Roseanne Perez, Ed.D., the staff member behind innovative — and highly successful — student-engagement programs at the Florida Semiconductor Institute (FSI), has won the Staff Innovation Award from the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering.
“Dr. Perez came up with, and led the deployment of, FSI’s statewide K–12 semiconductor education and workforce development activities,” noted Professor Jack Judy, Florida Semiconductor Institute’s deputy director for workforce development and a professor with the University of Florida’s Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering.
As FSI’s workforce development program specialist, Perez created and led the Chip in Florida Challenge, a statewide semiconductor education challenge that engages K–12 educators and students in design-based learning and career exploration. In the inaugural offering in 2025, 172 teachers, 29 school districts and over 12,000 students participated. Building on that momentum, the initiative continues to expand statewide, with growing participation across Florida.
Perez also created and leads SemiClubs, extracurricular clubs that introduce K–12 students to semiconductors and microelectronics in fun, hands-on ways. There are now 12 clubs across nine Florida counties.
“By providing scalable tools, curriculum support and industry-aligned exposure, she is helping cultivate curiosity and awareness in a field critical to our state and national prosperity,” Judy wrote in his nomination letter.
“Dr. Perez’s scalable programs spark early, lasting excitement for semiconductor technologies among K–12 students—igniting curiosity about microelectronics and advanced manufacturing careers right from the start,” noted FSI Director David Arnold. “By delivering ready-to-use tools and structured opportunities to educators, she dismantles key barriers to talent pipeline growth in a field still unfamiliar to most young learners.”
By strengthening the K–12 foundation, Arnold added, Perez positions more students for postsecondary pathways, certifications, apprenticeships and high-impact roles fueling Florida’s expanding semiconductor supply chain and economy.
“Her bold vision and collaborative drive embody the innovation FSI champions as Florida’s hub for semiconductor research, development and workforce growth,” Arnold wrote. “Her efforts directly elevate UF’s leadership role in building tech ecosystems and ensuring national and economic security.”
Perez said the award reflects FSI’s work to expand semiconductor awareness and workforce opportunities, particularly at the K–12 level.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute and to be part of a team focused on growing Florida’s future workforce,” she said.