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FSU attracts new corporate partner

By Tom Flanigan

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-978110.mp3

Tallahassee, FL – Florida State University has signed up yet another corporate partner. Tom Flanigan reports a global technology firm is funding a fellowship to pursue the development of new composite materials.

The latest company teaming up with FSU is Cytec, which deals in specialty chemicals and materials. It's the materials side of the company that has set up a doctoral fellowship worth more than two-hundred thousand dollars. Cytec's Chief Scientist Dr. Rob Maskell says there were good reasons his firm decided to partner with Florida State's High Performance Materials Institute.

"Well it's clear that you're a national and international brand. I mean you're totally recognized worldwide for the types of things you've been doing."

Much of the institute's work has been building the next generation of composites. That will make possible vehicles that go farther and faster on less energy. Things like window panes that turn into big screen computer monitors. I-pads the thickness of a sheet of paper. The very first recipient of the new fellowship is Erin Phillips. She's on the verge of getting her master's degree in industrial and manufacturing engineering .

"I'm continually grateful to have the opportunity to work at a laboratory solely dedicated to the advancement of nanocomposites. I truly believe this is an integral part of our society's future and technological advancement. So again, I'm really honored and I just want to say thank you."

FSU Vice President of Research Kirby Kemper says there are plenty of benefits for the university in the deal, too.

"In this area, you have to have links to industry. If you don't have links to industry, you don't know what they're thinking, so you're not producing students that are ready to go out into the workforce and work on the challenging problems of today."

One of those challenging problems is now facing Leon County and the surrounding area. Leon County Economic Development Council Chair Kim Williams says one challenge is to leverage assets like local universities to attract companies like Cytec.

"This is the perfect example of what is going on at Florida State and how people are beginning to understand it and reach out and try to be a part of it. This is just a terrific day. I'll come back here anytime for a celebration like this."

Williams may not have to wait long for a return trip. Corporations want to control their research and development costs. Schools like Florida State have the tools and talent to do much of that work for the price of a fellowship or profit-sharing deal. And everybody wins.