OSH News
Student Accomplishments
Murray State OSH students awarded 2025 BCSP Foundation scholarships
Murray State Occupational Safety and Health students, Chelsey Council and Kristen
Pacheco, were awarded Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) Foundation scholarships
which are provided to Graduate Safety Practitioner (GSP) Qualified Academic Programs
(QAP).
-Posted January 2026
Murray State OSH students selected as NIOSH Trainees under the Murray State TPG Grant
Murray State Occupational Safety and Health graduate students, Olivia Hilliard, Quinn Litchfield, Ryan Potts, Aubrey Stubblefield, and Katie Winkenhofer, were selected as NIOSH Trainees under the Murray State Training Project Grant (TPG). As Trainees, they receive support through funding for tuition/fees and travel. The purpose of the grant is to strengthen the learning environment to prepare the next generation of leaders in OSH practice. This is accomplished by preparing graduate students who are well-trained to enter the workforce, ready to respond to both established risks, as well as new challenges brought on by the changing nature of work. -Posted January 2026
Murray State OSH student awarded AIST Don B. Daily Safety Steel Intern Scholarship
Murray State University Occupational Safety and Health student, Stone Pixley, has been selected as a recipient of the 2026鈥27 Association for Iron & Steel Technology (AIST) Don B. Daily Safety Steel Intern Scholarship.
As part of the award, Pixley will complete a paid internship during summer 2026 with Steel Dynamics in Columbia City, IN. Following the internship, he will receive a $7,500 scholarship from the AIST Foundation in recognition of his commitment to safety and health in the steel industry.
The Don B. Daily Safety Steel Intern Scholarship is awarded to North American university students pursuing degrees in safety or industrial hygiene. The program combines hands-on industry experience with financial support, requiring recipients to first complete a paid summer internship within the steel manufacturing industry.
Established by the Steel Manufacturers Association (SMA) and the AIST Foundation,
the scholarship honors the life and legacy of Don B. Daily, whose career was marked
by a deep commitment to worker safety. His leadership helped advance numerous safety
and health initiatives that have had a lasting impact on the North American steel
industry.
-Posted January 2026
Murray State OSH graduate student presents at APHA
Murray State OSH graduate student, Rachel Obeng, presented her research, 鈥淚nvestigating the Long-Term Health Effects of E-Cigarette Use: A Systematic Review
of Chronic Respiratory and Cardiovascular Outcomes,鈥 at the 2025 American Public Health Association Annual Meeting and Expo in Washington,
D.C . The study was co-authored by Dr. Oluwabunmi Dada.
-Posted November 2025
Murray State OSH Students inducted into Rho Sigma Kappa Honor Society
The Murray State Occupational Safety and Health department proudly announced its fall 2025 inductees into Rho Sigma Kappa, the honor society for OSH. The induction ceremony celebrated students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and commitment to advancing professionalism in safety and health.
A special thank you goes to Dr. Susan Miller, RSK Faculty Advisor, and RSK Officers 鈥 Hannah Waller (President), Aubrey Stubblefield (Vice President), Nick Whalin (Treasurer), and Jakob Wellman (Secretary) 鈥 for organizing a memorable ceremony.
This semester's inductees include:
Undergraduates: Brooklyn Allbritten, Chase Hayden, Emily Houser, Landon Kinder, Courtney
Marshall, Reece McPherson, Stone Pixley, Cameron Slayden, Robert Thomasson, Ian Tyler
Graduates: Ishmael Kwadwo Afful, Savannah Hunt, Kaitlin Soukup, Olugbenga Olayinka
Taiwo, Ernest Kofi Osei, Sadie Delaney Toney
Rho Sigma Kappa recognizes OSH students who exemplify academic excellence and leadership
and seeks to foster a culture of scholarship, service, and professionalism within
the field.
-Posted October 2025
Murray State OSH students and faculty attend 26th Annual Pilot Research Project Symposium
Murray State OSH Faculty, Dr. Susan Miller, and Dr. Melburn Dayton, along with OSH
students, Olivia Hilliard and Gerad Rigg, attended the 26th Annual Pilot Research
Project Symposium which is part of the University of Cincinnati's NIOSH Education
and Research Center (ERC).
