The Fire Education and Research (FIRE) Center was established by the Department of Fire Protection Engineering in 2003 as a membership organization. Members support our most talented undergraduates with scholarships and provide financial support for our best graduate students as they progress to advanced degrees. Stipends are awarded in the form of teaching assistantships to talented seniors and Master’s students who in turn enhance undergraduate education by assisting our faculty in a range of teaching activities. Membership in the FIRE Center allows the Department to maintain a steady stream of resources to attract and support our most talented undergraduate and graduate students. Become a Member of the FIRE Center and be a part of supporting our best graduates in pursuing their advanced degrees Enhancing undergraduate education with talented teaching assistants.

Become a Member of the FIRE Center and be a part of:

• Supporting our best graduates in pursuing their advanced degrees
• Enhancing undergraduate education with talented teaching assistants

Students Currently Supported by the FIRE Center

Chi T. Do, B.S./M.S. Alum:  “As a student in the B.S./M.S. program, I experienced a real sense of community and one-on-one attention that I have not encountered anywhere else. Due to the funding that I received from the FIRE Center, I was able to concentrate on my studies and stay on track.”

Yinghui “Amy” Zheng, Ph.D. Student:  “I have been able to pursue my Ph.D. due to the exceptional academic support that I received from the faculty and generous financial support, which came primarily through the FIRE Center.  I have had the opportunity to identify and focus on my research topic without distraction.”

Keenan “Tom” Dotson, M.S. Student:  “I was attracted to the M.S. program because I knew that Maryland was a place where I could find an ideal research topic.  Guidance from and access to my advisor has been key to my progress and success, as has FIRE Center funding, which has allowed me the freedom and flexibility to pursue my studies full-time.”  (Note: As of January 2010, Tom has decided to enroll as a Ph.D. student.)

Current FIRE Center Membership

We are grateful to the current members of the FIRE Center. Their support makes a significant difference in the lives of our students.

Full Members
 

Associate Members
 

• American Fire Sprinkler Association
• Honeywell Life Safety
• Hughes Associates, Inc.
• Reliable Automatic Sprinkler
• Roger R. Cholin Scholarship
• Salamander, the National FPE Honor Society
• SFPE, Chesapeake Chapter
• SFPE, Greater Atlanta Chapter
• The Wells Fund, PGCF

Confirmed Sponsorships

Fall 2012:

Spring 2013:

Membership Levels

Full members typically provide salary support for one teaching assistant for one year at the level of $15,000, or an equivalent level of scholarship support for an academic year. Associate members typically provide undergraduate scholarship support at the level of $5,000 per year.

Contacts
 

• Jim Milke
  Professor and Chair
  301-405-3995
  milke@umd.edu
• Sharon Hodgson
  Director of Administrative Services
  301-405-3963 direct line
  shodgson@umd.edu