Our research group seeks to understand the fundamental physical processes in fire processes so they can be applied to practical applications (e.g., fire protection standards, fire modelling tools). This is accomplished through studying fire and combustion science with experiments and numerical modelling. Experiments range from small (10cm) to large (6m) scale and can include complementary computational physical modelling.
Current Openings for Paid Positions
To apply please email your CV/Resume to Prof. Urban and apply to the FPE MS or PhD program if not already a WPI student.
PhD Students
Interested PhD students should apply to WPI’s Fire Protection Engineering PhD program and send Prof. Urban an email with their CV and a description of the project(s) they are interested in and why. When funded positions become open they will be listed below and advertised elsewhere.
To be considered for a Fall start date, students are recommended to apply before mid-January of the year prior. However applications are accepted year-around, and start dates in January are possible. Applicants should have a Bachelors or Masters degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Fire Protection, or Aerospace Engineering or related STEM field.
Postdoctoral Scholars
When positions are available they will be posted on this website and advertised elsewhere. Interested applicants should apply to the postings and send Prof. Urban an email with their CV and cover letter. Applicants should have a Doctoral Degree in a relevant engineering field.
MS Thesis Students
MS students can do their thesis on most of the existing research projects as well as other research topics of mutual interest.
Interested students should email Prof. Urban.
MQP/IQP Projects (for Undergrad WPI Students)
Professor Urban regularly supervises 1-2 MQPs or IQPs related to fire each year. Below is a list of possible topics for MQPs and a list of past and on-going MQP projects:
Possible Future MQP projects
- Projects related to ongoing research projects
- Design & build new experimental platform
- Use existing fire or wildfire modelling tool for new purpose
- Building numerical models of wildfire/fire/combustion behavior
- Math & Programming experience required
- Phase II of past or on-going MQPs
- Your own idea? If you have your own MPQ topic that you think might be a good fit, please contact Prof. Urban
Past MQPs:
- Firebrand Generator MQP
- Wildland Fire Fighting Robot
- Fire Resistant Phone Case MQP
- Improved Fire Plume Module for Fire Dynamics
On-going IQPs:
- Usability Requirements for a toxic gas sensor for the fire service