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Imagine protective gear that doesn't quite protect you. For Jemma Forgie, a PhD student in the Department of Human Ecology, this isn't just a thought experiment — it's the core of her NSERC-funded work. Initially drawn to science through biology, Jemma discovered a passion for combining it with creative elements, leading her to human ecology.

Now, her research dives into the gender gap in protective clothing, uncovering how female firefighters adapt their gear to achieve comparable safety. Her ultimate goal is to improve protective clothing design, making it more inclusive and effective for everyone. 

Meet Jemma Forgie.

Tell us about your research and/or the research you will pursue as part of your postdoc studies.

My research investigates the gender gap in protective clothing. Specifically, I am interested in how female firefighters are modifying the fire protective clothing they wear in order to make it work effectively for them. As in many occupations involving protective clothing, firefighting is male-dominated and women are given less access to suitable protective clothing, potentially compromising their safety.

By better understanding the changes women are making to their protective clothing, we can start to improve the design to make it more inclusive.

What led you to study in Human Ecology?

I came across human ecology as an undergraduate, somewhat by luck.

I was initially pursuing a biology degree, but was wishing there was a way to combine my passion for science with more creative elements. When I discovered human ecology, it felt like a perfect fit, as I could combine my interest in science with more creative aspects related to textile and apparel design.

I enjoyed my experience in the undergraduate program so much that I decided to stay and pursue a graduate degree in the same department.

Was there a particular moment or influence that sparked your interest?

In terms of my research topic, it was something I stumbled upon while I was already doing research on fire protective clothing. Previously, I had been focused on material properties of the different textiles used in fire protective clothing.

However, I noticed that much of the published literature involving human subjects focused exclusively on men. Meanwhile, the literature on female firefighters consistently reported that their fire protective clothing was not performing well in terms of protection provided. This gap made me want to further investigate how fire protective clothing for women could be improved.

How does your work or research contribute to the high-level goals of your department, or even the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

My work most closely relates to the UN SDGs of gender equality (SDG #5) and good health and wellbeing (SDG #3). Well-fitted protective clothing is a vital part of the safety toolkit needed to keep firefighters safe, and should be afforded to all workers, regardless of gender. By highlighting a minority group within this field, this research aims to ensure that gender equality and health and safety are provided to all firefighters.

What do you find most rewarding about your program?

I love how human ecology brings together people of all different disciplinary backgrounds. I have met so many interesting people within my field, and am privileged to get feedback and advice from scholars of all different backgrounds.

Have you participated in any clubs, projects or initiatives that you are particularly proud of? What was its impact?

I have been a member of the since I started my graduate studies in 2022. This association has allowed me to build a community within my department, which truly makes me feel like a part of something bigger. I've enjoyed getting to meet grad students from all different areas of study within human ecology.

What skills or experiences have been most valuable to you in your work?

Communication has been a critical skill in my research so far. With the work I am doing, I need to be able to communicate to study participants, researchers, colleagues, funders and the public. Learning how to understand my audience and figure out the best type of language to communicate with them has been critical to the success of my research so far.

What advice would you give to someone considering working in your field?

I would encourage them to talk to different scholars in human ecology to better understand what this work entails. This field is highly multidisciplinary, and anyone with a passion for clothing, textiles, material culture or families is likely to find a fit, regardless of their background.

What is one thing that people would be surprised to know about you?

Alongside my academic passion for clothing and textiles, I also have a personal interest in clothing design and textile arts! In my free time, I enjoy making clothing, and am currently on a mission to hand-make as much of my wardrobe as possible.