A future nurse adjusts their cap, preparing to enter a hospital where the need for care continues to grow.

An engineer looks out into the crowd, knowing the next step leads into an industry building what 麻豆精品 S檚 next.

At UCF, these moments don 麻豆精品 S檛 happen one by one. They happen all at once 麻豆精品 S� thousands of stories, each with a different starting point, moving forward together.

Opportunity, Provided at Scale

At UCF, scale has always meant more than size.

It means access. It means opportunity. It means students who arrive with ambition and leave with proof.

More than 10,000 Knights make up the Spring Class of 2026.

Additionally, about 37% of bachelor 麻豆精品 S檚 degree recipients are eligible for Pell Grants, and about 22% are the first in their families to earn a college degree 聽 麻豆精品 S� reflecting a university built to open doors and help students move through them.

This is scale with purpose.

Where Talent Meets Demand

UCF graduates move directly into high-demand fields 麻豆精品 S� from hospitals and schools to tech firms, startups and public agencies.

This is a workforce built not just in classrooms, but for real-world impact.

Each year, the university awards nearly 19,000 degrees 麻豆精品 S� more than any other institution in Florida 麻豆精品 S� including leading the state in bachelor 麻豆精品 S檚 degrees in engineering and nursing. These two fields are essential to sustaining Florida 麻豆精品 S檚 economic growth and meeting the needs of an expanding population.

Turning Studies Into Real Skills

Before they graduate, Knights are already building career-ready experience.

That same hands-on approach extends into high-impact research across fields from computer vision to biotechnology to pediatric prosthetics.

Career Prep From the Start

Support starts early, and it 麻豆精品 S檚 designed to carry students all the way through.

From day one, students connect with career counselors who help them build resumes, practice interviewing, find internships and connect with employers.

And when it 麻豆精品 S檚 time to take the next step, campus-wide career fairs open the door. They 麻豆精品 S檙e a gateway for students to explore a wide range of career paths, get real insight from industry professionals and stay ahead in a fast-moving job market.

Retaining Talent Across Florida

The impact of a UCF education doesn 麻豆精品 S檛 leave with its graduates. In many cases, it stays 麻豆精品 S� and grows.

But where graduates go next tells an even bigger story.In and around聽Orlando聽 麻豆精品 S� the No. 2 Best City to Start a Career in America (WalletHub) and one of the fastest-growing hubs for innovation 麻豆精品 S� that talent doesn 麻豆精品 S檛 just fill jobs.

It builds industries. It strengthens economies. It accelerates growth.

More Than a Milestone

Commencement is what everyone sees.

The walk. The tassel. The celebration.

But at UCF, it 麻豆精品 S檚 also something more.

Before students cross the stage, they 麻豆精品 S檝e already built experience. By the time they graduate, they 麻豆精品 S檙e aligned with real-world demand. After they leave, they power the industries shaping Florida 麻豆精品 S檚 future and beyond.

Each commencement adds thousands more to that momentum. Each graduate strengthens the pipeline.

And across the state 麻豆精品 S� and far beyond it 麻豆精品 S� you can already see what they 麻豆精品 S檙e building.

Nov. 13, 2025, 3:55 p.m.聽Jillian Gloria 麻豆精品 S�22聽stands on a balcony at Blue Origin headquarters in Cape Canaveral, Florida, her eyes fixed on the horizon at Launch Complex 36 麻豆精品 S� the very launchpad her grandfather helped construct as a NASA engineer in the 1960s.

Engines ignite. Gloria 麻豆精品 S檚 breath catches as she wills the rocket to climb. Then she hears those crucial words: 麻豆精品 S淟iftoff detected. New Glenn has cleared the tower. 麻豆精品 S�

The Blue Origin rocket scientist has just witnessed the launch of her first NASA mission. It 麻豆精品 S檚 a goal the Orlando native has dreamed about since childhood; one marked by visions of the space shuttle soaring upward as she commuted to school and the roar of sonic booms when it returned to Earth 麻豆精品 S檚 atmosphere.

What makes this milestone even more rewarding is the determination, the hard work and the relentless tenacity it took her to get here.

麻豆精品 S淵our dreams are possible, 麻豆精品 S� Gloria says. 麻豆精品 S淎ll you need is passion and persistence. As long as you keep going, you can do anything in this world. You 麻豆精品 S檙e always going to end up where you 麻豆精品 S檙e meant to be. 麻豆精品 S�

麻豆精品 S淵ou 麻豆精品 S檒l Never Graduate 麻豆精品 S�

Gloria 麻豆精品 S檚 college journey began outside of Florida despite the numerous space-related research and partnerships available in her backyard at UCF. Like many of her peers, she thought she had to branch out from her hometown to gain the most out of her college experience.

She realized quickly she had made a mistake.

Not long after arriving at the University in Texas at Arlington, an academic advisor told her she would never graduate with an engineering degree if she started her academic career in algebra. She would need an additional 1.5 years of math and science classes alone before she could set foot in an engineering class.

Rather than catch up on the mathematics education and credits she needed to pursue engineering, he advised she 麻豆精品 S檇 be better off going after 麻豆精品 S渟omething more realistic for her current path like a business degree. 麻豆精品 S�

麻豆精品 S淎s an impressionable 18-19 year old, you listen to your adviser, right? 麻豆精品 S� she says. 麻豆精品 S淚 just remember dropping the business class a few weeks in because I thought, 麻豆精品 S楾his is not what I want to do, and I don 麻豆精品 S檛 care how long it takes me, I 麻豆精品 S檓 going to do get an engineering degree. 麻豆精品 S� 麻豆精品 S�

Opportunity Comes Calling

She course-corrected and enrolled in the program at Valencia College. Valencia provided her the academic resources and tutoring she needed to overcome her initial struggles in math and science.

In 2018 ahead of transferring to UCF, she applied to the Central Florida Physics Research Exchange Program, a former initiative for undergraduate students to participate in a 10-week funded research project over the summer with 鲍颁贵 麻豆精品 S檚 physics department.

She remembers doubting her chances of acceptance. After all, she was an aspiring aerospace engineer, not a true physics major. But the program came with the promise of $5,000, and for someone who was working her way through school, what did she have to lose?

As part of her application, she wrote a compelling letter to Professor of Physics William Kaden about his space weathering effects research for NASA and how much she 麻豆精品 S檇 love the chance to work in his lab.

The letter worked. Kaden would go on to become Gloria 麻豆精品 S檚 mentor throughout her 2.5 years at UCF and kickstarted her hand in research that yielded projects on finding water on the moon, collaborations with the German Aerospace Center (DLR), work with 鲍颁贵 麻豆精品 S檚 and a co-authorship on a NASA-funded paper published in 2021 in the聽Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology.

