Curriculum Vitae
Biography
Dr. Daniel Kwasi Adjekum has over 25 years of experience as a former Ghana Air Force squadron commander (VVIP Fleet), aircraft commander, and aviation safety consultant. He has an airline transport pilot license (ATP) and is type-rated on the Britten-Norman BN-2T Islander, Fokker F-27, and Boeing 737 (300-800) series aircraft. He has also flown the Aerovodocody L-29 Dolphin jet trainer and L-39 Albatross light attack jet aircraft.
Dr. Adjekum is an International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) designated subject-matter expert in flight safety and an International Air Transport Association (IATA) certified Safety Management Systems (SMS) implementation and control expert. He is also a graduate of the United States Airforce Safety Center International Flight Safety Officers Course. He also had aircraft accident investigation training with the United States Naval Safety Center.
He holds a Master of Science in Aviation and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Aerospace Sciences from the University of North Dakota. He is a certified safety professional (CSP) accredited by the Board of Safety Professionals (BCSP) of the United States. Dr. Adjekum is currently an assistant professor at the aviation department (UND) teaching courses in crew resource management, safety management systems, and human factors. Dr. Adjekum also teaches statistics and advanced quantitative methods at the graduate level and has been a principal investigator (PI) for an inter-collegiate research initiative on aviation safety culture and safety management systems.
Dr. Adjekum consults extensively for the Government of Ghana on aviation matters and has been a prime consultant on safety management systems implementation for the Ghana Airforce and other aviation organizations in Ghana. He has also worked on SMS implementation projects for Virgin Nigeria Airlines and UND Aviation. Dr. Adjekum has published extensively in peer-reviewed academic journals and presented at academic conferences and industry workshops both in Ghana and the US.
Since July 2018, Dr. Adjekum has been conducting an evidence-based Human Factors Workshop for aviation personnel of the Ghana Airforce and allied civil aviation entities. Evidence-based training focuses on strategies to minimize operational errors due to human factors and operational performance limitations. It is also geared at ensuring proactive safety in aviation operations. As part of the capacity-building initiative, Dr.Adjekum conducted a safety assessment/audit of the Ghana Airforce Maintenance Safety Program. He also evaluated post-project standards compliance and certification/acceptance requirements for a new GAF hangar facility in 2018. Dr. Adjekum facilitated a qualified aviation instructor training course for the Ghana Airforce in November 2022 which built the capacity of candidates to conduct effective training for personnel in-flight and on the ground. The course included human factors and safety management systems components.
Dr. Adjekum has good grant writing and submission experience and has been the principal investigator (PI)/ co-PI for four proposals submitted. In 2020, Dr. Adjekum, as the PI won a $756,000 three-year grant from the National Academies Of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to study safety reporting culture/practices in the Gulf of Mexico area of operations for Offshore Oil and Gas Organizations using exemplars from the aviation safety action program (ASAP). It is the first multi-disciplinary research effort between the aviation department and the petroleum engineering department of UND.
The project was completed in 2023 with 2 peer-reviewed journal articles in high-impact journals, three conference proceedings, and a comprehensive report submitted to the NAS for publication on their site. Dr. Adjekum has intellectual dexterity and an in-depth knowledge of historical and contemporary issues in aviation and aerospace. He is regularly sought after by local, national, and international media houses to provide expert insight on aviation accident investigations and relevant aviation safety issues.
Aviation 208 - Aviation Safety
Aviation 250 - Human Factors
Aviation 430 - Crew Resource Management
Aviation 485 - Senior Undergraduate Capstone (Global Aviation Section)
Aviation 503 - Statistics
Aviation 506 - Advanced Quantitative Methods
Aviation 513 - Safety Management Systems
Aviation 515 - Human Factors and Ergonomics
Aviation 518 - Human Error
Aviation 523 - Aviation Safety Analysis
Aviation 585- Graduate Capstone Project
Aviation 591 - Readings in Aviation
Aviation 593 - Independent Research in Aviation
Aviation 997 - Graduate Thesis
Aviation 998 - Dissertation
Core Research Areas - Safety Management Systems in Aviation, Oil and Gas Industry; Human Factors and Ergonomics in Collegiate Aviation ( Fatigue & Decision-Making); Safety Culture, Resilience, and Mindfulness in Airshow Performance; Safety Culture in Collegiate Aviation; Artificial Intelligence Chatbots Acceptance and Use in Collegiate Aviation Programs. Pilot Training and Operational Performance in Remote Settings.
February 2013 – June 2013
- An assessment of the safety culture at an accredited four-year collegiate aviation program was conducted.
- The Collegiate Aviation Program Safety Culture Assessment Survey (CAPSCAS) was derived, validated, and used. Participants were drawn from flight students and instructors in the program.
- The survey captured the perceptions of participants on the status of the safety culture in the program. Risky personal attitudes of respondents that could influence safety behaviors were correlated with their perception of the safety culture and a safety risk prediction model was proposed.
Grand Forks International Airport Safety Information Management System.
May 2013 – June 2013
- An innovative approach was proposed to integrate aviation safety information, among aviation operators and service providers at Grand Forks International Airport (GFK).
- The research came up with a blueprint for an integrated reporting system that has been termed i³SIMS and aims to move aviation safety at GFK airport and UND Aerospace to a higher pedestal above regulatory requirements.
- The standardized safety incident reporting process of i³SIMS would enable end-users across the airport to easily access a standard online reporting module which will provide consistent, expedited, and accurate safety occurrence data.
Safety Assurance/Audit Inspection Guide for UND Aerospace.
August 2012 – March 2013
- The Safety Management System (SMS) assessment guide was developed to provide a tool for systematically evaluating the effectiveness of Safety Management Systems (SMS) in UND Aerospace operations and to ensure the effectiveness and continuous improvement of the SMS initiated in the school.
