D.C. Update: FIU asserts leadership in STEM education, disaster-related solutions


With our world-class research on center stage in our nation’s capital, FIU asserted its leadership in STEM education, disaster-related solutions and global reach while deepening our relationships with federal agencies.

Wall of Wind Event at National Building Museum

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Left to right: Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, NOAA Administrator Kathryn Sullivan and President Mark B. Rosenberg.

The Disaster Resiliency Forum at the National Building Museum, hosted by FIU, Senator Bill Nelson and Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, presented examples of innovation in design and policy that are providing greater resilience to our communities.

In addition to highlighting FIU advancements in storm surge modeling, featured speaker National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Administrator Kathryn Sullivan discussed the importance of disaster resiliency, the dangers of storm surges and the possibilities that green infrastructure brings. Extreme events research is a top federal priority of FIU.

“For every dollar spent on resiliency, four dollars are saved,” Sullivan said.

Sponsored by the Buildstrong Coalition, College of Engineering and Facchina Construction, FIU Alumni Association and the International Hurricane Research Center, the forum also drew out Congressman Joe Garcia, Congresswoman Illeana Ros-Lehtinen, Professor Richard Olson and representatives and alumni of FEMA, NSF, Homeland Security and Congressional offices. Moderating was FIU alumnus William A. Ramos from the Department of Commerce.

Science on the Brain: President Rosenberg meets with key agencies on STEM education

President Rosenberg met with Director France Córdova from the National Science Foundation and Associate Director Handelsman at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy to discuss with both directors the scale of FIU’s growing role in STEM Education and the university’s leadership as a Hispanic Serving Institution. 

Also this week, The White House Office and Technology Policy aired its “We the Geeks” show which focuses on what’s new in science. This week featured Fabian Cousteau live from the Aquarius Reef Base, 60 feet below the ocean’s surface. They discussed the benefits of long-term underwater research and FIU’s role in helping make Mission 31 happen.

To read more, visit FIU’s STEM Education Role website.

Worlds Ahead: China and The Americas

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President Rosenberg and OAS Secretary General José Miguel Insulza (right) sign a Memorandum of Understanding, an educational agreement between FIU and OAS.

On June 24, President Rosenberg joined a number of FIU students and alumni at the Organization of American States (OAS) to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between the OAS and FIU with commitments for 10 graduate scholarships.

FIU becomes the 41st school to sign an educational agreement with the OAS.  Secretary General José Miguel Insulza emphasized FIU’s unique capacities and proximity to Latin America as a key reason for this partnership. Joining the FIU team was Frank Mora, director of the Latin American and Caribbean Center.

Also on the global front, President Rosenberg visited the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C. to meet with the Education Minister Fang Maotian. FIU has been a leader in establishing an academic identity in China, evidenced by the Chaplin School of Hospitality Tianjin Center in Tianjin, China.

President Rosenberg meets with FIU in D.C. Interns at Mentora College 

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President Rosenberg with FIU in DC interns at Mentora College

After his signing at the OAS, President Rosenberg had his annual meet and greet with 30 FIU students interning in D.C. for the summer.

President Rosenberg hosted an interactive discussion with the students, engaging with them on FIU’s federal priorities, the students current experience in D.C. and the universities future plans in the nation’s capital.

Panthers Spotted: 

– Dr. Irma Becerra-Fernandez, VP of Engagement, FIU in town for the Coalition of Urban-Serving Universities.

– Daniel Bloom, alumnus, Manager, PJ Clarke’s Restaurant

– Kim Osborne, alumnus, Technical Section Chief, Organization of American States

– Fred Pfaeffle, Deputy Assistant Secy, USDA

For more insight on FIU’s role in D.C. or too see what our summer interns are getting involved with, stay connected with FIU in DC on Facebook and Twitter or send us an email at federal@fiu.edu.

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