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BizNovator Camp Hosted at FIU

Students from more than eight countries visited FIU recently for the Casimiro Global Foundation’s Biznovator Camp to learn how to be successful entrepreneurs. Young people ages 14 to 21 came from around the U.S., as well as the Dominican Republic, China, Venezuela and Mexico.

For Jessica Lynn Allen, one of the camp’s organizers, there was no better location for the camp than FIU.

“After carefully researching a university that best represented our mission and after building a solid relationship with the FIU Office of Engagement, it was clear it was a perfect match,” she says. “Out of all the universities in South Florida, we felt FIU best complemented what we are wanting to achieve.”

The 2-week program consists of a series of developmental workshops that give students immediate access to the day and life of an entrepreneur, while exposing them to intercultural exchange and networking opportunities with corporate leaders.

BizNovator’s mission, “to empower youth to become entrepreneurs, social innovators and leaders who create positive change in their communities and the world,” helps students become effective business leaders while also staying true to their passions and giving back to their communities.

The students are mentored by coaches, counselors and entrepreneurs of all different backgrounds and ages; all of whom are committed to helping the students reach their full potential as leaders.

Among the highly motivated students attending the camp is Angelica Ballestas, a senior at Ronald Reagan Doral Senior High School, secretary of the Student Government, and recipient of the City of Doral scholarship.

Angelica, who has a passion for community service and social entrepreneurship, plans to study law. Her future business however, consists of an app that empowers, educates, and equips college students to fight and prevent sexual assaults.

One of the youngest attendees is Isabella Gomez, 14. A dance student at the New World School of the Arts in Miami, Isabella plans to start her own business of custom-made pointe shoes that use 3D technology to fit every dancer’s foot, individually.

Other students had business ventures ranging from starting airline companies to creating apps that contain nutritional information of food from all over the world in a number of languages.

These students, after spending two weeks at the BizNovator Camp, will be able to identify their strengths, passions and skills essential to entrepreneurial success, set personal and career goals, and establish an entrepreneur, social innovator and global leader mindset.

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FIU Named to President’s 2014 Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll

FIU has received the highest federal recognition a college or university can receive for its commitment to community, service-learning and civic engagement.

The university was awarded the President’s 2014 Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll and received recognition in three categories: general community service, education, and economic opportunity.

The award, given by the federal Corporation for National & Community Service, recognizes institutions of higher education “that support exemplary community service programs and raise the visibility of effective practices in campus community partnerships.” 

This is the sixth time FIU has been named to the President’s Honor Roll.

Projects cited in FIU’s nomination include The Education Effect and Green Family Foundation NeighborhoodHELP.

The Education Effect, established in 2011, is a university community school partnership to improve educational outcomes in Liberty City and Overtown. With investments from the JP Morgan Chase Foundation and The Lennar Foundation, The Education Effect has helped connect the community, schools, students, and parents with university expertise and research-based intervention programs to address the educational and social needs of students in Miami Northwestern and Booker T. Washington senior high schools and their feeder schools.

The Green Family Foundation Neighborhood HELP (Health Education Learning Program), a core component of FIU’s College of Medicine curriculum, sends teams of FIU students into communities of need to track and monitor the health of families throughout those students' education. With this program, FIU will help graduate compassionate physicians and doctors attuned to the cultural complexities and harsh realities of our community's underserved populations.

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Communities in Schools Hosts End of the Year Mentor Appreciation Luncheon at FIU

On May 19th, a number of schools and organizations attended the luncheon to celebrate a wonderful year of mentorship by CHAMP, (Communities Helping Adolescents Mentor Program.) 

Mentors from FIU, FPL, US Coast Guard and Lehman Auto World were recognized.  

The CHAMP program, designed by CIS, the nation's leading organization dedicated to helping students achieve in school, matches students with workplace and school-based mentors who provide individual personal, academic, and career mentoring.

Students from Miami Edison, Miami Northwestern, Homestead, North Miami, Booker T. Washington, and Miami Carol City Senior High Schools were in attendance. 

For more info on CIS, visit http://www.cismiami.org/

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Life Sciences South Florida STEM Undergraduate Research Symposium

The 2015 Life Sciences South Florida STEM Undergraduate Research Symposium was held in April at Indian River State College. In attendance were 120 people, including 70 students from Barry University, Florida Atlantic University, Florida International University, Indian River State College, Miami-Dade College, Nova Southeastern University, and Palm Beach State College, who presented their original research throughout the day.