-Posted October 2025
Murray State OSH students awarded NSC scholarship
Murray State Occupational Safety and Health student, Chelsey Council was awarded a
Women in Safety scholarship from the National Safety Council (NSC). Ryan Potts and
Gared Rigg were awarded a Congress & Expo scholarship. They were invited to attend
the NSC's National Awards Ceremony as scholarship recipient at the NSC Congress and
Expo in Denver, CO, in September 2025.
-Posted September 2025
Murray State OSH student awarded Krissa "Sparky" Dudley scholarship
Murray State Occupational Safety and Health student, Rachel Obeng, was awarded the
Krissa "Sparky" Dudley scholarship. The Krissa 鈥淪parky鈥 Dudley Scholarship Endowment
was established by gifts to the Murray State University Foundation, Inc. (MSU Foundation)
from her parents, George and Susan Dudley in memoriam of her can-do attitude and "fire
in the belly" to make a difference in the world. The scholarship was created to assist
students at Murray State University in obtaining an education to prepare them for
a career in Occupational Safety and Health (OSH). .
-Posted August 2025
Murray State OSH student awarded CCDI Build Our Future scholarship
Murray State Occupational Safety and Health student, Rickey Stevenson, was awarded
the Construction Career Development Initiative (CCDI) 2025 Build Our Future Scholarship!
Clayco Construction surprised him with this news on his last day before he returned
to Murray State to finish up his senior year of his OSH degree.
-Posted August 2025
Murray State OSH selected by GM to attend the Southern Automotive Women鈥檚 Forum Conference
Murray State Occupational Safety and Health graduate student and NIOSH trainee, Asia Blanton, was one of only two interns selected by General Motors leadership in Spring Hill, TN, to attend the Southern Automotive Women鈥檚 Forum Conference at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, KY.
Professionals from top companies like Nissan, Toyota, Honda, and Exxon were in attendance.
GM HR staff shared that Asia was chosen as a thank-you for her enthusiasm, hard work,
and commitment to going above and beyond during her internship.
-Posted August 2025
Murray State OSH students awarded ASSP Foundation scholarships
Murray State Occupational Safety and Health students, Asia Blanton, Chelsey Council, and Aubrey Stubblefield, were awarded scholarships from the ASSP Foundation. Since 1990, the ASSP Foundation has awarded more than $6 million in academic scholarships and professional education grants to occupational safety and health students and professionals working towards their educational goals. -Posted July 2025
Murray State OSH students awarded Chevron scholarships
Murray State Occupational Safety and Health students Emma Lloyd, Gared Rigg, Hannah Waller, and Jakob Wellman, were awarded the Chevron scholarship established by gifts to the Murray State University Foundation, Inc. (MSU Foundation). -Posted July 2025
Murray State OSH student awarded the Erie Insurance scholarship
Murray State Occupational Safety and Health student, Jaidah Black, was awarded the Erie Insurance scholarship established by gifts to the Murray State University Foundation, Inc. (MSU Foundation). -Posted June 2025
Murray State OSH student awarded Barriere Construction Company Safety scholarships
Murray State Occupational Safety and Health student, Olivia Hilliard, was awarded the Barriere Construction Safety scholarship established by gifts to the Murray State University Foundation, Inc. (MSU Foundation). -Posted June 2025
Murray State OSH student awarded the L. Jack Dunman Memorial scholarship
Murray State Occupational Safety and Health student, Cade Crider, was awarded the L. Jack Dunman Memorial scholarship established by gifts to the Murray State University Foundation, Inc. (MSU Foundation). -Posted June 2025
Murray State OSH students awarded the KEMI scholarship
Murray State Occupational Safety and Health students, Jesse Adams, Reece McPherson, and Isaac Shelton, were awarded the Kentucky Employers' Mutual Insurance (KEMI) scholarship established by gifts to the Murray State University Foundation, Inc. (MSU Foundation). -Posted June 2025
Murray State ASSP Student Section placed 3rd in Outstanding Student Section Award competition
Murray State University鈥檚 ASSP Student Section has placed third in the 2024鈥2025 National Outstanding Student Section of the Year Award competition, ranking among the top three out of 10 student sections nationwide. The group will receive a certificate and a $500 stipend in recognition of their achievement. The section鈥檚 faculty advisor, Dr. Julie Boyd said. "I am incredibly proud of our officers and all their hard work." -Posted May 2025
Murray State OSH students awarded AIHA Foundation scholarships
Murray State Occupational Safety and Health students, Kristen Pacheco and Ryan Potts, were awarded scholarships from the AIHA Foundation. Kristen received the Frederick W. Boelter Risk Science Scholarship which is dedicated to the advancement of risk science in the practice of industrial hygiene. Ryan received the BCSP scholarship which is funded through the generous contribution of the Board of Certified Safety Professional (BCSP). Every year, the AIHF awards qualified students and young professionals with scholarships of varying types to help offset costs in their pursuit of a career in industrial hygiene. -Posted April 2025
Murray State OSH students awarded SAFE awards from KSHN
Murray State University Occupational Safety and Health students have been awarded prestigious SAFE (Scholastic Achievement for Education) Awards from the Kentucky Safety and Health Network (KSHN).
