But that may change in the future through the efforts of a �鶹ӳ����ý researcher. Dazhong Wu, an associate professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, has received a Young Faculty Award from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) for his project titled “Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Affordable and Scalable Additive Manufacturing Part Qualification.” The award will include nearly $500,000 of funding for the two-year project with an optional $500,000 for a third year of work, depending on how the research progresses.

The goal of the project is to develop an efficient and cost-effective machine learning model that can predict the defects and mechanical performance of 3D printed materials. Current metal additive manufacturing processes use expensive materials, such as titanium alloys, to build complex, high-performance parts layer-by-layer from digital models. Those parts undergo lengthy trial-and-error testing cycles that result in the destruction of parts and an overall loss of money.

With Wu’s novel method that mixes AI with additive manufacturing, the industry can move away from destructive testing and reduce inspection costs.

“Using AI we can predict the mechanical performance of 3D printed parts with small amounts of destructive and non-destructive testing data. With this, we can ensure every part is consistent, reliable and less costly.”

Once Wu’s AI model is built, he hopes it can be implemented in various industries to transform how they manufacture critical components.

“I’m hopeful this AI-enabled additive manufacturing qualification framework will be used across many industries, including aerospace and, many more,” Wu says. “Bringing costs down is crucial to the additive manufacturing industry. To do that, we need to make sure every part consistently meets performance requirements.”

About the Researcher

Wu joined �鶹ӳ����ýin 2017 after serving as a senior research associate at Penn State University’s Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering. In 2021, the Society of Manufacturing Engineers ranked him among the 20 most influential academics in additive manufacturing. In the College of Engineering and Computer Science, he manages the Additive Manufacturing and Intelligent Systems Lab, where he and his team develop smart manufacturing techniques.

The project depicted is sponsored by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. The content of this article does not necessarily reflect the position or policy of the government and no official endorsement should be inferred.

For this year’s game, the Knights defeated North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, 68-7, at Acrisure Bounce House. �鶹ӳ����ý proudly welcomed distinguished leaders from seven major military commands, celebrating the enduring partnership between �鶹ӳ����ý and the U.S. Armed Forces. The event served as a powerful reminder of the collaborative spirit that drives innovation, readiness and national defense.

Among the honored guests were:

• Maj. Gen. James E. Smith, representing STARCOM (Space Training and Readiness Command), whose mission is to prepare the U.S. Space Force through cutting-edge education, training and testing.
• Brig. Gen. Christine A. Beeler, leading PEO STRI (Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation), focused on delivering advanced training and information operations capabilities.
• Col. Brian L. Chatman of Launch Delta 45, responsible for managing all space launch operations from the East Coast and ensuring assured access to space.
• Capt. Robert Betts, commanding NAWC TSD (Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division), the Navy’s hub for training system development and inter-service coordination.
• Col. Anthony C. Graham, representing AFAMS (Air Force Agency for Modeling and Simulation), which enhances operational training through integrated simulation technologies.
• Col. Wynndee M. Young, leading PM TRASYS (Program Manager for Training Systems), dedicated to improving Marine Corps readiness through ground training systems.
• Ivan Martinez, director of STTC (Simulation and Training Technology Center), whose team pioneers simulation technologies to maximize soldier effectiveness.

Their presence at the game underscored the deep ties between �鶹ӳ����ý and the U.S. Department of Defense, especially in the areas of research, simulation and training. As a university located in the heart of Central Florida’s modeling and simulation corridor, �鶹ӳ����ý is proud to collaborate with these commands to advance military readiness and innovation.

�鶹ӳ����ý is nationally recognized for its commitment to helping military and veteran students succeed from enrollment to employment. The university is a Military Friendly Schools honoree, a Military Order of the Purple Heart University, and a Collegiate Purple Star campus. It also ranks No. 8 nationally among U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans.

From cutting-edge research that supports veterans’ health to academic programs tailored for active-duty personnel, �鶹ӳ����ý’s deep-rooted ties to the military extend far beyond the stadium. These connections strengthen Florida’s communities, empower students and uplift those who serve.

Here are some powerful ways �鶹ӳ����ý and the military are united year-round.

Fueling the Success of Military-Affiliated Students

�鶹ӳ����ý has a long history of welcoming and supporting military-affiliated students. More than 3,300, including computer science student Trevor Chandrapaul, are currently enrolled.

Chandrapaul began his studies at Valencia College before taking a five-year detour to serve in the U.S. Navy as a gas turbine systems technician working in the engine room. His time with the Navy shifted his academic interest from physical therapy to computer science and eventually led him to �鶹ӳ����ý.

“Coming from the military, [I wanted to] continue to serve after [my] service,” he says. “[�鶹ӳ����ý] is surrounded by so many defense companies, and I felt like it was a good place for me to continue my studies.”

Through the Office of Military and Veteran Student Success, he quickly found community among other veterans. Since 2011, the resource center has offered support and a sense of community to students, faculty and staff veterans on campus. Here, students receive academic and career advising focused on the needs of veterans, as well as guidance on the use and benefits of the GI Bill.

Chandrapaul, like many other military and veteran students, credits the center with making the transition from military life into a university setting smoother.

“I saw how many military veterans actually attended [�鶹ӳ����ý],” he says. “I reached out to someone at the [Office of Military and Veteran Student Success] and they took the time to talk to me and offer reassurance.”

