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The advanced manufacturing sector in Metro Orlando benefits from
a wealth of well-rounded educational programs at secondary,
post-secondary and graduate levels designed to prepare students for
a range of careers in the industry. Advanced manufacturing
companies can also take advantage of research partnerships
available through the University of Central Florida (UCF), one of
the nation’s leading metropolitan research institutes.
UCF’s College
of Engineering and Computer Science (CECS) offers Bachelor's,
Master's, and Doctoral degrees in the areas of Computer
Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. The
computer science doctoral program ranks among the top 10 in the
nation, according the National Association of Graduate and
Professional Studies.
CECS is the top research-funded college at UCF, with awards
exceeding $14 million. The college is engaged in nearly 200 funded
research projects sponsored by industrial groups and local, state
and federal agencies. Notably, CECS received one of 14 awards from
the National Science Foundation to fund student research in
computer vision and semiconductors.
CECS professors are involved in active research that often
involves collaboration among faculty members, graduate students and
post-doctoral researchers and visitors. Current CECS research labs include:
Software Engineering Research Laboratory – Current
research projects include: specifying and testing
software-intensive systems, automated model verification, and using
mobile agents for network and system management.
Solid State and Microelectronics Laboratory – Research
projects include: development of improved methodology for
measurements and SPICE simulation, statistical modeling of
integrated circuits for digital and analog high-speed applications,
and others.
Chip Design and Reliability Laboratory – Research
projects include: asynchronous digital design, CMOS Reliability and
Adaptive Reed-Solomon decoder design for wireless
communications.
Metro Orlando also boasts well-regarded community colleges that
offer advanced manufacturing curricula. Valencia Community College offers an
Associate’s degree in Electronics Engineering Technology with
specialization in Electronics Engineering, Microelectronics
Manufacturing and Applied Science.
Valencia’s Electronics Engineering Technology program is
designed to produce highly-skilled technicians capable of assisting
in the design, production, operation and servicing of electronic
and microelectronic systems and equipment. The college is a Center
of Electronics Emphasis in the Florida system and is equipped with
special test equipment and advanced laboratories, which provide the
latest real-world experience.
Seminole
State College of Florida offers an Associate’s degree in
Electronics Engineering Technology. The two-year program is
expected to prepare highly motivated students for entry into the
electronics field. Emphasis is placed on the analytical and
practical approaches to problem solving using the latest in
electronic and microprocessor technology. Students in this program
apply electrical and electronic theory and related knowledge to
design, build, test, assemble, install, repair, and modify
developmental, experimental, or production electrical equipment in
a variety of industries.
Seeking to provide youth with an early stage high tech
foundation, three local high schools have established magnet
programs providing solid introductory vocational training in the
areas of engineering, microelectronic engineering, science and
technology. These valuable programs are largely supported by
institutions such as UCF, along with private industry, which
provides opportunities for job shadowing and internships.
Another innovative educational initiative available in Metro
Orlando is Chip Camp—a free, daylong workshop that
provides high school and community college instructors in the
region with hands-on experience in the semiconductor manufacturing
environment. Chip Camp, developed by a consortium affiliated with
the Florida High Tech Corridor Council, gives teachers real tools
for incorporating tech knowledge into the classroom.
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