Florida Atlantic Engineer 2025

2025

ENGINEER THE

FUTURE.

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND COMPUTER SCIENCE eng.fau.edu

R1 Florida Atlantic is a Top-Tier

Research University.

It’s a Big Deal.

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FLORIDA ATLANTIC ENGINEERING & COMPUTER SCIENCE

At the College of Engineering and Computer Science at Florida Atlantic University, we are excited to continue celebrating our university’s new R1 status! Here are some of our faculty’s and students’ most recent and incredible achievements: enter for Connected Autonomy and AI in • CFlorida Atlantic is creating intelligent systems where

autonomous devices communicate, learn, and work together across land, sea, air, and space.

Our new Department of Biomedical Engineering is • fueling our commitment to research and educational excellence in the areas of biorobotics and devices, cognitive neuroengineering, smart health and wearables, and tissue engineering.

conducted the first global study • Oonurtheengineers best locations for ocean current energy production, with promising results for Florida’s East Coast and South Africa.

In the College of Engineering and Computer Science, we continue to lead in innovation, driving scientific progress forward!

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Dean’s Message

Dear friends and colleagues,

It is an exciting time for the College of Engineering and Computer Science at Florida Atlantic University. Over the past few years, we have experienced unprecedented growth and reached several milestone markers after rapidly ascending 35 positions in the U.S. News & World Report Undergraduate Rankings (2020-2024), secured a historic first-time ranking in the Graduate Rankings—reaching No. 99 among public institutions in 2024 and advancing further to No. 92 in 2025. Our research expenditures have soared by 233% over the past six years, and graduate student enrollment has increased by 351%, underscoring our commitment to academic excellence and innovation.

We have established seven specialized research centers, each driving advancements in AI, energy, mobility, health, and water resilience. These centers, alongside our world-class faculty and students, are shaping the future of technology and engineering through groundbreaking research and industry collaboration over the past six years.

In support of workforce development, we have secured $16 million in federal grants, funding initiatives in technology training for veterans and individuals with disabilities, cybersecurity, and AI/ /data science education. Additionally, our junior faculty have earned 12 prestigious Early Career Awards, and our students continue to excel with record job placement rates, growing research engagement, and a fivefold increase in internships.

Our success is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our faculty, students, staff, and industry partners. Together, we are shaping the future of engineering and computer science, making a lasting impact in our communities and beyond.

Welcome to a new era of excellence and innovation at FAU!

ENGINEERING & COMPUTER SCIENCE 2025 DEAN

Stella Batalama sbatalama@fau.edu | 561.297.0136

DIRECTOR

Debbi Johnson-Rais djohnsonrais@fau.edu | 561.297.3426

DESIGN

Tatyana iudean tdelekto@fau.edu | 561.297.5717

WRITERS

Gisele Galoustian / Debbi Johnson-Rais / Jeff Brooks-Gilles / Lucia Forte / Ana Isabel Escobar Ostolaza / Tatyana iudean

EDITORS

Kristen Fairgrieve / Debbi Johnson-Rais / Trudy B. Jeffries

PHOTOGRAPHY

Alex Dolce / Lucia Forte / Nazia Mobeen Lnu / Ana Isabel Escobar Ostolaza / Tatyana iudean

ADDRESS

Florida Atlantic University College of Engineering and Computer Science 777 Glades Road EE 308 Boca Raton, FL 33431-0991 eng.fau.edu

MISSION STATEMENT

The College of Engineering and Computer Science at Florida Atlantic is dedicated to shaping the future through cutting-edge research and transformative education.

Internationally recognized for our expertise in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Ocean Engineering, we stand as pioneers in technology advancements.

Copyright © 2025 College of Engineering and Computer Science, Florida Atlantic University.

Brief excerpts of articles in this publication may be reprinted without a request for permission if Florida Atlantic University College of Engineering and Computer Science is acknowledged in print as the source. For more information visit eng.fau.edu, or email info@eng.fau.edu

Stella Batalama, Ph.D. Dean, College of Engineering and Computer Science Florida Atlantic University 2

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HIGHLIGHTS

6 16 CONTENTS Feature Stories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Research and Development. . . . . . . . . . 12 Our Academics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

21

4

Autonomous Networking

for Autonomous AI

New AI-Enabled

Center in Collaboration with FPL

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Top Global Locations for Ocean Energy

Oceans Offer Vast Potential for Clean Energy

Bio-Inspired Robotic Fish to Revolutionize Ocean Exploration NSF awards $818K to CA-AI and SeaTech researchers

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$1.8M for Human Evolution Study

Uncovering how natural selection shapes our DNA

Community Outreach STEM Kit Workshop and Engineer the Future Day

27

In the Spotlight

A Story of Amanda, a senior studying Computer Science

Community Outreach. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Faculty in Action. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 What’s Happening. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Student Stories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 In the Spotlight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Alumni Advice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Your Support. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

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Feature Stories

By Jeff Brooks-Gilles

Tools powered by artificial intelligence are getting better at talking with people. Experts at Florida Atlantic University have their eyes on a future where AI devices are better at talking with each other.

The generative AI boom of the 2020s has been unleashed by chatbots and text-to-image tools that respond to natural language and produce something that people find useful in their everyday lives. Tech companies are building AI into daily life as people increasingly trust these tools to write their emails, manage their grocery lists or even generate their computer code.

“While those are common fields to bring together for any AI robotics research, CA-AI also features the skills of internationally renowned scholars in networking and communications,” said Stella Batalama, Ph.D., dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science.

“AI and wireless communications are very much a joint problem, and the Center for Connected Autonomy and Artificial Intelligence has special expertise in wireless connectivity foundations,” Batalama said. “That’s the unique characteristic that goes beyond what other AI centers might be doing.”

The center isn’t just working on networks for AI devices; they’re building the technology that will allow AI platforms to network themselves.

AUTONOMOUS

“But the future of AI will go beyond text and images. Robotic AI platforms will be connecting with each other, training together and carrying out their tasks collaboratively,” said Dimitris Pados, Ph.D., director of the Center for Connected Autonomy and Artificial Intelligence at the College of Engineering and Computer Science at Florida Atlantic.

networking for

AI

AUTONOMOUS

“This center is building towards a future where AI-powered computing and sensing platforms will not only operate on their own, but network autonomously,” said Pados, professor in the college and the Charles E. Schmidt Eminent Scholar in Engineering. “Through distributed learning, they will share their training and perform together based on a distilled understanding of their environment and mission.”

The College of Engineering and Computer Science officially unveiled the Center for Connected Autonomy and Artificial Intelligence on its Boca Raton campus in 2021.

The center has since accumulated millions of dollars in grant support from institutions including the U.S. Department of Defense and National Science Foundation. CA-AI has also attracted new high-level faculty experts in AI, mechanical engineering, robotic navigation, big data analytics and other areas.

