Panthers on the Rise
Florida Tech Panthers are doing amazing things! As students, they participate in academic competitions, collaborate with faculty on inspiring research, and build career experience in exciting internships. As young alumni, they put their Florida Tech experience to work making a difference in all areas of industry.
Current Student and Young Alumni Stories
Winter 2026 AlumNotes
Catch up with fellow Panthers! Alumni highlights and updates originally featured in the winter 2026 issue of Florida Tech Magazine.
Catch up with fellow Panthers! Alumni highlights and updates originally featured in the winter 2026 issue of Florida Tech Magazine.
Aviation Leader Warren Pittorie Honored With 2025 GOLD Ad Astra Award
Warren Pittorie ’15, ’18 M.S., ’22 Ph.D., earns Florida Tech’s GOLD Ad Astra Alumni Award for leadership, service and impact in aviation.
Warren Pittorie ’15, ’18 M.S., ’22 Ph.D., earns Florida Tech’s GOLD Ad Astra Alumni Award for leadership, service and impact in aviation.
Champion of Florida’s Waters: Duane De Freese Honored With Keuper Distinguished Alumni Award
Duane E. De Freese ’81 M.S., ’88 Ph.D., receives Florida Tech’s Jerome P. Keuper Distinguished Alumni Award for lifelong leadership in environmental conservation.
Duane E. De Freese ’81 M.S., ’88 Ph.D., receives Florida Tech’s Jerome P. Keuper Distinguished Alumni Award for lifelong leadership in environmental conservation.
From ‘The Jetsons’ to ‘Star Wars’: Lessons from Fiction About the Future of Flight
In her experiences at NASA and Florida Tech, Deborah Carstens has learned that the future of flight isn’t just about futuristic “flying taxis” or highly accurate and functional robots; it’s about people.
In her experiences at NASA and Florida Tech, Deborah Carstens has learned that the future of flight isn’t just about futuristic “flying taxis” or highly accurate and functional robots; it’s about people.
Homegrown Scholars
Graduate school at Florida Tech offers continuity in research, mentorship and academic programs for students pursuing advanced degrees.
Graduate school at Florida Tech offers continuity in research, mentorship and academic programs for students pursuing advanced degrees.
Jordin Chandler: 2025 COPLA Outstanding Alumnus Values Service Before Self
Jordin Chandler ’19 reflects on mentorship, service and community impact after earning the 2025 Outstanding Alumni Award from COPLA.
Jordin Chandler ’19 reflects on mentorship, service and community impact after earning the 2025 Outstanding Alumni Award from COPLA.
Up Close with Michelle Wolf ’18
Michelle Wolf reflects on her time at Florida Tech and her journey from teaching high school students to publishing academic research.
Michelle Wolf reflects on her time at Florida Tech and her journey from teaching high school students to publishing academic research.
Students Produce Documentary on Local Music Store Owner
Florida Tech communication students created "More Than Music," a documentary highlighting Bruce Marion, a local music shop owner.
Florida Tech communication students created "More Than Music," a documentary highlighting Bruce Marion, a local music shop owner.
From Classroom to Career: A Student’s Guide to Landing and Thriving in an Internship
How do students juggle demanding coursework, find opportunities and make a real impact in the workplace? We spoke with four Florida Tech students who successfully navigated this path.
How do students juggle demanding coursework, find opportunities and make a real impact in the workplace? We spoke with four Florida Tech students who successfully navigated this path.
McKaylyn Merritt: Seashells to Spider Monkeys
McKaylyn Merritt ’25 has turned her childhood questions about the sea into a focused pursuit of research, conservation and animal welfare.
McKaylyn Merritt ’25 has turned her childhood questions about the sea into a focused pursuit of research, conservation and animal welfare.