Feeling The Heat

With my 20-minute presentation creeping closer, the pressure is mounting. I’ve spent so much time researching lithium-ion battery fires, yet standing in front of experienced firefighters to present my findings still felt daunting. Captain Hyatt and the driver, Lag, decided that I needed a test run—and not by choice. They made me practice in front of them, eager to hear my idea. I was beyond nervous. Here I was, not a chemist, not a firefighter (yet), presenting a possible solution to a problem that these seasoned professionals actually deal with.

It felt surreal explaining concepts to them that I had only recently learned myself. I kept questioning whether I was qualified to speak on the topic at all, but their curiosity kept me going. As I later figured out, they had no idea what F-500 EA was. They listened, asked tough questions, and gave feedback that made me realize something—I might not have the title of an expert, but I had put in the work. The idea was mine, and I had built a solid case for it. Despite the nerves, that practice run gave me confidence. Now, I just need to hold onto that feeling and carry it through to the real presentation.