They 麻豆精品 S檙e already renowned researchers and experts in emergency management. Now, professors and are expanding their impact to the federal level after being hand-selected for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Vanguard Executive Crisis Leaders Fellowship.

The fellowship, housed within FEMA 麻豆精品 S檚 National Disaster and Emergency Management University (NDEMU), brings together top crisis leaders from across the nation to strengthen the future of emergency and crisis management. Emrich was selected for the 11th cohort in New Orleans (May 11-15) and Washington D.C. (June 22-26), and Knox will join the 12th in Washington D.C. (July 20-24) and Houston (Aug. 17-21).

Researchers Sought Out by FEMA

Prior to joining the s Emergency Management and Homeland Security program, Emrich and Knox each worked with FEMA in separate capacities.

Emrich spent years working in the organization, from mapping hurricane impacts in Florida in 2004 to helping rebuild trust in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Knox has worked with FEMA through its Higher Education Program, which she has participated in since 2011, lead focus group initiatives, established an annual award, and aided in training curriculum development.

When assembling these new cohorts, FEMA sought out and hand-selected each of them. Typically, it is rare to include multiple academics in these groups, let alone two from one university in consecutive cohorts.

麻豆精品 S淭he fact that there’s two of us from UCF is a really big deal, 麻豆精品 S� Knox says.

麻豆精品 S淏y bringing together these multidisciplinary, cross-sectoral leaders, it will help us better prepare for uncertainty in future disasters. 麻豆精品 S� 麻豆精品 S� Chris Emrich

FEMA formed the program 麻豆精品 S檚 cohort model knowing that the future of disaster response depends not on any single agency or sector but on the strength of connections between them. Each cohort brings together crisis leaders from government, academia, nonprofits and the private sector to build the kind of cross-sectoral networks that are nearly impossible to forge during an actual disaster.

麻豆精品 S淭his program is part of a more recent attempt to try to engage across sectors more efficiently, 麻豆精品 S� Emrich says. 麻豆精品 S淏y bringing together these multidisciplinary, cross-sectoral leaders, it will help us better prepare for uncertainty in future disasters. 麻豆精品 S�

Strengthening the Field, Benefiting Students

Emrich and Knox will participate in roundtable seminars, site visits and discussions with fellow experts to examine emerging risks and shifts in the emergency management landscape, explore leadership frameworks for navigating crises, and brainstorm strategies to strengthen the field, all while building this trusted, cross-sector network.

Knox sees the fellowship as a chance to build new partnerships and bring national insights back to UCF, ultimately benefiting students.

麻豆精品 S淓mergency management changes constantly, 麻豆精品 S� she says. 麻豆精品 S淲e don 麻豆精品 S檛 have the luxury of rinse and repeat. This gives us another avenue to bring the latest thinking directly into our courses. I’m looking forward to exploring these issues through both the lens of researcher and the lens of program director. 麻豆精品 S�

Emrich also sees opportunities for expanding research and collaboration by learning where those in the field are currently struggling.

麻豆精品 S淚 麻豆精品 S檇 love to be a fly on the wall to hear what people’s troubles are, 麻豆精品 S� he says. 麻豆精品 S淚n academia, we’re fortunate to have the time to think about these things and reflect on how to better support them. Those insights turn into grant proposals, student support and expanding the knowledge base. 麻豆精品 S�

Enhancing UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 Cutting-Edge Research

The fellowship also aligns with emerging research areas that UCF is already exploring when it comes to cutting-edge innovations in crisis management.

For example, Emrich is currently using AI to build educational games that teach students about social vulnerability. What would once have taken years of programming work can now be produced from existing course materials and exercise content 麻豆精品 S� opening the door to educational tools that weren’t previously feasible.

麻豆精品 S淲hat AI has been able to produce from my knowledge is something I could not have produced on my own, 麻豆精品 S� Emrich says. 麻豆精品 S淥ne of the things emergency managers are grappling with now is how to use AI productively. I look forward to being part of the conversation. 麻豆精品 S�

Knox is interested in real-time digital replicas of communities, called 麻豆精品 S渄igital twins, 麻豆精品 S� that can be used to model disaster scenarios, as well as to test recovery and mitigation plans before they’re needed.

麻豆精品 S淎 lot of emergency management boots-on-the-ground work is to help make decisions with the incomplete information in a very timely manner, 麻豆精品 S� Knox says. 麻豆精品 S淲e 麻豆精品 S檙e looking at how AI can complement critical thinking skills with new capabilities. I 麻豆精品 S檝e seen it take off in engineering and computer sciences disciplines using real-time social media data to understand evacuation patterns. 麻豆精品 S�

Beyond their individual research, both professors see the fellowship as a catalyst for something bigger within UCF and beyond. They hope it will help them identify new ways to connect expanded emergency management expertise across disciplines.

麻豆精品 S淢补苍测 faculty members in different departments are doing research that can actively support emergency management, 麻豆精品 S� Emrich says. 麻豆精品 S淚 think it might be incumbent upon us to come back to the university and say, 麻豆精品 S楾his is where we need to be. This is how we connect all of our different experts, stakeholders and partners to make our program even stronger. 麻豆精品 S�

When Latrell Sam-German graduated high school in 2021, he didn 麻豆精品 S檛 have a detailed career plan 麻豆精品 S� just a desire to do something that was bigger than him.

Fortunately for him, the possibilities in the realm of serving others are plentiful. He first thought of enlisting in the military, which would also provide the structure he was seeking. He even considered pursuing medicine, trade work or air traffic control.

It was ultimately that innate sense of purpose, coupled with mentorship, that introduced Sam-German to the world of law enforcement by way of UCF. Now on the brink of becoming the inaugural graduate of the bachelor 麻豆精品 S檚 in criminal justice program 麻豆精品 S檚 professional track, he 麻豆精品 S檚 preparing to cross the commencement stage at Addition Financial Arena on Saturday.

But first, he 麻豆精品 S檒l spend today celebrating his graduation from the inaugural class of the Orlando Police Department 麻豆精品 S檚 in-house academy.

Boldly Pursuing His Purpose

Sam-German 麻豆精品 S檚 foray into criminal justice began with candid discussions with both his uncle and best friend 麻豆精品 S檚 brother, both of whom work for a police department in South Florida. The latter became his mentor.

麻豆精品 S淗e took me under his wing and showed me the ins and outs of the career, getting me into the right mindset for the academy and what to expect, 麻豆精品 S� he says.

After completing his associate degree at Broward College, Sam-German transferred to UCF in 2024. Although he knew he wanted to pursue a bachelor 麻豆精品 S檚 in criminal justice, it was an email about the program 麻豆精品 S檚 new professional track from Associate Professor that caught his attention.

Housed in the College of Community Innovation and Education, the professional track allows students to graduate with a degree in criminal justice and a聽certificate in criminal justice management and leadership 麻豆精品 S� plus state certification in law enforcement or corrections, acquired through internship experiences like officer academies.

