AFIT targets Human Factor

  • Published
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  The Air Force Institute of Technology is now offering a Human Systems specialization within its Master of Science and Doctoral programs.

The types of classes included in the relevant degrees are human factors engineering, human computer interaction, human system integration, human interaction technologies, and measurement of human performance.

Interested students can obtain a Master of Science in Systems Engineering or Research and Development Management, or a PhD in Systems Engineering. Individuals wishing to enhance their knowledge of this field without completing a technical degree can register for courses to obtain a Certificate in Human Systems.

Traditionally, AFIT has focused on the application of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math to the design of physical components of Air Force Systems. However AFIT leadership, led by Dr. Marlin Thomas, Dean of the Graduate School of Engineering and Management, realized the need to broaden the definition of the system to increase emphasis on human operators, maintainers, and users.

Human factors, good and bad, must be properly accounted for when acquiring new technologies and applying knowledge of human capabilities and limitations from a physiological, perceptual, cognitive, and social perspective, according to Dr. Adedeji Badiru, Chair of the Department of Systems and Engineering Management. Human-centered researchers and practitioners seek to design not only the physical system but the interface between the physical system and the people and their environment to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the system.

Dr. Badiru created the program to capture the total system perspective required in today's technological advanced and all too-often complex systems, while Col. Randy Gibb and Dr. Mike Miller, both AFIT faculty members, are developing the academic program of study and making research connections.

Research in the areas of human factors engineering and human systems integration also allow AFIT students to conduct research in conjunction with a growing list of 'human-centered' laboratories in and around Wright-Patterson, Colonel Gibb said.

"This summer the AF Research Laboratory's 711th Human Performance Wing consolidated their organization to the Dayton area and has an impressive number of human-centered experts and research projects within all areas of aviation, to include the hot topic of remotely piloted aircraft. Also, the Navy constructed a brand new aeromedical research facility at Wright-Patterson AFB to allow joint research efforts on topics such as spatial disorientation, fatigue, and vision," he added.