2025 EECS Year-End Newsletter
Highlights from the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
I am pleased to share recent highlights from the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) at Florida Institute of Technology. The updates that follow reflect the ongoing work of our faculty and students across research, teaching, and engagement with industry and government partners, and illustrate the ways in which EECS continues to contribute to the advancement of engineering and computing disciplines. We invite you to review these selected items as a snapshot of current activity and momentum within the department.
Brian Lail, Ph.D.
Professor and Department Head
Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
College of Engineering and Science
Machine Learning Applied to Digitize Ancient Indus Civilization Texts
Professor Debasis Mitra is using machine learning and computer vision methods to digitize and analyze ancient texts from the Indus Civilization. The work demonstrates how computer science research can support cultural preservation while advancing data analysis techniques
DARPA Funds Research to Address Cybersickness in Immersive Technologies
Professor Siddharta Bhattacharyya has been awarded DARPA funding to study cybersickness in immersive environments. The research draws on computer science, human-computer interaction and sensing technologies to improve virtual and augmented reality systems used in defense and training.
Habib Secures NASA Award and Nature Photonics Publication for Advanced Fiber Optics Research
Professor Selim Habib has received a NASA award and published research in Nature Photonics for work in photonics and optical engineering. The research advances fiber optic technologies used in climate monitoring, sensing and space-based systems.
Florida Tech Launches FBI-Funded Cellular Technology Certification Program
Florida Tech has launched a cellular technology certification program supported by FBI funding to prepare students for careers in wireless communications, cybersecurity and digital forensics. The program is meant to address workforce needs tied to national security.
Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Faculty Ranked Among World’s Top 2% of Scientists
Faculty from electrical engineering, computer science and related disciplines are among the 18 Florida Tech researchers named in the world’s top 2% of scientists in an updated 2025 ranking. The recognition reflects sustained scholarly impact across core engineering and computing fields.
Florida Tech Joins National Quantum Technology Coalition
Florida Tech is among 14 universities nationwide launching a coalition to advance quantum technology research and education. The initiative strengthens work in quantum computing, communications and information science, key areas of growth for electrical engineering and computing programs.
NSA Recertifies Florida Tech for Academic Excellence in Cyber Research
Florida Tech has been recertified by the National Security Agency as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Research. The designation recognizes faculty and student work in cybersecurity, computer science and related engineering disciplines that support national security and advanced cyber capabilities.
Researchers Tapped by NASA to Help Define Trustworthiness in Autonomous Systems
Florida Tech researchers with expertise in electrical engineering, computer science and systems engineering have been selected by NASA to help define and assess trustworthiness in autonomous systems. The work supports the development of reliable autonomous technologies for aerospace and other mission-critical applications.