The �鶹ӳ����ý campus is also home to Army and Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) programs that combined have about 170 students preparing to become commissioned officers in the U.S. Armed Forces.

This fall, �鶹ӳ����ý is also supporting service members through a new academic partnership, called Service to Service, which helps veterans and their families pursue graduate degrees in public service fields — allowing them to leverage their military experience in rewarding new roles. The university is one of 12 universities nationwide — and the only school in Florida and the southeast — that is participating in the pilot program, which is a collaboration with nonprofits The Volcker Alliance and We the Veterans.

Top Talent Pipeline to the Defense Industry

The university has repeatedly been recognized by Aviation Week Network as the nation’s top talent pipeline for students to work in the aerospace and defense industry, meaning a �鶹ӳ����ý education prepares students well for future success in those industries.

Students learn from world-class faculty who bring exceptional industry and academic experience into the classroom, and �鶹ӳ����ý’s location in Orlando provides many nearby internship and career opportunities.

Among the opportunities �鶹ӳ����ý students often secure is the Department of Defense’s SMART Scholarship program, which provides STEM students with financial support, a summer internship, an experienced mentor and guaranteed employment with the DOD after graduation.

“I was drawn to the program’s integration of academic advancement with real-world application, especially within the DOD’s infrastructure and research divisions,” says Carlos Arteaga, a master’s in civil engineering student and one of three Knights who received the scholarship this summer. “The opportunity to contribute to national security while deepening my expertise in structural and geotechnical engineering made it an ideal fit.”

In July, Lockheed Martin and �鶹ӳ����ý expanded a partnership that has been in place for more than 40 years, greatly impacting the State of Florida’s economic prosperity, fueling innovation and strengthening student success.

As part of that agreement, Lockheed Martin will expand investments in the highly successful College Work Experience Program, which since 1981 has provided unrivaled work experiences for more than 10,000 students in engineering, business and many other disciplines — and led to many of those students earning full-time employment with Lockheed Martin.

�鶹ӳ����ý, Air Force Partner on Hypersonic Technology

World-renowned faculty member Kareem Ahmed and his research team are partnering with the U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research to advance the technology that fuels hypersonic travel — at speeds up to 13,000 miles per hour — to help enhance national defense and open up new frontiers in space exploration.

Ahmed, a professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, has received multiple U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) grants to develop hypersonic technology.

Hypersonic propulsion allows for air travel at speeds of Mach 6 to 17, meaning six to 17 times the speed of sound, or more than 4,600 mph to 13,000 mph.

Advanced hypersonic propulsion systems are a national priority and are essential to maintaining U.S. national defense as global technological advancements continue to evolve.

�鶹ӳ����ý, Military Advance Modeling and Simulation Technology Together

�鶹ӳ����ý continues to develop connections with the U.S. military that ensure they benefit from the most advanced technologies and training. These partnerships also strengthen Florida’s high-tech economy, as Orlando is a national hub of the modeling and simulation industry attracting nearly $7 billion in annual contracts.

�鶹ӳ����ý’s Institute for Simulation and Training is the academic leader of the industry. The institute’s partners include the Army Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation, Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division, Air Force Agency for Modeling and Simulation and the Marine Corps Program Manager for Training Systems, among others that are also part of the Team Orlando community.

IST modeling and simulation research in strategic areas such as digital twin, AI, human performance, quantum, and spatial computing has accelerated practical innovations in multiple U.S. Army projects and developed multiple tools that are currently in the hands of personnel in every branch of service. In one of the most recent projects, IST’s researchers partnered with the Army to develop a human digital twin prototype that can be a mission team member supporting the commander in the next generation of combat vehicles.

Regaining Lives Through �鶹ӳ����ý RESTORES

�鶹ӳ����ý RESTORES provides clinical treatment services to first responders, front-line medical personnel, military veterans, active-duty military personnel and survivors of mass violence and natural disasters — helping them overcome trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and lead fulfilling careers and family lives. The program’s innovative therapy includes elements of virtual reality, with treatment success rates far exceeding the national average.

�鶹ӳ����ý RESTORES has treated more than 1,900 veterans, active-duty military personnel and first responders.

Clinicians don’t just treat PTSD — they challenge it head on through a model called Trauma Management Therapy, which involves helping patients confront traumatic memories in a safe, structured environment. They do this through customized, immersive virtual reality technology that helps clinicians recreate elements of patients’ unique traumatic experiences.

One-on-one sessions are delivered alongside group therapy — which addresses challenges with anger, sleep, guilt, depression and social isolation — to drive long-term recovery.

• Gabriel Duany ’25
• Aaron Guenther ’25
• Francisco Hernandez ’24
• Lucas Pitts ’24

The fellows will work on a research project of their choosing under the guidance of a mentor from the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD). Their tuition and fees will be covered and they will receive a monthly stipend.

The program was created to increase the number of promising graduates with terminal degrees in the engineering and sciences who could ultimately prepare for careers in the defense industry. Since the program’s inception in 1989, over 70,000 students have applied for the NDSEG fellowship, but only 4,700 have been selected. This year, 126 students from across the nation were selected for an NDSEG fellowship.

