Shuna completed a PhD in civil engineering at Texas A&M University in 2018 and afterwards she spent some time post-doc’ing at Hopkins. She’s now an assistant professor at University of Maryland in the Department of Fire Protection Engineering. We caught up with her to talk about her time here at JHU and learn a bit more about her journey to where she is today.
What is your current position?
I’m an Assistant Professor in the Department of Fire Protection Engineering at the University of Maryland at College Park, and I’m also affiliated with the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Maryland at College Park.
Why did you pursue this career path? What motivated and attracted you to it?
I pursued a career in academics because I enjoy the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the field. The freedom to explore new ideas, conduct research, and contribute to the body of knowledge in my area of expertise is incredibly fulfilling. Additionally, the opportunity to mentor and inspire students, fostering their intellectual growth and curiosity, is highly rewarding.
What are the biggest challenges in your field – not just for you, but for all leaders in this area?
In recent years, wildfires have become increasingly severe, driven by climate change. The impact of wildfires on human communities has been profound, with thousands of homes destroyed, lives lost, and entire towns evacuated. How to improve the wildfire resilience of those wildland-urban interface communities is essential. There are many active research areas on this topic. One of my projects was focused on the Maui wildfire that has claimed more than 100 lives and decimated the historic Lahaina town. The goal of that project is to enhance the WUI fire assessment through compiling a comprehensive dataset that accurately documents how the wildfire spread and impacted the community of Lahaina. It will also assess the feasibility of using high-fidelity CFD-based models to simulate the burning of individual structures in a WUI fire scenario.
We would love to hear about any noteworthy professors or pivotal experiences you had at the Whiting School.
My postdoctoral supervisor, Thomas Gernay, is the best mentor I have encountered throughout my academic career. He is exceptionally knowledgeable and patient with everyone he works with. He has a strong commitment to supporting students and postdocs, both within and outside of his group. His support for me has continued even after I became an independent Principal Investigator.
What advice would you offer students preparing for a career in your field?
My advice is to focus deeply on your research and genuinely enjoy the process. Passion and enthusiasm for your work are key to sustaining long-term commitment and achieving success. Believe in your abilities and your potential to make meaningful contributions. This self-confidence will help you overcome challenges and stay motivated.