2011–2012 UNIVERSITY CATALOG - Florida Institute of Technology

States (the MEASURE array) from Florida to southern Canada.
The array observations, and particle and field measurements from
various satellites are used for studying the geospace environment
during magnetic storms and substorms. We also have joint operational
custody (with the University of Florida) of the International
Center for Lightning Research and Testing (ICLRT) that is
located at Camp Blanding Army National Guard Base near Starke,
Florida, where airspace can be controlled for rocket-triggering.
Lightning and Instrument Development Laboratory (GPL-A):
A series of recent theoretical breakthroughs and experimental
detector development by our team working at both this lab and the
ICLRT has led to the discovery of x-ray emission from lightning
and its possible central role in understanding the lightning plasma
processes. Exploring the implications of this discovery is one of
the main goals of this research lab. At the ICLRT, lightning is
artificially triggered using small rockets trailing wires; in effect
telling the lightning when and where to strike. This allows detailed
observation and theoretical investigations to help us better understand
how terrestrial (and planetary) lightning works and how to
better protect lightning-vulnerable assets.
Cosmic Rays and Space Weather Laboratory (GPL-B): This
lab uses a network of workstations to study the energetic particle
environment in the solar system. Some of the particles are cosmic
rays from the galaxy, while some are produced by the sun during
solar flares. By studying these particles, we try to understand the
energetic phenomena in the galaxy or on the sun that affect the
radiation environment at Earth. Gaining such understanding is
one of our main goals to protect astronauts working in space and
the electronic components on satellites. In addition, analysis of
the COSPIN experiment on Ulysses and several other spacecraft
datasets (Wind, SOHO, SAMPEX, ACE and RHESSI) in support
of investigating the energetic particles environment with the solar
system are conducted in this lab.
Visualization and MHD Simulation Laboratory (GPL-C): This
lab has state-of-the-art 3D visualization systems, video-processing
workstations and shared memory multiprocessor systems for use in
research and in the classroom. The systems use active and passive
3D displays to illustrate a variety of 3-dimensional topics. Some of
the projects being pursued include classroom visuals such as 3D
rendering of the Solar System, our Galaxy, and the Earth-Moon-
Sun system. Scientific research in MHD modeling of space weather
simulations is also conducted using 3D rendering as an analysis tool
for studying the near-Earth space environment. Researchers are
also investigating some cognitive science topics related to how the
brain processes 3D imagery and how this may affect educational
techniques in the physical sciences.
Space Exploration Research Laboratory (GPL-D): This lab supports
a research program focused on enabling sustained human
space exploration and on the origin, distribution and future of life
in the universe. The lab includes imaging systems, optics, calibration
and test equipment, a large clean room, and other hardware
used to support the development of space instrumentation. It has a
high-performance computing system for modeling and simulation,
and a ground control system to receive data and send commands
to the International Space Station. Some of the labs activities are
housed in the new Space Life Sciences Laboratory at the Kennedy
Space Center, where atomic force and laser confocal fluorescence
202 Florida Tech
microscopes optimized for bioimaging, small-animal research
hardware, and other equipment supports research into the hazards
associated with long-term human exposure to the space environment,
such as radiation damage, loss of bone mass, muscle atrophy
and cardiovascular de-conditioning.
Teaching and Research Assistantships
The department offers a number of teaching and research assistantships
each year. Teaching assistants participate in laboratory
instruction and/or assisting faculty in the preparation of teaching
materials and grading. Research assistants work on research projects
that are often related to their own master’s thesis or doctoral
dissertation investigations. Both types of assistantships are awarded
on a competitive basis, and provide graduate course fee remission
and a stipend for living expenses. To increase the probability of
receiving an assistantship, applicants are advised to apply as early
as possible in the academic year prior to requested admission.
DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS
EDUCATION
David E. Cook, Ph.D., Head
Degree Programs
Computer Education, M.S.
Concentration in:
Instructional Technology
Elementary Science Education, M.Ed.
Environmental Education, M.S.
Mathematics Education, B.S., M.S., Ed.S., Ph.D.
Middle Grades Mathematics and Science, B.S.
Science Education
Biology, B.S.
Chemistry, B.S.
Earth and Space Sciences, B.S.
General Science, B.S.
Physics, B.S.
Science Education, M.S.
Informal Science Education, M.S.
Science Education, Ed.S., Ph.D.
Teaching, M.A.T.
Graduate Certificate—Teaching
Undergraduate Minor Program
Education
Professor
David E. Cook, Ph.D., informal science education, computers in education,
chemistry education, education policy.
Associate Professors
Michael A. Gallo, Ph.D., statistics, research design, educational theory,
computer technology and networking.
Cecilia A. Knoll, Ph.D., calculus mastery, differential equations, integrating
technology into the curriculum.
Thomas J. Marcinkowski, Ph.D., environmental education, curriculum and
instruction, research and evaluation design.
Instructor and Director, Teacher Education
Debra S. Blenis, M.S.
Professors Emeriti
Richard E. Enstice, Ph.D.; Robert H. Fronk, Ph.D.;Robert F. Richmond, Ed.S.