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Florida Defense Science and Technology Symposium (FDSTS) 2024

Scope: The event will take place at the University of Central Florida (UCF) campus in Orlando during October 17-18, 2024, and is co-organized by UCF and the University of South Florida (USF). Faculty from the State University System of Florida are invited to participate. The aim is to bring together academic experts in Florida that are working in areas related to defense science and technology. The tentative program includes lectures by program managers from different DoD agencies including funding opportunities, poster presentations, faculty lightning talks in front of program managers, workshops by experienced faculty on how to write DoD proposals, and more. The symposium is intended to benefit junior faculty or faculty that are new to DoD. Preference will be given to faculty who would like to present a lightning talk in front of a DoD PM and would like to present a poster.
Confirmed DoD Speakers:
  • Dr. Bindu Nair, Director of the Basic Research Office, Office of the Under Secretary for Research and Engineering
  • Dr. Stefanie Tompkins, Director, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)
  • Ms. Lisa R. Sanders, Director of Science and Technology for Special Operations Forces, US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), MacDill Air Force Base, FL
  • Mr. Ivan M. Martinez, Director, Simulation and Training Technology Center, U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command – Soldier Center (CCDC SC)
  • Mr. Anthony C. Smith Sr., Director, Department of Navy’s (DoN) Historically Black Colleges and Universities/Minority Institutions (HBCU/MI) Program
  • Dr. Alvaro Velasquez, Information Innovation Office (I2O), Program Manager, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
  • Ms. Carmella B. Teeter, Program Manager, Foundational Research for Electromagnetic Warfare in Multi-Domain Operations Essential Research Program (FREEDOM ERP), Army Research Directorate
  • Dr. Lisa Troyer, Branch Chief, University Partnerships, Programs and STEM Investments, Extramural Cross-Competency Program Integration (ECCPI), DEVCOM ARL Army Research Office
  • Mr. Joshua D. Houck, Lead, Strategic Initiatives Group, US Army DEVCOM Analysis Center (DAC)
  • Dr. Michael Simpson, Program Officer, Naval STEM Grants, Office of Naval Research
Topics: Symposium will cover all DoD supported topics including (but not limited to):
  • Working with DoD
  • Lasers and Optics
  • Modeling and Simulation
  • Hypersonic
  • Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security
  • Advanced materials
  • Space technologies
  • Human Machine Interfaces
  • Integrated sensing

VIEW AGENDA

Online Registration:
  • Please note, space is limited.
  • Registration is required for all participants.
  • Please complete before Sunday, September 9, 2024.

RSVP Now

Meeting Location: FDSTS will be hosted in the Fairwinds Alumni Center at the main campus of UCF in Orlando FL, on Thursday and Friday, October 17th and 18th, 2024.
 
Fairwinds Alumni Center
 
Parking: Parking will be available in the Parking Garage H for $5/day. Click on the map for details.  
Parking Garage H map
                 
Traveling to UCF:
  • Airport: UCF is minutes away from both the Orlando International Airport (MCO), a major international airport serving 135 domestic and international destinations, and the Orlando Sanford International Airport. The campus is also within driving distance of airports in Tampa and Miami, and is conveniently located near major highways.
  • Driving: Directions can be found here.
Hotels close to UCF: NOTE: Hotel booking not recommended until you have been notified that your request to participate is accepted.
Thank you to our Symposium Sponsors!
  • University of Central Florida
  • University of South Florida
  • Florida High Tech Corridor