Embry-Riddle Professor Leads Key Discussions at Sustainable Aviation Fuel Congress

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Associate Professor of Safety Science Dr. Rajee Olaganathan recently represented the university at the Sustainable Aviation Futures (SAF) North America Congress, held Oct. 14-16 in Houston, Texas.

The annual event brought together more than 800 senior stakeholders from across the aviation and energy industries — including airlines, fuel producers, investors, policymakers and technology leaders — to accelerate the development and adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and advance the global decarbonization of flight.

Olaganathan served as chair of the “Feedstocks Focus: Unlocking Carbon, Waste & Agricultural Resources” track, leading discussions on the use of carbon, waste and agricultural feedstocks for SAF production.

She also served as a moderator and speaker for the “Digital Tools for Decarbonization” session, where she discussed how real-time data, digital twins and AI-driven optimization can accelerate the aviation industry’s transition to cleaner fuels.

“The convergence of science, policy and technology at this year’s congress was truly energizing,” Olaganathan said. “We’re not just talking about the need for decarbonization. We’re demonstrating how digital tools and verifiable data are transforming commitments into measurable progress.”

Her presentation highlighted how emissions tracking and optimization technologies — such as real-time data platforms and AI-based route planning — help airlines and investors validate SAF claims and reinvest in further sustainability initiatives.

For Olaganathan, participation in high-level industry forums such as SAF North America helps strengthen Embry-Riddle’s ties to the global aviation community while ensuring students benefit directly from emerging advances in safety and sustainability.

“The event was an excellent opportunity to contribute to the global dialogue, share expertise, and strengthen industry connections on key topics that shape the future of sustainable aviation,” she said. “Safety and sustainability are two sides of the same coin.”

Olaganathan’s leadership at the Houston conference builds on her growing role in international sustainability forums. She has also been invited to speak at the Sustainable Aviation Futures Asia-Pacific Congress in Singapore this November, further extending Embry-Riddle’s engagement in global SAF dialogue and collaboration.

Looking ahead, Olaganathan emphasized that collaboration and innovation will define the next phase of SAF adoption.

“We’re in the scaling decade,” Olaganathan said. “This is when sustainable aviation fuel will either remain a niche product or become a mainstream pillar of aviation’s energy transition.”