Gabriel Duany ’25

Ph.D. in aerospace engineering

This year, Duany will begin a new degree program in a familiar place — Vasu’s lab. His research project will involve applying laser and optical spectroscopy to study the complicated heat and airflow effects associated with high-speed flights and missile defense. Izaguirre says he looks forward to working with his advisor again.

As a budding engineer who hopes to make an impact on the world someday, Duany says the NDSEG fellowship will help him grow as a researcher and expand his network of industry contacts. He credits �鶹ӳ����ý for helping him earn this opportunity.

“I went to �鶹ӳ����ý because it is closely connected to the aerospace industry,” Duany says. “I did a lot of research in undergrad here, which gave me the experience I needed to land this fellowship.”

Aaron Guenther ’25

Ph.D. in mechanical engineering

Guenther is one of three students from Professor Subith Vasu’s lab who were selected for the NDSEG fellowship this year. Vasu is involved in U.S. aerospace and defense research, making it an easy choice for the students to apply for this opportunity.

“The NDSEG fellowship is awarded to students who propose research projects that align directly with the interests of the Department of Defense,” Guenther says. “Our research group is heavily involved with defense projects, so I thought that the availability of knowledge and resources would allow me to submit a strong application.”

For his project, Guenther will run laser diagnostics on the J85 turbojet engine to gather data on the distribution of temperature and combustion products in the exhaust plumes. This data will inform the development of military jet engines capable of running on a variety of fuels to ease DOD’s logistics and supply.

Like his advisor, Vasu, Guenther aims to become an expert in combustion chemistry, laser diagnostics and propulsion systems and eventually become a technical leader in the space, defense or power industries. He says �鶹ӳ����ý’s connection to industry is one of the reasons he chose to pursue an education here.

“When applying for undergraduate programs, I saw �鶹ӳ����ý as the best engineering program in Florida because of its heavy involvement in research and its many connections to the engineering industry,” Guenther says. “My time spent doing research as an undergraduate has highly prepared me for the responsibility of leading my own research in graduate school.”

Francisco Hernandez ’24

Ph.D. in optics and photonics

Hernandez has the distinction of being selected for two prestigious fellowships — NDSEG and the DOD SMART Scholarship, which was awarded to three �鶹ӳ����ý students this year. Hernandez ultimately selected the NDSEG fellowship and says it’s an honor to be among the few who were awarded.

“Finding out that I had won the NDSEG fellowship during my first year as a doctoral student was a tremendous personal achievement, and I was quite happy about it when I shared the news with my family,” Hernandez says. “This recognition has been a huge motivator to keep pushing forward with my research at �鶹ӳ����ý, knowing that both my potential as a doctoral student and the work I am doing at CREOL are being recognized by one of the leading research organizations in the country.”

After earning dual bachelor’s degrees in photonics engineering and electrical engineering, Hernandez returned to �鶹ӳ����ý in 2024 to earn his doctoral degree in optics and photonics. Under the guidance of Assistant Professor Leland Nordin, he aims to design and develop single-photon detectors for advanced sensors that can be used in infrared imaging, telecommunications and quantum information science applications.

Hernandez’ goal is to work for a national government laboratory or major company within the semiconductor industry after graduation. He says the NDSEG fellowship and his doctoral degree will help him become a leader in the field.

“I believe that my Ph.D. program, combined with a platform like NDSEG, will allow me to inspire future Ph.D. students while also helping to increase public understanding of photonics,” Hernandez says. “The fellowship also provides mentorship and networking opportunities that can connect me with leaders in photonics, enabling me to adopt new approaches to solving complex challenges in both my research and professional growth.”

Lucas Pitts ’24

Ph.D. in aerospace engineering

Like Duany, Pitts views the NDSEG fellowship as an opportunity to grow as a researcher. His career goal is to return to academia as an instructor and researcher, teaching and mentoring the next generation of engineers. He says this fellowship will help him build the technical expertise, research experience and professional network that will help him achieve his goal.

“Beyond honing my technical skills, I am excited to connect with other researchers at conferences to gain feedback on my work and learn about what others are doing,” Pitts says. “Engaging with the broader research community will help me better understand how my work fits into larger challenges and grow both professionally and personally.”

Pitts will also continue working in Vasu’s Lab, focusing on chemical kinetics in complex, real-world flow fields. The application is for advanced propulsion and missile defense capabilities for the U.S. He says he chose to enroll at �鶹ӳ����ý to work on research like this with world-renowned faculty like Vasu, and that his undergraduate program prepared him to become an NDESG fellow.

“The CECS undergraduate program has prepared me by providing rigorous coursework that deepened my knowledge and research methods,” Pitts says. “Through hands-on projects, collaborating with my peers and great mentorship from faculty like Dr. Subith Vasu, I have gained the knowledge and confidence to really make the most of the NDSEG fellowship and contribute meaningfully to my field.”

Unlike a typical scholarship that only covers the cost of tuition and fees, the SMART scholarship also provides an annual stipend, a summer internship, an experienced mentor and guaranteed employment with the DOD after graduation.

The program is open to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing STEM degrees who can commit to one year of employment with the DOD upon graduation. The goal is to develop a talent pipeline of technically proficient professionals who can meet the nation’s security needs.

Carlos Arteaga

M.S. in civil engineering

For Arteaga, applying for the DOD SMART Scholarship program was a no-brainer. He already works for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a geotechnical engineer and plans to use his time in the program to develop as a professional within that agency. He says this program stood out because it aligned perfectly with his values of technical excellence, service to country and long-term impact.

