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Office of University Communications
150 W University Blvd.
Melbourne, FL 32901
Phone: (321) 984-2974
Fax: (321) 674-6399


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Potpourri

Florida Techxperts

Dear Community Friend:

Thank you for requesting a Techxperts list. Florida Institute of Technology is proud to make available to the Florida community the services of its faculty and staff.

Techxperts is Florida Tech's speakers bureau, composed of over 30 speakers and 65 topics. The members of this bureau represent administration as well as the university's schools and colleges, including aeronautics, business, engineering, psychology, and science and liberal arts.

To schedule a speaker, please select your first and second choice of topics and call university communications at (321) 984-2974. Be sure to provide the name of your organization, two tentative dates, audience size and type, meeting location and time. This service is free of charge and we will do our best to meet your request. We do recommend that you allow us two weeks to schedule a speaker. After we have secured a speaker, we will follow up with a confirmation letter to you.

From its beginning, Florida Tech served as a resource for continuing education for those involved with the developing space industry. Now, with diverse programs and renown faculty, we can offer businesses, schools and organizations a wealth of experts in a variety of areas.

We appreciate your interest in Techxperts, Florida Institute of Technology's outreach to the community.

Sincerely,
Verna Layman
University Communications


Beaches and Oceans
Topic Speaker
Arctic Oil
Since 1977, the U.S. has transported more than 14 billion barrels of Arctic oil via the Alaska pipeline. Yet, the U.S. uses 7 billions of oil per year. How important is the Alaskan Arctic to future oil needs? Can we recover this oil while minimizing long-term impacts to the environment?
Dr. John Trefry

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Biological Sciences
Topic Speaker
Snake Infrared “Vision” and It’s Technological Application
The Clocks That Time Us: Circadian Rhythms in Man and Nature
Snakes: The Evolution of Function and Beauty
Dr. Michael Grace
Florida Tech Sportfish Research Institute
This is an overview of fisheries research at Florida Tech. We explore all life stages of fish, from eggs to adults, and all their habitats - from the open ocean to reefs to marshes along the edge of the Indian River. Our ultimate goals are to better understand and manage our valuable fishery resources.
Dr. Jon Shenker
Biology of Tarpon-Florida's Favorite Sportfish
The Silver King is the focus of much of our research effort, and the Indian River Lagoon is a critical habitat for these wonderful fishes. Local anglers help us in our research, and we're always looking for more volunteers. After our talk on tarpon, we hope to recruit the audience to participate in the research!
Dr. Jon Shenker
Creating Fish 'Condos' - Artificial Reefs Along the Florida Coast
Reefs are vital habitats that provide shelter and food for fishes. Our artificial reefs, built on a relatively barren sandy-bottom habitat, quickly became populated with huge numbers of baitfish, sportfish, and monster Goliath grouper. The videos from these reefs show some amazing fishes.
Dr. Jon Shenker

Ghostly Crabs: A Haunting Dilemma on Brevard Beaches

Dr. Richard Turner

Molecular Biology & protein structures

Protein Molecules : Beauty, Complexity, and Utility In 1913, an orderly pattern of x-rays was observed emerging from a crystal. The following century has resulted in the elucidation of nearly 45,000 protein structures. Academic, pharmaceutical, and government laboratories are now racing to solve the most critical biomedical protein structures to get a precise picture of these molecules and regulate their activity when things go haywire during disease. We will look at many of these beautiful structures and their role in our bodies, in drug design, and as industrial reagents


Dr. Tristan Fiedler

DNA & bioethics

Human life begins with nearly 6 feet of a molecule so thin that a powerful electron microscope is needed to see its 3 billion base pairs spanning 46 chromosomes. This elegant simplicity is housed in a double helix forming the fundamental molecule of heredity. Science has transformed this simple structure into a biotechnology revolution. This talk will address the paramount issues of stem cell research, genetically modified food, DNA testing, and human genome sequencing.

