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2 iSchool Professors Awarded Tech Fee Money

Each semester, students pay a “tech fee” as a part of their tuition. Some of that money is awarded to projects and ideas that will enhance the lives of students. In the past, tech fee money has gone towards initiatives such as: three SGA tutoring centers, outdoor wi-fi, creation of computer labs, technology-enhanced classrooms and much more.

In the School of Information, two professors have been awarded tech fee money – Dr. Shuyuan Mary Ho and Dr. Chris Landbeck.

Chris Landbeck was awarded funds to further the E-Series course initiative, aiming to bring courses to the School of Information and the Liberal Studies program at Florida State. The project aims to acquire various emergent technologies that students would not have access to otherwise. Technologies include 3D printers, virtual reality headsets, Raspberry Pis, mini-drones and littleBits packages.

When the technology isn’t reserved, it will be available for all students via the Goldstein Library. Technology can be checked out just like a library book.

“This way, those who have taken the course can continue to engage their curiosity and explore further,” explained Landbeck.

Shuyuan Mary Ho, well-noted for her work in cybersecurity and cyber-infrastructure, received tech fee to buy three servers to create a highly customizable, virtual computing environment. The facility will have five workstations designated for cybersecurity instructional exercises.

Dr. Ho is the faculty advisor for the Cybersecurity Team at FSU, which competes in events regionally and nationally. The effort aims to promote cybersecurity knowledge and skills utilizing real world practices to help students prepare for careers.

“These exercises will allow participants to identify and quantify cyber-threats using a “big-data” set that ties the concept of organizational risk to cybersecurity,” she said.

Keep up with the College on Instagram and Twitter for updates on when new technologies will be available to students.