Featured Publications

Fort Hill Group is committed to actively engaging with the scientific and research community. We believe this keeps our team at the leading edge of research practices and provides peer-review for our methods and results. Provided below is a listing of peer-reviewed research papers, journal articles, book chapters and international conference proceedings. 

Contact Fort Hill Group to request more information on any presentation

2023

Kinsella, A., Bynum, E., Hinson, R.J., Berry, K., & Sawyer M. (2023). Project AVIAN: Implications of Utilizing the Novel AVIAN-S Machine Learning Model in Analyzing Aviation Safety Event Reports. In Proceedings for the Annual Meeting for the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, Washington, DC.

Hinson, R.J., Bynum, E., Kinsella, A., Berry, K., & Sawyer M. (2023). Project AVIAN-S: Development of a Natural Language Processing Model for Analyzing Aviation Safety Event Reports. In Proceedings for the Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics Conference, San Francisco, CA.

Kring, J., Hinson, R.J., Dlugash, R., Sawyer M., Gibson, T., & Austrian, E. (2023). Human Factors Analysis of Strengths and Challenges in Aviation Maintenance. In Proceedings for the Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics Conference, San Francisco, CA.

Siragusa, K., Austrian, E., Sawyer, M., & Gibson, T. (2023). Analysis of Reports that Cite Human Factors and Energy Management Issues in Transport Airplane Operations. In Proceedings for the Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics Conference, San Francisco, CA.

Hinson, R.J., Bynum, E., Kinsella, A., Berry, K., & Sawyer M. (2023). A natural language processing model for analyzing aviation safety event reports: a subset of results. In  Proceedings for the International Symposium on Aviation Psychology, Rochester, NY.

2022

Smith, L., Kinsella, A., Collins, R., and Berry, K. (2022). Continuing Development of a Novel Framework for Visual Air Traffic Controller Tasks: Determining metrics for evaluating spatial relationships. Presented at the 13th International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics, New York, NY.

Kring, J., Sawyer, M., Gibson, T., Austrian, E., Hinson, J., and Dlugash, R. (2022). Human Factors Analysis of Reported Strengths and Challenges in Air Traffic Control Training. Presented at the 13th International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics, New York, NY.

Hinson, J., Kinsella, A., and Propper, R. (2022). So Much Information, So Little Screen Space: Assessing the Usability of Three Hierarchical Data Visualizations in Tableau. Presented at the 13th International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics, New York, NY.

Siragusa, K., Austrian, E., Gibson, T., and Sawyer, M. (2022). Human Factors Analysis of Flight Deck Energy Management Issues. Presented at the 13th International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics, New York, NY.

2021

Kring, J. P. (2021). Uncovering the Challenges to Safe and Resilient Operations through Data-Driven Human Performance Analyses. Invited presentation to the Human Performance Community of Practice (virtual presentation).

2020

Kring, J., Sawyer, M., Carroll, M., and Berry, K. (2020). An Adaptive and Personalized Training Approach for Team Problem-Solving During Long-Duration Space Missions. Presented at the 11th International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics, Washington, DC.

Kring, J. Sawyer, M., Carroll, M., and Berry, K. (2020). Dynamic and Adaptive Training for Enhanced Aviation Knowledge Transfer and Retention. National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS).

2019

Kinsella, A., Smith, L., Collins, R., and Berry, K. (2019). An Eye in the Sky: Developing a Novel Framework for Visual Airport Traffic Control Tower Tasks. Presented at the 10th International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics, Washington, DC.

Kring, J., Patrick, R., and Sawyer, M. (2019). Applying Virtual and Augmented Reality to Train Air Traffic Controllers. Presented at the 10th International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics, Washington, DC.

Wilky, T., Austrian, E., Hinson, R., Sawyer, M., and Millam, M. (2019). Applied Use of Safety Performance Monitoring in Global Aviation Operations. Presented at the International Symposium on Aviation Psychology 2017, Dayton OH.

Hinson, R., Sawyer, M., and Serfoss, G. (2019). A Framework for Assessing the Impact of Performance-Based Navigation on Air Traffic Controllers. Presented at the International Symposium on Aviation Psychology 2017, Dayton OH.

Kring, J., and Sawyer, M. (2019). Practical Drift and Adaptive Expertise in Air Traffic Control. Presented at the International Symposium on Aviation Psychology 2017, Dayton OH.

2018

Berry, K., and Sawyer, M. (2018). Human Factors and Air Traffic Control. Presented at the Southeastern Human Factors Applied Research Conference, Clemson University, Clemson, SC.

Sawyer, M., Berry, K., Kring, J., & Austrian, E. (2018). A Human-Systems Approach to Proactively Managing Risk through Training in an Evolving Aviation Industry. Presented at the 31st National Training Aircraft Symposium, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach FL.

