Rate My Professor Steve Leib

Dr. Steve Leib serves as Associate Professor in Aviation within Central Queensland University's School of Engineering and Technology, located in Cairns. He joined the university in March 2022 as a Senior Lecturer in aviation and currently holds the position of Head of Course for Aviation. Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, Leib is deeply passionate about aviation and travel. He earned his BSc, MSc, and PhD from Purdue University in Indiana, USA, with his doctoral research focused on aviation safety. Additionally, he possesses a US Federal Aviation Administration certified Commercial Pilot Licence with instrument and multi-engine ratings (CPL MEL/IRA). His research interests include aerospace engineering not elsewhere classified, aviation safety, human factors, pilot performance, aviation regulation, and multiculturalism. Leib is accredited to supervise postgraduate research in fields such as aerospace engineering, tourism, cultural studies, and international and comparative law, and he is currently available to take on more research candidates.

Leib brings extensive international experience in aviation education, having previously worked at Purdue University, the Civil Aviation University of China (CAUC), Nanshan Aeronautical College, and the University of South Australia. At the University of South Australia, he was recognized for his contributions with the Academic Excellence award as Senior Academic/Program Director in 2021 and first place in the Images of Teaching and Research Competition in the Teaching Category in 2021. His teaching portfolio encompasses pilot ground theory, aviation safety, human factors, research methods, project and thesis courses, aviation economics, aviation English, and international aviation law. Leib has demonstrated expertise in degree design, management, and student support throughout his career. His professional engagements include speaking at events such as Engineers Australia site visits on CQUniversity's flight simulation systems and providing expert commentary on aviation challenges for ABC News.