Wes Christensen Receives Congress & Expo Scholarship

Background

Wes Christensen’s journey into the safety field has been driven by a growing understanding of the critical role safety professionals play in protecting lives across various industries. A natural learner with a deep-rooted commitment to public health, Wes is particularly passionate about enhancing safety standards and advocating for workers’ rights in the workplace.

Why Safety

Wes’s interest in safety was deeply influenced by a bioethics course, where he learned about the tragic 2013 Rana Plaza collapse, which heightened his awareness of safety’s critical role. His experience as a health and safety intern at a copper mine further solidified his dedication to the field.

Witnessing safety failures in real-world events and working closely with professionals during his internship, Wes is motivated to advocate for workers' lives and improve workplace practices through knowledge and best practices.

Interest in NSC Safety Congress & Expo

Wes views the NSC Safety Congress & Expo as a rare opportunity to learn directly from leading experts and to engage in discussions on emerging trends and best practices within the safety field. Wes recognizes the value of expanding his professional network, connecting with mentors and establishing relationships that will help him navigate the safety industry as he transitions from student to professional.

The Congress & Expo also offers Wes an opportunity to gain insights into specialized areas of safety that his industrial hygiene program may not cover in depth. Though his academic training includes a focus on chemical and physical hazards, Wes seeks a broader understanding of safety protocols, standards and innovations beyond his coursework. He is particularly excited about the chance to learn about various safety technologies, data-driven safety tools and interdisciplinary approaches that professionals are using to promote workplace safety. Wes believes that these insights will enhance his ability to protect employees effectively, bringing valuable skills and perspectives into his future role in the field.

First awarded in 2017, the Congress & Expo Scholarship provides attendance to the annual NSC Safety Congress & Expo, including access to all technical sessions, keynote addresses, an expo of more than 1,000 companies and networking events.