João Souza-Dias Garcia
Dr. João Souza Dias Garcia is an Assistant Professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s College of Aviation, specializing in aviation safety, governance, and systems thinking. With a Ph.D. in Aviation Operations from Embry-Riddle and advanced degrees in Aeronautical, Mechanical, and Electrical Engineering from Brazil’s top institutions, João brings a multidisciplinary approach to the evolving challenges of global aerospace systems.
Before academia, João served as Head of the Department of Flight Standards at Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC), overseeing regulatory frameworks for over 300 operators and 20,000 aviation professionals. He serves as Vice-Chair of the ICAO Safety Management Panel, contributing to international safety standards and innovation strategies. His research, including his dissertation “The Elements of Governance and Their Association with Aviation Safety Oversight Effectiveness,” bridges public policy, machine learning, and aviation oversight, offering data-driven insights into global safety performance. João is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society (FRAeS) and a sought-after voice in advancing aviation governance and safety.
Sessions
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Mars Bound: Charting Public and Industry Sentiment on the Road to a Crewed Mars Expedition29-Jan-2026Exhibit Floor, Booth #7960