For 20 years, the Florida Center for Research in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (FCR–STEM) at Florida State University has helped shape how STEM is taught and learned in classrooms across Florida, developing research-based tools and technologies that support teachers and prepare students for a future workforce.  

FCR-STEM was created by the Florida Legislature, and it was competitively awarded to FSU in 2006. The Learning Systems Institute (LSI) has been the sole operator of FCR-STEM since its inception. 

The mission of FCR-STEM is to help the State of Florida improve STEM teaching and learning in grades K-12 and prepare students for higher education and STEM careers in the 21st century. Through its impacts on teacher knowledge and classroom practice, FCR-STEM strives to improve student achievement, narrow achievement gaps and increase student pursuit of STEM fields. 

“FCR-STEM has had a remarkable impact on STEM education in Florida over the past 20 years,” said Vice President for Research Stacey S. Patterson. “Their researchers have consistently pioneered innovative technologies to equip our K-12 educators with the tools and resources they need to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow’s workforce. By empowering educators, FCR-STEM ensures Florida’s students are positioned to thrive and lead in the next generation of work.” 

FCR-STEM has pioneered education technologies to drive STEM learning in areas such as robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI), 3D printables, formative assessment systems, digital platforms and educational support systems for students with disabilities. 

“FCR-STEM has positively impacted STEM education in Florida’s K-12 classrooms for two decades,” said Rabieh Razzouk, director of LSI and FCR-STEM. “For 20 years, LSI team members have looked forward and innovated new systems and platforms giving Florida educators the tools to put our children in a position to capitalize on the opportunities that will be presented by the next generation of work.” 

FCR-STEM’s track record of developing innovative solutions to advance STEM education has led to dozens of partnerships across the country and across disciplines. Since its inception in 2006, FCR-STEM has been awarded more than 150 research grants totaling more than $190,000,000. Of those grants, more than 60 totaled $1 million or more.  

Sponsors have included the U.S. Department of Education, the Florida Department of Education, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the National Science Foundation, the Office of Naval Research, the Everglades Foundation and eight Florida school boards. 

Innovations created by FCR-STEM include: 

• The CPALMS platform was developed to support K-12 education in Florida and is used by millions of people worldwide. More than 260,000 K-12 Florida educators and approximately three million Florida students actively use CPALMS to access educational resources, information that supports teaching and learning, and software applications designed to support them throughout their educational journeys. During the global pandemic, CPALMS was made available worldwide, and now, more than 20 million students depend on the platform. 

• MyStemKits was created at FCR-STEM and is the world’s largest library of standards-driven, 3D-printable kits and curriculum designed to support interdisciplinary education and nurture the skills necessary for success in the 21st century, including creativity, problem solving, critical thinking, and teamwork. 

• The Math Formative Assessment System (MFAS) was developed as part of the CPALMS platform. It is a K–12, research-based toolset that uncovers how students think and empowers teachers to adjust instruction for deeper understanding. MFAS tasks go beyond right-or-wrong answers to uncover students’ reasoning, misconceptions and learning strategies. 

• FCR-STEM is one of the leaders in Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI), working on major projects both in Florida and nationally. CGI is a student-centered approach to teaching mathematics that focuses on understanding and building upon a child’s natural, intuitive problem-solving processes. Instead of forcing students to use memorized algorithms, CGI teachers present real-life problems, listen to how children naturally solve them, and tailor instruction accordingly. 

ABOUT LSI 

LSI strives to lead the way in creating innovative educational solutions that seamlessly connect theory with practice. Through advanced research, we develop industry-leading methods and implementation strategies to enhance systematic learning at all levels and in all environments. For more than five decades, LSI has been committed to driving measurable improvements in the performance of both individuals and organizations. 

The post FSU’s FCR-STEM celebrates 20 years of impacting teaching and learning in Florida appeared first on Florida State University News.

The research could help develop methods for reducing intense noise that threatens aircraft and ground crews

Researchers from the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering and the Florida Center for Advanced Aero-Propulsion, or FCAAP, are helping to solve a safety challenge in military aviation: the extreme noise generated by supersonic jets during takeoff and landing.

The research, published in the Journal of Fluid Mechanics, demonstrates a new model for understanding how supersonic jets of air collide with the ground or other structures to create a resonant feedback loop that produces extreme noise that can reach dangerous volume levels.

The team examined jets like those found in a type of aircraft known as Short Takeoff and Vertical Landing jets, or STOVL. The ability to operate without a traditional runway gives these aircraft, such as the F-35B Lightning II, critical tactical advantages.

