University of South Florida (USF)

University of South Florida (USF) – Tampa, FL

The University of South Florida, located in the Tampa Bay area, is one of the nation's premier institutions of higher learning to successfully prepare highly academically talented students in STEM degree programs. The USF College of Engineering has eight bachelor degree programs, all accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. The department of electrical engineering has faculty members who are committed to helping students with scholarly activity and career progression.

The USF Nanotechnology Research and Education Center (http://www.nrec.usf.edu/) offers state-of-the-art equipment, professional support personnel and infrastructure to enable multidisciplinary research in nano-materials and nano-manufacturing methods related to fundamental materials science, sensors, actuators, electronics, bio-systems, medical products, optics and integrated nanoscale systems.

Dr. Sylvia Thomas, Professor of Electrical Engineering

She will serve as the PI for this award. Dr. Thomas will be the primary point of contact between USF and the international partners; work with international partners to design the annual research experiences for each BEAMS cohort including leading efforts for sustained collaborations beyond the three-year award project. PI Thomas brings over 19 years of experience in state-of-the-art materials research and device development in both academia and industry. She has conducted research and/or presented internationally in Singapore, Korea, Mexico, Portugal, Italy, and South Africa.

Mr. Bernard Batson, Director of Diversity and Inclusion in Engineering

He will assist with recruitment efforts and serve on the management team. He will work with PI Thomas to ensure broad dissemination of project recruitment materials to individuals from historically underrepresented groups and support synergy with signature diversity programs including the NSF Florida-Georgia LSAMP (HRD #1201981), NSF Florida-Georgia LSAMP Bridge to the Doctorate (HRD #1612347) and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation University Center of Exemplary Mentoring. He will also assist with outreach to partners at Florida A&M University.

Dr. Stephen Saddow, Professor of Electrical Engineering

He has over 20+ years of research experience with Italian collaborators including PI of NIH grant to study SiC (silicon carbide) nanostructures to convert medical X-rays to light to enable deep-tissue cancer treatment. He will serve as Co-PI, administrative liaison, part of the management team and reviewer of overall program assessment.