The Florida Tech College of Engineering and Science Advisory Board provides vital input to the Dean on the strategic direction of the college and helps realize opportunities for advancing the forefront of engineering and science education and research. The Advisory Board consists of diverse global leaders, alumni and friends.
System Engineering
B.S. Electrical Engineering '87
Tau Beta Pi
Kim develops computing systems that aggregate sensor data for various IoT (Internet of Things) applications, focused on retail industries. With more than 20 years at Intel, Kim has led several silicon development efforts for use in the embedded and communications industry. Prior to Intel, he spent 9 years with Honeywell in Clearwater, Fla. where he did reliability and systems engineering for Intertial Navigation Systems that flew on Atlas and Titan rockets. Kim currently serves on the Florida Tech Alumni Association as the vice president and resides in Chandler, Arizona. He graduated from Florida Tech in 1987 with a degree in electrical engineering, and is a member of Tau Beta Pi.
Thanks to the Delaware Valley Science Fair, where he won the opportunity to view a shuttle launch, Joe Bussenger learned about Florida Tech. He went on to choose Florida Tech to earn his bachelor of science in aerospace engineering in 2013 and is planning further graduate degrees at the university as well.
As a standout student, Joe won several awards, including the Northrop Grumman Best in Engineering Award and the United Technologies Award for Top Student in Engineering. With such promising, young talent, Joe secured a position with SpaceX before he completed his degree.
He started as the lead engineer for recovery and landing operations, and he is now manager of offshore and landing operations engineering. Recovery, refurbishment, and reuse of orbital rocket boosters are critical to SpaceX’s goal of reducing the cost of access to space and ultimately enabling humans to live on other planets. “The project-based learning I received Florida Tech helped prepare me for my role today,” Bussenger said.
Amanda Buie, DDS, MS | Texas A&M School of Dentistry | Buie Clinic
General Dentist, Clinical Associate Professor
Biological Sciences ’08 (B.S.)
FIT Women’s Basketball ’04-‘08
Dr. Amanda Buie received her B.S. in Biological Sciences from Florida Institute of Technology in 2008, her D.D.S. degree from Texas A&M Health Science Center Baylor College of Dentistry in 2012, and her M.S. in Education for Healthcare Professionals from Texas A&M University College of Medicine in 2016. Dr. Buie is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Comprehensive Dentistry at Texas A&M School of Dentistry. She teaches in first and second year preclinical dental courses and integrated CAD/CAM dentistry into the preclinical curriculum. Dr. Buie also helps manage Buie Clinic with her husband, Dr. John Buie, who is a prosthodontist in their hometown of Midlothian, TX. They have two boys, James (3) and Wesley (1), and are expecting a baby girl in April of 2023.
Dr. Josh Bruckmeyer is the Chief Architect for Space and Airborne Systems (SAS). In this role he also serves as chief engineer for the Agile Development Group (ADG) and leads the Multi-Domain Architecture Group (MDAG). He is focused on advancing L3Harris’ capabilities to provide customers with comprehensive mission and system solutions. He reports directly to the Vice President Business Development and Strategy for SAS, indirectly to the Vice President of Engineering for SAS, and indirectly to the President of ADG.
Bruckmeyer assumed the role of Senior Director in 2020. In his previous role he oversaw and managed engineering for the Engineering & Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase of the F-35 Technical Refresh 3 Integrated Core program.
Previously, functionally lead System Integration & Test for the F-35 Technical Refresh 3 mission computer infrastructure. Prior he set the strategic vision and managed the Space & Airborne Systems (SAS) system engineering organization of over 1600 employees.
Prior to joining SAS, Bruckmeyer was a fellow in the Technical Strategy office, reporting to the Chief Technology Officer. He led L3Harris’ technology exchange forum, influenced L3Harris’ R&D investment plan, promoted internal collaboration and innovation, architected and lead technology initiatives, and facilitated senior-level engagements.
Previously, Bruckmeyer served as a chief technologist for Harris’ Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance business. In this role, he led the technical strategy behind Harris’ pivot to be a small satellite prime contractor. He also architected the second-generation Harris AppSTAR™ multi-mission payload family, for which he received the Harris Board of Directors Technology Innovation Award.