麻豆精品 S淭he world of research at UCF really provided me the actual work experience and opportunities to turn me into an engineer and a candidate that these companies sought after. 麻豆精品 S� 麻豆精品 S� Jillian Gloria 麻豆精品 S�22, Blue Origin engineer

麻豆精品 S淭he world of research at UCF really provided me the actual work experience and opportunities to turn me into an engineer and a candidate that these companies sought after, 麻豆精品 S� says Gloria, who keeps her senior-year textbook Mechanics and Thermodynamics of Propulsion, Second Edition on her office desk. 麻豆精品 S淚 worked with industry hardware, a vacuum chamber that 麻豆精品 S檚 worth hundreds of thousands of dollars at NASA, flew a payload on a Masten Space Systems Xodiac rocket to track rocket plumes during launch and landing on the moon. I was a published author before I graduated. It all was such an amazing opportunity. That was the first time when I felt like I was actually doing the work I had dreamed about. The things I was exposed to at UCF really 聽just opened my eyes onto what 麻豆精品 S檚 available out there in terms of my career. 麻豆精品 S�

Building a Road to Space

Since graduating in 2022, Gloria launched over a dozen successful missions across three launch-vehicle programs (Atlas V, Delta Heavy, Vulcan Centaur) at United Launch Alliance as a propulsion systems test engineer.

In January 2025, she joined the Blue Origin team as an integrated vehicle test engineer, specializing in the integration, testing, refurbishment, and optimization of complex fluid and pneumatic systems for her fourth launch vehicle, New Glenn.

In other words, she validates the build of the rocket, ensuring its integrity and functionality through every build stage before launch.

She is energized every day by the opportunities available to her to grow and learn within the company, who in addition to their rocket program is also developing a lunar lander and space station.

麻豆精品 S淭his work matters. It 麻豆精品 S檚 the future. 麻豆精品 S� 麻豆精品 S� Jillian Gloria

麻豆精品 S�We 麻豆精品 S檙e all working together for the benefit of Earth, and you feel it every day you go to work at Blue Origin, 麻豆精品 S� she says. 麻豆精品 S淭his work matters. It 麻豆精品 S檚 the future, it 麻豆精品 S檚 the next generation launch vehicle, and it just plays a hand in Blue 麻豆精品 S檚 mission statement that we want to build a road to space. 麻豆精品 S�

Every milestone they hit 麻豆精品 S� like the recent successful launch and first-time landing of the New Glenn rocket that ferried NASA 麻豆精品 S檚 twin ESCAPADE spacecraft to begin their journey to Mars 麻豆精品 S� helps get them closer to that goal.

While current generations may not see it, she knows the work she is doing at Blue Origin is developing the infrastructure for future generations who will one day consistently travel to and live on other celestial bodies.

麻豆精品 S淭he stars are the final frontier. It calls to us, 麻豆精品 S� Gloria says. 麻豆精品 S淵ou can 麻豆精品 S檛 really explain it, but when you look up at the sky, it kind of touches your soul. It just makes me feel more connected to something that 麻豆精品 S檚 so far away and so beautiful. It 麻豆精品 S檚 everything. 麻豆精品 S�

When Alain Berinstain talks about space, he doesn 麻豆精品 S檛 just talk about rockets or research missions 麻豆精品 S� he talks about people, partnerships and the power of doing things that haven 麻豆精品 S檛 been done before.

That daring mindset is exactly what he 麻豆精品 S檚 bringing to his new role as director of the (FSI) at UCF, which supports space research, development and education activities, along with the development of Florida 麻豆精品 S檚 space economy 麻豆精品 S� civil, defense and commercial.

A business and research strategist, Berinstain brings more than 30 years of experience in the space industry, driving strategic growth and domestic and international partnerships. He officially stepped into the role in December of last year, ready to elevate FSI into a nationally recognized institute while strengthening 鲍颁贵 麻豆精品 S檚 research profile, supporting Florida 麻豆精品 S檚 rapidly growing space economy and driving even greater global impact.

麻豆精品 S淏eing bold is having ideas and doing things that nobody has ever done before, 麻豆精品 S� Berinstain says. 麻豆精品 S淚f you do that in a collaborative way, then 麻豆精品 S� pardon the pun 麻豆精品 S� the sky 麻豆精品 S檚 the limit. 麻豆精品 S�

A Career Built on Making Connections

Berinstain 麻豆精品 S檚 path to UCF wasn 麻豆精品 S檛 a straight line 麻豆精品 S� and that 麻豆精品 S檚 by design. Trained as a chemist, he earned a bachelor 麻豆精品 S檚 degree in honors chemistry from Concordia University, a master 麻豆精品 S檚 degree in space studies from the International Space University and a doctoral degree in chemistry from the University of Ottawa. Early in his career, he saw space as a powerful platform for science, but also one that demanded collaboration across disciplines, sectors and borders.

From 1997 to 2013, Berinstain held leadership roles at the Canadian Space Agency, including director of planetary exploration and space astronomy. There, he managed annual budgets exceeding $25 million and helped negotiate Canada 麻豆精品 S檚 participation in major NASA missions such as the James Webb Space Telescope, OSIRIS-REx and the Mars Phoenix Lander. He also co-authored the original Global Exploration Roadmap, aligning international partners around shared exploration goals.

“I aim to show people how FSI can help meet their goals … and, in the end, raise the research profile in space at UCF, in Florida and in the world.”

Berinstain later moved between public service and the private sector, advising companies such as Virgin Galactic and Sierra Nevada Corporation, leading global development at Moon Express Inc. and most recently serving as chief strategy officer at science-based solutions company CSS Inc. Along the way, he helped generate more than $10 million in revenue for in-space manufacturing of health and technology products and cultivated strategic partnerships with academia, government and industry stakeholders.

That cross-sector experience now shapes his vision for FSI 麻豆精品 S� especially when it comes to funding. A key priority, he says, is diversifying funding beyond traditional government grants by expanding private and commercial partnerships.

麻豆精品 S淪ince I’ve spent time in other sectors and made contacts, I look forward to mining those to help collaborate and redevelop those relationships, 麻豆精品 S� he says. 麻豆精品 S淚 aim to show people how FSI can help meet their goals and come up with new opportunities that we can respond to, and, in the end, raise the research profile in space at UCF, in Florida and in the world. 麻豆精品 S�

Why UCF 麻豆精品 S� and Why Now

Berinstain 麻豆精品 S檚 appointment will fuel the momentum of space exploration and research at SpaceU 麻豆精品 S� the top provider of graduates in the nation to the aerospace and defense industry 麻豆精品 S� and the new Florida Space Research Consortium.

麻豆精品 S淎lain is a daring innovator internationally recognized for his leadership throughout space 麻豆精品 S檚 public and private sectors, 麻豆精品 S� says Winston Schoenfeld, vice president for research and innovation. 麻豆精品 S淗is experience, bold vision and strategic pursuit of partnerships will elevate the impact of our research at America 麻豆精品 S檚 Space University and further strengthen Florida 麻豆精品 S檚 rapidly growing space economy. 麻豆精品 S�

FSI 麻豆精品 S檚 unique position within a deeply collaborative campus and a statewide network of space researchers is what Berinstain says drew him to UCF.

麻豆精品 S淲e lead our own world-class science, but we also partner with researchers across colleges and departments … There’s real strength in numbers.”

麻豆精品 S淲here FSI fits within the UCF ecosystem is really interesting. We lead our own world-class science, but we also partner with researchers across colleges and departments, 麻豆精品 S� he says. 麻豆精品 S淲hat also attracted me is the collaboration among state universities in Florida. With the new consortium for university space research, in which we’re in a leadership position, there 麻豆精品 S檚 real strength in numbers. 麻豆精品 S�

From the Earth 麻豆精品 S檚 upper atmosphere to the origins of the planets and the dynamics of asteroids, FSI 麻豆精品 S檚 research tackles some of the biggest questions in space science. Building on those strengths, Berinstain is setting his sights on what comes next: expanding into areas shaping the future of commercial space, including microgravity research, pharmaceuticals and defense.

