The FAMU-FSU College of Engineering news for graduate students
Happening
Lunchtime Food Trucks will be at the Shaw Building's picnic area on the corner of East Paul Dirac Drive and Pottsdamer Street starting at 11:00 am. Lunch truck tentative schedule here.
COE Cafe: Fall 2025 Hours - Mon - Fri, 7:30am - 3:00pm | Menu
Kickoff: Quantum Bites Brown Bag Lunch, September 12, 2025, 12:00pm-1:00pm, at IRCB in 3070. (Guo)
FSU Career Center Staff Drop-in Advising, September 16 from 1:00pm until 4:00pm, A atrium vending area, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering (Lazar)
EDGE Involvement Fair, September 17, 2025, 4:00-6:00pm; A & B atriums (Amwake)
STEM Resume Cafe, September 25, 2025, 10:00am - 2:00pm, A Atrium (Lazar)
Engineering Ambassador Network (EAN) SE Workshop, September 26-28
FAMU Fall Preview, September 27, 2025, 12:00pm-3:00pm, Atriums A and B, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering (Roberts)
STEM Career & Internship Fair, September 30, 2025, 9:00am-3:00pm, All common areas. (Lazar)
FSU Seminole Futures, October 1, 2025, all majors career fair
AIAA Guest Speaker, FSU alumnus and NASA's Assistant Launch Director Jeremy Graeber talks about his career journey and experience, October 3, 2025, 5:00pm-6:00pm, AME Auditorium (Jacobs)
RSO E-Board Meeting, October 6, 2025, 5:00-7:00pm; TBD, (Amwake)
Quantum Bites Brown Bag Lunch, October 10, 2025, 12:00pm-1:00pm, at IRCB in 2070. (Guo)
ORNL Student Workshops, October 15, 2025, 8:00am-5:00pm, IRCB (Keller)
FAMU Homecoming, October 18, 2025
FSU Discovery Days, October 20-24, 2025, TBD (Shearer)
Engineering Ambassador Network (EAN) SE Workshop, October 24-26, 2025, TBD (Keller)
FSU Homecoming, November 1, 2025
Veteran's Day Holiday, November 11, 2025, College closed
Quantum Bites Brown Bag Lunch, November 14, 2025, 12:00pm-1:00pm, at IRCB in 2070. (Guo)
Joint Management Council Meeting, November 18, 2025, 2:00pm - 3:00pm, Location B202 (Brown)
Thanksgiving Day Holiday—No Classes, November 26-28, 2025 (Wednesday-Friday)
Last Day of Classes, December 5, 2025
Final Exams, December 8-12, 2025
Quantum Bites Brown Bag Lunch, December 12, 2025, 12:00pm-1:00pm, at IRCB in 2070. (Guo)
Fall Semester Ends, December 12, 2025
Bookmark college events webpage.
September Update, GSRC
Important Deadlines Reminder:
For graduate students appointed as GAs, RAs, or TAs:
Tuition and fee due dates will be extended to December 5th.
Students have the option to have their fees deducted from their biweekly paychecks, and they can sign up here: Graduate Assistant Payroll Deduction.
The Graduate Fee Relief scholarship will be posted throughout the week of 9/2.
Graduate Student Resource Fair 2025 | September 10th
Graduate students! This is the event of the year for you.
Discover campus resources, get answers to some of your pressing questions, and take a professional snapshot. Enjoy snacks, connect with other graduate students, and visit enough tables to be eligible for free business clothing and a larger prize. We hope to see you there!
Date: Wednesday, September 10, 4 PM – 6 PM.
Location: Lobby of the Dunlap Student Success Center.
Coffee & Community | GSRC Community Building Series | September 17th
We’re excited to announce the launch of our new Coffee and Community event series, providing graduate students with an opportunity to relax, recharge, and connect with peers in a welcoming space.
Come meet the GSRC staff, enjoy free coffee and snacks, and learn more about the resources and support we offer. This is a great chance to build community and make new connections.
Date: Wednesday, September 17, 9:00 a.m.
Location: Great Hall, Honors, Scholars, and Fellows House
Teaching Philosophy Workshop | Center for the Advancement of Teaching | September 17th
Writing a teaching philosophy can be challenging, but it is also an opportunity to articulate your approach to teaching and learning in a way that reflects your values and practices as an instructor. In this workshop, we will guide you through the process of creating a compelling, evidence-based teaching philosophy. We'll explore common challenges, discuss rhetorical strategies and essential components of the document, and highlight common pitfalls to avoid. Through discussion and hands-on activities, you'll begin developing the ideas and language to capture your unique perspective on teaching.
