Conducting Ph.D. research from home, in Germany

Robert Gibson is earning his Ph.D. online from Northcentral University while living in Germany, where he is employed as a Sales Director at Lufthansa Systems, one of the largest airline IT providers in the world. With his specialization in Aeronautical Science Management, he is working on his dissertation, the subject of which is the effect of airline fuel burn on the environment and how this can be considerably reduced.

Gibson says that he enjoys the NCU online program since he can pursue the degree at his own pace and convenience while living in Europe. Additionally, his position at Lufthansa Systems requires him to travel quite often, yet he can continue to work his academic program on the road. He has completed all of the preparatory courses for his dissertation and is now beginning the research phase. The topic he is investigating is how airline fuel burn can be reduced by effective flight planning and how this reduction can reduce emissions in our environment.

“I am amazed at how many students NCU has enrolled around the world,” Gibson says. “The NCU online discussion forum is full of students from all over the world. I am proud to be part of this group and I am happy to be in contact with so many professionals around the globe. Even our faculty is based all over the world — I had one instructor who was located in Australia. NCU is one big, happy, professional family in a small world!”

Students at NCU have the benefit of receiving one-on-one instructions from their mentors, who are existing professionals in their industries, Gibson says, adding, "It is a great feeling to receive this kind of attention and it automatically makes us students feel a part of the team of professionals."

Gibson is also a part-time instructor for Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Europe, teaching undergraduate and graduate level aviation courses. “As an instructor myself,” he says, “I am grateful that a degree program in the 100% online format is available to me. The format fosters one-on-one interaction with the professors; it is at once very personal and extremely professional. And I am continually impressed with the selection of the NCU faculty.”

Gibson says he and his family — wife Ursula and three boys ages 17, 15 and 15 — will soon have more time together since the completion of the challenging doctoral program is now in sight. “I am positive that upon the awarding of my Ph.D. by Northcentral, many doors will open for me in my venue, allowing me to move further up in the aviation industry.”