The SAFER Lab at Oklahoma State University, led by Assistant Professor Ruiqing (Ryan) Shen, is recruiting fully funded MS and PhD students for Spring/Fall 2026 in the Fire Protection & Safety Engineering Technology (FPSET) program. The lab focuses on advancing fire safety research through the development of eco-friendly flame-retardant materials and innovative engineering strategies to improve industrial safety and protect communities and the environment. Research topics include the experimental investigation of heat and mass transfer during ignition and combustion of 3D-printed biopolymer nanocomposites, as well as the advancement of hydrogel-based fire suppression technologies through collaborative materials development and performance validation. Applicants should have a background in Fire Protection Engineering/Technology, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science/Engineering, or a closely related field. Strong self-motivation, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills are essential. Preferred experience includes experimental fire testing, materials synthesis, polymer science, thermal analysis, material characterization, or combustion. The positions are fully funded, covering both stipend and tuition, and offer the opportunity to work in a collaborative, state-of-the-art research environment at a nationally recognized Carnegie R1 institution. To apply, candidates should email Dr. Shen with a CV/resume, academic transcripts, a brief statement of research interests, and contact information for 2–3 references. The subject line should read: 'SAFER Lab Graduate Application – MS/PhD – [Your Name]'. Application review will begin immediately and continue until the positions are filled. More information about the lab and ongoing research can be found on the SAFER Lab website. Keywords: fire safety, fire protection engineering, advanced materials, biopolymer nanocomposites, hydrogel fire suppression, materials science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, polymer science, thermal analysis.

The SAFER Lab at Oklahoma State University is recruiting fully funded MS and PhD students for research in fire safety and advanced materials. The lab, led by Assistant Professor Ruiqing (Ryan) Shen, is part of the Fire Protection & Safety Engineering Technology (FPSET) program. Research topics include the experimental investigation of heat and mass transfer during ignition and combustion of 3D-printed biopolymer nanocomposites, as well as the development and validation of hydrogel-based fire suppression technologies. The lab focuses on eco-friendly flame-retardant materials and innovative engineering strategies to improve industrial safety and protect communities and the environment. Applicants should have a background in Fire Protection Engineering/Technology, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science/Engineering, or a closely related field. Strong self-motivation, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills are essential. Preferred experience includes experimental fire testing, materials synthesis, polymer science, thermal analysis, material characterization, or combustion. The positions are fully funded, with support from major agencies such as the National Science Foundation (NSF), OSHA, and MSHA. Funding includes a stipend and tuition coverage. To apply, candidates should email [email protected] with a CV/resume, academic transcripts, a brief statement of research interests, and contact information for 2–3 references. The subject line should read: 'SAFER Lab Graduate Application – MS/PhD – [Your Name]'. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled. More information about the lab and ongoing research can be found at the SAFER Lab website . Oklahoma State University is a nationally recognized Carnegie R1 research institution with strong programs in engineering, fire protection, safety, and applied sciences. The FPSET Program is the first ABET-accredited Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology program in the United States and is recognized for its national importance in safeguarding art, history, and the public.