麻豆精品 S淚 plan to grow FSI in areas that are of national and economic importance. They all need help from strong research groups, 麻豆精品 S� he says. 麻豆精品 S淚t’s not so much about what we want to do 麻豆精品 S� it’s about what they need us for. And that creates all kinds of cool opportunities for us for amazing research and mutually beneficial collaboration. 麻豆精品 S�

Building on Momentum

Just weeks into the role, Berinstain says he 麻豆精品 S檚 already felt the energy that surrounds space at UCF.

麻豆精品 S淚 participated in Space Week at UCF 麻豆精品 S� and I came away [from that experience realizing] how pervasive and important space is to the culture of the institute, 麻豆精品 S� he says. “So it feels like I 麻豆精品 S檝e got to catch up to that momentum. It 麻豆精品 S檚 an honor. It’s a challenge. It’s wonderful to leverage that for FSI. 麻豆精品 S�

Ask Berinstain about his leadership style, and don 麻豆精品 S檛 be surprised if he starts with a pop culture reference.

麻豆精品 S淒o you watch聽The Big Bang Theory? 麻豆精品 S� he says. 麻豆精品 S淪heldon Cooper has that line: 麻豆精品 S業 麻豆精品 S檓 not crazy. My mom got me tested. 麻豆精品 S� Well, I 麻豆精品 S檝e been tested for my leadership style. 麻豆精品 S�

According to that assessment, Berinstain falls into what 麻豆精品 S檚 known as a 麻豆精品 S減arental 麻豆精品 S� leadership style 麻豆精品 S� a label he 麻豆精品 S檚 quick to unpack.

麻豆精品 S淚t sounds funny, 麻豆精品 S� he says, 麻豆精品 S渂ut what it really means is guided leadership. I 麻豆精品 S檓 very team-oriented. I 麻豆精品 S檓 resilient. I deal with situations head-on. 麻豆精品 S�

At the core of that approach is trust 麻豆精品 S� trusting people to do their best work when they feel supported and empowered.

麻豆精品 S淭here are people here who’ve been doing amazing work for a long time. I want to build on that, 麻豆精品 S� he says.

A Bigger Picture of Impact

For Berinstain, success at FSI isn 麻豆精品 S檛 just about dollars raised 麻豆精品 S� it 麻豆精品 S檚 about alignment and purpose.

麻豆精品 S淚 prefer to think of research funding as impact, 麻豆精品 S� he says, 麻豆精品 S渁s contributions to UCF, to Florida and to our country. Let’s meet our own priorities and help others meet theirs. That 麻豆精品 S檒l help in our growth. 麻豆精品 S�

With a strong space legacy, a collaborative spirit and a rapidly expanding frontier ahead, Berinstain sees FSI entering a new era of possibility as a leader in space research.

Simply put, 麻豆精品 S渋t 麻豆精品 S檚 a dream job, 麻豆精品 S� he says.

Founded in 1963 with the mission to provide talent for Central Florida and the growing U.S. space program, the university 麻豆精品 S檚 extensive involvement in space research and education not only drives innovations in space technology but also prepares the next generation of leaders in the field.

With more than 40 active NASA projects totaling more than $67 million in funding, UCF continues to push the frontiers of space research, and its contributions promise to help shape the future of humanity’s presence in the cosmos.

鲍颁贵 麻豆精品 S檚 cutting-edge areas of space expertise include:

Space Medicine

鲍颁贵 麻豆精品 S檚 College of Medicine is pioneering new frontiers in aerospace medicine, positioning itself as a leader in space health research and education. Spearheaded by initiatives to create an interdisciplinary curriculum, UCF is integrating expertise from engineering, medicine and nursing to address the unique health challenges of space exploration.

The college is building on existing research in space health, including innovative studies on the effects of microgravity on bone health, which could lead to improved protection for astronauts. Collaborations across disciplines, such as testing therapeutics for radiation protection and developing antimicrobial solutions for space station environments, highlight 鲍颁贵 麻豆精品 S檚 commitment to advancing astronaut health and shaping the future of space medicine.

Space Propulsion and Power

UCF is advancing space propulsion with groundbreaking research that could make space travel more efficient and viable for future missions. Researchers are developing innovative hypersonic propulsion systems, such as rotating detonation rocket engines, which harness high-speed detonations to increase propulsion efficiency and reduce fuel consumption 麻豆精品 S� an advancement that could significantly lower costs and emissions associated with space travel, creating new commercial opportunities in the industry. UCF is taking its hypersonics research even further with its recently launched Center of Excellence in Hypersonic and Space Propulsion 麻豆精品 S� the HyperSpace Center.

Additionally, UCF teams are exploring novel power systems for spacecraft venturing far from the sun, where solar energy becomes impractical. With funding from NASA, researchers are creating storable chemical heat sources capable of providing essential heat and power in extreme environments, from the icy surfaces of distant moons to the intense heat of Venus.

Space Technology and Engineering

UCF is forging the future of space technology with innovations that push the boundaries of lunar and deep space exploration. Through advancements in lunar resource utilization, UCF has developed methods to efficiently extract ice from lunar soil so that it can be transformed into vital resources like water and rocket fuel, while new techniques for processing lunar soil drastically reduce construction costs for infrastructure such as landing pads.

UCF researchers are also pioneering 3D-printed bricks made from lunar regolith that withstand extreme space conditions, setting the foundation for resilient off-world habitats. Lunar regolith is the loose dust, rocks and materials that cover the moon 麻豆精品 S檚 surface.

鲍颁贵 麻豆精品 S檚 Exolith Lab, part of the , continues to lead in space hardware testing, advancing resource extraction and lunar construction technologies. Meanwhile, FSI’s CubeSat program is opening new doors in space exploration with compact, affordable satellites that give students and researchers access to microgravity and beyond.

Space Commercialization

UCF’s new space commercialization program 麻豆精品 S� led by , College of Business professor of practice and associate provost for space commercialization and strategy 麻豆精品 S� positions the university as a leader in space-related business education.

Autry will guide the college 麻豆精品 S檚 efforts to deliver Executive and MBA programs in space commercialization, driving curriculum development and establishing space-focused programs that equip students to lead in the growing commercial space industry.

In addition to the space commercialization聽program, Autry will be working with external stakeholders, including NASA, the U.S. Space Force and commercial firms like Blue Origin, SpaceX and Virgin Galactic, to develop opportunities to advance mutual interests in space.

This includes working with Kennedy Space Center to lead a State University System partnership with the state of Florida to develop the necessary talent to maintain and expand Florida 麻豆精品 S檚 leadership in space exploration and commercialization.

Autry will also be leading 鲍颁贵 麻豆精品 S檚 effort to develop and execute a roadmap for the university 麻豆精品 S檚 SpaceU brand through targeted investments in talent and facilities.

