The nation’s annual Infrastructure Week took place last month to highlight challenges, spotlight potential solutions and celebrate federal investments, but it was FIU and its new student body president that snagged much of the glory.
Student Government Association President Francesca Casanova wowed folks on Capitol Hill when they learned of her civil engineering major. Her educational background proved an ideal fit as she joined faculty who had gathered in Washington, D.C., to advocate for FIU to members of Congress, participate in important dialogue and gather with heads of federal agencies as they talked up the university’s research strengths in resilient infrastructure and innovative technology. From the moment her plane touched down, Casanova was all in, rushing to be introduced in the offices of legislators well-acquainted with FIU’s research brawn.
“That, for me, was an eye-opener,” Casanova says, “to be up there and see the scope and level of research that we’re doing. I was like, ‘Wow this is insane.’”
All eyes on FIU
Coordinated by Accelerator Action for America, Infrastructure Week brought together top authorities and a range of stakeholders around a critical issue that impacts everyone.
FIU has shown itself integral to efforts to improve and safeguard the built environment as it leads federally funded projects related to issues such as sustainability and hurricane mitigation. The university’s solid record in these arenas continues to draw wide interest, with the potential to attract more opportunities.
“It was very advantageous to host national and local corporate leaders to open new doors for FIU’s efforts in advancing top research in energy resiliency,” said Professor Arif Sarwat of the College of Engineering. “It was also positive to have them acknowledge our leadership in renewable energy.”
Read more at FIU News.