
2025 Champion: Zarei, Esmaeil
Biography
Dr. Esmaeil Zarei is an Associate Professor of Safety Science at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) Prescott Campus, where he has been a faculty member in the College of Aviation’s Department of Safety Science since 2022. With dual Ph.D.s in System Safety and Human Factors Engineering, as well as Occupational Health and Safety Engineering, Dr. Zarei brings over a decade of combined academic and industry expertise to ERAU. A globally recognized scholar, Dr. Zarei has authored over 110 peer-reviewed publications, contributed to three books and 35 book chapters, and has been consistently ranked among Stanford University’s Top 2% Scientists from 2021 to 2024. His research, which has been cited over 3,900 times, focuses on safety science and human factors. Dr. Zarei also holds the Associate Safety Professional (ASP) and Certified Safety Professional (CSP) certifications from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP).
Campus
Prescott
Position
Associate Professor of Safety Science, College of Aviation

2025 Champion: Zarei, Esmaeil
Comments
Dr. Esmaeil Zarei is committed to open education and textbook affordability, ensuring that students in the Master of Science in Safety Science program have free access to high-quality academic resources. Through his courses, including MSF 612 and MSF 603, he integrates publicly available materials from FEMA, OSHA, and NFPA, along with a freely accessible textbook he co-authored, extensive peer-reviewed articles, and library resources. His dedication to eliminating the need for costly textbooks enhances accessibility, promotes student success, and fosters a more inclusive learning environment.