“I was drawn to the program’s integration of academic advancement with real-world application, especially within the DOD’s infrastructure and research divisions,” Arteaga says. “The opportunity to contribute to national security while deepening my expertise in structural and geotechnical engineering made it an ideal fit.”

As a master’s student on the non-thesis track, Arteaga plans to take a more practical approach to the internship. He hopes to gain a better understanding of how engineering decisions are made in defense and looks forward to collaborating with experts across the DOD.

Balancing coursework with a job and the responsibilities of the DOD program is no easy feat, but Arteaga says that the flexibility and technical rigor are what drew him to �鶹ӳ����ý’s graduate programs.

“The curriculum has strengthened my foundation in structural and geotechnical principle while also enhancing my ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively,” Arteaga says. “Combined with my experience at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, my time at �鶹ӳ����ý has prepared me to contribute confidently and competently to the DOD’s mission.”

Chance Brewer ’20

Ph.D. in mechanical engineering

Through his work in the Putnam Lab, managed by Shawn Putnam, mechanical engineering associate professor, Brewer has had the chance to collaborate on research projects sponsored by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). As a DOD SMART scholar, Brewer will rejoin the AFRL team to work on research related to his expertise.

“My academic research on multifunctional materials in thermal management systems is already closely tied with the work I will be doing with AFRL, but the challenges and applications I am targeting will shift to focus on thermal control for space vehicles,” Brewer says. “Over the past two summers I have worked with the same team that I will be working with for SMART, so I am already very familiar with the community that I will be joining after I graduate, and I feel very fortunate to be joining such a great team.”

Brewer thanks Putnam as well as the �鶹ӳ����ý Office of Undergraduate Research and the �鶹ӳ����ý Academic Advancement Programs office for their support and encouragement to get involved with research as an undergraduate student. He credits their guidance and sense of community with shaping his graduate experience and, ultimately, a career with the DOD.

“My ultimate goal from this experience is to establish a career within AFRL leading research on coupled thermal and optical materials for thermal monitoring and control systems,” Brewer says. “Through these efforts, I also hope to learn how we can leverage thermal solutions being developed for space applications to help support missions across the DOD and to help advance thermal management systems for commercial technologies.”

Jean-Philippe Perrault ’06 ’14MBA

Ph.D. in industrial engineering

Like Arteaga, Perrault is already employed with the DOD. He works as an engineering supervisor for the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWCTSD). He’s also a father of five, a chess coach an active community volunteer and a doctoral student. With a very full schedule, the DOD SMART Scholarship was a practical choice because it designates study time during work hours, alleviating the pressure of pursuing a Ph.D.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a master’s degree in business administration, Perrault returned to �鶹ӳ����ý in Fall 2024 to continue his studies. He also serves on the advisory board for the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management Systems and with the encouragement of Professor Luis Rabelo, joined the industrial engineering doctoral program’s systems engineering track.

Perrault’s research focuses on the development of a theoretical framework to adopt AI technology in military training systems. He says the SMART scholarship program will help him deepen his technical knowledge and in turn, inform his research.

“Beyond technical skills, I aim to gain a comprehensive understanding of how research translates into real-world applications within the DOD, including navigating the complexities of defense innovation and collaboration,” Perrault says. “I also look forward to developing leadership, project management and interdisciplinary collaboration skills that will enable me to contribute effectively to the defense community both during and after my scholarship.”

Perrault plans to continue working for the NAWCTSD but hopes to strengthen the collaborative relationship the agency has with �鶹ӳ����ý. As a three-time alum, he says that some of his most cherished memories were formed at �鶹ӳ����ý — memories of friendship, hard work and achievements.

“As a continually growing university located close to home, �鶹ӳ����ý has played a significant role in shaping my professional journey,” Perrault says. “My success is largely attributed to the comprehensive education and experiences I gained here — the coursework, laboratories, professors and student support services all contributed to my development as a leader within our local community.”

“I can confidently say it’s been the perfect fit for my career,” says Eichenholz , a College of Optics and Photonics alum.

Lately, Eichenholz has channeled much of his entrepreneurial energy into something very close to home. He calls it Techtonic, and it’s a culmination of everything he values most: family, service, inventiveness and lessons learned as a father.

“I’ve had a chance to step back, gain perspective, and build something to truly help families facing the same struggles I once did,” he says.

The mention of struggles provides insight into his mind, which is one filled with as much empathy as ingenuity. To comprehend, it’s best to ask a few questions and let the man share his thoughts, starting with his next innovative idea-turned-innovative enterprise.

Of all the inventions you’ve been a part of, why is Techtonic so important to you?
The inspiration comes from my adult son, Jonathan. When he was a child, we found out he’s on the autism spectrum. Over the years, he’s broken more devices than I can count — we were regulars at iFixYouri. But what stood out to me was Jonathan’s natural ability with technology. No one can complete a software update faster than him. Being a tech enthusiast, I saw this as an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Everyone has a device and the industry can’t keep up with the demand for repair technicians. At the same time, up to 85% of adults with autism and a college degree are underemployed (according to the Autism Society of America). Given the right training and support, they can help fill the gap. Everybody wins.

