Eunice M. Alberson

This document, a celebration of Florida Polytechnic University's first decade, outlines its future strategic direction for the next twenty years. It highlights the university's commitment to STEM education through unique curricula, accreditations, and significant fundraising efforts. Key priorities include fostering research and innovation, cultivating a diverse and skilled graduate body, and making a broad societal and economic impact, ultimately aiming to shape society and advance technology.

This document outlines Florida Polytechnic University's commitment to leadership in innovation and technology, focusing on preparing students for the workforce in high-growth STEM areas. Key priorities include an industry-connected curriculum in fields such as analytics, big data, cloud virtualization, cybersecurity, and nanotechnology, and fostering a culture of practical application. The overarching vision is to equip graduates with the skills to address future industry challenges and contribute to economic growth.

This document outlines the Florida Polytechnic University's Sustainability Committee's mission to enhance campus life and promote sustainability. Key initiatives include implementing innovative sustainable policies, fostering understanding of sustainability within the university and the larger community, and engaging in projects such as smart gardens with sensor networks, sustainable and technology-driven kitchens, autonomous environmental monitoring, smart electric solar vehicles, green electronics, and electronics upcycling. The committee also aims for LEED Gold certification for campus buildings to work towards net-zero energy consumption and raises awareness through events like the 'Blackout event'.

The discussion focused on autonomous vehicles and unmanned aircraft, featuring panelists from academia and the automotive industry. Key topics included defining various levels of autonomy across different industries, ranging from remotely operated to fully autonomous systems. Panelists discussed the technological advantages of unmanned vehicles, such as deployment in hazardous or remote areas and long endurance capabilities, as well as the economic benefits. A significant portion of the conversation addressed safety considerations, including the need to meet rigorous safety standards (such as 10 to the minus 7th frequency for accident occurrence) and cybersecurity concerns related to control and data links. The timeline for consumer availability of highly automated vehicles, specifically Level 3 automation in Audi's next A8 within five years, was mentioned. The discussion also covered how vehicles operate if external networks like GPS or Wi-Fi fail, emphasizing reliance on onboard sensor processing and redundant systems, such as cameras and multiple sensor types.

The document, referred to as 'Florida Poly 2.0', serves as the blueprint for the university's future. This five-year strategic plan outlines a new mission and vision, key priorities, and a plan for a research park adjacent to the campus. It aims to position the university as a premier 100 percent STEM institution with a strong commitment to diversity.