FLATE Flashes

NEW Podcasts Reveal Passions Behind Scientific Discovery
The Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC) has launched a STEM-Talk

podcast series featuring personal profiles of the world’s leading researchers. The researcher’s unique personalities provide colorful background stories for their work in STEM revolutionizing science and technologies. IHMC is a research organization known for award-winning work in robotics, with campuses located in Pensacola and Ocala. IHMC pioneers technologies aimed at leveraging and extending human capabilities.

FLATE NVC Member Mike Ennis, recognized for service
Mike Ennis, Manufacturing Engineer at Harris Corporation in Brevard County, has been

recognized by this global company for his service to workforce education and training. Ennis received the Harris ”President’s Award for Personal Growth and Fulfillment” in 2006 for his work in establishing an Applied Associates of Science degree program for Harris employees. In 2009, Michael received the FLATE ”Industry Distinguished Service Award” for his work with the local high schools and community college. Ennis teaches engineering courses at Brevard Community College. He is a credentialed Instructor for Applied Mechanics with Lab, Industrial Safety, and Introduction to Quality Assurance, as well as IPC Certified to instruct Soldering Rework and Repair.

Ennis’ professional career began at Kennedy Space Center, Florida. He started as a Technician for McDonnell-Douglas in 1982 working on Space Shuttle Payloads. He progressed to a Senior Facility Systems Engineer by his departure in 2000. From KSC, Ennis moved to Washington DC for a position as Project Manager for Total Resource Management implementing Maximo Enterprise Computerized Maintenance Management Software. Ennis moved back to Florida in 2004, where he went to work for Harris. Congratulations Mike- and many thanks for all you do for manufacturing education in Brevard county and our entire state.

FLATE & PowerAmerica
FLATE was awarded supplemental funding to explore partnerships with PowerAmerica.

PowerAmerica is a public-private partnership between the U.S. Department of Energy, industry and academia. Led by NC State University, PowerAmerica is developing critical wide bandgap power electronics technologies, sparking early commercialization, and nurturing the U.S. wide bandgap semiconductor industry through education programs and training. Together with four other NSF ATE Regional Centers for manufacturing, the partnership will focus on identifying required skills needed for technicians and faculty professional development in this emerging field.

Registration opens for FLATE Summer Professional Development opportunities!

FLATE offers a number of professional development opportunities for educators all year, but the summer is brimming with awesome opportunities. 

1. FLATE’s three-day Summer Institute will focus on robotics this year with a full day of
   
   programming Lego EV3 robotic and the humanoid Nao robot. The Institute attendees will also visit the USF CAMLS facility, hear guest speakers from the Institute for Human Machine Cognition (IHMC), and be trained on FANUC industrial robots. FLATE partner, FACTE (the Florida Association of Career and Technical Education) graciously supports educator travel to this event each year. 
2. FLATE’s 7th Annual Teacher Camp will focus on alternative energy and power generation with a full day of tours to TECO’s power plant and its Manatee viewing area as well as the Lead certified HCC South Shore campus. This year’s Teacher Camp will also have guest presenters from the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC).
3. In partnership with Hillsborough County Schools, FLATE is also offering several introductory and intermediate Lego robotics 1-day workshops. 

Find out more about these FLATE opportunities and others visit the FLATE’swiki, or contact Dr. Marilyn Barger, executive director of FLATE at barger@fl-ate.org.