Space Domain Awareness

UCF is advancing space domain awareness research to protect critical assets in orbit by developing sophisticated algorithms for tracking and predicting the movement of objects such as satellites and asteroids, so they don 麻豆精品 S檛 collide with spacecraft. Under the guidance of aerospace engineering expert Tarek Elgohary, UCF researchers are creating a computational framework to rapidly and accurately track space objects in real time. This initiative is backed by the U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research Dynamic Data and Information Process Program.

UCF is also addressing the growing issue of orbital debris through a NASA-funded study that includes researchers from 鲍颁贵 麻豆精品 S檚 FSI and . This project seeks to increase public awareness and support for managing space debris, a hazard to satellites and potential space tourism ventures.

Workforce Development

UCF is propelling students toward dynamic careers in the space industry with hands-on programs and sought-after internship opportunities. Through the new engineering graduate certificate in electronic parts engineering, developed in collaboration with NASA, students are gaining essential skills in testing and evaluating space-ready electronic components 麻豆精品 S� a key advantage for aspiring space professionals.

Additionally, UCF students can benefit from hands-on internships at Kennedy Space Center, where they gain real-world experience in various fields, from engineering to project management.

At the , students gain direct experience in microgravity research and robotics. The center embodies 鲍颁贵 麻豆精品 S檚 commitment to democratizing space access, offering pathways for students from all backgrounds to participate in and contribute to the growing space industry.

FSI 麻豆精品 S檚 CubeSat program further immerses students in satellite design and operation, offering direct involvement in active space missions.

Planetary Science

UCF’s planetary science program is driving breakthroughs in space exploration with projects spanning the moon, Mars and beyond. The NASA-funded Lunar-VISE mission, led by UCF, will explore the Gruithuisen domes on the far side of the moon to understand their volcanic origins, potentially unlocking insights crucial for future space exploration.

Complementing this, UCF researchers are contributing to NASA 麻豆精品 S檚 Lunar Trailblazer mission, which will map water ice deposits on the moon 麻豆精品 S� an essential resource for sustained stays in space. On another front, UCF scientists are studying dust behavior in microgravity through experiments that flew on Blue Origin 麻豆精品 S檚 New Shepard rocket, potentially leading to strategies for mitigating lunar dust, a challenge for electronics and equipment on future missions.

Expanding its reach beyond the moon, 鲍颁贵 麻豆精品 S檚 planetary science research involves asteroid studies, including the high-profile OSIRIS-REx mission to asteroid Bennu and examining seismic wave propagation in simulated asteroid materials to understand asteroid evolution and early planetary formation. UCF is also home to the , a node of NASA 麻豆精品 S檚 Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute, which facilitates NASA 麻豆精品 S檚 exploration of deep space by focusing its goals at the intersection of surface science and surface exploration of rocky, atmosphereless bodies.

Additionally, UCF researchers are studying trans-Neptunian objects and using the James Webb Space Telescope to explore the solar system’s outer reaches, analyzing ancient ices to uncover clues about the solar system’s history, while also investigating exoplanets to advance our understanding of other planets and to search for life beyond Earth.

In parallel, UCF researchers are also advancing bold ideas for terraforming Mars through nanoparticle dispersion to create warming effect, making the Red Planet potentially more habitable.

UCF researchers have also contributed their expertise to multiple high-profile NASA missions, including Cassini, Mars Pathfinder, Mars Curiosity, and New Horizons.

Advancing Astrophotonics, History and Policy

鲍颁贵 麻豆精品 S檚 space research spans pioneering astrophotonics technology, studies in space history and critical analyses in space policy, each offering unique insights into the universe. The within CREOL, the College of Optics and Photonics, is pushing the boundaries of photonics and astronomy, using tools like photonic lanterns, fiber optics, and hyperspectral imaging to detect cosmic phenomena and address profound questions about dark energy.

Meanwhile, delves into space history, exploring the cultural and scientific impacts of milestones like the Apollo missions and the Space Shuttle program, helping illuminate humanity 麻豆精品 S檚 journey into space.

The contributes to this comprehensive approach with its broad studies of space policy, both domestically and internationally, including examining military space policy and rising space powers. The work involves studying space law, international agreements, and policy frameworks that guide space activities, which is essential for addressing the governance and strategic planning needed for space exploration and utilization.

Pioneering Tomorrow 麻豆精品 S檚 Space Exploration

UCF is pushing the frontiers of space research and education, tackling today 麻豆精品 S檚 challenges while preparing for the demands of future space missions. As the new space race continues, 鲍颁贵 麻豆精品 S檚 forward-thinking approach will continue to drive progress, inspire new possibilities and expand humanity 麻豆精品 S檚 reach into the universe.

UCF launched the Center of Excellence in Hypersonic and Space Propulsion 麻豆精品 S� HyperSpace Center for short 麻豆精品 S� on Wednesday alongside leaders of the U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research, one of the university 麻豆精品 S檚 main partners in hypersonic research.

The HyperSpace Center will advance the research and innovations of world-renowned faculty members like Kareem Ahmed, a professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, whose team has received multiple U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) grants to develop hypersonic technology.

麻豆精品 S淲hat we create here and across UCF will define the aerospace and defense industries for generations. 麻豆精品 S� 麻豆精品 S� Alexander N. Cartwright, UCF president

UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright and Col. Janelle T.H. Jackson, deputy director of the Air Force Office of Scientific Research and detachment 14 commander, spoke at the launch ceremony at the new center in the Central Florida Research Park adjacent to the UCF main campus. They were joined by U.S. Reps. Darren Soto and Daniel Webster and State Rep. Susan Plasencia.

麻豆精品 S淲hat we create here and across UCF will define the aerospace and defense industries for generations, 麻豆精品 S� Cartwright says. 麻豆精品 S淯CF has always been an institution for people who have dared to invent a better future. We are also an institution that recognizes no one builds the future alone.

It takes strong partnerships, shared vision, and a relentless commitment to be bold together. UCF and the Air Force have an incredible history of collaboration, and I am excited about our dedication to continuing to build, innovate, and lead together. 麻豆精品 S�

Col. Jackson celebrated the significance of the HyperSpace Center bringing together the DOD, UCF 聽and cutting-edge technology.

麻豆精品 S淭oday, the University of Central Florida is not only opening a new, top-notch facility where leading-edge research in hypersonics and space propulsion will take place, 麻豆精品 S� Col. Jackson says. 麻豆精品 S淵ou are also opening doors and opportunities to students from various backgrounds. 麻豆精品 S�

麻豆精品 S淭hey are gaining the opportunity to realize their dreams, to work towards expanding the scientific frontier and disciplines that are of great importance to the Department of Defense and also to the larger DoD ecosystem. The hyperspace hub is a place where these students can become the thought leaders and problem solvers of tomorrow. 麻豆精品 S�

Ahmed 麻豆精品 S檚 research team includes 40 graduate students and 25 undergraduates. The team 麻豆精品 S檚 research will transition from other labs on campus into the new facility and will benefit from a unique and upgraded testing environment for hypersonic materials, aerodynamics and propulsion. The Air Force Office of Scientific Research has supported Ahmed 麻豆精品 S檚 team through multiple research grants.

Hypersonic propulsion allows for air travel at speeds of Mach 6 to 17, meaning six to 17 times the speed of sound, or more than 4,600 to 13,000 mph.