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“It goes both ways,” Pados said.

“We develop connected systems of AI-powered, autonomous devices, and this connectivity is itself autonomous and based on AI principles.”

In 10 or 20 years, this could look like a fleet of robotic submersibles, aerial drones and ground vehicles all traveling in concert with true autonomy. Not following a programmed route along GPS waypoints or piloted remotely by people, but finding their own way based on their training and assessment of current conditions.

And each unit won’t just act on the input from its own sensors, but as a node in a network formed over whatever available connection best suits them.

They will share data and pursue a single mission based on their collective intelligence.

“The future is autonomous AI systems across all modalities, from the bottom of the oceans to the sea surface, from the ground to air and space,” Pados said. “The vessels will talk with each other as needed and maintain that connectivity on their own.

If something goes wrong, they will find each other.

They do whatever is possible to maintain communication.”

The center’s researchers are already producing the foundational breakthroughs that will make all that possible.

One recent example uses machine learning concepts to overcome a common obstacle in wireless communications: electromagnetic interference. “This kind of signal disruption can come from other traffic over a busy frequency or even a malicious jamming effect. But researchers at

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CA-AI, collaborating with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, have ‘cracked the code’ that allows wirelessly connected devices to automatically overcome interference on the fly,” Pados said.

This new technology takes advantage of softwareprogrammable radio chips that send and receive information over multiple antennas—a bedrock method for increasing wireless signal capacity known as multiple-input multipleoutput, or MIMO. The breakthrough is a set of algorithms that enable the machines to intelligently use the power of multiple antennas to precisely shape the wave carrying their signal to avoid interference.

“The waveforms are shaped by the nodes themselves using advanced machine learning concepts that our center has developed from scratch,” Pados said. “If the link is disrupted by interference, the two nodes can figure it out, changing dynamically at a millisecond scale.”

This work by CA-AI was recently featured in May 2024 by Nature Reviews as a research highlight. The first open, live demonstration by CA-AI was recognized with the best demo award at the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers Consumer Communications and Networking Conference in January this year.

Fully realized AI networks for autonomous AI devices won’t arrive without the next generation of scientists. CA-AI supports opportunities for students from high school to postdoctoral researchers in computer science, mechanical and electrical engineering, and more.

“It’s really not one discipline,” Pados said. “You want people with different backgrounds and interests to come together and work towards this objective.

This is really the future of AI.

”

The future is autonomous AI systems across all modalities, from the bottom of the oceans to the sea surface, from the ground to air and space.

”

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Feature Stories FPL AND FAU ENGINEERING UNVEIL

NEW AI-

ENABLED CENTER Florida Atlantic University College of Engineering and Computer Science (COECS) and Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) officially unveiled the newly established FPL Center for Intelligent Energy Technologies (InETech) at the university’s Boca Raton campus.

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The FPL InETech Center is housed in the state-of-theart Engineering East building and is enabled by a $1M gift

by NextEra Energy Foundation, FPL’s charitable arm.

The innovative public-private partnership will boost cuttingedge research in smart technologies, energy sector products and workforce development demanded by modern-day power delivery.

The FPL InETech Center, a first-of-its-kind artificial intelligence-enabled center, is designed to mimic FPL’s control center for smart grid— a complex power generation, transmission and distribution network—that uses leadingedge technology to predict and prevent future outages.

FPL’s smart grid includes about six million smart meters and more than 217,000 other intelligent devices installed

throughout its system. Through strategic investments, FPL has made the energy grid stronger, smarter and more storm-resilient while reducing outage times and restoration costs associated with severe weather events.

The centerpiece of the FPL InETech Center is made up of 18, 55-inch screens wallto-wall and individually controlled to provide realtime power grid visualization.

This high-tech display is complemented with a suite of premier technologies and high-performance computers that allow researchers and students to work at the forefront of AI-enabled smart grid optimization, renewable energy research and big data analytics. For example, inspired by the popular generative AI model ChatGPT, one of the center’s recent pending

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patents introduces a tool designed to retrieve power grid data and assist grid operators in making quicker and more informed decisions.

“The FPL InETech Center will provide our students with an immersive learning experience and access to real-world technologies and hands-on simulations that will help them to develop the skills needed to fill high-demand jobs across the region,” said Yufei Tang, Ph.D.,

director of the FPL InETech Center and an associate professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. “Advanced equipment will enable them to analyze, explore and simulate data associated with the complex design and operation of microgrids and also will provide a platform to replicate power grids and other energy sources.”

Tang and other researchers in the COECS also developed

advanced technologies related to monitoring severe weather events, including hurricanes.

For example, the FAU Institute for Sensing and Embedded Network Systems Engineering (I-SENSE) is the lead technology provider for the South East Atlantic Econet, a large regional network of atmospheric monitoring stations (135 atmospheric stations in Florida—with additional stations managed outside the state).

The FPL InETech Center will provide our students with an immersive learning experience and access to real-world technologies.

”

— Yufei Tang, Ph.D., director of the FPL InETech Center and an associate professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

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Feature Stories

By Jeff Brooks-Gilles

By Jeff Brooks-Gilles

NEW BIOMEDICAL

ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT READIES STUDENTS FOR HEALTHCARE TECH JOBS

From X-Rays to kidney dialysis to gene editing, each wave of technological advancement has pushed the frontier of medical care by applying an understanding of human biology to new discoveries in imaging, computing and mechanics. Florida Atlantic students can be trained to be a part of the next leap in technology-driven health care through its new Biomedical Engineering Department at the College of Engineering and Computer Science.

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“That new shape will encompass ongoing tech revolutions in AI, biorobotics, point-of-care devices, and materials science,” said Hashemi, the inaugural chair of the new Biomedical Engineering Department.

Students in the program are wrapping up their first academic year under a new curriculum that prepares them to harness the technologies poised to solve pressing challenges in health and medicine.

This expertise is already in demand. Jobs in biomedical engineering are projected to outpace average hiring over the next ten years. Leaders in biomedical engineering say they have the chance to make a tremendous impact on human health and care in the near future, but it will take new talent that has been trained in specialized fields.

Staying on Track

“Biomedical engineering isn’t a new field, but it is again changing its shape,” said Javad Hashemi, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Research and Professor in the College of Engineering and Computer Science.

Biomedical engineering students at Florida Atlantic can choose one of three tracks that focus on the most promising growth areas: tissue engineering and biomaterials, biorobotics, and smart health and medical devices. Graduate students can pursue further studies in imaging, AI, and informatics.

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The need to repair or replace damaged or missing organs has for decades driven the field of tissue engineering to design solutions that aren’t limited by transplant risks or donor availability. Thanks to advances in stem cell technologies and fabrication tools like smart bioreactors and 3D bioprinting, experts say they’re ready to meet the challenge of producing lab-created tissues and organs on demand.

