Today, we are celebrating Dr. Olivia McAnirlin, Co-Director of the Clemson Virtual Reality and Nature Lab and a key leader behind FireReady Virtual Reality, for her acceptance to the 2026 Physical Sciences cohort of Equalize Startups with her project, FireReady VR.
FireReady VR is a platform designed to support wildfire readiness through the use of virtual reality, allowing the user to make decisions in real-time. By translating academic research into an applied, interactive tool, the program enhances education and awareness around wildfire safety. Through her participation in Equalize, Dr. McAnirlin will gain the entrepreneurial skills and support needed to move FireReady VR beyond the lab.
Equalize Startups is a nonprofit launchpad that aids women founders in academia in navigating the startup ecosystem. Over the course of the 6-month program, Dr. McAnirlin will gain business training, mentorship, and education to further FireReady. Upon completion, she will be considered an equalizer, “an academic woman innovator working on her entrepreneurial journey through the Equalize Program”.
We are excited to see Dr. McAnirlin and FireReady VR advance forward in the research and startup space.
#EqualizeStartups #WomenFounded #FireReadyVR #ClemsonUniversity #ClemsonSTRIDE #STRIDEART #ResearchTranslation #NSFART #NSF #Innovation #GoTigers