Advanced hypersonic propulsion systems are a national priority and are essential to maintaining U.S. national defense as global technological advancements continue to evolve. High-speed propulsion research requires hypersonic facilities that can generate the representative flight Mach numbers.

For space travel, hypersonic technology holds promise for opening up the boundaries of space exploration as it fuels flights through the Earth 麻豆精品 S檚 atmosphere at very high speeds and allows for safe and efficient entries and exits through planetary atmospheres.

On Earth, flying at hypersonic speeds means going from New York to London in less than 15 minutes 麻豆精品 S� making it much more convenient to travel to close an important business deal, attend a best friend 麻豆精品 S檚 wedding or see a bucket-list sporting event.

Ahmed 麻豆精品 S檚 research holds promise in all of those areas 麻豆精品 S� and also is preparing students on his team to be innovators and leaders in the field after they graduate, demonstrating why UCF is both Florida 麻豆精品 S檚 premier engineering and technology university, and the nation 麻豆精品 S檚 No. 1 supplier of graduates to the aerospace and defense industry for six years in a row, according to Aviation Week Network.

麻豆精品 S淚t 麻豆精品 S檚 important that UCF lead this research, primarily because of the student talent that we have, 麻豆精品 S� Ahmed says. 麻豆精品 S淚ndustry is interested in our top talent. Once they graduate, they are already hired by industry, pretrained on the topics they would explore and they become the next generation of leaders in this technology. 麻豆精品 S�

The DoD is providing more than $20 million in funding to support Ahmed 麻豆精品 S檚 research, including for developing the聽first hypersonic rotating detonation rocket engine and creating a morphing hypersonic engine.

鲍颁贵 麻豆精品 S檚 longstanding partnership with the U.S. Air Force extends beyond hypersonics.

麻豆精品 S湵涔� 麻豆精品 S檚 history, and our commitment to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible, have helped to position us as Florida 麻豆精品 S檚 premier engineering and technology university. 麻豆精品 S� 麻豆精品 S� Alexander N. Cartwright, UCF president

UCF and Air Force ROTC Detachment 159 were recipients of the DoD ROTC and Educational Institution Partnership Excellence Award in 2021-22, when the UCF Air Force ROTC program ranked first out of 145 nationwide.

The Air Force also has funded other UCF research projects outside of hypersonics, including how to make semiconductors immune to radiation from the sun and other celestial bodies and also how to ensure reliability and design consistency in semiconductors.

麻豆精品 S湵涔� 麻豆精品 S檚 history, and our commitment to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible, have helped to position us as Florida 麻豆精品 S檚 premier engineering and technology university, 麻豆精品 S� Cartwright says. 麻豆精品 S淥ur geographic location 麻豆精品 S� surrounded by industries eager to collaborate on research and workforce development 麻豆精品 S� puts UCF in a unique position to capitalize on emerging opportunities.

We are thinking beyond theory … we are establishing the foundation for revolutionary technology and innovation that will shape both the defense and civilian sectors. 麻豆精品 S�

Ten Knights were selected for the 2024 Department of Defense (DoD) Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship, an educational and workforce opportunity available to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing STEM degrees. The program covers the cost of tuition and education related expenses, provides an annual stipend of at least $30,000 a year, provides a mentored internship experience during the summer and offers employment at a DoD facility upon degree completion. The goal of the program is to build a workforce of leaders in the STEM disciplines.

The recipients are:

• Brandon Allen
• Matthew Hadad
• Emily Kinkead
• Joseph Lee
• Thomas Nguyen
• Conner Parsay
• Jordyn Sitson
• Jeffery Smith
• Enilda Velazquez 麻豆精品 S�20
• Louis Vest

Brandon Allen

Master 麻豆精品 S檚 in electrical engineering student

As a gifted math and science student, Allen says he always wanted to be an engineer, something his mom encouraged during his childhood. He chose electrical engineering for its novelty compared to other more well-known disciplines.

麻豆精品 S淚 chose electrical engineering because it deals with concepts that are so unknown to most people, almost as if it were a form of magic, 麻豆精品 S� Allen says.

He was drawn to UCF for two reasons: his family in close proximity, and for its optics programs, which are ranked in the top 30 worldwide according to U.S. News & World Report.

麻豆精品 S淚 chose UCF because of its optics program. In my line of work, I deal with infrared cameras and other electro-optical devices, 麻豆精品 S� Allen says. 麻豆精品 S淎lso, I have family members in the area that will help make UCF feel like a home away from home. 麻豆精品 S�

Allen adds that he applied to the SMART scholarship program for the financial opportunity to attend school full time.

麻豆精品 S淚 plan on using my education to help foster innovation within the Air Force, 麻豆精品 S� he says. 麻豆精品 S淎lso, I have hopes that an M.S. degree will help me obtain promotions and take on more of a leadership role. 麻豆精品 S�

Matthew Hadad

Bachelor 麻豆精品 S檚 in electrical engineering student

Electrical engineering major Hadad knew he had a penchant for electrical engineering from his interest in circuit math from a high school course, AP Physics I. His pursuit of the field is also an homage to his mom, who had planned on studying electrical engineering herself.

麻豆精品 S淢y mother was going to be an electrical engineering major, but she could not finish because she had given birth to me, and I was a bigger priority for her than her major, 麻豆精品 S� Hadad says.

UCF wasn 麻豆精品 S檛 the school he dreamed of growing up, but a high school friend convinced him to become a Knight and he hasn 麻豆精品 S檛 looked back since. When he learned of the opportunity to pursue the SMART scholarship, its military ties were a natural fit for him. Hadad says he was always fascinated with naval history, particularly of navies during World War II.

麻豆精品 S淚 am very grateful for the SMART Scholar program. After I receive my M.S. degree, I plan to work for the U.S. Department of Defense for as long as possible, 麻豆精品 S� Hadad says. 麻豆精品 S淚t 麻豆精品 S檚 something I have wanted to do and could see myself doing in the future. 麻豆精品 S�

Emily Kinkead

Bachelor 麻豆精品 S檚 in photonics science and engineering student

As a transfer student, Kinkead has yet to step foot on the UCF campus, but she 麻豆精品 S檚 already made quite the impact. The photonics science and engineering major spent the summer at the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Armaments Center at the Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey, where she 麻豆精品 S檚 already participated in several STEM outreach programs. She says she 麻豆精品 S檚 excited for the opportunity to intern there and looks forward to learning as much as she can from the experience.

麻豆精品 S淭here is so much to learn and experience, 麻豆精品 S� Kinkead says. 麻豆精品 S淗aving the ability to do so with the support of SMART means that I will be pushed and challenged as I pursue my degree, which I hope one day will make me an invaluable member of the DoD family. 麻豆精品 S�

Joseph Lee

Doctorate in chemistry student

After serving on the front line for the U.S. Army, Lee aims to make a difference in military labs to advance nuclear security research. As a chemist, his doctoral research, which is conducted under the guidance of Assistant Professor Vasileios Anagnostopoulos, focuses on understanding the interactions of radioactive elements, such as actinides, with molecules found in nature. Applications for this work can range from radioactive waste management 麻豆精品 S� including response to events such as Fukushima nuclear accident in 2011 麻豆精品 S� to efficient use of nuclear fuel and even recycling.

