The Wertheim Transformation is more than a chapter in our history — it’s a living legacy written by one extraordinary individual whose belief in people, education, and possibility has reshaped engineering at the University of Florida. Dr. Herbert Wertheim’s visionary $50 million gift catalyzed a $300 million public-private campaign, igniting the Wertheim Transformation and empowering generations of students and faculty to lead in groundbreaking ways. His unwavering commitment continues to elevate lives, unlock discovery, and accelerate impact across Florida and far beyond.
On behalf of every student empowered, every discovery advanced, and every boundary pushed, we offer our deepest gratitude.
Thanks to Herbie, we are not only Powering the New Engineer to Transform the Future — we are Future Ready.
Top 10 Impacts of the Wertheim Transformation
#1
Transforming Engineering Education: The Herbie Lab
The Herbert Wertheim Laboratory for Engineering Excellence anchors UF’s vision for the Home of the New Engineer. Completed in 2021, it delivers immersive experiential learning to every Gator Engineering student beginning in their first year — advancing real-world readiness through interdisciplinary, hands-on learning.
#2
Innovation in Action: The Herbie Lab Makerspace
The Herbie Makerspace brings design thinking to life — where students prototype startup ideas, solve real-world engineering challenges for companies, and build competition-winning components. It’s the launchpad for the next generation of creators and engineering entrepreneurs.
#3
Expanding Research Impact Across Disciplines
UF Engineering grew its research awards from $79 million in 2015 to $130 million in FY24, advancing smart health systems, privacy-preserving cybersecurity, and next-gen semiconductor technology—all through ethical and interdisciplinary AI applications.
#4
Driving National Defense and Infrastructure Solutions
UF led a $26.4 million Department of Defense consortium to train nuclear forensic experts and developed TSA workforce optimization tools, reinforcing national security and improving transportation systems with engineering-powered solutions.
#5
Breakthroughs in the Connected World
The Warren B. Nelms Institute grew research funding by 426% in just six years, leading the frontier of IoT, wearables, and now the AI of Things. With 75 projects, 65 faculty and $12.6 million devoted to workforce development, the Institute is shaping the technologies — and technologists — of tomorrow.
#6
Protecting Waterways and Coastal Communities
Since 2020, the Center for Coastal Solutions has secured $36 million in funding and produced 140+ peer-reviewed publications. It delivers AI-powered tools and global partnerships for resilient ecosystems, clean water, and sustainable coastal futures — from Florida to the Caribbean and Middle East.
#7
Student Achievement on the National Stage
Gator Engineering student teams have achieved unprecedented success, with both the Eckhoff Steel Bridge and Concrete Canoe teams capturing four national titles each—eight in total over the decade. Their victories exemplify the teamwork, innovation, and competitive excellence central to UF’s engineering ethos.
#8
Pioneering Environmental Sustainability
Gator Engineers are creating data-driven solutions for clean energy, cholera outbreak prediction, and ecological resilience — impacting global policy and promoting environmental justice in vulnerable regions.
#9
Fueling Florida’s Innovation Economy
Through programs like REEF, UF Engineering is partnering with industry and the military to strengthen the state’s tech workforce. Efforts in healthcare, infrastructure, and agriculture are transforming Florida’s economy through AI and entrepreneurial excellence.
#10
Inspiring the Next Generation of Engineers
From the Engineering Innovation Institute to SECME, the college champions K–12 outreach and teacher development — expanding access to STEM and opening doors for underrepresented communities across Florida.