Summer Internship Diaries: My Days in FRISSBE

Hello there!!!

Winter is almost over and spring is on its way, but I suddenly remembered my summer days when I heard that our internship study from last summer has published in a magazine. I thought it would be a great time to talk about our time in Slovenia last summer.

Choosing between summer holidays and internships can be a tough decision for many students. Initially, I faced the same dilemma, I eventually opted for the internship, driven by my passion for research and the desire to explore a new facet of Europe. However, I ultimately decided to seize the chance to do internship with the FRISSBE (Fire-safe Sustainable Built Environment) project at ZAG (Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute). This decision stemmed from my deep-seated interest in research-based work, aligning perfectly with my aspirations for pursuing a PhD in the near future. With the support of Grunde Jomaas, along with three other IMFSE colleagues (Ashwant Singh, Farith Hinojosa Coca, & Matheus Ponteus Lima), we got this opportunity at the beginning of the year.

My journey to Slovenia, laden with luggage after five months in Lund, initially seemed fraught with challenges. Opting for a bus journey to Slovenia seemed practical at that time, though it turned out to be quite the misadventure. I vividly recall my arrival in Slovenia, greeted by two IAESTE members at the bus stop, who humorously remarked, “Did you bring all of Sweden with you?” It was a light-hearted moment that marked the beginning of an unforgettable experience.

Life in Ljubljana, facilitated by IAESTE, was nothing short of wonderful. We were provided with student subsidies for meals, fondly known as “Boni,” which allowed us to enjoy discounted meals twice a day. I really enjoy to cook my own food, but in Slovenia, I couldn’t resist trying out all the halal and vegan restaurants that accept the Boni coupons.

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During our time with FRISSBE, our task was on conducting research in collaboration with Knauf Insulation on open-state cavity barriers for ventilated façades. Despite having completed one year of the IMFSE program, our exposure to passive fire protection was limited in that time (Passive Fire Protection is included in 3rd semester of Ghent University), making this internship an invaluable opportunity to delve into this aspect of fire engineering. Throughout our internship, we organized and conducted meetings with employees of different countries, to gather crucial information regarding the testing requirements for open-state cavity barriers. We delivered presentations, set up our testing campaign, conducted bench-scale fire tests, also analyzed and reported our findings. This experience felt like a precursor to our thesis work, and we’re proud to have our findings published in WFM Media (Pages 8-14).

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In addition to our primary research tasks, we were fortunate to participate in the 3rd traditional seminar titled “FIRE TAKES NO VACATION: Engineering Methods for Fire Safety Design.” The seminar focused on performance-based methods, particularly emphasizing Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). We also attended an internal workshop on research careers, funding, and publishing, where I had the opportunity to prepare an introductory presentation on Professors José Torero and Bart Merci. The event featured presentations from esteemed experts like Professors José Torero, Bart Merci, and Grunde Jomaas, providing an enriching experience for all attendees. Personally, listening to Prof. José Torero was an amazing and unique experience, his words resonated with my first semester experiences at the University of Edinburgh.

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Beside this, we had a wonderful opportunity to visit to visit the R&D facilities of Knauf Insulation (KI) in Škofja Loka, Slovenia. The visit was immensely beneficial for us, throughout the full-day visit, we explored various departments, starting with the acoustic laboratory to understand the significance of sound absorption, sound insulation, and how these concepts influence the decision-making about insulation products. Moreover, we delved into the materials laboratory to learn about KI’s materials, products, and testing processes.

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Amidst our busy schedules, we also found time for leisure, organizing an Intern Special BBQ in Logatec. Additionally, we cherished daily lunches together, often enjoying Ulises’ special Panini in the dining area. These tiny moments added a delightful dimension to our internship experience. Reflecting on those summer days, our usual mode of transportation to Logatec from Ljubljana involved carpooling, but occasionally, we opted for train rides to accommodate our work schedules. Let me tell you, the train journey was nothing short of spectacular, offering breathtaking views that left a lasting impression.

Within our internship commitments, we were fortunate to have breaks to explore Slovenia’s treasures. We visited so many places in Slovenia, trust me you won’t believe how much Slovenia has to offer unless you go there. Ljubljana, the heart of Slovenia, was easily navigable via public transport, with discounted weekend bus fares and organized trips by IAESTE adding to the adventure. Also, I had the opportunity to visit neighboring countries like Croatia, Hungary, and Italy, each offering its own unique charm.

The seamless communication and the sheer beauty of Slovenia left me awestruck. Undoubtedly, choosing to intern at FRISSBE was the best decision I made. I am immensely grateful to Grunde Jomaas and Amaya Oscar for entrusting me with this opportunity and for their unwavering guidance. I also extend my gratitude to Frederick Knez, Andrea Lucherini, Ulises Rojas Alva, and the entire ZAG team for their support throughout the summer.

A Remarkable Tradition: Reflecting on the 8th IMFSE Fire Safety Engineering Day

The IMFSE Fire Safety Engineering Day is a cherished tradition where students, alumni, instructors, and sponsors come together to share their valuable experiences. In 2021, the 7^th IMFSE FSE Day adapted to the challenges posed by Covid-19, taking the form of an enriching online technical seminar. The subsequent year witnessed a dual celebration—marking both the IMFSE’s illustrious 10-year milestone and a momentous graduation ceremony in Ghent. Last year, the tradition continued to thrive as the 8^th IMFSE Fire Safety Engineering Day unfolded in the captivating city of Barcelona, Spain. This occasion became even more special as Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) hosted the event as a full-time partner.

