School:Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
Contents
- 1 About Florida A&M University
- 2 Promoting Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- 3 Encouraging Faculty Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- 4 Actively Supporting the University Technology Transfer Function
- 5 Facilitating University Industry Collaboration
- 6 Engaging with Regional and Local Economic Development Efforts
About Florida A&M University
Florida A&M University (FAMU) is a historically black university located in Tallahassee, Florida. Established in 1887, FAMU has a rich history and has played a significant role in advancing education and opportunities for African Americans. The university is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, research, and community engagement. FAMU offers a diverse range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across various disciplines, including agriculture, business, engineering, health sciences, and the arts. The university's vibrant campus life is marked by a strong sense of community, cultural diversity, and a commitment to social justice. FAMU is known for its outstanding faculty, many of whom are leaders in their fields, and its dedication to fostering a supportive learning environment. The university has a storied tradition in athletics, particularly in football and marching band performances, contributing to its vibrant campus culture. With a mission to empower students for leadership, success, and service, FAMU continues to be a beacon of education and opportunity in the state of Florida and beyond.
Promoting Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Through various programs and activities, Florida A&M University (FAMU) is dedicated to helping its students develop a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. Creating initiatives that support student creativity is one such undertaking. The founding of the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society provides a forum for identifying and developing exceptionally talented and skilled first -year students. This society fosters leadership qualities in addition to academic success, creating an atmosphere that is conductive to the growth of creative ideas. Furthermore, FAMU places a strong focus on internships. Programs like the Wells Fargo-sponsored Small Business Incubator offers students a priceless opportunity to apply their academic skills in practical situations. Through these internships, students experience entrepreneurship firsthand, network with professionals in the field, gain useful skills, and create original solutions. In addition, the institution encourages students to participate in independent readership, workshops, and creative projects. Courses like ECH 4904 - The Undergraduate Research Project or the AGG 5825 - Fundamentals of Research Design offer graduate and undergraduate students an organized environment to delve into research and innovation. These courses equip students with the tools and guidance needed to explore their entrepreneurial ideas, conduct in-depth research, and translate their findings into viable projects or business ventures. Through these multifaceted programs and opportunities, FAMU is actively cultivating a culture of innovation, empowering students to develop entrepreneurial skills, and fostering a spirit of creativity and forward-thinking among its students.
Encouraging Faculty Innovation and Entrepreneurship
At Florida A&M University (FAMU), faculty are supported and encouraged to be entrepreneurial and commercialize their research endeavors. The university has a conducive environment that facilitates faculty members in exploring entrepreneurial pursuits based on their research. Numerous professors of the sciences actively conduct their research at FAMU, delving into diverse scientific domains, fostering innovation, and contributing to academic advancements. The institution extends support to these faculty members by providing resources, mentorship, and avenues for commercializing their research findings. FAMU recognizes the significance of translating academic research into practical applications, thereby empowering its faculty to engage in entrepreneurial initiatives and endeavors, and contributing to the university's reputation for innovation and research excellence.
Actively Supporting the University Technology Transfer Function
The technology transfer function is a growing sector at Florida A&M University. The Office of Technology Transfer, Licensing, and Commercialization was initiated in 1996, and functions to serve both FAMU employees and students in transforming and commercializing ideas. FAMU encourages student and staff use of this function with enrichment opportunities such as the Small Business Incubator provided by the Small Business Development Center.
Facilitating University Industry Collaboration
FAMU boasts many industry-network opportunities that facilitate university-industry collaboration and encourage students to network effectively in real-world industry settings. One such example of this effort is the ECE mentorship program co-sponsored by The Boeing Company and Advancing Minorities Interest in Engineering (AMIE). The program aims to strengthen the pipeline of underrepresented students in engineering careers. Boeing Senior Technical Fellow, Nathan Brooks said this about the program: “Since HBCUs are one of the best vehicles for providing social mobility for their students, it is critical that industry supports them as they train up the next generation of engineers.”
Engaging with Regional and Local Economic Development Efforts
Florida A&M University has opened a new Chevron Innovation Fab Lab to promote STEAM Discovery; the purpose of this is to enrich and expose students, educators, and parents to exhilarating learning experiences in connection with science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) discovery. This lab is located in the FAMU College of Education. The R2 in STR2EAM is for reading and research, which allows the incorporation of literacy,literacy practices as well as research-based practices. FAMU also has multiple organizations that promote mentorship, such as Big Sister Little Sister (BSLS) and Big Brother Little Brother (BBLB). This program pairs upperclassmen with incoming freshmen to ensure they have a smooth transition into college and an adequate awareness of career-boosting resources on campus. These programs provides community service, mentorship, and scholarship.
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