Undergraduate recipients include Chelsey Council, Gerad Rigg, Cameron Slayden, and Briana Stephens. Graduate honorees are Ishmael Afful and Rebekka Walker.
The students will be recognized at the 2025 Kentucky Governor鈥檚 Safety and Health Conference and Exposition, set for August 2025 in Owensboro. -Posted April 2025
Murray State OSH graduate student honored with Sigma Xi research award
Ryan Potts, Murray State University Occupational Safety and Health graduate student and NIOSH Training Project Grant trainee, was awarded the Sigma Xi Outstanding Student Researcher Award at the university鈥檚 annual Sigma Xi Recognition Banquet held on April 14.
Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Honor Society, is one of the oldest and largest international organizations dedicated to science and engineering. With a legacy spanning over a century, Sigma Xi supports a global network of researchers from academia, government, and industry. More than 200 Nobel Laureates have been among its members. -Posted April 2025
Murray State OSH students awarded the 2025 Tennessee Safety and Health Conference Scholarships
Murray State Occupational Safety and Health students Jesse Adams and Rebekka Walker have been awarded prestigious scholarships from the 2025 Tennessee Safety and Health Conference (TSHC). Adams received the James G. Neely Scholarship, while Walker was honored with the ASSP Ron Kirsch Scholarship. -Posted April 2025
Alumni Accomplishments
Murray State OSH Alumna Honored with National Safety Council Marion Martin Award
Murray State University Occupational Safety and Health alumna Sarah Futrell has been named the recipient of the National Safety Council鈥檚 Marion Martin Award, which recognizes women鈥檚 achievements in the safety profession.
Futrell serves as Chief of Safety and Occupational Health for the Mississippi Valley Division of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Over the past 17 years, she has advanced safety best practices, mentored colleagues, and contributed to creating safer work environments.
-Posted September 2025
Two Murray State OSH Alumni Named to VUE Magazine鈥檚 40 Under 40
VUE Magazine has announced its 4th Annual 40 Under 40 and Best of the Best 2025 awards, honoring outstanding young professionals making an impact through innovation and community leadership.
From more than 90 nominations, two Murray State University Occupational Safety and Health alumni鈥擟linton Combs and Jayme Hobson鈥攚ere recognized among this year鈥檚 honorees.
-Posted September 2025
Murray State OSH Alumnus Named National Safety Council Rising Star of Safety
Murray State University Occupational Safety and Health Alumnus, Dibash Acharya, was named one of National Safety Council鈥檚 (NSC) 2025 Rising Stars of Safety. The program recognizes up-and-coming safety professionals younger than 40 who have a proven track record of safety leadership in their organization and are dedicated to continuous improvement. The class of 2025 honorees are featured in the September 2025 issue of Safety+Health magazine.