- The SMS assessment guide is supported by the relevant provisions of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines on the implementation of a safety management system and Transport Canada's (TC) SMS assessment guidelines.
Government of Ghana – Ghana Airforce Aviation Safety Management Systems Capacity Building Project.
July 20 -22 July 2014 (Air Force Base Accra).
- Phase 1 – Safety Management Systems Implementation: Preliminary gap analysis and assessment of safety policies and infrastructure.
- Capacity training for operational and support personnel as part of United Nations Peace-support Operations Deployment.
July 20 – 29 July 2017 (Air Force Base Accra).
- Phase II – Safety Management Systems Appraisal and Training Outcome Effectiveness.
- Operational Audit of Infrastructure and facilities.
- SMS Capacity Building and Training and Certification for Personnel.
July 21 – 30 July 2017 (Air Force Base Accra).
- Phase III – Human Factors for Aviation Personnel.
- Pilots, Engineers, Operational Support Staff, and invited participants from Civil Aviation Organizations in Ghana.
- Presentations and Evidence-Based Case Studies and Analysis.
Written Grant/Research Proposals
Adjekum, D.K. (Principal). John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences Seed Grant 2019 ($8760). Awarded.
Adjekum, D.K. (Principal), Rasouli, V. (Supporting), Ullrich, G. (Supporting), Waller, Z. P. Snyder, P. (Supporting), (Supporting), "Safer Offshore Energy Systems Grants 4 - Near-Miss and Incident Reporting Systems," Sponsored by The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, Federal, $755,851.00. (September 1, 2019 - August 30, 2023). Awarded
Adjekum, D.K. ( Principal Investigator), Karikari, I. (Co-PI), Karikari, G. (Co-PI), Keller, J. ( Co-PI), Mendoca, F. (Co-PI), Montgomery, M. (Co-PI). Collegiate Aviation Mental Health Assessment Scale (CAMHASS) study. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Grant FAA-20-01. $765,555.00 (Submitted February 18, 2022 - Pending).
Project Title: Training the Emerging Pilot Workforce (Submitted 05/31/2018 /Finalist but Not Awarded)
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Center of Excellence for Technical Training and Human Performance
FAA Project Scope: The purpose of this research is to provide scientific and technical data on effective training and checking methods for the current and projected pilot workforce, with emphasis on pilot information management, decision-making, and command judgment. These data will support updates to guidance for FAA inspectors and operators. This data-driven training guidance based on the findings of the research will be added to 14 CFR Part 121, Subparts N, O& Y, AC 120-54 Advanced Qualification Program, AC 120-71 Standard Operating Procedures, AC 120-51 Crew Resource Management Training, AC 120-35 Line Operational Simulation, and FAA Order 8900.1.
Role: Principal Investigator, University of North Dakota (Multi-Institutional /Industry Collaborative Effort)
FAA - Solution for Aviation Operational Research (SOAR)-
Center of Excellence for Technical Training and Human Performance
Maintenance Human Factors and Risk-Based Decision Making
1. Safety Management Systems (SMS) for aviation maintenance organizations is a requirement put into place by the FAA to ensure that these organizations are identifying, measuring, and addressing safety risks. One critical component of SMS is Risk-Based Decision Making (RBDM).
2. This approach has been integrated into the mission of the FAA and is expected to be utilized by maintenance organizations when making decisions that affect safety in their organizations. The research explores the use of RBDM within the context of SMS and will make recommendations on the effective integration of RBDM in aviation maintenance organizations.
Role: Co-PI, University of North Dakota (Multi-University/Industry Collaborative Team)
FAA - Solution for Aviation Operational Research (SOAR)
Center of Excellence for Technical Training and Human Performance
Maintenance Human Factors and SMS Integration
1. Safety Management Systems (SMS) for aviation maintenance organizations is a requirement put into place by the FAA to ensure that these organizations are identifying, measuring, and addressing safety risks. One critical component of SMS is the identification and mitigation of Human Factors (HF) related risks within SMS.
2. The processes of integrating SMS knowledge in the field of HF such that risks can be identified, and subsequently addressed are less than clear. The research explores the intersection of Human Factors and risks and their integration into SMS.
Role: Co-PI, University of North Dakota (Multi-University/Industry Collaborative Team)
Publications (Peer-Reviewed):
-Adjekum, D. K. (2024, January 19). “Boeing door plug blowout highlights a possible crisis of competence − an aircraft safety expert explains.” The Conversation. :https://theconversation.com/boeing-door-plug-blowout-highlights-a-possible-crisis of-competence-an-aircraft-safety-expert-explains-221069
-Adjekum, D.K., Afari, S.A., Owusu-Amponsah, N.Y., Waller, W., Rasouli ,V., Ullrich, G., Snyder, P., Neal Corbin, N.(2023). Development of a generative voluntary safety reporting culture (GVSRC) model for the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) oil and gas (O & G) sector using attributes of the aviation safety action program (ASAP), Safety Science, Volume 161, 106073, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2023.106073.
-Adjekum, D. K., Owusu-Amponsah, N. Y., Afari, S. A., Waller, Z., Rasouli, V., Ullrich, G., Snyder, P., et al. (2023). Stakeholders’ Perspectives on Generative Voluntary Safety Reporting Culture (GVSRC) in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) Oil and Gas (O&G) Sector Using the Offshore Safety Action Program (OSAP). Safety, 9(2), 26. MDPI AG. Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/safety9020026.