Facilitators: Zach Lloyd, Teaching Consultant, & Caity Bente, Program Manager: TA Training and Professional Development.
Virtual Workshop: Wednesday, September 17th, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m., via Zoom.
OR
In-Person Workshop: Thursday, September 18th, 9:00 - 10:30 a.m., Dirac Library, Room 216
Register for one of our workshop sessions here.
Energy Management & Planning via Zoom | GSRC Workshop | September 18th
Graduate students often face crises related to managing multiple school-related projects, teaching and mentorship responsibilities, and maintaining a life-work balance. Tools that might have been effective for you as a younger student may no longer be applicable or satisfy the needs of a graduate student. This workshop aims to provide tools, advice, and space to envision solutions for the lack of time and energy that so many graduate students face.
Date: Thursday, September 18th, 3 PM - 4:30 PM.
Location: Virtual workshop via Zoom. To receive the link, please register.
Mentoring Workshop from the GSRC, September 24th
Being an effective mentor is more than just being willing to talk with someone—it requires planning, effort, and follow-through. What practices can we develop to meet young people where they are, and how can we scaffold their work to support their growth? How do we guide mentees through the process of learning while maintaining necessary boundaries? What can we learn about being mentees ourselves, and how might those experiences shape our work? This workshop uses curriculum developed through the Center for the Improvement of Mentored Experiences in Research (CIMER) to answer these questions and help graduate students develop their own plans for mentorship.
Date: Wednesday, September 24th, 1:00 – 2:30 PM.
Location: Honors, Scholars, and Fellows House, HSF 3008
To participate, please register.
Fluency Hub – English Oral Communication Skills and Fluency
The Center for Intensive English Studies is inviting all International Students to participate in the Fluency Hub! Each 90-minute session offers opportunities to interact with other international graduate students and EAP instructors. You will learn vocabulary and idiomatic expressions. Topics change every week. Participants may suggest topics to discuss. This is a friendly and supportive group designed to help you:
- Improve your speaking fluency
- Expand your vocabulary and idioms
- Practice pronunciation
- Explore American culture
- Build confidence in conversation
Dates: There will be 6 meetings in Fall 2025 on Friday afternoons from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Join as many sessions as you want. Mark your calendars!
September 5 and 19
October 3 and 17
November 7 and 21
Location: Center for Intensive English Studies (CIES), Suite 323 Kellogg Research Building.
Career Opportunities for PhDs in a Government Research Setting
Interested in applying your Ph.D. skills to real-world policy work? Attend the panel to learn how the research, analytical, and communication skills developed in your doctoral program can be used in impactful state government careers. COSSPP, Humanities, and Education graduate students may find this applicable.
Invited speakers: Coordinator Kara Collins-Gomez & Deputy Coordinator Claire Mazur of the Florida Legislature’s Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability
Date: Tuesday, September 23, 2-3:30 PM
Location: DeVoe L. Moore Conference Room (BEL 150E).
What we’re reading this month: There Is No Such Thing as ‘Alternative’ Careers for Ph.Ds.
EDGE Fair September 17, 2025
In-Person Drop-In Hours with Career Center Staff on 9/16, 1pm-4pm
FSU Career Center staff are hosting office drop-in hours on Tuesday, September 16 from 1:00pm until 4:00pm, at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering. We invite students to come by tables set up next to the vending machines in A atrium. We will be available to help students get job fair ready with resume critiques and more!
Applications Open: FSU’s 3rd Annual Discovery Challenge Pitch Competition
Apply now for the Discovery Challenge on October 21, 2025, from 3:00–5:00 PM during FSU’s Discovery Days! Last year’s event brought together technology startups, Florida investors, venture capitalists, and industry leaders for a dynamic pitch competition—and this year promises to be even stronger.
Who’s eligible: Existing startups in good standing with FSU Commercialization, based on FSU-licensed or optioned technology. Selected finalists commit to weekly coaching sessions and pitch-deck reviews to sharpen their presentations.
Prizes & Opportunities:
- 🥇 $25,000 awarded to the top pitch
- 🥈 Additional prizes for second place and audience choice
- 🌟 Direct exposure to investors and community leaders
Deadline to apply is September 17, 2025
If you have any questions or need assistance with your application, feel free to contact me, Alissa Costabile, acostabile@fsu.edu.
Innovation is about to take center stage, Sneak a peak?
