Science Connect // Center for Excellence in Cyber Defense, Pre-Health Week, Student Spotlight, In the News, and more!

CHARLES E. SCHMIDT COLLEGE OF SCIENCE | MARCH 2020 View as Webpage

FAU Recognized as Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Research

Pictured left to right: Diane M. Janosek, the National Security Agency’s Deputy Commandant for the National Cryptologic School; Rainer Steinwandt, Professor and Chair, FAU Department of Mathematical Sciences; Koray Karabina, Associate Professor, FAU Department of Mathematical Sciences; and Keith Holternmann, Chief Learning Officer, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

FAU was recently re-designated as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Research, which aims to reduce vulnerability in the national information infrastructure by promoting higher education and research in cyber defense and producing professionals with cyber defense expertise. The multi-college effort at FAU was spearheaded by Rainer Steinwandt, Ph.D., and Koray Karabina, Ph.D., from the College of Science. Read more.

Biology Professor Talks to WPTV: How Dirty is Your Wristwatch?

Tests find E. coli, staph bacteria on wristwatches

Professor Nwadiuto Esiobu, Ph.D., worked with WPTV to test for bacteria on 20 different wristwatches. They looked for two germs, in particular: E. coli and staphylococci, or staph. Read more.

Three Year Postdoctoral Fellowship Awarded to Jorge Gonzalez

Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Mathematical Sciences, Jorge Gonzalez, will pursue a postdoctoral fellowship at the Georgia Institute of Technology, working with professor Rafael de la Llave to build his scientific research program in dynamical systems. Read more.

Showcase of Science at FAU Research Encounter

Jasmine Jones, a member of the Quantum Optics Lab and undergraduate student researcher, pilots a drone at Research Encounter.

The Quantum Optics Lab and Machine Perception and Cognitive Robotics (MPCR) Lab came out to share their research with the community at the inaugural Research Encounter on February 12. The Quantum Optics Lab brought their fleet of drones, even giving drone pilot lessons through an obstacle course to guests. Undergraduate student researchers from the lab discussed their work with quantum communication between drones. The MPCR Lab's 100-pound AI super pooch, Astro, greeted guests. View photos.

2020 Pre-Health Professions Week

Pre-Health Professions Week runs from Monday, March 16, to Friday, March 20. The week kicks off with a health fair organized by student organizations, a physician panel, and a medical student admission panel. On Pre-Health Professions Day, Thursday, March 19, admissions representatives from a number of universities will be in attendance representing graduate schools and programs in the health field, including: Medical, Dental, Pharmacy, Physician Assistant, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Podiatry, Chiropractic, Veterinary Medicine, Optometry and more. Learn more.

"Shorewords" Podcast Features FAU Geoscientist

Tiffany Roberts Briggs, Ph.D., an assistant professor of geosciences in the College of Science, speaks with Lesley Ewing of the "Shorewords" podcast. Briggs discusses her work with Lindino Benedet, Principal at Coastal Protection Engineering, on the latest issue of "Shore and Beach Magazine,” in which Briggs served as guest editor. The issue is dedicated to the 2017 and 2018 hurricane season, and the scholarly work and scientific research that came about in their wake. Listen Here.

2020 Frontiers in Science Public Lecture Series

Join us at the 2020 FAU Frontiers in Science Public Lecture Series! This month's talks involve the applications of mathematics and understanding the universe. View the March talks below:

March 6

“Mathematical Modeling – From Combating Cancer to Mixing Materials”

Suzanne Weekes, Ph.D.

Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies, ad interim, and Professor, Mathematical Sciences,

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Location: FAU General Classroom North (GN), Room 102

Time: 4:00 p.m.

March 20

“Understanding the Big Bang: The Universe Beyond Einstein”

Ivan Agullo, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Physics, Louisiana State University

Location: FAU General Classroom North (GN), Room 102

Time: 4:00 p.m.

View all of the upcoming talks .

Quantum OWLS Lab Launches QC Swarm, Inc.

Undergraduate student researchers in Warner Miller’s Quantum OWLS Lab launched the company, QC Swarm, Inc., which uses drones to create mobile quantum networks. Pictured are CEO, Robert Snyder (left), and CSO, Daniel Carvalho (right). At a recent conference, Daniel and Robert met Lieutenant General Christopher Weggeman, Deputy Commander of Air Combat Command at the Rocky Mountain Cyberspace Symposium 2020 in Colorado Springs, CO. Read more .

College of Science Advisory Board Names Leadership

Pictured, left to right: Andrew Duffell, Stilson Tomita, Scott Field, and Ata Sarajedini, Dean of the College of Science.

The College of Science Advisory Board met to discuss strategic planning for the college. Scott Field was named Chair of the Advisory Board, and Joel Ivers was named Vice Chair. For more information and to inquire about joining the board, please contact College of Science Director of Development, Kelly Kirkpatrick at ekirkpatrickmarm@fau.edu.

Electrocardiogram Technician Course

Interested in working in the health field?

The Electrocardiogram (EKG) Technician Course will prepare you to work as an EKG technician in hospitals, clinics, doctor's offices and other health care facilities. After completing this course you will be able to analyze cardiac rhythms and 12-lead EKGs.

Basic Clinical Skills and Certified Nursing Assistant Prep Course

The Office of Continuing Education is offering Basic Clinical Skills (BCS) and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Test Prep Courses this spring. The BCS course will give students the opportunity to complete CPR certification. Learn Blood Pressure skills, patient care and history, Vital signs, Blood Borne Pathogens, HIPAA training, and common medical errors, and recognize how the 12-lead ECG relates to the areas of the heart. The CNA continuing education course is composed of lectures and training skills that students will perform during the 3-day course. This is a test preparation course intended for students to “challenge” the CNA exam. Learn more and register.

Science Dean Speaks at Moon Over Morikami Gala

Photo courtesy of Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens.

College of Science Dean, Ata Sarajedini, Ph.D., served as honorary chairperson at the annual Moon Over Morikami Gala, which took place February 8. Sarajedini delivered a speech to Gala guests, discussing astronomy and the moon. Eric Vandernoot, from the College of Science Observatory, and Florida Atlantic students were in attendance, assisting moon-gazers at telescopes positioned along Morikami Lake.

Graduate Research Week

Summer Undergraduate Psychology Research Experience Grant

The Department of Psychology was awarded $28,800 for the American Psychological Association Summer Undergraduate Psychology Research Experience. The award will be used to encourage talented undergraduate students from underrepresented populations to pursue research careers in psychology or a related field, such as neuroscience, biology, or medicine. The award provides full-time pay while students pursue summer research projects in a faculty mentor's lab.

In the News

Keene Lab Student Scientist Hosts "The Research Diaries" Podcast

Jessica Chomik is a neuroscience student and host of the podcast “The Research Diaries” where she shares the “failures, frustrations, and excitement of setting up novel experiments and making new discoveries” from the perspective of an undergraduate student scientist. Jessica works with Associate Professor of Biological Sciences, Alex Keene, Ph.D., who also serves as a producer on the podcast. Listen to the podcast here.

Soar-in-4 Student Scholars Welcome Reception

High achieving undergraduate students had the opportunity to meet with College of Science Dean, college leadership, faculty, and members of the academic affairs team at the Soar-in-4 Scholars luncheon. The students will have support from the Academic Affairs team through the program. Students also had the opportunity to connect with fellow Soar-in-4 peers. View photos.