FSU PC Welcomes New Future Physicists

Igniting Passion for Science

Organizaton recognizes middle school students nominated by teachers, encourages science studies

PANAMA CITY, Fla. — The Dr. James T. and Jana L. Cook Future Physicists of Florida FSU Panama City
Chapter will hold an induction ceremony from 6-7 p.m. on Jan. 23, in the Holley Academic Center’s St.
Joe Community Lecture Hall, 4750 Collegiate Drive, Panama City.

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 gave 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

Tuesday’s induction ceremony will feature opening remarks by Dean Randy Hanna and Dr. Cook. Paul Cotle, Ph.D., the Steve Edwards Professor of Physics at FSU, will introduce the scientific keynote speaker, Laura H. Greene, Ph.D. Greene is the chief scientist at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory and a professor of Physics at Florida State University.

Cotle will then provide the induction address, and will join Hanna and Cook to present certificates to the newly inducted students. Cotle has long been working with FSU Panama City through Future Physicists of Florida to get students in Bay District Schools excited about physics.