TG of the Month: Aerospace Systems Technical Group (ASTG)
The aerospace industry is undergoing significant transformations, from the emergence of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and the expanding use of drones in civilian and defense operations to the rapid growth of commercial spaceflight. These developments are redefining how humans interact with increasingly complex and autonomous systems, making human factors expertise more critical than ever. ASTG brings together researchers and practitioners working at the forefront of these changes, helping shape the future of human roles in aerospace—whether on the flight deck, in air traffic control facilities, at ground control stations or aboard spacecraft.
What We Do
ASTG supports a dynamic and engaged community of researchers, practitioners and students through a range of initiatives.
Student mentorship
In 2026, ASTG launched a new Student Mentorship Program, connecting students with experienced aerospace human factors professionals to support their career development and transition into the workforce.
The program began with virtual networking sessions where prospective mentors and mentees could meet, discuss their professional interests and career aspirations and identify potential matches. This approach allowed participants to express their preferences and helped establish meaningful mentoring relationships based on shared interests and career goals.
The inaugural program successfully matched 12 mentor-mentee pairs. Throughout the program, mentors and mentees meet virtually approximately once a month to discuss career paths, professional development, industry expectations and the skills needed to succeed in aerospace human factors. Beyond providing career guidance, the program helps students build professional networks and gain firsthand insights into the realities of working in the aerospace industry.
Student Travel Awards
ASTG provides travel awards to support student first authors presenting their research at the annual HFES ASPIRE conference. These awards help students share their work with the broader human factors community, connect with researchers and industry professionals and gain visibility early in their careers.
Monthly Newsletter on HFES Connect that includes:
- A summary of the latest peer-reviewed publications in aviation and aerospace human factors.
- A featured article offering a deep dive into a timely research topic.
- A Member Spotlight series that highlights professionals—especially from industry—sharing their career paths and contributions to the field.
- A roundup of key developments in the aerospace sector, with insights into why they matter to our members.
Webinar Series
ASTG organizes regular webinars featuring thought leaders and emerging voices in aerospace human factors. These sessions are livestreamed and recorded for later viewing on our YouTube channel.
Podcasting
Over the past year, ASTG has contributed biweekly segments to the Human Factors Cast podcast, bringing aerospace human factors topics to a broader audience, hosted by ASTG members Elena Zhang, Andra Mahu and Philippe Doyon-Poulin.
Online Presence and Industry Engagement
You can reach us via our LinkedIn page or our website to learn about the latest in aviation human factors.
ASTG Leadership
TG Chair - Nayara De Oliveira Faria nfaria@vt.edu
TG Vice Chair - Philippe Doyon-Poulin philippe.doyon-poulin@polymtl.ca
TG Program Chair - Rodrigo Lopes Rose rlopesrose@beta.team
TG Program Vice Chair - Stephen Cauffman sjcauffman@gmail.com