The tissue engineering track at Florida Atlantic gives students the laboratory experience necessary for tomorrow’s research and development jobs. It also fulfills the science education requirements necessary to apply to medical school.

Another track, biorobotics, introduces students to a field that spans from the robot-assisted surgical systems in use today to the brain-interfacing bionic limbs of the future.

The program is designed for students eager to enter the growing field of medical robotics, but the coursework will prepare them for other applications in robotics as well.

For students who want to push even deeper into the next generation of medical robotics, this track enables those who complete a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering to continue on to earn a master’s in Artificial Intelligence in just one additional year. Florida Atlantic is one of just a few universities in the nation to offer this specific 4+1 option.

The one-year master’s in Artificial Intelligence is also available for students on the smart health and medical devices track.

Engineers are developing new medical devices for more accurate measurement and diagnostics, as well as more precise and effective therapies. Wearable­—or even implanted— instruments show promise in streaming live information to datadriven analytical tools in real time. AI technologies are helping improve accuracy and personalize care.

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Training and Partnerships These tracks are led by expert faculty, many of whom are pursuing ground-breaking research in their own lab groups.

The College of Engineering and Computer Science has also built a new biomedical laboratory with state-of-the-art instruments where students can gain hands-on experience that employers are looking for. The college is also investing in an all-new cleanroom where contamination is strictly controlled for nano and micro manufacturing.

Any great biomedical engineering program will depend on its relationship with the university’s medical school, and the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic is a strong partner. It’s a relatively new and rapidly rising med school that increasingly fosters research and scientific discovery. This collaborative approach will also extend through the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing and Charles E. Schmidt College of Science.

“With the right faculty, facilities, and university partnerships in place, the time was right for a fresh approach to biomedical engineering at Florida Atlantic,” said Stella Batalama, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science.

“Students training for the biomedical field must have a refined curriculum, and we have all the elements necessary to train this engineer of the future,” Batalama said. “This is a hands-on education that also prepares students for medical school or advanced studies.”

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Feature Stories

AI FOR PRECISION MEDICINE:

WI

DATA ENGINEERING HACKATHON SHOWCASES INNOVATION

Artificial Intelligence and Data Science are expected to have a transformative impact on healthcare and medicine. The Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science in the College of Engineering and Computer Science at Florida Atlantic University is home to world-class faculty and exceptionally talented students with the expertise to tackle the emerging challenges of precision medicine.

From Friday, February 28, to Saturday, March 1, the department hosted a data engineering hackathon focused on precision medicine, using the All of Us dataset—a rich and diverse repository of patient genetic, lifestyle, and health records—as a testbed. The event invited students to innovate and address critical challenges

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in precision medicine. Special guest speaker Chris Lunt, Chief Technology Officer of the All of Us Research Program, delivered an inspiring welcome address to the hackathon participants and answered questions about the platform’s future.

Participants explored data, trained models, and designed innovative tools and interfaces

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to advance precision medicine.

They tackled challenges such as sample heterogeneity, data biases and imbalances, and fairness in predictive models to support individualized healthcare solutions. Teams developed software prototypes and presented preliminary results based on their research and stakeholder interviews.

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NNERS

1 FIRST PLACE MEDAI: MULTI-AGENT AI FOR MULTI-MODAL BIOMARKER BASED DISEASE RISK PREDICTION

STUDENTS:

JAYA KUMAR GONTINE, DAVID SCHALLIPP, SOPHIE PHARAND-DIAS, ARVIND SHIV TEJ REDDY GONGATI

The event was supported by industry partners such as Memorial Healthcare System, Aventusoft, ModMed, and Battery Ventures. It featured 13 teams of 55 students competing for top honors. To prepare, students participated in skill-development workshops ahead of the hackathon, where they received an introduction to the foundations of precision medicine, guidance on using the platform, insights from two past hackathon-winning teams, direction on relevant projects to pursue, and coaching on team management from expert Howard Anderson, an acclaimed entrepreneur and educator.

Three teams walked away with prizes totaling $10,000.

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Research and Development

Top Locations for

OCEAN ENERGY Production Worldwide As global electricity demand grows, traditional energy sources are under strain. Oceans, which cover more than 70% of Earth’s surface, offer vast potential for clean energy from renewable resources such as ocean currents and waves.

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However, marine renewable energy development is still in its early stages compared to wind and solar power. One challenge is identifying the most feasible and economically viable locations for ocean current energy projects. Using more than 30 years of measured data from NOAA’s Global Drifter Program (GDP), a unique study co-authored by Yufei Tang, Ph.D., and James VanZwieten, Ph.D., from the College of Engineering and Computer Science at Florida Atlantic University, provides the most comprehensive global assessment of ocean current energy to date.

And that’s great news for Southeast Florida.

Researchers explored the potential of capturing kinetic energy from ocean currents, focusing on power density estimation and its variation over time and location. The GDP includes about 1,250 satellite-tracked buoys that measure ocean currents and their positions. For this study, researchers used more than 43 million data points from March 1988 to September 2021.

Results, published in the journal Renewable Energy, reveal that the waters off Florida’s East coast and South Africa consistently exhibited high power densities, making them ideal for generating electricity from ocean currents.

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Expanding data collection will refine our understanding and unlock the full energy potential.

”

Specifically, these regions showed power densities above 2,500 watts per square meter, a value 2.5 times more energy dense than an “excellent” wind energy resource.

Regions like Brazil and South Africa have limited data available, which affect the accuracy of energy predictions, making it harder to fully assess their potential for energy extraction,

”

said Yufei Tang, Ph.D., co-author and an associate professor, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Florida Atlantic, director of the FPL Center for Intelligent Energy Technologies (InETech), and a fellow of the FAU Institute for Sensing and Embedded Network Systems Engineering (I-SENSE). “Expanding data collection will refine our understanding and unlock the full energy potential.

For example, region-specific studies using acoustic Doppler current profilers could better estimate energy production for submerged turbines.”

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Research and Development

Headways & Hurdles: HOW AI IS SHAPING

the Future of

MEDICINE

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is poised to revolutionize numerous aspects of human life, with health care among the most critical fields set to benefit from this transformation.

Medicine is a complex, costly and high-impact field, facing challenges in data management, diagnostics and cost reduction. AI offers solutions to these issues, enhancing care and cutting costs. However, its adoption lags behind other industries, underscoring the need to address key barriers.

In a comprehensive review, published in the journal Healthcare, researchers from the College of Engineering and Computer Science at Florida Atlantic University in collaboration with Marcus Neuroscience Institute, Boca Raton Regional Hospital—part of Baptist Health—identified the current shortcomings of AI in health care and explored its possibilities, realities and frontiers to provide a roadmap for future advancements.

