Attention, passengers. This is your captain speaking. It’s time to hear from senior aviation management major and fan of everything that flies, Zach, who hails all the way from Wooster, Ohio. We’ll meet Zach over at the university’s flight line, located just down the road at the Melbourne Orlando International Airport. Time for takeoff, Zach. You got the controls.
– Hey, everyone. I discovered my love for aviation when I was just four years old, the day my grandparents took me to my first ever air show. Ever since, I’ve had my eyes on the sky. I came to Florida Tech to build a career out of my greatest passion, and I’m not alone. Students who want to become pilots come from all over the world to study at Florida Tech. Here, they can start flying their first semester on campus, learning from top instructors and preparing for a future job with one of Florida Tech’s partner airlines well before graduation. Of course, the College of Aeronautics is more than flight training. It offers programs designed to prepare students for successful careers in many aspects of the global aviation industry, such as aviation science, human factors, meteorology, safety, air traffic control, and my personal favorite, aviation management. Being a student in Florida Tech’s College of Aeronautics means learning from professors who are accomplished industry experts. My professors are pilots, air traffic controllers, planners, managers, and consultants. Plus, you’re always learning from students as equally passionate and driven as you are. Outside of class, I lead Collegiate Aviation Business Executives, or CABE, one of many active student organizations on campus. With the support of my department and many enthusiastic alumni, I’m able to travel across the country with CABE to attend airport tours and professional conferences, where we explore our career possibilities side by side with some of aviation’s greatest leaders. Most recently, I’ve had the opportunity to explore and jumpstart my career by completing an internship at the nearby Melbourne Orlando International Airport. So Florida Tech has not only given me a foundational knowledge in aviation management, they’ve given me an insight into my career that will help me pave my own path forward. That’s it for now. Back to you, Alex.
– Great job, Zach, and thanks so much for the behind-the-scenes look at Florida Tech’s Flight Training Center, as well as the Melbourne Orlando International Airport. Your internship there working alongside experienced airport managers and aviation professionals must have been so awesome. Keep up the great work, Zach.
Okay, everyone, let’s take a moment to meet Marcello and talk Student Life. An international student who came to Florida Tech from Venezuela, Marcello can tell you about almost every aspect of Student Life at Florida Tech because he’s pretty much done all of it. You might even call him the King of Getting Involved. It’s all you, Marcello.
– Yep, that’s me. Thanks, Alex. I came to Florida Tech from my home country, Venezuela. I’ve always been a huge people person, so coming here, I knew I had to find ways of getting involved in my community. Thankfully, Florida Tech Student Life offers abundant ways of doing just that, whether it’s through joining one of our 100 plus clubs, attending events, participating in activities, or gaming in our awesome Esports Center. Here, you can play just for fun or join one of our competitive junior varsity or varsity teams. I got my start by joining the Latin American Student Association, where I met others who enjoyed my culture and I even learned how to dance. We choreographed a routine for Florida Tech’s Annual International Festival and performed it in front of everyone. Soon. I had all these incredibly diverse friends who were also super involved. Over time, I wanted to do more and more. I became an orientation leader ’cause I wanted to help show new students what we love so much about our university. And because I enjoy living on campus, I also applied to become a resident assistant. In this role, I got to put fun events together such as barbecues, game nights, and even haunted houses. And of course I met a ton of amazing people. We take classes together, participate in clubs together, and of course we eat together. One of my favorite places on campus has to be the Panther Dining Hall, where my friends and I enjoy meals together as much as possible. The food is great and the staff is always ready to greet you and feed you with a smile. I made a ton of friends. I became a resident director and I even got to be Homecoming King. But most importantly, I learned that every student has the power to bring something positive into other students’ lives. Am I right about that, Alex?
– Totally right, Marcello. Students getting involved so they can make life better for other students, what a great message. And wow, it sounds like there’s a way for every student at Florida Tech to make their experience special. Marcello, thank you for bringing us into your world and showing us what it means to get involved. Great job.
