Allysa Hayden

For Allysa Hayden, the reputation of the programs in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University and Barrett, The Honors College solidified her decision to become a Sun Devil. With a passion for aviation, she was thrilled to have the opportunity to get more involved in the field and pursue her dreams. 

“I’ve been interested in aviation since I was a little kid,” Hayden says. “I always thought that flying was some sort of magic — and I still do — so I wanted to learn more about it.”

She chose to major in aeronautical management technology with a concentration on air transportation management, a program offered in The Polytechnic School, part of the Fulton Schools. Aviation’s multidisciplinary nature allowed Hayden to explore courses in physics, air traffic control, meteorology, human factors, marketing, law, finance, physiology and more.

“I love the hands-on nature of the program and the ability to easily connect with professors, industry professionals and like-minded students,” she says.

Outside of the classroom, Hayden was a leader in the student organization Christian Challenge and worked at the Del E. Webb High Altitude Training Chamber on the Polytechnic campus. She also gave back to the community over the summer between her sophomore and junior years by volunteering with Habitat for Humanity of Orange County as a corporate relations and volunteer services intern.

Throughout her academic experience, Hayden has received numerous accolades and awards from ASU such as the New American University President’s Scholarship, the Moeur Award, which recognizes students graduating with a 4.0 GPA, and summa cum laude honors at graduation.

After finishing her degree, she plans to continue her studies by pursuing a master’s degree in aviation human factors at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida. Her long-term career goals include working in the aerospace and defense industry as a human factors engineer helping to advance aviation research, knowledge and development.

 “There is currently a substantial shortage of pilots in every facet of aviation — commercial, private and military — both in the U.S. and worldwide,” Hayden says. “I hope to contribute to aviation research through areas such as flight training, cockpit design and technology integration. 

An advocate for women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, Hayden looks forward to lifting her community.

“As women in engineering, we hold a collective responsibility to inspire generations young and old to make a positive impact on the planet and one another,” she says.

Read about other exceptional graduates of the Fulton Schools’ spring 2024 class here.