Explosion Protection Engineering

2026–2027 XPE MS Thesis Competition Winners Announced

The Master of Science in Explosion Protection Engineering program at Worcester Polytechnic Institute is pleased to announce the winners of the 2026–2027 XPE MS Thesis Competition.

The competition supports graduate students as they develop thesis research in explosion protection, process safety, and hazard mitigation. Winners receive support for up to six credits of MS thesis tuition, approximately $10,000, and the opportunity to connect with industry sponsors as their research develops.

The competition also gives sponsors early access to student talent and new research ideas. It is designed to create a strong connection between students, faculty, and industry around practical safety challenges.

How the Competition Works

From research idea to industry-supported thesis

Students develop a thesis idea independently or with support from faculty in the XPE program. They submit a title and abstract by the end of April.

Selected students present their research ideas during the first week of June. Each presentation includes 20 minutes for the research proposal and 10 minutes for questions and discussion.

Industry sponsors vote on the strongest proposals. The evaluation is based on the research idea, the quality of the presentation, the relevance of the topic, and the student’s response to questions.

This creates value for both students and sponsors. Students receive research support, feedback, and visibility. Sponsors engage with students early and help shape new research in areas important to industry.

2026–2027 Winners
Keven-Matthew Larrivee-Fontaine

Keven-Matthew Larrivee-Fontaine

Thesis Topic

Toward a More Fundamental and Scalable Approach to Dust Explosion Vent Design

Dust explosions are a serious hazard in industrial facilities. Explosion relief vents are a key engineering control, but current vent-sizing methods rely on measurements that may not fully represent real venting conditions.

Keven-Matthew’s thesis aims to develop a more fundamental and scalable approach to dust explosion vent design. His work can help improve protection strategies for facilities that handle combustible powders.

“What excites me most about explosion engineering is how it brings together chemistry, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics to solve a single problem where the goal is protecting people and infrastructure. It is a challenge worth taking on.”
Colette Bernier

Colette Bernier

Thesis Topic

Explosion Hazards in Hydrothermal Liquefaction Reactor Systems

Colette Bernier’s thesis investigates explosion hazards in hydrothermal liquefaction, or HTL, reactor systems. HTL is an emerging technology that can convert wet organic materials such as sewage sludge, food waste, algae, agricultural residues, and manure into renewable fuels and chemical products.

HTL hazards are not always typical combustion-driven explosions. They may involve two-phase flow, rapid pressure release, chemical energy release, reactor rupture, and vessel or piping fragmentation. These hazards are not yet well studied, especially as HTL technologies move toward larger-scale use.

Colette’s work addresses an important gap between explosion protection engineering, process safety, and renewable energy technology.

“As a chemical engineer I see the immense value of XPE from a process safety standpoint. The opportunity to contribute to the study of safe practices is a core source of motivation for me as an engineer.”
Looking Ahead

Students and future sponsors are encouraged to connect with XPE

XPE students interested in thesis research are encouraged to apply for the next XPE MS Thesis Competition.

The program welcomes students from mechanical engineering, civil engineering, fire protection engineering, aerospace engineering, chemical engineering, physics, chemistry, mathematics, and related fields.

Students interested in learning more about the application process should contact Prof. Jagan Jayachandran, Aerospace Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

jjayachandran@wpi.edu

Companies interested in supporting the competition or engaging with XPE students are encouraged to connect with the XPE program.