Florida Institute of Technology

Institute for Biological and Biomedical Sciences (IBBS)

Gary N. Wells, Ph.D., Professor and Department Head, Biological Sciences, Director

The mission of the IBBS is to foster interdisciplinary research in the biological sciences, with special emphasis on those areas with potential medical applications.

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Institute for Computing and Information Systems (ICIS)

Richard A. Ford, Ph.D., Research Professor, Computer Sciences, Director

The mission of the ICIS is to promote interdisciplinary approaches to computer science and information systems through education, research and outreach, by providing a single point of contact for students, faculty, funding agencies and businesses, and by crossing traditional academic disciplines to promote innovation.

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Institute for Energy Systems (IES)

Robert L. Sullivan, Ph.D., University Professor and Department Head, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Director

The mission of the IES is to provide an intellectually stimulating environment for faculty and students to conduct funded research in areas of national need. The National Energy Policy identifies these needs to be: (1) increasing domestic energy supplies; (2) increasing America’s use of renewable and alternative energy; (3) increasing energy conservation and efficiency; (4) developing a comprehensive delivery system; (5) enhancing national energy security and international relationships; and (6) sustaining the nation’s health and environment.

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Institute for Marine Research (IMR)

Junda Lin, Ph.D., Professor, Biological Sciences, Director

The mission of the IMR is to advance marine research, education and outreach by coordinating shared facility management, recruiting scholars and students, encouraging interdisciplinary research, and promoting collegiality and cohesiveness within the university.

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Institute for Materials Science and Nanotechnology (IMSN)

Gordon Nelson, Ph.D., Dean, College of Science and Professor of Chemistry, Interim Director

The IMSN mission is to enhance and expand materials research and outreach at Florida Tech and advance nano­technology research and outreach by promoting joint multi-investigator research, encouraging interdisciplinary and trans-disciplinary research, coordinating shared faculty infrastructure, recruiting scholars and students, coordinating presentation of materials- and nanotechnology-related activities to external governmental and non-governmental agencies, foundations and industry, and promoting collegiality and cohesiveness within the university in the area of materials and nanotechnology. The 21 institute faculty come from diverse engineering and science disciplines. Current research funding of participating faculty is approximately $4 million, including research, instrumentation and participation in multi-investigator projects.

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Sportfish Research Institute (SRI)

Jonathan M. Shenker, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Biological Sciences, Director

SRI is dedicated to studies of the sport fishery species that are tremendously important to Florida. Research currently focuses on the use of the Indian River Lagoon as a nursery habitat for juvenile tarpon, the basic biology and ecology of these juveniles, the genetic structure of tarpon populations and the role of offshore artificial reefs in creating habitat for diverse sport fish species. In addition to field and laboratory research, SRI personnel present talks and provide information to local and regional sport fishing organizations and publications. Funded in part by state and local grants, SRI also seeks funding and participation from corporations associated with the fishing industry and from private individuals.

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Center for Applied Business Research (CABR)

Thomas J. Stauffacher, M.S., Director of Industry Education Programs, College of Business, Director

This center serves to consolidate the College of Business programs that interact directly with local business, to provide focus and establish responsibility and accountability for activities and relationships with local businesses, to establish a forum for local businesses to interact with the College of Business, to establish and maintain a database of activities involving local businesses for tracking and research purposes, and to support faculty research activities.

Working in close cooperation with the College of Business faculty, the center oversees the: Local Business Assistance Program, which offers research assistance to businesses (both for-profit and not-for-profit) in marketing, finance, organizational behavior and general management; Internship Practicum Program; Mentor Program; Classroom Guest Speaker Program; Industry Visitation Program; and Faculty Externship Program. The center also maintains a repository of longitudinal data for business research and analysis.

Students are involved in all aspects of the center’s activities and have significant opportunities for experiential learning as a result of their interaction with local businesses and professional organizations.

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Center for Corrosion and Biofouling Control (CCBC)

Geoffrey Swain, Ph.D., Professor, Oceanography and Ocean Engineering, Director

The mission of the center is to understand the processes of biofouling and corrosion, and to develop and apply innovative solutions for control and prevention. Its objectives are to advance the state-of-the-art in corrosion and biofouling control; to establish mutually beneficial collaborative relationships with local, national and international university, government and industrial partners; and to provide graduate and undergraduate students a world-class research and educational experience that prepares them for both academic and industrial professional opportunities.

