Ancient Inventions

How to get across the idea to a group of college sophomores that, thousands of years before Steve Jobs launched Apple Computer, humans were capable of technological innovation and brilliance? In an Honors College course called Ancient Inventions taught by Domenico Grasso, students learn the old-fashioned way: by actually building the machines of the ancient world -- with only a book of illustrations to guide them.

This video was featured on Science360 in August 2012. Sponsored by the National Science Foundation, Science360 is an up-to-date view of breaking science news from around the world.

Beyond Technology: The Future of Engineering

Dr. Domenico Grasso explains why the exciting future of engineering is the powerful profession of "holistic engineers" — engineers who bring the power of engineering thought to issues spanning and connecting technology, law, public policy, sustainability, government and industry. The end of technology as engineering's sole focus allows for a future where the engineering profession actively evolves, bringing the very best of science, technology and innovation to serve the complex challenges of our 21st-century lives.

The Benton Lecture at the University of Florida was established by Mabelle Williams Benton in honor of her eldest son, Robert Tyrie Benton, to support a lecture series from world-renown authorities.

Beyond Sustainability

In this lecture, Dr. Domenico Grasso talks about moving and thinking "beyond sustainability" and applying more holistic approaches to engineering. He also shares his knowledge about the role of complex systems in moving the world towards sustainable lifestyles. "Complex systems" says Grasso, "is the hot field for the future."