writes:

The group could probably come up with some ideas for an aerodynamist
or a dynamics/kinematics project. But I can't quite imagine what a
PhD student would study in the business world.

Let's see if we can expand your imagination...

My wife just got her Ph.D. in "human factors in aviation." She studied
pilot-controller communication. Her emphasis was on sociolinguistics
and especially international speech (like ICAO vs. USA phraseology).

(I thought it might never happen but here's the proof.)
http://lairds.org/Kyler/photos/disk0...g/image_viewer

That's close to "the business world" (especially when airlines were
considering ICAO compliance) and she certainly could have done more
business-like things in that area.

There are plenty of opportunities for financial types. I think of
things like cost analysis of technologies such as "green approaches"
and WheelTugs. I suspect FedEx might want to talk with such people.

--kyler