The FAMU-FSU College of Engineering news for graduate students
Graduate Student Appreciation
Graduate Student ShoutOut - Harrison (Hanqing) Zhao
Harrison (Hanqing) Zhao first transferred to the FAMU–FSU College of Engineering during his undergraduate senior year and continued here to complete his master’s degree. "I am currently pursuing my Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering," stated Hanqing. "My research focuses on digital signal processing and FPGA implementations of audio codecs, with an emphasis on improving processing speed while reducing hardware resource usage and latency in real-time audio systems."
Hanqing chose the FAMU–FSU College of Engineering because it is a joint college between two universities, this environment allows me to collaborate with a diverse group of talented peers and engineers from different backgrounds. Hanqing feels that one of the best parts about being a student here is the relatively small class sizes in graduate courses. According to Hanqing, "This allows us to better understand our professors’ research interests and expertise, and it also creates a closer and more collaborative atmosphere when working on group projects. I have also been fortunate to work with my advisor, Dr. Linda DeBrunner, who has been extremely supportive throughout my academic journey. She encourages me to explore creative and ambitious research ideas while also thinking about my long-term career development. She has supported me in pursuing industry internships, which gave me valuable experience and helped me better understand the differences between academic research and working in large corporations."
Having been at the college since his undergraduate years and continuing through his master’s and Ph.D., Hanqing has seen the college grow significantly. "The research facilities, industry partnerships, and professional connections have continued to expand, making it an exciting place to study and conduct research," Hanqing noted.
Take a Paws: Destress Day, April 28
Event Location: Outside - Bus Stop Courtyard
De-stress during finals with therapy dogs, plus Valentino the horse (1:30-2:30pm).
Important Travel Advisory: China and Hong Kong Device and Data Risks
As you prepare for upcoming summer travel, we want to alert you to a significant change in the legal landscape for those planning personal or university-related travel to mainland China or Hong Kong—including those with only a layover at Hong Kong International Airport.
On March 23, 2026, Hong Kong updated its National Security Law. It is now a criminal offense to refuse a request from law enforcement to provide passwords or decryption assistance for your electronic devices (phones, laptops, tablets, etc.). Authorities also have expanded powers to seize and keep any device they believe is linked to national security concerns.
This applies to all devices in an individual’s possession, including personal devices and university‑issued equipment and applies to all individuals, including U.S. citizens who are visiting, arriving or transiting through Hong Kong.
To protect your personal privacy and university data, we strongly advise the following:
- Process Travel via Concur: All university-related travel must be processed through Concur. If a trip is at “no cost” to the university, please be sure to complete a no-cost travel request in the system. This ensures the university can provide support and maintain an accurate travel registry.
- Leave FSU devices at home: Do not take University-issued laptops, phones, or other electronic devices into mainland China or Hong Kong.
- Prepare for searches: Assume that personal devices may be searched or seized in these areas. If you are asked to provide a password, local law requires you to comply; refusal can result in criminal penalties, including fines and jail time.
- Evaluate your risk: If you have travel planned for these areas, please carefully weigh these risks against your personal and professional needs.
We encourage you to review the latest U.S. State Department Travel Advisory and the U.S. Consulate Security Alert for more details.
If your FSU device is searched, seized, or accessed by authorities during your travel, please notify the Information Security and Privacy Office (ISPO) at security@fsu.edu or (850) 644-4357 as soon as possible.
Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our community and data safe.
Announcing Seattle DROP: Discover Research Opportunities for Postdocs on May 5, 2026
Interested in postdoc opportunities in Seattle, WA? Join us for Seattle DROP, a virtual biomedical postdoc recruitment event on May 5th from 8AM-1PM PT. Sponsored by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, the University of Washington and Seattle Children’s Research Institute. Learn about research opportunities, a panel on The Importance of Finding the Right Mentor and hear from current postdocs. Enjoy lunch on us via a delivery voucher within the US for the first 200 registrants! Seattle DROP May5
Learn More and Register
DOE SCGSR Program for Graduate Students
Are you a Ph.D. student looking to energize your dissertation with world-class scientific power at a DOE laboratory or facility? The DOE Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) program is now accepting applications for 2026 Solicitation 1, due May 6, 2026, 5:00 PM ET. Login here. Attend the upcoming Application Assistance Workshops to learn more about the DOE SCGSR program, receive application guidance, and field questions to program area scientists!
