As part of Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius, the da Vinci Dialogues invites audiences to explore the rich history, art, and ideas of the Renaissance through engaging talks by leading scholars.
Da Vinci’s Dream Takes Flight
More than five centuries after Leonardo da Vinci imagined machines that could carry people into the sky, his vision continues to inspire the future of flight. In this Dialogue, Dr. Suzanne Kearns explores how curiosity, creativity, education, and mentorship can empower the next generation of aviation professionals.
As aviation undergoes extraordinary transformation, the presentation highlights the importance of accessible pathways and collaboration in preparing young people to shape a safer, more sustainable, and inclusive future. Leonardo’s example reminds us that innovation begins with the courage to dream—and the opportunity to turn those dreams into reality.
Speaker Bio
Dr. Suzanne Kearns is the founding Director of the Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics and an Associate Professor of Aviation at the University of Waterloo. A former commercial airplane and helicopter pilot, she is an internationally recognized aviation educator and author of leading aviation textbooks.
She has taught thousands of students and collaborated with the International Civil Aviation Organization to expand access to aviation education worldwide. Her work focuses on inspiring and preparing a diverse new generation to build a safer, more sustainable, and inclusive future for aviation.
Admission to this event includes admission to THEMUSEUM.