The core theme of the day revolved around the ‘Fire Safety Challenges of New Energy Vectors’. The event provided an exciting platform to attend engaging discussions and talks on tackling fire safety concerns in high-risk industries and other situations within the energy transition framework. Additionally, we had the pleasure of meeting around 50 fellow IMFSE students, numerous IMFSE educators from partner institutions (The University of Edinburgh, Lund University, Ghent University, UPC), and representatives from contributing companies like Basler & Hofmann, DBI, ETEX (Promat), Hydrock, Jensen Hughes, Kingspan, NFPA, OFR Consultants, Semper, and Sodeca.

Preparations from our side, for this remarkable day began during our initial semester in Ghent and Edinburgh. We planned ahead and booked flights from Copenhagen. The journey to the event was unexpectedly enjoyable, with much of our cohort on the same flight, giving it the feel of an “IMFSE special flight”. Following the engaging event, we had the chance to explore the vibrant city of Barcelona and savor its cuisine. The transition from the Scandinavian climate to the sunny beach ambiance of Barcelona provided a perfect conclusion to our Easter break.

Before joining the IMFSE program, I relied on the program’s blog to stay informed about its events. Last year, I had the immense pleasure of actively participating in one of these significant gatherings for the first time. The event held tremendous value as it allowed us to gain knowledge, broaden our networks, engage with alumni, and learn from their diverse experiences. That year I had a chance to meet one of the Bangladeshi Alumni of IMFSE, though we didn’t know each other before, this program helped us to get connected. I am eagerly looking forward to the 9^th IMFSE Fire Safety Engineering Day in Lund, Sweden, where we will have the opportunity to meet the incoming cohort and glean insights from our recently graduated peers about their professional journeys.

Fires, Dreams, and Learning: My IMFSE Journey

Have you ever found yourself wondering, “How did I get here? What led me to this moment?” I’ve had several of these introspective moments, especially when I embarked on my master’s degree journey in IMFSE. It all began when a girl from a small country like Bangladesh left her home to chase her dreams. I vividly remember every step of that journey, as it marked my first time traveling abroad and taking on the responsibility of managing everything on my own. IMFSE, for me, isn’t just a master’s program; it’s a life-changing experience filled with struggles, lessons, and growth.

I hail from a country where using emergency doors during emergencies can be challenging, fire hydrants sometimes lack water connections, and many people are unsure about what to do in a fire emergency. Transitioning from this context to a dedicated fire safety-related master’s program was a significant challenge. My background was in Building Engineering and Construction Management, where I learned about building construction but had little exposure to building safety during fire emergencies.

Before leaving my homeland, I was filled with excitement. I couldn’t help but daydream about the beauty of Scotland and the prestigious University of Edinburgh. However, reality hit me hard in the first week of IMFSE classes. Understanding what the professors were saying was a struggle and my two-week delay due to a visa issue added to the difficulties. At times, I questioned if I had made the right decision, wondering if this program was truly suited for me. It was during these uncertain times that my friend Amina offered me a reassuring reminder, “You are here just because you deserve to be here.” Her simple yet profound support acted as a powerful tonic. I persevered and soon came to the realization that choosing this path was indeed the best decision of my life.

The initial weeks were challenging as I found myself studying alongside peers who already possessed extensive knowledge of fire safety engineering. Some had their own companies, and others had substantial work experience. I compared myself to them and worried that I might not measure up. However, I reminded myself that I came here to learn, and my knowledge would grow significantly over some time. Now, just a year later, I can confidently say that I know far more than I did before. One thing that became clear is that this program is suitable for individuals from various backgrounds. We had students from electrical, mechanical, chemical, safety, civil engineering, and architecture backgrounds. Some were fresh graduates, while others had years of experience. When we started, we all had specific strengths and weaknesses, but now, we stand on equal ground, having gained a wealth of knowledge from this program.

Over the past year, I’ve undergone a profound transformation. The two semesters I spent at the University of Edinburgh and Lund University, guided by some inspiring professors, have been nothing short of amazing. This opportunity, I must say, has allowed me to delve into self-discovery. Today, I find myself a more confident, enthusiastic, and independent individual than I was just one year ago. During the summer break, when I had the chance to return to my home country, I made a sensible decision to explore the field of fire safety and gain professional experience through an internship at FRISSBE. This journey was both enjoyable and enlightening, and I look forward to sharing more about my summer adventures soon.

IMFSE has been instrumental in helping me understand the critical importance of fire engineering. Prior to this program, fire was merely a physical phenomenon extinguished with water. Now, I comprehend that a small candle flame can escalate into a massive fire. Whenever I see a building, I instinctively consider its evacuation plan and ponder how people behave in a fire. These were not common thoughts for me before, but now I recognize their significance.

In essence, this exceptional program is accessible to all backgrounds, and it unravels the mysteries of fire engineering visually. The curriculum, combining theory and practical components, is designed in such a way that every student can relate it to their background. It doesn’t change your background; instead, it enriches your career. A year into the program, I noticed a significant shift in my perspective. I began to approach building construction with a heightened focus on fire safety and its intricacies.

I am deeply grateful to everyone who supported me on this journey.

Thank You 😊

Every year, this program produces remarkable fire engineers while also welcoming a new batch of hopeful students. If you're reading this and feel that you could be the next person to benefit from this fantastic program and add value to your engineering career, consider applying for the IMFSE 2024 cohort. 🔥 Applications for the IMFSE 2024 cohort are now open! 🔥 CLICK HERE TO KNOW MORE 🔥