Manoj S. Patankar is a Professor of Aviation Technology and Director of the Center for Research and Education in Advanced Transportation Ecosystems (CREATE). A systems thinker, global citizen, and innovator, Manoj has over 20 years of experience in developing new academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels, growing enrollment, building multi-disciplinary research programs, comprehensive internationalization, and securing external funding. His professional background is diverse, but thematically consistent with his deep-rooted interest in improving the quality of human life through individual, organizational, and societal development.  

Previously, Manoj served in number of leadership roles, including department chair, dean, and provost, at Saint Louis University and led many exciting and challenging initiatives. Manoj’s research in aviation safety has leveraged his knowledge from psychology, education, and management, making it interdisciplinary as well as collaborative with international colleagues. He has led and managed over $6 million in federal grants and has published four books and over 50 scholarly articles. He has received multiple research awards and is an elected Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society, U.K.

At Purdue, Manoj has served as the Head of the School of Aviation and Transportation Technology, leading a team of enthusiastic faculty, staff, students, alumni, and industry partners. Currently, as the director of CREATE, Manoj is leading and participating in multiple research projects in the areas of workforce development (FAA-Funded Project), use of AI, AR/VR technologies in aviation maintenance (NSF-Funded Project), and development of a living-learning lab for aviation technician apprenticeship programs in business aviation (FlexJet-Funded Project). Manoj is also actively engaged in testing and validation of an innovative technology that improves fuel economy, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and extends engine life. 

Manoj has studied in seven countries: Brazil, Canada, China, India, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Among his professional credentials, Manoj holds a private pilot’s certificate, an aircraft mechanic certificate, and an FCC General Radiotelephone Operator’s License. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautics from Saint Louis University, an M.S. in Aviation Safety from the University of Central Missouri, an MBA from Georgetown University, a Ph.D. in Education from Nova Southeastern University, and a Ph.D. in Management from the University of Sheffield (U.K.). He has also completed the Institute for Educational Management from Harvard University.