Laura Koons

Title
Adjunct Faculty
Email
Department
Gaetz Aerospace Career Academy
College


Laura Koons is an adjunct faculty member within the Gaetz Aerospace Career Academy. Koons holds an M.S. in Occupational Safety Management from Embry-Riddle. Prior to her academic career, she served as a research assistant, supporting investigations into alternative aviation fuels and STEM education under the guidance of Dr. Carolina Anderson. She also worked as a graduate assistant in the Aeronautical Science Department, contributing to the development of Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCs) in Private Pilot and Remote Pilot Operations.

In 2025, Koons' first article was published, "Alternative Unleaded Fuels for General Aviation Piston Airplanes: A Pathway to Sustainability," in Volume 43 of the Collegiate Aviation Review International. 

Beyond her scholarly achievements, Koons is an instrument and advanced-rated ground instructor and Part 107 remote pilot. She is currently a member of the American Society of Safety Professionals, Board of Certified Safety Professionals and Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, further showcasing her passion and commitment to aviation safety. 


  • M.S. - Master of Science in Occupational Safety Management, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
  • B.S. - Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

  • Graduate Safety Practitioner (GSP) - Board of Certified Safety Professionals
  • Remote Pilot - Federal Aviation Administration
  • Ground Instructor - Federal Aviation Administration

  • AS 220: Uncrewed Aircraft Systems


Alternative Unleaded Fuels for General Aviation Piston Airplanes: A Pathway to Sustainability (Carolina Anderson, Laura Koons, Flavio Mendonca, Juan Merkt, Samantha Bowyer), Collegiate Aviation Review International (2025)

Increasing the Pilot Workforce by Promoting Accessibility to Aviation Education (Carolina Anderson, Laura Koons), World Aviation Training Summit (WATS) (2025)

Reducing Hand Injuries in the Aged Workforce Within Aviation Maintenance (Laura Koons), Discovery Day (2025)


Member - American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP)

Alumni of the Year (2023) Gaetz Aerospace Career Academy