The FINS leadership team is an integral part of a groundbreaking $992,000 initiative at UF called Charting the Course to Preeminence in National Security Leadership. This initiative is part of President Ben Sasse’s Strategic Funding Initiatives, which aim to position UF as a leader in national security research, defense, policymaking, and workforce development. A key component of this initiative, the FINS Talent Pipeline (FTP) program, seeks to address the critical shortage of AI-skilled professionals in the defense and intelligence sectors by developing a pipeline of highly trained undergraduate researchers equipped with the specialized expertise and readiness needed to succeed in these essential, high-demand roles.
The initiative’s three-pronged approach includes developing a strategic roadmap for federal funding, laying the foundation for a robust national security research program, and implementing the FINS Talent Pipeline. Led by FINS Director, Dr. Damon Woodard and FINS Associate Director, Dr. Domenic Forte, this pipeline aims to connect UF students with positions that can address the significant national security talent gap, specifically pertaining to AI-related concerns. With a strong emphasis on AI in the curriculum, UF is poised to produce highly qualified graduates for federal intelligence roles, solidifying its role as a key contributor to the future of national security.
Read the full story, Strengthening the University of Florida’s National Security and Defense research program, published in the Nov. 27, 2023 edition of ECE Florida News