Predictive analytics could help hospitals better manage patient flow and resources, while in medical imaging, AI can assist radiologists in detecting abnormalities more quickly and accurately. AI also holds promise for personalized medicine, providing tailored treatment recommendations based on individual data.

“Next-generation AI-augmented imaging systems could enable real-time, data-driven decision making during surgeries and create personalized imaging protocols.

AI could reduce imaging costs, making high-quality diagnostic tools accessible in impoverished areas,” said Maohua Lin, Ph.D., author and a research assistant professor, Florida Atlantic Department of Biomedical Engineering.

AI could reduce imaging To successfully integrate AI into costs, making highhealth care, the researchers say collaboration between AI developers, quality diagnostic medical professionals and regulators According to the researchers, the is crucial. Standardized practices, robust tools accessible in health care industry faces numerous validation processes, and interdisciplinary impoverished challenges, including administrative cooperation will ensure safe, ethical and inefficiencies, diagnostic errors, high costs effective AI applications. Cross-institutional areas” and a shortage of skilled professionals. data sharing and AI-focused medical training Administrative inefficiencies in scheduling, billing and record management often lead to errors and delays. Integrating AI into legacy systems is difficult due to interoperability issues and data privacy regulations like HIPAA.

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will further enhance AI’s ability to improve patient outcomes and overall health care efficiency.

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Micro-CT Scanning System to Transform Research As nanotechnology and imaging techniques advance, researchers need state-of-the-art equipment. Through a grant from the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), the College of Engineering and Computer Science at Florida Atlantic University acquired a micro-CT system to enhance research in ocean science, maritime systems, sensors, materials, biology, and medicine.

Micro-CT scanning enables the study of complex structures and phenomena other techniques cannot observe. By examining internal structures of cells, materials, and systems, researchers gain insights into properties, strengthening research and educational initiatives.

This acquisition boosts FAU’s imaging capabilities and drives research in materials, energy, environmental science, and biomedical engineering, aligning with DOD priorities.

“Micro-CT scanning provides nondestructive, high-resolution imaging of internal structures, offering 3D views of materials, biological tissues, and systems.

It allows for fast, cost-effective analysis while preserving samples for further study,” said Myeongsub “Mike” Kim, Ph.D., principal investigator and associate professor in the FAU Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering and Department of Biomedical Engineering.

“It’s versatile across fields like material

science, biology, and engineering, offering deep insights into properties such as porosity, density, and fluid flow.”

Beyond research, the micro-CT system will aid education and outreach, enabling students to explore internal structures at the microscale, enhancing their understanding of projects and research.

The system will also support innovation in designing new sensors, materials, and systems. Additionally, it will engage local high school and middle school students, sparking interest in STEM. By offering access to local industries, the system can contribute to regional economic growth and job creation.

E. Du, Ph.D., Named Senior Member, National Academy of Inventors E. (Sarah) Du, Ph.D., an associate professor in the College of Engineering and Computer Science at Florida Atlantic University, has been selected as a Senior Member of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) for her significant contributions to innovation and invention.

The NAI is a member organization comprised of United States and international universities, government agencies, and nonprofit research institutes. The NAI was founded to recognize and encourage inventors with U.S. patents, enhance the visibility of academic technology and innovation, encourage the disclosure of intellectual property, educate and mentor innovative students, and to create

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wider public understanding of how its members’ inventions benefit society.

Du, a leading researcher with extensive expertise in microfluidics and biosensors, has a joint appointment in the Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering and the Department of Biomedical Engineering.

She leads the Living Devices and Biosensors Lab and co-directs the Center for SMART Health at Florida Atlantic University.

Her research focuses on pioneering engineering solutions, developing single-cell assays and creating advanced in vitro disease models.

These efforts span both basic research in cellular biomechanics and

biophysics and applied biomedical applications, such as point-of-care diagnostic tools and monitoring systems for diseases such as sickle cell disease.

Through her work, Du aims to deepen the understanding of cellular mechanisms involved in human diseases, with the ultimate goal of improving health care outcomes for patients suffering from conditions such as sickle cell disease and malaria.

Her research is supported by the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation, and she collaborates with biomedical industries to enhance and commercialize these cutting-edge technologies.

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Research and Development FAU Engineers Win NSF Grant for Unique School of AI Biorobotic Fish Exploring and understanding sensitive ocean and coastal environments such as sea grass, mangrove forests, kelp forests, coral reefs, and the arctic ocean requires in situ observations that are currently difficult or nearly impossible and costly to pursue.

Swarms of underwater drones can quickly and efficiently sample large areas by coordinating in real time and avoiding duplication of the effort.

Contrary to land and air, underwater robotic systems have not yet been able to achieve similar levels of self-organization. Most underwater swarms coordinate only at the surface or have no coordination whatsoever. A system of intelligent interconnected underwater vessels capable of navigating in complex underwater environments is still lacking. Taking inspiration from nature, where schools of fish move fluidly without a single leader, groups of swimming robots would be capable of exploiting hydrodynamic interactions with their peers and the water environment to minimize energy consumption and enhance maneuvering.

Florida Atlantic Awarded $10M to Train People With Disabilities for High Tech Jobs The rising demand for tech jobs presents an outstanding opportunity for growth and inclusivity in the industry. Developing accessible training programs tailored for individuals with disabilities can foster a more diverse workforce. Florida Atlantic University’s College of Education and the College of Engineering and Computer Science have received a $9,961,460 grant from the United States Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services to increase the capacity and participation of transition-age youths and working-age adults with disabilities in high demand technology jobs locally and nationally.

The five-year project, “Advancing Career Choices for Employment Success in Technology” (ACCESS-Technology), will assist individuals with disabilities nationwide

To tackle these challenges, researchers from Florida Atlantic University’s College of Engineering and Computer Science have secured an $818,396 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for a project titled, “Development of a School of Robotic Fish for Research and Training on AI Biomimetics and Multi-modal Communications.”

The project is an effort by researchers from the Center for Connected Autonomy and AI (CA-AI) and the SeaTech Institute at FAU. For the project, researchers will create a multi-agent system initially made up of three underwater vessels. These vessels will be equipped with advanced communication systems that use both light and sound to communicate underwater, along with a buoy that acts as a command sea surface center and Internet gateway, capable of both gathering data and remotely communicating with the underwater robots. This research initiative delves into three areas: bio-inspired propulsion that mimics how schools of fish move, artificial intelligence (AI) to improve underwater mobility, and new underwater wireless networking strategies designed specifically for underwater mobile settings.

Progress in this research area will allow scientists to explore more complex and remote aquatic environments that until now have been unsafe, impractical, or not feasible at all for divers or other engineered systems to visit.