It’s now my great pleasure to introduce you to Nashaita, who came to Florida Tech from the other side of the world to study astrobiology. And she stayed to get both her master’s and PhD in biomedical engineering. If anybody knows about science and research at Florida Tech, it’s her. What’s up, Nashaita?
– Thank you, Alex. From the bustling streets of Mumbai, India to the vibrant campus of Florida Tech, my journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. With a deep love of space and a strong interest in life sciences, I wanted to pursue a major that would merge the two. So, I found my fit in the Astrobiology program at Florida Tech. Towards the completion of my degree, I sought a more hands-on research experience, so I stayed to pursue a master’s degree. Now, I’m towards the completion of my PhD in Biomedical Engineering. Every science lab feels like a sanctuary to me. Surrounded by cutting-edge equipment, I get to immerse myself in the fascinating world of biomedical research. It is in spaces like this that I’ve had the privilege of working with professors, like Dr. Kishore, a guiding light whose mentorship has propelled me forward in my field. My research focuses on ACL reconstruction applications, a subject that holds personal significance in my life as someone who has undergone three ACL reconstructions. Through this work, I hope to make a difference in the lives of those facing similar challenges. Florida Tech is full of people like me, people who are passionate about improving the world through science and research. Students here are pursuing potential treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, developing methods for sustaining life on Mars, designing innovative cybersecurity technologies, and finding new ways to address coral reef decline. Florida Tech is more than just a university. It is a community of people who truly care about every student’s success. Having the unwavering support of professors, staff, and even my peers has made this experience truly extraordinary and set me on a trajectory to make a difference in the world. Now, back to you, Alex.
– Making a meaningful difference. Wow, Nashaita, thank you so much. We can definitely see why you picked Florida Tech for your bachelor’s degree and why you chose to stay for your master’s and doctorate. So many eye-opening scientific research opportunities. It’s simply awesome. Best of luck in your future, Nashaita, and thanks again.
Let’s hear from Darin, a senior ocean engineering major and sustainability minor from Worcester, Massachusetts, who’s gonna tell you about diving into his classes and preparing for senior design, Florida Tech’s signature Capstone engineering experience. Darin’s got an amazing Florida Tech story, which actually began before he was even born. But let’s let him tell that. Take it away.
– Thanks, Alex. I’ve always had close ties to Florida Tech. Both my parents are alumni who not only met on campus but got married on top of the Crawford Building. So when I knew that I wanted to study renewable energy and ocean engineering, I knew Florida Tech was perfect for me too. From day one, I began getting hands-on experience. In my Intro to Ocean Engineering course, we were assigned a project that had us form teams, design, build, and race prototype boats in the campus pool. At Florida Tech, this is just how it works. If you’re an engineering student, you take courses in your major and participate in exciting projects starting your first year, and it only gets better from there. I’ve gone to attend a Young Coastal Scientists and Engineers Conference, as well as participate in a three-day research cruise across the Florida Keys. These immersive experiences have helped me to gain valuable practical experience in my field. Now, my Florida Tech engineering experience is culminating in something we call senior design. In senior design, we form teams to engineer working solutions to real-world problems. My team and I have designed and built a shoreline wave energy converter that operates on a magnetic induction coil. In other words, a machine that converts wave energy into electric power. We develop projects like this in our student design center, the Panther works, before we present them at the Annual Northrop Grumman Engineering and Science Student Design Showcase, where industry professionals will observe and judge our work. As a senior, I’m often thinking about what’s next, but whether I decide to further my education or pursue my first job as an engineer, I know that the experience I’ve gained here at Florida Tech has prepared me for success. Alex, back to you.
– Thank you, Darin. I love that you love the university where your parents fell in love, especially since you’re having such a great experience working alongside other Florida Tech students on a senior design project that means something to you. You’re a great ambassador for engineering at Florida Tech. Awesome job, Darin.
