Fueled by engineering ingenuity and months of testing, a team of UCF mechanical engineering students raced its human-powered vehicle past competitors from across the country to claim a national championship.

What began as a Spring 2026 Senior Design project ended with the e-HPVC Senior Design team earning three first-place trophies at the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) e-Human Powered Vehicle (e-HPVC) Challenge.

Hosted on UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 main campus, the annual competition challenges university teams to design, fabricate and race human-powered vehicles, testing everything from vehicle design and safety to endurance and speed.

UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 team took first place in both the endurance and drag race events, second place in design and first place overall, earning four trophies and $2,500 in prize money.

麻豆精品 S淏ecoming national champions while representing UCF feels surreal, says Estefano Cicci, a mechanical engineering major and member of the e-HPVC team. 麻豆精品 S淚 hope these trophies remind future students that the goals that feel out of reach are exactly the ones worth chasing, and that a small, dedicated team from UCF can prove itself on a national stage. 麻豆精品 S�

Building a Better Ride

In previous years, UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 e-HPVC teams have placed well in the competition with recumbent tricycles, but each new group strives to improve upon the last. Eric Cruz-Hernandez, a mechanical engineering student and member of this year 麻豆精品 S檚 team, says the group closely studied past designs to determine what worked and what needed improvement.

This year 麻豆精品 S檚 vehicle featured a mid-drive motor with electronic shifting to improve speed and battery endurance. The team also redesigned the frame to make it lighter and more accessible for riders of varying heights.

Engineering Excellence Across the Board

The e-HPVC team wasn 麻豆精品 S檛 the only group of Knights to win their competition.

A second UCF team placed second in the ASME Innovative Additive Manufacturing 3D Challenge, which asks students to re-engineer an existing product or create a new design. Teams were judged on ingenuity, engineering design principles and their use of additive manufacturing.

A third UCF team also showcased a fully functioning robot in the Student Design Competition, but didn 麻豆精品 S檛 place.

The Teamwork Behind the Trophies

For Bryce Ballard, a mechanical engineering student and external outreach chair for ASME at UCF, hosting the 2026 EFx event on campus was just as meaningful as competing in it. It not only gave students the chance to represent the university, but also to create a welcoming and supportive environment for teams traveling from across the country.

麻豆精品 S淥ne of the most impactful parts of hosting was being able to support other teams when they encountered issues with their trikes, 麻豆精品 S� Ballard says. 麻豆精品 S淲hether it was lending tools, helping troubleshoot problems or offering guidance, those interactions stood out the most. It reinforced that the competition is not only about performance, but also about collaboration, sportsmanship and building connections within the engineering community. 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any 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�

“The residency accelerates clinical reasoning by three to five years, making [residents] more competitive candidates for the best jobs.” 麻豆精品 S� Meredith Chaput, research coordinator and liaison for the UCF and Orlando Health sports physical therapy聽 residency program

麻豆精品 S淲e look for people who thrive on rigor, 麻豆精品 S� says Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy Meredith Chaput, the residency 麻豆精品 S檚 research coordinator and liaison. The payoff is priceless. 麻豆精品 S淭he residency accelerates clinical reasoning by three to five years, making them more competitive candidates for the best jobs. 麻豆精品 S�

Chaput 麻豆精品 S檚 sport-specific expertise, along with that of four of her colleagues in the UCF Division of Physical Therapy who serve as didactic and clinical mentors, is an instant draw to the program. So, too, are UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 research labs, partnerships and the opportunity to teach students in the UCF doctor of physical therapy program.

The residents are equally drawn to the opportunity to advance their skills alongside a seasoned clinical team at Orlando Health. They take on a caseload of sports and orthopedic patients, providing specialized care ranging from post-surgical rehabilitation to elite-level performance optimization, tapping into advanced rehabilitation technology to improve athlete recovery. Nearly 2 million people every year suffer sports-related injuries and receive treatment in emergency departments, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

With all of this in place, professionals are being prepared, two at a time, through a specialized 12-month program, to join the select group of 169 board-certified sports clinical specialist physical therapists in Florida. It 麻豆精品 S檚 a coveted residency and one designed to develop healthcare providers to better aid athletes of all levels. Central Florida is a premier sports destination, featuring a mix of professional franchises, elite collegiate athletics, large high schools and massive amateur complexes.

麻豆精品 S淲hen we started this program in 2020, our mission initially aimed to strengthen the rehabilitation services provided to the local sports-based community within Central Florida by producing highly trained and skilled sports physical therapists, 麻豆精品 S� says Philip Agostinelli, residency program coordinator and rehab clinical operations manager with Orlando Health Sports Medicine and Rehab Center.聽 麻豆精品 S淣ow, currently, in our sixth cohort of residents, that mission evolved to encompass the needs of athletes on a national scale, with multiple past graduates working in professional or semi-professional sports across the country. 麻豆精品 S�

The Tireless Protege: Alvaro Zapata

Long days do not faze Alvaro Zapata, even as they turn into 60-hour weeks. To him, they 麻豆精品 S檙e part of the allure of the residency program.

麻豆精品 S淚 ask myself, 麻豆精品 S榃hen would I have this kind of opportunity again? 麻豆精品 S� and the answer is never, 麻豆精品 S� Zapata says. 麻豆精品 S淭he program opens doors that would otherwise not be open. 麻豆精品 S�

麻豆精品 S淚 麻豆精品 S檓 gaining all the knowledge I could possibly need to eventually be at the top of my profession. 麻豆精品 S� 麻豆精品 S� Alvaro Zapata

Since entering the program last August, Zapata has stretched his aptitude alongside clinicians at Orlando Health and Jewett Orthopedic. He 麻豆精品 S檚 worked with athletes in high schools and at UCF and accessed the inner circles of Orlando 麻豆精品 S檚 two professional soccer teams.

