Ryan A. Cruz’s journey illustrates how relationships can influence your career, from building a LinkedIn network in class to securing a position at Lockheed Martin. Now a senior engineer and a 2023 HENAAC Luminary Honoree, Ryan, a former Department of Energy fellow and an information technology graduate, demonstrates that merging technical skills with effective networking can create valuable opportunities.
Luminaries are chosen for their achievements leading, collaborating, and initiating key programs and research in their respective fields. Read his inspiring story here.
Thanks to a new AI-powered tool developed by teams from the University of Florida and top-tier medical centers, a machine learning model can analyze MRI scans to distinguish between Parkinson’s disease, multiple system atrophy, and progressive supranuclear palsy.
In the early stages, these conditions often look similar on brain scans, making diagnosis complex and leading to delayed treatment.
Researchers introduced the technology, called the Automated Imaging Differentiation for Parkinsonism (AIDP) platform, in a study published in JAMA Neurology.
With AIDP, doctors can make faster, more accurate diagnoses without relying on invasive testing or specialized scans using radioactive tracers. By advancing early detection and treatment, the work reflects goals emphasized during Parkinson’s Awareness Month and World Parkinson’s Day.
Researchers at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering have announced plans to advance composite materials and manufacturing technologies essential for future space missions, backed by a $5 million grant from NASA.
This grant is part of a collaborative effort involving researchers from seven institutions. Florida A&M University will oversee the grant for the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering.
These researchers will collaborate with Florida State University faculty and engage with experts from FAMU and the Goddard Space Flight Center.
Their collective expertise will focus on developing a system capable of producing precise sensor patterns that integrate sensing materials and electrodes in a single step.
In addition, AI-based digital twin research conducted at the University of Florida highlights that the American Society of Civil Engineers deems 46,100 of the 617,000 bridges in the United States structurally deficient and in poor condition.
The digital twin framework can enhance the safety of these structures. This framework consists of a virtual representation of a real bridge continuously updated with real-time and historical data, accurately reflecting its past and present conditions.
More importantly, the technology can simulate potential future scenarios, predicting structural issues before they occur.
Aaron Costin, an associate professor at UF’s M.E. Rinker, Sr. School of Construction Management, is developing a groundbreaking digital twin framework using artificial intelligence.
This technology enables real-time monitoring and efficient bridge maintenance, operation, and management decision-making.
Costin compares this setup to the character J.A.R.V.I.S. from the film “Iron Man,” which monitors Tony Stark’s suit and provides real-time diagnostics when it is damaged.
When Tony Stark displays the Iron Man suit in a virtual environment, he can inspect its physical status, rotate it, and interact with it while communicating with J.A.R.V.I.S.
Similarly, when Tony is flying and sustains damage, J.A.R.V.I.S. informs him that his suit has 80% functionality remaining in his arm. This is how the digital twin framework operates; it facilitates real-time interaction between the physical and virtual worlds.
This innovative approach from the Rinker School combines weigh stations, bridge sensors, and AI-powered technologies to enhance data collection, offering a clearer picture of a bridge’s structural health.
Moreover, it allows for remote monitoring of bridge conditions, reducing the need for physical inspections and minimizing the risks associated with on-site work.
The technology applies not only to future bridges but can also be retrofitted to existing bridges with monitoring systems to detect and display critical structural indicators.
Costin notes that we are moving towards a digital infrastructure where everything could become a digital twin.
Additionally, the Florida International University chapter of Chi Epsilon, an honor society for civil engineering students and professionals, was recognized last month at the society’s annual conference as one of the top chapters in the United States.
The Panthers were named one of the three top chapters among the organization’s more than 100 chapters. They earned this award by demonstrating exceptional commitment to Chi Epsilon’s four pillars: scholarship, character, practicality, and sociability.
🧠 Diagnosing Parkinson’s isn’t easy. A new #AI tool could help change that.
Developed by a team led by @UF, it analyzes MRI scans to detect subtle brain changes with high accuracy—marking a step forward for patients and providers. 🙌
Read more: https://t.co/68NB5WW7M3 pic.twitter.com/ebiGlIQZI8
— NVIDIA AI Developer (@NVIDIAAIDev) April 11, 2025
.@FAMUFSUCOE Research covered in @3dprintindustry ➡️ $5 million @NASA grant to develop composite materials and manufacturing systems for future space missions.
Read more here ➡️ https://t.co/6s1hbSruEB
— FSU Research (@FSUResearch) April 10, 2025
🚧 With 10% of U.S. bridges structurally deficient, @UFRinkerSchool's Drs. Aaron Costin & Alireza Adibfar have developed a digital twin framework using #AI & real-time data to revolutionize bridge maintenance, enhancing safety & preventing collapses. 🌉
🔗https://t.co/gpvFnQAdxN pic.twitter.com/GULdBjSebg
— UF Innovate | Tech Licensing (@UFOTL) September 19, 2024
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