But as they descend toward the ground, their exhaust plumes interact with landing surfaces and generate intense noise, often exceeding 140 decibels, posing serious dangers to both aircraft structure and nearby personnel.

“Only a tiny fraction of the jet’s energy is transformed into sound, but this small fraction has a major impact,” said Farrukh S. Alvi, professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and former founding director of the Institute for Strategic Partnerships, Innovation, Research, and Education, or InSPIRE, and founding director of FCAAP. “The intense noise produced by jet engines can cause structural damage to the aircraft and damage the hearing of personnel on the ground. We are trying to understand the physics behind these supersonic jets and the noise they produce so that we can develop tools that can reduce their impacts. In fact, we have already had some success in developing techniques that can reduce jet noise.”

Why it matters

When the high-speed air coming from jet engines mixes with the ambient air, it creates large-scale disturbances that hit the ground, producing strong sound waves that propagate back toward the jet engine. This establishes a repeating, back‑and‑forth interaction and creates resonance, an example of a feedback loop, causing loud and repeating noise. For aircraft, these resonant vibrations accelerate structural fatigue and can generate hazardous low-pressure zones that can pull the aircraft toward the ground.

For crewmembers on the ground, sustained exposure to sound levels over 140 decibels can cause permanent hearing damage, even when wearing protective equipment. At peak intensities, extreme acoustic pressure can even cause organ damage.

An animation showing an aircraft using supersonic jets for a vertical landing. As it descends toward the ground, exhaust plumes interact with landing surfaces to generate intense noise, often exceeding 140 decibels, posing serious dangers to both aircraft structure and nearby personnel. (Courtesy of Myungjun Song)

The post FAMU-FSU College of Engineering researchers develop new model for predicting noise feedback loops from supersonic jets appeared first on Florida State University News.

Drew Allen brings more than 20 years of military aviation experience to FSU’s multimillion-dollar regional research and innovation institute.

Florida State University has tapped aerospace leader and decorated test pilot Drew Allen to head its high-impact initiative, InSPIRE — the Institute for Strategic Partnerships, Innovation, Research and Education.

InSPIRE is FSU’s effort to turn Northwest Florida into a hub for aerospace and defense innovation. The institute focuses on applied research, high-speed aerodynamics, advanced manufacturing and building a strong STEM workforce.

Allen brings more than two decades of military aviation experience and a strong track record in defense research and partnerships. He joins FSU from the Oklahoma Aerospace and Defense Innovation Institute, where he helped secure more than $50 million in federal contracts and built collaborations with more than 25 aerospace and defense companies in just two years.

InSPIRE bridges university research with industry needs and includes partnerships with major regional players like Bay Economic Development Alliance, Florida’s Great Northwest and Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport.

Triumph Gulf Coast, a nonprofit that manages economic recovery funds from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, is a major supporter of InSPIRE. It provided $98.4 million in grant funding for the effort. FSU will invest another $65 million over the next decade and aims to raise more than $235 million in external grants.

“InSPIRE is how we’re helping Northwest Florida lead in innovation and supply top talent for the growing aerospace and defense industries,” said FSU President Richard McCullough. “Drew’s background is a great match to lead this work.”

Allen, a former U.S. Air Force commander and the only pilot ever qualified in every modern USAF fighter jet — the F-15, F-16, F-22, F-35 and F-117 — has led teams of thousands and managed budgets topping $1 billion.

He starts June 1 and succeeds founding director Farrukh Alvi, who will stay at FSU as Senior Associate Provost and remain involved with InSPIRE’s Advisory Council and research work.

“Drew brings exactly what InSPIRE needs right now,” said FSU Vice President for Research Stacey Patterson. “He knows how to connect with defense and industry partners, secure funding and get new facilities off the ground.”

Allen said he’s honored to take on the role.

“This industry is essential and personally meaningful to me,” Allen said. “I look forward to working with the team to advance InSPIRE’s mission and impact.”

About FSU InSPIRE
The Institute for Strategic Partnerships, Innovation, Research, and Education (InSPIRE) is accelerating breakthroughs in aerospace and advanced manufacturing. At the core of this effort are dedicated partners working together to establish Northwest Florida as a national center of innovation, driving regional economic growth. Demonstration facilities are being developed for end-to-end production, aero-testing and immersive training in STEM. Local, regional, and national members of an industry alliance are embedding employees at InSPIRE, collaborating with researchers and faculty from FSU, its partners, and business and community leaders to develop and productionize aerospace, defense, and energy solutions, while offering hands-on learning to students and aspiring engineers in Northwest Florida. FSU InSPIRE launched with an initial grant from Triumph Gulf Coast, Inc. Learn more at inspire.fsu.edu.