Let’s meet Lauren-Ann, a young alum and current grad student who used her degree in aerospace engineering to launch a career at NASA. If there’s anything Florida Tech is known for, it’s helping ambitious students gain the skills and knowledge needed to become extremely employable professionals. Success comes in many forms, and Florida Tech graduates exemplify them all. Let’s hear your story.
– [Astronaut] Three, two, one.
– Thank you, Alex. I’m a recent aerospace engineering grad and a current mechanical engineering master’s student at Florida Tech. Since the age of five, it has been my dream to be an astronaut, which is what brought me here to sunny Melbourne, Florida. Florida Tech got my attention with its unique and inspiring history, diverse but intimate community, and tropical location on Florida Space Coast. As it turns out, I couldn’t have picked a more perfect school for me. The opportunities here are incredible. As an undergrad, my Florida Tech education helped me to land an amazing internship working with the science and engineering teams at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. Twice, which then led to my first job. Today, I’m proud to be a test engineer on NASA’s Artemis program, working on the Orion spacecraft fleet that will take humans back to the moon. If this university is known for anything, it’s preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow. Florida Tech alumni are literally out of this world. There are astronauts, scientists, engineers, educators, CEOs, and award-winning leaders in all kinds of industries all over the world. Companies like Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, L3Harris, and Breyer and more are located close to campus and home to many of our Florida Tech alumni. Florida Tech has been my home away from home ever since the first time a professor let me and a few of my friends leave class for a few minutes to see a rocket launch. Hopefully one day, I’ll be walking on the moon, but until then, I’ll continue to passionate work towards my dreams. The incredible people who have come into my life because of my time here taught me that the sky is definitely not the limit, it’s only the beginning. Back to you, Alex.
– [Astronaut] Roger that, ground control.
– Lauren-Ann. From student, to intern, to NASA test engineer, it sounds like Florida Tech’s longstanding tradition of preparing students for amazing careers of the future is strong and thriving. What an out of this world start to your journey towards becoming an astronaut. So inspiring. Thank you.
Now let’s meet someone who I suppose we could call the top gun of all UTA Mavericks. UTA President Jennifer Cowley. She’s a hometown Arlington product who grew up and attended high school just six miles from campus. She even attended orchestra camps at UTA when she was a teenager. The first female president of UTA, Dr. Cowley is now responsible for leading the largest university in North Texas to new heights. This week I had the pleasure to meet up with President Cowley, which was nothing short of incredible. Have a watch. So what a fun homecoming. Coming back to Arlington, you’ve been here for a year and a half. How’s it going?
– Oh, it is going phenomenal. It is such an honor to get to come back and lead my hometown university, the University of Texas at Arlington. What a incredible experience to get to foster the growth and develop our students and get to help them achieve their dreams.
– It’s amazing, and these students here are so awesome.
– They are awesome.
– One thing we’ve noticed here all week long, your students are driven and they have such a sense of purpose. What is it about UTA that makes it so special?
– I think what stands out for our students is their commitment to service. They really wanna create an impact in the world. For example, our social work and nursing students collaborated together with the City of Arlington and the fire department to do wellness visits for people that have recently been discharged from the hospital. Making sure they’re connected to the resources they need and making sure that they’re healing.
– It’s so great. What a sense of purpose?
– Absolutely.
– What are your hopes and dreams for UTA and the students here moving forward?
– Well, it starts with the hopes and dreams of our students. I love walking across campus every day and talking to them about what they aspire to be when they leave our university, and thinking about all the ways we get to make that happen. Whether it’s building phenomenal learning environments like this one, or getting the chance to develop new curriculum, help connect them to internships and career opportunities. Every day I feel like I get to make an impact here and in making others’ dreams come true.
– They are so lucky to have you as president. Welcome home and cheers to all of us.
– Thank you.
– And thanks for having “The College Tour” here, It’s so fun.
– Absolutely, it’s been a blast.
