Ray Chang

Ray Chang is an Associate Professor in the Security and Emergency Services Department at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's College of Arts and Sciences. With a Ph.D. in Disaster Science and Management from the University of Delaware, he bridges academic research with hands-on experience from six years as a Fire Battalion Captain in Taiwan's New Taipei City Fire Department. His research focuses on disaster response optimization, fire service administration, and cross-cultural emergency management systems, particularly the Incident Command System (ICS).

Education:

• Ph.D., Disaster Science & Management, University of Delaware
• M.S., Fire Service Administration, Arizona State University
• B.S., Fire Science, Central Police University (Taiwan)

Research emphasizes practical applications of ICS, cultural influences on emergency response, and integrating AI into firefighting operations. He advises FEMA Higher Education Program strategies and chairs the Natural Hazards Center Scholarship Selection Committee. Notable contributions include developing Taiwan's 2005 National Firefighter Handbook and organizing urban search and rescue teams for major infrastructure projects.

Recent work explores pandemic response disparities between the U.S., Taiwan, and South Korea, and challenges in island disaster supply chains like Honolulu. His articles highlight AI-driven fire scene analysis and cultural factors affecting firefighter safety.

Awards include the 2023 FEMA Teaching and Learning Award and multiple recognition for pandemic-era poster research. Active in professional committees such as the National Fire Protection Association 1600 code development team and Disaster Recovery Institute International's Future Vision Committee.