麻豆精品 S淚 aspire to join the Airforce Technical Application Center (AFTAC) located on Patrick Space Force Base upon my graduation, 麻豆精品 S� Lee says. 麻豆精品 S淭here I will have the opportunity to contribute to the nation 麻豆精品 S檚 mission related to nuclear security and global monitoring of nuclear activities under the DoD. 麻豆精品 S�

With the SMART Scholarship, Lee is on the right path to his dream career as he 麻豆精品 S檒l be interning at AFTAC each summer until he graduates.

麻豆精品 S淭he DoD is offering opportunities for the next generation of subject matter experts in the field of nuclear science and technology, 麻豆精品 S� Lee says. 麻豆精品 S淎long with this, UCF is providing me the fundamental academic resources and training as a graduate student. These opportunities will provide me with a unique skillset in the future of scientific progression. 麻豆精品 S�

Thomas Nguyen

Doctorate in biomedical engineering student

Nguyen is no stranger to prestigious internships. The biomedical engineering doctoral student previously completed the Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program (NREIP), sponsored by the Office of Naval Research. Fittingly, Nguyen completed his DoD SMART internship with the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWCTSD). He says both his time at UCF and his experience with NREIP have prepared him for this opportunity.

麻豆精品 S淣otably, my involvement in projects like the T-45 Flight Simulator Development and the Dental Aerosol Reduction System (DARS) project during my NREIP internships has provided me with firsthand experience in applying engineering principles to defense-related simulations, 麻豆精品 S� Nguyen says. 麻豆精品 S淭hese experiences have prepared me to excel in a dynamic and challenging environment, where innovation and technical expertise are paramount. 麻豆精品 S�

Nguyen will work under the mentorship of senior research and development engineer Rocco Portoghese, assisting with projects that leverage simulation technologies to enhance the effectiveness of military training. Through his work, Nguyen hopes to enhance his knowledge of simulation technologies, develop technical skills in electrical circuitry and 3D design, and emerge from the internship as a leader ready for a career with a defense organization.

麻豆精品 S淭his opportunity represents a pivotal moment in my academic and professional journey, allowing me to contribute directly to defense technology while furthering my education, 麻豆精品 S� Nguyen says. 麻豆精品 S淚 am eager to immerse myself in challenging projects and collaborate with experts in the field, ultimately making meaningful contributions to the defense industry. 麻豆精品 S�

Jordyn Sitson

Bachelor 麻豆精品 S檚 in information technology聽 student

After graduation, Jordyn Sitson plans to become a cyber analyst and researcher. Now in her senior year, she 麻豆精品 S檚 already lined up a job with the DoD.

麻豆精品 S淢y favorite part of the cybersecurity field has always been finding the clues that lead up to a cyber-attack, and by pursuing a career as an analyst and researcher I 麻豆精品 S檒l be able to search for these traces firsthand and stay up to date on any trends that may be related to the cause of potential cyberattacks, 麻豆精品 S� Sitson says.

The computer science major heard about the SMART Scholarship through a speaker at the Women in Cybersecurity Club at UCF. 麻豆精品 S淭he scholarship is still relatively unknown and easy to apply for, 麻豆精品 S� Sitson says. 麻豆精品 S淚 encourage anyone in STEM that is looking for a chance to get a head start working and gaining experience at a DoD facility to apply for this scholarship. 麻豆精品 S�

This summer, Sitson gained experience as a cybersecurity intern at NAVFAC, the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command in Jacksonville, Florida. There she worked with four cybersecurity teams, which helped her decide to work with the Operational Technology team for the following summers.

麻豆精品 S淟earning information and applying it are completely different so I hope that with this real-world experience I become a better cyber analyst that can help contribute to NAVFAC 麻豆精品 S檚 mission, 麻豆精品 S� Sitson says.

Jeffery Smith

Master 麻豆精品 S檚 in civil engineering student

鲍颁贵 麻豆精品 S檚 reputation for engineering education, its proximity to prominent engineering organizations and its partnerships with industry giants like the DoD persuaded Smith to become a Knight. That decision paid off for Smith, who will conveniently complete his internship at his current workplace, the Jacksonville District Office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Smith works under the mentorship of civil engineer Tony Ledford, learning how to apply the concepts he 麻豆精品 S檚 learned in the classroom to the real world.

麻豆精品 S淚 look forward to benefiting from Tony Ledford’s experience as a mentor and learning about creative engineering techniques, efficient project management techniques and problem-solving techniques, 麻豆精品 S� Smith says. 麻豆精品 S淚n addition, I’m excited to expand my professional networks and ties inside the DoD, which will be very helpful for my future job. 麻豆精品 S�

Smith says the opportunity to work for the DoD, and to receive financial support for his graduate students, were just a few benefits that drew him to the SMART Scholar program.

麻豆精品 S淕etting chosen as a SMART Scholar is a thrilling and incredibly fulfilling experience, 麻豆精品 S� Smith says. 麻豆精品 S淜nowing that my efforts and commitment have been acknowledged in a fiercely competitive sector is a great source of pride and achievement. 麻豆精品 S�

Enilda Velazquez 麻豆精品 S�20

Doctorate in human factors and cognitive psychology student, bachelor 麻豆精品 S檚 in psychology alum with minors in cognitive sciences, and international and national security

Inspired by her parents 麻豆精品 S� work in civilian defense through the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy, Velazquez aims to be a scientist contributing to U.S. national security. At UCF, Velazquez has engaged in several research experiences, including previous efforts with the Transportation Research Group Lab and current work with the Minds in Technology, Machines in Thought (MIT2) Lab.

麻豆精品 S淢y research is on visual performance, but specifically multi-target search, [which is] how we look at multiple things of interest in a scene that has other things that are not of interest, 麻豆精品 S� she says. 麻豆精品 S淭he biggest impact of my work is safety. 麻豆精品 S�

While Velazquez says she 麻豆精品 S檚 had some valuable research experiences at UCF, she 麻豆精品 S檚 looking forward to taking her work to the next level with optics work at the C5ISR Center, which is one of eight science and technology domains within the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, known as DEVCOM. She also says she 麻豆精品 S檚 looking forward to serving as an apprentice to a mentor working in the field.

麻豆精品 S淚’m very excited just be on hands-on projects and kind of learn by doing. I love learning by doing. I feel like that’s most of my career has been learning by doing, 麻豆精品 S� Velazquez says. 麻豆精品 S淎nd so just to be on projects where I can see this kind of research be applied real time, I feel like that’s honestly the most invaluable part of this entire thing.”

Louis Vest

Doctorate in aerospace engineering student

Before Louis Vest decided a doctoral degree, he debated following in his father and grandfather 麻豆精品 S檚 steps to join the military. With the SMART Scholarship program, he 麻豆精品 S檚 able to serve his country in a different way.

麻豆精品 S淢y father instilled in me a very serious work ethic and a dedication to take advantage of opportunities that he did not have, in this case, being able to go to school, 麻豆精品 S� Vest says. 麻豆精品 S淚 think the biggest driving force for [why I applied to] SMART was 麻豆精品 S� 聽having the opportunity to serve my country as a civilian contractor with the DoD. 麻豆精品 S�

Vest always knew he wanted to be an engineer, but his journey at UCF solidified his career would be in the aerospace industry. The doctoral student 麻豆精品 S檚 research focuses on fundamental fuel chemistry, and he is mentored by Professor Subith Vasu, who studies clean energy and hypersonic travel advancement.

