Born in the age of exploration during man’s race for space, Florida Tech still embraces the joy of discovery and a dedication to remarkable research.
In the chemistry department, Joshua Rokach investigates chronic inflammatory diseases through funding provided by the National Institutes of Health. One current program in his laboratory involves isoprostanes. These byproducts of free radical damage to lipids and fatty molecules were discovered in human urine by Rokach and his collaborators.

Free radicals cause toxicity in the body and attack body tissues. Rokach’s research utilizes an innovative technique to measure the level of isoprostanes in body fluid, which then is used as an index of free radical damage in disease states—work which has received a U.S. patent.

Florida Tech graduate students enjoy the distinctive opportunity to share in groundbreaking research like this. Chemistry doctoral student Namin Kang is pictured here reviewing thin layer chromatography results with Rokach. Kang’s research focuses on the total syntheses of biologically important molecules for the development of synthetic probes designed to identify and isolate enzymes and receptors.

The Golden Anniversary Campaign will support such research and other endeavors to increase Florida Tech’s presence as a world-class research university—building a dynamic program that supports faculty excellence and encourages student innovation. Currently, funded research within the university’s six colleges totals $35 million. Other active investigations include examining the origin of lightning, producing and purifying hydrogen and harnessing that resource for fuel cell performance, improving understanding and treatment for autistic children and adults, creating and deploying artificial reefs, and implementing computer security solutions.

An expanded commitment to undergraduate research is a principal goal over the next decade, providing all undergraduate students at Florida Tech the opportunity to work on funded research projects. Generous support of this campaign today—through investments in infrastructure, equipment and facilities—will help make this long-term commitment a reality … inspiring the discoveries of tomorrow.