KEY WEST, FL, March 13, 2025— The College of the Florida Keys will continue its 2025 VIP Series with “The Seed: How Science, Research, and Education at CFK will Help Save the World” on Thursday, March 26 at 7 p.m. in the Tennessee Williams Theatre on the Key West Campus. Dr. Patrick Rice, CFK Chief Science and Research Officer, will outline the College’s vision to leverage research as an educational tool to tackle pressing global issues. He will discuss efforts to conserve marine resources, inspire youth towards STEM careers, and promote renewable energy education for a sustainable future.
Dr. Rice leads CFK projects, funded by various agencies including the National Science Foundation, that focus on training the 21st-century science and technology workforce. In collaboration with industry partners, he developed the Engineering Technology– Renewable Energy Technician program, which focuses on solar, wind, and hydrokinetic power. Subsequently, he led students in that program to design and build a 100% electric vessel, known as the “RETV” (Renewable Energy Test Vessel), which is used for marine research and hydrokinetic technology testing. Dr. Rice also oversees the DREAM STEM program, which includes outreach to inspire youth and teens to develop an interest in STEM as well as scholarships and internship support for CFK students pursuing STEM degrees. Dr. Rice holds a Ph.D. in Marine Biology and Fisheries from the University of Miami, a Master of Science in Wildlife and Fisheries Science from Texas A&M University, and a Bachelor of Science in Biology (Aquatic) from the University of Texas. In its eleventh season, the College’s VIP Series features the views, ideas, and perspectives (VIP) of speakers of local, regional, and national prominence. CFK’s 2025 VIP Series is sponsored by Essential Net Solutions. Tickets for each event are $5 at the door. Admission is free for students at CFK and Monroe County schools. For more information, call CFK at 305-296-9081 or visit the College’s website at CFK.edu/VIP.
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Job fairs to be held in Key West and Key Largo  KEY WEST, FL, March 12, 2025—The College of the Florida Keys invites job seekers to join CFK students and alumni at their annual Career Connections Job Fairs and Networking events on Wednesday, March 26, 5:30- 6:30p.m. in the Tennessee Williams Theatre on the Key West Campus and Tuesday, April 22, 5- 7p.m. at the College’s Upper Keys Center in Key Largo.
This event serves as a platform for CFK students, alumni, and community members to meet with potential employers, explore career opportunities, and apply for jobs within their fields of interest. To make the most of this networking opportunity, attendees are advised to bring their resumes and dress professionally. Employers interested in participating in the event at the Upper Keys Center can request a space by emailing Nicole Gerrard, CFK Executive Director of Student Success Services, at [email protected] by April 15. Space is limited. KEY WEST, FL, March 11, 2025— The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) men's and women's swim teams delivered an outstanding performance at the 2025 NJCAA National Swimming and Diving Championship, held March 5-8 at the Burt Flickinger Athletic Center in Buffalo, NY. Six athletes, led by Athletic Director and Coach Lori Bosco, showcased their talent and determination on the national stage. They earned five podium finishes, broke eight school records, and achieved 23 personal bests across multiple individual and relay events.
"This team has pushed hard all season, and they brought that same energy to nationals. Watching them beat personal bests, break records, and rack up podium finishes was incredible,” said Bosco. “I’m so proud of how they showed what CFK swimming is all about—heart, hustle, and a whole lot of talent!" Women’s Team Performance Teagan Lavin led the women’s team with strong finishes in three events. She placed 15th in the 50-yard breaststroke, 16th in the 50-yard butterfly, and 23rd in the 200-yard freestyle, achieving personal bests in all three events and swimming in the finals for two of them. Isabella Oliverio also made her mark, placing 13th in the 200-yard individual medley, 14th in the 100-yard individual medley and the 200-yard backstroke, and 22nd in the 200-yard freestyle. She swam in the finals for three of the four events, setting personal bests in each. The Tuga women placed 13th overall. Men’s Team Performance On the men’s side, Kaemon Fagley stood out with a podium finish, placing seventh in the 50-yard backstroke, where he also set a school record. He also placed 10th in the 200-yard backstroke, 11th in the 100-yard backstroke, and 12th in the 50-yard freestyle, achieving personal bests in all four events. Eddie Kertis excelled in the breaststroke events, placing 25th in the 50-yard and 23rd in the 100-yard, winning his heats and setting personal bests in both. Drew Lebsack was a standout performer, earning podium finishes in three events: sixth in the 200-yard butterfly, seventh in the 50-yard butterfly, and eighth in the 100-yard butterfly. He also set school records in the 200-yard and 50-yard butterfly events. Lucas Montiel de la Nuez contributed with personal bests in all his events, including the 50-yard breaststroke, placing 20th, the 50-yard freestyle, winning his heat and placing 28th, the 200-yard freestyle, placing 22nd, and 100-yard breaststroke, placing 17th. Lucas Montiel de la Nuez contributed with personal bests in all his events, including the 100-yard breaststroke, placing 17th, the 50-yard breaststroke, placing 20th, the 200-yard freestyle, placing 22nd, and the 50-yard freestyle, winning his heat and placing 28th. The Tuga men placed 8th overall and third in the non-scholarship category. Relay Success The men’s relay teams also made history, breaking school records in all four events they competed in. The team of Fagley, Lebsack, Kertis, and Montiel de la Nuez placed sixth in the 800-yard freestyle relay and nineth in the 200-yard freestyle relay, the 400-yard medley relay, and the 200-yard medley relay.  CFK student Milan Luciano walks across the Key West Campus. KEY WEST, FL, February 19, 2025—The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) invites prospective students to learn more about the various academic and career training opportunities available at CFK through its “Future Student” virtual event on Wednesday, March 5 at 5:30 p.m.
Topics to be covered at the information session:
KEY WEST, FL, February 6, 2025— The College of the Florida Keys will continue its 2025 VIP Series with “Coral Restoration: Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome” on Thursday, February 20 at 7 p.m. in the Tennessee Williams Theatre on the Key West Campus. Mote Marine Laboratory scientist Dr. Jason Spadaro will discuss applying new technology, novel methods and materials, and classic ecological theory to the holistic restoration of Florida’s Coral Reef.
Dr. Spadaro’s research primarily focuses on the Florida Coral Reef, but extends to collaborative projects in the Caribbean, such as in Belize and Mexico, where he contributes to a multi-national, multi-institutional team. This team investigates a large native crab species and its significant potential in facilitating extensive coral reef restoration. His research is funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Monroe County Tourism Development Council, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and Mote’s Protect Our Reefs grant program. In its eleventh season, the College’s VIP Series features the views, ideas, and perspectives (VIP) of speakers of local, regional, and national prominence. CFK’s 2025 VIP Series is sponsored by Essential Net Solutions. Tickets for each event are $5 at the door. Admission is free for students at CFK and Monroe County schools. For more information, call CFK at 305-296-9081 or visit the College’s website at CFK.edu/VIP. |
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