Dr. Tristan Fiedler

Life Sciences Research Overview at Florida Tech

37,000 square feet and 12 laboratories at FL Tech are bustling with Life Science involving both undergraduate and graduate student researchers. This cross-cutting presentation will showcase our acclaimed programs in aquaculture, biochemistry, ecology, and marine biology.

Dr. Tristan Fiedler

Genomes & Medicine: The era of Personalized DNA Sequencing

Dr. Tristan Fiedler
Will we all know our genetic fate within the next decade? The Human Genome project was completed in April 2003 at a cost of $2.7 Billion dollars. Within the next ten years, this price is predicted to fall to less than $1000. Such genetic information will give rise to a clearer picture of human nature and diversity. The discourse highlights the potential risks and benefits of knowing your personal genome sequence.  

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Business/Economics
Topic Speaker
Job Search Skills
This presentation covers the basics of resume writing, effective interviewing techniques, and other job search skills such as researching employers and networking. Separate presentations covering each topic in depth are also available.
Dona Gaynor

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Computers/Internet
Topic Speaker
Writing Systems of the World
In the history of ideas, few innovations can compare with the writing down of human speech. From its origin in just a few isolated instances, writing progressed rapidly around the world. The world's writing systems include hieroglyphics, ideographs, syllabaries as well as many alphabets. The world's diverse writing systems challenge modern information processing.
Ryan Stansifer
Liability for Bad Software and Bad Customer Support
Dr. Cem Kaner
Computer Viruses, Spyware and Trojans: Watch Out!
Most computer users have heard of Computer Viruses, Spyware and Trojans, but what exactly is it, and how does it work? This talk introduces the basic concepts of "malicious code" at a level suitable for the average computer user, and includes some demonstrations of viruses in action!
Dr. Richard Ford
Computer Security for the Home User
Most homes have one - or more - computers sitting in them, but how much do you really know about securing your computer? Are you safe when you're on the Internet? This talk introduces some of the concepts of computer security in a way that should provide tips for the average home user to make sure they are surfing safely.
Dr. Richard Ford
Safe Computing
On the job or at work, we're often told that safety is everyone's job. But what exactly does being "safe" on a computer mean? This presentation introduces the audience to the idea of safe computing, and provides real-world examples of how to make your home and business environment safer by using computers more responsibly.
Dr. Richard Ford

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Education
Topic Speaker
How to Select a College
A step by step presentation that highlights all the factors students should consider when beginning their college search. It also explores how and where to search, which are the select websites useful for the search and the beginning explorations of scholarships and financial aid. This presentation is recommended for high school sophomores and their parents.
Judi Marino

The College Admissions Process
This is a step by step presentation that should take most of the mystery out of the admission process. This presentation will empower students to make good decisions, be organized in their application process and have the ability to assess their chances for admission.  We will also explore the confusing terms associated with early admission, early decision, and others.

This presentation is recommended for high school juniors and seniors and their parents.

Judi Marino
You Just Have to Laugh – Using Humor in the Classroom
A quick look at humor and why it must become part of your life. Review Guidelines for using humor and discover creative ways to slip appropriate humor into the workplace. Great for teachers.
Debra Blenis
The Top Ten Reasons to Become A Teacher
With the demand for teachers at an all-time high, this presentation reviews the new Florida laws aimed to fill the classrooms with highly qualified teachers. Information about how to enter this exciting field and the steps leading to certification will be discussed.
Debra Blenis

What Does it Take to Be a Leader?
Good leadership has changed. We will review the reasons for this change and look at the five steps to becoming a great leader and motivator. Appropriate for all stages of life-students to seniors.

Debra Blenis

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Energy
Topic Speaker

Introduction to Renewable Energy

An overview of energy in primarily the United States with a focus on renewable energies. Information is also provided on conservation and efficiency, energy pollution, and the impending "Oil Peak", etc. Where will our future energy come from as the conventional oil crisis increases?