This sounds like more than a business concept.
It’s about more than jobs, too. Yes, we can provide employment to fit the strengths of individuals with autism, but Techtonic also builds their pride through meaningful work. What you have then is an overlooked workforce earning paychecks and solving a growing problem in the tech industry. But most importantly, Techtonic challenges the norm.

What norm are you referring to, and why are you the person to challenge it?
In our society, we ask neurodiverse individuals to adapt to a world that is not designed for them. We set up accommodations in hopes we can get them to “fit in.” Techtonic builds pathways into meaningful careers so these people are genuinely valued and embraced.

Why am I the guy to challenge the norm? Because I’ve lived this journey. I’m a parent who has experienced the gaps, questions and fears of what comes next for my child. I’ve seen firsthand how much untapped potential exists and how much better our world could be if we just shifted our perspective.

You say you’ve lived this journey. What do we not know about you whenever we read about your accomplishments in technology?
There was a time in my life when everything felt uncertain. I was raising two children, one with special needs. At times, I was struggling financially, trying to make it as an entrepreneur. I was running a startup, sometimes wondering if we’d be able to make payroll and how I’d be able to manage the co-pays for Jonathan’s therapy. Every night, as I lay in bed, one question consumed me: What’s going to happen to my son after I’m gone?

Then Luminar — a company I helped create that develops LiDAR technology for autonomous vehicles — went public on NASDAQ and suddenly I had the means to secure my family’s future. But I also knew the same questions that kept me awake at night were keeping countless other parents awake. So I saw my new financial security as a means to create something more powerful: an opportunity to help alleviate the fear of those families with children on the spectrum. That opportunity became the next chapter in my life, and I dedicated all of my resources to it.

You dedicated all of your resources to one innovation?
I’m talking about my time, brainpower, social capital and network. I put all of it into architecting Jonathan’s Landing Foundation. When you go through life with a child who has autism or special needs, you eventually come to the “services cliff.” This is where your child ages out of traditional support systems, like tutoring and social programs. Families are left financially and emotionally depleted. They’ve drained their savings, spent retirement funds and exhausted every resource to make sure their child has had enough guidance to take each small step through life. And then the child reaches an age where the support stops. The world expects them somehow to just suddenly fit in, and the family is left staring into the abyss, asking, “What’s next?”

That’s why I started Jonathan’s Landing Foundation. The model is designed as the senior living and care model run in reverse. It’s a place where individuals on the spectrum feel connected instead of isolated and can progress toward the most independent living situation possible. I want it to be a comprehensive answer for families who don’t know where to turn next and don’t have the resources to navigate this alone.

All of this comes full circle, doesn’t it?
Techtonic and Jonathan’s Landing are where my entrepreneurial drive meets my personal mission. Any profits generated from Techtonic go directly back into Jonathan’s Landing Foundation to help reduce the cost of housing and services for individuals and families who need it most. My ultimate goal is to create the kind of sustainable ecosystem we’ve never had for individuals with autism and to see them thrive.

Recently, Techtonic launched its Million Device Drive. All donated devices will provide neurodiverse adults with hands-on training as part of Techtonic’s workforce development program. Profits from refurbished and resold devices will support costs for future residents of Jonathan’s .

We think of an innovator motivated by the future, but how motivating is your past?
I’m approaching all of this from an abundance mindset without forgetting the scarcity of my earlier years. Just being a father changed me, too. I have two amazing kids, Ella and Jonathan. When they were young, my job required nearly 150,000 miles of travel per year. I’ve always been go-go-go. I’m even a volunteer firefighter.

To be a present dad, I had to teach myself to be more patient, especially when Jonathan would struggle or get frustrated. Situations would escalate and I’d want to fix them as quickly as they started. Jonathan taught me why it’s important to pause, take a breath and reassess before moving forward with intention. I can honestly say Jonathan has made me a better father and a better leader.

From revolutionizing the automotive industry and scaling a company from two employees to over 1,000, to raising a billion dollars in capital, my personal mantra, “Why not change the world?” has consistently fueled my drive to think bigger. Today, I have the opportunity to channel that same passion and momentum into Techtonic and Jonathan’s Landing Foundation.

�鶹ӳ����ý’s membership in the UARC allows researchers and DoD project sponsors to better directly connect with one another and collaborate on meaningful research through exclusive access to a designated allotment of federal grant funds of about $105 million a year over five years.

UARCs are strategic research centers associated with one or more universities. They are formally established by the Director of Defense Research and Engineering, Office of the Secretary of Defense, to ensure defense critical engineering and technology capabilities are maintained and advanced.

According to SERC’s mission, establishing a community of focused systems engineering researchers delivers impact and research well beyond what one university could accomplish.

SERC is housed at the Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey and it was formed in 2008 to bring together leading universities with a strong track record for advancing engineering and defense innovations.

Additionally, �鶹ӳ����ý gained membership to the Acquisition Innovation Research Center (AIRC) also at the Stevens University of Technology. AIRC was established in September 2020 by the Department of Defense to infuse innovation and alternative disciplines from academia and successfully translate them into use.

Twenty-five universities comprise SERC and AIRC network, and �鶹ӳ����ý joins the University of South Florida as the only two universities representing Florida.

In mid-December, Dinesh Verma, professor at Stevens Institute of Technology and SERC/AIRC executive director, visited �鶹ӳ����ý and spoke on the evolving research priorities of the SERC/AIRC at the College of Business Administration.

