The Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), part of UL Research Institutes, is pleased to welcome Thomas DiPietro to the team as a research engineer after successfully concluding his research fellowship. His master’s research explored the thermal response of three-layer firefighter turnout gear, and his thesis was titled “Experimental Characterization of the Thermal Response of Firefighter Protective Ensembles Under Non-Flaming Convective Exposure.” 

Thomas started with FSRI through the internship program while studying mechanical engineering at Rowan University. As an intern, he supported several large-scale research experiments related to firefighter health and safety. This experience introduced him to fire protection engineering, which he saw as an opportunity to combine his experience as a firefighter with his academic pursuits in engineering. Shortly after graduating with his Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering in 2022, he began his fellowship program and graduate degree at the University of Maryland (UMD), College Park studying fire protection engineering. 

Now, as a research engineer, Thomas will continue to develop independent research while supporting other FSRI research projects. He graduated with his Master’s in fire protection engineering from UMD in 2024.

"We welcome Thomas to the FSRI family in a full-time capacity as he joins several of our staff members with combining fire service experience and fire protection engineering education. This blend will allow him to contribute to advance applicable research into firefighting PPE."

- Keith Stakes, principal research engineer, FSRI