Bruckmeyer was the principal architect of the Aireon Hosted Payload (AHP), a spaceborne, software-defined, elemental digital beam former phased array antenna for air traffic management on board the Iridium NEXT constellation. He also architected the signal processing chain of a high-performance wideband ELINT that has been successfully transferred to multiple ELINT systems.
Bruckmeyer began his career at L3Harris with responsibility for the detailed electrical digital design, system engineering and signal chain integration of a high-performance imager.
Bruckmeyer serves as the L3Harris University of Florida Executive Champion, is an external advisory board member for the University of Florida College of Engineering Dean’s Advisory Board, and Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Bruckmeyer is also a member of the Florida Institute of Technology College of Engineering and Science Advisory Board. He has published several papers and delivered multiple workshop sessions. He holds several patents in high-speed electronics and space communications.
Bruckmeyer has bachelor’s degrees in electrical engineering and computer engineering from the University of Florida. He also has a Master of Science in electrical and electronics engineering and a Doctor of Philosophy in electrical and electronics engineering from the Florida Institute of Technology.
L3Harris Technologies is an agile global aerospace and defense technology innovator, delivering end-to-end solutions that meet customers’ mission-critical needs. The company provides advanced defense and commercial technologies across space, air, land, sea and cyber domains. L3Harris has more than $17 billion in annual revenue and 47,000 employees, with customers in more than 100 countries. L3Harris.com.
VP, Design Enablement at ON Semiconductor
Electrical Engineering, B.S. '80
Electrical Engineering, M.S. '82
Applied Mathematics, M.S. '84
Mojy has a rich blend of private and public company senior executive management experience, business acumen, customer relationships, and hands on technical experience in Integrated Circuits product design, software development, process technology, design infrastructure, and wafer manufacturing. He has provided consulting services for new business development, strategy for adjacent markets, System-On-Chip development strategy in leading edge process technologies, and engineering and business modeling to Qualcomm and CSR.
President (Retired)
Ocean Engineering, B.S. '76
Ocean Engineering, M.S. '81
Chi Phi, Baseball, Crew
John worked for thirty years in offshore engineering and design of deep water hull forms such as Tension Leg Platforms, Semisubmersibles, Spars, and other offshore facilities. He’s directed many offshore projects and helped develop Industry standards and practices. Founding Houston Offshore Engineering in the early 1980’s, his team eventually merged with Han-Padron Associates and was later acquired by ABB Lummus Global in 1998. Many of this team reformed HOE at the end of 2004. John has published over 30 technical papers, has been awarded US Patents for deep water facilities and operations, and serves as Editorial Advisor to Offshore Engineer Magazine.
Founder and CEO
Carol has grown her company from one person in 1999 to over 440 associates today across 20 states. She is a selfdescribed accidental entrepreneur and Unconventional CEO™. Craig Technologies was listed as one of Florida’s Best Companies to Work For by Florida Trend magazine. Carol oversees corporate operations, offering multi-disciplinary engineering and integration, software development, training and courseware development, information technology, modeling and simulation, logistics, and launch support. She has extensive military experience and is pursuing a PhD in Systems Engineering at Florida Tech. She has received numerous awards and honors for her work as a small business owner, executive and entrepreneur.
Former Chief Executive Officer
Engineering Mgt.,M.S. '84
Jean has more than thirty years of industry experience and leads the testing and evaluation phase of the carrier aircraft. He is a seasoned aerospace professional who has led air launched space vehicle, launch operations, and spacecraft programs. A graduate of the US Air Force Academy, his legacy in space began on active duty in the Air Force and continued as the program manager for Orbital's Pegasus system. Most recently, Floyd was vice president and general manager for the civil and defense division at Orbital ATK, where he managed P&L responsibilities of Human Space Systems, National Security Space, Science and Environmental, and Advanced Flight Systems.
Program Manager
Contract Mgt., M.S.M. '95
Ron is an aerospace professional in the development of technologies and solutions to complex, technical issues. Interested in space system development, integration, test and launch operations for manned and unmanned space missions. He participates in research and agile development of software solutions for national space and military initiatives. He is an adjunct professor, guest lecturer on space systems and software development, and a program evaluator for software engineering for the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc. (ABET). He has been published, patented and is a U.S. Air Force veteran.