First Fridays Quantum Bites Brown Bag Lunch Series
FSU CFA Performance Schedule
Dissertation and Thesis Defenses
Dissertation Defenses
Cecil Evers, Friday, October 03, 2025 @ 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Event Location: MRB 114
THESIS DEFENSES - TBA
For full defense announcement info click here.
Opportunities for Graduates
Graduate Students Only: Mandatory Work-study Workshop
Graduate Students only registrar and attend the MANDATORY zoom work-study workshop. Please provide your ID# and a contact # in your emails and give 24 to 48 hours for review.
Fall 25 things to remember:
- April 5 to August 24; Regular Enrollment
- August 25; First day of Classes
- August 29; Last day to Drop and Add & Online Insurance Waiver deadline
- September 8; Last day to pay 100% of all Fees (Without a late Fee $100)
- October 25 to January 5; Spring 25 Regular Enrollment
- December 5; Last day of Classes
Carita Evans, M. Ed., Assistant Director| Office of Financial Aid & Graduate Studies Research Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University 1601 S. Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32307 Tucker Hall Suit 449
NNSA Graduate Fellowship Program Informational Session
Calling ALL Graduate STEM majors!! Come check out this great opportunity! Join us for an Informational Session to learn more.
Next Generation of National Security Leaders
The NationaI Nuclear Security Administration (NANSA) Graduate Fellowship Program (NGFP) is a premier channel to develop top talent for our nation's critical security missions. The fellowship provides:
- Real-world experiences working in NNSA program and site, offices to make powerful programmatic contributions.
- Specialized training, leadership and career development. and networking.
NGFP offers year-long positions annually, in areas of nuclear security and nonproliferation policy and technology, national security research and development, and business and project management.
WHEN: Monday, September 22, 2025
TIME: 3 PM - 4 PM
LOCATION: ZOOM
2026 Hertz Fellowship Application Open through Oct 31! Zoom Information Sessions Sept 10 & 16
Help Us Build Our Community
We're excited to announce that the application for the 2026 Hertz Fellowship is now open through October 31, 2025.
If you know an innovative young scientist, engineer or mathematician with leadership skills and exceptional creativity, then you can help us identify the next generation of Hertz Fellows.
What is the Hertz Fellowship?
The Hertz Fellowship empowers the nation’s most promising doctoral students in applied science, engineering and mathematics. Hertz Fellows receive up to five years of funding—offering flexibility from the traditional constraints of graduate training and the independence needed to innovate—and lifelong professional support. In addition, Hertz Fellows join a multigenerational, intellectual community of peers, providing a unique engine for professional growth and collaboration. (Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.)
Click here for the Fellowship Application.
How can prospective applicants learn more?
On September 10 and 16, 2025, more than a dozen Hertz Fellows will take part in information sessions to help prospective applicants learn more about the fellowship and strategies for preparing their best application package. The sessions will take place on Zoom on Thursday, September 10, at 6:00 p.m. EST, and Tuesday, September 16, at 12:00 p.m. EST.
Please share this opportunity with students who have a broad understanding of science and technology, exceptional creativity and a keen interest in applying research in ways that strengthen our nation and impact lives.
You can always email us with any questions here.
Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) program announcement
The Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) program 2025 Solicitation 2 is now open for applications.
Applications are due by 5:00PM Eastern Time, November 5, 2025.
The SCGSR program provides supplemental awards to outstanding U.S. graduate students to conduct part of their PhD thesis research at a DOE National Laboratory or Office of Science National Scientific User Facility.
Detailed information about the SCGSR program, including eligibility requirements and access to the online application system, can be found at: https://science.osti.gov/wdts/scgsr
If you have any questions, please send an email to: sc.scgsr@science.doe.gov
NNSA-MSIIP Apply Now for Summer 2026
ACE Learning Studio
FSU's Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) is a university learning center, focused on helping students develop the study skills and success habits needed in a large research university. Check back here for the calendar of for topics, dates and times.
Need to Know
Introducing New Engineering Librarian, Robert Markum
We have a new Engineering Liaison Librarian! Kassidy Hof-Mahoney, who has worked with the FAMU-FSU College of
Engineering for the last three years, will continue working with the Chemical & Biomedical and Civil & Environmental departments, as well as the MagLab. Robert Markum, who has just joined us from the University of Michigan, will be working with the Electrical & Computer, Industrial & Manufacturing, Materials Science, and Mechanical & Aerospace departments. They are eager to connect with faculty, staff, and students and to provide research support, including creating bibliographies, navigating databases, managing data, and more. You can reach them via email at khofmahoney@fsu.edu (Kassidy) and rmarkum@fsu.edu (Robert). And come and see us at our consultation hours, held every Thursday from 11am – 1pm beginning on 9/11 in the Engineering Library (A225)!
