In the News

Note: Some media outlets require users to log-in. The Gordon Library offers the WPI community free access to a number of newspapers. Visit newspaper database for details.  

Preview Students stand next to wheelchair in large open room

Student innovation and entrepreneurship at WPI

Several media outlets reported on the accomplishments of WPI students Antonio Marzoratti and Ivan Zou. A company they help run with co-founder Arav Tyagi, a Boston University student, has developed a device to transform a manual wheelchair into one powered by a portable battery. The students’ company won the 2024 Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization Global Pitch Competition. Their innovative idea was the subject of reports and interviews by GBH’s All Things Considered, Boston 25 News, and WHDH. WPI supports student entrepreneurs with its i3 Lab, mentorship, networking, business guidance, and pitch competition opportunities.

The Worcester Guardian

New announcement will allow WPI to build upon its longstanding expertise in fire protection to study new fire detection methods, robotics solutions to enhance first responder safety, and fire suppression systems for wildfires.

WBUR 90.9

WBUR reports on the addition of WPI to a federal Wildlife Interdisciplinary Research Center. The work will focus on fire detection models, first responder safety, and wildfire suppression systems.

Associated Press

The Associated Press interviewed Professor Nick Dembsey, fire protection engineering, for this article. Dembsey told the AP that the goal of the new risk assessment tool known as the Risk Evaluation Matrix is to enable fire marshals, building owners and others to make their structures safer through a rational and scientific approach. 

International Fire Protection Magazine

International Fire Protection Magazine featured an article regarding an extensive literature review of fire safety codes conducted for the National Association of State Fire Marshals Fire Research & Education Foundation by Nick Dembsey, professor of fire protection engineering.