Verma said to attending �鶹ӳ����ý faculty that collaboration was key.

“A UARC is a very powerful construct,” he said. “Each has a different goal. We’re here to help you get to know the SERC and its faculty.”

�鶹ӳ����ý’s ability to provide engineering expertise and tap into critical resources through the SERC network is a superb way to enrich systems engineering research, says Winston V. Schoenfeld, �鶹ӳ����ý vice president for research and innovation.

“�鶹ӳ����ý’s addition into the Systems Engineering Research Center UARC speaks volumes about the quality of our engineering research, and our commitment to supporting key DoD research objectives,” he says. “Our faculty will greatly benefit from the resources and collaboration the SERC UARC brings, enabling us to produce meaningful advancements in systems engineering of high value to the DoD.”

�鶹ӳ����ý has an impressive track record of cultivating a STEM workforce and producing impactful research through its College of Engineering and Computer Science and .

U.S. National Science Foundation’s Higher Education Research and Development (HERD) Survey from FY 2023 showed that �鶹ӳ����ý is No. 2 in Florida for DoD funding and in the top 11% nationally. �鶹ӳ����ý is first in Florida and among the top 14% nationally for aerospace engineering expenditures, and third in Florida and among the top 13% nationally for mechanical engineering expenditures.

�鶹ӳ����ý is also recognized as the most innovative university in Florida for the seventh consecutive year, according to the 2025 Best Colleges rankings released by U.S. News & World Report.

The tour included visits with key �鶹ӳ����ý research centers, such as (IST), , and the Center of Excellence in Hypersonic and Space Propulsion (HyperSpace Center).

While Grady toured �鶹ӳ����ý’s defense-related research, his wife, Christine Grady, visited �鶹ӳ����ý’s Office of Military and Veteran Student Success; , a clinic dedicated to treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); and met with �鶹ӳ����ý Army and Air Force ROTC cadets.

“The visit from Admiral and Mrs. Grady underscores the vital role �鶹ӳ����ý plays in advancing national security and defense research, supporting critical DOD needs, and preparing the next generation of military leaders,” says Winston V. Schoenfeld, �鶹ӳ����ý’s vice president for research and innovation. “Over 30% of �鶹ӳ����ý’s federal funding has come from the DOD for more than a decade, positioning �鶹ӳ����ý as a national leader in delivering key innovations to the DOD.”

The Tour

Grady began his visit with a meeting alongside �鶹ӳ����ý President Alexander N. Cartwright, where they discussed �鶹ӳ����ý’s longstanding commitment to supporting the nation’s defense through cutting-edge research and workforce development.

While with CREOL, Admiral Grady received a briefing on directed energy research and its applications for DOD missions, particularly the capabilities of the Townes Institute for Science and Technology Experimentation Facility. The institute, located at Kennedy Space Center, supports multidisciplinary research with a focus on space science, optics and other advanced technologies.

At IST, �鶹ӳ����ý showcased the latest advancements in digital twin technology, such as real-time 3D digital twins of structures and areas, and artificial intelligence for DOD-decision making tools.

Grady’s visit to the HyperSpace Center focused on the integration of students into the research process and the timeline for the hypersonic technology, which would allow air travel at speeds of up to 13,000 miles per hour (Mach 17).

Commitment to National Defense and Military Success

�鶹ӳ����ý is a national leader in supporting military and defense initiatives through education, research and industry partnerships.

�鶹ӳ����ý’s Office of Military and Veteran Student Success supports more than 3,200 military-connected students, including veterans, active-duty and dependents, by providing academic advising, transition assistance and tailored guidance.

�鶹ӳ����ý RESTORES offers innovative, no-cost PTSD treatment for veterans and first responders, with clinical trials achieving a 100% success rate in just 14 days for participants completing VR-assisted exposure therapy. The program has treated more than 500 veterans and 950 first responders, with the majority no longer meeting PTSD criteria.

�鶹ӳ����ý also boasts top-ranked ROTC programs, with the Army ROTC Fighting Knights Battalion and Air Force Detachment 159 preparing leaders for military and civilian careers. �鶹ӳ����ý’s AFROTC program, which has been developing officers for the Air Force and Space Force for more than 50 years, has earned the DOD’s ROTC and Educational Institutional Partnership Excellence Award for multiple areas of excellence.

In research, �鶹ӳ����ý’s close ties to the defense industry are amplified through Central Florida Research Park, a $7 billion hub for modeling and simulation adjacent to �鶹ӳ����ý’s main campus, which is also home to six DOD headquarters. �鶹ӳ����ý also ranks No. 1 in Florida for VA certifications, is leading the nation in the number of cybersecurity championships, and is the top supplier of graduates to the aerospace and defense industries.

Zuniga founded ZuLeris Interactive in 2023 after realizing the opportunity to create simulations for specialized electromagnetic defense training through his Entrepreneurship for Defense course while earning degrees in both electrical and photonics engineering.

Nearly a year later, the company has earned its first contract and acceptance to the �鶹ӳ����ý Business Incubation Program where it will accelerate innovation and unleash its potential.

ZuLeris will integrate its electromagnetic warfare virtual training environment into tactical awareness kits through its first contract with Chesapeake Technology International (CTI), its sponsor company. The team will work to enable communication of CTI’s geospatial mapping and constructive electromagnetic capabilities with ZuLeris’ visualization of the electromagnetic spectrum to conduct immersive training scenarios.