The project will also provide a unique research and training instrument for undergraduate and graduate students at FAU with the potential to train the next generation of ocean, electrical and computer engineering professionals and AI engineers and scientists with unique theoretical and system design skills in ocean IoT, robotics, connected autonomy and AI.

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to acquire certified skills needed for entry into high quality technology sectors. The program, which can serve as a model for similar initiatives, will offer career counseling, work-readiness skills training, and customized training leading to a certificate in cybersecurity, cloud computing solutions, and computer-aided design and 3D printing.

A distinctive feature of this project is that it combines the expertise from the College of Education’s Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling Program with that of the College of Engineering and Computer Science to create innovative technology certification courses tailored for individuals with disabilities.

“This exciting project is the keystone in a series of initiatives that the two colleges of engineering and computer science and education have jointly planned to

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make FAU a leader in technology centered education and workforce development. Our goal is to use tech-driven education to enhance and complement learning and training in engineering fields among people with any form of disability,” said Javad Hashemi, Ph.D., co-principal investigator, inaugural chair and professor of the Department of Biomedical Engineering

and associate dean for research, College of Engineering and Computer Science at Florida Atlantic.

The project is designed to inspire people with disabilities by providing career counseling to crystalize their technology career interests, providing trainings leading to customized industry-recognized standards, and creating opportunities to realize their vocational skills and acquire soft skills.

1.8M NIH Grant to FAU Engineering Will Fuel Decoding Human Evolution Natural selection is an important evolutionary force that enables humans to adapt to new environments and fight disease-causing pathogens. However, the unique footprints of natural selection in our genome can be buried beneath those left by other evolutionary forces. Thus, by leveraging information about multiple evolutionary forces, researchers can identify signatures of natural selection in the human genome, and ultimately determine its role in human adaptation and disease.

Low-cost DNA sequencing has provided researchers with an abundance of genomic data, enabling them to search for evidence of natural selection in different species. However, various nonadaptive factors can sometimes obscure these signals, making it essential to develop sophisticated statistical methods that can account for multiple factors influencing genetic variation.

Michael DeGiorgio, Ph.D., in the College of Engineering and Computer Science at Florida Atlantic University, has received a five-year $1,874,360 grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) of the United States National Institutes of Health (NIH) to further his research on designing and applying statistical methods to identify regions of the genome affected by natural selection. The project titled, “Identifying Complex Modes of Adaptation from Populationgenomic Data,” is an NIH NIGMS Maximizing Investigators Research Award for Established Investigators.

This research aims to develop powerful tools for identifying diverse modes of adaptation from genetic data and to better

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understand the evolutionary mechanisms underlying traits like disease resistance and pathogen defense.

DeGiorgio and his research team work on detecting natural selection, which affects the frequency of traits within populations and leaves subtle genetic signals in the DNA sequences of individuals within these populations. Over the past four years, his team has made significant advances in this field, developing some of the first, most powerful and state-of-the-art modelbased methods for unearthing genomic signals of a diverse array of adaptive events through analysis of DNA within and across species. These methods draw from a broad array of statistical and engineering techniques by leveraging and integrating the strengths of probabilistic, machine learning, and signal processing frameworks.

In the coming five years, DeGiorgio plans to advance this research by developing improved statistical, machine learning, and signal processing approaches. These methods will aim to detect complex patterns of adaptation by considering how various evolutionary forces simultaneously shape genetic diversity. Specifically, researchers will focus on creating novel frameworks to identify positive and balancing selection while accounting for genomic, temporal and spatial factors.

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Research and Development Florida Atlantic Engineering to Lead $1.3M Collaborative Conservation Project The United States National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation have announced a $1.3 million collaborative grant to the College of Engineering and Computer Science at Florida Atlantic University, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, and Old Dominion University, for a project designed to cost-effectively identify and track wildlife using artificial intelligence.

Xingquan “Hill” Zhu, Ph.D., principal investigator and a professor in the Florida Atlantic Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, is spearheading the project in collaboration with Florida Atlantic’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute and Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, and Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium and Old Dominion University.

For the project, researchers will develop and employ generative AI to identify, track, and analyze behavior of marine animals (with a focus on manatees),

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and address traditional tracking costprecision trade-offs. New tools can be applied to other marine species, and this work supports marine biodiversity, thus strengthening local economies relying on fishing and tourism.

The project will train several graduate students and will advance collaboration between AI researchers and conservation scientists. Moreover, it will offer a lasting impact at different levels beyond its immediate action plan on Florida manatee conservation, stimulating a multi-disciplinary collaboration, tightening the bonds between

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researchers and students and between academia and local communities.

“Our tool, which we coined ‘EPICS,’ offers a novel lens to monitor marine ecosystems in real time, allowing human intervention to be supplemented in a proactive manner to prevent biotic disasters,” said Zhu. “Together, FAU, Old Dominion University, and Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium will advance and generalize AI-powered conservation study to manatees, sea turtles, whales, rays and other threatened or endangered marine species.”

FLORIDA ATLANTIC ENGINEERING & COMPUTER SCIENCE

New Weapon Against Harmful Algal Blooms As harmful algal blooms (HABs) continue to spread across the globe, urgent research is needed to address this growing threat.

Studies show that high nitrogen-tophosphorus ratios fuel harmful algal blooms (HABs). To address this, Florida Atlantic University researchers have repurposed toxic cyanobacterial biomass into lanthanum-treated adsorbents that remove over 99% of phosphorus from water. Effective even with organic matter, these materials could help prevent HABs by permanently trapping phosphorus as rhabdophane.

“By using waste materials like algal biomass and lanthanum, we’ve created an adsorbent that can effectively remove phosphorus,” said Masoud Jahandar Lashaki, Ph.D. “Phosphorus contributes to HABs, which harm aquatic life and disrupt industries like fishing and tourism.”

This innovative approach shows promise for managing nutrient pollution and preserving aquatic ecosystems on a larger scale.

Balancing Act: Wearable Sensors and AI Transform Balance Assessment Balance issues can result from aging, neurological diseases like Parkinson’s, or injuries. Accurate balance assessment is essential for diagnosing and managing such conditions, preventing falls, and guiding treatment. However, traditional methods are often subjective, equipment-heavy, and not suited for remote use.

provides objective, remote-friendly assessments, enhancing care for patients at home or in nursing facilities. Placed on the lower back and limbs, the sensors capture 3D movement data, which is analyzed by machine learning algorithms to deliver precise balance metrics, enabling better risk evaluation and personalized treatment.

Researchers at Florida Atlantic University have developed a new, AI-powered system using wearable sensors to overcome these limitations. This technology

“Wearable sensors offer a practical and cost-effective solution for capturing detailed movement data, which is essential for balance analysis,” said Behnaz Ghoraani, Ph.D., senior

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author, an associate professor, FAU Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, co-director of the FAU Center for SMART Health, and a fellow, FAU Institute for Sensing and Embedded Network Systems Engineering (I-SENSE). “Positioned on areas like the lower back and lower limbs, these sensors provide insights into 3D movement dynamics, essential for applications such as fall risk assessment in diverse populations.