The post Florida State University selects aerospace leader, test pilot as executive director of FSU InSPIRE appeared first on Florida State University News.

Position marks a pivotal moment as the Institute for Strategic Partnerships, Innovation, Research, and Education moves into research and design phase for high-speed aerospace facility 

Florida State University InSPIRE has secured the first key hire in its development of advanced manufacturing and aerospace facilities in Bay County. Chase Foster joins the team as Senior Research & Project Engineer for Aerospace.

Foster joins InSPIRE from General Dynamics Electric Boat, where he provided strategic oversight in the planning yard for Seawolf, Ohio, and Virginia class submarines, and was the nuclear project engineering and planning manager for planning efforts on an SSN-688 class engineered overhaul — a project with a budget of more than $1 billion. While program manager for the Nautilus drydocking project, he managed proposals, negotiations, execution and delivery, leading a team to successfully deliver early and under budget on a six-month $30 million project. He also brings deep knowledge of assembly and testing best practices while working on a first in its class, new ballistic missile nuclear submarine, the SSBN-826 Columbia.

“Chase is an accomplished leader with expertise in designing, building and commissioning aero-propulsion projects, formerly playing a key role in the development of FSU’s Polysonic Wind Tunnel at the Florida Center for Advanced Aero-Propulsion as well as other aero-test facilities as part of the Aero-Propulsion, Mechatronics, and Energy Center,” said InSPIRE Interim Executive Director Farrukh S. Alvi. “We know he will be a driving force in the design, procurement, building, testing and commissioning of what we believe will be one of the nation’s foremost hubs for high-speed aerodynamics and advanced manufacturing in Bay County and Northwest Florida.”

InSPIRE, or the Institute for Strategic Partnerships, Innovation, Research, and Education, is dedicated to building strategic partnerships that bridge the gap between academia and industry, particularly in the fields of high-speed aerodynamics, advanced manufacturing, and technology. The initiative is supported by FSU and by Triumph Gulf Coast, the nonprofit corporation that oversees most of the funds recovered by the Florida attorney general for economic damages to the state from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

“InSPIRE will fulfill a vital role in translating applied research and scientific breakthroughs into technological prototypes that can be tested, evaluated, and then sustainably produced, all in one key location,” said FSU Vice President for Research Stacey S. Patterson. “It will be nimble, unique and truly transformative to the region with the capacity to serve partners with a continuum of leading-edge development. We couldn’t be happier to have Chase join us to lead the aerospace planning and development as we forge forward.”

InSPIRE will include operations within or near the Northwest Florida Beaches Airport and adjacent Venture Crossings Technology Park. The facilities constructed will be designed to accommodate both proprietary, confidential, secure and open contract and grant work for the aerospace and defense industries.

Foster graduated summa cum laude from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering and received a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Florida State University.

“I’m thrilled to return to FSU and join InSPIRE as we build out the capabilities that best serve the needs of aerospace and defense companies today and into the future,” Foster said. “Our focus is on delivering an innovative, next generation wind tunnel and aerotesting facility that best serves the needs of our community, partners, and regional workforce. Our current conceptualizations include advanced testing and evaluation offices, collaboration spaces and a SCIF (Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility).”

Foster previously worked in oil and gas for C&J Energy Services where he developed and successfully deployed a novel sand storage and distribution system for hydraulic fracturing, significantly reducing moving parts and thus maintenance requirements, receiving a patent.

About InSPIRE
The Institute for Strategic Partnerships, Innovation, Research and Education launched with an initial grant from Triumph Gulf Coast, Inc. Triumph will provide $98.4 million, and Florida State University will invest another $65 million over the next 10 years. InSPIRE provides the foundation for FSU to better serve the needs required to fuel the innovation economy and will serve as a beacon to attract investment and opportunity to the region. The InSPIRE initiative includes not only applied research, advanced manufacturing and aerospace testing and prototyping facilities but also funds to increase the number of engineering graduates through FSU Panama City. InSPIRE is also dedicated to STEM outreach and development of K-college students and teachers to build the workforce talent needed to serve the high-speed aerodynamics and advanced manufacturing industry with high-paying job creation.

