Dr. Kenneth Allendoerfer
FAA – Human Factors Branch
Dr. Kenneth Allendoerfer is the manager of the Human Factors Branch at the Federal Aviation Administration William J. Hughes Technical Center. The branch conducts human-centered research and development in the areas of air traffic control (ATC), traffic flow management, technical operations, and unmanned aircraft systems with a goal of increasing aviation safety and improving human-system performance.
Dr. Allendoerfer has led human factors activities supporting many of the major ATC automation and communication systems used today nationwide, including the Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System (STARS). His research focuses on developing effective human-machine interfaces, helping users manage data-intensive environments, and improving the interactions between humans and highly automated systems.
Outside of work, Dr. Allendoerfer is deeply involved in improving educational opportunities in his community. He is an FAA Aviation STEM ambassador and speaks regularly to schools and community groups about aviation and research. He is the lead organizer and coach for the Odyssey of the Mind creative problem-solving program in his hometown, Collingswood, New Jersey, and President of the Board of Trustees of the Collingswood Public Library. He is an active member of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society and a part-time lecturer at Rutgers University in experimental psychology.
He holds a BA in psychology from Carleton College, an MA in psychology from SUNY Buffalo, and a Ph.D. in information science and technology from Drexel University.