The promising company is looking to continue its initial success and harness the �鶹ӳ����ý Business Incubation Program’s resources in its quest to defend against threats unseen.

“When you see the wars that are happening nowadays, it’s more prevalent than ever, and so it’s important that the soldiers have the training that they need for this,” Zuniga says. “And so how can you be ready for something you can’t see? Well, the answer isn’t through simple presentations; it’s simulations that you can play with. That’s what we aim to do as a company to make that training happen.”

The simulation is played on a computer or tablet to ensure that it is compliant with defense industry standards and easily deployed as a training exercise. Users’ response times and effectiveness are measured as they navigate through a virtual area with varied terrain and obstacles to track and determine where an electromagnetic signal is coming from.

“You walk around with your spectrum analyzer and your map, and then you draw lines on the map to try and triangulate where exactly the signals coming from,” Zuniga says. “Once you find your signal, then you get given a measure of effectiveness report, which is telling you how you did and where you could have done better.”

Existing training consists of searching for an object with a signal embedded in it and then hidden within a challenging environment. It can be costly and time consuming to stage these exercises, Zuniga says. However, their simulations have the potential advantage of being able to create a virtual space that is close to an inaccessible area where users may experience electromagnetic interference.

“The problem we’re trying to solve was, how do we take this training that’s really costly that usually comes with a lot of paperwork, and get all that ready to go for an hour training?” Zuniga says. “We wanted to make it so you can do it whenever and wherever you want.”

Zuniga and �鶹ӳ����ý student and co-founder Liam Etan ’24 received defense agency sponsorship to develop their ideas through class, advancing through multiple defense-oriented technology competitions that showcased their simulation and validated that their technology was worthy of pursuing and growing.

The journey in developing ZuLeris has been both expeditious and exciting, as the supportive team has been crucial to maintaining direction, Zuniga says.

“Sometimes I wonder, ‘Am I really ready for this kind of thing?’” Zuniga says. “I’m still a student, and it’s a huge jump, and it’s a jump that I’m still learning. The easiest way that I have found to handle that process is having a co-founder on your side to help you along that journey, and vice versa. Liam is fantastic, and he helped me in so many ways that I don’t think I could ever do without him.”

Etan, who received his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, is the company’s chief operating office. He says he’s grateful to be a part of ZuLeris and see how the �鶹ӳ����ý Business Incubation Program can help.

“It’s always important to emphasize how truly grateful we are for the community in Orlando and all of our mentors, especially organizations like the National Security Innovation Network, �鶹ӳ����ý, and the Tech Grove,” he says. “We are still brand new to the incubator, but so far, we’ve been able to establish a real address and office for the company, rather than using our parents’ homes. We’ve also already been able to have very productive meetings with the incubator team that have helped us decide on next steps.”

The additional boost the mentorship and guidance the incubation program provides can almost literally be a game changer, Zuniga says.

“It gets rid of all those potential roadblocks along the way,” he says. “We can even prepare for those we didn’t even know about. Having that foresight is fantastic, and that’s where the incubator is really helpful.”

�鶹ӳ����ý hosted the symposium on its main campus and co-organized the event with the University of South Florida and the Florida High Tech Corridor.

The symposium brought together some of the best minds in Florida to equip them with the skills and knowledge to successfully engage with DoD.

Additionally, the symposium featured presentations and lectures by distinguished speakers on opportunities within various DoD agencies, strategies for creating winning proposals, building effective relationships between research faculty and DoD officers, identifying and cultivating critical fields for research and development, poster presentations and faculty lightning talks. The research and collaboration discussion focused on artificial intelligence (AI), cyber security, modeling and simulation, space technologies, and lasers and optics.

Participants included local and federal defense agency representatives and officers from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), the Office of Naval Research (ONR), the Army Research Office (ARO), and the U.S. Special Operations Command.

Attendees also had plenty of opportunities to bolster their connections with each other between panels, during breaks and in networking sessions.

�鶹ӳ����ý Vice President for Research and Innovation Winston Schoenfeld mirrored President Alexander N. Cartwright’s sentiments in his introductory speech by highlighting �鶹ӳ����ý and Florida’s track record for fostering meaningful research.

“Here at �鶹ӳ����ý, we have a rich history of exceptional research in key defense areas such as hypersonics, optics, directed energy, cybersecurity, [AI], and modeling and simulation — just to name a few,” Schoenfeld said to attendees on the second day of the symposium. “Our research in these areas has benefitted from significant DoD support — with more than 30% of our federal funding coming from DoD sources for over a decade.”

He also encouraged attendees to take advantage of the opportunities at the symposium.

“With a deep well of talent, expertise, and interdisciplinary research, Florida academic institutions are uniquely positioned to address the emerging needs and challenges of security and defense,” Schoenfeld said. “This symposium will help ensure that we harness this across our institutions through greater awareness and stronger alignment with the nation’s defense priorities.”

Sylvia Wilson Thomas, USF vice president for research and Innovation, also echoed Schoenfeld’s desire for collaboration.

“There’s an opportunity for us to make a unique impact across the defense industry,” she said. “We want the program officers here to embrace what we have to offer.”

The symposium was well-received, and organizers are hopeful it will become a regular event, said Saiful Khondaker, �鶹ӳ����ý assistant vice president for research advancement.

