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.