The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command and Florida State University are partnering to strengthen STEM education and research and build a robust pipeline of future scientists and engineers for the nation.

The two organizations have formalized their collaboration through an Educational Partnership Agreement, which establishes a framework for DEVCOM and FSU to engage on educational outreach initiatives.

The DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory, the U.S. Army’s sole fundamental research organization, will execute the agreement.

Through this partnership, FSU students and faculty will have opportunities to tap into the expertise of DEVCOM ARL scientists, gaining exposure to a broad range of scientific and engineering disciplines that support the Army’s mission while enhancing their education.

“We cannot predict exactly what the battlefield of the future will look like, but we do know that the nation with the sharpest scientific minds will have the decisive advantage,” said Brig. Gen. Robert Born, DEVCOM Commanding General.

“This partnership with Florida State University is about staying ahead. We are giving these brilliant students the chance to work on real-world national security challenges today, so they can lead the discoveries of tomorrow,” he said.

The agreement will allow FSU students and faculty with unique opportunities to engage in hands-on, real-world research alongside Army scientists; access to state-of-the-art laboratory equipment; and mentorship on career growth and pathways in Army science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields.

Initial efforts will include lectures, seminars and colloquia, as well as immersive research experiences in nuclear physics. These initiatives will leverage FSU’s John D. Fox Superconducting Linear Accelerator Laboratory.

Army researchers will assist in guiding and mentoring FSU students’ research experiences, aiming to advance scientific knowledge relevant to national security and the U.S. defense industrial base.

“This partnership represents an exciting opportunity for FSU to advance STEM education and research,” said FSU Vice President for Research Stacey S. Patterson. “By joining forces, we are not only enhancing learning experiences for our students but also helping to build a strong pipeline of talented scientists and engineers who will drive innovation and serve our nation’s needs in the years ahead.”

ARL scientists will work side by side with FSU faculty and students to design, conduct and analyze experiments, ensuring that educational outreach outcomes address both academic and Army priorities.

The partnership will also enable Army scientists to mentor and co-advise FSU graduate students, offering guidance on dissertation and thesis research in real-world laboratory settings.

Additionally, the agreement encourages the development of new STEM courses, seminars and experiential learning opportunities for students at all levels, broadening access to hands-on learning and technical expertise.

“What makes this collaboration unique is that it brings real-world defense challenges directly to FSU,” explained Dr. Eric Moore, DEVCOM deputy to the commanding general. “Having DEVCOM scientists work side-by-side with students in their own university labs bridges the gap between academic theory and national security application. Whether these students ultimately join us as civil servants or innovate in the private sector, they will already have the mission-focused mindset our nation needs.”

About DEVCOM ARL

DEVCOM ARL is the Army’s sole fundamental research laboratory serving as the nexus of science between the military, academia and industry. Operating under U.S. Army Futures and Concepts Command and the U.S. Army Transformation and Training Command, ARL executes globally recognized research to accelerate delivery of war-winning, disruptive technologies for tomorrow’s Army.

For information, visit the Army Research Laboratory website.

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Florida State University and Miami Dade College have formalized a new articulation agreement to create clearer pathways and enhanced advising for MDC students to transfer to FSU.

This agreement, signed by FSU President Richard McCullough and Miami Dade College President Madeline Pumariega in a ceremony Thursday in Miami, takes effect Nov. 1. It strengthens the statewide articulation agreement that allows MDC students who earn an associate in arts degree to transfer to FSU with junior standing and continue pursuing a bachelor’s degree.

MDC plays a key role in the university’s transfer student population. It is the second largest feeder school to FSU’s Tallahassee campus, behind only Tallahassee State College.

McCullough highlighted the importance of the agreement in broadening access to higher education.

“FSU and Miami Dade College are committed to providing students with clear pathways to achieve their academic and professional goals,” said McCullough. “This agreement reflects our shared values and creates a smoother transition for MDC students to continue their academic journey at Florida State University. By collaborating with MDC, we are providing students with a solid plan for success at FSU.”

The first eight MDC2FSU programs selected for new academic maps are fields of high interest to MDC students: social work, cyber criminology (both criminology and computer science) and entrepreneurship (commercial, retail and STEM). Programs in psychology and criminology/criminal justice, which traditionally see the most MDC transfer students, are also included.

“This agreement reflects our shared values and creates a smoother transition for MDC students to continue their academic journey at Florida State University. By collaborating with MDC, we are providing students with a solid plan for success at FSU.”    – FSU President Richard McCullough

MDC students will be encouraged to declare their intended FSU major before completing 30 credit hours to ensure a smooth transition. While the agreement does not guarantee admission, it offers a framework for students to follow and helps them align their courses with FSU’s degree requirements.

Upon transferring, students will be supported through FSU’s Transfer Student Services and other resources, including enrolling in the IDS 3003 Transfer Connections and Success course during their first semester.

“MDC’s partnership with FSU accelerates seamless pathways, ensuring our students have a clear path to opportunity,” Pumariega said. “By expanding access in fields like STEM, cyber criminology and entrepreneurship, we are empowering the next generation to succeed and shape Florida’s future workforce.”

The agreement, which currently runs through July 31, 2027, will be reviewed and updated as needed to ensure students are receiving the most up-to-date guidance for their academic journeys.

Both FSU and MDC committed to ongoing collaboration through student advising workshops, information sessions and sharing data to track student success.

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