MechSE alumnus Dr. Gavin Horn (BSME 1998, MSME 2000, PhD ME 2004) pioneered his own unique path to earning his doctorate in mechanical engineering. After earning his bachelor’s degree and PhD in mechanical engineering from Illinois, he went on to complete his master’s degree in fire protection engineering at the University of Maryland. With over 100 peer-reviewed articles and 15 years of service as a firefighter, he is now working as a Research Director for the Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), Horn credits his education with impacting the trajectory of his career. The FSRI is part of the Underwriters Laboratories’ (UL) Research Institutes.

“Having a background in engineering built the foundation on how I approach a problem. In both research and emergency situations, this foundation helps me think clearly on my feet so I can bring the most positive outcome as the situation calls.”

During his time at the university, Horn was inspired by former MechSE Professor Tom Mackin to learn about failure analysis in the context of materials and mechanics after the September 11, 2001 attack. A dedicated firefighter safety program created while he was a PhD student became the foundation for his interest in fire safety.

“I am currently interested in the human health implications of smoke, lithium-ion battery fires, and wildland urban interface fires,” he said. “The goal of this research is to help protect the public.”

Horn is currently collaborating with Denise Smith, a researcher with the Illinois Fire Service Institute who specializes in human physiology, to research the cardiovascular impacts of heat stress and fire.

“We research what’s in the smoke, how it affects the human body, why firefighters are at risk for cardiovascular events, and ways to reduce the risk of long-term health issues,” he said.

He also investigates how evolving material properties impact fire risk. “I believe that it’s more important than ever to keep in mind the evolution of materials we live with,” he said. From synthetic materials to larger urban fires and fires involving electric vehicles, the way in which a fire ignites and propagates impacts its potential hazards. The ever-expanding plethora of new materials has created research niches necessary for understanding how to prevent fires.

“We’re playing a lot of catch-up,” Horn said. “In our research we’re learning how to stay ahead of the game to reduce risks of fires involving new technology.”

His engineering background has provided the foundation for his problem-solving strategies. “When you’re fighting a fire, it’s all about thinking on your feet and bringing the most positive outcome possible with what you have,” Horn said. He said he uses his research skills to test and apply things he finds in the moment and make on-the-spot decisions.

“My mechanical engineering education provided the background to understand fire dynamics, thermal dynamics, and heat transfer; it helps me to teach other firefighters to apply these to real life,” he said of utilizing his skillset on the job. “These skills are also useful to help with fire investigations to find the cause of each fire.”

Horn reflected that excelling in his current career has not come naturally. “I was a shy person,” he said of his years as a student. “I had a hard time speaking in public.” As an undergraduate, he was pushed to present his research to a large crowd. Although he struggled to build confidence, he stepped out of his comfort zone to adjust to talking to a large group of people. Now, after hundreds of presentations, he feels that he has exponentially improved his skill.

“School taught me more than just engineering skills,” he said. “It’s about pushing beyond your comfort level.”

Horn remarked that while his career is constantly evolving, he aims to continue on the path of fire safety and research.

“If you asked my 15-year-old self, this is exactly what I would have wanted to do—my career path has been non-traditional but very rewarding,” he said. “Engineering can help create safer and more fulfilling lives, and I am motivated by the goal of having my research bettering the course of someone’s life.”