Elizabeth City, N.C. — Earlier in the 2025-2026 academic year, Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) senior Charmaine Green earned national recognition for her aviation research, placing second in the 2025 University Aviation Association Student Research Poster Contest for her study on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in flight planning.    

But her newest accomplishment lies in her selection as one of ECSU’s seven Bearers of the Shield—one of the university’s highest honors, awarded to the student or students who enter ECSU as a transfer student and have the highest cumulative GPA in the prospective graduating class.   

For Green, both honors tell the same story—one of determination and an unexpected path into aviation.    

A Curiosity That Never Left  

Long before the national stage and graduation regalia, Green was a curious student growing up in Canton, Ohio. “Home to the Football Hall of Fame,” she said. “My immediate family was close, always supportive of our ideas, encouraging, stern about education and grades, but also a lot of fun to be around.”   

They valued education and big dreams. Green’s thirst for knowledge never seemed to be quenched, and her love of the sciences and mathematics ran deep.     

“I remember being fascinated by the Bohr model in sixth grade,” she said.     

After high school, she started college studying biochemistry, then stepped into a stable career in the wireless industry. On paper, everything made sense.    

But as a self-proclaimed thrill-seeker, it just didn’t feel right.    

“I grew bored. I no longer felt challenged.”    

So she did something about it. Once a month, she booked flights to random cities to explore. Then came the layover that changed everything.    

A Chance Encounter  

“I had a layover in Houston and decided to get food when, unknowingly, a pilot paid for my meal. I had never had that happen to me before. The cashier pointed him out, and I sat down and ate with him. Our brief conversation turned to the aviation industry needing more women, and to me looking into becoming a pilot,” she added.     

That one conversation rerouted her life.   

Two weeks later, Green went on a discovery flight, and it brought back the same thrill of riding on a motorcycle that she used to enjoy.   

“I started flying at a flight school in Ohio, then transferred to one in Virginia. I quickly learned that an aviation degree would be beneficial for a career in the industry,” said Green.  

A New Chapter at ECSU  

By Spring 2024, Green had enrolled at ECSU as an aviation science major. She immersed herself in hands-on learning experiences, supported by faculty mentors who challenged her to think critically and push beyond her limits.   

“College is challenging,” Green said. “If it were easy, everyone would have degrees.”   

The Village  

Returning to college as an adult learner wasn’t easy, but Green wasn’t walking alone. She leaned heavily on the people who had always believed in her.    

“My husband and my aunt Lynette have been my biggest influences and supporters,” she said. “She is the person that I call to celebrate my wins, vent to, and gain advice and insight from. I watched my aunt step out of the workforce and build a very successful cake business on her own. She makes time for everyone, no matter what someone has going on.”    

At ECSU, Green balanced commuting, research, campus involvement and a demanding aviation curriculum while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Faculty mentors pushed her further.   

Green gives credit to Robin Mangham, lecturer for Aviation and Emergency Management, for being a part of her village. 

“Ms. Mangham has been great as my advisor, providing guidance and encouraging me to think bigger. She is very intelligent and doesn’t let you get one over on her. She calls you out on your laziness and nonsense.”    

She also credited Marla Faison, lecturer for Aviation and Emergency Management, for helping secure participants for her capstone study. “It was hard to find help,” Green said. Lastly, Assistant Professor Stacey Tyler’s hands-on industry projects, from building mock airlines to conducting accident investigations, strengthened her confidence and prepared her.    

While the journey was met with support, it also included personal loss. Another close aunt passed away, and Green had several difficult experiences that tested her resolve in a demanding, male-dominated industry. Instead of stepping away, Green pivoted toward research and safety, channeling those challenges into purpose.    

That purpose became her award-winning study.   

Research with Real-World Impact 

Her research, The Inaccuracies of AI in Aviation & the Necessity of Training, examined the growing reliance on AI in aviation applications, particularly in-flight planning.    

“Artificial Intelligence (AI) usage is growing very rapidly. People are using it for everything from asking the tool for personal advice/emotion-based questions to everyday real-world applications. As an Aviation Science major, I wanted to test the accuracy of AI in aviation applications, particularly flight planning,” she said. “Technology is an amplifier, not a replacement for humans. Trust needs to remain with human beings, not machines.”    

When she learned she placed second nationally, she was excited.    

“I found out in June of 2025 that I was a finalist. In October 2025, I was informed that I placed second in the conference. My excitement came from my hard work paying off. Students from universities across the United States submit their research in hopes that it will be selected. I was honored to place second with my first submission at the University Aviation Association (UAA) conference,” Green said.    

Her message to the aviation industry is direct.    

“My message would be that AI is not accurate, and it never will be. Overreliance on AI can be dangerous. While human factors remain an issue, it is a powerful reminder that the human brain is brilliant and has amazing capabilities. It is the original machine that created AI. Technology is an amplifier, not a replacement for humans. Trust needs to remain with human beings, not machines,” she said.   

Carrying the Shield 

As she prepares to cross the commencement stage, as one of seven carrying the university’s shield, Green represents more than academic excellence. She reflects the power of redirection, the importance of perseverance and the impact of answering a calling, even when it arrives unexpectedly. 

To read more about the 2025 Student Research Poster Contest Award Winners, click here.