- THE BIG PICTURE: Building Synergies with Partners
- InSPIRED IMPACT: Delivering Technical Curricula and Experiential Learning to Create a Sustainable Talent Pipeline
- THE ART OF DISCOVERY: How One Okaloosa Teacher is InSPIRing the Next Generation
- STEM INTO THE FUTURE: Opportunities for Growth in an Ever-Changing Marketplace
- SPOTLIGHT: Jolee Martin, Florida Makes
- MILESTONES: Third Summer of Free Professional Learning Courses for Gulf Coast Teachers
THE BIG PICTURE: Building Synergies with Partners
Partners are the cornerstone of FSU InSPIRE and we view Bay County as a central connecting point. We are currently at FSU Panama City, the ASTRO | InSPIRE node is fully operational and expanding at Maritech Machine, and facilities are being implemented near the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport at the Venture Crossing Industrial Park. Kicking off in Franklin County in June, our third series of in-person educator development programs launches. InSPIRE’s workforce development team partners with K-12 schools, state and technical colleges, and regional industry and government organizations to create multi-faceted experiences that help teachers set their students up for long-term success. Educators will gain access to industry-relevant topics and tools, all with ties to aerospace, engineering, and advanced manufacturing. The experiences, skills, and certificates earned are also applicable to adjacent industries, such as electronics manufacturing and energy storage, and can serve as a base for future careers at multiple employers as we continue to grow our regional innovation epicenter. Our workforce development team is connecting with technology partners such as Microsoft so local K-12 teachers are providing industry-led, experiential learning with real-world impact. Eventually as our facilities are established and expanded, undergraduate and graduate students can conduct research at InSPIRE through the science and engineering programs at FSU Panama City. There they will be able to safely explore and develop industry-relevant solutions with existing and future partners, solidifying the industry and academic alliances that are vital to solving national challenges. Our valued partners are fueling the engine that is propelling our region into a new level of competitiveness. The endgame has always been that these collaborative efforts will draw high-wage job creators. For our part, InSPIRE will be building state-of-the-art facilities and fostering ground-breaking research and development that enables the transformation of innovative ideas into tangible solutions for our partners, clients, and communities. Drew Allen, FSU InSPIRE Executive Director
InSPIRED IMPACT: Delivering Technical Curricula and Experiential Learning to Create a Sustainable Talent Pipeline
To best effect the transformative economic impact FSU InSPIRE anticipates in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Bay, Gulf, Franklin, and Wakulla counties, it must accelerate technology innovation, cultivate corporate investment and foster high-wage employment opportunities. InSPIRE’s workforce training and education efforts are focused on empowering educators to develop next-generation educational materials, and the soft skills students need to thrive in the expanding advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and defense industries. Now entering its third year, multiple week-long, in-person educational courses for teachers are launching throughout June and July facilitated by InSPIRE’s workforce development team from FSU’s Learning Systems Institute (LSI). LSI has developed and disseminated award-winning K-12 STEM education for more than 50 years and houses Florida’s Center for Research in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (FCR-STEM), established by legislature in 2006. The team is currently coordinating, integrating, and developing educator programs in collaboration with regional industry leaders, school systems, technical colleges, and universities.
“These teacher workshops have been really well received and the feedback from participants has been nothing short of excellent,” said Rabieh Razzouk, Director of Learning Systems Institute and FCR-STEM. “This is a true reflection of the dedication, care, and professionalism of our workforce development and education team and the tremendous effort they put into making these courses available. This momentum can truly empower educators to make meaningful, lasting changes in their students’ lives as every teacher can positively impact hundreds of students.” STEM education is essential to meet the current and future labor needs throughout Northwest Florida. We know from Florida’s Great Northwest’s Labor Supply & Demand Research Analysis that engineering positions are needed in our region, a demand which will only increase as industry is attracted to the area and regional businesses expand. According to the National Science Foundation, employment in STEM occupations grew at a faster rate than in non-STEM occupations between 2013 and 2023 and provided more economic benefit to STEM workers. InSPIRE’s education courses are playing a crucial role in ensuring that skilled, local talent can serve the growing industrial base in Northwest Florida. Key to this is creating conduits for students to engage in experiential learning relevant to future careers.