麻豆精品 S淏eing able to graduate UCF and academy at the same time was definitely the biggest draw for me, 麻豆精品 S� he says. 麻豆精品 S淚t 麻豆精品 S檚 like knocking out two birds with one stone. The opportunity to complete the academy in my last semester as my internship, get my degree and walk out with a job is huge. 麻豆精品 S�

“The opportunity to complete the academy in my last semester as my internship, get my degree and walk out with a job is huge. 麻豆精品 S� 麻豆精品 S� Latrell Sam-German, student

In the professional track, he had the opportunity to go on ride-alongs with three agencies 麻豆精品 S� Orange and Osceola County Sheriff 麻豆精品 S檚 offices, and Orlando Police Department (OPD). He spent the next year and a half juggling his coursework with the various career fairs and networking opportunities that Watkins passed along. All the while, his eyes remained locked on the goal of landing an academy sponsorship for his final semester.

In early Fall 2025, he interviewed with OPD and passed the physical abilities test. He knew his commitment to networking had paid off when his recruiting lieutenant and sergeant remembered him from a spring career summit.

Fast forward a few weeks, and Sam-German got the call he 麻豆精品 S檇 been hoping for: OPD had offered him an academy sponsorship.

Training for Impact

Since early December, Sam-German has attended OPD 麻豆精品 S檚 in-house academy full-time as his required internship. The rigorous experience consists of intensive training in law enforcement policies and procedures, physical training and defense tactics. That includes five consecutive weeks of high-liability training with firearms, first aid and driving patrol cars.

麻豆精品 S淚t’s very paramilitary, 麻豆精品 S� he says. 麻豆精品 S淓very day we have to shine our boots, iron our clothes, make sure everything is up to par and come ready. It 麻豆精品 S檚 essentially changing our point of view from the civilian mindset to an officer mindset. We 麻豆精品 S檝e learned to watch our surroundings, never be complacent, know policy and rules, and know when to apply them. 麻豆精品 S�

麻豆精品 S淥ur job is public service, and we’re there to help. I really wanted to do something that was bigger than me, and I think this is one of the best occupations to fulfill that. 麻豆精品 S� 麻豆精品 S� Latrell Sam-German, student

When all is said and done, he will have completed 772 hours of training that concludes at the culmination of his first week as a sworn officer. In mid-May, he 麻豆精品 S檒l begin field service alongside a field training officer.

Right now, he 麻豆精品 S檚 most looking forward to learning about community patrol.

麻豆精品 S淚 have always been interested in getting out there in community, speaking with people, learning a city 麻豆精品 S檚 cultural fabric and how I can help, 麻豆精品 S� he says. 麻豆精品 S淢y biggest focus right now is to be great in patrol because sometimes people just need somebody to talk to. After all, our job is public service, and we’re there to help. I really wanted to do something that was bigger than me, and I think this is one of the best occupations to fulfill that. 麻豆精品 S�

Persistence That Delivers

The fact that he 麻豆精品 S檚 about to cross the finish line won 麻豆精品 S檛 hit him until he puts on the cap and gown 麻豆精品 S� and the official OPD officer uniform. But Sam-German is already reflecting on how quickly his time at UCF has gone by, and how the decision to pursue the professional track helped launch his career trajectory.

That 麻豆精品 S檚 thanks in large part, he says, to the faculty who have helped foster connections and provided opportunities to explore different career paths.

麻豆精品 S淢y professors have been great, 麻豆精品 S� he says. 麻豆精品 S淢补苍测 of them are retired law enforcement who came over to UCF and can speak about the career and what to expect. Being able to come straight from college into the academy has given me the upper hand because a lot of what we talked about in class now pertains to my police academy experience. 麻豆精品 S�

麻豆精品 S淏eing able to come straight from college into the academy has given me the upper hand because a lot of what we talked about in class now pertains to my police academy experience. 麻豆精品 S� 麻豆精品 S� Latrell Sam-German, student

Sam-German’s story is exactly what Watkins hopes to see for years to come 麻豆精品 S� more graduates like him who will go on to impact change in the criminal justice system.

麻豆精品 S淲orking with and assisting Latrell along his professional journey is exciting, fulfilling and a testament to the work of many, 麻豆精品 S� he says. 麻豆精品 S淒eveloping and promoting the professional track has taken many years and considerable work with our police and correctional professionals in and around Central Florida.”

Professor and Chair adds that the program was intentionally designed to be mutually beneficial to students and law enforcement agencies in reinforcing the workforce pipeline.

麻豆精品 S淭he professional track is our department 麻豆精品 S檚 way to give back to the surrounding law enforcement and correctional community in the form of producing high-quality, motivated and practitioner-ready students like Latrell, 麻豆精品 S� Paoline says.

As he prepares to reap both the academic and professional rewards of his work, Sam-German also finds personal reward in having become someone his classmates turn to for advice as they consider pursuing the professional track. He tells them that if they 麻豆精品 S檙e willing to put the work in, good things will happen.

麻豆精品 S淚 don’t think it was luck; it was the result of hard work, 麻豆精品 S� he says of his success. 麻豆精品 S淚t 麻豆精品 S檚 really about not being afraid to put yourself out there and talk to these agencies, even when it can feel intimidating. That door is going to open. You just have to step through it. 麻豆精品 S�

Some of the nation 麻豆精品 S檚 most promising scientists can be found in Will Furiosi 麻豆精品 S�13 麻豆精品 S�14MAT 麻豆精品 S檚 Oviedo High School classroom.

Spend five minutes talking to Ankan Das, Angela Calvo-Chumbimuni and Moitri Santra about their research innovations in robotics, mental health and agriculture, and one truth becomes quite clear: These teens are the real deal.

Backed by UCF associate professors Ellen Kang (physics and NanoScience Technology Center) and Candice Bridge 麻豆精品 S�07笔丑顿聽(chemistry) and researcher Max Kuehn 麻豆精品 S�22 (Exolith Lab), the Oviedo High trio recently earned recognition as the top three projects at Seminole County 麻豆精品 S檚 regional science fair.

With Oviedo 麻豆精品 S檚 proximity to main campus, the collaboration highlights UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 steadfast commitment to supporting STEM education across Central Florida.

They will now represent the county May 9-15 at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Phoenix, where they will compete against more than 1,700 high schoolers for a share of nearly $7 million in awards, prizes and scholarships.

麻豆精品 S淲orking in Dr. Kang 麻豆精品 S檚 lab played pretty big role in choosing materials science and engineering as my major for college because I was exposed to just how many different things someone can do in the area I work with, nanotechnology, 麻豆精品 S� says Santra, a senior bound for Stanford who has worked with Kang since she was a freshman. 麻豆精品 S淭he lab provided a lot of resources 麻豆精品 S� not just the instruments, but also mentorship, advice and support. 麻豆精品 S�

A Will to Succeed

The hallway leading to Furiosi 麻豆精品 S檚 classroom is decorated with rows of blue, red, white, green, yellow and pink paper accomplishment ribbons. More ribbons, pennants and certificates adorn his walls, along with eight Science and Engineering Fair of Florida best-in-fair grand award senior division trophies 麻豆精品 S� more than any other high school in the state.

