Fire Science Students Earn Top Honors for Arson Detection Research

Lauren Mulinski ’25 and Allison Perry ’24, ‘26 M.S. turned a yearlong research project into an award-winning achievement recognized on an international stage.

Their research on the detectability of homemade napalm by accelerant-detection canines earned them the “Best Overall Research Poster” award at the (IAAI) recent International Training Conference in Atlantic City.

Presented alongside professionals and experts in fire investigation from around the world, their project stood out for its innovation, rigor, and real-world application. Below, both students reflect on the experience, the impact of their work, and the community that supported them throughout their journey.

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have presented a research project alongside Alison Perry at the International Association of Arson Investigators’ Conference in Atlantic City. We were also honored to receive the award for "Best Overall Research Poster".

Receiving the award felt incredible as more than a year of hard work was acknowledged by the field of Fire Investigation.

Our project focused on the detectability of homemade napalm, and the experience was both challenging and incredibly rewarding. I’m proud to have contributed to research in this evolving and important field.

I would not be where I am today without the continued support of my mentors, family, and peers. For that, I am truly thankful.

Attending the International Association of Arson Investigators’ International Training Conference (ITC) in Atlantic City was an unforgettable experience. Having the chance to present our own research made it even more meaningful. At ITC, I had the honor of working alongside my research partner Lauren Mulinski, to share our project, “Determining the Detectability of ‘Homemade Napalm’ by Accelerant Canines,” with many of the foremost fire investigation experts in the world.

When we began this project, we never imagined we’d one day be presenting it on such a respected stage. Our work was met with thoughtful feedback, inspiring conversations, and, much to our surprise and excitement, recognition. We were honored to receive the award for “Best Overall Research Poster” for our project.

What stood out most, though, was the overwhelming support we felt throughout this journey. From faculty mentors and industry professionals to friends and fellow students, we were fortunate to be surrounded by people who believed in our work and helped us grow. We would not have been able to reach this goal without the support of the Fire Science and Emergency Management Department and the guidance of adjunct professor Paul Makuc.

I’m incredibly grateful to the IAAI and the IAAI Student Liaison Committee for giving students a platform to contribute to meaningful conversations in the field. This experience reminded me that impactful research doesn’t just come from hard work, it comes from a community that lifts you up.