Abbott has over 20 years of experience specializing in aviation human factors and intelligent cockpit research. Dr. Abbott came to the FAA from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). At NASA she led analytical, simulation, and flight studies with the specific objective of improving aviation safety and operational efficiency. She also co-chaired the FAA Human Factors Study Team that was chartered to address safety issues associated with crew interfaces with modern “glass” flight decks.
Member, professional organizations and societies:- Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE)
- Senior Member, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
- Fellow, Royal Aeronautical Society
- R&D 100 Award from R&D Magazine
- NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal
- Aerospace Laurel from Aviation Week and Space Technology
- Engineer of the Year, AIAA - Hampton Roads Chapter
- Christopher Newport University Distinguished Alumnus Award
- Ph.D. in Computer Science, Rutgers University
- MS in Computer Science, George Washington University
- BS in Mathematics and Information Science, Christopher Newport College
