In the News

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Christmas tree fire dangers explained

Do you know how quickly a Christmas tree can burn and what measures you can take to prevent this type of fire from happening in your home? Every year, WPI’s student chapter of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers conducts a tree burn demonstration in a laboratory in the Department of Fire protection Engineering to educate students and the public on the dangers and dynamics of Christmas tree fires. The event highlights fire prevention and safety measures during the holiday season and highlights the hands-on learning opportunities available to students in WPI’s fire protection engineering program. 

Boston 25 News, the Telegram & Gazette, and Spectrum News 1 reported on this year’s demonstration which, for the first time, included an artificial tree in addition to a real tree. Also, don’t miss a replay of WPI’s live stream of the burn and our recap video which helps explain some of the lessons learned.

Watch the report from Boston 25 Read the report and watch a video from the Telegram & Gazette
Telegram.com
In Worcester, hundreds of students and professors enjoy 'celestial Super Bowl' of eclipse

Hundreds of students, faculty, and staff gathered on the campus quad to observe and celebrate the solar eclipse, which featured 93% solar coverage in Worcester. The viewing event was reported on by the Telegram & Gazette, and the article was republished by Yahoo! News. Rudra Kafle, associate professor of teaching in the physics department, provided analysis for the article on the importance of safe viewing practices.

Spectrum News 1
WPI professor: Solar eclipses can lead to scientific discoveries

Eclipses, like the one we experienced this week, are both exciting and moments of immense potential for scientific discovery. Rudra Kafle, associate professor of teaching in the physics department, explains in this report from Spectrum News 1 Worcester.

The Worcester Guardian
Why it's a big deal: physics prof talks solar eclipse

Amid the excitement for the 2024 total solar eclipse, Rudra Kafle, associate professor of teaching in the physics department, shared his thoughts on what makes these celestial events rare and scientifically important.