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.

Spectrum News 1

Spectrum News1 Worcester interviewed Kathy Chen, executive director of the STEM Education Center at WPI, and Nicole Anterni, director of sponsorship and events, about the university’s involvement with Massachusetts STEM week. Supported by the Governor’s office, the week highlights the importance of encouraging young people to get involved in the science, technology, engineering, and math fields.

Telegram.com

The Telegram & Gazette reported on the National Science Foundation (NSF) awarding WPI a $1 million grant to help low-income, high-achieving students earn a STEM degree from the university. WPI Director of Multicultural Affairs and Biomedical Engineering Professor Tiffiny Butler is principal investigator, while Katherine Chen, executive director of the STEM Education Center, is co-principal investigator.