Consultation hours: Thursdays 11am-1pm in the Engineering Library (A225)
Kassidy Hof-Mahoney (she/her) - Open Science Librarian, Liaison to Department of Biological Sciences, Department of Physics, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Welcome Engineering Library Desk Supervisor Shaundra L. Lee
Shaundra Lee is the Library Desk Supervisor. Shaundra has worked at FSU Libraries for 22 years including Strozier, Dirac
and now the Engineering Library. She is a Tallahassee native who attended Florida A&M and enjoys cooking, reading, crafting and sports including football and hockey. Photo Caption: Shaundra Lee, Dirac Scholar Support Supervisor Access Services & Delivery (ASD)-University Libraries
Campus Safety Updates & Emergency Preparedness Information
At Florida State University, the safety and security of everyone on campus remains our top priority. The university uses a comprehensive, multi-layered approach to campus safety, integrating a top-notch campus police department, advanced technology, robust emergency management protocols, and dedicated security personnel. These coordinated efforts are designed to protect students, faculty, staff, and visitors alike, ensuring a secure environment that supports learning and collaboration.
As we begin the fall semester, we'd like to take the opportunity to introduce you to some new technology tools and resources, reiterate the various means by which FSU supports the campus community during emergencies, and encourage you to review emergency preparedness materials.
CAMPUS SECURITY ENHANCEMENTS
As is the case every summer, the university has been diligently working on campus enhancements. This fall, you will see new technology tools, such as panic buttons and lockdown buttons, installed in academic spaces throughout campus.
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Panic Buttons: These are blue in color and are silent alert buttons that send a direct alert to the FSU Police Department’s dispatch center. Use these in emergencies involving active assailant threats. When activated, they trigger immediate police dispatch. Remember to also physically lock the room where the panic button is being activated.
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Lockdown Buttons: These are yellow in color and marked “Lockdown.” When activated, doors are automatically locked, and FSU Police are immediately dispatched to the building. No one from outside the room can enter except FSU Police.
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Door Locks: Doors to academic spaces that are not equipped with centrally managed electronic locks have thumb-turn or push-button locking systems.
All of these new enhancements comply with university guidelines, ADA standards and building codes.
Our University Communications team collaborated closely with Public Safety to create an educational video that will teach you when and how to use these tools properly.
We encourage everyone to check classrooms, offices, and other university facilities at the start of each semester to know what technology is available in each location. DO NOT push panic or lockdown buttons to test them.
WATH: How to USe Door Locks and Lockdown/Panic Buttons in Classrooms
In addition to these security enhancements, you will see an increased security presence at the Student Union. Throughout the semester, FSU Police officers also will hold office hours at the Union. Times and dates will be announced.
FSU ALERT
FSU ALERT is the official emergency notification and warning system of Florida State University. In the event of a situation or condition, occurring or imminent, that poses an immediate threat to the health, safety, or general welfare of students, faculty, staff or visitors to the university, an FSU ALERT will be issued. The FSU ALERT emergency notification system uses multiple methods for disseminating emergency information, including email, text messages, alerts.fsu.edu and social media.
WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY
Having a well-defined plan is essential for ensuring safety and achieving positive outcomes in the event of an emergency. We recommend that you review our Emergency Preparedness Guide and develop a personal emergency plan. In addition, FSU has Emergency Action Guides for many of the potential hazards we face in Florida and at FSU. Each guide provides protective action steps and best practices on how to respond to an emergency situation, including hurricanes, tornadoes and active threats.
ACTIVE THREAT TRAINING
The FSU Police Department will continue to offer Active Threat Training this fall, and participation is strongly encouraged. This training provides information and skills for responding during an active threat situation by understanding and applying the Run, Hide, Fight strategy.
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Upcoming dates for faculty/staff trainings are Aug. 26, Sept. 2, Sept. 9, Sept. 16 and Sept. 30. To register, visit hr.fsu.edu.
- You may also watch this short video to become familiar with the fundamental principles of the Run, Hide, Fight strategy or watch a recorded training session.
We appreciate your commitment to fostering a safe and resilient campus environment. By staying informed, participating in available trainings, and familiarizing yourself with the resources and protocols provided, you will help ensure that Florida State University remains a place where everyone can thrive. As a reminder, mental health and resiliency resources are available for all students, faculty and staff anytime, anywhere. Visit response.fsu.edu to check out support tools and resources.
Thank you for your ongoing support and vigilance. We wish you all a successful and secure semester ahead.
