Ruiqing Shen

The SAFER Lab at Oklahoma State University, led by Assistant Professor Ruiqing Shen, is recruiting fully funded MS and PhD students for Spring and Fall 2026. The lab is part of the Fire Protection & Safety Engineering Technology (FPSET) program within the School of Fire, Construction and Emergency Management. Research in the SAFER Lab focuses on fire safety, advanced materials, and the development of eco-friendly flame-retardant materials. Key topics include the fire behavior of 3D-printed biopolymer nanocomposites and hydrogel-based fire suppression technologies, aiming to improve industrial safety and protect communities and the environment. Applicants should have a background in engineering, materials science, or a related field, and demonstrate a strong interest in fire safety research. The positions are fully funded, covering tuition and providing a stipend, and are open to both MS and PhD candidates. The lab offers a collaborative environment with opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge research in fire protection engineering and advanced materials. To apply, candidates should email their application to [email protected] with the subject line 'SAFER Lab Graduate Application – MS/PhD – [Your Name]'. More information about the lab and its research can be found on the SAFER Lab website . This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in fire safety, materials science, and engineering to join a dynamic research group at a leading US institution.

Oklahoma State University’s Scientific Advancements in Fire Education and Research (SAFER) Lab is recruiting highly motivated MS and PhD students for fully funded graduate research positions starting in Spring/Fall 2027 . The positions are with Ruiqing Shen (Assistant Professor) in the area of fire protection engineering , wildfire investigation , grassland fire behavior , process safety , and wildfire impacts on chemical and process infrastructure . Research topics include evaluating the reliability of fire behavior and fire pattern indicators in grassland wildfire investigations, and characterizing wildfire-induced exposure conditions and failure mechanisms of process-safety-critical infrastructure at the wildland-industrial interface. Students will gain hands-on experience in field research , experimental fire testing , data analysis , fire modeling , and collaboration with fire management and process safety partners. The lab also emphasizes work with project partners and outreach/training activities. Eligible backgrounds include Fire Protection Engineering , Chemical Engineering , Mechanical Engineering , Fire Ecology , Wildland Fire Science , or related fields. For MS applicants, a bachelor’s degree is expected; for PhD applicants, a master’s degree is expected. Preferred experience includes wildfire research, prescribed fire, fire investigation, field instrumentation, experimental fire testing, data analysis, and statistical/reliability analysis. Funding is described as fully funded . Interested applicants should email [email protected] with a CV, transcripts, a brief research statement, and contact information for 2–3 references . Use the subject line: OSU SAFER Lab Graduate Application – MS/PhD – [Your Name] . No formal deadline is listed; the post says applications will be reviewed immediately and continue until the positions are filled.

Fully funded MS and PhD opportunities are available in the Scientific Advancements in Fire Education and Research (SAFER) Lab at Oklahoma State University for Spring/Fall 2027 . The positions are with Dr. Ruiqing (Ryan) Shen , Assistant Professor in the Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology program. The lab focuses on research in fire protection engineering , wildfire investigation , fire pattern analysis , grassland fire behavior , wildland fire science , fire modeling , reliability analysis , and the impacts of wildfires on chemical and process infrastructure . Students may work on experimental studies, field data collection, field instrumentation, data analysis, industry collaborations, scientific publications, and outreach/training materials. Eligible backgrounds include Fire Protection Engineering , Chemical Engineering , Mechanical Engineering , and Fire Ecology / Wildland Fire Science or closely related fields. For the MS track, a bachelor’s degree is expected; for the PhD track, a master’s degree is expected. The post also highlights strong self-motivation, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and willingness to conduct field-based research. Preferred experience includes wildfire research, prescribed fire, fire investigation, experimental fire testing, data analysis, and statistical/reliability analysis. The positions are described as fully funded , but no stipend amount is listed. Interested applicants should email [email protected] with a CV, transcripts, a brief statement of research interests, and contact information for 2–3 references. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.