James Urban

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). 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. That study has been featured in multiple media outlets including the space exploration podcast Are We There Yet? and Spaceflight Now.

Media Coverage

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GBH

WPI research on wildfires is headed to space

Astronauts on the International Space Station will perform experiments for a study led by James Urban, assistant professor in the Department of Fire Protection Engineering. A spacecraft carrying materials for the experiments was launched to the space station on August 4. Urban studies wildfires and believes the experiments in microgravity will provide insight on non-steady flame behavior and lead to better understanding of how wildfires spread on Earth.

Additional Publications: Spaceflight Now | IndustryWired | Mass Live | Are We There Yet? - The Space Exploration Podcast | Spectrum News 1

The Worcester Guardian

NSF taps WPI's fire protection program for its research center

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.

James Urban

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