Additional Questions? Attend our weekly virtual office hours: Fridays 1:00-2:00 PM ET thru May 1st
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: Spring 2026 Hours - Mon - Fri, 7:30am - 3:00pm | Menu
Final Exam Week, April 27-May 1
Take a Paws: Destress Day, April 28. 2026, 1:00P-3:00P, Bus Stop Courtyard | Valentine the Horse visiting 1:30P-2:30P (Amwake)
Doctoral Hooding and Reception, April 30, 2026, 2:00pm-4:00pm, IRCB 1030 (Evans)
Spring FSU MS, BS Commencement, May 1, 2026, 2:00pm, Civic Center
Spring FSU PhD Hooding, May 1, 2026, 9:00am, Civic Center
Spring FAMU Commencement, May 2, 2026, 2:00P, Lawson Multipurpose Center
Leon County Schools STEAM Challenge, May 8, 2026, 8:00A-1:30P, A atrium
Memorial Day Holiday, May 25, 2026, College Closed
Bookmark college events webpage.
Dissertation and Thesis Defenses
DISSERTATION DEFENSES - TBA
THESIS DEFENSES - TBA
For full defense announcement info click here.
Opportunities for Graduates
DOE SCGSR Applications Now Open
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science is accepting applications for the 2026 Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) Program. Deadline: May 6, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. ET.
Key Actions:
- Apply: Online here.
- Weekly office hours: Fridays, 1–2 p.m. ET starting March 6 (Zoom link in original email)
The program provides supplemental support for graduate students conducting thesis research at DOE National Labs, with potential international research opportunities.
FAMU Graduate Research Studies
GFSD Application is Open NOW
Apply Now - The Application is Open | click link here
A PERFECT MATCH doctoral degree a potential National Physical– with a great future ahead.
The GFSD is more than a way to help promising science students earn their advanced degree. It offers an opportunity for employers across the United States to play a major role in training tomorrow’s scientists while enhancing and diversifying their workforce. The GFSD provides an important service to businesses, industries and laboratories by identifying tomorrow’s most promising scientists and matching them with employer-sponsors who support their doctoral training. GFSD assists employers with mentoring and other ways of increasing the likelihood that GFSD fellows will work for their sponsor after the Ph.D. Employer sponsors include the nation’s top agencies, companies and laboratories, along with more than 100 public and private universities. With an outstanding record of success, the GFSD brings today’s industry leaders together with tomorrow’s most promising science scholars – a perfect match.
ABOUT GFSD
The Graduate Fellowship for STEM Diversity is a unique partnership of industry, government and higher education. GFSD helps its partners to recruit, identify, select, and support outstanding U.S. doctoral students. Since granting its first fellowship award to seven young scholars in 1989, the GFSD partnership has provided fellowships to more than 600 aspiring scientists and engineers. Of these, nearly half are minorities and three-quarters are women. More than 300 have received the doctorate degree. GFSD’s principal objective is to aid in increasing the number of Ph.D.’s in the physical sciences and related engineering fields, emphasizing recruitment of a diverse applicant pool of women
and historically underrepresented minorities. All U.S. citizens are eligible.
GFSD GRADUATE FELLOWSHIP
GFSD Offers A two-phase, six-year fellowship program
- Initial support is for two or three years. If progress is satisfactory and the conditions of the award are maintained, support may continue for a total of up to six years. Students typically apply while seniors in college. (Some employers may require a postdoctoral employment commitment in return for continuing support.)
- Dissertation support is also available to students to apply for in the year prior to the one in which they intend to start their Ph.D. dissertation research. Funding begins in the year in which the research begins and, if the conditions of the award are maintained, may continue to the Ph.D.
