Engineering is an ever-evolving field, and this year, Nease’s Stellar Academy of Engineering is evolving as well. Based on a vote by the academy’s advisory board, and approval by the school district, a new curriculum has been adopted for the program, implemented in both the first and second year classes for 2015-16. The Engineering Pathways Curriculum includes classes in Engineering Design, Principles, Civil Engineering and Development. The new curriculum is being launched under the instruction of Tim Gilboy, a former engineer with a Bachelor’s Degree from UF in Environmental Engineering and Science, and a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from UC-Santa Barbara. Gilboy has a long professional history in both the engineering and educational fields. He has worked at an environmental engineering firm, at Taylor Engineering in the hydrology and hydraulics group, at Levitt and Sons as a land superintendent, and with the City of Atlantic Beach as the deputy public works director. Mr. Gilboy taught at Nease from 1998-2002, and returned to the panther nation last year in the science department before taking on his current Academy role. He also teaches engineering courses for the Florida State College at Jacksonville. Regarding his role at the helm of the program, Gilboy says, “My vision for the Stellar Engineering Academy is to introduce the concepts of engineering, promote the engineering and science curriculum, establish the proper professionalism to be successful in any future career path, and help shape our future engineers and scientists.” This year the Stellar Academy of Engineering will also be working closely with the University of North Florida’s College of Computing, Engineering, & Construction to become involved with UNF’s engineering-based student activities and competitions. In addition, the academy advisory board is working on a year-long calendar of guest speakers, field trips, and projects to better prepare students for a career in engineering.
