Cal State LA has earned the Gold Award in the 2025 Hydrogen Safety Challenge, an initiative led by the Center for Hydrogen Safety (CHS) aimed at promoting a culture of safety within the hydrogen industry.
The university’s Hidrógeno Eagles team tied for the top score with engineering firm Black & Veatch and was recognized for its outstanding participation and leadership across six challenge categories. The Gold Award was shared among three top-performing teams, with additional honors presented to academic, nonprofit, and industry participants from around the world—underscoring the challenge’s global engagement and impact.
Over the course of the 12-week challenge, participants worked to strengthen hydrogen safety culture across the industry, with a focus on six activities: core values, leadership, workforce, communications, customers and community, and incident sharing.
Cal State LA’s award highlights its commitment to innovation, collaboration, and safety in clean energy research.
Led by David Blekhman, professor of technology and technical director of the Hydrogen Research and Fueling Facility at Cal State LA, the Hidrógeno Eagles team included Michael Morales, associate director of Risk Management and Environmental Health & Safety; Aimee Faisan, technology junior and hydrogen station intern; Oscar Olivares, technology senior and hydrogen station intern; and Michele Martorelli, a visiting Ph.D. researcher from the University of Calabria.
The team engaged university leadership, empowered student interns, and reinforced safety messaging through campuswide initiatives.
As part of the CHS leadership challenge, the team welcomed Claudio Lindow, chief financial officer and vice president for Administration and Finance, to the Hydrogen Research and Fueling Facility. During his visit, Lindow signed the Hydrogen Safety Pledge, stating: “The pledge aligns well with the university’s commitment to innovation, research excellence, and safety.”
Reflecting on the team’s achievement, Morales said, “It was a real pleasure to support the Hidrógeno Eagles and be part of the Hydrogen Safety Challenge. It was great seeing the team’s hard work and dedication pay off over the 12 weeks. Earning the Gold Award is a huge accomplishment!”
According to CHS, the challenge “didn’t just spark action, it fostered a sense of community and collaboration across the hydrogen sector.”
As the recognized leader in hydrogen safety, CHS provides guidance, education, and collaborative forums to realize the successful and transformative benefits of hydrogen.
Visit the Hydrogen Safety Challenge webpage for more information. To learn more about Cal State LA’s Hydrogen Research and Fueling Facility, visit the station’s webpage.
Photo: 2025 Gold Winner badge for the Center for Hydrogen Safety Challenge, featuring three gold stars and the phrase ‘Championing A Safer World.’
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California State University, Los Angeles is the premier comprehensive public university in the heart of Los Angeles. Cal State LA is ranked number one in the United States for the upward mobility of its students. Cal State LA is dedicated to engagement, service, and the public good, offering nationally recognized programs in science, the arts, business, criminal justice, engineering, nursing, education, and the humanities. Founded in 1947, the University serves more than 24,000 students and has more than 250,000 distinguished alumni.
