The president of Florida Polytechnic University, Dr. Randy K. Avent, was invited to testify at the Senate hearing on autonomous vehicles hosted by the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.
The hearing entitled “Driving Automotive Innovation and Federal Policies” will be held on Wednesday Jan. 24, starting at 10 a.m. in Washington D.C.
Watch real-time starting at 10 a.m.
The main goal is to explain advances in the automotive technologies, particularly those related to the development of self-driving vehicles. The hearing will also explore the challenges these advances pose for regulations and policymakers.
“It is an honor to have been invited to share our expertise on autonomous vehicles with members of the Senate,” said Dr. Avent. “This hearing provides a national platform to discuss the potential impact of this innovative technology, as well as the challenges it brings and the role of the federal government.”
Dr. Avent will highlight Florida Poly’s partnership with Florida Turnpike Enterprise into the investment of Suntrax, a world-class test track for connected and autonomous vehicles. He will also underline the development of new educational programs on Autonomous Vehicle Technology at the University and its new Advanced Mobility Institute (AMI).
“Florida Polytechnic is recognized as a leader in the research and development of technologies needed for autonomous vehicles,” said U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL), the ranking member of the Senate Commerce Committee. “My colleagues and I in the Senate look forward to hearing from President Avent about the exciting work the university is undertaking in the field.”
Other witnesses invited to testify at the hearing are the CEO of Intel Corporation, Bryan M. Krzanich, the president of Bosch for North America, Mike Mansuetti, and the CEO and founder of Zoox, Tim Kentley-Klay.
Florida Polytechnic University is the only public university in the state dedicated exclusively to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). As its founding president, Dr. Avent is committed to developing an environment that fosters innovation and nurtures collaborative research to create the next generation of high-tech professionals and business leaders.
Prior to joining Florida Poly, he served as the Associate Vice Chancellor of Research and a Professor of Computer Science at North Carolina State University. There, he was responsible for growing the university’s research program and developed a new research institute. His experience also includes 20 years at the MIT’s Lincoln Laboratory.
Dr. Avent holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Mathematics and Engineering from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. He has two master’s degrees, one in Electrical Engineering from North Carolina State University and the other in Biomedical Mathematics and Engineering from the University of North Carolina. His bachelor’s degree is in Zoology from the University of North Carolina. Dr. Avent is a 2005 graduate of the Greater Boston Executive Program at MIT’s Sloan School of Management. He is also a Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).