Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University was recognized at the prestigious 2025 Aviation Week Laureate Awards for exceptional contributions to aviation and aerospace.

The ceremony, held March 6 at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., brought together industry elites to honor extraordinary achievements in the aerospace arena. Embry‑Riddle's Boeing Center for Aviation and Aerospace Safety was recognized in the Commercial Aviation category for its pioneering work in advancing global aerospace safety.

Launched in 2022, the center conducts worldwide safety-related studies and training while advancing innovative research on topics such as human factors, safety management systems and aircraft accidents and investigation.

Embry‑Riddle President P. Barry Butler, Ph.D., credited its team for earning the extraordinary distinction.

"We are incredibly honored to receive this recognition from Aviation Week. It is a testament to our commitment to enhancing aviation and aerospace safety through cutting-edge research, education and industry collaboration,” Butler said. “This recognition reflects the dedication and hard work of not only the Boeing Center for Aviation and Aerospace Safety but our entire university team, supported by our esteemed Board of Trustees."

Robert Sumwalt, executive director of the Boeing Center for Aviation and Aerospace Safety, echoed this sentiment, praising the collective efforts of his team.

"I am deeply grateful to our incredible team for their unwavering dedication and expertise. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Associate Director Dr. Kristy Kiernan; Sarah Ochs, director of professional programs; and Rosa Biondi, administrative operations lead; along with all of the members of our exemplary leadership team,” Sumwalt said. “Additionally, this honor would not have been possible without our dedicated industry advisory board and their tireless efforts and commitment to safety.”

Sumwalt, who served as chairman of the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board, was also recognized as an Aviation Week Grande Laureate winner for co-leading the Aviation Supply Chain Integrity Coalition.

The coalition was formed in February 2024 to find ways to prevent unauthorized propulsion parts from entering the supply chain. The coalition — which brought together industry leaders, including Airbus, American Airlines, Boeing, Delta Air Lines, GE Aerospace, Safran, StandardAero and United Airlines — conducted a nine-month investigation and recommended 13 actions to close gaps and add layers of safety to strengthen the supply chain. 

Honoring Eagles Named to Aviation Week’s 20 Twenties List

The event also celebrated four Embry‑Riddle students named to the Aviation Week Network’s 20 Twenties Class of 2025 — a prestigious designation that recognizes their potential to shape the future of the aviation, aerospace and defense industries.

The students — Liz Bosch, Henil Patel, Vikas Patel and Trevor Simoneau — were chosen from a competitive pool of candidates from 46 universities and colleges across 14 countries. Their selection was based on their academic records, the value of their research and design projects, their ability to overcome personal struggles and their record of giving back to their communities.

With four students named to the class, Embry‑Riddle had the most honorees from any university.

Simoneau, who serves as a graduate research assistant at the Boeing Center for Aviation and Aerospace Safety and a graduate teaching assistant in the College of Aviation’s Aeronautical Science Department, said he was humbled to be included in this year’s 20 Twenties cohort.

“It’s been an honor working for the center and a true privilege to learn from a group of passionate leaders who have dedicated their careers and their lives to aviation and aerospace safety,” he said. “I’m proud of the work we have accomplished, especially the work that has directly impacted students.”

Joe Anselmo, editorial director of the Aviation Week Network, remarked on the significance of Embry‑Riddle’s honors.

"Every year, the number of nominations grows, and the competition becomes more intense,” he said. “The recognition of Embry‑Riddle in multiple capacities reinforces the university's role in advancing safety across the globe in addition to cultivating the next generation of industry leaders.”

Embry‑Riddle continues to shape the future of aviation and aerospace through its commitment to innovation, collaboration and excellence in education and research. The honors received at the 2025 Aviation Week Laureate Awards further solidify its position as a leader in the field.