During his own primary education, Furiosi attended eight schools over 12 years. As a seventh-grader at Stone Magnet Middle School in Brevard County, he was initially prohibited from participating in science fair because officials couldn 麻豆精品 S檛 verify Furiosi was capable of the coursework from his transfer transcripts. He would later go on to earn Order of Pegasus as a Burnett Honors Scholar majoring in biomedical sciences before earning his master 麻豆精品 S檚 degree in teacher education.

Every day, he saw a wall of ribbons, much like the ones in his classroom now. And every day he would tell himself, 麻豆精品 S淚 want to be one of those kids. 麻豆精品 S�

That experience fundamentally shaped how the UCF grad runs his program today.

麻豆精品 S淲hat keeps me motivated is knowing that I have the opportunity to get people to be really prepared, informed citizens who are good thinkers, and who, when faced with a problem, smile and tackle it instead of running away, 麻豆精品 S� Furosi says.

Infusing Life into Science

Furiosi began teaching at Oviedo High School in 2013 as he pursued his accelerated master 麻豆精品 S檚 degree, made possible by the College of Community Innovation and Education 麻豆精品 S檚 Resident Teacher Professional Preparation Program. The program, funded by a U.S. Department of Education grant, was created in response to the growing need for skilled workers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Four years later, he took over the school 麻豆精品 S檚 science fair program and was determined to breathe new life into it, which at the time involved just four kids.

He cold called students in his AP Biology and Honors Chemistry聽courses, begging anyone who had shown a glimmer of interest during class to sign up so they wouldn 麻豆精品 S檛 have to fold the program.

Today, he 麻豆精品 S檚 at 46 students, with some, like Calvo-Chumbimuni, interested in joining the program as soon as they arrive at Oviedo High.

麻豆精品 S淢y seventh grade science fair teacher knew Mr. Furiosi and spoke highly of him, 麻豆精品 S� Calvo-Chumbimuni says. 麻豆精品 S淲hen I came to Oviedo High and met him, I immediately understood why. The research program stood out to me as a valuable opportunity. 麻豆精品 S�

Furiosi fosters a safe space to fail, learn and grow from the research. There are no barriers to entry; no project deemed too insignificant. And he stresses the merits of high-quality mentorship, like the ones Das, Santra, and Calvo-Chumbimuni formed with UCF faculty and STEM labs.

Some of his students have earned thousands of dollars in prizes 麻豆精品 S� one alone pulled in $70,000 and is now studying at the University of Glasgow 麻豆精品 S� at prestigious competitions sponsored by some of the tech industry 麻豆精品 S檚 biggest names, including Regeneron and Lockheed Martin, a UCF Pegasus Partner.

His alums have gone on to top research institutions including Harvard, MIT, Columbia, Stanford, and of course, UCF. One of those Knights is aerospace engineering grad Daniel Dyson 麻豆精品 S�21 麻豆精品 S�22MS 麻豆精品 S�25PhD, who studied in Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Subith Vasu 麻豆精品 S檚 lab and now works for Relativity Space at NASA 麻豆精品 S檚 Stennis Space Center, America 麻豆精品 S檚 largest rocket propulsion test site.

麻豆精品 S淢r. Furiosi really pushes you toward excellence, 麻豆精品 S� says Das, a sophomore building a tensegrity robot with shape memory alloys that he tested at UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 Exolith Lab.

Supporting Excellence

An award-winning researcher who has been supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation, Kang is not easily impressed. Still, Santra made an immediate impression as an eighth grader when she first popped up Kang 麻豆精品 S檚 inbox, asking if she could present her idea on a nanoparticle treatment for citrus greening disease in Florida.

麻豆精品 S淚 could clearly see that she had a firm understanding of the material and just thought, 麻豆精品 S榃ow, she is really a force. 麻豆精品 S� I actually wanted to have my undergrad students see her presentation because of how professional she was, even at that young age, 麻豆精品 S� Kang says. 麻豆精品 S淪he has this creativity, passion, persistence and resilience 麻豆精品 S� all the key elements that you need as a successful STEM field researcher. 麻豆精品 S�

Similarly, Bridge immediately noticed Calvo-Chumbimuni 麻豆精品 S檚 persistence and go-getter attitude when she initially connected with her two years ago. Driven by her interest in the intersection of neuroscience, psychology and analytical chemistry, Calvo-Chumbimuni pitched her idea to develop an electrochemical sensor and biosensor to improve diagnostic methods for mental health disorders.

麻豆精品 S淚 麻豆精品 S檝e always appreciated her sense of humanity, 麻豆精品 S� Bridge says. 麻豆精品 S淚 thought, 麻豆精品 S業f you can foster someone who has this sort of compassion already, there are infinite possibilities for what they can do to benefit the community. 麻豆精品 S� 麻豆精品 S�

The two have been dedicated, active participants in their labs, regularly conducting research multiple days per week during the school year and, at times, daily over the summer. The faculty and their doctoral students have mentored the high schoolers through instrumentation methods, analyzing data, the literature review process and their presentations.

While both are presenting continuations of their projects at ISEF 麻豆精品 S� Calvo-Chumbimuni for her second-straight year, Santra for her third 麻豆精品 S擠as will be joining them for the first time at the major competition.

Kuehn, who is an engineer at , is accustomed to working with a variety of researchers and scientists who test their experiments and equipment at the Highland Regolith Test Bin. He says he was quickly intrigued by Das 麻豆精品 S� project, a lightweight and nimble robot that can expand, contract and move through electric current.

Das wanted to test the robot in lunar regolith 麻豆精品 S� simulated moon dirt 麻豆精品 S� because he envisions the tech behind his robot one day being utilized in lunar missions or search and rescue efforts in unstable environments.

麻豆精品 S淢ax noticed that sometimes the motion was a little slow, so he gave some suggestions, 麻豆精品 S� Das says. 麻豆精品 S淲orking in the lunar regolith chamber was a very insightful and eye-opening experience. I know I 麻豆精品 S檓 still in high school, but I 麻豆精品 S檝e learned I want to do research for as long as I can because I really find this interesting. 麻豆精品 S�

Which, at the end of the day, has been Furiosi 麻豆精品 S檚 mission all along.

麻豆精品 S淩esearch is not just in science. It is in all disciplines. There 麻豆精品 S檚 a lot of cool things that need to be discovered in all fields, 麻豆精品 S� he says. 麻豆精品 S淯CF 麻豆精品 S檚 expertise has been so invaluable in preparing my students for the future. A lot of these kids have wonderful ideas, and I really hope we can continue growing more professional support for them in any capacity. 麻豆精品 S�

Johnston, who was born without arms, joined UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 program in Fall 2024 and is now graduating this May. IES, housed by the in the College of Community Innovation and Education, is a state-recognized, two-year certified transition program that immerses students with disabilities into campus life while helping them develop the independence necessary for long-term employment.

Johnston says she learned about IES online and became interested when she researched the program.

