Dr. Samantha Bowyer is an Associate Professor of Aeronautical Science at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a longtime aviation educator, beginning her career as a flight instructor at both Part 61 and Part 141 schools before advancing to Chief Flight Instructor and later leading a four-year public high school aviation academy. She holds a BAS in Management & Supervision, an MBA in Project Management, and a DBA in Project Management, along with PMP certification and multiple flight instructor credentials (AGI, CFI, CFII, MEI).
Her research focuses on curriculum innovation, early-career instructor development, and the mental wellness of collegiate and emerging pilots. A dedicated member of the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI), Dr. Bowyer represented the organization as part of a MOSAIC subtask on IFR operations. She remains deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of aviation educators and pilots through research, curriculum development, and professional support initiatives.