BECOME AN GFSD FELLOW
To learn more and to apply online, go to www.stemfellowships.org. Students may apply starting in late August; the process closes in late December (see www.stemfellowships.org for exact dates). The information included on the online application is the same as that required for graduate school admission: degrees earned and expected, employment and internship history, grades (self-entered and later verified), GRE scores (optional), references, personal statement, etc. The Fellowship covers tuition and fees and provides a generous annual stipend. Students in the six-year program intern for two summers with their sponsor, who provides a salary and covers travel expenses. For students who receive six years of support, the total value of the Fellowship well exceeds $200,000.
Graduate Student Association (GSA) Opportunities @FAMU
Need to Know
A Message from FAMU DPS: How to Respond to Bomb Threats
In light of recent swatting calls related to bomb threats, the FAMU Department of Public Safety is sharing the following checklist for your awareness. This quick reference checklist is designed to help employees and decision makers respond to a bomb threat in an orderly and controlled manner with the first responders and other stakeholders.
A bomb threat is defined as a communication made through mail, e-mail, telephone, telegram, or another instrument of commerce that willfully conveys a threat or maliciously provides false information known to be untrue. The communication may concern an attempt, actual or threatened, to kill, injure, or intimidate an individual, or to unlawfully damage or destroy any building, vehicle, or other real or personal property by means of an explosive.
Please review the tips below and download a copy of the checklist for your records. Thank you for your support to keep our campus community informed and safe. If you have any questions or concerns, please email Audrey Alexander.
Download the Bomb Threat Procedures and Bomb Threat Checklist here.
–Chief Audrey Alexander, FAMU Department of Public Safety)
Advancing Digital Accessibility at FSU: Federal Updates
Florida State University is one of the top public universities in the nation, and now we have an opportunity to lead the way in digital accessibility, setting an example for other institutions by prioritizing inclusive access for everyone.
Digital accessibility means making sure websites, apps, and all online materials are easy for everyone to use, including people with disabilities. This involves designing and creating content so that it works for people who might use screen readers, need captions for videos, or rely on keyboard navigation. Making digital content accessible helps everyone participate fully — no one gets left out.
Why Digital Accessibility Matters
FSU is legally required under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and its updated regulations to ensure all public-facing digital content is accessible to everyone. Digital accessibility is a legal obligation and a reflection of our values as educators. By making our materials accessible, we support an inclusive environment where all students, staff, and visitors can engage fully with our content, regardless of their abilities.
On April 24, 2024, the Department of Justice (DOJ) published a new rule on digital accessibility under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This rule requires FSU's web content, including academic courses, videos, documents and social media, to be accessible beginning on April 24, 2026, and going forward.
Shared Responsibility and Resources
Compliance is a university-wide responsibility. Departments and units are responsible for reviewing and remediating legacy content. While a dedicated task force has been working diligently on this major undertaking, it will take all of us to meet the requirements of the rule.
To help FSU meet these requirements, the task force has developed a dedicated website with guides, standards, and best practices at digitalaccessibility.fsu.edu.
We know there will be questions, so we have created an email address (digitalaccessibility@fsu.edu) where you and your teams can reach out if you need additional support.
What to Do Next
- Familiarize yourself with the digital accessibility standards, guidelines and resources on digitalaccessibility.fsu.edu.
- Review all digital content you create or manage to ensure it meets WCAG 2.1 Level AA requirements. Get started here.
- Update or remediate existing materials for accessibility as needed, especially if they are publicly facing.
- Identify the appropriate contact within your department or unit for assistance with remediating content or creating accessible materials.
- If you need specific guidance, reach out to our accessibility task force support team at digitalaccessibility@fsu.edu.
