Spring 2026
Data Analysis & Visualization Creation - Aviation & Mental Health
Instructors:
Dr. Kimberly Perkins (Research Scientist, HCDE; Airline Pilot) with guidance from Emeritus Professor Cecilia Aragon (HCDE)
1 Credit | ~3 Hours/Week | Limited to 2 Students
We are seeking two graduate students to design high-impact data visualizations from a large survey dataset (n = 2,200) on mental health and aviation.
Students will create:
- Publication-ready charts and graphs
- Infographics for public-facing platforms
- Interactive visualizations for a live website
- Figures for academic papers and industry presentations
Requirements:
- Experience analyzing data in Python (or equivalent, e.g., R)
- Strong data visualization skills (matplotlib, seaborn, plotly, ggplot, D3, etc.)
- Ability to translate quantitative findings into clear, compelling visuals
Commitment:
- ~3 hours/week (1 credit)
- Weekly Zoom meetings; occasional in-person sessions as schedules align
Work may be featured publicly (with credit) on websites, academic papers, and LinkedIn—an opportunity to build a visible professional portfolio.
Interested students should email pilot@uw.edu with a brief description of relevant experience and examples of prior work.
Winter 2026
Pilots, Mental Health, and AI
Instructors:
Professor Cecilia Aragon (HCDE)
Dr. Kimberly Perkins (Research Scientist, HCDE; Airline Pilot)
This DRG will examine how pilots experience and manage mental health challenges, navigate aeromedical policy, and explore how AI can be leveraged to support the development of psychological resilience within aviation systems to support well-being. A primary output goal of this DRG is an academic publication.
This DRG is at capacity and closed to new applicants.