About Triumph Gulf Coast Inc.
Triumph Gulf Coast Inc. is a nonprofit corporation that oversees most of the funds recovered by the Florida attorney general for economic damages to the state from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Triumph is required to administer the funds to projects in the eight counties that were disproportionately affected by the oil spill — Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Bay, Gulf, Franklin, and Wakulla.

The post FSU InSPIRE appoints Chase Foster to lead engineering and development for aerospace facility appeared first on Florida State University News.

Florida State’s Learning Systems Institute (LSI) held its first professional learning course for K-5 Gulf Coast teachers  this summer as part of the workforce training and education component of FSU’s Institute for Strategic Partnerships, Innovation, Research, and Education (InSPIRE). The training was conducted by the CPALMS staff from the Florida Center for Research in STEM.

The course was designed for elementary teachers who wanted to learn about artificial intelligence (AI) and innovations in aerospace as potential ways to transform education. It covered the fundamentals of generative AI and prompt engineering, natural language processing and machine learning foundations, bias and ethical implications of AI and the integration of literacy and STEM best practices. This InSPIRE course also included hands-on activities, visits to FSU labs and presentations from industry experts and partners.

“It was a pleasure to work with such dedicated teachers who are looking for innovative ways to integrate content areas, generative AI, and research-based best practices within a topic like aerospace that directly relates to the prospects of their local community while ensuring their students are ready for the challenges of the future workforce,” said Carrie Meyers, LSI’s Director of STEM Outreach.

Teachers spent five days in Tallahassee, equipped with skills and strategies for using generative AI to create and enhance stories and informational texts with an aerospace theme while preparing students for an ever-changing technological world. The participants were given access to curriculum and resources designed for use with students exploring AI foundations and aerospace innovations on CPALMS.

“This has been an amazing week,” said Gulf County teacher Jeannie Ford. “We had the best presenters. It has been a fun time, exciting.”

Participants will join a network of teachers who act as catalysts for change in their schools and communities. They will play a key role in educating the next generation of Florida’s workforce in technologically advanced careers.

“Giving (students) a passion for something that they feel so deeply about they will want to follow that through with a career,” said Audrey Moore, a fifth-grade teacher from Santa Rosa County. “It starts in elementary school because there are a lot of kids who… it’s just that one little spark. I want to inspire them because they are the next generation.”

As part of the course, teachers visited the Florida Center for Advanced Aero-Propulsion at FSU, a premier research facility dedicated to advancing the field of aero-propulsion through innovative research and cutting-edge technology. There was also a session at the High-Performance Materials Institute at FSU. The visits offered an unparalleled professional learning experience to explore cutting-edge research in advanced materials.

“InSPIRE has given me many tools that I will be able to use to take into the classroom to integrate technology in some of the industries that are coming to the area into the curriculum,” said Kara Bremer from Wewahitchka Elementary School.

The teacher workshop included activities centered around e-readers, generative AI and PowerPoint. It featured guest speakers from Microsoft, General Electric, Lockheed Martin and FSU.

“The guest speakers opened my mind to what these kids need to learn and how we can guide them in that direction,” said Miranda Fiveash from the Santa Rosa County school district.

The InSPIRE initiative aims to transform the region’s research and development landscape by building advanced aerospace and manufacturing facilities near the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport. A significant component of InSPIRE is its educational outreach program led by LSI, which aims to increase the region’s STEM knowledge and industry certifications.

“The goals of this course are just a small part of the overall goals for InSPIRE,” said Jim Reynolds, LSI’s Director of STEM Outreach. “We are excited to bring teachers together for the start of a long-term commitment to the communities in the panhandle of Florida. We are looking to forge a partnership with schools to create a sustainable support system that allows teachers access to high-quality resources to adapt their instruction to focus on embedding critical thinking, problem-solving and workforce readiness at all levels of education”.

For 55 years, LSI has delivered systems that measurably improve the learning and performance of organizations and individuals in Florida and globally. Our experts’ advanced research provides state-of-the-art methods and a clear path for implementation. To learn more about LSI, please visit us on the web at LSI.FSU.edu. 

The post LSI holds first professional learning course for workforce training and education as part of FSU’s InSPIRE appeared first on Florida State University News.

The Triumph Gulf Coast Board voted this week to support a $98.4 million Florida State University project that would build aerospace and advanced manufacturing facilities in Panama City.  

The Institute for Strategic Partnerships, Innovation, Research, and Education (InSPIRE) will include operations within or near the Northwest Florida Beaches Airport and the adjacent Venture Crossings technology park. The facilities constructed as part of the institute will be designed to accommodate both secure and open contract and grant work for the aerospace and defense industries.  