Dibash, Interim Safety Director of C. Overaa & Co. in Richmond, CA, launched the company鈥檚 first Safety by Design program, embedding hazard prevention strategies into project planning and engineering to mitigate risks before construction begins. He led a digital transformation of safety surveys and audits, replacing paper-based methods with a centralized data system to improve accountability and visibility. He also implemented a structured safety training calendar, facilitating 250-plus sessions, and fostered a reward-based safety culture through initiatives such as 鈥淪afety Claus鈥 and 鈥淪tretch & Flex Master Awards,鈥 driving an increase in employee engagement and proactive safety measures.
-Posted August 2025
Murray State OSH Alumnus Named Director of Corporate Safety for Global Firm
Ben Goode, a 1999 graduate of Murray State University鈥檚 Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) program, has been appointed Director of Corporate Safety at Haskell, a leading global architecture, engineering, construction, and consulting firm headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida.
Haskell employs more than 2,400 professionals across over 25 offices worldwide, delivering integrated solutions to clients around the globe. In his new leadership role, Goode will be responsible for overseeing and advancing the company鈥檚 safety strategy across all markets, helping to ensure the well-being of employees and stakeholders in every corner of the organization.
The Murray State OSH department celebrates this milestone as a testament to the program鈥檚 commitment to developing industry-ready professionals who are equipped to lead in complex, high-impact roles. Goode鈥檚 achievement reflects both his personal dedication and the strength of the university鈥檚 safety education. -Posted May 2025
Faculty and Department Accomplishments
Murray State OSH faculty honored with teaching excellence award
Dr. Rupkatha Bardhan, associate professor in the Department of Occupational Safety and Health at Murray State University, has been named a recipient of the JCSET Board of Regents Teaching Excellence Award. Dr. Bardhan was selected from among faculty nominees across the Jesse D. Jones College of Science, Engineering, and Technology, distinguishing her as an exemplary educator within the college. The award reflects her strong commitment to student success and dedication to excellence in teaching.
The Board of Regents Teaching Excellence Awards were established as an annual initiative by the Murray State Board of Regents to recognize faculty members who, in the judgment of their peers, demonstrate outstanding teaching performance. Recipients receive a bound certificate signed by the Board Chair and University President, a monetary award, and are honored with a plaque displayed in Heritage Hall.鈥 -Posted April 2026
Murray State OSH faculty recognized for years of service
Dr. Julie Boyd, assistant professor in the Department of Occupational Safety and Health at Murray State University, was recognized at Murray State University鈥檚 annual faculty awards banquet for 10 years of dedicated service in the Occupational Safety and Health department.
Dr. Boyd has played a vital role in preparing students for careers in safety, contributing to the development of future safety professionals through her commitment to teaching and mentorship. - Posted April 2026
Murray State OSH faculty represents Jones College at Presidential Panel & Faculty Symposium
Dr. Julie Boyd, assistant professor in the Department of Occupational Safety and Health at Murray State University, represented the Jesse D. Jones College of Science, Engineering and Technology at the Murray State University Presidential Panel and Faculty Symposium, delivering a presentation titled 鈥淎I Sensors Revolution: Real-Time Ergonomic Risk Assessment Driving Process Wins at a Local Manufacturing Site.鈥
The symposium, held as part of the university鈥檚 Presidential Inauguration events, featured faculty from across disciplines sharing innovative research in a dynamic, fast-paced format. Each presenter was given just seven minutes to highlight impactful work and emerging ideas.
The event underscored Murray State University鈥檚 commitment to advancing research, fostering collaboration, and showcasing faculty expertise across a wide range of fields. -Posted April 2026
Murray State OSH faculty co-authors article in the field of aging and health
Dr. Oluwabunmi Dada, assistant professor in the Department of Occupational Safety and Health at Murray State University, and OSH alumna, Rachel Objeng, collaborated and co-authored a published research article in the field of aging and health. The team worked alongside Nursing faculty Dr. Amelia Dodd and Dr. Jessica Naber, BSN student Eliza Heinrich, and other co-authors, Dr. Lauren Roberson and Dr. Esther Malm.
Their article, titled 鈥淎n Appreciative Inquiry into Protective Lifestyle Factors for Longevity,鈥 was published in Educational Gerontology.