Kring, J., Barrett, J., & Sawyer, M. (2018). Expertise, Arousal, and Automation Effects on Complacency Errors during Mars Missions. Presented at the 9th International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics, Orlando FL.

2017

Marquez, J., Edwards, T., Reagan, M., Korth, D., Berry, K., and Woods, S. (2017). Managing Human Operator Risk in Space and Aviation: Learning Across Domains - Panel. Presented at the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting 2017, Austin, TX. 

Sawyer, M., & Austrian, E. (2017). The Impact of Digitasation and Technology: An Aviation Perspective. Presented at Annual Rail Safety Conference 2017, Durban, South Africa.

Sawyer, M., & Austrian, E. (2017). Enhancing Safety in a Digitised Complex Environment. Presented at Annual Rail Safety Conference 2017, Durban, South Africa.

Austrian, E., Sawyer, M., & Berry, K. (2017). Big-Data and Visual Analytics: An Overview of Human Factors Issues and NAS-wide Trends. Presented at the International Symposium on Aviation Psychology 2017, Dayton OH.

Rohde, R. (2017). HITL or MISS(L): An Investigation into Realism and Accuracy in En Route ATC Simulations. Presented at the International Symposium on Aviation Psychology 2017, Dayton OH.

2016

Austrian, E., Sawyer, M., & Berry, K. (2016). Human Systems Integration and Strategic Planning. Presented at the 2016 Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics Conference, Orlando, FL.

Sawyer, M., Berry, K., & Austrian, E. (2016). A Data Analytics Based Approach to Human Factors Issues in Voluntary Aviation Safety Reports. Presented at the 2016 Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics Conference, Orlando, FL.

Rohde, R. (2016). Developing a Mental Model in ATC: 1 - Learning Situational Assessment. Presented at the 2016 Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics Conference, Orlando, FL.

Berry, K., & Sawyer, M. (2016). Enhancing the Role of Human Factors in Safety Investigation and Analysis. Presented at the Flight Operations Seminar - Singapore Aviation Safety Seminar, Singapore.

Berry, K., & Sawyer, M. (2016). Enhancing the Role of Human Factors in Safety Investigation and Analysis. Maintenance and Engineering Seminar - Singapore Aviation Safety Seminar, Singapore.

2015

Berry, K., & Sawyer, M. (2015). Scenario-based Training: Lessons from Aviation. Presented at the Public Workshop - Physiological Closed-Loop Controlled Devices, Silver Spring, MD. 

Sawyer, M., Berry, K., Henderson, A., Rohde, R., & Liskey, D. (2015). Proactive Assessment of the Changing Non-Conformance Risk Profile for Arrival and Departure Procedures in NextGen.  Presented at the 2015 Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics Conference, Las Vegas, NV.

Austrian, E., Berry, K., & Sawyer, M. (2015). A Cross-Cutting Human Factors Impact Assessment of Planned NextGen Changes. Presented at the 2015 Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics Conference, Las Vegas, NV.

Sawyer, M. & Berry, K. (2015). Examining Integrated Human-System Safety in NextGen through An Application of the Human-Organization Safety Technique (HOST). Presented at the 2015 Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics Conference, Las Vegas, NV.

Berry K., Sawyer, M. Hinson, J., & Dewalt, L. (2015). Quantifying the Human Element of Safety in Airport Tower Operations: Overcoming Risks Introduced by Static Airport Characteristics. Presented at the 2015 Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics Conference, Las Vegas, NV.

Berry K., Sawyer, M. & Hinson, J. (2015). Behind the Scenes of the NAS: Human Factors Taxonomy for Investigating Service Integrity Events. In Proceedings of International Symposium on Aviation Psychology 2015, Dayton OH.

Krokos, K. & Sawyer, M. (2015). Strategic Job and Training Needs Analyses. In Proceedings of International Symposium on Aviation Psychology 2015, Dayton OH.

Berry K., Sawyer, M. & Hinson, J. (2015). Developing Quantitative Air Traffic Risk-Benefit Pathways for Class D Airports: Improving Small Tower Operations. In Proceedings of International Symposium on Aviation Psychology 2015, Dayton OH.

Sawyer, M., Berry, K., Liskey, D. & Rohde, R. (2015). Assessing Potential Human Performance Safety Impacts Associated With Integrating Multiple Time-Based Flow Management Concepts. In Proceedings of International Symposium on Aviation Psychology 2015, Dayton OH.

Austrian, E., Berry, K., & Sawyer, M. (2015). Planning for the Future: Human Factors Human Factors in NextGen Air Traffic Management. In Proceedings of International Symposium on Aviation Psychology 2015, Dayton OH.