– I keep hearing about the Maverick factor, and as you can see, President Cowley has it. She’s dedicated to making UTA the most diverse and impactful research university in the US. And talk about impact, it’s estimated UTA and its 270,000 alumni have an economic impact of nearly $29 billion on Texas every year. Thank you President Cowley for spending time with “The College Tour.” We appreciate it. We’ve had an incredible visit to the campus of the University of Texas at Arlington, and thank you to the scholars and innovators who showed us what makes UTA so special. UT Arlington is a unique combination of world-class research, paired with a commitment to access for diverse students from all backgrounds. From nurses to engineers, to scientists, to teachers. UTA ensures its students are career ready and sets them up for success during and after their time on campus. If you think you have the Maverick factor, contact the friendly UTA admissions team and we hope to see you on campus real soon. Mavs up everyone.
Let’s meet Ben, a junior majoring in art history. Ben is from Arlington, which means he’s attending his hometown university just down the street from where he grew up. And since he arrived at UTA, he’s immersed himself in UTA’s rich traditions and become a big fan of Maverick athletic teams. Tell us more, Ben.
– Thanks for my introduction, Alex and hi y’all. Growing up in Arlington, I attended camps and activities at UTA. Naturally when I decided to spend my college career here as well, I wanted to stay involved as much as possible. By attending events on campus, I’ve been able to make friends and become better connected with the university. UTA students can attend guest lectures, musical performances, theater productions, art exhibitions, outdoor festivals, and can enjoy celebrations from a variety of other cultures. My absolute favorite tradition is UTA’s annual Homecoming. This week-long celebration of Maverick pride offers events that have something for everyone. They build our school’s spirit and support for our athletic teams. Many events showcase our diverse traditions here at UTA, including the 5K Run, Rock, Roll, the Parade and Street Festival, the Bash, the Coronation of the Homecoming king and Queen, the Maverick Chili Cook-Off, and of course the basketball game at the College Park Center. Right now we are in the College Park Center, which can seat up to 7,000 people for athletic events. It is home to the university’s men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball teams, as well as the Dallas Wings at the WNBA. UTA students get free admission to all maverick’s sporting events where you can show your school spirit and cheer on the Mavs. During my time at UTA, I’ve been able to join several clubs and active and spirit groups, work as a tour guide, and I’ve enjoyed countless Florida events. The simple act of getting involved enriches my personal and academic life at UTA by developing my school spirit. Be sure to build up your Maverick pride and always remember to Mav up. Back to you, Alex.
– Ben, you have certainly made a Maverick fan out of me. UTA has an incredible number of campus and sporting events that helps students meet one another and better connect with fellow Mavericks. Thank you for sharing your story.
Some students wanna start college early and Faizah is one of them. UTA offers advanced students the opportunity to take dual-credit courses that count towards both high school and college, and she is taking full advantage. This high school senior from Arlington is here to tell us what it’s like to be taking college classes while still in high school. Take it away Faizah.
– Thanks so much, Alex. Hi guys, what’s up? Growing up in Arlington, I always knew I wanted to get a head start on my undergraduate career, so when I finally got the opportunity to take dual-credit courses here at UT Arlington during my junior year of high school, I knew I had to take advantage. UT Arlington has prepared me for attending university full-time next fall. I wanted to push myself when I came to academics during high school and dual-credit courses seem like the perfect way to do that. I love that even as a high school student, I’m able to attend classes on campus with other UTA students and I’m given the full independence and responsibility of my own learning. When I attended my first class on campus, I definitely was a bit nervous and overwhelmed, but the advisors and counselors here at UTA have been an amazing support system. There are many advantages to participating in the dual-credit program at UTA. You’re immersed in the college culture from day one, enhancing your study habits and learning valuable time management skills. It also shortens a time it takes to get a bachelor’s degree and saves you money. You have the option to take classes online, in person and with lab components, and the university provides access to writing and math labs, study spaces, and other resources. This opportunity makes the process of transitioning to a full-time college student much easier. I get it. Applying to and choosing colleges can be formidable. UTA has pushed me to expand my knowledge, better my study habits and increase my communication skills. Dual-credit courses at UTA have allowed me to feel more confident in my journey of achieving my high school diploma and attending university next fall. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Faizah, what an incredible opportunity for you and others working to get ahead. You can save money, shorten your time to earn a bachelor’s degree and improve your study habits and time management. That’s a win-win for Maverick students, thanks again.