The study examines lifestyle factors that contribute to longevity, emphasizing the role of positive health behaviors in supporting well-being across the lifespan. This interdisciplinary collaboration highlights the strength of student-engaged research at Murray State and its contribution to advancing knowledge in aging and health sciences. -Posted April 2026
Murray State OSH faculty presents poster at SOT
鈥婦r. Oluwabunmi Dada, assistant professor in the Department of Occupational Safety
and Health at Murray State University, presented a poster, 鈥淓nhancing Disaster Preparedness
Through Inclusive Science Communication and Early Warning Systems,鈥 at the Society
of Toxicology (SOT) 65th Annual Meeting and ToxExpo in San Diego, CA, this March.
鈥婥o-authored with Dr. Ayorinde Ogunyiola of the Murray State University Department
of Political Science and Sociology, this research emphasizes how inclusive communication
and effective early warning systems can strengthen disaster preparedness and build
more resilient communities. -Posted March 2026
New OSH Scholarship Honors Dr. Bassam Atieh鈥檚 Legacy
Murray State University and the Murray State University Foundation announced the establishment of the Dr. Bassam Atieh Memorial Scholarship Endowment, created to support graduate students in the Department of Occupational Safety and Health.
Funded through the generosity of Dr. Atieh鈥檚 family and friends, the scholarship honors his lasting impact on students and his commitment to education.
Known for his unwavering dedication, Dr. Atieh inspired countless students throughout his career. This endowment ensures his legacy will continue by providing opportunities for future OSH professionals to succeed and lead in their field.
To learn more about the scholarship or to contribute, view the scholarship endowment article or contact the Murray State University Office of Development at 270.809.3001. -Posted March 2026
Murray State OSH faculty receives MSYou Matter Racers Care Mini Grant
Dr. Oluwabunmi Dada, assistant professor in the Department of Occupational Safety and Health at Murray State University, was awarded a MSYou Matter Racers Care Mini Grant. This grant will provide vital funding to OSHConnect, the mentoring program at OSH, which connects students with experienced mentors who offer guidance, support, and valuable insights. -Posted November 2025
Murray State OSH faculty present at 26th Annual Pilot Research Project Symposium
Dr. Susan Miller, assistant professor in the Department of Occupational Safety and Health at Murray State University, presented "Utilizing Artificial Intelligence with Digital Human Modeling to Assess Risk of Musculoskeletal Disorders in Non-Fireground Firefighter Activities" at the 26th Annual Pilot Research Project Symposium, part of the University of Cincinnati's NIOSH Education and Research Center (ERC). Dr. Julie Boyd, assistant professor in the Department of Occupational Safety and Health at Murray State University, served as co-investigator. -Posted October 2025
Murray State OSH faculty present at the 2025 Governor's Safety and Health Conference and Exposition
Murray State University鈥檚 Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) faculty shared their expertise at the 2025 Governor's Safety and Health Conference and Exposition in Owensboro, Kentucky. Dr. Melburn Dayton led a workshop on the Incident Command System Safety Officer role, while Dr. Susan Miller conducted a technical training session on OSHA鈥檚 10-hour construction safety program. -Posted August 2025
Murray State OSH faculty serve as SME for BCSP's ASP Item Writing Panel
Dr. Rupkatha Bardhan, associate professor in the Department of Occupational Safety and Health at Murray State University, served as a subject matter expert (SME) for the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) Associate Safety Professional (ASP) Item Writing Panel. BCSP relies on volunteer SMEs like Dr. Bardhan to help develop, review, and maintain certification exams, ensuring they reflect real-world safety practices across diverse industries and backgrounds. -Posted August 2025
Murray State OSH faculty present at the International Occupational Ergonomics and Safety Conference
Dr. Susan Miller and Dr. Julie Boyd, assistant professors in the Department of Occupational Safety and Health at Murray State University, presented Reshaping Resilience: Mental Health Challenges in Post-Pandemic Students and Workforce Readiness at the International Occupational Ergonomics and Safety Conference July 2025 in Orlando, Florida. -Posted July 2025