Oklahoma State University’s College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology has long played a central role in advancing the field of fire protection and safety engineering through the oldest and first ABET-accredited fire/safety program — Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology.

With a strong foundation in applied training and a rapidly expanding research portfolio, CEAT offers a unique ecosystem where foundational fire science, engineering innovation and workforce development intersect. For faculty across engineering disciplines, OSU’s fire programs represent a collaborative environment with significant potential for interdisciplinary research.

A comprehensive platform for fire research

CEAT’s fire-related research is anchored by FPSET.

While historically rooted in professional preparation, the school has broadened its focus to include rigorous research initiatives led by faculty with expertise spanning combustion science, materials behavior, human factors, structural fire engineering and risk analysis.

Current research areas include:

• Fire dynamics and computational modeling, with projects exploring heat release behavior, plume development and predictive simulations of compartment fire growth.
• Material and structural performance, including studies of composite materials, eco-friendly fire-safe materials and advancing the manufacturing of polymeric materials.
• Suppression and detection technologies, emphasizing improved reliability and corrosion influence.
• Industrial fire and process safety, with research addressing ignition hazards, dust explosions and risk mitigation strategies in high-hazard sectors.
• Wildland-urban interface impacts, examining fire spread mechanisms, community-scale vulnerability and resilience strategies.

The school’s growing experimental capabilities, combined with access to CEAT’s shared research infrastructure, enable controlled testing, measurement and data collection at scales relevant to engineering research.

Research-driven collaboration across disciplines

CEAT’s fire programs regularly engage faculty from mechanical, civil, chemical and industrial engineering in joint research initiatives. These collaborations support work on:

• Fire-resistant material development
• Human behavior and egress under emergency conditions
• Energy storage systems fire hazards

This interdisciplinary approach has not only strengthened CEAT’s research impact but has also fostered proposals to federal agencies and industry partners seeking integrated fire safety solutions.

Preparing future contributors to fire research

CEAT’s undergraduate and graduate pathways in fire protection and safety attract students with strong technical backgrounds who are interested in research-intensive experiences.

Students gain exposure to laboratory work, analytical modeling and industry-driven challenges, creating a pipeline of researchers who continue into graduate studies or professional roles that contribute to national fire safety advancements. 

Translational impact through extension

Complementing the engineering research and teaching environment are four CEAT Extension Units: Fire Protection Publications, Fire Service Training, International Fire Service Accreditation Congress, and Professional Development.

These units provide the tools necessary for the fire service to keep communities safe, save lives and protect property. From publishing training manuals to practical training using research-backed concepts to accrediting fire service certifying entities and higher education fire-related degree programs to providing customized fire protection training for companies, CEAT Extension’s impact is worldwide.

Positioned for growth and collaboration

As fire safety challenges ranging from emerging materials and energy technologies to urbanization and climate-exacerbated wildfire behavior evolve, CEAT is positioned to expand its impact.

The college continues to strengthen faculty expertise, pursue multidisciplinary research funding and support collaborations that integrate engineering science with real-world fire protection needs.

For engineering faculty seeking research partnerships grounded in meaningful societal impact, CEAT’s fire programs offer a mature infrastructure, a strong academic community and a clear commitment to advancing fire science.