Sponsored by Innovative Bridge Technologies/Accelerated Bridge Construction-University Transportation Center (IBT/ABC-UTC)
Organizers: Dr. Ankitha Arvan (aarvan@fiu.edu) and Dr. Kingsley Lau (kilau@fiu.edu)
Event Success Highlights – November 13, 2024
Paws Up Panthers – Group Photo
Industry leaders from WSP and HDR participated in the first event of the FIU’s Campaign PantherX 2024/2025 on November 13, 2024. They provided technical presentations and led student group activities. Over 50 undergraduate and graduate student participants learned about the roles and responsibilities of engineers and construction technologists relating to the transportation highway infrastructure. Students also participated in exercises on job interviews and had resume reviews by the industry experts.
Panelists
Richard Shay
Gisele Passalacqua
Pablo Rodriguez
Brad Biery
Campos Liz
Juliana Ortiz
Alexandra Ocampo
Javier Manso
Saman Dolati
Panel Discussions
Industry experts from WSP and HDR provided presentations on the roles and responsibilities of engineers and construction technologists for the successful planning, design, construction, and maintenance of the highway infrastructure. A panel discussion followed providing the student participants information on student success for preparation and application to join the workforce.
Engaging Group Activity for Problem Solving
Students were presented with information on organizational interactions required for design and construction of highway projects. The student participants then formed groups and independently developed and presented organization charts for a mock highway construction project.
Mock Interviews
The industry experts provided a seminar on job interviewing skills. The students then participated in mock interviews to practice their skills in answering questions that they may encounter in job interviews.
Resume Review
Over 30 of the students participants had their resumes reviewed by the six industry experts and were provided critique and recommendations to improve their resume.
Campaign PantherX
Purpose: Industry-University Traineeship Program for Emerging Technologies
Goal: By partnering with FIU, the Industry Partners aim to empower the next generation of
technologists and foster a strong talent pipeline for the academia/industry. This collaborative
program will have a lasting impact on the workforce development in emerging technologies.
Objective: To establish a collaborative traineeship program between an Industry Partner and
Florida International University to equip students with industry-relevant skills in emerging
technologies through tech presentations, tech showcases, live demonstrations, interactive fun
activities, consultations, and open discussions.
Program Overview:
–Duration: Each session with an industry partner will be approximately 3 hours long; conducted
with several industry partners across the calendar year (monthly basis)
–Target Audience: 50 to 70 University students in each session – Undergraduate and Graduate
students
–Industry Expertise: Emerging areas such as Innovative Materials, 3D Printing, AI, Data Science,
Cybersecurity, etc.
Program Components:
• Tech Presentations: Industry experts will deliver presentations on cutting-edge
technologies and trends.
• Technology Showcase: Live demonstrations of innovative products/solutions.
• Interactive Experiences: Hands-on activities, workshops, or hackathons.
• Storytelling and Open Discussions: Industry professionals will share real-world
experiences, challenges, and successes.
Benefits:
– Enhances students’ industry-relevant skills and knowledge.
– Fosters collaboration between industry and academia.
– Provides students with networking opportunities.
– Supports workforce development in emerging technologies.
Implementation Plan:
Resources:
– Industry expertise and resources
– University facilities (ballroom, presentation room, etc) and logistical support (for industry
partners)
– Program coordination and management (Organization team at FIU and Industry Partner)
Evaluation Metrics:
– Student participation and engagement
– Knowledge gain and skill development
– Industry partnerships and collaborations
– Program feedback and satisfaction