-Foster, R. A., & Adjekum, D. K. (2023). Evaluating the Effects of Safety Management Systems (SMS) on Safety Culture Factors in Collegiate Aviation Operations: A Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) Approach. International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace, 10(2). DOI: https://doi.org/10.58940/2374-6793.1788
-Gunarathna, D. A. M., & Adjekum, D.K. (2022). Exploring the impact of operational safety on aircraft fleet planning and management factors in a U.S. commercial airline operation. International Journal of Aviation Research, 14(1),14-43. Retrieved fromhttp://ojs.library.okstate.edu/osu/index.php/CARI/article/view/7799/7212
-Keller, J., Mendonca, F.A.C. & Adjekum, D.K. (2022). Understanding factors underlying fatigue among collegiate aviation pilots in the United States. Safety, 8, 46. https://doi.org/10.3390/ safety802004
-Foster, A., R. & Adjekum, D., A. (2022). A Qualitative Review of the Relationship between Safety Management Systems (SMS) and Safety Culture in Multiple-Collegiate Aviation Programs. Collegiate Aviation Review International (CARI). Vol. 40 No. 1. https://ojs.library.okstate.edu/osu/index.php/CARI/article/view/8511
-Teske, B.E., & Adjekum, D.K. (2022). Understanding the relationship between High-Reliability Theory (HRT) of mindful organizing and Safety Management Systems (SMS) within the aerospace industry: A cross-sectional quantitative assessment, Journal of Safety Science and Resilience, Volume 3, Issue 2, Pages 105-114,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnlssr.2022.01.002. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666449622000032)
-Adjekum, D. K. (Moderator- Safety & Organizational Safety, Climate and Culture Sessions), 21st International Symposium of Aviation Psychology., Oregon State University, (May 18-21, 2021). http://toc.proceedings.com/59338webtoc.pdf
-Adjekum, D. K. (Presenter), 21st International Symposium of Aviation Psychology., “Assessing the relationships between organizational management factors (4Ps) and a resilient safety culture in a collegiate aviation program with a safety management system (SMS)” Oregon State University, (May 18-21, 2021). http://toc.proceedings.com/59338webtoc.pdf
-Adjekum, D. (Presenter). Georgetown University- International Executive Emergency and Disaster Management Program Lecture Series, “Air crash Case Studies and Disaster Management” (01/26/2021). Online.
-Teske, B.E., Adjekum, D.K. (2021). Advancements in Space Safety: An assessment of Safety Management System Theory (SMST) attributes among commercial space organizations and CFR Part 121 airlines, Journal of Space Safety Engineering,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsse.2021.10.001. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468896721000951)
-Keller, J.,Coimbra Mendonca, F. A., & Adjekum, D.(2021).Contributory Factors of Fatigue Among Collegiate Aviation Pilots: An Ordinal Regression Analysis. Collegiate Aviation Review International, 39(2),63-93. Retrieved fromhttp://ojs.library.okstate.edu/osu/index.php/CARI/article/view/8263/7647
- Adjekum, D. K. & Fernandez-Tous, M. (2020). Assessing Cultural Drivers of Safety Resilience in a Collegiate Aviation Program. Collegiate Aviation Review International, 38(1), 122-147. Retrieved from http://ojs.library.okstate.edu/osu/index.php/CARI/article/view/8012/7386
- ElSaid, A. A., Adjekum, D. K., Nordlie, J., El Jamiy, F. (2019). A Testbed for Measuring UAS Servo Reliability. MDPI Journal ( www.mdpi.com/journal/aerospace), 06(096), 20; Aerospace 2019, 6, 096; doi:10.3390/aerospace6090096.-
- Keller, J., Adjekum, D. K., Alabi, B. N., & Kozak, B. (2018). Measuring Public Utilization Perception Potential of Unmanned Aircraft Systems. International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace, 5(3). https://doi.org/10.15394/ijaaa.2018.1243
- Adjekum, D. K. (2017). An Evaluation of the Relationships between Collegiate Aviation Safety Management System Initiative, Self-Efficacy, Transformational Safety Leadership, and Safety Behavior mediated by Safety Motivation. International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace, 4(2). https://doi.org/10.15394/ijaa.2017.1169
- Adjekum, D. K., Keller, J., Walala, M., Christensen, C., DeMik, R. J., Young, J. P., & Northam, G. J. (2016). An analysis of demographic variables and perceptions on the safety reporting behavior in collegiate flight programs. International Journal of Aviation Sciences, 2 (2). https://ijas.us/index.php/issues/current-issues/magazine/articles-2/an-analysis-of-the-effects-of-demographic-variables-and-perceptions-on-the-safety-reporting-behavior-in-collegiate-flight-programs-adjekum-d-k-m-walala-j-j-keller-c-christensen-r-j-demik-j-p-young-g-northam
- Adjekum, D. K., Keller, J., Walala, M., Christensen, C., DeMik, R. J., Young, J. P., & Northam, G. J. (2016). An Examination of the Relationships between Safety Culture Perceptions and Safety Reporting Behavior among Non-Flight Collegiate Aviation Majors. International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace, 3(3). http://dx.doi.org/10.15394/ijaaa.2016.1134
-Adjekum, D. K., Keller, J., Walala, M., Young, J. P., Christensen, C., DeMik, R. J., & Northam, G. J. (2015). Cross-Sectional Assessment of Safety Culture Perceptions and Safety Behavior in Collegiate Aviation Programs in the United States. International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace, 2(4). http://dx.doi.org/10.15394/ijaaa.2015.1074
-Adjekum, D. K. (2015). Bio-Fuel Alternatives in South African Airways (SAA) Operations - Is it an Effective Response to Vulnerability over Carbon Taxes and Penalty? International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace, 2(3). Retrieved from http://commons.erau.edu/ijaaa/vol2/iss3/2
-Adjekum, D, K. (2014). "Safety Culture Perceptions in a Collegiate Aviation Program: A Systematic Assessment," Journal of Aviation Technology and Engineering: Vol. 3: Iss. 2, Article 8. http://dx.doi.org/10.7771/2159-6670.1086
- Adjekum, D, K. (2014). Safety Management Systems in Aviation Operations in the United States: Is the return on investment worth the cost? “Prime Journal of Business Administration and Management (BAM)” 4 (4), 1442-1450. http://primejournal.org/BAM/abstracts/2014/apr/Adjekum.htm
Publications (Others):
Books/Monogram
-Karachalios, M., & Adjekum, D.K. (2023). Air Show Performers: Safety, Risk Management, and Psychological Factors (1st ed.). CRC Press. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781003431879
Thesis/Dissertation
- Safety Culture: An Assessment of a Collegiate Aviation Program, (Published Master of Science Thesis) 165 pages; ProQuest/UMI. (AAT number 1546051).
