Meet Our Faculty
Dedicated and Experienced Instruction
COCC's Fire Science faculty are skilled professionals with strong ties to local fire
departments and experience in wildfire management. Our instructors bring practical,
real-world expertise into their classrooms and offer personalized mentoring focused
on student success. Join us to make a meaningful impact in a critical field. View
the Public Service Education Department Directory for a full listing of faculty and staff.
Advising Faculty Profiles
Paula Simone
Associate Professor; Public Service Education Department Chair
Email: psimone@cocc.edu
Paula holds an Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer degree from COCC, a bachelor's degree in general science from the University of Oregon, and a Master of Science in safety, security, and emergency management from Eastern Kentucky University.
Paula began her fire science career as a wildland firefighting crew boss for a private contractor. She considered a career as a fire behavior analyst and spent eight summers ast a fire lookout with the U.S. Forest Service, in addition to her commitment to her local structure fire agencies as a structure firefighter, but now considers the classroom her natural habitat. One of her favorite classes to teach is Fire & EMS College Success. "I love helping students discover their strengths academically and professionally," she says. "Together we can chart a course for success in their chosen field."