麻豆精品 S淯pon connecting with [Dr. Vasu], he was the reason that I came out to UCF, 麻豆精品 S� Vest says. 麻豆精品 S淚 had done a little bit of reading on research opportunities with Vasu that students were able to pave their way through, and it felt like a very natural fit. 麻豆精品 S� The environment, and by extension the community, that UCF fosters, particularly in the sciences, is unparalleled. 麻豆精品 S�

Next summer, he 麻豆精品 S檒l intern at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Indian Head, Maryland, gaining hands-on experience and industry insights that would normally take years to achieve, he says.

麻豆精品 S淚 hope to be a part of the next generation of researchers who find the most efficient fuels to be used in the aerospace and astronomical industries, 麻豆精品 S� Vest says, 麻豆精品 S淎nd I’m hoping to gain the opportunity to work alongside other engineers and partners to effectively help pave the way for the next frontier, which I believe is a space. 麻豆精品 S�

Hypersonic propulsion would allow for air travel at speeds of Mach 6 to 17, or more than 4,600 to 13,000 miles per hour, and has applications in commercial and space travel.

Over the past year, the DoD has awarded funding to hypersonics research led by Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Professor Kareem Ahmed to support the advancements he 麻豆精品 S檚 making in the technology.

The awards are funding the construction of a hypersonic testing facility, flight experiments and further advancements of the technology.

The support is a testament to the progress UCF has made in the field, including developing the first hypersonic rotating detonation rocket engine, which could allow for air travel from New York to L.A in less than 30 minutes. It also comes on the heels of recently received DoD funding to build a morphing hypersonic engine.

麻豆精品 S淗igh-hypersonic propulsion technology is being born here, similar to how new technology was developed at Kennedy Space Center during the space era, 麻豆精品 S� Ahmed says. 麻豆精品 S淣ow it 麻豆精品 S檚 happening at UCF. The new funding highlights that we’re a major player in hypersonic propulsion. 麻豆精品 S�

The most recent projects include:

High-Hypersonic Enthalpy Facility (HiHYPER) for Hypersonic and Space Propulsion

Achieving ultra-high-speed flight at hypersonic speeds is a national priority and an international focus driving the hypersonics and space race. Such systems would allow flight through our atmosphere at very high speeds and allow efficient entry and exit from planetary atmospheres. This will make hypersonic defense systems, space exploration, and intercontinental travel as routine as intercity travel is today.

Advanced hypersonic propulsion systems are needed to maintain the technological superiority of the U.S. Air Force relative to the growing technological threat from adversaries. High-speed propulsion research requires hypersonic facilities that could generate the representative flight Mach numbers and enthalpies.

This project, funded by the U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR), aims to develop a unique mid-scale high-hypersonic enthalpy propulsion testing facility at UCF for integrated hypersonic materials, aerodynamics, and propulsion research (HiHYPER). HiHYPER will provide significant new capabilities to explore the fundamentals of the hypersonic regime and overcome the most significant national challenges where advances are needed in hypersonic research.

Hypersonic Flight Experiment for High-Speed Propulsion Detonation Fundamentals

This project 麻豆精品 S檚 objective is to develop the experimental hardware for a flight experiment to stabilize and investigate standing oblique detonation waves under an AFOSR program.

The technology offers improved jet propulsion engine efficiency so that more power is generated while using less fuel than traditional propulsion engines, thus lightening the fuel load and reducing costs and emissions.

In addition to聽faster air travel, the technology could also be used in聽rockets for space missions聽to make them lighter by requiring less fuel, travel farther and burn more cleanly.

The flight experiments are critically needed to provide the structure and dynamic details of standing oblique detonation waves in a hypersonic flight regime. The flight experimental results will form the foundation for hypersonic detonation engines.

Distinguished Fellow: Advanced Flow-Independent Fuel Injector for Naval Propulsion

This project, funded by the Office of Naval Research, will explore and document the evolution spray and splash dynamics of the flow independent fuel injector, a type of fuel injector designed to deliver a consistent and precise amount of fuel regardless of variations in fuel pressure.

Fuel control will improve Navy applications system performance that are reliant on jet-in-crossflow fuel injectors commonly used in combustors and augmentors to fuel modern Navy propulsions systems, such as the F35.

These improvements will lead to efficient propulsion and power systems that control jet fueling for enhanced performance. Fuel injection is a critical technology for Navy Aircraft propulsion, unmanned aerial vehicles, ship propulsion and power, ramjets/scramjets and missiles.

Researcher Credentials

Ahmed joined 鲍颁贵 麻豆精品 S檚 Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, part of 鲍颁贵 麻豆精品 S檚 College of Engineering and Computer Science, in 2014. He is also a faculty member of the Center for Advanced Turbomachinery and Energy Research and the Florida Center for Advanced Aero-Propulsion. He served more than three years as a senior aero/thermo engineer at Pratt & Whitney military engines working on advanced engine programs and technologies. He also served as a faculty member at Old Dominion University and Florida State University. At UCF, he is leading research in propulsion and energy with applications for power generation and gas-turbine engines, propulsion-jet engines, hypersonics and fire safety, as well as research related to supernova science and COVID-19 transmission control. He earned his doctoral degree in mechanical engineering from the State University of New York at Buffalo. He is an American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics associate fellow and a U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory and Office of Naval Research faculty fellow.

In a first-of-its-kind mission for the United States that spanned over seven years, the unmanned spacecraft mapped and studied the surface of the near-Earth asteroid Bennu, then retrieved a sample for researchers to study the asteroid 麻豆精品 S檚 composition.

Topping the list was a story on the world 麻豆精品 S檚 first energy-saving paint inspired by butterflies. The plasmonic paint utilizes a nanoscale structural arrangement of colorless materials 麻豆精品 S� aluminum and aluminum oxide 麻豆精品 S� instead of pigments to create colors. The paint can contribute to energy-saving efforts and help reduce environmental impacts.

Other stories included a $12.6 million Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency grant looking to create self-repairing, biological and human-engineered reef-mimicking structures. UCF is helping design reef structures that will be used to mitigate coastal flooding, erosion and storm damage that threaten civilian and Department of Defense infrastructure and personnel. Another story featured new research on the earliest presence of Homo sapiens in Southeast Asia, pushing back the presence of humans in that part of the world by at least 20,000 years and a human presence in the region for at least 56,000 years.

Here are the Top 10 UCF Research News Stories of 2023:

1. UCF Researcher Creates World 麻豆精品 S檚 First Energy-saving Paint 麻豆精品 S� Inspired by Butterflies

2. The Long Journey of NASA 麻豆精品 S橲 OSIRIS-REx

3. Human Migration Timeline Redrawn by Fresh Fossil Analysis

4. New UCF-developed Battery Could Prevent Post-hurricane Electric Vehicle Fires

5. UCF Researchers Are Advancing AI-assisted Drug Discovery

6. UCF is Designing Self-repairing Oyster Reefs to Protect Florida 麻豆精品 S檚 Coastlines

7. New DOD-funded Project Will Develop Morphing Hypersonic Engine

8. UCF Researchers Create Bioabsorbable Implants for Better Bone Healing

9. UCF Team Awarded $2.3M Grant for Innovative Intervention to Prevent Falls

10. Deadly Frog Disease More Prevalent in Central Florida Than Expected, UCF Study Finds

The annual top 10 list is based on聽UCF Today聽page views and coverage UCF research received by global, national, state, and local media. The stories were generated by news releases and pitches from UCF Communications and Marketing, 鲍颁贵 麻豆精品 S檚 Office of Research and 鲍颁贵 麻豆精品 S檚 colleges.