麻豆精品 S淚 feel more outgoing since I started the program. I was homeschooled and used to hang out with only three or four friends, so I was really shy when I first came here. 麻豆精品 S� 麻豆精品 S� Nina Johnston, IES student

麻豆精品 S淭wo months after I graduated high school, my mom saw the application for IES on Facebook and asked if I wanted to apply, 麻豆精品 S� Johnston says. 麻豆精品 S淚 wanted a college experience, but I didn 麻豆精品 S檛 want to go to college for four or six years. Two years sounded perfect, so I thought it would be a good idea. After looking into the program, I thought, 麻豆精品 S楾his looks really fun. 麻豆精品 S� 麻豆精品 S�

Program Director says Johnston made a strong first impression even before she arrived at UCF.

麻豆精品 S淎s part of her application, Nina sent a video of herself cleaning, doing her daily routine and even horseback riding, 麻豆精品 S� Best says. 麻豆精品 S淲e were amazed when we watched that video. When she came here, we saw firsthand how independent and determined she is. 麻豆精品 S�

Johnston started IES in August 2024, and it wasn 麻豆精品 S檛 long before she jumped right into various campus activities. While pursuing a major in hospitality, she joined Knights Exemplar and Best Buddies, two clubs that provide social and academic support to students with intellectual disabilities. In fact, she 麻豆精品 S檚 now a Buddy director with Best Buddies.

Her growing involvement even led to a part-time job at the information desk in the UCF Student Union. She says these experiences have greatly improved her confidence and social skills.

麻豆精品 S淏ut having all these classes and opportunities made me realize, 麻豆精品 S極K, I can do this. I can talk to people. 麻豆精品 S� IES helped me come out of my shell. 麻豆精品 S� 麻豆精品 S� Nina Johnston, IES student

麻豆精品 S淚 feel more outgoing since I started the program, 麻豆精品 S� Johnston says. 麻豆精品 S淚 was homeschooled and used to hang out with only three or four friends, so I was really shy when I first came here. But having all these classes and opportunities made me realize, 麻豆精品 S極K, I can do this. I can talk to people. 麻豆精品 S� IES helped me come out of my shell. 麻豆精品 S�

Best says she has blossomed into an inspiring and beloved member of the IES community.

麻豆精品 S淣ina is a true leader, 麻豆精品 S� Best says. 麻豆精品 S淢补苍测 students in the program go to her for advice even before they come to us. They look up to her because she thrives in her academics while holding down a job. She 麻豆精品 S檚 always looking to pick up extra hours, and she never falls behind on her assignments while she 麻豆精品 S檚 working. She is a committed and hardworking student. 麻豆精品 S�

In her newfound social circle, Johnston made a connection that developed into something deeper over time. Soon after starting in the program, she met fellow student Zackary Bruns. Their friendship grew into a relationship, and they are now engaged to be married in November 2026.

As she plans for her wedding, Johnston has also been working to prepare other logistical aspects of her future. One of these is a major personal and practical achievement: her driver 麻豆精品 S檚 license, which she earned after practicing with IES 麻豆精品 S檚 AI-powered driving simulation.

麻豆精品 S淭he driving simulation at IES gave me a good idea of how traffic happens in real time, 麻豆精品 S� Johnston says. 麻豆精品 S淎nd it worked perfectly: I got my license on the first try. 麻豆精品 S�

Students with disabilities often lack adequate opportunities to practice driving, so many never earn their licenses 麻豆精品 S� something TJEEI Program Director says can be a barrier to employment.

麻豆精品 S淥ur driving simulator helps students get more comfortable behind the wheel, and Nina is a great example of that. 麻豆精品 S� 麻豆精品 S� Christine Parsons, TJEEI Program Director

麻豆精品 S淚f students can 麻豆精品 S檛 drive and don 麻豆精品 S檛 have a car, they can 麻豆精品 S檛 get to work without public transportation, 麻豆精品 S� Parsons says. 麻豆精品 S淭hat can be a huge issue, especially here in Central Florida. Our driving simulator helps students get more comfortable behind the wheel, and Nina is a great example of that. 麻豆精品 S�

Equipped with her license, Johnston and Bruns are now focusing on two main goals: securing full-time employment and finding an apartment. They have decided to move to Ocala, Florida, where they plan to be close to Johnston 麻豆精品 S檚 parents as they begin the next stage of their lives.

Looking ahead, Johnston says she is excited for her next chapter and grateful for all her experiences at UCF.

麻豆精品 S淲hen I was in my first semester of IES, it felt like it took forever, 麻豆精品 S� Johnston says. 麻豆精品 S淏ut now that I 麻豆精品 S檓 here, it 麻豆精品 S檚 like, 麻豆精品 S榃here did the time go? 麻豆精品 S� I 麻豆精品 S檓 sad to leave the program, but I 麻豆精品 S檓 happy I did it because I 麻豆精品 S檝e met so many wonderful people. 麻豆精品 S�

We could start 33 years ago to when Castro Tapler first visited UCF and dreamed of becoming a Knight.

Or jump to when she lost sight of that dream in the whirlwind of life after enlisting in the U.S. Marines, completing an overseas deployment, getting married and raising a family.

Or here, in present day, as the 49-year-old graduates alongside her oldest, each with degree choices influenced by Johnny 麻豆精品 S檚 struggle with neurological hearing loss 麻豆精品 S� hers, early childhood development and education and his, communication sciences and disorders. And don 麻豆精品 S檛 forget her other son, Michael, an emergency management major, close behind and husband, John, graduating later this year from Valencia College, a partner.

Their story is one of many subplots and selfless acts, and so much love for family 麻豆精品 S� a family that pulled strength from each other on the road to this long-awaited, triumphant moment.

麻豆精品 S淧eople doubted us for moving here from Long Island to become Knights, 麻豆精品 S� Castro Tapler says. 麻豆精品 S淲e said, 麻豆精品 S楯ust watch. 麻豆精品 S� 麻豆精品 S淲e 麻豆精品 S檙e proving that you can do anything you put your mind to doing by adapting and overcoming. 麻豆精品 S�

A Dream Put on Hold, But Never Forgotten

Castro Tapler 麻豆精品 S檚 mind first fixed on UCF in 1993 when the family of her friend, David Konits 麻豆精品 S�01, paid for her to visit them in Orlando to thank her for saving their son 麻豆精品 S檚 life after a serious injury. Putting others first had already become ingrained for Castro Tapler, then 16, despite a childhood without means. She lived with her mother in another friend 麻豆精品 S檚 basement and had never traveled beyond New York.

麻豆精品 S淭hey brought me to the UCF campus and I was blown away, 麻豆精品 S� she says. 麻豆精品 S淚 麻豆精品 S檇 never seen such nice kids studying together in such a beautiful environment. If I could ever afford college, I wanted it to be here. 麻豆精品 S�

Castro Tapler went back home, finished high school and joined the U.S. Marines. Shortly after 9/11, she was deployed to Kuwait. The idea of college continued to dim as she fulfilled her military duty, returned to Long Island, went to work and raised a family.

麻豆精品 S淭he goal was always out there, 麻豆精品 S� she says, 麻豆精品 S渂ut I just couldn 麻豆精品 S檛 get to it. 麻豆精品 S�

She wanted a more streamlined path for her sons, Johnny and Michael, so she and her husband always included tours of universities during family trips.