“We are establishing an InSPIREd Teachers network for K-12 schools across Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast while also encouraging students with an interest in and/or aptitude for STEM to pursue postsecondary education at state colleges and FSU Panama City,” said Carrie Meyers, Director of Education and Workforce Talent at InSPIRE. “Teachers need to be equipped to know how to co-design with AI to ensure they are using high-quality instructional materials. Our courses are designed to support teachers’ innovations thus increasing students’ technical capabilities, encouraging the implementation of industry-relevant certifications, and providing rigorous pathways for students to meet graduation requirements while strengthening career readiness.” This effort is enabling collaborations among K-12 educators, higher education communities, and local industry players so career opportunities and/or higher educational aspirations can be more easily pursued. Teachers are trained to design and deliver next-level content to further critical thinking and career skills. Courses in artificial intelligence with a focus on aerospace and advanced manufacturing prepare students for viable career paths in the region. Teachers can also connect with industry professionals to better assist their students’ transition from the educational continuum into career placements. Courses for teachers are structured in a progressive pathway, with each successive course building upon learned skills, leading to more advanced coursework.
“I loved the connection between the state and the other partners and industry here in the community: everybody working together to make this one big partnership so we can actually make change,” said Caitlyn Taylor an educator who completed the introductory course in artificial intelligence last summer. “It’s also going to change our economy; it’s going to change our local area. And I think it’s amazing that this isn’t just a training that teachers get to come to; it isn’t just one person putting on a speaking show. It’s something that can actually affect our area.” InSPIRE’s workforce development effort also encourages teachers to participate more fully by facilitating some of the courses. In this way, they can more effectively shape an evolving InSPIREd support system within their own communities. The goal is building a collaborative team teachers can lean on to help implement the pedagogical and workforce readiness challenges they face. “Facilitating with FSU’s InSPIRE program showed me the power of collaboration across grade levels, schools, and districts. When educators connect, we strengthen learning opportunities and help prepare all students for the future,” said Sarah Pena of West Navarre Primary School.
Michelle Barlow, a teacher from East Milton Elementary, added, “It has been a privilege to serve as a co-facilitator with the FSU InSPIRE team. Sharing how I have applied the skills as a participant in last year’s training has been incredibly rewarding. I have truly enjoyed the opportunity to connect and collaborate with fellow educators from Bay County. Representing Santa Rosa County and East Milton Elementary in this role has been an amazing experience.” Collectively, the workforce development team co-led by Carrie Meyers and James Reynolds together with STEM specialist, Robert Hanna, has equipped thousands of educators with resources to support educational instruction aligned with curriculum standards through their capacity-building workshops. Participants can then apply their knowledge to better prepare students for higher education or the STEM careers awaiting them. “Professional learning through InSPIRE gave me a chance to grow as an educator while also supporting others in developing the confidence to explore AI with their students,” said Anna Prindle of Holley-Navarre Intermediate School. “We weren't just facilitating the learning about technology. We were modeling the mindset of curiosity, flexibility, and resilience that we want our students to carry into the future.”
THE ART OF DISCOVERY: How One Okaloosa Teacher is InSPIRing the Next Generation
by Lauren Cunningham At Riverside Elementary in Crestview, Florida, third- through fifth-grade teacher Angelica Espeseth is paving the way for elementary students to develop unique skills in artificial intelligence, digital literacy, and industry-level technology. Espeseth spent last summer participating in FSU InSPIRE’s week-long intensive “Engaging Elementary Students Through AI-Powered Storytelling” course, designed to introduce educators to fundamental generative AI concepts like natural language processing and large language models, culminating with an industry certification in Microsoft PowerPoint and a joint FSU & Microsoft certification in AI Foundations. “I learned that AI is not just a tool, it is more of a process of diving into how artificial intelligence works and making sure I was using it effectively and responsibly," she said. Following the course, Espeseth began thinking not only about what the lessons meant for her as an educator, but also about how she could implement those ideas in her classroom. “I was really into it,” she said. “I could see so much potential, and I could definitely see how I could do this with students and maybe have them doing these same things.” She used what she learned through InSPIRE to develop her own class, which teaches students how to use Microsoft PowerPoint as they work toward an industry certification.
