Meet The Director

Center For Experiential Learning

Dr. Furtney is the inaugural Director of Experiential Learning at the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering and Instructional Associate Professor in the J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering. She received her B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Miami and Ph.D. in Bioengineering from Clemson University. 

Teaching Awards

• 2021-2022 Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering Teacher of the Year Award
• 2020 UF BME Teaching Excellence Award
• 2020 TERMIS (Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society) Educational Award.

Research Awards

• 2021 American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) Best Paper Award: Annual Conference Biomedical Engineering Division

Service Awards

• 2020-2021 Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering Mentor of the Year Award
• 2019 UF BME Service Excellence Award.

Mentorship Awards

• 2022 UF Career Influencer Award
• 2020-2021 Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering Mentor of the Year Award. She has written numerous letters of recommendation in support of student recognition. Most recently, her mentees have been recipients of UF BME Excellence Award, College Attributes of a Gator Engineer Award, and Commencement Ceremony Award.

Dr. Furtney was drum major and flute section leader of her high school marching band, flute section leader of her college marching band, member of the concert band during graduate school, and is a member of the UF Concert Band and Flute Choir (when it fits into her teaching schedule). 

When not at work, Sarah can be found spending time with her husband, son, and dog. 

Associate Director

Center for Experiential Learning

Joel Parker serves as the Associate Director of Experiential Learning in the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, where he helps design and support innovative learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom. A dedicated advisor and educator, Joel has worked closely with first-year engineering students for over a decade, guiding thousands through the academic transition into higher education and helping them connect their coursework to broader personal and professional goals.

Joel holds an MFA in Painting from Washington University in St. Louis and a BA from the College of Charleston, where he triple-majored in Art History, Studio Art, and Historic Preservation & Community Planning. His interdisciplinary background fuels his commitment to creative, hands-on learning. He is the founding director of the UF in Lille: Engineering and Arts Study Abroad Program, the lead instructor for EGS1006: Introduction to Engineering, and serves as the UF Quest 3 Faculty Liaison, collaborating with departments across campus to advance experiential and integrative learning.

As a practicing artist, he brings a creative perspective to experiential education, encouraging students to think critically and imaginatively. Outside of UF, Joel partners with his wife, a fashion designer, and co-owns a fashion and design business in downtown Gainesville, blending artistry, entrepreneurship, and community engagement.

Wertheim Lab Prototype Operations Manager

Center for Experiential Learning

Jeff Bielling, Engineer III, has been with the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering since 2014. He serves as the inaugural Operations Manager of the Herbert Wertheim Prototype Laboratory for Engineering Excellence. He was appointed to the Design Planning and Construction Team of the Wertheim Lab from its inception. Prior to this, he held positions with the college as Laboratory Manager for IPPD, ITAR/ Export Control Compliance for college administration, and Project Manager with college facilities for laboratory and office renovations. Before coming to the University of Florida he worked in the High-Speed Manufacturing Industry for Metal Container Corporation one of the Anheuser-Busch companies.

As the Wertheim Lab Operations Manager he has the responsibility for a Machine Shop, Wood Shop, Waterjet, 3D Printing and Electronics Manufacturing and Testing. Jeff is a highly experienced machinist with 25+ years in high-speed precision manufacturing with tolerances less than 0.0001”. He is dedicated to producing high-quality projects and ensuring efficient workflow through meticulous attention to detail and troubleshooting. He appreciates the challenges that students bring to him and enjoys instructing and assisting them to see their ideas come to reality. He passes on knowledge he has from over 45 years in industry to the engineering students to ready them for their next steps. His background from industry came with a heavy emphasis on safety and compliance for which he holds as a high standard in the lab. In addition to being a machinist, he has a background in construction, agricultural and transportation industries which provides a wide breath of experience in many different areas.

He is accomplished in 5S, Six Sigma, Statistical Process Control, Gage Capabilities, Journeyman Maintenance Mechanic, State of Florida Forklift Instructor and Certifier. He also served as an On-the-Job Instructor for 20 years with Metal Container Corporation.

In Jeff’s spare time he enjoys spending time with his family. He has two sons, both University of Florida alumni, one from the college. He is “Pop” to five grandchildren. He is a 5th generation farmer on a family farm dating back to 1855 raising cattle, row crops, forage and producing sugar cane syrup. He enjoys maintaining the large fleet of heavy equipment and innovating equipment to improve farming practices.