麻豆精品 S淲hen we came to UCF, the boys and John fell in love, 麻豆精品 S� Castro Tapler says, 麻豆精品 S渁nd to me, that feeling of belonging was still there after so many years. 麻豆精品 S�

On the day of Johnny 麻豆精品 S檚 high school graduation, they loaded up the car and moved to Orlando 麻豆精品 S� placing her within reach of the dream she never gave up on.

Planting Roots on Campus

As a U.S. Marine veteran, Castro Tapler has chilling stories about how she calmly put out oil fires in open combat zones. On her first day of classes at UCF, she 麻豆精品 S� like a good Marine 麻豆精品 S� arrived 30 minutes early with food and hydration. An emotion consumed her: Fear.

Here she was, surrounded by students half her age using tablets and carrying backpacks while she pulled around a wagon and used a spiral notebook. She would need to relearn how to learn. Three encounters quickly made her feel at ease.

麻豆精品 S淭he sound of a piano in the lobby soothed my nerves. Then a group of girls in my first class invited me to work with them. And I found the , 麻豆精品 S� she says. 麻豆精品 S淎 college campus is a different world from what veterans are used to. The people in that office helped me understand aid, tutoring and the culture. They 麻豆精品 S檙e veterans, too, so they know how difficult the transition can be. 麻豆精品 S�

Her fear turned to joy and a genuine belief she belonged. She felt even more connected knowing Johnny and Michael were on the same campus feeling the same pride.

The Start of a New Future

We come to the most surreal moment: mom and son graduating together. She points out this is a goal achieved, but not the goal.

麻豆精品 S淥ur degrees open doors to serve others, 麻豆精品 S� Castro Tapler says.

She 麻豆精品 S檒l teach first grade, knowing each child is unique, perhaps with a challenge that hasn 麻豆精品 S檛 yet been identified. Johnny intends to use his communications and sciences disorders degree as the first step toward a medical degree in audiology. He visualizes being the first person parents see when their babies are diagnosed with a complication. He already knows what he 麻豆精品 S檒l say:

麻豆精品 S淚t 麻豆精品 S檚 going to be OK. Look at me. I have a hearing disorder, too, and now I 麻豆精品 S檓 a doctor, 麻豆精品 S� Johnny says.

Michael will apply his emergency management degree from UCF to help communities on a larger scale. And John, after finishing at Valencia College, will consider an online business master 麻豆精品 S檚 program at UCF, so he can provide financial planning and support for those facing their own challenges.

麻豆精品 S淗e wants so badly to be a Knight like the rest of us, 麻豆精品 S� Castro Tapler says.

It makes sense. Knights are known for their grit. And this family has plenty of it.

麻豆精品 S淚 think back to people saying you 麻豆精品 S檒l never afford college, you 麻豆精品 S檙e too old, and Johnny can 麻豆精品 S檛 become a doctor with hearing loss, 麻豆精品 S� Castro Tapler says. 麻豆精品 S淣ow we 麻豆精品 S檙e going to walk to the stage together and hear our names called. 麻豆精品 S�

UCF is the leading producer of talent among Florida 麻豆精品 S檚 universities, awarding nearly 19,000 degrees annually to Knights who go on to work in high-demand industries. About 85% of our alumni stay in Florida because of the ample opportunity to thrive as part of our state 麻豆精品 S檚 workforce.

Graduates will hear from six esteemed speakers whose leadership and impact span some of Central Florida 麻豆精品 S檚 most influential industries:

• Barry Miller 麻豆精品 S�95, president of Voloridge Investment Management
• Brian Adams 麻豆精品 S�04MBA, president and CEO of AdventHealth Central Florida Division
• Gloria Caulfield, vice president of strategic alliances, Tavistock Development Company
• Barbara Gellman-Danley, president of Higher Learning Commission
• Maj. Gen. James Smith, commander, space training and readiness command at Patrick Space Force Base
• Peter Lee, president of Microsoft Science

Commencement Festivities

Held in the Addition Financial Arena, spring commencement will take place over six ceremonies spanning Friday, May 8, and Saturday, May 9.

All guests, including children and infants, 麻豆精品 S痭eed a ticket for admission. All graduates who have filed an intent to graduate will receive five commencement ceremony tickets when they pick up their regalia packet.

Guests who do not have tickets may watch the 麻豆精品 S痩ive ceremony via a simulcast viewing 麻豆精品 S痠n the FAIRWINDS Alumni Center and the Student Union. Ceremonies will also be livestreamed .

Commencement Photo-ops Across UCF

Graduating Knights are unable to take photos at the Acrisure Bounce House Stadium this semester due to ongoing construction.

Grad Walk

On Thursday, May 7, 2:30-7 p.m. (doors close at 6 p.m.), spring graduates are invited to a photo-op 麻豆精品 S� Grad Walk 麻豆精品 S� within the Addition Financial Arena. This will be a first-come, first-served occasion for graduates and up to 10 of their well-wishers to take photos and videos on the ceremony stage. 麻豆精品 S疓raduates are required to .

Commencement Schedule

Graduates and guests can review the below commencement ceremony schedule, listing colleges, ceremony dates and streaming links:

Friday, May 8

9 a.m.

College of Business

Rosen College of Hospitality Management

2 p.m.

College of Health Professions and Sciences

College of Medicine

College of Nursing

7 p.m.

College of Arts and Humanities

Nicholson School of Communication and Media

Saturday, May 9

9 a.m.

College of Community Innovation and Education

2 p.m.

College of Sciences (excluding Nicholson School of Communication and Media)

7 p.m.

College of Engineering and Computer Science

College of Graduate Studies

College of Optics and Photonics

For more details and FAQs about Spring 2026 commencement celebrations, visit ucf.edu/graduation.

Commencement Speakers

Barry Miller 麻豆精品 S�95

President of Voloridge Investment Management

Barry Miller 麻豆精品 S�95 serves as president of Voloridge Investment Management, quantitative hedge fund manager, and Voloridge Health, a data science-based health tech company, both Florida based.

Miller, who graduated with honors from UCF with a bachelor 麻豆精品 S檚 degree in finance, recently made a transformational $50 million gift this spring to establish the Barry S. Miller College of Business at UCF. The largest single philanthropic investment in UCF history, the gift will accelerate a bold new model of business education designed for a world where technology, data and decision-making are inseparable.

Miller, also a member of the UCF College of Business Hall of Fame, brings years of executive experience, having previously served as CEO of LASAS Technologies, a finance and insurance company that he co-founded in 1998. His career experience includes financial analysis, capital raising, financial markets, actuarial experience, software development and in-depth company infrastructure formation.

After gaining valuable experience as an entrepreneur and chief executive officer, Miller 麻豆精品 S檚 ambition led him to join and invest in Voloridge Investment Management and then Voloridge Health. For both companies, he is responsible for many facets of leadership, including trading, back-office operations, compliance, sales and marketing, vendor relationships and strategic planning.

