Student Research Symposium Program Portal: Submission #35

First Name: John
Last Name: Sorensen
Pronouns: {Empty}
FSU Student Email: jts19b@fsu.edu
Student Photo: https://pc.fsu.edu/system/files/webform/research_portal/7676/DSC02808.jpg
Major(s): Biomedical Engineering (BS), Chemical Engineering (MS) 
Student Bio:
I am a biomedical engineer pursuing a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering at Florida State University, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering. With a strong foundation in polymer chemistry and biomaterials, my research explores drug encapsulation in polymerization-induced self-assembly and mechanotransduction in hydrogel systems. I has contributed to a bioinstrumentation textbook and co-authored upcoming publications in Soft Matter and the Orthopaedic Research Society. I have also developed standardized testing mechanisms for medical implants, working closely with industry partners. As President of the Florida-Eta Chapter of Tau Beta Pi, I have expanded membership and strengthened leadership initiatives. My aim is to bridge engineering and healthcare to advance medical technology.

Poster Title: Modern Leaders 
Abstract:
Elon Musk stands as one of the most influential and transformative business leaders of the 21st century. As the founder and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, Musk has revolutionized both the automotive and aerospace industries through his ambitious vision and innovative leadership approach. His leadership style combines audacious goal-setting with hands-on technical involvement and a relentless drive for breakthrough innovation.
At Tesla, he transformed the perception of electric vehicles from niche products to desirable mainstream automobiles. At SpaceX, he disrupted the aerospace industry by developing reusable rockets and dramatically reducing the cost of space launches. Musk's leadership approach has drawn criticism for its intensity and occasional volatility. His management style can be demanding and unorthodox, often pushing organizations and employees to their limits. Yet this same intensity has enabled his companies to overcome significant technical and business challenges that many considered insurmountable.
Through his leadership of multiple groundbreaking companies, Musk has demonstrated how visionary leadership combined with technical expertise can drive transformative innovation. Musk's leadership legacy will likely be defined by his ability to turn seemingly impossible visions into market-changing realities.


Research Mentor Name: Dr. Daniel Georgiadis
Research Mentor's College (or High School): College of Engineering
Research Mentor's Department (or Subject): Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Department
Research Mentor's Email: dgeorgiadis@fsu.edu
Additional Research Mentor(s): {Empty}
Co-presenter(s): {Empty}
Keywords: Elon, SpaceX, Tesla, Leadership, Leader, Unconventional 
Poster Session/Number: https://pc.fsu.edu/student-research/symposium/symposium-program-2025/systems-engineering
Work: Complete
Presentation Modality: Asynchronous Online Presentation
Year: 2025
Annual description: 5th annual Undergraduate Research Symposium, April 17, 2025
Update URL: https://pc.fsu.edu/student-research/symposium/research-symposium-program-portal?element_parents=elements/student_photo&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=Hgb35ez732MVoKG1njalxKzyLtyGzsSLjcBfM2B0WLE
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