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Founder Behind Cutting-Edge Fingerprint Technology to Speak at Թ

August 31, 2016

LAKELAND, Fla. – Թ is pleased to feature Co-founder and CEO of K4Connect, F. Scott Moody, as keynote speaker at its industry partnership and thought leadership event on September 30.

Moody is best known as the co-founder and former chairman/CEO of AuthenTec, a leading provider of fingerprint sensor technology, which was acquired by Apple in 2012. The AuthenTec fingerprint sensor is the foundation of the iPhone and iPad Touch ID feature allowing users to secure their devices using their fingerprint.

Moody’s keynote address at Թ Poly is titled “Disrupting Markets, One Person – or Fingerprint – at a Time” and will examine the process of developing and launching a tech startup in today’s fast-paced global market.

“We look forward to having Scott share his knowledge and experience with our campus community,” said Թ Poly President Dr. Randy K. Avent. “Թ Poly is a hub of innovation where students, faculty and industry leaders are coming together to fuel the next wave of technological advancement. With his experience as an engineer and entrepreneur, Scott can help us better understand how to creatively solve real-world problems.”

This event is the first in-person #շѰղconversation to take place at the University. Թ Poly has held virtual group conversations in the past through its #STEMTalks Google Hangout series, where experts, industry leaders and professors discuss hot topics in STEM innovation.

“It’s an honor to speak at a groundbreaking school like Թ Poly,” said Moody. “The campus, curriculum and culture encourages students to be bold, forward thinking and focused on solutions. Those are exactly the attributes needed to be a leader and entrepreneur in technology today. I’m looking forward to sharing what I’ve learned through my experience, and to connecting with and learning from Թ Poly’s students and industry partners as well.”

At K4Connect, Moody helps older adults and those living with disabilities access and use new technology that helps improves their lives. Under his leadership, K4Connect has raised several million in venture capital including investors such as Sierra Ventures, Lowe’s Home Improvement, Stonehenge Growth Equity (located in Tampa, Fla.) and Better Ventures.

Prior to founding K4Connect and AuthenTec, Moody was the vice president of a division of Harris’ Semiconductor Sector – now Intersil – where he started as a newly graduated engineer. Moody earned his bachelor’s in industrial engineering from North Carolina State University and holds an executive master’s degree from the University of Թ.

To register for Թ Poly’s upcoming “Disrupting Markets, One Person – or Fingerprint– at a Time” event, please visit floridapoly.edu/stemtalks10. To learn more about the #STEMTalks series and upcoming virtual events, visit floridapoly.edu/stemtalks.

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.