Engineering students get convenience & flexibility at the REEF

Located in Shalimar adjacent to Eglin AFB, and just a few miles from UWF’s Fort Walton Beach campus and Hurlburt Field, the REEF (Research and Engineering Education Facility) is a convenient and pivotal part of the computer and electrical engineering programs at UWF. The University of Florida-owned facility allows UWF students in undergraduate engineering the opportunity to be immersed in an engineering and research environment.

The partnership between the University of Florida (UF) and UWF provides greater opportunities for students studying engineering. The program enables UWF faculty and students from both institutions to work collaboratively on projects and exchange ideas.

Once UWF students complete the undergraduate program, they can continue their education at the graduate level with UF at the same facility. The program also supports the greater Eglin AFB community and responds to U.S. Air Force research needs. REEF students gain valuable experience while working with world class researchers from UWF, UF and the Air Force on a wide range of relevant and challenging research topics.

“As a non-traditional student who worked 40 plus hours a week, I found the team of professional instructors at the REEF quite comforting,” said Jay Lalik, a 2008 electrical engineering graduate. “Dr. Gilbar, Dr. Fuchs and Dr. Shaer were extremely flexible and always willing to take whatever time necessary to clear up any technical concepts.”

Both the computer and electrical engineering programs at UWF are nationally accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

UWF is committed to the region it serves, affording opportunity and access to higher education for anyone working toward a better future. By providing cutting edge resources for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, the university is remaining relevant and useful in today’s ever-changing learning environment.