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Welcome to the August edition of the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering Newsletter.
As we gear up for a new academic year, we also welcome Dean Mark Tehranipoor, Ph.D., whose vision will help guide the college's next chapter of innovation and excellence. From groundbreaking research and industry partnerships to student success and faculty achievements, this month's newsletter showcases the impact Gator Engineers are making in Florida and around the world.
Explore more stories on the college and our faculty, staff, and students on our news site.
Thank you for your continued support. Happy reading!
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THE LATEST FROM THE UNIVERSITY
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Mark Tehranipoor named dean of Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering
Mark M. Tehranipoor, Ph.D., has been named dean of the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, bringing decades of leadership in cybersecurity, microelectronics and research innovation to the role. A former chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Tehranipoor will lead the college with a vision to elevate its national standing while advancing excellence in education, research, entrepreneurship and emerging technologies.
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Inspired by the human eye, University of Florida researchers are developing a soft, AI-powered robotic camera that can clean its own lens, maintain a clear field of view and navigate challenging environments. The National Science Foundation-funded technology has the potential to improve laparoscopic surgery while also supporting future robotic construction on the Moon.
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Farimah Farahmandi, Ph.D., has been named director of the Florida Institute for Cybersecurity Research (FICS), where she will lead efforts to expand cybersecurity research, innovation and workforce development across Florida. An internationally recognized expert in hardware security and artificial intelligence, Farahmandi brings a vision of strengthening partnerships among academia, industry and government to address the nation's most pressing cybersecurity challenges.
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University of Florida chemical engineers have developed a new gel-based material that removes PFAS "forever chemicals" from water more efficiently than many commercial filtration options. The fluorine-free material offers a promising approach for improving water treatment while helping researchers develop next-generation solutions for tackling some of the most persistent environmental contaminants.
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University of Florida researchers are leading a $3.6 million National Institutes of Health-funded project to develop an AI-powered early warning system for harmful Vibrio bacteria in coastal waters. By combining satellite data, environmental monitoring and microbial genomics, the platform aims to forecast disease risk weeks in advance, helping protect communities from dangerous waterborne infections.
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Turning lunar soil into glass may sound like science fiction, but researchers are exploring how laser technology could make it possible to build structures on the moon using materials already available there. Led by Victoria M. Miller, Ph.D., the DARPA-funded research explores a manufacturing process that bends materials without physical contact, creating new possibilities for construction, repairs and on-demand manufacturing in space.
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UF program prepares autistic adults for semiconductor careers
A University of Florida program is helping autistic adults develop the skills needed for careers in semiconductor manufacturing. Through virtual reality training, hands-on experiences and industry mentorship, the PATHS program aims to expand workforce opportunities for neurodivergent individuals while addressing growing demand in the nation's semiconductor industry.
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A new frontier for marine robot communication
Helping underwater robots communicate more effectively is the goal of BlueME, a new technology developed by Md Jahidul Islam, Ph.D., and Adam Khalifa, Ph.D., in the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering. The compact system allows robots to exchange information over long distances beneath the surface, creating new opportunities for marine research, environmental monitoring and naval applications
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Engineering celebrates first graduates of AI and data science master's programs
A milestone moment for the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering marked the graduation of the first students from UF's Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence Systems and Master of Science in Applied Data Science programs. Designed to prepare graduates for careers in rapidly growing technology fields, the programs combine interdisciplinary coursework with hands-on experience using tools such as UF's HiPerGator supercomputer.
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Chemical engineering building renovation continues to progress
Behind the construction fencing, the future of chemical engineering at UF is beginning to take shape. From newly framed lab spaces to major structural updates, the renovation of the ChemE building continues to make steady progress. Take a look inside the project and see how the department's future home is coming together.
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RECOGNITION ACROSS THE COLLEGE
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Sherif receives international award for leadership in hydrogen energy
S.A. Sherif, Ph.D., professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering and MAE Excellence Term Professor, has received the 2026 IAHE Rudolph A. Erren Award in recognition of his leadership in hydrogen production, transmission, distribution and storage. Presented at the World Hydrogen Energy Conference in Singapore, the honor recognizes Sherif's decades of pioneering contributions to hydrogen energy research and innovation.
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Engineering education faculty and students earn top honors at ASEE conference
Faculty and students from the University of Florida's Department of Engineering Education earned multiple awards and national recognition at the American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference. Highlights included Idalis Villanueva Alarcón, Ph.D., being inducted as an ASEE Fellow, several best paper awards and presentations showcasing UF's leadership in advancing engineering education research.