“It was wonderful to see so many faculty and program officers coming together,” he said. “The promise of continuing to advance our partnerships and developing critical technologies is exciting. With the success of this symposium, we’re optimistic we can bring everyone together again and keep the momentum going.”

Learn more information about the FDSTS .

�鶹ӳ����ý launched the Center of Excellence in Hypersonic and Space Propulsion — HyperSpace Center for short — on Wednesday alongside leaders of the U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research, one of the university’s main partners in hypersonic research.

The HyperSpace Center will advance the research and innovations of world-renowned faculty members like Kareem Ahmed, a professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, whose team has received multiple U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) grants to develop hypersonic technology.

“What we create here and across �鶹ӳ����ý will define the aerospace and defense industries for generations.” — Alexander N. Cartwright, �鶹ӳ����ý president

�鶹ӳ����ý President Alexander N. Cartwright and Col. Janelle T.H. Jackson, deputy director of the Air Force Office of Scientific Research and detachment 14 commander, spoke at the launch ceremony at the new center in the Central Florida Research Park adjacent to the �鶹ӳ����ý main campus. They were joined by U.S. Reps. Darren Soto and Daniel Webster and State Rep. Susan Plasencia.

“What we create here and across �鶹ӳ����ý will define the aerospace and defense industries for generations,” Cartwright says. “�鶹ӳ����ý has always been an institution for people who have dared to invent a better future. We are also an institution that recognizes no one builds the future alone.

It takes strong partnerships, shared vision, and a relentless commitment to be bold together. �鶹ӳ����ý and the Air Force have an incredible history of collaboration, and I am excited about our dedication to continuing to build, innovate, and lead together.”

Col. Jackson celebrated the significance of the HyperSpace Center bringing together the DOD, �鶹ӳ����ý  and cutting-edge technology.

“Today, the �鶹ӳ����ý is not only opening a new, top-notch facility where leading-edge research in hypersonics and space propulsion will take place,” Col. Jackson says. “You are also opening doors and opportunities to students from various backgrounds.”

“They are gaining the opportunity to realize their dreams, to work towards expanding the scientific frontier and disciplines that are of great importance to the Department of Defense and also to the larger DoD ecosystem. The hyperspace hub is a place where these students can become the thought leaders and problem solvers of tomorrow.”

Ahmed’s research team includes 40 graduate students and 25 undergraduates. The team’s research will transition from other labs on campus into the new facility and will benefit from a unique and upgraded testing environment for hypersonic materials, aerodynamics and propulsion. The Air Force Office of Scientific Research has supported Ahmed’s team through multiple research grants.

Hypersonic propulsion allows for air travel at speeds of Mach 6 to 17, meaning six to 17 times the speed of sound, or more than 4,600 to 13,000 mph.

Advanced hypersonic propulsion systems are a national priority and are essential to maintaining U.S. national defense as global technological advancements continue to evolve. High-speed propulsion research requires hypersonic facilities that can generate the representative flight Mach numbers.

For space travel, hypersonic technology holds promise for opening up the boundaries of space exploration as it fuels flights through the Earth’s atmosphere at very high speeds and allows for safe and efficient entries and exits through planetary atmospheres.

On Earth, flying at hypersonic speeds means going from New York to London in less than 15 minutes — making it much more convenient to travel to close an important business deal, attend a best friend’s wedding or see a bucket-list sporting event.

Ahmed’s research holds promise in all of those areas — and also is preparing students on his team to be innovators and leaders in the field after they graduate, demonstrating why �鶹ӳ����ý is both Florida’s premier engineering and technology university, and the nation’s No. 1 supplier of graduates to the aerospace and defense industry for six years in a row, according to Aviation Week Network.

“It’s important that �鶹ӳ����ý lead this research, primarily because of the student talent that we have,” Ahmed says. “Industry is interested in our top talent. Once they graduate, they are already hired by industry, pretrained on the topics they would explore and they become the next generation of leaders in this technology.”

The DoD is providing more than $20 million in funding to support Ahmed’s research, including for developing the first hypersonic rotating detonation rocket engine and creating a morphing hypersonic engine.

�鶹ӳ����ý’s longstanding partnership with the U.S. Air Force extends beyond hypersonics.

“�鶹ӳ����ý’s history, and our commitment to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible, have helped to position us as Florida’s premier engineering and technology university.” — Alexander N. Cartwright, �鶹ӳ����ý president

�鶹ӳ����ý and Air Force ROTC Detachment 159 were recipients of the DoD ROTC and Educational Institution Partnership Excellence Award in 2021-22, when the �鶹ӳ����ý Air Force ROTC program ranked first out of 145 nationwide.

The Air Force also has funded other �鶹ӳ����ý research projects outside of hypersonics, including how to make semiconductors immune to radiation from the sun and other celestial bodies and also how to ensure reliability and design consistency in semiconductors.

“�鶹ӳ����ý’s history, and our commitment to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible, have helped to position us as Florida’s premier engineering and technology university,” Cartwright says. “Our geographic location — surrounded by industries eager to collaborate on research and workforce development — puts �鶹ӳ����ý in a unique position to capitalize on emerging opportunities.

We are thinking beyond theory … we are establishing the foundation for revolutionary technology and innovation that will shape both the defense and civilian sectors.”