EDI

Unlocking Potential: Embracing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at EMBER

In the dynamic realm of team construction, the pillars of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusivity (EDI) stand tall, shaping the very core of our collective ethos. At EMBER, we're not just proponents; we're dedicated practitioners of EDI. It’s about more than providing equal opportunities—it’s about fostering an environment where every individual, regardless of gender, race, age, background, or any other factor, feels welcomed, valued, and heard.

Why does it matter?

Because in the tapestry of diverse perspectives, experiences, and talents lies the key to unparalleled innovation. Our commitment to EDI isn’t just a checkbox; it’s a philosophy that enhances problem-solving, elevates decision-making, and sparks creativity.

Yet, the journey toward equity in STEM is ongoing. While progress is evident, women and minorities, including people with disabilities, remain underrepresented. EMBER acknowledges this reality and takes a proactive stance in our recruitment and engagement strategies. Over the next academic years, we're not just planning; we're taking action:

• Funding: We’re investing in the future by committing to annually funding 1-2 undergraduate student researchers from underrepresented groups, empowering talents from diverse backgrounds.

• Training: We believe in equipping the next generation. EMBER will conduct training sessions on fire research equipment and methodology for undergraduates from underrepresented groups, ensuring inclusivity in skill development.

• Spotlight: Every achievement deserves recognition. Through this platform, we’re highlighting the accomplishments of underrepresented groups, inspiring our community and paving the way for diverse careers in research.

Welcoming Prof. Ann Jeffers: A Step Toward Mental Health Awareness

In October 2024, EMBER Fire Group had the honor of hosting Prof. Ann Jeffers from the University of Michigan, a distinguished expert in structural design in fire and wildland-urban interface fires. As part of her visit, Prof. Jeffers delivered a compelling talk on mental health to the Faculty of Engineering and Design at Carleton University, an event organized by Prof. Mohamed Beshir. This talk is a testament to our ongoing commitment to promoting mental health awareness in academia. Prof. Jeffers, a renowned speaker and advocate for mental health in academia, shared valuable insights and perspectives on the challenges and resilience required in academic life. She recently published her memoir, Can You Hear the Music?, which is available on Amazon globally. The book has received positive reviews, with bphope.com listing it as one of the 2023 must-reads on bipolar disorder. At EMBER FIRE, we are incredibly proud of Prof. Jeffers’ work and advocacy and are honored to have had her share her experiences with us at Carleton. 📖 Read more about Ann's visit below and here.

Diversity at EMBER: More Than Just Words

At EMBER, we don’t just talk about diversity—we embody it. Our group is home to researchers from different backgrounds, genders, religions, and cultures. We take pride in the rich diversity of our team, which includes:

✅ Four female researchers (50% of our members) actively contributing to our projects.

✅ Team members from North America, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa.

✅ A mix of ethnicities, including White, Black, brown, and Middle Eastern researchers.

✅ People from different religious backgrounds and belief systems, fostering a culture of mutual respect and inclusion.

At EMBER, we strive for equal opportunities, ensuring that every voice is heard and every perspective is valued. Because at the end of the day, we’re not just building a team—we’re cultivating a vibrant community where every ember ignites a flame of possibility. 

Fire safety engineering has long struggled with underrepresentation of both women and Black professionals, with the field historically dominated by men and lacking diversity in leadership and research roles. Recognizing this gap, I have prioritized building an inclusive research group where diversity is not just encouraged but actively represented. In my group, 50% of the members are female, including two memebrs identify as Black female researchers. Notably, one of our members, Jane Gachuche, an MSc-PhD fast-track student at EMBER Fire Group, was recently awarded the prestigious IBET Momentum Fellowship. This fellowship, valued at $30,000 per year for four years, supports the advancement of Black and Indigenous scholars in engineering and STEM, helping to create a more equitable and inclusive research environment.

Beyond representation, equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are embedded in our research projects. We conduct extensive work on fire safety in informal settlements and low- and middle-income countries, where fire risks are often severe and under-researched. Additionally, we are actively engaged in studying evacuation challenges for people with disabilities in case of fires, working to develop more inclusive and effective evacuation strategies. Through these efforts, we aim to ensure that fire safety engineering research is not only technically advanced but also socially responsible and accessible to all communities.

Encouraging Student Involvement in EDI Initiatives

At EMBER, we actively encourage our students to engage in EDI efforts beyond our group. We are proud to share that Mohamed Tawfik, a dedicated member of our research team, has joined the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee of the International Association for Fire Safety Science (IAFSS). The IAFSS DEI Committee plays a crucial role in fostering diversity and inclusion within the global fire safety science community. By advocating for equitable treatment of all individuals—regardless of ethnicity, gender, abilities, or background—the committee ensures that the field remains welcoming and accessible to all. Mohamed’s involvement in this initiative reflects EMBER’s ongoing commitment to promoting inclusivity, supporting underrepresented voices, and integrating diverse perspectives into fire safety research and practice. His contributions to the DEI Committee will help shape policies and initiatives that strengthen diversity within fire safety science.

Curious to know more? 🌟 Dive into the captivating stories of our group members here!