Kayden Lyles, Florida State University

Florida State University offensive lineman Kayden Lyles, a graduate student pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering, has been named a Military Bowl 3M STEM Scholar-Athlete.

Lyles, who is from Tampa, earned his undergraduate degree in industrial engineering from the University of Wisconsin, where he had a 3.188 grade-point average and was named Academic All-Big Ten Conference. He transferred to Florida State prior to this season year, but is out for the year after sustaining a preseason injury.

Lyles aspires to own a company that specializes in reverse engineering and focused on making airplanes more efficient. He previously participated in a project to reduce injuries at a woodworking company, redesigning machines to eliminate injuries caused by saws.

“Kayden has a strong desire to excel on and off the field,” said Kenneth Towns, assistant director of football academics at Florida State. “He has high aspirations to develop a more efficient way to complete life’s every day functions.”

The Military Bowl and 3M are proud to announce the members of the second annual Military Bowl 3M STEM Scholar-Athlete Program, recognizing some of the brightest minds taking the football field in the ACC and the American Athletic Conference.

“Once again the Military Bowl 3M STEM Scholar-Athlete Program is shining a light on a remarkable group of student-athletes,” Military Bowl President & Executive Director Steve Beck said. “These young men are leaders on and off the field, taking head on the challenges of rigorous course work while helping their teams every Saturday.”

The Military Bowl 3M STEM Scholar-Athlete Program honors one football player at each university that is a member of the ACC and the American Athletic Conference – the two conferences that are represented in the Military Bowl college football game. These players are studying STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) subjects and/or aspire to STEM careers.

“3M is excited to recognize these outstanding students pursuing degrees in STEM-related fields,” said Skip Driessen, Director of 3M Government Markets. “We know how hard these scholar-athletes have worked on the field and in the classroom and look forward to their continued success.”