Espeseth is also incorporating her newfound knowledge of artificial intelligence into the curriculum, using insights from the course to help prepare students for a rapidly evolving future. “It’s going to change how they understand all of that technology,” she said. “I think that's going to be a big deal, removing that kind of mysticism and the misunderstandings about AI, and giving them the opportunity to understand how it really works.” This shift proved essential during this year’s FIRST LEGO League competition. When her students were tasked with an "innovation project" focused on archaeology, they used AI to gather information about optimal clothing choices for archaeologists in various climates. She shared that what her students previously thought was “magic” is now something they know how to use and interact with. “It made a big difference,” Espeseth said. “This was our first year having my kids do that level of research—actually being able to put their thoughts in and get more information and directions to go.” Espeseth’s students also employed the use of AI when the team’s LEGO robot began to malfunction. When a coding error caused the robot to spin in circles, the students were able to use AI to identify the flaw in the code and solve the problem. “My hope is that as they go into middle school and high school, they'll be more inclined to take these courses and certifications to continue to learn the skills that will prepare them for the workplace."
STEM INTO THE FUTURE: Opportunities for Growth in an Ever-Changing Marketplace
While institutes such as Forrester indicate that AI is evolving and affecting the landscape of the current and future workforce, U.S. manufacturers are still facing shortages. Deloitte states that nearly 2 million positions could remain unfilled between 2024 and 2030. What’s driving that number is a lack of skilled applicants that they attribute to industry growth creating new positions ranging from entry-level to engineering, evolving skill requirements including technical, digital, and soft skills, and a shortage of potential candidates due to a declining population and decreasing labor force. Most advanced manufacturing jobs in Northwest Florida require STEM expertise, which many educational experts, including those in the National Science Foundation say should be cultivated in early education. One of their assessments revealed lagging mathematical skills among young students post-pandemic. It also found that students who received industry-informed, credentialed learning outperformed those taught by less-experienced teachers. By partnering with and supporting K-12 educators throughout the eight Gulf Coast counties, InSPIRE’s workforce development team is committed to empowering teachers in the classroom to strengthen student outcomes. With a focus on the advanced manufacturing capabilities around aerospace and defense, teachers can provide industry-informed curriculum that helps develop the real-world skills local employers are seeking. To further solidify communications between industry and education, teachers can now participate in Speed Networking activities that connect industry representatives and teachers to strengthen relationships. InSPIRE is actively working with Florida Makes and its Florida Advanced Technological Education Center (FLATE) to schedule Speed Networking events along the Gulf Coast. Their first 2026 event served Okaloosa and Escambia counties, connecting local manufacturers to students to help fortify the talent pipeline. Representatives from Cytiva, GE Vernova, BlueWind, and Landrum participated along with teachers from Santa Rosa and surrounding counties.
“We are establishing our InSPIREd Teachers network, and these events allow teachers to establish industry contacts so they can better connect students to viable career outcomes,” said Carrie Meyers, InSPIRE’s Director of Education and Workforce Talent. “By building long-term relationships with industry representatives in the region, teachers and students gain access to relevant data and can embark on the learning pathways needed for specific careers throughout the region.” FloridaMakes is a key InSPIRE partner providing access to the advanced manufacturing innovations that are already happening right here in Northwest Florida. “I call it the ‘quiet industry’ because a lot of people really don’t know how much manufacturing is operational in Northwest Florida. Okaloosa County, for example, just landed Williams International, which was the largest economic development project in all of Florida,” said Jolee Martin, Northwest Florida Regional Director for FloridaMakes. Williams International’s first 250,000 sq. ft. aviation gas turbine engine manufacturing facility should be completed by the end of 2026, with subsequent facilities planned for construction in 2028, with a final 500,000 sq. ft. facility planned for the mid-2030s. “As a growing region, we need to really understand today’s advanced manufacturing industry and what it can do for local communities. These new facilities are very state-of-the-art and will open a significant number of jobs while also furthering spin-offs,” said Martin. “The smaller vendors in our area can now become major suppliers to these manufacturers so the potential impact on small to midsize businesses will be huge.”
