Justin Klassen

Justin Klassen’s research interests focus on curriculum development, pedagogy, and workforce development within aerospace education. His primary interest is in identifying and developing educational practices that better prepare students for the technical, technological, and workforce demands of the modern aerospace industry.

His work explores how aerospace curricula can be designed around authentic industry practices, hands-on learning, emerging technologies, and competency-based assessment to create stronger connections between higher education and the workforce. Particular areas of interest include the development of applied learning experiences in aerospace composites and advanced manufacturing, integration of industry-informed competencies into curriculum, and instructional strategies that improve student technical proficiency and workforce readiness.

Klassen is also interested in how colleges and universities can respond more effectively to changing aerospace workforce needs through innovative programs, certificates, non-credit training, and industry partnerships. His research seeks to examine how curriculum and pedagogy can be intentionally designed to reduce the gap between education and employment while providing students with relevant, measurable, and transferable skills.

Ultimately, his research aims to contribute to the development of stronger aerospace workforce pipelines through evidence-based curriculum and teaching practices, with a particular emphasis on connecting academic learning to the knowledge, skills, and competencies required by industry.