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The National Safety Council honored the recipients of this year’s Safety for All Scholarship at the 2025 NSC Safety Congress & Expo in Denver. The NSC Safety for All Scholarship supports students from diverse backgrounds who are pursuing safety as a career.
University of Maryland
Public Health Practice
Expected Graduation: May 2026
Jaylin Burston, a junior at the University of Maryland, received two NSC scholarships in 2025: The Safety for All scholarship and the Lorraine Pack Memorial scholarship. Jaylin plans to use safety principles to protect communities and promote sustainability. With a strong academic foundation and a commitment to service, Jaylin’s work focuses on bridging the gap between public health practices and workplace safety.
Her early volunteer experience with environmental organizations sparked a desire to understand how sustainable practices directly impact human health. Jaylin’s coursework and research explore how environmental systems, equity and social justice intersect in shaping safer, healthier communities. She aspires to advance safety and sustainability initiatives in both public and private sectors.
Jaylin’s leadership and drive reflect her belief that safety and sustainability are inseparable. She aims to champion policies that protect both people and the planet.
Murray State University
Occupational Safety and Health
Expected Graduation: May 2026
Chelsey Council, a senior at Murray State University, is pursuing a degree in occupational safety and health. Her interest in safety began after a preventable workplace injury at age 15 inspired her belief that every worker deserves to go home safe and unharmed. As an intern at Kayser Automotive, Chelsey led safety trainings, ergonomic assessments and environmental audits while promoting a culture of trust and accountability.
Living with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) has deepened her commitment to integrating mental health and wellbeing into safety practices. She also strives to break barriers for women in male-dominated industries, mentoring and advocating for greater representation. A member of Rho Sigma Kappa, the safety honor society, Chelsey is dedicated to ensuring that safety remains a fundamental right for everyone, not a privilege.
University of Central Missouri
Occupational Safety Management
Expected Graduation: May 2026
Jazib Islam is pursuing his master’s degree in occupational safety management at the University of Central Missouri. With nearly a decade of experience in the power utility sector, he has led initiatives in safety management, environmental compliance and risk mitigation to protect workers and enhance operational performance.
His passion for creating safer, healthier and more sustainable workplaces inspired him to move to the United States to advance his education and broaden his global perspective on occupational safety practices. Before joining UCM, Jazib served as the HSE Lead at a 97MW combined cycle power plant and contributed to safety and environmental programs across generation, transmission and distribution operations in Karachi, Pakistan.
At UCM, he continues to strengthen his expertise in industrial hygiene, safety leadership, and systems management through applied research and field projects. After graduation, Jazib aims to take on leadership roles that drive strategic safety initiatives, integrate sustainability into business operations and influence organizational culture at both national and international levels. Guided by a deep commitment to prevention, innovation and continuous improvement, he aspires to make a lasting impact on workplace safety and environmental stewardship worldwide.
Murray State University
Occupational Safety and Health
Expected Graduation: May 2026
Ryan Potts has a bachelor’s degree in occupational safety and health and is pursuing a master’s degree in industrial hygiene with a strong focus on human factors and safety leadership. His passion for safety began after learning how small oversights in the workplace can lead to significant injuries, motivating him to advocate for stronger safety practices across all industries.
At Murray State, Ryan excelled academically and professionally, applying his classroom knowledge through internships and projects that emphasize proactive risk management and safety culture improvement. He believes that effective safety programs are built on collaboration, communication and trust.
Ryan is committed to using his skills to create safer and more inclusive work environments where every employee feels valued and protected. His long-term goal is to serve as a safety leader who inspires positive change by merging technical expertise with empathy, ensuring that workplace safety remains a shared responsibility.
Murray State University
Occupational Safety and Health
Graduation Date: May 2025
Gared Rigg is a recent graduate with a degree in occupational safety and health and a passion for protecting workers and improving safety culture in industrial settings. His interest in safety began after seeing how effective training and hazard prevention can transform both morale and productivity on the job.
Through his coursework and professional experiences, Gared has developed expertise in regulatory compliance, hazard analysis and environmental safety. He has a strong interest in leadership and collaboration, viewing communication as the cornerstone of successful safety programs. His hands-on approach reflects his belief that safety professionals must build trust and empower workers at every level.
Dedicated to promoting a culture of accountability and inclusion, Gared hopes to continue advancing in the field as a safety manager. He is committed to ensuring that safety is not just a requirement, but a shared value that protects people and strengthens organizations.
Federal University of Technology, Owerri (Nigeria)
Environmental Health Science
Expected Graduation: May 2026
Chika Maureen Samuels, a senior at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, is pursuing a degree in environmental health science with a focus on improving community wellbeing through safety and sustainability. Her passion for safety stems from witnessing preventable hazards in her local community and realizing how a lack of education and enforcement often leads to health risks.
Chika’s academic and research work centers on environmental management, workplace safety and sustainable development practices that minimize exposure to harmful conditions. She aspires to create safer work and living environments through education, advocacy and evidence-based safety interventions.
Chika hopes to expand her expertise internationally and contribute to policy reforms that strengthen occupational health and safety standards in Nigeria and beyond. Her goal is to ensure that every worker — regardless of background or circumstance — has access to safe, healthy and equitable work environments.
Georgia Institute of Technology
Building Construction (Ph.D.)
Expected Graduation: Fall 2026
Mariam Tomori is a second-year Ph.D. student at the Georgia Institute of Technology pursuing a degree in building construction. Originally from Nigeria, she was inspired to enter the safety field after witnessing the high rate of construction-related injuries and fatalities in her home country. Determined to make an impact, Mariam’s research focuses on workforce safety, robotics, automation and sensing technologies to create safer, smarter and more sustainable work environments in construction.
Her recent work includes hands-on training sessions and demonstrations across Georgia on wearable exoskeletons to reduce musculoskeletal disorders among construction workers. She has collaborated with industry leaders from leading construction firms such as Brasfield & Gorrie, McCarthy Building Companies, Juneau Construction, Gay Construction and Skanska. Mariam aims to continue advancing research that integrates technology and safety to protect workers worldwide.
University of Wisconsin - Stout
Environmental Science
Expected Graduation: May 2026
Nilufar Umarova, a senior at the University of Wisconsin Stout, is pursuing a degree in environmental science with a strong focus on environmental health, safety management and sustainability. Originally from Uzbekistan, Nilufar’s passion for environmental protection was shaped by her early experiences witnessing pollution and its effects on communities and ecosystems.
At UW Stout, Nilufar has excelled academically while participating in research and student-led initiatives that explore sustainable practices and workplace safety. She is passionate about integrating environmental responsibility with occupational health to promote safer, greener industries.
Nilufar’s goal is to advance global sustainability and advocate for environmental justice by helping organizations implement practices that protect both workers and the environment. Her diverse background and global perspective inspire her to create inclusive, data-driven solutions that prioritize safety, equity and long-term ecological balance.
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