 

Frank Leslie

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Engineering
Topic Speaker
Engineering Design of Artificial Reefs Dr. Lee E. Harris
Robotics: From Hollywood to the Factory
In this presentation Prof. Larochelle provides an overview of the state of the art in robotics technologies: from robotic helpers in the home that can vacuum your carpets or mow your lawn, to the special effects robots that appear in each summer's Hollywood blockbuster films, to the robots that are working in today's factories producing everything from cars to computers to frozen pizzas!
Dr. Pierre Larochelle
Robotics: The Cutting Edge
In this presentation Prof. Larochelle presents a summary of the current state of the research in robotics research in the R&D labs around the world.  Moreover, a discussion of the long term future of robotics will outline what we can expect robots to be able to do in our factories and in our homes in the next 10, 20, 50 years.  Is artificial intelligence around the corner- is Asimov's Robbie the Robot going to be in every home soon? 
Dr. Pierre Larochelle
Robotics: Here & Now for Everyone
In the presentation Prof. Larochelle presents robotics projects, contests, and competitions that everyone can participate in.  Join the robotics craze that is sweeping the nation.  From Battlebots to FIRST to Lego Mindstorms robotics technologies are now accessible to everyone.  Hear how you can join in this fun & exciting hobby and start building your own robots at home- inexpensively while having a lot of fun!
Dr. Pierre Larochelle

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Florida
Topic Speaker

Computer Modeling of the Indian River Lagoon (includes video and slides)
Dr. Gary Zarillo
Civil War in Florida
A look at Florida’s important role in the American Civil War, including the political, military, social, and economic events that marked this era in state history.
Dr. Robert Taylor
Florida and World War II
A discussion of Florida during the global conflict, emphasizing the important role the state played as a “school for victory” for large numbers of military personnel.
Dr. Robert Taylor

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Health/Medicine
Topic Speaker
Human Reactions to Flight (medical)
Dr. Nathaniel E. Villaire
Stress
This talk will define what stress is, what common sources of stress are, and what we can do to better manage it and cope with it.
Dr. Philip D. Farber
Depression
This talk will present what clinical depression is, what are some of the causes of it, and what are current treatments for it.
Dr. Philip D. Farber
Anxiety Dosorders
This talk will detail the different types of anxiety disorders, and the different types of treatments for them.
Dr. Philip D. Farber

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Language and Communications
Topic Speaker
Clear Communication
This topic emphasizes organization of material and writing style to achieve clear communication in memos, letters, reports and resumes.
Sharon Irvin
Communicating in the Global Economy
This presentation looks at our Global Village from the intercultural communication perspective, especially in a business setting. It deals with communication strategies for both people from different countries as well as those in a culturally diverse workplace.
Dr. Judy Strother
Bridging the Communication Gap: Male – Female Communication Strategies
This presentation examines the reasons for the very real difference in communication styles between men and women and presents some solid strategies for bridging the gap.
Dr. Judy Strother
Pilot-Tower Communication: A Formula for Disaster?
This presentation discusses the very real challenges facing pilots and air traffic controllers as they try to communicate under the difficult conditions faced during flights. These challenges are greatly compounded when either (or both) the pilot and air traffic controller do not speak English as a native language. The threat to air safety caused by this kind of miscommunication is the focus of the talk.
Dr. Judy Strother
Become a Global Citizen and Acquire a Second Language!
In today’s world where people do business and travel internationally, it is becoming increasingly more important to speak a second language. Learn some ‘tips’ about how to become a successful second language learner and sound like a native.
Dr. Randall Alford

