Mary Catherine Niemczyk, 61, passed away on August 27, 2021. Niemczyk graduated from ASU with her PhD in learning and instructional technology in 2002 before joining the faculty. Previously, she received her MBA from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and her bachelor’s degree in accounting from Benedictine College. Mary Niemczyk was an associate professor in the aviation program of the Polytechnic School at ASU.

She spent the past 19 years doing what she loved, teaching Aviation Management and mentoring thousands of students who referred to her as Dr. N. She always looked forward to graduation and the pride her students had as they received their diploma. Many of these students would continue to stay in touch with her sharing their success as they made their way into their careers.

She taught 13 different aviation courses, developed three new courses and served as the aviation program chair during her time at ASU.

Her career in aviation and education was successful by every measure. During her time in the industry, she worked as a financial analyst at a major U.S. airline and co-founded an aviation human performance company. Her company’s focus and overall research focus were geared towards optimally training pilots and researching learning techniques.

Niemczyk’s research focuses on improving instructional and learning strategies for enhancing individuals’ performance in the complex and ill-defined environments presented in aviation. She determined the best attributions, knowledge and skills for successful performance in the areas of aviation training and job performance. Niemczyk also defined how to effectively incorporate and utilize the millennial generation’s talents in the aviation industry.

Her work was widely recognized in peer-reviewed aviation and education journals. Due to her extensive experience in the field, Niemczyk was invited to other universities’ aviation programs to conduct external reviews.

She served on the Aviation Accreditation board International, or AABI; Women in Aviation International, or WAI; and the Ninety-Nines International Organization of Women Pilots. Niemczyk was a former president of the University Aviation Association, or UAA, and was a member of the National Speakers Association. She was also slated to advise ASU’s Women in Aviation student chapter this fall.

Among her many teaching accolades, Niemczyk received the AABI Paul A. Whelan Educator Award in 2019 celebrating her instrumental advancement of AABI, which works to elevate global aviation education through accreditation and leadership.

In addition, she founded the Mastering Learning program. Through this work, Niemczyk assisted educators in developing instruction using research in educational and cognitive psychology as well as neuroscience techniques. The program continues to assist students with learning and test-taking strategies effective in any domain.

She developed two books on this subject matter: “Using your Brain to Learn: Strategies for Success,” and “How to Study in College: Proven Strategies for Success.” She also delivered her material through workshops for industry, faculty, students and parents.

Members of ASU’s Women in Aviation student chapter have created a wristband to honor Niemczyk’s legacy. Wristbands are $3 each, and proceeds will benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Orders can be placed by emailing sundevilwai@gmail.com.

A remembrance ceremony at the Polytechnic campus will take place later this semester — details are forthcoming. You may donate to the Mary Niemczyk Memorial Scholarship Fund. (Sources: Dignity Memorial and ASU Insight News)