The guest speaker, former Florida State Senate President Ken Pruitt, spoke to students about the importance of the life sciences industry and encouraged them to take advantage of the opportunities available to them. He also applauded the efforts of the Florida Research Coast for helping bring the Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies, Vaccine Gene Therapy Institute, Scripps Research Institute, and Max Planck Florida Institute to the southeastern part of the state.

The keynote speaker was Dr. Richard Houghten, founder and president of Torrey Pines Institute forMolecular Studies in Port St. Lucie. He shared stories about his early interest in the field, his work at Scripps, his inventions and patents, and the progress of building TPIMS for over 27 years. 

Student research competitions were held from 10:30 a.m to 12:30 p.m and included a total of 55 oral and poster presentations. Among the winners were two of our FIU Panthers:

Lazaro Mesa, 3rd place in Oral Competition.

Christine Wipfli, 3rd place in Poster Competition.

Congratulations, Panthers!

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FIU Students Head to Washington, D.C

Each semester, many of our best and brightest arrive in the nation's capital to pursue their dreams on Capitol Hill, at federal agencies or in the non-profit and private sectors.

These ambassadors not only share how we are World’s Ahead but also help promote FIU’s image across the country.  

If you know any of the students that have been selected for internships in Washington, D.C, please help us in identifying them so we can proudly showcase their talent and our #PantherPride!

By introducing these students to our DC Capital Panthers alumni network (now numbering over 2,000) and encouraging mentorship, we will help build our student’s professional network while motivating alumni to give back to their alma mater.

Our students’ presence is one of the most successful ways we build our support on Capitol Hill and in these important agencies where they will be working. It also increases our presence of FIU advocates employed within these agencies in the years ahead.

If you know of students working this summer in D.C., encourage them to visit our DC Summer Experience website and complete a profile​.

To learn more about our federal agenda and research priorities in Washington, D.C., click here or email federal@fiu.edu.

And congratulations to all of our FIU Panthers in DC!

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FIU’s Christina LaRocca Interns in Paris

FIU student Christina LaRocca has started her internship in Paris, France at the U.S. Mission to the Organization on Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). She has had in-depth discussions with the Department of State’s Chief Economist, Dr. Rodney Ludema, who was visiting the U.S. Mission. Christina was able to participate in the unpaid internship due to the help of a grant from Dr. Edward Glab, co-director of FIU’s Global Energy Forum.

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U.S. Coast Guard Visits FIU

The U.S. Coast Guard Leadership came to FIU recently to speak with students about the many opportunities the Coast Guard has to offer, including the Coast Guard Scholarship.

The scholarship offers up to 2 years of paid tuition, fees and books with a guaranteed job as an officer in the Coast Guard, with starting salary of $60,000! While still in school, students in the program can earn as much as $40,000 per year.

The leadership team spoke to over 500 students throughout the day about Commander Ivan Meneses journey through the Coast Guard and his acceptance into the scholarship program. Many students said they were surprised and excited to hear about all the job opportunities the Coast Guard has to offer, especially for women. Select students will be able to visit the Coast Guard base in Miami Beach to see the everyday occurrences in the life of a Coast Guard officer.

To learn more, visit http://www.gocoastguard.com/active-duty-careers/officer-opportunities/programs/college-student-pre-commissioning-initiative

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FIU Builds Miami

Five FIU alumni are on the road to success, using the experience they got at FIU to make a big difference in Miami. Oscar Morejon, Armando Diaz, Leonardo Rubio, David Gonzalez, and Jorge Palancar are part of one of the biggest construction projects in Downtown Miami.

MET 3 is a multi-phased commercial construction project that began in December 2012. The building consists of a ground-level Whole Foods Market, a 12-story parking garage, and a 33-story, 462-unit residential apartment building.

Morejon, who previously interned at Suffolk Construction during the construction of the garage, is now Assistant Superintendent of the project. A class-of-2013 FIU graduate, Morejon says his internship “paved a road to success, not only with the company, but with FIU.”  His internship gave him the opportunity to experience the course material hands-on, which gave him “an edge in the classroom.”

During his internship, he participated in the Associated Builders and Contractors construction Management Competition where the top universities compete to create the best virtual construction project. FIU came in first place in the 2014 competition out of 19 colleges and universities that participated.

Morejon also connected with important mentors during his internship, whose success and “willingness to increase [his] overall knowledge in the construction industry” helped him to succeed.

Assistant Superintendent Leonardo Rubio says “being involved in a project with a group of hard working and dedicated FIU alum has made me feel that we all need to do our best to showcase what the FIU Construction Management program has to offer.”

Jorge Palancar, Project Engineer who, like Morejon, interned prior to officially joining the company, believes “theoretical knowledge combined with practical experience is the perfect formula for success,” which, according to him, is exactly what FIU gave him.