Where FloridaMakes really shines in its partnership with InSPIRE is bringing local manufacturers into schools and facilitating school-to-work apprenticeships. Florida Makes sponsors the apprenticeship programs, handles all the red tape, and liaisons with the Department of Education. Currently, five programs are available in manufacturing including production technologist associate, industrial manufacturing technician, quality control technician, manufacturing maintenance technician and tool and die maker. For students along the Gulf Coast seeking advanced degrees in STEM fields, InSPIRE is creating pathways to earn engineering and related degrees at FSU Panama City in Bay County. “This is a very symbiotic relationship and by working together we can offer today’s K-12 students career exploration and then continue to support them from apprenticeship right out of school to associate degrees to bachelor and beyond,” said James Reynolds, Director of STEM Outreach. “This collaborative model and approach to building a regional workforce is something we aim to share with other regions in the nation that are looking to build out their own local economies reliant on a strong talent pipeline.” Nationwide growth in advanced manufacturing is mandated in the National Strategic Plan for Advanced Manufacturing from the Subcommittee on Advanced Manufacturing of the National Science and Technology Council. Their vision includes federal support for advanced manufacturing technology development, workforce development and supply chain resilience, all of which aligns with InSPIRE’s goals for Northwest Florida. “We’re aiming for high impact in Northwest Florida when it comes to advanced manufacturing,” added Martin. “People don’t realize how fun manufacturing is! We’re not talking about the grungy shops of the 20th century. It’s stimulating to design and implement solutions in a high-tech facility or build parts that make up something much bigger. Many of these components are used in cutting-edge military, aerospace, space exploration, energy, marine technology, and medical applications. The possibilities are nearly endless.”
SPOTLIGHT: Jolee Martin, Florida Makes
As the Northwest Florida Regional Director for FloridaMakes, Jolee devotes her vast operational and leadership expertise to supporting the local manufacturing sector. Her extensive background in corporate leadership, strategy, quality management, change management, training, and product management helps companies scale and optimize operations. Throughout her career, Jolee has guided companies through ISO 9001 certification, implemented quality management systems, and supported c-suite executives in strategic planning, sales presentations, and operational leadership. Today, she actively assists regional manufacturers with technology adoption, talent development, and business growth strategies to help them expand market opportunities and achieve measurable results. She is also active in the community, participating in networking groups and fundraising events, further demonstrating her commitment to both professional and local engagement. How do you define success? Professionally, helping companies and teams grow and scale with intention. This includes coaching founders, leaders, and teams to have clarity, communicate effectively, empower the whole, and accelerate goal attainment. Personally, spending quality time with friends and family while also doing things that feed my soul and spirit. My gypsy spirit needs travel, time in nature, cooking for friends and family, and time to enjoy hobbies, culture, camping, and more. A personal accomplishment you’re most proud of? I am super proud of the fact I put myself through college and I have a great relationship with my daughter, Kayla. What does a perfect day off look like for you? Wow, this is a tough one. A perfect day off at home would be “easing” into my day with some tea on my screened porch, listening to the birds and bugs, while doing yoga and meditation. I like to garden early before it gets too hot and am working on a greenhouse with aquaponics. Then, let’s pack a lunch and go biking or hiking, maybe motorcycling, or fishing. Maybe we take in a cultural event, community art festival, play or concert, or hit the beach. Wrapping up with something grilled out on the porch or dinner on the water somewhere, and maybe a movie or a good book.