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MSE Chair Tonks awarded American Nuclear Society Fellowship
Michael Tonks, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Materials Science & Engineering, has been named a fellow of the American Nuclear Society in recognition of his contributions to nuclear materials modeling and reactor fuel performance research. The honor also highlights Tonks' commitment to mentoring future scientists and advancing collaboration within the nuclear engineering community.
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UF researchers earn $3.7 million NIH award to advance AI-powered cognitive screening
Parisa Rashidi, Ph.D., and Catherine Price, Ph.D., have received a five-year, $3.7 million National Institutes of Health award to improve the detection of cognitive impairment in older adults preparing for surgery. The project will combine artificial intelligence with digital cognitive assessments to develop more accurate, equitable screening tools that account for differences in educational background and help improve patient care.
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MSE alumnus inducted into Florida Inventors Hall of Fame
From MSE student to medical technology innovator, Donald K. Jones ('91) has spent his career advancing patient care through groundbreaking devices and inventions. The CEO of Empirilon Technology and holder of 105 U.S. patents will be inducted into the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame for his contributions to health care innovation.
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ECE alumnus Steve Blum elected to National Academy of Construction
From ECE student to construction technology leader, Steve Blum ('87) has built a career at the intersection of engineering and innovation. The Autodesk executive, Dean's Advisory Board member and ECE Hall of Fame inductee was recently elected to the National Academy of Construction for his contributions to the future of the industry.
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CELEBRATING OUR FUTURE ENGINEERS
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Gator engineers earn prestigious NSF Graduate Research Fellowships
Seventeen students and recent graduates from the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering have been selected for National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships, one of the nation's most prestigious honors for emerging STEM researchers. The award recognizes their academic excellence, research achievements and potential to become future leaders in science and engineering.
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Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 honoree aims to expand Africa’s role in space exploration
Wanjiku Chebet Kanjumba, a University of Florida aerospace engineering Ph.D. candidate, has been named to the Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 Class of 2026 for her work advancing space infrastructure and interplanetary logistics. Through her research, entrepreneurship and vision for African-led space innovation, Kanjumba hopes to help build a future where the continent plays a leading role in global space exploration.
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Nuclear engineering Ph.D. candidate earns international spectroscopy award
Justin Borrero, a University of Florida nuclear engineering Ph.D. candidate, has received the 2026 Barbara Stull Graduate Student Award from the Society of Applied Spectroscopy. The international honor recognizes his promising research in laser-based spectroscopy and nuclear forensics, advancing technologies that support emergency response and national security applications.
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UF doctoral student named to ASME’s 2026 Engineers to Watch list
Materials science Ph.D. candidate Morgan Cunningham has been named to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers' 2026 Engineers to Watch list, recognizing early-career professionals making significant contributions to the engineering field. Honored for her research in advanced nuclear fuels and advocacy for clean energy, Cunningham continues to advance innovations that support the future of nuclear science and engineering.
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SUPPORTING STUDENT INNOVATION
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The Integrated Product and Process Design (IPPD) program extends its sincere thanks to the industry and university partners who supported student design projects during the 2025-2026 academic year. Their investment helps provide hands-on engineering experiences that prepare students to solve real-world challenges while strengthening connections between academia and industry.
2025-2026 Sponsors:
AGIS Inc.; Arthrex, Inc.; Aventusoft, LLC; Bealls, Inc.; CAE; Florida Department of Transportation District 2; Florida Power & Light; GE Aerospace; Honeywell Aerospace Technologies; Johnson & Johnson; JWM Engineering, LLC; LiteSeeker Solutions, Inc.; Lithionics Batteries; MRSL Real-Time Systems Laboratory, Inc.; NextEra Energy, Inc.; Oelrich Construction, Inc.; Raytheon; University of Florida Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition; University of Florida Department of Physiology and Aging; University of Florida Smart Construction Informatics (SCI) Lab; and Verifone.
Interested in sponsoring an IPPD project? Learn more about becoming an industry partner at ippd.ufl.edu/sponsors.
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GRATEFUL RECOGNITION - $100,000+ GIFTS
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We are deeply grateful to those whose generosity helps Gator Engineers be future-ready leaders through bold research, hands-on learning and forward-thinking innovation!
Monolithic Power Systems, Inc. (MPS) – To support research in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
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Gator Engineers In Action
We’d like to see more of you in our next issue the Florida Engineer … literally! Whether you’re traveling or at work, send us some photos of our Gator Engineers out in the world.
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SUPPORT ENGINEERING STUDENTS
Gifts made to the Dean’s Excellence Fund help students through experiential learning opportunities that emphasize team-based learning, hands-on projects, student-organized competitions, internships, and externships to develop their leadership and innovation skills.
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