Research Symposium Program - Individual Details

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5th annual Undergraduate Research Symposium, April 17, 2025

Evan Gonzalez

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BIO

I graduated from Florida State University with a mechanical engineering undergraduate degree and am currently a graduate student studying systems engineering. The connection of technical systems, leadership, and human decision-making captured my curiosity throughout my academic career and work experience. As a Mission Data Engineer supporting the Joint Strike Fighter F-35 program, I presently work for the US Department of Defense, where I help analyze complex operational systems and mission effectiveness. My scholarly pursuits center on decision-making, systems thinking, and leadership in expansive, high-risk engineering settings. In order to contribute to resilient, adaptable technologies that support mission success and national security, I intend to continue my career in defense and systems engineering. I am especially interested in how leadership motivation and behavior affect organizational performance and long-term system outcomes.

The Making of an Industrial Leader Through Henry Ford

Authors: Evan Gonzalez, Dr. Georgiadis
Student Major: M.S Systems Engineering
Mentor: Dr. Georgiadis
Mentor's Department: IME
Mentor's College: College of Engineering
Co-Presenters:

Abstract

Henry Ford's leadership is examined in this study by looking at the structural, behavioral, and motivational elements that influenced his long-term influence on society and business. The paper emphasizes how Ford's visionary perspective fueled revolutionary advancements in manufacturing, labor practices, and organizational design by drawing on leadership theory, motivational frameworks, and historical analysis. Important programs like the five-dollar workday and mass manufacturing are examined as manifestations of a leadership style that is future-oriented and focused on building sustainable industrial systems. The study also looks at Ford's leadership shortcomings, such as control, inflexibility, and refusal to adapt when circumstances changed. All things considered, this study shows how deeply held motivation affects leadership performance in complex systems, providing guidance for modern leaders working in huge, dynamic companies.

Keywords: Leadership, Motivation, Systems Engineering, Visionary Leadership, Industrial Innovation