From cells to solid state to public health, UF team building biosensors
Backed by a $3 million grant from the National Science Foundation, a University of Florida research team is combining living cells with solid-state materials to develop better tools for environmental monitoring. The idea revolves around biotechnology, which uses living organisms and biological processes to develop products and technologies. The UF engineering team plans to program living…
UF MAE Welcomes Six New Faculty Members
The University of Florida Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering is pleased to welcome six new faculty members whose expertise and enthusiasm will enrich the department’s academic community. These scholars bring experience from leading research institutions across the country that will strengthen the department’s teaching, research and service missions. Dr. Jaeyun Moon Jaeyun Moon joins the…
Time for a change atop the Weil Hall clock tower
For years, the courtyard in front of Weil Hall, with its clock tower and time capsule, has been a work in progress. Standing over the busy intersection of Stadium Road and Gale Lemerand Drive across from Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, the tower has pride of place on the University of Florida campus but had not lived…
Celebrating Stephanie Wells’ Contributions to MAE
After years of dedicated service to the MAE family, Stephanie Wells is heading off to begin an exciting new chapter in her education and career. During her time at UF, she contributed to MAE operations in a wide range of roles, always bringing her signature energy and creativity. Wells has demonstrated excellence across a variety of…
For first-generation UF student Ivanna Milian, ‘the only option is to succeed’
From her first days in elementary school, Ivanna Milian’s family nurtured her path to becoming a first-generation college student. As they drove to school each morning, her father peppered her with positive affirmations. “I didn’t really like them, but I think the encouragement as I was growing up really helped me get more confidence,” said the…
UF students use Halloween horror to master theme park design
This Halloween season, the University of Florida campus was transformed into “Camp Deer Creek,” a 1980s-themed summer camp that has been overrun by demons. The full-scale haunted house, set up on Norman Field from Oct. 30-Nov. 1, was the brainchild of Swamp Haunters, a student team from the Gator Theme Park Engineering and Design Club in the Herbert Wertheim…
Warming Hearts and Toes: MAE Socktober
This October, the UF MAE community came together to make a difference in Gainesville through Socktober, a sock drive benefiting St. Francis House, a shelter for women, families and children experiencing homelessness. The effort raised 155 pairs of socks, enough to bring comfort and warmth to many in need. “One of the most requested items at…
Tiny filter, big breakthrough: UF team helps lithium–sulfur batteries keep their charge
Longer-lasting phones, lighter drones, electric cars that drive farther. These are just some of the possibilities thanks to a new battery separator design from University of Florida researchers and their partners. Think of a tiny coffee filter, but this one works inside a battery. The team recently showed that a one-atom-thick filter can block sulfur chains…
MAE Momentum 2025: Showcasing Innovation and Impact in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Proudly annoucing the release of MAE’s third annual magazine publication! We invite you to explore this edition of MAEmomentum, our most expansive yet, packed with stories showcasing the incredible work of our MAE community—students, student groups, faculty, staff, alumni, and development partners. These pages reflect the impact and ingenuity of our community as we continue to advance the…
Friction, Focus and Forward Motion
Triple Gator, trailblazer and PECASE recipient. Alison Dunn makes UF MAE proud with her curiosity, mentorship, and innovation. Scroll through this exclusive MAE Momentum feature, to see how she’s shaping engineering, one surface at a time. Engineering For The Body: Biomedical research that bridges surfaces, sensation, and human-centered design. Alison Dunn Ph.D. makes surfaces behave. It’s…