Coupled with the evolution of machine learning, these sensor-derived datasets transform into objective, quantifiable balance metrics, using an array of machine learning techniques.”

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Our Academics

Artificial Intelligence

Programs Cyber Security

Biomedical Engineering

Data Science and Analytics

Civil Engineering

Electrical Engineering

Computer Engineering

Environmental Engineering

Computer Science

Geomatics Engineering

Information Technology & Management Mechanical Engineering Ocean Engineering Transportation & Environmental Engineering

Undergraduate programs are accredited through the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

All academic programs are also accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

R&D and Education Centers Center for Connected Autonomy and AI (CA-AI) FPL Center for Intelligent Energy Technologies NSF Center for Smart Streetscapes (ERC) Center for SMART Health Gangal Innovation Hall and Fab Lab Freight Mobility Research Institute (FMRI) I-SENSE University-wide Engineering Institute IUCRC—Center for Advanced Knowledge Enablement (CAKE) SEATECH—The Institute for Ocean & Systems Engineering

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FLORIDA ATLANTIC ENGINEERING & COMPUTER SCIENCE

Community Outreach STEM Kit Workshop The College of Engineering and Computer Science at Florida Atlantic University, in collaboration with Women of Tomorrow and the Consumer Energy Education Foundation, hosted a STEM Kit Workshop for high school students from Coconut Creek High School. The workshop, led by our students from Women in Engineering and Computer Science and the Technology and Aerospace Club, guided the students through several projects.

The projects included: Edible String Slime, where students created bioplastics from sodium alginate to understand how scientists are developing materials to replace harmful plastics; Electrolysis, demonstrating how an electrical current splits water into hydrogen and oxygen, helping students understand hydrogen’s potential as a clean energy source; and Do It Yourself Drone, where students built drones and explored mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering fields.

The students from Coconut Creek High School spent the day exploring hands-on projects, touring college facilities, and engaging in a panel with students and faculty. The workshop emphasized the power of collaboration and real-world problem-solving in areas like clean energy, sustainable materials, and advanced technologies. The College of Engineering and Computer Science at Florida Atlantic University is proud to support future STEM leaders and thanks the Women of Tomorrow and the Consumer Energy Education Foundation for their partnership in community outreach.

Engineer the Future Day On October 16, 2024, the College of Engineering and Computer Science at Florida Atlantic University welcomed over 300 middle and high school students from Palm Beach and Broward Counties for Engineer the Future Day 2024.

This exciting event aimed to connect secondary and post-secondary education communities, giving the upcoming generation of college students a firsthand look at the life cycle of engineering and computer science students.

The day started with a welcome from Dr. Fred Bloetscher, our Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies and Community Outreach, and continued with insightful presentations by our departmental chairs, in an effort to send the students on their way for a day full of learning and discovery.

Students had the opportunity to participate in different showcases, including: • Academic Fusion: Our faculty and students simplified their cutting-edge research to spark curiosity among future engineers and computer scientists. The different academic areas included resilient energy, biomimetics, smart health, transportation, unmanned autonomous vehicles, robotics, and artificial intelligence.

The support network included the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, the Graduate College, the Office of FirstGeneration Student Success and the Career Center.

• I ndustry Connections: We opened the channels of communications between industry and a younger audience for them to be able to understand what the market needs are. Participants will now be able to visualize the skill sets needed to secure employment post-graduation.

Engineer the Future Day 2024 inspired students but also strengthened the relationships between our educational institutions and the industries that drive innovation in our everyday lives. We are excited to see how the middle and high school students of today will engineer the future! We would like to thank the sponsors for this event: Bosch Foundation, Freight and Mobility Research Institute, and Research Park at Florida Atlantic University.

•S tudent Support Network: Students were introduced to the resources available at the university to support their academic journey.

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Faculty in Action

AI and Renewable Energy via Physics-Informed Machine Learning

Yufei Tang Associate Professor & I-SENSE Fellow Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science tangy@fau.edu

Dr. Yufei Tang is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

He also serves as the Director of the FPL Center for Intelligent Energy Technologies (InETech) and is a Faculty Fellow at both the Southeast National Marine Renewable Energy Center (SNMREC) and the Institute for Sensing and Embedded Network Systems Engineering (I-SENSE). Dr. Tang’s research focuses on the mathematical and physical foundations of AI and its interdisciplinary applications. He specializes in physics-informed and interpretable machine learning, applying these methods to renewable energy and smart grids. His overarching goal is to develop AI-enabled systems that drive scientific discovery and address significant engineering challenges. In 2022, he received the prestigious National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award, recognizing his contributions to advancing intelligent energy technologies.

Research in Environmental Engineering and Sustainability Dr. Masoud Jahandar Lashaki is an Assistant Professor and Graduate Program Director in the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geomatics Engineering. He leads the Air Emissions Characterization and Control Laboratory, focusing on phosphate removal from surface waters to battle harmful algal blooms, carbon dioxide removal from enclosed environments such as spacecraft and submarines to protect astronauts and submarine crew, and producing renewable energy from food and agricultural waste as well as landfills. Dr. Jahandar Lashaki’s research has been supported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and other funding agencies. He has been recognized with FAU’s Excellence and Innovation in Undergraduate Teaching Award (2022), the Outstanding STEM Educator Award from the Engineer’s Council (2022), and FAU’s Scholar of the Year Award (Assistant Professor Rank, 2025).

Masoud Jahandar Lashaki Assistant Professor and Graduate Program Director/Coordinator Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering mjahandarlashaki@fau.edu

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FLORIDA ATLANTIC ENGINEERING & COMPUTER SCIENCE

Arslan Munir Associate Professor Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science arslanm@fau.edu

Michael DeGiorgio Associate Chair and Associate Professor Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department of Biomedical Engineering mdegiorg@fau.edu

ISCAAS Lab Research Initiatives

Genomics, Evolution, and Data

Dr. Arslan Munir, Professor in the Depatment of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, leads the ISCAAS Lab, which undertakes cutting-edge research projects related to embedded and cyber-physical systems, secure and trustworthy systems, intelligent systems, parallel computing, edge computing, quantum computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and computer vision. Leveraging its multidisciplinary research, the ISCAAS Lab is transforming various sectors of national significance, including defense, space, agriculture, transportation, and energy. Projects at the ISCAAS Lab have been sponsored by several funding agencies, including the National Science Foundation (NSF), Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR), Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)/National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), and Semiconductor Research Corporation (SRC). Please read more about the ISCAAS Lab at iscaaslab.com

Dr. Michael DeGiorgio is an Associate Chair and Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

His research focuses on computational, human, and evolutionary genomics, developing advanced statistical and machine learning methods to study genetic variation and natural selection. His work seeks to uncover the genetic basis of complex traits, human disease susceptibility, and evolutionary history. Dr. DeGiorgio has received significant recognition for his contributions, including the prestigious Sloan Research Fellowship, and has secured major research funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and multiple National Science Foundation (NSF) divisions to advance genomic data analysis techniques. His interdisciplinary approach integrates evolutionary biology, bioinformatics, and data science to address fundamental questions in genetics and human health.

