Dr. Lauren Burmester was born and raised in a small town in Pennsylvania called West Wyomissing.Ìý She learned to fly the summer before her senior year of high school at Reading Air School of Flight located at the Reading Regional Airport.Ìý She does not come from an aviation family.Ìý In fact, most of her family does not like to fly.Ìý Her love of anything and everything aviation and space related started at a very early age attending air shows and watching space shuttle launches on TV.
Dr. Burmester brings over 18 years of experience in higher education and aviation to her role as an Assistant Professor in the Aeronautical Science Department at ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ’s Daytona Beach campus. She teaches a range of Aeronautical Science courses and provides specialized instruction in the High-Altitude Hypoxia Training Normobaric Chamber. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Dr. Burmester oversees the pilot and UAS partnership programs within the College of Aviation. Her research focuses on workforce development in aviation, with current projects exploring pilot pathway programs, pilot mental health, and mentoring initiatives.
She holds both a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Aeronautics from ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ and earned her Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Capella University. Her flight experience includes Cessna 152s, 172s, T-6 Texans, and both rotor and fixed-wing small UAS platforms. Dr. Burmester also serves the university community as a Board Member on the University Disciplinary Committee Honor Board and as faculty advisor for the Dancing Eagles Club. Beyond campus, she is the Vice Chair of the Board for the iHart Flying Foundation, supporting women in aviation.
Outside of aviation, Dr. Burmester has a passion for ancient history and antiquities. She recently completed a certificate in Egyptology from the University of Oxford and is currently pursuing a diploma in Egyptian Hieroglyphics.
Ed.D. - Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, Capella University
M.S. - Master of Science in Aeronautics: Aviation Aerospace Safety, ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ
B.S. - Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Studies: Space Studies, Aviation Safety and Business Administration, ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ
Central Florida Business Aviation Association (CFBAA)
National Business Aviation Association (NBAA)
Women in Aviation International (WAI)
Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUSVI)
2025 ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ, CTLE Mentor of the Year
2024 Laura Bassi Editorial Scholarship Recipient