SkyTech 2026 Speaker Bio

Oleksandra Molloy

Senior Lecturer in Aviation

UNSW ADFA

Dr Oleksandra Molloy – Ukrainian/Australian – is a defence aviation expert and one of the leading experts in drone warfare in Ukraine. In July 2025, Dr Molloy has been named ‘Academic of the Year’ by the Australian Defence Industry Awards. In her daily role, Dr Molloy is a Senior Lecturer in Human Factors and Aviation Safety, and the Lead of the Human Factors Research Lab in the School of Science of the University of New South Wales at the Australian Defence Force Academy (Canberra, Australia). Dr Molloy is a research trailblazer and award-winning leader who conducts multi-disciplinary research in human factors, transport safety, emerging technologies (i.e., uncrewed systems), education and training. In the area of uncrewed systems, Dr Molloy has led the first evidence-based research “Drones in Modern Warfare: Lessons Learnt from the War in Ukraine” (supported by the Australian Army Research Centre, Department of Defence). Oleksandra is also leading the Defence Trailblazer project together with industry on developing AI-assisted approach to assess cognitive load for Mission Aircrew/UAS operators (Defence Trailblazer).

Dr Molloy has a PhD in Aviation (UNSW, Australia); a MSc in Human Factors (University of Nottingham, UK); a Master of Education (Central Ukrainian State Pedagogical University, Ukraine); a Graduate Research Certificate (Kirovograd Flight Academy of National Aviation University, Ukraine); and a Diploma in Aviation Safety (International Air Transport Association, Canada). Dr Molloy is serving as a Chair of the Human Factors & Ergonomics Society Training Technical Group (USA). Dr Molloy has served as a Board Director and Vice President of Education at the Advanced Air Mobility Institute (USA),

In 2024, for her achievements, Dr Molloy has been named a winner -  Best Researcher from the International Media and Education Studies; Best Training and Development Program by the Defence and National Security Workforce Awards;  Woman of the Year by HFE WOMAN Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (USA); ADM Women in Defence Awards, Research & Development; and an Industry Leader in AAM by eVTOL Insights (UK).