Brian Adams 麻豆精品 S�04MBA

President and CEO of AdventHealth Central Florida Division

Brian Adams is president and CEO of AdventHealth 麻豆精品 S檚 Central Florida Division, one of the nation 麻豆精品 S檚 largest faith-based health systems, whose 37,000 dedicated team members provide care for more than 3 million patients.

Known for building high-performing teams and ensuring the organization grows to meet the care needs of the community, Adams has led efforts to expand access to care, elevate quality and bring innovative solutions to rapidly growing communities. His leadership has continued to position AdventHealth as a trusted and innovative partner in Central Florida.

As a part of AdventHealth for more than 24 years, Adams has held senior leadership roles across the organization, including CEO positions in Tampa and Polk County, where he oversaw major expansions, facility investments and quality improvements.

He earned his master 麻豆精品 S檚 of business administration from the University of Central Florida and a bachelor 麻豆精品 S檚 degree from Union College in Nebraska. Originally from Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, Adams and his wife have two teenage sons.

Gloria Caulfield

Vice president of strategic alliances, Tavistock Development Company

In her multifaceted role as vice president of strategic alliances at Tavistock, Gloria Caulfield manages business development and corporate partnerships, collaborates with national and global stakeholders to advance health innovation, and leads the development of cutting-edge strategies for the Lake Nona community.

She is the chief architect and creative force behind the Lake Nona Impact Forum. The revered global health innovation summit brings together many of the world 麻豆精品 S檚 most preeminent thought leaders and serves as a signature event of the Tavistock Group.

Caulfield serves on boards that reflect her passion for advancing the future of human health, including the StartUp Health Impact Board, which focuses on mobilizing entrepreneurs to solve the biggest health challenges of our time, and the LFE Capital Advisory Board, which supports female founders and impactful, wellness-oriented companies.

Prior to joining Tavistock, she had a distinguished career at AdventHealth. As senior executive director for community development, she provided strategic leadership for corporate partnerships and spearheaded critical community initiatives across Central Florida. Caulfield is an alumna of the University of Arizona and brings visionary leadership to every aspect of her work.

Barbara Gellman-Danley

President of Higher Learning Commission

Barbara Gellman-Danley is president of the Higher Learning Commission, which accredits colleges and universities to ensure they meet high-quality standards and continuously improve.

Prior to beginning this role in 2014, she was president of the University of Rio Grande/Rio Grande Community College in Ohio. She previously served as vice chancellor of the Ohio Board of Regents, president of Antioch University McGregor, vice president at Monroe Community College and vice chancellor at the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

Gellman-Danley sits on the boards of Credential Engine, which she chairs, and GlobalMindED. Her career includes previous board and commission memberships with the Association of Governing Boards Council of Presidents, the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements, the American Council on Education 麻豆精品 S檚 Education and Attainment group and the Council on Adult and Experiential Learning.

Gellman-Danley holds degrees from Syracuse University, Simmons University, Oklahoma City University and the University of Oklahoma. She did post-graduate work at New York University, Cornell, Harvard, the University of Chicago and MIT.

An honorary member of Phi Theta Kappa, she is a professional certified coach, certified executive coach and certified life coach. She holds certifications in change management, Agile and Lean Six Sigma, a professional credential validating expertise in data-driven process improvement aimed at reducing waste and defects.

Maj. Gen. James Smith

Commander, space training and readiness command at Patrick Space Force Base

As commander, Maj. Gen. James E. Smith is responsible for preparing the U.S. Space Force and more than 14,000 military and civilian guardians to prevail in competition and conflict through innovative education, training, doctrine and test activities.

Originally from Boise, Idaho, Maj. Gen. Smith commissioned in 1997 as the top graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy. His career spans numerous space operations and acquisition positions, including command at the squadron, group, wing, garrison and Field Command levels.

Maj. Gen. Smith has deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and to the U.S. Embassy in Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Prior to his current position, Maj. Gen. Smith served as the vice director, Joint Force Development, J-7, the Joint Staff, Arlington, Virginia.

Peter Lee

President of Microsoft Science

Peter Lee is president of Microsoft Science, where his responsibility is to accelerate the pace of discovery in the physical, biological and medical sciences through the use of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.

Previously, he led the world laboratories of Microsoft Research. Before joining Microsoft in 2010, he established a new technology office at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency within the U.S. Department of Defense, creating operational capabilities in machine learning, data science and computational social science.

From 1987 to 2010, Lee was a professor and the head of the computer science department at Carnegie Mellon University. He is a member of the National Academy of Medicine and serves on the boards of several institutions in AI and medicine, including the board of trustees of the Mayo Clinic and the board of directors of the Kaiser Permanente School of Medicine. He served on President Obama 麻豆精品 S檚 Commission on Enhancing National Cybersecurity and has testified before both U.S. House and Senate committees.

He is the co-author of the book, The AI Revolution in Medicine: GPT-4 and Beyond. In 2024, Lee was named by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in health and life sciences.

Behind every badge is a commitment to serve 麻豆精品 S� a commitment two new officers now carry forward at UCF.

Surrounded by family, friends, colleagues and university leaders, the officers were sworn in during a ceremony that marked not just a personal milestone, but the (UCFPD)’s continued growth and commitment to service.

麻豆精品 S淯CF is a special place and working in public safety here takes a special kind of person, 麻豆精品 S� says UCF Police Chief Robbin Griffin-Kitzerow. 麻豆精品 S淚t takes someone who genuinely cares, who shows up every day with a heart for service, and who is committed to the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff. 麻豆精品 S�

Ross Wolf, interim dean of the College of Community Innovation and Education and associate provost of UCF Downtown, reflected on the ceremony 麻豆精品 S檚 significance, drawing on his recent retirement from policing after 34 years of service in both full-time and reserve roles.

“My law enforcement career instilled in me a deep respect for this profession and for the camaraderie, commitment and sense of purpose that define it, 麻豆精品 S� Wolf says.

UCFPD 麻豆精品 S檚 two newest officers will join the patrol division after completing a field-training program, where they 麻豆精品 S檒l work alongside senior officers and gain hands-on experience out in the field before graduating to solo patrol.

Get to Know the New Officers

Brittany Lopez

Having previously served with the Clermont Police Department as both a patrol officer and a detective, Brittany Lopez brings a strong foundation in law enforcement to UCF. She was drawn to UCFPD for its culture and the unique community it serves. With a master’s degree in cybercrime from the University of South Florida, Lopez is driven by a desire to help students make informed choices that support their future success.

Daira Yulfo-Vargas 麻豆精品 S�25

Joining UCFPD is a full-circle moment for Daira Yulfo-Vargas 麻豆精品 S�25. After moving to Orlando to attend UCF, she began as a police explorer while earning her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. She later served as a UCFPD cadet and, through departmental sponsorship, completed the police academy, graduating among the top academic performers in her class. Now she returns to serve her alma mater as a UCF police officer, committed to supporting students and advancing the department 麻豆精品 S檚 safety mission.

Celebrating Promotions

The ceremony also recognized four individuals taking on new roles within UCF Public Safety.