Find FSU Resources at response.fsu.edu
We hope you are having a fantastic summer and are finding ways to beat the heat. Whether new to FSU or returning to campus, we want you to know that your FSU community is always here for you. The resources listed below are available to help support your well-being, and we encourage you to reach out as you see fit. Thank you for showing kindness and support of one another.
To access important resources and updates, visit: RESPONSE.FSU.EDU
FSU Counseling & Psychological Services
FSU Employee Assistance Program
FSU University Health Services
Engineering Our Future
We identified five strategic priorities to focus on for the next five years. For each of these priorities, we set goals with identified metrics for our college:
Good to Know
Core University ORNL Opportunities Newsletter Sept 2025
Here's the September 2025 ORNL Opportunities Newsletter for our Core Universities. It covers what is currently open (for September) for internships, including our informational webinars. It also has a snapshot of postdoctoral and “entry level” (meaning recent BS, MS or PhD) research positions and information about getting weekly updates and putting your CV into our database, which we do use in filling positions.
William Jenks | Core Universities Student Programs Lead, Office of Research Education, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
jenksws@ornl.gov | 515-451-4711
FAMU-FSU Engineering Career Services Liaisons
FAMU - Sean Collins - sean.collins@famu.edu
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Sr. Career Specialist, Career Services Liaison at FAMU-FSU College of Engineering.
Spring 2025 Student Advising Hours:
Pre-Scheduled Main Office Career Coaching Appointments (Scheduled via Handshake)
- Wednesdays: 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. In-Person, Virtually – COE #A143
- Walk-In Wednesday Career Coaching (No Appointment Necessary):
- Wednesdays: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. In-Person – COE #A143
Pre-Scheduled Main Office Career Coaching Appointments (Scheduled via Handshake):
- Mondays: 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Thursdays: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
––––––
FSU - TBD Career Liaison for the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Drop-in Career Advising at the Career Center (No Appointment Necessary):
- IN-PERSON DROP-IN ADVISING WILL BE HELD SEPTEMBER 16 FROM 1:00PM-4:00PM, A ATRIUM VENDING AREA
Pre-Scheduled Career Advising Appointments with a Career Advisor (located at The Career Center):
- Login to NoleNetwork
- Click appointments on the menu bar options
- Click request a new appointment
- Select Virtual Career Advising
- Click search at the bottom
- Select your preferred appointment time to complete the booking process by following any additional prompts
- You will get a confirmation email and can always log back into your NoleNetwork account to update, change, or cancel your virtual career advising booking
Career Docs (Virtual Document Review):
- Students can submit their resumes, cover letters, and other career-related documents for online review and feedback via Career Docs - https://canvas.fsu.edu/enroll/3LWPX7
Job Fairs and Events | Jobs, Internships & Experience | Plan Your Career
Things to Do
Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee
Hollywood Movies at the IMAX | Call (850) 645-7796 to Buy Tickets
Student tickets are $11. Check out all the new movies now playing, here.
Resources
Engineering Career Services
Virtual and F2F advising hours here.
FAMU Academics
Links to academic info, student services, student life and more.
FSU Student Academic Resources
Links to academic info, official university announcements and public health information.
Online Scholarship Search
FAMU Scholarships
FSU Scholarships
In Case of Emergencies
Call 9-1-1. If you have concerns about your safety while on the engineering campus, call FSU Police 850-644-1234.
The Engineering Library Circulation Desk
Hours are: Monday - Friday – 8am to 5pm | (850) 410-6328 | A225 & A248
College Lost and Found
Student Services in B111 is the college lost and found location. If you've found something, drop it off here and if you've lost something, check here first!
Need a Mental Health Break?
Welcome to the Breakroom, B226-H, which is available for one person at a time, from 9:00 am - 4:50 pm on normal business days. Reserve a 50-minute slot using this link.
FAMU Office of Counseling Services located at 1735 Wahnish Way Suite 304 (CASS Building), provides a professional, safe atmosphere where students can discuss academic and personal issues. Schedule an appointment to talk to someone: (850) 599-3145 or counseling@famu.edu. For after-hours assistance, call BetterMynd for FREE at (844) 287-6963. In case of emergency, call FAMU Police Department at (850) 599-3256 or dial 911
FSU Counseling & Psychological Services is fully committed to the health and wellness of our students. We are offering Telemental Health Services (through zoom), in-person services, and Telephonic Crisis Support to students. Call us at 850-644-TALK (8255) to talk to a clinician today. Check online for more information.
Want to add something to the next issue?
Email us! Deadline is Wednesday for Monday publication.