- An Evaluation of the Relationships between Safety Management System Initiatives, Transformational Safety Leadership, Self-Efficacy, Safety Behavior, and Safety-related events mediated by Safety Motivation in Collegiate Aviation. (Published Doctoral Dissertation) 238 pages; ProQuest/UMI. (AAT 10988).
Research Reports
-Adjekum, D. K., Ullrich, G. (2013). Grand Forks International Airport Safety Information Management System. Grand Forks.
-Adjekum, D. K., Ullrich, G. (2013). Safety Assurance/Audit Inspection Guide for UND Aerospace. UND Aviation Safety Management System Implementation Report. Grand Forks.
-Adjekum, D.K., Afari, S.A., Owusu-Amponsah, N.Y., Waller, W., Rasouli ,V., Ullrich, G., Snyder, P., Neal Corbin, N. (2023). “Safety Reporting Action Program for Offshore Oil and Gas Industry in The Gulf Of Mexico” Final Report. National Academies of Sciences (NAS). Gulf Research Project # 2000011196. Washington. D.C.
Magazine/Trade Publications
-Adjekum, D. K. (2020) Practical Human-factors Training and Implementation Program in Ghana Airforce Operations (Volume 2 ed.). Accra: Ghana Airforce - The Airman Journal.
-Adjekum, D. K. (2019). Physio-Cognitive Risk Factors that Affect Human Performance in Aviation (pp. 4). Accra, Ghana: Ghana Airforce - The Airman Journal.
Conference Proceedings:
-Adjekum, D. K. (Presenter), 76th University Aviation Association (UAA). Collegiate Aviation Education Conference & Expo. ” Artificial Intelligence ChatGPT User Perceptions in Collegiate Aviation Programs” Hilton Bayfront. St.Petersburg, FL. (September 27-29, 2023).
-Adjekum, D. K. (Panelist), 76th University Aviation Association (UAA). Collegiate Aviation Education Conference & Expo. “ Safety InfoShare Professional Development Workshop.” Hilton Bayfront, St. Petersburg. FL. (September 27-29, 2023).
-Adjekum, D. K. (Presenter), Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) Research and Innovation Summit. ” Qualitative Overview of Voluntary Safety Reporting in the Gulf of Mexico Oil and Gas Industry” J.W. Marriott Hotel. Indianapolis. IN. (August 7-10, 2023). https://whova.com/embedded/session/NR8xb2s6pR4EWFjYHoFe2
uCyZ81WkpOFIemIbSNolI%3D/2925925/?widget=primary
-Adjekum, D. K. & Afari, A.S. (Presenters), Offshore Technology Conference (OTC). ” Generative Voluntary Safety Reporting Culture (GVSRC) Model Assessment for the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) oil and gas (O & G) sector using attributes of the Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP).” NRG Center. Houston. TX. (May 1-4, 2023).
https://2024.otcnet.org/about/highlights
-Adjekum, D. K. & Foster, T. (Presenters), 75th University Aviation Association (UAA). Collegiate Aviation Education Conference & Expo. ”A Qualitative Review Safety Management Systems (SMS) and Safety Culture in Collegiate Aviation Programs” Antlers Hotel. Colorado Springs. CO. (October 4-7, 2022).
-Keller, J., Adjekum, D. K. & Mendonca, F.A.C. (Presenters), 75th University Aviation Association (UAA). Collegiate Aviation Education Conference & Expo. “Contributory Factors of Fatigue Among Collegiate Aviation Pilots – Phase II.” Antlers Hotel. Colorado Springs. CO. (October 4-7, 2022).
-Adjekum, D. K., Keller, J., & Mendonca, F.A.C. (Presenters), 75th University Aviation Association (UAA). Collegiate Aviation Education Conference & Expo. “Collegiate Aviation Mental Health Assessment Scale Study.” Research Roundtable. Antlers Hotel. Colorado Springs. CO. (October 4-7, 2022).
-Adjekum, D. K. (Panelist), 75th University Aviation Association (UAA). Collegiate Aviation Education Conference & Expo. “Safety InfoShare Professional Development Workshop.” Antlers Hotel. Colorado Springs. CO. (October 5, 2022).
-Adjekum, D. K., Keller, J., & Mendonca, F.A.C. (Presenters), National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS) 2022 “Dimensionality Assessment of Fatigue in Collegiate Aviation Operations: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach” Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach (October 24-26, 2022).