As Miami grows exponentially, FIU’s Construction Management program continues to prepare students for a life of success.

“Watching my brothers come out of the same institution with the same strengths and preparation gave me confidence to trust myself,” says Assistant Superintendent David Gonzalez.  “Seeing all FIU graduates drive a project simply shows the greatness of FIU's mission; create ready, successful construction managers.”  graduated FIU with a Bachelor’s and a Master’s in 2011.

“FIU is making a giant statement in Miami and across the United States with their Construction Management Program.” –Oscar Morejon.

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FIU STEM Students Present Their Research at Life Science South Florida Symposia, Indian River State College

Eight FIU STEM students presented their STEM research at this year's Life Science South Florida STEM Symposia. This year’s meeting was hosted by Indian River State College (IRSC) in Port St Lucie. Key notes were delivered by IRSC President, Edwin Massey, Dr. Richard Houghten (Founder and President - Torrey Pines Institute), and Mr. Ken Pruitt (St. Lucie County Property Appraiser and Former Florida House of Representatives and Florida Senate). STEM students representing FIU included four FIU DOE Fellows (Christine Wipfli, Kiara Pazan, Christian Pino, and Aref Shehadeh) along with Andres Arango, Alejandra Vivas, Elsa Bravo, and Lazaro Mesa. 

FIU STEM Students at the Life Science South Florida Symposia 2015. Left to right:  Christine Wipfli, Aref Shehadeh, Christian Pino,  Kiara Pazan, Lazaro Mesa, Andres Arango, Alejandra Vivas, and Elsa Bravo.

Two FIU students received awards at today’s LSSF event. Christine Wipfli (DOE Fellow – Class of 2014) obtained 3rd place for her poster entitled “Sodium Silicate Treatment for Uranium (VI) Removal and pH Stabilization of the Groundwater Systems at the F/H Area of Savannah River Site.” Also, FIU student, Lazaro Mesa, obtained 3rd place for his oral presentation entitled “Role of NRFI in Breast Cancer Progression and Metastasis.” STEM students from Palm Beach State College, Nova Southeastern University, Miami Dade College, Indian River State College, Florida Atlantic University, Barry University also participated and presented their research at today’s LSSF event.

FIU was also represented by Dr. Leonel Lagos (Director of Research at FIU’s Applied Research Center) and Dr. Shimelis Setegn (Department Environmental & Occupational Health and ARC researcher). Dr. Lagos and Dr. Setegn had the pleasure of serving as judges for this event.

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FIU alumna Ashley Arostegui is awarded the 2015 Rangel Fellowship

As a Rangel Fellow, Ashley will receive a scholarship of around $90,000 to fund a master’s program at George Washington University, two paid summer internships – the first in Washington on Capitol Hill, the second at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate overseas, and then a five-year minimum career as a U.S. Foreign Service Officer.

Congrats, Ashley!

The Rangel Graduate Fellowship is a program that aims to attract and prepare outstanding young people for careers in the Foreign Service in which they can help formulate, represent and implement U.S. foreign policy.

http://www.rangelprogram.org/index.cfm?session.areaid=2&contentid=672&typeid=CBRIAP92223

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FIU student Morgan Pritchett interns at the U.S. Embassy in Lisbon, Portugal

Morgan Pritchett, an FIU Panther majoring in Advertising, sent us some updates on her internship!

“Being in Lisbon has been an absolute pleasure. Amongst other projects such as Connect to Success, a mentorship program for women entrepreneurs sponsored by the U.S. Embassy Lisbon, which aims to support the growth of women-owned businesses (WOBs) in Portugal -- I have had the privilege of conducting  three school outreaches which has been very special to me.“

Below, Pritchett is pictured talking with students about American society, multiculturalism, and U.S. national parks.

Congrats, Morgan!

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2015 President's Honor Roll and Dean's List of Top Internship Providers

The selections for the 2015  Presidential Honor Roll and Dean's List of Top Internship Providers for FIU have been announced! These organizations have been recognized for the outstanding internship opportunities they provide to FIU students.

The top ten companies will be recognized by the President at the upcoming Torch Awards. 

The honorees are as follows:

Presidential Internship Honor Roll

Banyan Health System

Chrysler

Conroy Martinez

Easter Seals Disability Services

Miami-Dade County Public Schools

Perkins & Will

Price Waterhouse Coopers

Starwood Hotels

The Washington Center

Zoo Miami

Deans’ Internship Honor Roll

Broward County Medical Examiner’s Office, Toxicology Division Laboratory

Broward County Public Schools

Citrus Health Network, Inc.

City Furniture

D & D Psych, Inc.