REMINDER: COE Parking Regulations & Motorcycle/Scooter Parking
In order to provide the safest environment possible, Parking Services and FSUPD issue parking citations and/or tow vehicles which are not properly parked at the College of Engineering (vehicles must be legally parked in an appropriate space). This includes those vehicles which are parked in the grass, in no-parking areas, next to red or yellow painted curbs, those that have jumped a curb, or those that park in hashed-out spaces. Vehicles illegally parked in reserved spaces will be immediately ticketed/towed at the owner's expense.
REMEMBER: Parking is never allowed on the grass (vehicles must be legally parked in an appropriate space). See the parking map here.
Motorcycle and scooter parking: There is very limited space for motorcycles and scooters at the COE. In the A Bldg. lot, there is a small area reserved for motorcycles and scooters. There is no motorcycle/scooter parking in the B Bldg. lot. Motorcycles and scooters also cannot park on walkways, in handicap spaces, or in regular parking spaces at the COE. Those that park anywhere at the COE other than the designated location in the A Bldg. lot will be in violation of university parking regulations and may be ticketed. Motorcycles and scooters can park in the overflow lot (yay!).
Additional spaces are available in the overflow lot between the B parking lot and the AME building. This lot extends to the end of Innovation Park (it’s huge! See the map here).
Don’t forget, students/faculty/staff can take the bus to and from the College, FAMU, and FSU for free with a valid University ID. Carpooling and Biking are also great!
Pedestrians, please look up from your phones before stepping out into the street when leaving the building. We hope that everyone can come and go safely from the college.
Engineering Library Scholar Support
For Students
Library Hours
The last day of library’s staffed hours (Monday through Friday, 8 AM-5 PM) will be Friday, Dec. 12. The space will remain open during the intersession as building hours permit. Staffed hours will restart on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026.
New Items
Sometimes scholars need a laptop for more than a few hours. COE Library now has 3-Day loaner PC laptops and chargers. Also new to the library this semester are measuring kits. These packs include one each of tape measure roll, soft measuring tape, protractor and compass.
For further information, reach out to Shaundra Lee, Engineering Library Scholar Support Supervisor.
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.
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
ORNL Internship and Job Opportunities: April 2026
ORNL Opportunities | A Newsletter of Internships
and Jobs for New Graduates: APRIL 2026
While you take a break from dealing with Genesis Project proposals, please find attached this month’s edition of the ORNL Opportunities newsletter, giving the current stat of our internship applications and a snapshot of current postdocs and other recent STEM graduates.
This newsletter is sent to relevant departments and centers at our Core Universities (FSU, Georgia Tech, NSCU, Duke, UVA, VA Tech, and Vanderbilt).
William Jenks | Core Universities Student Programs Lead, Office of Research Education, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, jenksws@ornl.gov | 515-451-4711
FSU 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 topics, dates and times.
FAMU-FSU Engineering Career Services Liaisons
Engineering Career Services Website here.
FAMU - Sean Collins - sean.collins@famu.edu - Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Sr. Career Specialist, Career Services Liaison at FAMU-FSU College of Engineering.
Fall 2025 Student Advising Hours:
Tuesday - 8:30 AM - 12 Noon (Virtual)
Wednesday - 8:30 AM - 12 Noon COE A143 (Appointments only (Virtual or In-Person)) & 1 PM - 4:30 PM COE A143 Virtual & Walk-Ins
- Except for special events at FAMU Main Campus.
Thursday - 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM (COE A143
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FSU - Tiffany Lueng Career Liaison for the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Spring 2026 Engineering Student Advising hours
Drop-In Career Advising (No Appointment Necessary)
Wednesdays & Thursdays: 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. In-Person – COE A141
Pre-Scheduled Career Advising Appointments
Please schedule an appointment via NoleNetwork
FSU Career Center Drop-In Advising Hours (No Appointment Necessary):
Virtual: Mondays, 9:00am - 4:00pm. Click HERE
In-Person (at the FSU Career Center): Tuesday - Friday, 9:00am - 4:00pm
NOTE: Closed Friday 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. for staff training
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 here.
FSU Career Center website here.
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.
Access important resources and updates at: RESPONSE.FSU.EDU
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.