-Adjekum, D. K. (Moderator- Safety & Organizational Safety, Climate and Culture Sessions), 21st International Symposium of Aviation Psychology., Oregon State University, (May 18-21, 2021). http://toc.proceedings.com/59338webtoc.pdf
-Adjekum, D. K. (Presenter), 21st International Symposium of Aviation Psychology., “Assessing the relationships between organizational management factors (4Ps) and a resilient safety culture in a collegiate aviation program with a safety management system (SMS)” Oregon State University, (May 18-21, 2021). http://toc.proceedings.com/59338webtoc.pdf
-Adjekum, D. K. & Owusu-Amponsah, N. (Poster Presenters), Williston Basin Petroleum Conference (WBPC). ” Offshore Safety Action Program in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) oil and gas (O & G) sector .” Bismark Events Center. Bismark. ND. (May 11-13, 2021).
-Adjekum, D. (Presenter). Georgetown University- International Executive Emergency and Disaster Management Program Lecture Series, “Air crash Case Studies and Disaster Management” (01/26/2021). Online.
-Adjekum, D. (Presenter & Author), Tous, M. F. (Presenter & Author), University Aviation Association (UAA) Annual Conference, "Assessing Cultural Drivers of Safety Resilience in a Collegiate Aviation," University Aviation Association, Virtual. (September 18, 2020).
-Adjekum, D. K. (Author Only), International Symposium of Aviation Psychology., "Relationships between safety culture perceptions and safety reporting behavior among non-flight aviation majors.," Ohio State University, Dayton, Ohio. (May 7, 2017).
- Adjekum, D. K, Walala, M. S., Keller, J.C., Christensen, C., Young, J.P. DeMik, R. J.& Northam, G. (Authors & Presenters). An analysis of the effects of demographic variables and perceptions on the safety reporting behavior in collegiate flight programs. A presentation at the University Aviation Association. Omaha, Nebraska. ( September 29, 2016).
-Adjekum, D. K., (Author & Presenter). Cross-sectional Assessment of Safety Culture Perceptions and Safety Behavior in Collegiate Aviation Programs. Proceedings of University of North Dakota School of Graduate Studies 2016 Scholarly Forum (Session 8 Article number O -35). (March 1, 2016). http://und.edu/calendar/index.php/view/event/detail/41630/scholarly-forum-memorial-union.
- Adjekum, D. K., Keller, J.C., Walala, M. S., Christensen, C., Young, J.P. DeMik, R. J.& Northam, G. (Authors & Presenters). Cross-sectional assessment of safety culture perceptions and safety behavior in collegiate aviation programs in the United States. A Presentation at A3irCon. Phoenix, Arizona. (January 16, 2016).
-Adjekum, D. K., Keller, J., Walala, M. (Authors & Presenters). Relationship between Safety Culture Perceptions and Safety Reporting Behavior in Collegiate
Aviation," University Aviation Association Fall Conference, Salt Lake City, Utah. http://www.imis100us1.com/UAA/UAAMain/For_Students/Student_Posters/2015_Entries.aspx.( October 22, 2015).
-Adjekum, D. K. (2015). Exploring the Relationship between Safety Culture Perceptions and Safety Behaviors in Collegiate Aviation Programs. Proceedings of University of North Dakota School of Graduate Studies 2015 Scholarly Forum (pp. 28-29). March 10, 2015. http://graduateschool.und.edu/learn-more/scholarly-forum.cfm.
- Adjekum, D. K., Hensellek, K., Lounsberry, N., Waller, Z. (2013). Career Aspirations of Entry-level Collegiate Commercial Aviation Students. Proceedings of University of North Dakota School of Graduate Studies 2013 Scholarly Forum (pp. 18-19). March 2013. http://graduateschool.und.edu/_files/docs/2013-scholarly-forum/sf13-abstract-book.pdf.
Periodicals/Press/Media Presentations
Adjekum, D. K. (2024, January 25). “Grounded Boeing 737Max9 Return to Skies; Implications.” Interview with Cory Smith (National Desk). Sinclair Broadcasting Group. https://thenationaldesk.com/news/americas-news-now/grounded-boeing-737-max-9-jets-near-return-to-skies-after-faa
inspection-approval-travel-airliners-alaska-panel-blowout-jan-5-door-plugs-united-airlines-federal-aviation administration-ntsb
Adjekum, D. K. (2024, January 24). “Boeing 737 Max-9 and airline safety.” Interview with Kris Reyes ( Canadian Broadcasting Corporation Correspondent).
Adjekum, D. K. (2024, January 23). “Boeing 737 Max-9 and airline safety.” Interview with Mark Gollom ( Canadian Broadcasting Corporation Reporter).
Adjekum, D. K. (2024, January 22). “Boeing 737 Max-9 cabin blow out and impact on aviation.” Interview with Justine Kastien ( ARD German Radio and TV Correspondent).
Adjekum, D. K. (2024, January 19). “Boeing 747 makes an emergency landing and airline safety.” Interview with Justine McDaniel ( Washington Post Reporter). https://wapo.st/3U7LyJ2
Adjekum, D. K. (2024, January 11). “Boeing 737 Max 9 crisis and airline safety.” Interview with Angus Whitley (Bloomberg Newsroom). https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2024-01-14/boeing-737-max-9-crisis-trust-in-airline-safety-will-take-years to-repair?srnd=premium&sref=QqLTzMKo
Adjekum, D. K. (2024, January 10). “Is it safe to hold your baby on a flight? Boeing blowout stokes fears.” Interview with Kelly Cho ( Washington Post). wapo-lapbabies.pdf
Adjekum, D. K. (2023, August 27). Aircraft Crash Investigations Analysis. “Wagner Boss Crash” Interview with Benjamin Brown, CNN Headline News. Explosion likely brought down aircraft purportedly carrying Wagner boss, flight data and video analysis suggests | CNN.
