Department of Science, Innovation and Entrepreneurship
The Department of Science, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship (DSIE) fosters a dynamic environment where scientific research meets entrepreneurial spirit. It supports the development and commercialization of innovative technologies by providing resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities. DSIE encourages collaboration among researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders to drive groundbreaking discoveries and create scalable business solutions. Through its interdisciplinary programs and partnerships, the department aims to cultivate the next generation of innovators and business leaders, promoting economic growth and addressing global challenges with cutting-edge solutions and sustainable practices
Courses
Department Head's Message
Dr. Piyal Ariyananda
Director – Head | Department of Science, Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Welcome to the Department of Science, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship. In our rapidly evolving world, the intersection of science, innovation, and entrepreneurship has never been more critical. As the Department Head, I am honored to lead a team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of knowledge, fostering innovation, and nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit that drives our community forward.
Our mission is to empower students, researchers, and entrepreneurs with the skills and resources they need to tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow. We are committed to excellence in education, research, and collaboration, ensuring that our work not only advances academic understanding but also has a tangible impact on society.
At our department, we believe in the power of interdisciplinary collaboration. By bringing together diverse perspectives from science, technology, business, and beyond, we create a dynamic environment where innovative ideas can flourish. Our programs are designed to encourage critical thinking, creativity, and practical problem-solving, equipping our students to become leaders in their fields.
We are proud of our state-of-the-art facilities, which provide a supportive and inspiring environment for learning and research. Our faculty members are distinguished experts who are passionate about mentoring the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs. Together, we strive to foster a culture of curiosity, resilience, and ambition.
As we look to the future, we are excited about the opportunities ahead. Whether you are a prospective student, a current member of our department, or an external partner, we invite you to join us on this journey. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on the world through science, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Thank you for your interest in our department. We look forward to working with you to shape a better future.
Staff Members
Contacts:
Harriet Erickson
Vice President, Student Affairs
Wesley Clark was named Senior Advisor to the President in May 2018. An expert in corporate law, he teaches a wide range of courses including Contracts, Sales, Closely Held Business Organizations, Publicly Traded Corporations, Mergers & Acquisitions, International Law and International Securities Regulation.
Contacts:
Wesley Clarke
Senior Advisor to the President
Betty Bowman joined the faculty in 2002, and received tenure there in 2007. Before joining the faculty, she was a visiting assistant professor at Syracuse University College of Law. Prior to that, she was a legal consultant with JPMorgan Chase; a contract attorney for Cravath, Swaine & Moore; and an assistant prosecutor for the Ministry of the Attorney General in Toronto, Canada.
Contacts:
Betty Bowman
Acting Vice President for Finance
With over four decades of law teaching experience, Johnny Jones is a nationally-recognized constitutionalist who has received numerous awards for his teaching, including the first-ever Pioneer Award for his commitment and dedication to students from the FIU Student Bar Association in 2004. Since then, students have voted him “Professor of the Year” multiple times.
Contacts:
Johnny Jones
Dean, Diversity and Compliance
Dennis Ruiz was a member of the faculty at Texas Tech University School of Law, where she held the Alvin R. Allison Distinguished Professorship and received every teaching award the law school and the University conferred. She was the Distinguished Fulbright Professor of American Constitutional Law at the National and Kapodistrian University of Greece in 1992.
Contacts:
Dennis Ruiz
Acting Vice President of Administration
Vernon Lowe first joined the University in 2006 as Assistant Dean for Academic Support Programs. He served as Assistant Dean until 2013, when he became a full time lecturer at the College. He teaches classes relating to legal theory and reasoning, race and law, gender and law, and in the area of commercial transactions.
Contacts:
Vernon Lowe
Assistant Vice President for Communications
Contacts:
Harriet Erickson
Vice President, Student Affairs
Wesley Clark was named Senior Advisor to the President in May 2018. An expert in corporate law, he teaches a wide range of courses including Contracts, Sales, Closely Held Business Organizations, Publicly Traded Corporations, Mergers & Acquisitions, International Law and International Securities Regulation.
Contacts:
Wesley Clarke
Senior Advisor to the President
Betty Bowman joined the faculty in 2002, and received tenure there in 2007. Before joining the faculty, she was a visiting assistant professor at Syracuse University College of Law. Prior to that, she was a legal consultant with JPMorgan Chase; a contract attorney for Cravath, Swaine & Moore; and an assistant prosecutor for the Ministry of the Attorney General in Toronto, Canada.
Contacts:
Betty Bowman
Acting Vice President for Finance
With over four decades of law teaching experience, Johnny Jones is a nationally-recognized constitutionalist who has received numerous awards for his teaching, including the first-ever Pioneer Award for his commitment and dedication to students from the FIU Student Bar Association in 2004. Since then, students have voted him “Professor of the Year” multiple times.
Contacts:
Johnny Jones
Dean, Diversity and Compliance
Dennis Ruiz was a member of the faculty at Texas Tech University School of Law, where she held the Alvin R. Allison Distinguished Professorship and received every teaching award the law school and the University conferred. She was the Distinguished Fulbright Professor of American Constitutional Law at the National and Kapodistrian University of Greece in 1992.
Contacts:
Dennis Ruiz
Acting Vice President of Administration
Vernon Lowe first joined the University in 2006 as Assistant Dean for Academic Support Programs. He served as Assistant Dean until 2013, when he became a full time lecturer at the College. He teaches classes relating to legal theory and reasoning, race and law, gender and law, and in the area of commercial transactions.
Contacts:
Vernon Lowe
Assistant Vice President for Communications
How to Apply
- You Apply
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- We Connect
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- You Get Ready
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How To Apply
Your Application
Tell us a little about yourself and we’ll help with the rest. Our convenient online application tool only takes 10 minutes to complete.
Our Response
After you submit your application, an admissions representative will contact you and will help you to complete the process.
Your Journey
Once you’ve completed your application and connected with an admissions representative, you’re ready to create your schedule.