Ramin Pashaie Professor and I-SENSE Fellow Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department of Biomedical Engineering rpashaie@fau.edu

Siddhartha Verma Associate Professor Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering vermas@fau.edu

Optics, Photonics, and Neural Activity Modulation

Computational Fluid Dynamics

Dr. Ramin Pashaie is a Professor and I-SENSE Fellow in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and the Department of Biomedical Engineering. He earned his Ph.D. in Electrical and Systems Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania in 2007, under the supervision of Professor Nabil H. Farhat. Afterward, Dr. Pashaie completed postdoctoral training at Stanford University, focusing on technologies for optical modulation of neural activities, combining photonics and molecular genetics tools. His research expertise spans optics, electronics, photonics, and data analysis techniques, with applications in neuroscience and brain dynamics.

Dr. Siddhartha Verma is an Associate Professor in the Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering. He specializes in computational fluid dynamics, turbulence modeling, and bioinspired fluid mechanics.

Dr. Verma’s research focuses on machine learning applications in fluid mechanics, turbulence modeling, and the fluid dynamics of collective behavior. Notably, his work on the transmission of airborne particles has provided valuable insights into public health, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to his research, Dr. Verma leads the Advanced Computing Lab at FAU, where he mentors students in highperformance computing and numerical methods.

Post Quantum Cryptography Dr. Oscar M. Curet is an Associate Professor in the Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering. He leads the Lab for Fluid Dynamics of Biological and Bio-Inspired Systems, focusing on fluid dynamics, animal locomotion, biomimetics, biological propulsion, fluid-structure interaction, flow visualization, and energy harvesting.

Dr. Curet’s research includes studying the propulsion of knifefish and the mechanics of bat flight, contributing to the development of bio-inspired underwater vehicles and aerial devices. His work exemplifies the integration of biology and engineering to advance our understanding of natural locomotion and its applications in technology.

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Oscar Curet Associate Professor Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering ocuret@fau.edu

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Faculty in Action Signal Processing and Robotics Dr. Hanqi Zhuang is an Associate Dean in the College of Engineering and Computer Science and a professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

Dr. Zhuang’s research interests include signal processing, machine learning, robotics, and computer vision, with applications in various fields. His work spans acoustics, system dynamic modeling and cancer diagnosis and seizure detection. His recent sponsored research projects involve developing transfer learning approaches for Loop Current System predictions and integrating acoustic smart-sensing for unmanned underwater vehicles.

Hanqi Zhuang Associate Dean and Professor Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science zhuang@fau.edu

Sustainable Materials & Waste

Yalan Liu Assistant Professor Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering yalanliu@fau.edu

Dr. Yalan Liu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geomatics Engineering. Her research focuses on sustainable materials management, solid and hazardous waste management, and the fate and transport of emerging contaminants in the environment.

She is currently working with Florida stakeholders and academic partners to improve recycling efforts across the state. Dr. Liu is leading a study on the mysterious “black goo,” a black, sticky substance clogging landfill leachate and gas collection systems, creating major operational challenges for landfill operators across the country. She is also working on a project to address PFAS, the “forever chemicals” linked to cancer and other health concerns,

focusing on thermal treatment strategies to help mitigate their environmental and public health risks.

In addition to her research, Dr. Liu serves as Chair of the Undergraduate Program Committee for both her department and the College of Engineering and Computer Science, where she works to enhance curriculum development and student success initiatives.

She is deeply committed to mentoring and actively involves undergraduate students in her research, providing them with hands-on experience in tackling real-world environmental challenges. Beyond academia, she actively engages in outreach programs to inspire high school students to explore careers in engineering and scientific research.

Multimedia Systems and Innovation Dr. Hari Kalva is a Professor and Chair in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. His research focuses on multimedia systems, video compression, and digital media technologies, with significant contributions to video coding standards and streaming technologies.

Dr. Kalva has co-invented over 40 patents related to digital media and telecommunications, shaping the evolution of modern video transmission and processing. He is a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors, recognized for his impactful innovations. His work continues to advance multimedia communications, improving the efficiency and quality of video delivery across various platforms.

Hari Kalva Chair and Professor Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science hari.kalva@fau.edu

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FLORIDA ATLANTIC ENGINEERING & COMPUTER SCIENCE

What’s Happening ITE Student Leadership Summit

Showcasing Innovation at eMerge Americas March 27-28, 2025

January 31 - February 1, 2025 The College of Engineering and Computer Science hosted the 2025 Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Student Leadership Summit. The event brought together over 140 students from Florida schools to connect with industry professionals, build leadership skills, and explore the impact of transportation engineering on society.

The College of Engineering and Computer Science at Florida Atlantic participated in the eMerge Americas conference, showcasing its latest projects through interactive technology like robotic dogs and virtual reality. The booth highlighted the college’s focus on innovation, hands-on learning, and contributions to fields such as artificial intelligence, climate tech, and health engineering. Through this major event, the college strengthened its role in South Florida’s growing tech landscape.

Spring 2025 Senior Design Showcase April 22, 2025 Each fall and spring, Florida Atlantic University’s College of Engineering and Computer Science hosts its Senior Design Showcase, where senior students present innovative projects—from robots to smart apps—designed to solve real-world problems across disciplines like civil, electrical, mechanical, computer, and ocean engineering.

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Student Stories

SILVER

AWARD IN OCEAN

Submarine Race The College of Engineering and Computer Science at Florida Atlantic University proudly announces that the HumanPowered Submarine (HPS) Team, from the Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering,

Students Earn National Recognition for Outstanding Undergraduate Research Three undergraduate researchers from the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science in the College of Engineering and Computer Science earned Honorable Mentions in the Computing Research Association’s (CRA) Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher Awards. By uniting stakeholders, CRA plays a crucial role in advancing innovation and solving complex challenges through computing.

secured second place overall at the Gran Canaria Invitational (GCI) Submarine Race, earning the Silver Award in October of 2024. The GCI Invitational in Gran Canaria, Spain, is a human-powered submarine race where university students design, build, and race submarines in open waters.

Points were awarded in two categories: single-sub and two-sub races.

The HPS team’s submarine, Owlbacore, accumulated 18 points over two days of racing, finishing with the most successful runs of any team.