Current research activities include testing and evaluation of antifouling systems; investigation of hydrodynamic performance of ship hull coatings and the effectiveness of ship hull cleaning programs; the mechanisms of adhesion and release of fouling to novel biocide-free coating systems; the development of biomimetic materials for underwater propulsion; and methods for the prevention and remediation of corrosion on steel hulled
sailing ships.

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Center for High Resolution Microscopy and Imaging (CHRMI)

Michael Grace, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Biological Sciences, Director

The Center for High Resolution Microscopy and Imaging is a multidisciplinary laboratory providing state-of-the art light and fluorescence microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, scanning probe microscopy and x-ray microanalysis of natural and artificial materials. The CHRMI contains necessary equipment and expertise to prepare almost any kind of sample for microscopic evaluation, to image sample surfaces and cross-sections at very high resolutions and to analyze elemental compositions of materials. Support staff maintains instrumentation and trains users in sample preparation and analyses of microstructure and microchemistry. Image collection is both film-based and digital; support platforms provide detailed image analysis capabilities.

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Center for Remote Sensing (CRS)

Charles R. Bostater, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Environmental Sciences and Physical Oceanography, Director

The center’s purpose is to encourage excellence in the development and application of remote sensing science and technology. It is organized as a collaborative center among and between faculty within the College of Engineering, College of Science and College of Aeronautics. Under the authority of the Space Grant Act of 1988, Florida Tech is a member of the Southeastern Space Consortium and the Florida Space Grant Colleges Consortium. The center has consulted and provided services to defense contractors, NASA centers and contractors, the Department of Energy and DOE subcontractors, state of Florida water management agencies, the Department of State and U.S. Department of Education, and are affiliated with foreign institutions and organizations.

Facilities for remote sensing teaching and research include the ERDAS Image Analysis System, Evans Library, the Geographical Information Systems Laboratory, the Marine and Environmental Optics Laboratory and the Synoptic Meteorological Laboratory. Various laboratories and facilities in academic and research computing; computer science; aerospace, computer, electrical and mechanical engineering; physics and space sciences; and space systems are also available. Field studies can be conducted through the College of Aeronautics’ fleet of aircraft, the flotilla of small watercraft at Florida Tech’s Evinrude Marine Center and the R/V Delphinus (the university’s research vessel).

Center faculty offer a wide variety of courses at the graduate and undergraduate level, including environmental satellite systems and data, hydroacoustics, digital image processing, and environmental optics for remote sensing.

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Center for Software Testing Education and Research (CSTER)

Cem Kaner, Ph.D., J.D., Professor, Computer Sciences, Director

The mission of the center is to “create effective, grounded, timely materials to support the teaching and self-study of software testing, software reliability and quality-related software metrics.” With support from the National Science Foundation, Texas Instruments and IBM, the center has been able to develop an extensive collection of course materials, with more video-based lectures on the way.

Current research includes high-volume test automation, the practice and psychology of exploratory testing, failure mode and effects analysis for software, and the development of testing-related metrics. Course materials developed at the center are freely available for reuse under a Creative Commons license, enabling faculty at other schools and companies to base or enhance their courses with them.

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Wireless Center of Excellence (WiCE)

Chang-wen Chen, Ph.D., Henry Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Director
Ivica Kostanic, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Technical Director

WiCE is devoted to creating a new generation of wireless engineering professionals through education and research. Driven by its academic program, WiCE considers wireless to be any system or device that relies on electromagnetic-wave propagation to perform one or more of its functions. This context includes such diverse applications as radar, global positioning, location, sensing, etc., as well as the broader class of communications systems such as satellites, point-to-point/multi-point, WLAN and wireless WAN. In partnership with industry, WiCE offers the opportunity for faculty and both undergraduate and graduate students to engage in research and to study wireless concepts in a variety of courses. Research areas include propagation modeling, wireless systems engineering, personal communications systems, wireless sensors and multimedia communications, while also supporting simulation, fabrication and measurement of wireless communications and other systems and components.