What’s your favorite place where you live and work? Again, tough question because I have it all. I love Panama City Beach, closest to my home. Our favorite spot is St Andrews State Park. We also love the fishing piers and the fun Voyage Dinners with a show. Closer to home would be Marianna or Chipley. The Caverns in Marianna are amazing, great farmer’s market, awesome Creamery options. Chipley has a great little wine bar with an eclectic menu called 1901 On Main—love it! If you could live in any imaginary movie world, what would it be and why? FernGully – the Last Rainforest. A magical place from one of my daughter’s favorite movies when she was little. What would your “unofficial” job title be? Connector – connecting business with resources. What would be the name of your autobiography? Perseverance What’s your favorite thing to “geek out” on? Insects, lol. They are fascinating. Every animal and plant in nature has a role to play. I am bringing honeybees onto the property and for a hive to thrive, every bee plays their part. Time travel or invisibility? Again, tough one, the Cloak of Invisibility is pretty cool in the Harry Potter movies, but I believe I would enjoy the Time-Turner better. Time travel it is! Is there a fun fact about you that may surprise us? Most don’t know I am a certified yoga teacher and Reiki practitioner. If you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would it be? On a boat touring the Mediterranean. What’s the best piece of life advice you’ve ever received? Life is like the seasons. When enjoying the renewal and warmth of spring and summer don’t forget to prepare for a good harvest and possible cold winter. When experiencing a cold winter, don’t forget all is not lost, spring is just around the corner. Dream vacation destination? I have already experienced what some would consider a dream vacation: 8 - 12 weeks traveling to Bali, Singapore, Thailand, the islands of Indonesia, and ending in Australia. I try to go on a “big” trip every other year. Let’s go big!
MILESTONES: Third Summer of Free Professional Learning Courses for Gulf Coast Teachers
By Elliott Finebloom The Learning Systems Institute (LSI) team leading workforce development and STEM outreach for InSPIRE will conduct free professional learning courses for K-12 teachers in the eight Gulf Coast counties InSPIRE serves. Eight workshops will take place at five locations. Two courses will be offered: AI101: Engaging K-12 Students Using AI-Powered Instruction and AI102: Leveraging AI Prompt Engineering for Engineering Design Pedagogy. Each course includes field trip experiences and panel discussions from experts in engineering, advanced manufacturing, and economic development. “We are thrilled to be returning to the counties along the Gulf Coast this summer,” said InSPIRE’s Director of Education and Workforce Talent, Carrie Meyers. “Last year, we had a tremendous response from educators in the area, and we filled seven sessions. This year, we are increasing our focus on AI and have added an eighth session to accommodate as many educators as possible who want to further their skills using AI to create next-level learning opportunities for their students.” Week-long courses begin June 1 with AI101 at Franklin County Schools, Eastpoint. The second session will start June 15 at Walton County Schools in DeFuniak Springs. Both AI101 and AI102 will be offered at each location during the final three weeks. Courses will also be offered at Pensacola State College, Pensacola (June 22-26), Bay County Schools, Panama City Beach (July 6-10) and Northwest Florida State College, Niceville (July 13-17). Educators in the eight counties of Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Bay, Gulf, Franklin, and Wakulla counties can register online. “These courses support educators who want to experience a fresh, modern approach to STEM education while enriching their teaching journey,” said Director of STEM Outreach, James Reynolds. “Teachers can explore the foundations of AI and learn how to integrate these advancements to transform their educational practices while initiating meaningful educational explorations for their students.” InSPIRE’s workforce development team strives to lead the way in creating innovative educational solutions that seamlessly connect theory with practice. Through advanced research, they develop industry-leading methods and implementation strategies that enhance systematic learning at all levels and in all environments. Collectively, the team has driven measurable improvements in the performance of both individuals and organizations.
ABOUT FSU InSPIRE
Florida State University’s Institute for Strategic Partnerships, Innovation, Research, and Education (InSPIRE) is accelerating breakthroughs in aerospace and advanced manufacturing. At the core of this effort are dedicated partners working together to establish Northwest Florida as a national center of innovation, driving regional economic growth. Facilities are in development for end-to-end production, aero-testing and immersive training in STEM. Local, regional, and national members of an industry alliance are embedding employees at InSPIRE, collaborating with researchers and faculty from FSU, its partners, and business and community leaders to develop and productionize aerospace, defense, and energy solutions, while offering hands-on learning to students and aspiring engineers in Northwest Florida. FSU InSPIRE launched with an initial grant from Triumph Gulf Coast.