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Marine and Environmental Science
Topic Speaker
Natural Hazards
Concentrating on natural hazards of Florida, this topic includes weather hazards such as lightning and tornadoes, tropical storms and hurricanes, seismic sea waves and tsunamis, and rip currents.
Dr. George Maul
Climate Change
Dr. Maul discusses how the Earth’s natural climate works and how humankind may be changing it, seal level and coastal temperature trends, human population growth, “lies, damned lies, and statistics.”
Dr. George Maul
Earth System Science Education
This presents the Earth from a systems perspective, integrating the Cosmosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, biosphere, and the Anthroposphere, - how do the spheres interact to harbor life?
Dr. George Maul

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Physics and Space
Topic Speaker
Prospecting in the Stellar Graveyard
All about white dwarfs. Dr. Oswalt will discuss the life cycle of stars, his studies of the white dwarf stars and the constraints these results place on the age of the galaxy and universe. A discussion of some of the observations conducted at important observatories around the world.
Dr. Terry Oswalt
In the Asteroid's Shadow
All about asteroids, which preserve the only records of the physical and chemical processes, which marked the beginning of the solar system 4.6 billion years ago. Via a photographic expedition to the West Indies, Dr. Oswalt will explain what is known about the largest known asteroid Ceres.
Dr. Terry Oswalt
Star Bright, Sky Brighter
The Problem of Light Pollution. During a photographic tour of Kitt Peak National Observatory, Dr. Oswalt will describe the nature of light pollution from bright city lights. He'll discuss how it impacts astronomical research and the cost-effective solutions to the problem, which have been successfully adopted by cities such as Tucson, Arizona.
Dr. Terry Oswalt

Illuminating the Dark Universe

At the end of the 20th Century, humanity’s understanding of nature was turned on its head by the recognition that 99% of the universe is completely unaccounted for and composed of that which we have no experience. Dr. Hakeem M. Oluseyi will take you on a visual and historical tour of how the universe revealed its strange composition of dark matter and dark energy and our current efforts to understand these phenomena.

Dr. Hakeem M. Oluseyi

Is the Sun Going to Explode?

So you live on a tiny speck of stone that orbits a soon-to-be-unstable nuclear cauldron 100 times larger than planet Earth. There is  nothing to worry about, right? Dr. Hakeem M. Oluseyi will describe the realities of living with a star in an evolving galactic environment and our efforts to understand and predict space weather.

Dr. Hakeem M. Oluseyi

The Multi-cultural History of Astronomy

When and where did astronomy begin? What were its earliest uses? How has the history of civilization been impacted by human’s astronomical activities? How has astronomical knowledge passed between cultures resulting in our current understanding? You won’t find the answers to these questions in any astronomy textbook. Dr. Hakeem M. Oluseyi will take you on a journey through an illustrated history of astronomy covering Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas including the impact of astronomical knowledge on politics, spirituality and technology.

Dr. Hakeem M. Oluseyi

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Psychology
Topic Speaker
Concussion in Sports
A surprisingly large number of athletes – youth and adult – suffer brain concussions while participating in their sports. This talk describes what a concussion is, what the symptoms are, how recovery proceeds, and what preventive measures may be helpful. The main thrust of this talk will deal with concussion potential from heading the ball during soccer games. There is still great controversy over when and how normal heading might produce a post-concussion syndrome that could dull normal brain functioning. Factors that will be discussed include age of the participant, gender, number of headings, and the basic mechanism of brain concussion. The talk is geared toward a general audience of parents and children and takes about 50 minutes
Dr. Frank Webbe
Memory Problems in the Elderly
As adults reach old age, it is common for them to be beset with memory problems. This talk will discuss the changes that can be expected as a part of normal aging, and contrast these with the abnormal changes that occur with dementing illnesses such as Alzheimer’s Disease.
Dr. Frank Webbe
The benefits of sport psychology
Sport psychology has become so popular that professional teams and athletes routinely have sport psychologists on their staffs or on retainers for consulting. This talk will discuss what sport psychology is, who can benefit from sport psychology interventions, and what defines a sport psychologist.
Dr. Frank Webbe
Using Personality to Predict Job Performance: Promise and Pitfalls
Cultivating Innovation in Your Organization: Learning to Learn
Zen & the Art of Leadership
Dr. Richard Griffith
Coaching For High Performance
Employee Commitment: Measurement and Impact
Dr. Lisa Steelman