Corporal Melissa Guadagnino

Community Outreach and Crime Prevention Unit

Corporal Melissa Guadagnino has been a vital part of UCFPD for more than 12 years, including nine years as a detective. In that role, she worked alongside her therapy dog, Chipper, providing investigative support and comfort to victims during difficult moments. She 麻豆精品 S檚 also served on the Emergency Response Team through dozens of deployments and instructed crisis intervention and patrol investigator programs. Now part of the Community Outreach and Crime Prevention Unit, Guadagnino continues to lead with dedication and heart, making an impact.

Jennifer Floyd

University Physical Security Manager

During a time of significant staffing transitions, Jennifer Floyd played a critical role in maintaining operations while supporting major security initiatives. She coordinated hundreds of maintenance requests and led a campuswide security camera upgrade, overseeing the replacement of more than 500 cameras to strengthen UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 safety infrastructure. Floyd also led nearly 50 training sessions, helping ensure teams have the knowledge and confidence to effectively manage and maintain essential systems.

Benita Harrison

Administrative Operations Manager

Benita Harrison supports departmental leadership with professionalism and exceptional integrity. She manages daily operations, chairs multiple committees and oversees all department-led events, playing a key role in ensuring smooth transitions. Her attention to detail and ability to create meaningful experiences are felt at every level across the organization.

Tiffany Ortiz

Dispatch Supervisor

Tiffany Ortiz brings a deep understanding of communication operations. Known for delivering organized, accurate and dependable work, she 麻豆精品 S檚 respected by both her peers and patrol officers for her collaborative, supportive approach. In her new role, she led a full revamp of the dispatch training program, updating the manual, strengthening the curriculum and enhancing skill development to better prepare team members for long-term success.

Together, these new officers and newly promoted leaders represent UCF Public Safety 麻豆精品 S� united by a shared commitment to serve, support and safeguard the campus community.

In his role as the senior associate vice president for government and community relations, Kittinger has been a constant and trusted presence in UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 work across Central Florida.

He has faithfully represented the university with a spirit of collaboration, generosity, and care that has strengthened relationships and opened doors for years, leading to some of the university 麻豆精品 S檚 most impactful, long-lasting, and strategic partnerships.

On April 22, Kittinger will conclude his tenure at his beloved alma mater after nearly 23 years of service.

麻豆精品 S淔red Kittinger has approached his work with authenticity, optimism and a sincere joy that brings people together and builds the connections that propel our success, 麻豆精品 S� says UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright. 麻豆精品 S淗e has left a lasting impression with everyone he has worked with and leaves an enduring legacy at UCF. 麻豆精品 S�

Joining Knight Nation

An Orlando native, Kittinger remembers the main campus being built in the 1960s. He enrolled at UCF in 1977, known then as Florida Technological University.

He was intent on staying one year to save enough money to eventually transfer to another, more established university in northern Florida. He abandoned the plan in mere weeks, falling in love with the school that he would later spend so much of his career serving.

麻豆精品 S淲e always had that chip-on-our-shoulder attitude, even back then. I like that part of UCF, 麻豆精品 S� Kittinger says. 麻豆精品 S淲e were the little engine that could. We knew we were going someplace. We knew we were important. 麻豆精品 S�

He served on orientation team and President 麻豆精品 S檚 Leadership Council, joined Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity, witnessed UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 first home football game in 1979 and stockpiled memories he now relays with a smile before graduating with his bachelor 麻豆精品 S檚 degree in criminal justice.

After completing his master 麻豆精品 S檚 degree at Florida State, he went on to work as a legislative aide in the Florida Senate and as vice president with the then Orlando Chamber of Commerce. He later served as chief of staff for City of Orlando Mayor Glenda Hood.

In 2003, he was approached by the late Senior Vice President Emeritus Dan Holsenbeck and Board of Trustee charter member Patrick Christensen to gauge his interest in a position at UCF working with local governments.

Now nearly 23 years later, he 麻豆精品 S檚 ready for his next adventure.

Advocating for his Alma Mater

When you 麻豆精品 S檙e anywhere as long as Kittinger has been at UCF, you 麻豆精品 S檙e bound to pick up a few keepsakes. Precious items that once adorned his office walls and bookshelves will now have a new place in his home.

A metal pipe from the Reflecting Pond 麻豆精品 S檚 old plumbing before it was refurbished in 2018.

A Florida Tech Boulevard street sign, which may or may not have been procured in an unofficial capacity in 1978 under the guise of darkness by some of his fraternity brothers.

But his most treasured mementos are the relationships he carries with him 麻豆精品 S� from the university to the community to government offices across the state.

麻豆精品 S淢y greatest fortune is the number of folks I 麻豆精品 S檝e had a chance to work with and develop long-term friendships with. 麻豆精品 S� 麻豆精品 S� Fred Kittinger

麻豆精品 S淚t takes that trio to make an impact 麻豆精品 S� you 麻豆精品 S檝e got to have private industry, you 麻豆精品 S檝e got to have government, and you have to have the non-profit independent sector all working together, 麻豆精品 S� he says. 麻豆精品 S淢y greatest fortune is the number of folks I 麻豆精品 S檝e had a chance to work with and develop long-term friendships with. I 麻豆精品 S檝e been very blessed. 麻豆精品 S�

He says his proudest moments are wrapped up in some of the university 麻豆精品 S檚 biggest milestones, all made possible through partnerships: approval for the College of Medicine; the creation of UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy (FIEA); 聽the UCF Downtown campus; the growth of the UCF Business Incubation Program that spans all Central Florida counties; and working on the team that secured $90 million in Tourist Development Tax revenues from the Orange County Board of Commissioners to invest in Acrisure Bounce House.

麻豆精品 S淗is ability to build trust and make people feel valued has left a lasting impression on colleagues, partners and communities across our region, 麻豆精品 S� says Janet Owen, UCF vice president for government and聽community relations and associate general counsel.

More Than a Job

In addition to his role as an administrator, Kittinger played an active part in students 麻豆精品 S� lives for many years.

Alongside Holsenbeck and former government relations team member Alison Schultz, Kittinger helped form and guide the UCF Legislative Scholars Program, a premier, immersive, full-time experience during state legislative sessions. From the classroom to the Capitol, students gain firsthand exposure to the legislative process by working directly with legislative staff and professional lobbyists in Tallahassee, Florida. Since the program 麻豆精品 S檚 inception in 2005, more than 320 students have participated.

Kittinger served as a longtime adjunct instructor in the , which is part of the College of Community Innovation and Education (CCIE).

Alongside his wife of 43 years, they established the Fred and Sandra Kittinger Scholarship Fund in 2020. This scholarship supports graduate students in public administration, assisting with tuition, textbooks, fees and any other items included in the cost of education.

