By Dorde for Adobe Stock
Dean De announced today that the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering is embarking on an ambitious expansion of its innovation and entrepreneurship programs with the appointment of Robert Wandell, Ph.D., as Director for Engineering Innovation.
Wandell, who brings extensive experience in technology commercialization and sustainable engineering solutions, will spearhead initiatives to transform how engineering students approach innovation and entrepreneurial thinking across disciplines.
“By fostering interdisciplinary team development and communication in our uniquely diverse student population, I hope to create an environment where students are motivated to listen and learn from each other, both complex engineering concepts and societal constraints,” Wandell said. “Training these diverse engineering teams how to ask the right questions and where to look for honest answers will enable them to identify and implement innovative engineering solutions to our world's problems.”
In his new role, Wandell will develop comprehensive programs integrating entrepreneurship into the engineering curriculum, focusing on senior design courses and pre-engineering education. His mandate includes creating new courses and activities centered on technological innovation, entrepreneurship and technology commercialization.
The appointment reflects the college’s commitment to bridging the gap between academic research and real-world applications. Wandell will organize workshops, seminars and networking events, connecting students with external entrepreneurs, investors and industry experts to foster a robust innovation ecosystem.
A chemical engineering Ph.D. graduate from Florida State University, Wandell brings valuable industry experience to the position. He serves as Scientific Advisor for Redhill Scientific, which manufactures patented thin-film plasma water reactor technology for agriculture, environmental remediation and surface sterilization. He co-founded the company.
His research interests encompass plasma discharges, process design, sustainable agriculture, STEM education, and technology transfer—areas that align with the college’s mission to develop solutions to global challenges while preparing the next generation of engineering leaders.
The appointment marks a significant step in the college’s strategy to enhance student education and career opportunities while accelerating the commercialization of emerging technologies from its research programs.
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