2014

Sawyer, M., Piccione, D., & May, N. (2014). “The Automation & ATM Website.” Hindsight 20 - EUROCONTROL Winter 2014 Page 63.  

Berry, K. & Sawyer, M. (2014). Proactively Examining NextGen Human Performance and System Safety. Presented at the Third Annual STAMP/STPA Workshop, Boston, MA.

2013

Berry, K. & Sawyer, M. (2013). Proactive Assessment of Human Performance Safety Risks in New or Proposed Systems, Products, or Capability. Presented at the Human and Organizational Performance Summit, Presented at the Human and Organizational Performance Summit, Houston, TX.

Berry, K. & Sawyer, M. (2013). Understanding the Human Component of Area Navigation Procedures Across The National Airspace System. In Proceedings of Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting 2013, San Diego, CA.

Sawyer, M., Berry, K., & Austrian, E. (2013). Quantifying Systemic Risk Pathways in Air Traffic Control. International Society of Air Safety Investigators Forum, July-September 2013.

Berry, K., Sawyer, M, & Austrian, E. (2013). Outcome-Based Risk Pathways: Utilizing Safety Reports to Understand Risks in Air Traffic Control. In Proceedings of International Symposium on Aviation Psychology 2013, Dayton OH.

Sawyer, M., Berry, K., & Austrian E. (2013). Assessing The Effects of Off-Nominal Conditions on NextGen Air Traffic Control Operations. In Proceedings of International Symposium on Aviation Psychology 2013, Dayton OH.

Berry, K. & Sawyer, M. (2013). Assessing the Changing Human Performance Risk Profile in the NextGen Mid-term. In Proceedings of International Symposium on Aviation Psychology 2013, Dayton OH.

Austrian E., Piccione, D. (2013). The FAA’s Human Factors Air Traffic Control / Technical Operations Strategic Research Plan. In Proceedings of International Symposium on Aviation Psychology 2013, Dayton OH.

Austrian E. & Sierra, E. (2013). Applied Human Factors Research For The Technical Operations Organization of the Federal Aviation Administration. In Proceedings of International Symposium on Aviation Psychology 2013, Dayton OH.

Sawyer, M., Berry, K., & Austrian E. (2013). Risk Pathways: Quantifying the Risks Present in Narrative-Based Safety Event Reports. In Proceedings of International Symposium on Human Factors and Ergonomics in Health Care 2013, Baltimore, MD.

2012

Berry, K., Sawyer, M., Austrian, E. (2012). Behind the Scenes of NextGen: Describing the Impact of NextGen Operational Improvements on the Traffic Manager. In Proceedings of Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting 2012, Boston, MA.

Sawyer, M., Berry, K., & Austrian, E. (2012). Analysis of New Proposed Air Traffic Control Alerts in the NextGen Midterm. In Proceedings of Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting 2012, Boston, MA.

Berry, K., Sawyer, M., & Austrian, E. (2012). AirTracs: The Development and Application of an Air Traffic Safety Taxonomy for Trend Analysis. In Proceedings of International Conference on Interdisciplinary Science for Air Traffic Management 2012, Daytona Beach, FL.

Sawyer, M., Berry, K., & Austrian, E. (2012). The Use of Odds Ratios and Relative Risk to Quantify Systemic Risk Pathways in Air Traffic Control, In Proceedings of International Society of Air Safety Investigators Annual Seminar 2012, Baltimore, MD.

Berry, K. & Sawyer, M. (2012). Assessing the Impact of NextGen Trajectory Based Operations on Human Performance, In S. Landry (Ed.), Advances in Human Aspects of Aviation. (2012). Boca Raton, FL: Taylor & Francis.

2011

Sawyer, M, Berry, K., & Blanding, R. (2011). Assessing the Human Contribution to Risk in NextGen. In Proceedings of Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting 2011, Las Vegas, NV.

Berry, K, Sawyer, M., Blanding, R., & Karniej, S. (2011). Investigating Air Traffic Control Human Performance: A Comparison of Active Errors and Latent Failures by Controller Task. In Proceedings of International Society for Occupational Ergonomics & Safety 2011, Baltimore, MD.

Kirwan, B, Kilner, A., Gibson, H., Piccione, D., & Sawyer, M. (2011). The development and application of CARA – a HRA tool for Air Traffic Management systems. In Proceedings of the European Safety and Reliability Association Annual Conference 2011. Troyes, France.

Berry, K. & Sawyer, M. (2011). Application of a Human Error Taxonomy for the Identification of Air Traffic Control Errors and Causation. In Proceedings of International Symposium on Aviation Psychology 2011, Dayton OH.