The HPS team stood out for completing the most runs without any failures. Building on their success at GCI and a second-place finish at the 2024 European International Submarine Races, the HPS team aims to improve their performance for the 2025 International Submarine Races. Under the guidance of Dr. Pierre-Philippe Beaujean, Chair of the Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering, the team’s dedication and innovation continue to impress.

The awards, open to all undergraduate students enrolled in North American institutions, provide outstanding students with acknowledgment for their hard work, as their achievements are highlighted within the computing research community. The faculty and their academic institutions also gain recognition for their role in fostering research talent among their students.

North America. This recognition of three of the four maximum nominees allowed reflects the exceptional quality of undergraduate research emerging from our program.

Our students’ work was recognized alongside contributions from the nation’s leading research institutions, placing them in the company of top undergraduate researchers across

The three nominees are: Ayush Gowda (Computer Engineering with a minor in AI), Carter Nichols (Electrical Engineering), and Jefferson Charles (Computer Engineering). All three students were Seniors, graduated in December 2024. Carter is pursuing an MS in Electrical Engineering, and Jefferson is pursuing an MS in Computer Engineering.

Engineering Innovation for Global Health: Our Ph.D. Student Wins 3MT Competition Omair Faqah, a third-year Ph.D. candidate in Electrical Engineering at the College of Engineering and Computer Science at Florida Atlantic University, is bridging engineering and healthcare through his research on a low-cost, portable diagnostic device 26

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for HIV and other viral infections— aimed at improving access to testing in underserved areas. His work earned him first place in FAU’s 3 Minute Thesis (3MT) Championship, highlighting both his innovation and ability to communicate complex ideas with clarity.

FLORIDA ATLANTIC ENGINEERING & COMPUTER SCIENCE

In The Spotlight

Social

the @fauengineering

Engineer

Paws for Relief

Amanda, a senior at Florida Atlantic University studying Computer Science, is a military veteran, President of the Women In Engineering and Computer Science Club, and passionate about empowering others in STEM.

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manda is a senior currently pursuing a BS in Computer Science with a minor in AI and a certificate in Cybersecurity at Florida Atlantic. She came to Florida Atlantic after earning an AA in Information Technology.

A military veteran, she currently serves as the President of the Women In Engineering and Computer Science Club.

Amanda’s academic achievement in Programming 1 class fueled her passion for programming. She secured a summer internship with the Air Force engineering group based on her FAUacquired skills. Amanda emphasizes the importance of resilience, patience, and

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adaptability for success in engineering.

She actively participates in activities that challenge her and prioritizes self-care. As the President of Women In Engineering and Computer Science, Amanda is dedicated to creating an environment in which all students in engineering and computer science can thrive. She believes representation is crucial to inspiring students to pursue STEM careers and strives to be a relatable role model.

Amanda’s goal is to empower future generations of students to confidently pursue STEM passions.

Amanda’s favorite spot on FAU’s campus is the Library, and she enjoys hip-hop, rap, and country music. She also has a fondness for traveling, with Texas and Prague being her favorite destinations!

Follow Us!

Our students took a welldeserved break from their coursework to enjoy a special visit from Bonafide Therapy Dogs. Offering a moment of calm and connection, bringing smiles, wagging tails, and a little extra comfort to help our hardworking students recharge.

Welcome Back BBQ The College of Engineering and Computer Science kicks off each Fall semester with a lively Welcome Back BBQ featuring great food, student clubs, photo opportunities, and a new “Engineer the Future” tee. A fun, energetic start to an exciting semester ahead.

Celebration of our Graduates The College of Engineering and Computer Science celebrates our graduating students with music, refreshments, and photo opportunities, recognizing their achievements and wishing them well on their next journey.

Go Owls!

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Alejandra Vega

Alex is a Civil Structural Engineer with The Mbhilibhi Group in Eswatini.

After graduating from FAU in 2020, he led a footbridge project in Eswatini with Engineers In Action, worked as a structural designer in Fort Lauderdale, and later returned to Eswatini to manage university teams and rejoin civil engineering design at The Mbhilibhi Group.

Alejandra Vega is a Research Civil Engineer at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ ERDC in Vicksburg, Mississippi. She graduated Magna Cum Laude in May 2024 from FAU with a B.S. in Civil Engineering and is pursuing a Master’s at Mississippi State University. Alejandra is also a mentor for Engineers in Action and actively involved with ASCE.

His advice to students: Life is short—value who you are, not just what you achieve. Things rarely go as planned, so enjoy the process and work with purpose. Embrace life’s detours and setbacks, as they are part of the journey.

Her advice to students: Take advantage of all the opportunities FAU offers—student organizations, career fairs, research, and more.

These will help you grow both technically and socially. Be curious, explore different paths within your discipline, and embrace mistakes as learning opportunities. Your career is yours to shape, so take every chance to expand your skills and discover new areas in engineering.

College Growth in Numbers (2017-2024) 233%

558%

254%

Research Expenditures

Graduate Student Enrollment

Graduate Student Enrollment in CS

4-Year FTIC Graduation Rate

251%

545%

450%

100%

Graduate Teaching & Research Assistants

28

351%

Student Internships

Undergraduate Research Engagement

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Postdoctoral Scholars

FLORIDA ATLANTIC ENGINEERING & COMPUTER SCIENCE

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING & COMPUTER SCIENCE

Alex Hintze

FLORIDA ATLANTIC

Alumni Advice

Your Support

Dear friends,

Invest in the College of Engineering and Computer Science at Florida Atlantic University.

As the Director of Development for the College of Engineering and Computer Science at Florida Atlantic University, I want to emphasize the significant impact your support can have on our institution and the students we aim to empower.

Our College is a hub of innovation and education, where cutting-edge research meets hands-on learning. Your generous donation will contribute to key areas: Student Scholarships: Your support benefits bright students pursuing engineering and computer science, removing financial barriers.

1.

2.

State-of-the-Art Facilities: Your contribution helps us maintain 3. and enhance labs, classrooms, and collaborative spaces to Research Advancements: Your donation fuels groundbreaking research and supports faculty projects that drive innovation.

foster creativity.

Industry Partnerships: Your support strengthens ties with leading companies, providing students real-world experiences and career opportunities.

4.

5.

Community Outreach: Your donation promotes STEM education in the community, inspiring future generations.

Invest in the future of technology and innovation at Florida Atlantic University’s College of Engineering and Computer Science.

Together, we shape the future.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a difference.

Warm regards,

Michael O. Miller Director of Development College of Engineering and Computer Science Florida Atlantic University Desk: 561.297.2083 Cell: 805.448.5430 E-mail: millermichael@fau.edu

ENGINEER FUTURE. THE

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Florida Atlantic University 777 Glades Road EE 308 Boca Raton, FL 33431-0991