FPSET alumnus accepts appointment to World Trade Center Health Program of the CDC

Thursday, October 15, 2020

Dr. Michael Larrañaga, an alumnus of the School of Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology (FPSET) at Oklahoma State University (OSU), has been appointed to the Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee (STAC) of the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for a four-year term that started on October 1, 2020.

The STAC has three main goals as it pertains to the first responders and survivors of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania: the STAC advises on eligibility criteria for first responder and survivor membership in the Program, research needs, and on the addition of a particular health related issue to the official list of WTC-Related Health Conditions.

“My goal is to do the best job possible in honor of those impacted by the events of that day,” Larrañaga said. “I have tremendous respect for the sacrifice and hardships that the 9/11 first responders and survivors continue to endure.”

Larrañaga is currently the president and managing principal of REM Risk Consultants, which is a comprehensive environmental, safety, risk, resilience and sustainability consulting firm with offices in Texas and Arkansas. He credits his education and the network he developed through his time as a student and faculty member at OSU with the success he’s had throughout his career.

“Being associated with OSU and with the FPSET program has given me a lot of credibility because of the institution and program’s national recognition within the circles of fire protection and safety,” Larrañaga said. “All the tools that the program gives FPSET students are beneficial no matter the profession.”

MEDIA CONTACT: Jeff Hopper | CEAT Marketing | 405-744-2745 | jeff.hopper@okstate.edu