麻豆精品 S淲hat has always set Fred apart is not just what he has done, but how he has done it, 麻豆精品 S� Owen says. 麻豆精品 S淗e brings a genuine positivity and a welcoming presence to every interaction, approaching his work with kindness, thoughtfulness and a sincere interest in others. On a personal level, I am especially grateful for Fred 麻豆精品 S檚 friendship and counsel over the years. He will be deeply missed. 麻豆精品 S�

Over the course of nearly a full academic year, peers, departmental and college leadership, and the university promotion and tenure committee engaged in a rigorous, multi-stage review to ensure candidates met UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 high standards in teaching, research, and service. Ultimately, they recommended 100 faculty members for promotion, including 23 for tenure.

Following the review process, the president and provost make final decisions on promotions, while the UCF Board of Trustees provides final approval for tenure candidates. These decisions directly advance UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 strategic plan and its focus on recruiting and retaining highly qualified faculty 麻豆精品 S� especially those who elevate student success, accelerate discovery and research, and strengthen the talent pipeline that drives innovation and economics for the state of Florida.

麻豆精品 S淎t UCF, promotion and tenure reflects a thoughtful, rigorous review process and the high standards we set as an institution and state, 麻豆精品 S� says John Buckwalter, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. 麻豆精品 S淚t 麻豆精品 S檚 a significant moment for these faculty, not just for the years of hard work it recognizes, but for what promotion and tenure represents: a sustained commitment to excellence, a deep dedication to student success, research that boldly improves lives, and the future we 麻豆精品 S檙e building together. 麻豆精品 S�

Promotions and tenure conferrals annually take effect on Aug. 8.

The faculty members recognized below represent the continued strength and momentum of UCF.

Promotion to Associate Professor with Tenure

• John Gardiner, College of Arts and Humanities
• Tadashi Ishikawa, College of Arts and Humanities
• Sara Raffel, College of Arts and Humanities
• Jeffery Redding, College of Arts and Humanities
• John Bush, College of Business
• Seongho An, College of Community Innovation and Education
• Cynthia Williams, College of Community Innovation and Education
• Jiannan Chen, College of Engineering and Computer Science
• Chinwendu Enyioha, College of Engineering and Computer Science
• Ozlem Garibay, College of Engineering and Computer Science
• Yao Li, College of Engineering and Computer Science
• Miguel Bandres, College of Optics and Photonics
• Robert Fitak, College of Sciences
• Shyam Kattel, College of Sciences
• Kelsey Larsen, College of Sciences
• Kangsang Lee, College of Sciences
• Xialing Lin, College of Sciences
• Emily Zavodny, College of Sciences
• Kayode Aleshinloye, Rosen College of Hospitality Management
• Carissa Baker, Rosen College of Hospitality Management
• YunYing Zhong, Rosen College of Hospitality Management

Promotion to Associate Professor of Medicine with Tenure

• Taj Azarian, College of Medicine
• Thomas Kean, College of Medicine

Promotion to Professor (Tenured)

• Thaddeus Anderson, College of Arts and Humanities
• Ann Gleig, College of Arts and Humanities
• Lanlan Kuang, College of Arts and Humanities
• Sandra Sousa, College of Arts and Humanities
• Mel Stanfill, College of Arts and Humanities
• Melanie Guldi, College of Business
• Xin He, College of Business
• Laurie Campbell, College of Community Innovation and Education
• Eric Merriam, College of Community Innovation and Education
• Woo Hyoung Lee, College of Engineering and Computer Science
• Thomas Wahl, College of Engineering and Computer Science
• Yang Yang, College of Engineering and Computer Science
• Jacqueline Towson, College of Health Professions and Sciences
• Romain Gaume, College of Optics and Photonics
• Jacopo Baggio, College of Sciences
• Matthieu Baudelet, College of Sciences
• Karin Chumbimuni Torres, College of Sciences
• Geoffrey Cook, College of Sciences
• Amy Donley, College of Sciences
• Hsin 麻豆精品 S慔siung Huang, College of Sciences
• Brigitte Kovacevich, College of Sciences
• Arkadiy Lyakh, College of Sciences
• Peter Smith, College of Sciences
• Xiaohu Xia, College of Sciences

Promotion to Associate Professor of Medicine

• Maria Farooq, College of Medicine

Promotion to Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine

• Naziha Slimani, College of Medicine
• Sharon Wasserstrom, College of Medicine

Promotion to Clinical Professor of Medicine

• Mariana Dangiolo, College of Medicine

Promotion to Research Associate Professor

• Crystal Maraj, Office of Research

Promotion to Associate Lecturer

• Jonathan Barker, College of Arts and Humanities
• Sara Willox, College of Business
• Elizabeth Yost, College of Business
• Michael Gilbrook, College of Community Innovation and Education
• Alison Redd, College of Health Professions and Sciences
• Michael Redd, College of Health Professions and Sciences
• Michael Chetta, College of Sciences
• Heather Edwards, College of Sciences
• Seongchun Kwon, College of Sciences
• Adam Parrish, College of Sciences
• Jamie Vega, College of Sciences
• Tong Wan, College of Sciences
• Rong Zhou, College of Sciences

Promotion to Senior Lecturer

• Christy Flanagan 麻豆精品 S慒eddon, College of Arts and Humanities
• David Head, College of Arts and Humanities
• Deborah Leitch, College of Arts and Humanities
• Amanda Snyder, College of Arts and Humanities
• Jeanine Viau, College of Arts and Humanities
• Constance Goodman, College of Community Innovation and Education
• Daniel Stephens, College of Community Innovation and Education
• Shane Trenta, College of Community Innovation and Education
• Marino Nader, College of Engineering and Computer Science
• Sudeshna Pal, College of Engineering and Computer Science
• Rachid Ait Maalem Lahcen, College of Sciences
• Cynthia Bayer, College of Sciences
• Martha Hubertz, College of Sciences
• Tamra Legron 麻豆精品 S慠odriguez, College of Sciences
• Hyung Park, College of Sciences
• Widaad Zaman, College of Sciences

Promotion to Associate Instructor

• Meeghan Faulconer, College of Arts and Humanities
• Yukari Nakamura, College of Arts and Humanities
• Carolina Salazar, College of Arts and Humanities
• Punam Desormes, College of Health Professions and Sciences
• Jorri Bright, College of Sciences
• Richard Hall, College of Sciences
• Nicholas Zuccarello, College of Sciences

Promotion to Senior Instructor

• Rita De Luca Guerriero, College of Arts and Humanities
• Steven Ton, College of Community Innovation and Education
• Todd Fix, College of Health Professions and Sciences
• Julie Matura, College of Health Professions and Sciences
• Lance Speere, College of Sciences
• Abigail Ferreira, UCF Global

Promotion to Associate Instructional Designer

• Rebecca McNulty, Division of Digital Learning

Promotion to Senior Instructional Designer

• Amy Sugar, Division of Digital Learning

Promotion to Associate Librarian

• Renee Montgomery, UCF Libraries

Promotion to University Librarian

• Sai Deng, UCF Libraries
• Sarah Norris, UCF Libraries
• Andrew Todd, UCF Libraries

With more than 200 participating funds and so many opportunities for inspiration, activation and growth 麻豆精品 S� we 麻豆精品 S檙e counting down to liftoff by highlighting unique areas to consider supporting with your gift this UCF Day of Giving.

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