Deering Estate at Cutler

Deloitte

FPL

Jackson Health System

J.P. Morgan Chase Bank

Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department

Miami Orthopedics Rehab and Fitness (MORF)

Marriott Hotels

National Security Administration

Pinecrest Physical Therapy

Sixt Rent a Car

Southern Wine and Spirits

Special Olympics-South Florida Healthy Community

Target

The Women’s Fund Miami-Dade

The WoW Center

UHZ Sports Medicine Institute

Ultimate Software

U.S. Southern Command

V.A. Medical Center

Many thanks for contributing to the future of our FIU Panthers!

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FIU Panther Alexandra Martinez interns in Brazil

Our very own FIU student Alexandra Martinez meets with U.S. Ambassador to Brazil Liliana Ayalde and fellow intern Kristen Nash, of the University of South Florida.

Martinez, along with Nash, are both interns at the U.S Embassy in Brazil. Martinez is interning in the Political section while Nash is interning in the Environment, Science, Technology and Health Section.

Ambassador Ayalde is one of the top-ranking Hispanic women in the U.S Foreign Service and was previously the U.S Ambassador to Paraguay from 2008 to 2011. 

Congrats to our fellow Panther, Alexandra Martinez!

For more info regarding U.S Department of State Internships, visit https://careers.state.gov/intern/student-internships

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FIU Intern Henry Vasquez Accepts NNS Job Offer!

Following a successful internship at Newport News Shipbuilding, FIU student Henry Vasquez has accepted a job offer after his December 2014 graduation.

Mario Doreste, his internship coordinator, says "Henry is a fine example of the types of students that you cultivate at FIU and we look forward to having more FIU grads help us build the best ships in the world."

NNS, the largest industrial employer in Virginia and the largest shipbuilding company in the United States, is the sole designer, builder and refueler of U.S. Navy aircraft carriers and one of two providers of U.S. Navy submarines.

Congratulations on this great opportunity, Henry!

For more information on NNS internship and career opportunities, visit http://nns.huntingtoningalls.com/index

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FIU student Sebastien Coriolan Interns at NASA's Stennis Space Center

Coriolan, a dual electrical and computer engineering major, also conducted a research project titled, “Lightning Detection and Ground Resistivity Measurement System.

The NASA Stennis Space Center, located in Hancock County, Mississippi, is NASA's largest rocket engine test facility.

NASA internships provide a single pathway for diverse and highly qualified students from a broad cross-section of academic institutions to engage in scientific, engineering and professional internships at NASA centers and facilities.

For more info on NASA internships or to apply, go to https://intern.nasa.gov/

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FIU partners with the U.S Coast Guard to bring educational opportunities

FIU recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the U.S Coast Guard to bring internship, mentorship, and career opportunities to FIU students.

Spearheaded by Ms. Irma Fuentes of Civil Engineering Unit (CEU) Miami, USCG Commander John Berry, and Rear Admirals Peter Brown and John Korn, the partnership will provide FIU students with internship opportunities at the USCG while they, in turn, will help by providing "tuition-saving choices, and academic options and solutions."

The signing of the MOA took place at the Reagan House during a special event hosted by the Office of Engagement, before touring the rest of the campus.

Rear Admiral Peter Brown also visited Miami Northwestern where he addressed 150 students (50 of them enrolled in JROTC) on USCG internship opportunities, college, and education.

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FIU alum Richard Vega joins the U.S Dept. of State as a Foreign Service Information Management Specialist

Richard Vega, an FIU graduate, joined the U.S Department of State as a Foreign Service Information Management Specialist and recently started his first overseas assignment in Valetta, Malta.

“I started with the U.S. Department of State a little over a year ago as a Foreign Service Information Management Specialist (IMS).  The job entails everything they tell you plus more. The daily duties largely depend on the size of post. I’m at a small post so I do everything from working on the PBX, setting up new users, maintaining the classified network, diplomatic pouch, etc. In a larger post they usually task you to a specific duty and rotate every few months, so eventually do a little bit of everything. As an IMS you wear different hats from project manager to a techie, so it keeps the job interesting.

As far as the work culture, I have to say it is very professional and fulfilling. It is a great feeling to work for such a reputable organization and represent your country abroad. Truly there is no other job like this. Like everything else there are rules and processes to everything we do. If I can offer some advice, just be patient with the process and look at the bigger picture. The job is what you make of it and the department spares no expense in making sure you are trained and well taken care of. There are many growth opportunities as well so you will have the chance to develop your professional skills in many areas."

Richard graduated in 2009 with a major in Management Information Systems and a Master's in Business Administration.

Congrats, Richard! And best of luck in your future endeavors.