Division Director, Engineering & Construction
Oceanography, B.S. '72
Environmental Eng., M.S. '77
Don implements Gwinnett County’s CIP program for linear, vertical, and storm water type projects. He manages 60 plus project managers and inspectors and is responsible for the designs and construction of the Department of Water Resources pipeline and treatment facility projects. Current CIP project budgets exceed $100,000,000 per year. Don has 40+ years of experience in facilities and environmental engineering and permitting, utilizing alternative and traditional project delivery systems. He’s managed and designed water and wastewater treatment facilities, from concept development to final design and startup, for industry, federal government, and municipalities.
V.P. Enterprise. Communication Systems
Marine Biology, B.S. '94
Sigma Kappa sorority
Gretchen is a dynamic IT professional with over 20 years of experience guiding major communications organizations to meet and exceed corporate goals. As VP in the IT organization at Charter Communications, her team integrates and supports communication systems, file services and collaboration tools. She manages large portfolios of highly impactful technical projects, ensures adherence to best practices and promotes overall operational excellence. She is a board member for the Women in Cable & Telecommunications (WICT) Midwest Chapter and has led the Careers in Action program for the Women in Technology Leadership (WIT) Foundations.
CEO and President
Psychology '99 (B.S.)
Misty oversees business operations, development and growth for Novel, a certified Woman Owned Small Business. She is a member of the Space Coast Tech Council, and Economic Development Commission of Florida's Space Coast, and Groundswell. Novel is an engineering service provider to the software and electronic industry. Their engineering team is comprised of software, electrical, systems and FPGA & PLD firmware engineers. They serve businesses in the aerospace, defense, space, healthcare, scientific, and industrial manufacturing sectors.
Founder and CEO
Computer Sciences, M.S. '92
Computer Sciences, Ph.D. '95
Ernest is a thought leader in the area of Cybersecurity awareness, education, training and workforce development. He is the CEO of The Global McDuffie Group (TGMG) and has 44 years of experiences, leadership and service. TGMG is focused on the assessment and evaluation of cybersecurity, awareness, education, training, and workforce development. He previously headed the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education, (NICE) where he led the government national campaign designed to improve the cyber behavior, skills, and knowledge of every segment of the population, enabling a safer cyberspace.
Consultant
Operations Research, '94 (Ph.D.)
Business Administration, '96 (M.B.A.)
David serves as the President of the Chinese-American Scholars and Professionals Association of Florida (CASPAF). He retired in 2013 from Northrop Grumman Corporation after 28 years of service as an Engineering Fellow. Since then, he has provided consulting services to industry through Gray Wolf Technical Services.
Sr. Vice President, Engineering & Technology
Ocean Engineering, B.S. '94
Alpha Phi Omega, College Players
Derek is responsible for the technology team, research and development efforts, advisory services, and global ship systems for the American Bureau of Shipping. ABS’s mission is to promote the security of life, property and the natural environment through the development and verification of standards for the design, construction and operational maintenance of marine-related facilities. It is the second largest class society with a classed fleet of nearly 12,000 commercial vessels and offshore facilities. ABS Rules form the basis for assessing the design and construction of new vessels and the integrity of existing vessels and marine structures.
Rob Nunn
Chairman and CEO, Park West Holdings
Rob founded Park West in 2018 as a way to bring parties together in order to help develop new intellectual property and service companies. Park West has since grown into an international holdings company with interests, active deals and equity holdings in a variety of sectors including renewable energy and new technology exploration.
Rob is an early supporter of His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales’ Sustainable Markets Initiative. He is an Ambassador of the Prince’s Trust, which supports young people into work and entrepreneurial endeavours. He is also a Patron of the world-renowned Royal Institute in London.
President (Retired)
Al Nuttall earned his B.S.E. (1967) and M.S.E. (1970), in Chemical Engineering from the University of Michigan. He served in the U.S. Army at it’s Chemical Center, Edgewood Arsenal, MD and then launched his career as a development engineer for Eli Lilly & Co. in Indianapolis. In his next role, he managed manufacturing, engineering, quality control, and support groups for three plant sites of PCR, Inc., producing silanes, organofluorine compounds, and other fine organics and pharmaceuticals. In 1984, he moved to Palm Bay to help found FAR Research, Inc., a profitable fine organic chemical manufacturing firm. From 1992-2015, he served in several roles culminating as the President/CEO of FAR and orchestrated an acquisition, bridged the ownership change and, ultimately, oversaw divestiture of the firm. Since retiring, Al has become involved in Florida Tech. He and his wife have provided for an endowed scholarship fund, he has been a speaker on campus and has coached students in interviewing to better prepare them for launching their careers.