Laboratory test equipment includes Grayson’s Spectrum Tracker, and spectrum and vector network analyzers, oscilloscopes, microwave amplifiers, oscillators and mixers, signal generators and associated active and passive RF devices. The lab performs experimental investigation using the anechoic chamber and screen room facilities. WiCE is supported by significant laboratory facilities as described under “Electrical Engineering” in the College of Engineering section of this catalog.

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Dynamic Systems and Controls Laboratory (DSCL)

Hector Gutierrez, Ph.D., P.E., Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Co-director
Y.I. Sharaf-Eldeen, Ph.D., P.E., Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Co-director

DSCL supports a variety of research and teaching activities in dynamic systems, including magnetic suspension technology, machinery monitoring and fault diagnosis, vibration control of structures, computer-based instrumentation and mechatronics. Current research activities include online vibration and angular motion measurements and analyses to develop condition monitoring and maintenance information systems for power generation and transmission systems, and components in rotating machinery; real-time control of structural vibration based on online spectral estimation and magneto-rheological (MR) tuned-mass dampers; nonlinear control of magnetic suspension systems for high-precision positioning applications; and analysis and control of electrodynamic launching systems for space and military applications.

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Laser, Optics and Instrumentation Laboratory (LOIL)

Kunal Mitra, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Co-director
Chelakara Subramanian, Ph.D., P.Eng, Professor, Aerospace Engineering, Co-director

LOIL exploits current technologies in continuous wave and short-pulse lasers and optics to develop new techniques for measuring and characterizing material properties. Faculty and graduate students are involved in analyzing the interaction of these lasers with different materials for various applications. Biomedical applications focus on detecting and irradiating tumors and inhomogeneities in tissues. Material characterization/processing applications involve detection of defects in materials such as debonding of thermal protection tile systems and thermal response of materials subjected to high-energy radiation. Remote sensing applications focus on lightning detection in cloud media and landmines in shallow waters. The challenge of integrating laser sources, system optics, instrumentation, measurement schemes and data acquisition provides students with new learning experiences in these areas. Equipment currently in use includes a mode-locked short-pulse laser, high power continuous wave lasers, a modulator, an ultrafast photodetector, a sampling head oscilloscope, a streak camera, miscellaneous optics and optical accessories, a thermal camera and an image processing system.

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Microelectronics Laboratory

Susan Earles, Assistant Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Director

This microelectronics facility is designed to be a teaching laboratory, as well as an advanced research laboratory. A microelectronics fabrication course is taught to graduate and undergraduate students. In this course, students complete, fabricate and test state-of-the-art integrated circuits. Research conducted in the facility includes advanced microelectronic packaging and processes for new metallization techniques and dielectrics.

The facility is a 3,800-sq.-ft. structure with all support services needed for modern semiconductor research, including a 3,000-sq.-ft. cleanroom, as well as areas dedicated to integrated-circuit testing and equipment maintenance. Equipment in the teaching laboratory includes photolithographic aligners, diffusion furnaces, a thin film evaporator, wet chemistry benches and significant measurement and inspection equipment. The advanced research laboratory presently features a scanning electron microscope, rapid thermal annealer, chemical vapor deposition, reliability test equipment and several lasers for teaching and research.

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National Center for Hydrogen Research (NCHR)

Mary Helen McCay, Ph.D., Research Professor, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Director

The NCHR was established with funding from NASA to perform research and development concerning the application of hydrogen as a fuel for airborne platforms. Its objectives are to (1) develop and demonstrate the use of a hydrogen-based fuel cell and practical on-board storage of hydrogen fuel in an operating aircraft; (2) develop an aircraft test platform as a hydrogen fuel, fuel cell and sensor test bed for collaborating experimenters; (3) improve the understanding and performance of fuel cells through computational and laboratory experiments; (4) develop a technique for hydrogen purification as a means of improving fuel cell performance; (5) develop fiberoptic sensors suitable for safety applications, systems monitoring and withstanding exposure to cryogenic hydrogen, and with the capability to resist degraded performance during extended lifetime service; (6) investigate alternate approaches to hydrogen and fuel cell production to improve affordability, scalability and lifetime cost-of-ownership; and (7) establish collaborations with universities.

