Message from the Head of Aviation

I hope you are safe and well during these  COVID-19 times and acknowledge there have been challenges for many in the aviation industry.

We are now in the middle of the second trimester.  Most activities remain online, with our practical Flight Procedures Laboratory courses and flight-training through Basair at Archerfield Airport able to operate, abiding by appropriate COVID-19 regulations.

This month, we introduce our new staff member Dr Christine Boag-Hodgson and we catch up with our alumnus Martin Toumbev.

For those who are interested in studying aviation at Griffith University, you can find out more about your student options on Griffth's Virtual Open House. Links are provided to register and join these informative events.  We currently have over 750 students enrolled across a suite of our programs to cater to those who have an interest in all areas of aviation.

Very best wishes moving forward.

Professor Tim Ryley

Meet our new staff member - Dr Christine Boag-Hodgson

Introducing Dr Christine Boag-Hodgson, our newest member of the aviation teaching team.

What is your career background?

I am an endorsed Organisational Psychologist in human factors and aviation psychology with 15 years in industry and academia.  I have worked at the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) as a Senior Transport Safety Investigator (Human Factors), investigating aviation, marine and rail accidents/incidents. Next, I was with Airservices Australia where I undertook investigations and reviews, managed their safety databases and designed/delivered safety training courses.  In 2015, I returned to Brisbane as a Senior Lecturer in the School of Applied Psychology at Griffith University where I was also the Organisational Psychology Placement Coordinator and Acting Program Director.  Earlier this year I transitioned to Griffith Aviation.

What are some of your career highlights?

At Australian Transport Safety Bureau I investigated some interesting accidents/incidents and I loved seeing my recommendations come to fruition and thereby improving safety in the aviation industry. While at Airservices, one highlight was designing and delivering their 5-day applied incident investigation training courses. As an academic, establishing the Work and Organisational Resilience Centre (WORC - and internal consultancy for postgraduate student placements) that was a finalist for the Workplace Excellence Awards is a a career highlight, maybe more so that receiving a Deans Commendation for Teaching Excellence in 2018.

What courses will you be teaching at Griffith Aviation?
In Trimester 2, I am convening and lecturing Human Factors for Aviation Managers and Aviation Project Management as well as convening Airway Operations and Design. I am also the Program Director for the Bachelor of Aviation.

What are you most looking forward to at Griffith Aviation?
I am really looking forward to utilising my industry experience to bring applied examples to the classes I deliver.  I am also enjoying getting involved in some aviation research projects, including an ARC grant with The University of Queensland and Boeing investigating RPAS operations.

Any tips or advice for students?
Self-care is really important, so taking the time to "sharpen your axe" so that you can dedicate the time to your studies and manage study as well as your other commitments.  Part of this is acknowledging the time you actually need to dedicate to your studies and consciously making that commitment.

Where are our students now - Martin Toumbev

What next? This was the question Martin asked himself when nearing graduation from his undergrad course in Aviation, which included flying licences. While a flying job would be on the horizon, he always knew that he wanted to have the chance to do more with his career.  This led him to Griffith University's Master of Aviation Management Program. The course checked all the boxes and he had no doubt that it would help him in his career, although at that point he didn’t realise just how important it would prove to be.

Read more about Martins story here.

We are doing Open Day differently this year

This year we are doing Open Day differently.  Our virtual Open House gives you the freedom to explore our degrees, student life, and support services from home, as part of our interactive online event from 14 July to 1 October. You will have 24/7 access to dynamic virtual study booths, information and on-demand presentations.

Our GriffithLIVE sessions will feature one-on-one chats with study experts, live webinars, virtual classes and more. Register to receive your exclusive login and start exploring everything Griffith Aviation has to offer in our Virtual Open House.

Remarkable Stories

Griffith University has created the Explore Blog. A fantastic addition where prospective students can read about our students' remarkable journeys.

Griffith also showcases other remarkable stories on how our graduates have achieved success on the Grifith News website.

Get a sneak-peak of STEM @ Griffith

​We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new content hub for students interested in STEM.

STEM @ Griffith gives students an idea of whats studying science, technology, ICT, engineering, aviation and built environment is like, and the career opportunities available in these industries.  Articles are written by current students, alumni and Griffith University staff to give high school students in-depth insights into their area of interest.

News, stories and more

​Do you have a story, an event, publications or information you want to share that will interest our members? Please email GriffithAviation@griffith.edu.au. Your article should be approx. 500 words and please include a photograph (content may be edited).