Sarah Talley
- Title
- Adjunct Faculty, College of Aviation
- Sarah.Talley@erau.edu Email
- Department
- Department of Aeronautics
- College
- College of Aviation

External Links
The views expressed on faculty and external web pages are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Biography
Dr. Sarah Talley is an adjunct professor in the MS Aviation & Aerospace Sustainability program within Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s College of Aviation. In this role, she teaches graduate-level courses, mentors students through thesis projects, and contributes to the development of the program’s curriculum, emphasizing innovative solutions for sustainability in the aviation and aerospace industries.
Dr. Talley holds a Ph.D. in Aviation with a focus on Safety and Human Factors, as well as a Master of Science in Aeronautical Science and a Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics, all from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Her professional career spans over a decade at Lockheed Martin, where she has held key roles in program management, subcontract administration, and risk management for high-profile government and defense initiatives, including the F-35 Lightning II program. She is also a U.S. Army veteran, where she managed brigade-level supply and support operations, gaining expertise in logistics and operational planning.
Dr. Talley’s research interests focus on sustainability practices within aviation and aerospace, including innovative solutions for maintenance and sustainment. Her work emphasizes risk management, supply chain optimization, and leveraging advanced technologies to enhance operational efficiency. Her passion lies in addressing the industry’s environmental challenges, promoting best practices that align with global sustainability goals.
Beyond academia and industry, Dr. Talley is dedicated to mentoring professionals and students in aerospace fields, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and leadership. She is an advocate for advancing sustainability and operational resilience within aviation, contributing her expertise to shaping the future of the industry.
Education
- Ph.D. - Doctor of Philosophy in Aviation: Aviation Safety and Human Factors, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- M.A.S. - Master of Aeronautical Science in Aeronautics, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- B.S. - Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Currently Teaching
- AASI 639: Av Corp Sust Mgmt
- MSAS 612: Avia/Aero Industrial Sfty Mgmt
- BSAS 210: Intro to Aerospace Safety
Courses Taught
- AASI 600: Sustainable Aviation and Aerospace Perspectives
- AASI 605: Aviation and Aerospace Sustainable Organizations
- AASI 620: Best Practices for Aviation and Aerospace Sustainability
- AASI 625: Sustainability Policy in Aviation and Aerospace
- AASI 629: Sustainable Air Vehicles; Design and Propulsion
- AASI 635: Sustainable Aviation Techniques and Tools
- MSAS 612: Aviation/Aerospace Industrial Safety Management
- RSCH 700A: Thesis 1 Research
- RSCH 700B: Thesis 2 Research
Publications
- Behavioral Intention Factors for Prescription Deliveries by Small Unmanned Aircraft in Rural Communities Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses (2022)
- Public Acceptance of AI Technology in Self-Flying Aircraft Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research (2020)
- Human Factors Evaluation of Laptops as a Technical Data Repository in Aircraft Maintenance National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS) (2018)
Publications
Talley, S., & Joslin, R. (2023). Behavioral Intention Factors for Prescription Deliveries by Small Unmanned Aircraft in Rural Communities. Journal of Air Transportation, 31(4), pp.140-149. doi:10.2514/aD0356
Talley, S. (2020). Public acceptance of AI technology in self-flying aircraft. Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research, doi:10.15394/jaaer.2020.1822