Florida Polytechnic University recently released Future Proof, a comprehensive digital innovation whitepaper on the advancement of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and its impact on Florida’s economy and education system.
From business leader insights to the student perspective, Future Proof features a range of informative interviews. For example, Aubury Erickson, a student in Florida Poly’s Inaugural Class, discussed the University’s culture and curriculum,
STEM education and her experience as a student. Florida Poly is excited to share excerpts from Aubury’s interview below.
Q: Why did you decide to attend Florida Poly?
A. Choosing Florida Poly was a no-brainer. When I found out I was accepted I immediately enrolled, because Florida Poly offered unique degree program concentrations (such as Nanotechnology), the opportunity to be part of the Inaugural Class, and generous scholarships.
Q. What is the culture like at Florida Poly, and how do you get involved outside the classroom?
A. The culture at Florida Poly is incredible. It’s a new university with a smaller population, which means that the student and professor ratio is small and allows for practically unlimited interaction. The students and professors are able to build a relationship and, as a student, I feel as though my professors actually care about my progress. Outside of academic work, there are so many ways to build relationships at Florida Poly. For instance, there are many clubs, and if any student can’t find a club that they like then they can make one!
Q. What advice would you give to potential students of Florida Poly or other universities wanting to pursue a STEM education?
A. Make sure that the environment of the university is one which you’re comfortable. If you like being treated like a person and not a student ID number, then choose a school that offers smaller class seizes. Also, make sure that you can have hands-on experience in your field because this really helps to build the skills needed for your future.
Q. What is your favorite class?
A. My favorite class this semester was Unique Nanoscale Phenomena, because we were actually able to synthesize our own nanoparticles and use them to show the effects that we were learning about in our class lecture.
