Tracey Cekada
One of the things Tracey Cekada loves most about safety sciences is that jobs in the field are everywhere, and as a professor in the Department of Safety Sciences and Environmental Engineering, she has helped put IUP graduates in many of them. Learn more about her in this installment of Meet Our Faculty.
What is it about the safety sciences field that initially drew you in—and ultimately keeps you interested?
What initially drew me into the field of safety sciences was the wide variety of places in which you could work. If you have a passion for sports, you will find a safety professional overseeing safety for Fox Sports, the NFL, or MLB. If you love animals, you may find a safety professional at your local zoo. If you love space, you can find safety professionals working for NASA. If you love helping people, there are safety professionals who work for the American Red Cross. Whatever your passion in life, there is probably a safety professional working in that industry.
These opportunities, and the dynamic nature of the field, have kept me interested in the field. Regulations are continuously evolving in response to new research, technologies, and incidents. Technological advancements, such as automation, artificial intelligence, and wearable safety devices, continuously reshape how safety is approached. These changes require us to continuously learn and adapt our practices in the workplace, making sure our jobs are never dull!
Why do you enjoy teaching in this discipline?
Teaching safety sciences encourages students to think critically about risks and practical solutions. It’s fulfilling to guide them in developing problem-solving skills that they can apply in real-world situations. Additionally, the hands-on nature of the discipline means students can engage in real-life scenarios and simulations. Witnessing a student’s growth and confidence as they apply their knowledge is incredibly satisfying.
What advice would you give students about how to succeed in college?
I truly believe your success in college is what you make of it. There are so many opportunities for students to be successful, but they need to take advantage of these opportunities. Participating in events like our career fair, mock interviews, conferences, research, and networking opportunities helps them to develop professionally. Becoming an active member of one of our student organizations helps enhance leadership skills. Learning a second language and taking advantage of some of our certificate programs—such as Spanish for Safety Sciences—can propel your career, due to the high demand for students who can speak Spanish in the construction industry.
Tell us something most of your students may not know about you.
I love the outdoors. I grew up riding horses, and I love to ski and camp with my family. Visiting our national parks is a “bucket list” goal of mine. I hope to someday finish visiting all of our national parks.