Adjekum, D. K. (2023, July 31). “Extreme heat and air travel.” Interview with Karin Caifa ( Warner Media -CNN News).https://www.koamnewsnow.com/news/national-news/dnt-extreme-heat-and-air-travel-3pmet/video_34775af0-d1935b60-a633-9632c138482b.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=email&utm_campaign=user-share
Adjekum, D. K. (2023, April 21). Aircraft Contrails and Conspiracy Theories. Interview with Eleanor McCrary ( Climate Fact-Check Fellow). USA Today.
Adjekum, D. K. (2022, April 11). Aircraft Crash Investigations Analysis. MU 5735 crash. Interview with Rachel Liang. Wall Street Journal (WSJ). China.
Adjekum, D. K. (2022, March,28). Aircraft Crash Investigations Analysis. MU 5735 crash. Interview with Emily Feng. NPR Beijing. China.
Adjekum, D. (2020). Aircraft Crash Accident Investigations- Processes and Procedures. In Jayme Wickett (Ed.), Jayme Wickett Show Podcast, Kansas City Headline News. Kansas City, KS: KMBZ Radio Network.
Adjekum, D. (2020). An air safety expert says that despite Iran's denials, investigators will be able to tell if a missile caused Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 to crash. In David Slotnick (Ed.), Business Insider. New York, NY: Business Insider.
Adjekum, D. (2020). Aviation Safety in a Global Perspective. In Thabiso Kolane (Ed.), Power Perspective Show. Johannesburg: Power FM-98.7, www.power987.co.za.
Adjekum, D. (2020). How Flight PS752's black boxes may help piece together details of Iran plane crash. In Mark Gollom (Ed.), How Flight PS752's black boxes may help piece together details of Iran plane crash. Toronto: CBC; www.cbc.ca.
Adjekum, D. (2020). How Mideast Tensions Could Complicate Iran Crash Investigation. In Carlos Waters (Ed.), How Mideast Tensions Could Complicate Iran Crash Investigation (Digital - English ed.). New York, NY: Wall Street Journal (www.WSJ.com).
Adjekum, D. (2020). In Jamie Robinson (Ed.), Investigations into Ukrainian Airline Crash in Tehran. New York, NY, Los Angeles, CA, and Washington D.C: Cheddar Business.
Adjekum, D. (2020). In Jordan Press (Ed.), Investigating the Ukrainian Airline crash outside Tehran. Ottawa: The Canadian Press, National Post; nationalpost.com.
Adjekum, D. (2020). New Boeing CEO. In Marielle Segarra (Ed.), Incoming Boeing CEO has much to turn around. Minneapolis, MN: Market place; www.marketplace.org.
Adjekum, D. (2019). British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) - BBC Reality Check; Aviation Safety in The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In Peter Mwai and BBC World Fact Check team (Ed.), DR Congo: Is it one of the most dangerous places to fly? London: BBC World News.
Adjekum, D. (2019). Expert Analysis on Aircraft Accident and Investigations in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In Anne Pasquier (Ed.), Airline safety in DRC. London: BBC Newsday, World Service Radio.
Adjekum, D. (2019). Analysis of Aircraft Accident for Media House. In Wanyee Li (Ed.), Expert Analysis on the technical implications of the article: Air-Canada-flight-to-Vancouver-from-Shanghai-diverted-due-to-cracked-windowpane.Vancouver, British Columbia: The Star of Vancouver.
Adjekum, D. K. (2019). Air Travel in Africa Is Safer Than Ever, Despite the Ethiopia Crash. In Elliot Waldman (Ed.), Aviation Industry and Safety after ET 302. World Politics Review Media Group.
Adjekum, D. K. (2019). In Jeff Inglis, Jonathan Gang (Ed.), Here’s how airplane crash investigations work, according to an aviation safety expert. 89 South Street - Suite 202 Boston, MA 02111: The Conversation - Science and technology.
Adjekum, D. K. (2019). Interview with Market Place Media Group on the Impact of Ethiopian Airline Flight 302 crash on passenger confidence in the Boeing 737 Max 8. In Marielle Segarra (Ed.), Consumer Confidence in the Boeing 737 Max aircraft. Market Place.org.
Adjekum, D. K. (in press). In Louise McLoughlin (Ed.), Post-traumatic effects of air crash investigations on accident investigators. Vice / Tonic -https://www.louisejo.com/about.
Adjekum, D. K. (2018). In Daily Graphic (Ed.), Rejoinder: Domestic Airlines - From Multiple Players to Monopoly. Accra: Graphic Communication Group.
Adjekum, D. K. (2018). In Modern Ghana (Ed.), Aviation Human Resources in Ghana: A Call for Local- Content Requirement Policy. Accra: Modern Ghana Communication LLC.
Adjekum, D. K. (2017). In Modern Ghana (Ed.), Aviation-Related Accident Investigations in Ghana – A Way Forward. Accra: Modern Ghana Communication LLC.
Adjekum, D. K. (2017). In Modern Ghana (Ed.), Establishing A Paradigm Shift in Ghana’s Aviation Business Sector –Essential Primers. Accra: Modern Ghana Communication LLC.
Adjekum, D. K. (2016). In Modern Ghana (Ed.), Integrating Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Into Ghana's Airspace: A Technological Force Multiplier or Trojan Horse? Accra: Modern Ghana Communication LLC.
Adjekum, D. K. (2015). In Modern Ghana (Ed.), The Impact of The Harmattan Weather on Aviation Operations in Ghana. Accra: Modern Ghana Communication.
Adjekum, D. K. (2015). In Modern Ghana (Ed.), Aviation Operations and Safety in Ghana: A Perspective from Afar. Accra: Modern Ghana Communication LLC.
Adjekum, D. K. (2015). In Modern Ghana (Ed.), Airport Development in Ghana: Ho Airport and Matter Arising. Accra: Modern Ghana Media Communication.
