jurban

James Urban

Fire Protection Engineering
Assistant Professor
EDUCATION
PhD Mechanical Engineering University of California, Berkeley 2017
MS Mechanical Engineering University of California, Berkeley 2014
BS Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Case Western Reserve University 2012
Expert Bio

Professor Urban's research is focused on the physical processes controlling whether or not flammable material ignites and then understanding how it burns. Much of this research has focused on small, hot objects such as firebrands (burning debris from an existing fire). Recently, Professor Urban received a grant to use the International Space Station for research that could help predict the spread of wildfires back here on Earth.

Research areas/Expertise
fire
fire safety
wildfires
fire characteristics
Fire dynamics
fire modeling
Fire test and product standards
fire testing
wildland fires
fire tests
Fire Protection Engineering
fire science
Air quality
Extreme weather

Media Coverage

See All Media Coverage
Reuters
Fact Check - In wake of Maui fires, here's why some trees survive damage

Fire protection engineering professors Albert Simeoni and James Urban were quoted in a Reuters Fact Check article on the dynamics of the devastating fires in Hawaii. They explain how wildfires spread and why some things in a burned area avoid damage when so much else is destroyed.

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Colleen B Wamback Associate Director, Public Relations

Colleen B Wamback
Director of Public Relations

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Jon Cain
Senior Public Relations Manager

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Steven Foskett
Public Relations Manager

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