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Religion
Topic Speaker
Florida Tech Protestant Campus Ministry
The Florida Tech Protestant Campus Ministry is a not-for-profit organization serving the unique spiritual needs of the university community. PCM offers weekly and monthly activities, pastoral care, and church referrals for students, employees, and alumni. Find out how you and your organization can partner with PCM to offer the best ethical resources to our future world leaders.
Rev. Darice K.W. Dawson
The History of Women in Ministry
This is a rare looked-upon topic that is full of action and diversity. Throught this multi-media presentation, see how female leaders from the dawn of time have been very purposefully and effectively active in the world’s main religions. Be inspired by their amazing work, and see how you may be a called leader in your faith.
Rev. Darice K.W. Dawson
The Crucial Young Adult Years
Young adults – this age group is most absent in politics, churches, organizations, etc. Yet they are in the process of making the most crucial decisions of their lives, those of education, career, family, faith, and ethics. If we’re not present to offer educated, ethical, and diverse options to their growth process, what will the future of our world look like? See how you and your group can interact with this fascinating, ongoing generation to pass on needed tradition and keep us young at heart.
Rev. Darice K.W. Dawson

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Transportation
Topic Speaker
Airports and Your Community
This includes all aspects of airport planning, design, operation, and administration.
Dr. B. M. Barker
Aviation Security
Airports and airlines are discussed, along with the history of the issue, regulations, international standards, and technologies.
Dr. B. M. Barker
Aviation Education
Included in this topic are program development, flight training, and accreditation.
Dr. B. M. Barker
Career Paths: Airport managers.
Discussion of complete career path for airport management executives

Dr. David Byers
College of Aeronautics
For those interested in aviation careers, this is an overview of the program and curriculum at Florida Tech.
Dr. David Byers

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Potpourri
Topic Speaker
Medicine Throughout History: “Plagues, Pestilence and Poor Health”
With AIDS, anthrax, antibiotic resistant bacteria, and a host of other medical threats facing us in the 21st century, perhaps it is time to look at how medicine and science can learn from historical records details previous outbreaks of plagues and pestilence. What can historians and medical researchers learn from the past to combat the medical threats of the future? Are the answers hidden sometimes right in front of our eyes?
Dr. Matthew Ruane
Hollywood & History: Fact or Fiction In Film
With a recent spate of movies based on historical events, Hollywood has once again been accused of presenting to the public a glamorized version of the truth rather than letting the facts speak for themselves. If Hollywood executives claim that a movie is historically accurate, going so far as to employ consultants from institutions such as the Smithsonian Institution, do they have a responsibility to present the truth? Where does fiction and fact merge in the ethical production of movies?
Dr. Matthew Ruane
Plundering Paradise: The Cultural Legacy of Piracy in Florida
Pirates are part and parcel of Florida history, from the days of Spanish settlement in St. Augustine, to the legends of Jose Gaspar, and even the name of a professional football team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Pirates are celebrated in a series of annual festivals, in ongoing museum exhibitions, and by treasure hunters throughout Florida. Yet how much of this unending interest in pirates and piracy is based in history? What exactly is the cultural legacy pirates and piracy have left behind?
Dr. Matthew Ruane
The Unique Philosophy of the Bhagwad Gita
The lectures discuss the philosophy of Karma Yoga described in the Gita. Karma Yoga is a unique philosophy, with great tolerance, how doing one's normal work with the right attitude not only helps one deal with everyday problems, but allows one to grow spiritually and eventually receive deliverance or "moksha". Depending on the need, the topic can be delivered in one or a series of lectures.
Dr. Ashok Pandit

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