By David Drucker
A new leader is taking over this month at one of the largest engineering and computing colleges in the country.
Opinions on the hiring of Jack Puleo, Dean of FIU’s College of Engineering & Computing, are quickly rolling in.
A veteran engineer who has secured more than $30 million in sponsored research, Puleo came to FIU after serving as chair of the Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering at the University of Delaware, where he directed the Center for Applied Coastal Research. He also serves as FIU’s associate vice president of research for Strategic Initiatives in Coastal Engineering and Resilience.
Research peers applaud the move
Temitope E. Idowu was a student of Puleo’s. Today, he’s a colleague.
An assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering at Old Dominion University, Idowu traces a direct line between Puleo’s mentorship and where his career stands today:
“Dr. Puleo’s mentorship changed the course of my career. FIU is getting a dean whose life and leadership empower others to succeed. He is a selfless leader who leads with empathy, and by example,” Idowu says.
That assessment echoes across the field. Nina Stark, director of the Center for Coastal Solutions at the University of Florida and a close colleague, points not just to Puleo’s more than 100 peer-reviewed journal articles, but to the way he moves through a room full of researchers.
“Jack is an internationally recognized expert who has facilitated many impactful research projects. But just as important, he is a fantastic collaborator whose inviting and supporting approach has been a career catalyst for many students, postdocs, and early career researchers,” Stark says.
“I can’t wait to see what he achieves at FIU.”
Industry leader voices approval
Michael Poff, president of Coastal Engineering Consultants, and Puleo were colleagues through the Center for Applied Coastal Research at the University of Delaware. Based in Bonita Springs, Florida, Poff sees the hire as both a regional and national imperative.
“Our country does not have enough engineers to do the work that needs to be done. Jack will be instrumental in addressing that,” Poff says. “Now based in South Florida, Jack is uniquely positioned to help his students succeed and address the industry’s need to increase the workforce. He brings enormous enthusiasm for his students and a passion for teaching to FIU.”
FIU researchers react
Two Panthers from different vantage points at the university shared why they think the hiring of Puleo, a former special government employee for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Board of Coastal Engineering Research, will be a boost for the university’s future.
Mike Heithaus, Vice Provost of Environmental Resilience and Executive Dean, College of Arts, Sciences & Education, Florida International University:
“I’ve witnessed Jack’s incredible ability to pull together research teams to solve critical challenges. He has a real vision to take the College of Engineering & Computing to the next level, and his efforts are going to create incredible opportunities for students, faculty and staff in his college and across the whole university.”
That work is already underway, as Puleo settles into a large, interdisciplinary college of more than 9,000 students and 40 academic programs.
Gregory Reis, Associate Teaching Professor, Knight Foundation School of Computing & Information Sciences, Florida International University:
“AI is creating both challenges and opportunities that were unimaginable before. Dr. Puleo sees that dynamic and embraces it. It’s wonderful to have someone who understands this moment as we assemble cross-disciplinary teams to solve problems once thought out of reach.”