College of

Engineering, Architecture and Technology

The International Association of Emergency Managers is a global organization dedicated to honoring people whose goal is to save lives and protect property and the environment during emergencies and disasters.

  

Elise Hayes, a Ph.D. student in the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology’s School of Fire, Construction and Emergency Management, was recently honored with IAEM’s Quarantelli Scholarship, which will provide her $10,000.

  

“I am deeply honored and proud to be selected as a recipient of the Quantanelli Scholarship from IAEM,” Hayes said. “It represents recognition from leaders in the emergency management profession, and it motivates me to continue advancing in my academic and professional journey.” 

 

Hayes earned her undergraduate degree in 2020 from the University of Missouri and then her master’s in emergency and disaster management in the Fire and Emergency Management Administration program at Oklahoma State University.

 

“My master’s program gave me a strong foundation in disaster studies and mitigation strategies, while my Ph.D. program allows me to go deeper into research and contribute to the field in more meaningful ways,” Hayes said.

  

The financial support will allow Hayes to focus more time on research, coursework and professional development, especially with her funding her own education.  

Her expertise is in emergency and disaster management, focusing on recovery, public assistance, community preparedness, and the mental health of first responders. Her doctoral research has also delved into areas such as ammonium nitrate explosions, disaster governance and response planning.

  

Hayes has a passion for saving lives and building community resilience and wants to contribute on a global scale.

  

“My long-term goal is to work in international emergency management, helping to strengthen preparedness, response, and recovery systems on a global scale,” Hayes said. “I am also passionate about bridging academic research and practical field application to improve how communities anticipate, withstand, and recover from disasters.”

 

Dr. Tony McAleavy, associate professor and program coordinator of the Fire and Emergency Management Program in FCEM, said the Quarantelli Scholarship is named in honor of a pioneer of emergency management, making it even more prestigious.

  

“The award demonstrates the International Association of Emergency Manager's commitment to fostering the next generation of emergency management professionals,” McAleavy said. “It recognizes awardees’ high academic standing and scholarly writing skill.

 

“She has consistently demonstrated her ability to integrate her extensive federal and county-level emergency management experience with academia to bridge the gap between theory, policy, and practice. Elise epitomizes the Cowboy Code of a strong work ethic, integrity, and a passion for doing what's right, even when it's difficult.” 

The FEMP program has provided Hayes with a great combination of academic challenge and real-world application. She has been mentored by leaders in her field and become connected to a network of professionals who are passionate and committed about advancing the practice and policy of emergency management.  

Hayes is thankful for her support network within CEAT that has helped prepare her for a successful career in emergency management.

  

“I would like to express my gratitude not only for the recognition and support through the Quantanelli Scholarship, but also to my professors at OSU,” Hayes said. “Their guidance, encouragement, and dedication have played a vital role in shaping my academic journey and preparing me to contribute to the emergency management profession.” 

 

McAleavy said Hayes receiving this scholarship highlights OSU’s commitment to the Land-Grant mission as well as the university’s role as the preeminent fire and emergency management administration program.  

 

“We take pride in delivering a superior experience that prepares leaders, educators and researchers in fire and emergency management-related fields,” McAleavy said. “Elise is one of the many excellent students and (graduates) who represent the program around the world.”