FSU PC INDUCTS NEW COHORT OF 117 FUTURE PHYSICISTS OF FLORIDA

The Dr. James T. and Jana L. Cook Future Physicists of Florida FSU Panama City Chapter held an induction ceremony honoring 117 new members on Feb. 24, in the Holley Academic Center’s St. Joe Community Lecture Hall.

This year’s induction ceremony featured remarks by FSU Panama City Dean Randy Hanna and Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs Elizabeth Crowe. Paul Cottle, Ph.D., the Steve Edwards Professor of Physics at FSU, was the keynote speaker.

The associate chairman of the physics department, Cottle earned his PhD at Yale in 1986 and since then has experienced a notable career in physics, including presidential awards and numerous FSU teaching and scholarly awards. He has more than 90 refereed articles in nuclear physics and has been awarded more than $30 million in grants. Cottle founded the Future Physicists of Florida chapter at FSU and others around the state. He has been a key leader in the program and many STEM initiatives at this campus, in Florida, and across the U.S.  

“What does it mean to be inducted and what is Future Physicists?” Crowe said. “It means you have been selected by your teachers and administrators as a student who has the interest, the skills, and the potential to become a leader in science and in your community.”  

Founded in 2012, the Future Physicists of Florida endeavors to prepare promising middle school students for college majors in physics, engineering and related fields. Students are nominated by their teachers based on their potential for success in science-related career fields.

The FSU Panama City chapter inducted its inaugural class in 2015. It was re-named in honor of Dr. James T. and Jana L. Cook in 2017, recognizing the Cooks’ $100,000 gift to establish an endowment that will provide lasting support for STEM education initiatives at FSU Panama City. Their gift established the FSU Panama City STEM Institute Endowed Fund, providing reoccurring annual funds to support STEM activities at FSU Panama City.

Cook, a Bay County resident and talented cardiovascular surgeon, grew up in Marianna. As a young man, he became interested in science, which led to a successful career in medicine and his desire to see young people in the Florida Panhandle pursue careers that would elevate their communities.