Adjekum, D. K. (2014). In Ghana Web (Ed.), The N604EP Saga, Trusteeship-Lessee Issues.
Adjekum, D. K. (2014). In Ghana Web (Ed.), Towards a Viable Ghana Police Service Aviation Unit. Amsterdam: GhanaWeb.
Adjekum, D. K. (2014). In Ghana Web (Ed.), Safety Management System (SMS) in Ghana’s Aviation sector – A Candid Perspective. Amsterdam: GhanaWeb.
Adjekum, D. K. (2013). In GhanaWeb (Ed.), A Sustainable Aviation Sector in Ghana: Is it a case of ‘Fixating on a national air carrier’ at the expense of other areas in need of development? (pp. 2249 44th Avenue South). Amsterdam: GhanaWeb.
Adjekum, D. K. (2013). In GhanaWeb (Ed.), Can I be an airline pilot in Ghana? My perspective. Amsterdam: GhanaWeb.
Adjekum, D. K. (2013). In GhanaWeb (Ed.), Pilotless Passenger carrying Aircraft: Can We Safely Buckle –-Up and Sip Champagne and Coffee? Amsterdam: GhanaWeb.
Adjekum, D. K. (2013). In GhanaWeb (Ed.), Towards a Sustainable Aviation industry in Ghana – My perspective (pp. 2249 44th Avenue South). Amsterdam: GhanaWeb.
Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP).
•Certified Safety Professional (CSP).
International Air Transport Association Training and Development Institute. Montreal. Canada.
• Safety Management Systems (SMS) Implementation and Control.
- Certificate of Graduation (Distinction).
Flight Certification
Airline Transport Pilot License (ATP) Boeing 737: 300-800 / Fokker F27:400-600. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Ghana Civil Aviation Authority.
Commercial Pilot/Multi-Engine/Instrument Rating Course. Flight Safety Academy. Vero Beach. FL. USA.
• Fellow – Alice T. Clarke Faculty Mentorship Program. University of North Dakota.
Honors and Awards:
Ghana Golden Jubilee Military Award. President of the Republic of Ghana and Commander in Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces. March 2008.
- For meritorious military service, leadership and response to national duty during the 50th Anniversary of Ghana's independence Celebration.
- Distinguished services in providing flight services and leadership for VVIP during the Ghana@ 50 celebrations.
Distinguished Scholar and Best Graduate Officer (Post Graduate Course in Public Administration). Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College. December 2006
- Overall Best Student in the GIMPA Post Graduate Course in Public Administration (Distinction) during the Command and Staff College Course 53.
- Myhoung Hall Award for the Most Distinguished Scholar in Public Discourse and Debates
- Awarded for exceptional contributions to topical discourse and debates during sessions for graduate officers on topical issues relating to geopolitics, military strategy, leadership, economics, public administration, public sector law and military command.
Exceptional Performance Award. Flight Safety Academy, Vero Beach. FL. Chief Pilot/Director of Flight Operations. October 2000.
- Exceptional performance in the Federal Aviation Administration's Commercial Pilot Course (Ground Orals and Flight Test).
Premier Executive Director of Trade and Technology Fair (TRATECH)
University of Science and Technology Office of Vice-Chancellor. May 1997
- Executive Director of Tratech 97
- First ever Trade and Technology fair in Ghana and KNUST. Innovator/ leader of a group of highly ingenuous students who planned and executed the first ever technology fair at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. Kumasi and in Ghana.
Vice President -Students Representative Council
Office of Vice-Chancellor. June 1997
- Vice-President of the University Students Governing Council from 1996-1997.
- Acting President, when the President went on an exchange program abroad for 2 months. Some of the innovations during our tenure in office were the sod-cutting/foundation for the Students Government Office Complex and the first ever Trade and Technology Fair in Ghana and on a university campus called TRATECH'97.
Senior School Prefect (High School)
Headmaster and Teaching Staff of Presbyterian Boys Secondary School -LEGON. June 1992
- Senior School Prefect and team leader of about 55 prefects. Tasked with ensuring compliance with disciplinary code and good conduct of all students.
- Ensured the general welfare of all students and above all acts as their advocates on issues that are detrimental to conducive life on campus before the school administration. Awarded for meritorious leadership.
Collegiate Education:
May2014 – November 2016. University Of North Dakota. Grand Forks ND.
• Ph.D., Aerospace Sciences.
• Dissertation Topic: Evaluating the relationship between Safety Management System (SMS) Initiative, Transformational safety leadership, Self-efficacy, Safety behavior and Safety-related events when mediated by safety motivation in Collegiate Aviation.
January 2012-August 2013. University of North Dakota. Grand Forks North Dakota.
• M.S (Aviation).
September 2006. Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration. Greenhill.Accra.Ghana.
• Post Graduate Certificate in Public Administration (Distinction).
December 2006. Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College. Accra. Ghana.
• Graduate Diploma in Military Science and Strategic Leadership.
September 2004. United States Air Force Safety Centre/ Embry – Riddell Aeronautical University NM. USA.
• Graduate Diploma in International Flight Safety Officers Course/Aviation Accident Investigations.
June 1993- September 1997. Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Kumasi. Ghana.
• B. S (Physics).
2017 - Present. Consultant- AEROPROSAFE CONSULT. Aviation Safety Consultancy. Grand Forks, ND.
• Safety Management System (SMS) research and implementation consultancy.
• Aerospace/Aviation safety training and advocacy.
• Aerospace/Aviation consultancy.
• Aerospace/Aviation mentorship programs in secondary and tertiary institutions in Ghana.
• Aerospace/Aviation project management, monitoring and evaluations.
August 2019- Present. University of North Dakota John Odegard School of Aerospace.
