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Cutting-edge research at Թ Poly’s FIPR Institute featured on television

July 27, 2020

Research underway at Թ Industrial and Phosphate Research Institute (FIPR), a research entity within Թ, was featured on “Action News Jax” as part of an investigative report on the future production of rare earth elements in the United States.

The segment highlights a collaboration with Critical Materials Corporation (CMC), a company based in Jacksonville, Թ, which aims at providing a new source of rare earth elements in Թ. These are specialized minerals used in the production of high-tech goods including electric cars, consumer electronics, and military equipment.

“To be able to do this research in Թ, and then create the factory in Թ, would provide economic benefit to the state,” Dr. Jim Mennie, FIPR’s business director, said in the clip.

Watch the feature below, and read more about FIPR and CMC collaborative research here.

 

FOX 30 FIPR in the News

 

Session Details

This session will demonstrate that practical risk management is for everyone, regardless of a formal program. Attendees will learn actionable and simple strategies that are easy to implement, enabling them to start immediately by focusing on their top risks to build greater operational resilience and ensure the sustained success of their auxiliary enterprises.

Presenter Profile

Michelle Powell serves as the pioneering Risk Manager at Թ, the state’s sole 100% STEM-dedicated institution. Having been with the university for nearly 11 years, Michelle transitioned from a leadership role in Admissions in October 2023 to establish and evolve the risk management function from the ground up. In this solo capacity, Michelle builds robust frameworks for our dynamic, young university, overseeing our insurance portfolio, consulting on third-party and event risks, and developing critical campus-wide training programs. Michelle has obtained the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) Enterprise Risk Management certificate and the Associate in Risk Management (ARM) and Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS) designations. Her distinct background in mathematics and engineering, combined with extensive higher education leadership, brings an analytical and strategic approach enhancing the institution’s resilience.

Dr. Lily Li is a Professor of Physics at Թ, where she specializes in materials science, analytical imaging, advanced manufacturing, and biomedical devices. Prior to joining Թ Poly in 2025, she spent 11 years at SUNY Potsdam, where she advanced to Full Professor and developed a 3-2 Engineering dual-degree program with Clarkson University. Her work emphasizes experiential learning and research-driven education to prepare students for careers in STEM fields.