Please introduce yourself and tell us about your career journey to date.
I am Karla, Principal Fire Engineer and Research Leader at SOCOTEC. I completed my MSc in Fire Safety Engineering at Ghent University, Belgium, graduating in 2019 with a dissertation focused on Bayesian Networks. My first role was at BRE as a Fire Risk Consultant, where I contributed to the Fire Safety: Trigger Thresholds report. After this experience, I wanted greater exposure to industry projects so I could better understand how research can be applied in practice. Afterwards, I joined SOCOTEC, where I currently work.
What inspired you to pursue a career in fire engineering?
I originally studied Chemical Engineering in Mexico, my home country. During my studies, I volunteered in a chemical laboratory focused on the treatment of hazardous waste. The work was extremely interesting because it demonstrated how significant hazards could arise if the wrong chemical reactions or conditions were used to neutralise chemical waste. That experience sparked my interest in safety engineering. Whilst looking for master programs on this topic, I found the program in Ghent University. I studied the master program supported by the Master Mind Scholarship by the Flemish Government.
What do you find most rewarding about working in this field?
I have always viewed the world in a very altruistic way, believing that each of us can contribute in some way to making society better. For me, fire engineering is an opportunity to give back by helping create safer buildings for the people who live and work in them. In addition, fires can have a significant environmental impact, particularly with the introduction of new technologies and materials. By helping to prevent fires and improve fire safety, I feel that I am also contributing to the protection of the environment. In many ways, this feels like my contribution to the world.
What professional achievement are you most proud of, and why?
I have been fortunate to work on a variety of projects and alongside many talented teams throughout my career. However, one of the achievements I am most proud of is helping to establish the research sector at SOCOTEC. This has created opportunities for research that is directly relevant to industry needs and has allowed engineers with different areas of expertise to collaborate with universities and contribute their knowledge and experience. It has also been incredibly rewarding to see new fire engineers develop through these collaborations.
How has being part of the IFE supported your development or career progression?
Being part of the IFE has helped me better understand the different career pathways available within the profession and the skills required to progress. It has also guided me towards relevant training and professional development opportunities. For example, this year I am working towards chartership, and the process has encouraged me to reflect positively on my skills, experience, and areas for further development.
Do you have any advice for women thinking of starting a career in fire?
Before becoming a fire engineer, I tried to look for opportunities in industrial safety, but unfortunately some of the environments I came across did not always feel very inclusive to women. However, my experience in fire engineering has been much more positive. As the profession is still relatively modern and evolving, it feels less influenced by some of the traditional stereotypes often associated with engineering. As a woman, I have found that skills, knowledge, and contributions are genuinely valued and recognised. It is also a very collaborative field with opportunities to work across research, design, consultancy, and innovation. For these reasons, I would definitely encourage women to pursue a career in fire engineering, as it is both rewarding and full of opportunities for growth and development.