Larry Pollack received a Master of Science in Environmental Science (1985) from The Florida Institute of Technology; his Bachelor of Science degree in Botany was earned at the University of Maryland, College Park (1980). He returned to Melbourne in September 2022 soon after retiring from a 23-year career with the U.S. Department of Defense; most recently he had been the Program Manager for the Chemical and Biological Defense (CBD) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs at the Joint Science and Technology Office for Chemical and Biological Defense (JSTO-CBD). This office is located in the Chemical/Biological Technologies Department at the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), Fort Belvoir, Virginia. The Chemical and Biological Defense Program was established by the Department of Defense (DoD) to provide next-generation state-of-the-art defense capabilities to allow military forces of the United States to operate and successfully complete missions in chemical and biological warfare environments.
He was recognized in 2015 by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) with a distinguished Tibbetts Award for his continuing contributions to the SBIR and STTR small business programs. The Department of Defense’s Distinguished Civilian Service Award was presented to Mr. Pollack in 2018.
The Larry P. Pollack Undergraduate Scholarship Endowment at Florida Tech will provide financial assistance to environmental science majors. The scholarship was endowed in 2023. A Fellowship designated for environmental science graduate students is also in progress. He has funded the Larry Pollack Terrace at the Folliard Alumni Center to signify his enjoyment of the outdoors.
In his spare time, Larry enjoys swimming, gardening (especially growing things to eat), and scuba diving – initially becoming a certified diver while attending The Florida Institute of Technology; he put that training to good use as a diver at the National Aquarium in Baltimore (now the National Aquarium) during 21-years of volunteer service.
Director - Engineering
Physics '78 (B.S.)
Pi Kappa Alpha
Jeff began his career with Grumman Aerospace Systems in 1985 as a Structural Engineer upon graduating from
Fairleigh Dickinson University with a BS in Civil Engineering. He later earned an MBA from Florida Tech. Jeff led a
Vehicle Engineering department and managed development efforts on many Aerospace programs. In 2007, he began working with Software Suppliers to develop, deploy and support Engineering tools and applications used throughout Northrop Grumman. Jeff is now the Aerospace Systems Sector Director of Engineering Applications with his role primarily focusing on Product Lifecycle Management and Computer Aided Design tools.
CEO
Wild Manta, LLC is a product development company and business factory focused on creating startup businesses along the Space Coast. Leveraging his 30+ years in product and systems development, Mr. Reynolds has been involved in the startup community in Brevard County since 1995. He has participated in the founding of numerous high-tech startups across a broad range of industries including his own, Soneticom in 1998. Mr. Reynolds grew Soneticom, an applied research company, from its three founders to a successful sale to DRS Technologies in 2009. Upon the sale, he became the VP General Manager and oversaw tactical systems development. Along the way, Soneticom made the INC 500 fastest growing companies, was named Entrepreneur of the Year from the Founder’s Forum and won numerous EDC job creation awards. Mr. Reynolds currently serves on the board of Avancen MOD Corporation and is a founding board member of the Legacy Angel Network, focused on raising seed capital to emerging local businesses. Mr. Reynolds has a strong passion for growing businesses in Brevard County and regularly mentors startup businesses across a broad range of industries.
COO and VP U.S. Operations & Sales
Physics, B.S. '78
Pi Kappa Alpha
Bob provides leadership for MLDesign Technologies, Inc. an international company dedicated to improving the effectiveness of the design process all the way from concept to implementation. MLDesigner is the first standardized platform that unifies the system-level design process across development sites and design technologies. It integrates the "islands of automation" that have prevented comprehensive system design and validation. MLDesigner is aimed at providing a strategic tool for every engineer's desktop and to provide significant productivity improvements for both individual designers and teams.
Senior Instrument & Controls Engineer
Electrical Engineering, B.S. '72
Management, M.S. '91
Doug is a senior controls engineer and computer control specialist for Westinghouse Corp. in Canton, Massachusetts. He has worked on projects in the United States, Canada, Algeria and China, where next generation nuclear plants are being constructed. In 2013, Doug established the Douglas M. Schuler Endowment to provide scholarships to electrical and computer engineer majors at Florida Tech. He has invested in senior design projects and supports the Student Design Center, providing funds for equipment. He resides in the Boston area.