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National Center for Small Business Information (NCSBI)

S. Ann Becker, Ph.D., Professor, Management Information Systems, Director

The NCSBI is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor with a focus on increasing the number of government contract awards to small businesses as well as building a technology-skilled workforce. The center offers state-of-the-art training facilities with foundation courses to promote success in government procurement and professional enrichment, and led by experienced­, professional­ trainers. NCSBI offers on-site training and workshops, Web-based resources, and women and diversity networking opportunities, thus creating employment opportunities, boosting the nation’s skilled labor force and expanding small business expertise in government contracting.

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Robotics and Spatial Systems Laboratory (RSSL)

Pierre Larochelle, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Director

RASSL is dedicated to the development of mechanical systems that generate spatial motion and force transmission. Research focuses on achieving advances in design methodologies for these systems as well as the techniques for using them in industrial and consumer applications. A mutually beneficial relationship has been achieved with local industry (e.g. NASA-KSC, GSMA, AMTI, RWT and ICS) that has resulted in motivating K–12 youth toward engineering, science and technology through active involvement in the FIRST Robot Competitions. Equipment includes an AdeptOne SCARA robot, a Zevatech CT2000 Cartesian robot and a Motoman SV3x, as well as the computer capabilities needed for computer-aided synthesis, analysis and design of robots and spatial systems.

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Southeastern Association for Research in Astronomy (SARA)

Terry Oswalt, Ph.D., Professor and Department Head, Physics and Space Sciences, Director

SARA is a consortium of nine universities led by Florida Tech that operates a one-meter-class automated telescope at Kitt Peak National Observatory near Tucson, Arizona. The SARA members are Florida Tech, East Tennessee State University, the University of Georgia, Valdosta State University, Florida International University, Ball State University, Agnes Scott College, Clemson University and the University of Alabama–Huntsville. Using an innovative, computer-controlled operating system, the observatory can operate interactively with an astronomer on-site as well as remotely from SARA institution campuses. Observational data are transferred to SARA institutions via a high-speed link to the Internet and are also made available to other astronomers around the world. In addition to faculty research activities in a wide variety of areas such as stellar evolution, active galaxy dynamics and origins of the universe, SARA operates a unique, multi-institution­ Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program funded by the National Science Foundation. Each year, this program provides summer internships to about a dozen students selected from around the country and offers an opportunity for these students to work one-on-one with faculty on research projects. The SARA REU program is one of the largest astronomy internship programs in the United States.

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Vero Beach Marine Laboratory (VBML)

Junda Lin, Ph.D., Professor, Biological Sciences, Director
Elizabeth A. Irlandi, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Oceanography, Deputy Director

VBML is located on four acres of oceanfront property in nearby Vero Beach. This facility serves as a field station for the university in support of research and teaching in the marine sciences. The beachfront location of VBML provides ready access to field study sites for work on the biology of coastal organisms and for studies of physical and geological processes of the coastal zone. Major research efforts at the laboratory are related to mariculture and marine biology/ecology. A two-story building, equipped with seawater tables and a flow-through system, supports research on mariculture and ecology of marine organisms. Several greenhouses and large tank systems are available for studying aqua­culture, behavior and ecology of marine animals. Classrooms, offices and dry laboratory facilities are provided in the main laboratory building.

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Wind and Hurricane Impacts Research Laboratory (WHIRL)

Jean-Paul Pinelli, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Civil Engineering, Director

WHIRL is dedicated to the study of the effects and impacts of windstorms, including hurricanes, tornadoes and thunderstorms, and other related meteorological hazards (e.g., flooding and tidal surges) on the natural environment and man-made structures. The laboratory involves a multidisciplinary team of engineers, scientists and business experts. It takes advantage of a geographic location in the heart of Florida’s Space Coast to serve the needs of industry, government and the public in wind hazard mitigation. The laboratory’s activities include research on mitigation of losses of life, property and the environment; education of the public through dissemination of information; and the development of a multidisciplinary program of study focused on wind engineering and wind-related socioeconomic studies and analyses.

Research topics in the laboratory include action of strong winds and storm surges on structures; evaluation of codes, standards and retrofitting techniques for buildings and infrastructure systems; risk assessment for existing structures, coastal erosion, sediment transport and environmental damage due to storm surges and floods; development of remote sensing tools for assessing and monitoring hurricane damage, wind speed and flood levels; fundamental wind and meteorological research; wind tunnel modeling and testing; and statistical studies, analysis of economic impacts and development of potential damage maps for hurricane hazards in Florida.

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