Meet Angel, one of the most involved students you will ever meet. Angel is a junior from neighboring Fort Worth and a visual communication design major. When he isn’t playing in a campus mariachi band or helping students learn about Deaf Culture and sign language, you can find him in UTA’s state-of-the-art glass blowing studio. Let’s go there now and learn more from Angel.
– Nice Alex, thanks. When I first began to live for colleges, I wanted a school that was close to home, but I also offered a lot of things to do outside of the classroom. At UTA, I find a campus that not only helps students focus on their education, but also on their hobbies and interests. I love how at UTA, I’m able to pursue my passions through organizations and clubs even if they’re outside of my major. There are literally hundreds of clubs you can join and if you have a passion without a club on campus, you can create one. I’m part of several clubs like the MavTHAT ASL Club, which our students learn about American Sign Language and Deaf Culture. I’m also part of Mariachi Los Inetes, which provides line of music at UTA events. The Glass Blowing Club or 2100 Club allows members into UTA’s State-of-the-art studios. Here anyone can learn how to make glass art. Being part of the club may lead you into the glass program with more advanced courses like neon are taught, you may even end up minoring in glass if you love it. Student clubs like these are a big part of UTA. There are hundreds of groups that compliment your academic work, provide leadership development and enhance and enrich the college experience. And UTA offers hundreds of innovative degree programs and minors to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need. Being part of clubs like UTA’s helped me meet students with similar interests and gain skills useful in my future. I’m thankful to UTA for the chance to follow my passions and helped me become a better designer. That’s my story, Alex, does our color interests you.
– Thank you, Angel. You’ve now got me so interested in glass blowing. UTA has hundreds of student clubs and organizations so that Mavericks can pursue their passions and it looks like Angel is involved in a bunch of them. Keep chasing your dreams, Angel.
Up next is Alex. This industrial engineering junior from Frisco, Texas is all about creativity, and it looks like he found the perfect job in UTA’s Fab lab. If you can dream up an idea, Alex could probably tell you how to develop it. Over to you Alex.
– Thanks Alex, cool name. When choosing a university, I wanted to choose somewhere full of opportunity and I found that in spades when I came to UTA. The opportunity closest to my heart would definitely have to be my job at the Fab Lab. At UTA’s Central Library, there are multiple makerspace areas available to all students. Here the Fab Lab and the studios give students access to 3D printers, kilns, sewing machines, laser cutters, screen printing, motion capture equipment, and so much more. I first visited the makerspaces here in order to 3D print parts I needed to build a lightsaber for a convention and to film a documentary about the space race for a class. I’ve been able to turn my ideas into reality in ways I never even imagined. I even picked up some skills I needed for internships I applied to for some of the biggest companies in the world. Whatever idea for a project you have, whether it’s a prototype for your engineering class, designing a 3D model for your art project or if you have an idea for a business you wanna start with your friends, you can explore and develop these ideas in these spaces. And don’t worry, you don’t actually need to have any prior experience with any of the machines or processes. Our talented team of full-time staff and student assistants will help ensure that your project can go from an idea in your head out into the real world. Makerspaces like the ones here at UTA, allow students like you and me the ability to take what we learn in class and bring it to life. The ability to experiment and find new applications for what we learn is such a valuable part of the learning experience here at UTA. From one Alex to another, back to you.
– Wow, Alex, your energy is incredible. It’s truly impressive how students at UTA can turn concepts from the classroom into products you can see you can touch and feel. I can see why you’re so passionate about your job and how makerspaces can bring learning to life. Thanks for telling us about your incredible work. Take care, Alex.