Raytheon Technologies, a research partner of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, was so impressed with the work of recent intern Sydney Giannuzzi that they honored her with an Innovation Achievement Award for her outstanding contributions to their research and to the team.

麻豆精品 S淪ydney’s work ethic and enthusiasm for the project are remarkable, and it has been a pleasure to have her be our intern this summer, 麻豆精品 S� the awarded certificate reads. 麻豆精品 S淲e are looking forward to continued collaboration with her throughout her Ph.D. work. 麻豆精品 S�

Giannuzzi, an aerospace engineering doctoral student, completed the internship this past summer at the defense company 麻豆精品 S檚 Hartford, Connecticut, location. She worked on the design and analysis of a novel flow valve that can more easily test operating conditions for aircraft engines. The goal is to better understand the damping process so that aircraft engine designers can prevent the dangerous conditions that could lead to engine failure.

The project is funded through a $899,000 grant from the Office of Naval Research, which facilitated the collaboration between Raytheon and UCF. Jeffrey Kauffman, director of 鲍颁贵 麻豆精品 S檚 aerospace engineering program, is the principal investigator of the project, which includes two 10-week internships at Raytheon.

Although other UCF students have assisted with the research, Giannuzzi is the first to work on the project as a Raytheon intern. She says she 麻豆精品 S檚 thrilled with the progress her team made and with the recognition it garnered.

麻豆精品 S淚 am honored that my team and supervisor appreciated my contribution and thought to submit me for this award, 麻豆精品 S� Giannuzzi says. 麻豆精品 S淚t means a lot to be recognized by such a talented group of individuals. 麻豆精品 S�

The project taught her the value of collaboration and how to work with various teams to produce a viable result 麻豆精品 S� a lesson that will stay with her as she embarks on her career.

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After graduation, Giannuzzi plans to work in the aerospace industry with a focus on structural dynamics for aircraft and spacecraft. She says that UCF was always the top choice for her doctoral education due to the location and its reputation for being a partnership university with relationships with aerospace engineering companies.

麻豆精品 S淐onnecting with Dr. Kauffman helped to solidify my plans when I learned about his research focused on structural dynamics and adaptive structures, 麻豆精品 S� Giannuzzi says. 麻豆精品 S淚 don 麻豆精品 S檛 think I could have found a better fit for me in regard to my research interests and the connections that I have made through my research at UCF. 麻豆精品 S�

This year, 165 students from 68 U.S. institutions were selected for this fellowship, which lasts for three years and covers tuition and fees for any doctoral program in the country. Participants also receive a monthly stipend and are paired with a research mentor who will guide them through their chosen project. At the end of the fellowship, students have the chance to present their research at the annual NDSEG Conference.

Since the program 麻豆精品 S檚 inception in 1989, more than 4,500 fellowships have been awarded to college students. This year 麻豆精品 S檚 UCF awardees are:

• Andrew DeRusha 麻豆精品 S�22, aerospace engineering
• Daniel Dyson 麻豆精品 S�21 麻豆精品 S�22MS, aerospace engineering and Burnett Honors Scholar
• Alphonse Marra, physics

Andrew DeRusha 麻豆精品 S�22

DeRusha may not have his career path solidified yet, but he 麻豆精品 S檚 already following in his father 麻豆精品 S檚 footsteps. His dad worked as an engineer while DeRusha was growing up and introduced him to the ultimate space saga, Star Wars. His interest in the franchise, paired with the influence of his father 麻豆精品 S檚 career, led him to pursue a degree in aerospace engineering.

DeRusha walked across the UCF stage in Spring 2022 and has already completed the first year of his aerospace engineering doctoral degree. He says the NDSEG fellowship will help him explore his interests and entertain future engineering and research possibilities.

麻豆精品 S淭he fellowship is the perfect opportunity to help me find out what I want to do, 麻豆精品 S� DeRusha says. 麻豆精品 S淎ll I know is that I love engineering and am passionate about research. I hope that whatever my career ends up being, I can continue to work in a research role. 麻豆精品 S�

DeRusha will flex his research skills as he develops a multi-species laser-absorption sensor, used in diagnostics for combustion systems. He 麻豆精品 S檒l also continue to work in the Vasu Lab, led by Professor of Aerospace Engineering Subith Vasu, an experience that led him to the NDSEG fellowship.

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Daniel Dyson 麻豆精品 S�21 麻豆精品 S�22MS

Like many aerospace engineering students, Dyson was drawn to the field of astronautics through the space shuttle program and the burning questions it posed in his young mind: How does a rocket function? How can it carry a payload from Earth to space?

His career path was set after attending the Florida Space Grant Consortium Engineering Academy, which allowed him to tour the UCF engineering labs, design and test model rockets, build popsicle-stick bridges, and code in Java.

麻豆精品 S淭hese projects and my mentors from this program encouraged me to pursue a degree in engineering and really kickstarted my development as an engineer and a researcher, 麻豆精品 S� Dyson says.

After earning two degrees in aerospace engineering, interning at Northrop Grumman and working on research projects with Vasu, Dyson is now a full-fledged engineer and researcher. He 麻豆精品 S檒l use the skills he 麻豆精品 S檚 honed at UCF to complete his NDSEG research project, which aims to reveal new insights regarding combustion and explosion dynamics.

Dyson will specifically study the combustion of burning fuel droplets that contain nitrogen and their effects post-detonation as well as the combustion process of nitromethane. But perhaps his most compelling discovery will come from the experience itself. Dyson says he looks forward to future mentorship from scientists and engineers and learning more about careers in research.

At UCF, the two-time alum will still be mentored by Vasu as he completes his doctoral degree in aerospace engineering. Dyson says he chose to attend UCF not only for its location and tuition support, but its reputation as SpaceU.

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Alphonse Marra

Physics doctoral student Marra 麻豆精品 S檚 research began with ultrafast physics during his undergraduate studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He became fascinated with the use of lasers to study phenomena at very short timescales.

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After graduating with his bachelor 麻豆精品 S檚 degree, Marra began working at UCF on a new project to build a laser alongside a well-respected group with a history of success. Marra 麻豆精品 S檚 focus on physics is attosecond science, and he works with Pegasus Professor Zenghu Chang. The next step in their research is to focus on generating few-cycle pulses capable of driving single-isolated attosecond pulses.

The NDSEG fellowship he 麻豆精品 S檚 received will give him greater flexibility with his research and allow him to travel to conferences like a seminar at the Air Force Institute of Technology, where he is presenting this fall.

麻豆精品 S淚’m grateful for the staff members in the Department of Physics and the sense of community in the department, Marra says. 麻豆精品 S淚 have a lot of people from UCF to thank, from machinists to fellow students to professors and many others. I especially am grateful to my PI (principal investigator), professor Chang, for his dedication to our research. 麻豆精品 S