The University Aviation Association’s 2011 John K. Lauber Safety Award was awarded to Dr. Randal J. DeMik of Lewis University.
The Lauber Safety Award recognized Dr. DeMik for achievement that demonstrates clear advancement of aviation safety. The award honors Dr. John K. Lauber, a pioneer in the field of aviation safety and human factors. Dr. Lauber was a two-term member of the National Transportation Safety Board, vice president of Corporate Safety and Compliance at Delta Air Lines, and vice president of Training and Human Factors at Airbus Industries.
Captain DeMik has more than 28 years and 18,000 hours of accident and incident free aviation experience, including 20 years as a line pilot with United Airlines. From 2005 through 2009 he served as a Line Check Airman (LCA) for United Airlines. He completed his doctorate work in the field of Technology Management at Indiana State University while employed full-time as a Captain and LCA with United Airlines. His dissertation was a study in human-technology integration and the safety implications for CPDLC technology in the Next Generation Air Transportation Systems.
Since becoming the Director of Graduate Studies in Aviation and Transportation at Lewis University in 2009, Dr. DeMik has developed and taught the graduate level course in Human Factors and Safety Management focusing on the theory and practice of Safety Management Systems (SMS) for the aviation industry. In preparation to teach this course he completed training and received Department of Transportation certification as a SMS/Aviation Safety Program Manager and as a Risk Management Trainer in 2009.
DeMik was also the recipient of the 2011 President’s Award, given in recognition of his dedication and service to the organization. In addition to serving as Scholarship Committee Chair, Dr. DeMik served as a UAA representative to the FAA’s Flight Crewmember Mentoring, Leadership and Professional Development Aviation Rulemaking Committee (MLP ARC). Dr. DeMik’s personal commitment of time and resources, as well as his valuable expertise, were significant in their contributions to recommendations on how collegiate aviation can adapt current coursework and programs to better prepare future professional pilots for their careers, according to association officials.
The University Aviation Association (UAA), a nonprofit organization, represents more than 525 members consisting of educators, students, high schools, two- and four-year collegiate institutions offering aviation degree programs, and organizations and industry representatives that support collegiate aviation. The UAA also serves as the voice of collegiate aviation education to government, industry organizations and the general public.