• Tenure-Track Assistant Professor– Aviation (Graduate and Undergraduate Courses).
August 2017- August 2019. University of North Dakota John Odegard School of Aerospace.
• Non-Tenure-Track Assistant Professor– Aviation (Graduate and Undergraduate Courses).
Jan 2012- May 2017. University of North Dakota John Odegard School of Aerospace.
• Adjunct Faculty– Aviation (Graduate and Undergraduate Courses)
• Graduate Service Assistant/Research in Safety Management Systems. UND Aerospace.
• Graduate Teaching Assistant (Crew Resource Management, Subject-Matter Expert in SMS, Safety Analysis, and Senior Capstone -Global Aviation courses).
• Instructional support for flight students in the CRJ-200 (level IV) flight training device (FTD) as part of advanced aircraft operations.
December 2009-Jan 2012. Virgin Nigeria/Air Nigeria. Lagos Nigeria.
- Airline Pilot / Flight Operations Safety Officer. (Boeing 737 series 300-800).
• Member. Safety Management System (SMS) Implementation Team /Safety Action Task Force.
• Flight Operations Safety Coordinator for International Operations Safety Audit (IOSA).
• Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) and Quality Analysis (QA).
August 1997-November 2009. Ghana Armed Forces. Accra. (Ghana Air Force Communication Squadron /VVIP Fleet).
• Flight Commander & Acting Squadron Commander.
- Safe conduct and operations of flight for Presidential /VVIP/Executive and other high-value government officials and visiting foreign dignitaries (Presidents/Prime Ministers).
- Aircraft Commander for Ghana Airforce/ UN peacekeeping Logistics/ personnel transfer /resupply flights in Sierra Leone, Liberia, and La Cote d’Ivoire missions.
- Operational/Line Training Captain - Squadron Readiness Training for new squadron pilots and evaluations on the Fokker F27 transport aircraft.
- Test, Evaluation, and Maintenance (TEM) aircraft commander on the Fokker 27 aircraft, including ferry flights to Europe for heavy maintenance checks (D Checks).
- Head of Base Safety /Aviation Accident Investigator.
- Drafted and coordinated the implementation of the Ghana Air Force Safety Orders and SMS Program.
- Organized and coordinated all safety workshops, seminars, and training.
- Created the premier safety audit checklist for air base inspections in the Ghana Air Force.
- Created and provided technical support to implement the Ghana Air Force safety standing orders for Ghana Aviation Contingent for the UN peacekeeping operations in La Cote d’Ivoire (GHAV).
- Member. Aircraft Accident Investigation Board. Ministry of Transport. Ghana.
- Pilot Investigator for MI17 Ghana Air Force Transport helicopter crash at Adukrom Ghana.
- Program Manager- North Dakota-Ghana State Partnership Program (SPP) Aviation Safety Initiative (2006 – 2009).
- Organized workshops on aviation safety and implementing the action plan on aviation safety in collaboration with the State of North Dakota/North Dakota National Guard, United States Airforce in Europe (USAFE), United States Naval Safety Center, and United States Marine Corp Expeditionary Group. - Adjunct Professor in Aviation Safety and Accident Prevention at the School of Trade Training. Ghana Air Force.
• Adjunct Professor in Aviation Safety Management at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology School of Aerospace Engineering.
• Member. Emergency Operations Centre Action Group. Kotoka International Airport. Ghana Civil Aviation Authority and Ghana Airports Company Limited.
• Team Member of the Emergency Response Live “Exercise Okoree” for the Ghana Airports Company, which simulated a crashed aircraft into the sea after takeoff from Kotoka International Airport Accra and the required search coordination and emergency response.
Departmental Graduate Program Comprehensive Examiner/Proctor - Ph.D. Aerospace Sciences & M.S Aviation Comprehensive Examinations
Graduate Faculty Committee
Freshman Reception Day ( Noren Hall) - Volunteer
Aerospace Open Day - Volunteer
Undergraduate Research Day - Evaluator
Undergraduate Capstone Interviews - Facilitator
Graduate Capstone Presentations - Evaluator
Undergraduate Advising - 35 Students
Graduate Advising/Committees - 4
Doctoral Program New Candidates Selection Committee - Member
University Honorary Committee Member
University Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Committee - Member
Graduate Research Day ( School of Graduate Studies) - Judge/Evaluator
University Aviation Association (UAA).
- Member. Starting January 2015.
- Journal Reviewer for Collegiate Aviation Review (CAR) Journal (2017-)
Journal of Aviation Technology and Engineering (JATE) - Purdue University.
- Journal Peer Reviewer. Starting November 2015
- Peer review of submitted draft articles for possible publication in the JATE journal.
Journal of Air Transport Management (JATM) -Elsevier B.V.
- Journal Peer Reviewer. Starting November 2015.
- Peer review of journal articles for possible publication in this journal.
International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace- Embry-Riddell Aeronautical University (ERAU - World-Wide Campus).
- Journal Peer Reviewer. Starting July 2017.
- Peer review of journal articles for possible publication in this journal.
Aerospace- MDPI (Switzerland)
- Journal Reviewer. Starting April 2018.
Flight Safety Foundation International (FSFI).
- Member. Starting February 2016.
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA).
- Member. Starting 2008.
- Church of Pentecost International Worship Center -Tema. Ghana
- July 2014 – Present
- Providing positive mentoring and coaching to second cycle and pre-university students in critical skills areas such as leadership,time management, decision making, task prioritization, effective learning strategies, and pragmatic career choices.
Association of Ghanaian Professional Pilots ( AGPP)
Executive Trustee
Mentor -
- Provides critical counseling and nurturing for new pilot entrants into the industry.
- Provides mentoring to aviation students and youth interested in the field of aviation/aerospace.