On Tuesday, Nov. 7, a delegation from FSU that included President Richard McCullough and Vice President for Research Stacey Patterson presented the proposal to the board, which voted unanimously to forward the project. The university and board will now negotiate the terms and contract.   

“We are so appreciative of the Triumph Board for their support of this project and seeing the vision we have for the institute,” McCullough said. “FSU is invested, not just in Tallahassee, but in the entire Florida Panhandle and beyond. We believe when we work together with industry to promote economic development and partner closely with the community, it expands opportunities for everyone in the region. This project takes advantage of FSU’s expertise and resources, and it is designed specifically to serve the Panhandle’s needs and have a generational impact on the region.” 

Triumph will provide $98.4 million, and the university will invest another $65 million over the next 10 years. The university has also committed to securing more than $230 million in contract and grant activity.

Initial economic projections suggest that for every $1 spent on the project, there will be $10 in economic activity generated.  

“Florida State has been an incredible partner in proposing and executing projects that can create meaningful change in the eight-county region,” said David Bear, chairman of Triumph Gulf Coast. “The InSPIRE project holds so much potential and excitement for the area. Northwest Florida is booming and already has a great foundation in defense and manufacturing that we can build upon, and the InSPIRE project does just that. I’m looking forward to working with our partners at FSU in the coming months and years to see where this project takes us.”  

The project, as initially approved by Triumph, includes not only applied research facilities but also funds to grow the number of engineering graduates in Panama City. In addition, funds will be dedicated to STEM outreach activities in the eight-county area served by Triumph.  

Triumph Gulf Coast Inc. is a nonprofit corporation that oversees the majority of the funds recovered by the Florida attorney general for economic damages to the state from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Triumph is required to administer the funds to projects in the eight counties that were disproportionately affected by the oil spill — Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Bay, Gulf, Franklin and Wakulla.  

“When I was in the Legislature, I was proud to have helped create Triumph, and it’s projects like these that are so important to this region’s growth and sustainability,” said Jimmy Patronis, chief financial officer of Florida. “Through my appointment authority, we wanted to ensure only the best projects made it through, and I’m thrilled to see the university develop and promote new projects and economic development in the Panhandle. Universities are home to great innovators, and Florida State University is no exception. This project will take those innovative minds and put them to work building greater aerospace and manufacturing research and development efforts in the Panhandle.” 

FSU has previously worked with Triumph on projects at FSU-Panama City and FSU Coastal and Marine Laboratory.  

“This is a monumental initiative that will transform research and development activities in Northwest Florida,” said FSU Vice President for Research Stacey Patterson. “This area is experiencing incredible growth, and there are tremendous opportunities for collaboration in manufacturing, aerospace and defense. We are excited to get started on this initiative and to work with all our partners in Northwest Florida to ensure its enduring impact.” 

Here’s what others are saying about the project:  

U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio 

“Investment and innovation are essential for future success and Florida’s commitment to the future is second to none. FSU is a fantastic institution, and I am confident it will use this grant to super-charge aerospace manufacturing in our state.”  

U.S. Rep. Neal Dunn  

“This is outstanding news for Florida’s Second Congressional District! I’m grateful to the Triumph Gulf Coast Board for seeing this vision for Florida’s Panhandle. Panama City is now home to the F-35 Lightning II and many other big names in aerospace and defense. This is an excellent location and I’m looking forward to seeing the growth to come from Florida State University’s investment in the region.” 

State Sen. Jay Trumbull 

“Northwest Florida is filled with so many dedicated individuals and institutions that want to see this area thrive. The work by Florida State University and Triumph Gulf Coast on this project is the perfect example of that. InSPIRE offers incredible opportunities for the area to grow its manufacturing and aerospace capabilities while providing high-paying jobs and educational opportunities for its residents. I am excited to see this project move forward and to work with FSU, Triumph and the residents and businesses in the area to ensure its success.”  

State Rep. Griff Griffitts 

“As a lawmaker and small business owner, I’ve had the honor to work with so many wonderful individuals who are excited to see the Panama City-area grow and become a destination for top notch companies and employees. FSU and Triumph Gulf Coast understand the potential for this region and the InSPIRE project gives us an unparalleled opportunity to boost our aerospace and manufacturing workforce. I am so pleased by FSU and TGC’s commitment to this project and to the economic development of Bay County and the greater Northwest Florida region.” 

The post Triumph Gulf Coast votes to move $98M FSU project forward to support aerospace, manufacturing facilities in Bay County appeared first on Florida State University News.