As Zapata puts it, 麻豆精品 S淚 麻豆精品 S檓 gaining all the knowledge I could possibly need to eventually be at the top of my profession. 麻豆精品 S�

Zapata was poised to climb the ladder with his Doctor of Physical Therapy from Boston University when he heard about Chaput heading up the residency program at UCF. He knew of her published research and presentations to global audiences.

麻豆精品 S淪he 麻豆精品 S檚 a big reason I wanted this residency so badly, 麻豆精品 S� Zapata says.

Here, he has had the opportunity to collaborate with Chaput and progress research on the 麻豆精品 S渧isual-cognitive control-to-chaos continuum 麻豆精品 S� in rehab, a model for which Chaput is one of the original creators. After ACL reconstruction surgery, patients often develop inhibitions within the brain that limit the coordination of knee movement. Instead of movement in competition being instinctive, athletes are often consciously aware of deficiencies that were once automatic.

麻豆精品 S淚f you can 麻豆精品 S檛 trust your knee, then you can 麻豆精品 S檛 get back to the top of your game, 麻豆精品 S� Zapata says. 麻豆精品 S淩ehab is typically done in a controlled setting. The real sports environment is chaotic. We 麻豆精品 S檙e finding ways to challenge people the day after surgery, so inhibitions don 麻豆精品 S檛 set in. 麻豆精品 S�

This means 麻豆精品 S渧isual-cognitive 麻豆精品 S� challenges are added to rehab in the very early stages. For example, the physical therapists might have the patient look for colored lights on a screen. Red means squeeze the right leg. Blue means squeeze the left leg. Yellow means squeeze both.

The visual-cognitive control-to-chaos continuum calls for therapists to gradually make exercises more complex for the patient, from simple, controlled movements to more unpredictable, game-like situations. The goal is to better prepare patients to safely return to sports by training both the body and the brain.

麻豆精品 S淲e want athletes to react instead of thinking first, 麻豆精品 S� Zapata says. 麻豆精品 S淚t could be a game changer. 麻豆精品 S�

The Team Player: Tsianna Barnwell

At noon on a Monday, Tsianna Barnwell leaves Jewett Orthopedic Clinic, where she 麻豆精品 S檚 been broadening her skills since 7 a.m. She 麻豆精品 S檒l now drive to a local high school to work with athletes across a range of sports. Barnwell thrives in the residency program because no two days are the same. She might work with the Orlando Pride or Orlando City, provide expertise for USA Track or binge on insights at Orlando Health.

Some people call the program challenging. Barnwell calls it 麻豆精品 S渋ncredible. 麻豆精品 S�

麻豆精品 S淚 麻豆精品 S檓 getting the best of all worlds, 麻豆精品 S� she says. She even immerses herself in the world of Orlando Ballet, calling it 麻豆精品 S渁nother unique experience to add to my toolbox. 麻豆精品 S�

Barnwell takes her toolbox into the Cognition, Neuroplasticity and Sarcopenia Lab, where she and Chaput are advancing research, which they recently presented in Athens, Greece, at the Isokinetic Conference. It started with a question Barnwell had from her days as a Division I soccer player: Why are female athletes two to six times more likely to suffer knee injuries than men? Through her sports residency, she 麻豆精品 S檚 discovered that females are more likely to be weaker in their hamstring muscles. Studying these anatomical and physiological differences can inform impactful changes in rehab, recovery and injury prevention, she notes.

“With this residency under my belt, my opportunities will be almost endless.” 麻豆精品 S� Tsianna Barnwell

Barnwell knows firsthand what it 麻豆精品 S檚 like to suffer a torn ACL. She 麻豆精品 S檚 also known 麻豆精品 S渢he team 麻豆精品 S� as her home away from home since leaving Qatar as an 18-year-old to study and play soccer at St. Bonaventure University. Ultimately, she wants to be part of a team again, perhaps as the director of rehabilitation for a professional women 麻豆精品 S檚 soccer team. That 麻豆精品 S檚 her preference, but when the residency ends, she 麻豆精品 S檒l be prepared to work with any team 麻豆精品 S� even a ballet company, Cirque du Soleil or the rehab team at Orlando Health.

麻豆精品 S淚 麻豆精品 S檓 fortunate to gain such a breadth of knowledge, 麻豆精品 S� Barnwell says. 麻豆精品 S淲ith this residency under my belt, my opportunities will be almost endless. 麻豆精品 S�

The Empowered Graduate: Jeremy Wydra 麻豆精品 S�18 麻豆精品 S�22DPT

Jeremy Wydra 麻豆精品 S�18 ’22DPT is where Zapata and Barnwell will soon be: residency complete, now pursuing a path to find more effective ways to help athletes and performers recover and raise the bar.

麻豆精品 S淭hat 麻豆精品 S檚 the great outcome for me: variety, 麻豆精品 S� says Wydra, who finished the residency program in 2024 and is now practicing clinically, and working toward his doctorate in kinesiology at UCF, where he is collecting data on the recovery and return to performance after ACL reconstruction.

Wydra worked his way through UCF, first envisioning a career in mechanical engineering and ultimately earning a bachelor 麻豆精品 S檚 in health sciences. Along the way, he decided he wanted a people-facing profession and shadowed at a clinic, where he noticed physical therapists conversing with patients throughout treatment sessions, often for more than an hour. He saw it as personalized healthcare that he could optimize with physics and innovation.

After finishing his doctorate in physical therapy at UCF, Wydra landed in a dream situation in Maryland, practicing as both a strength and conditioning coach and a physical therapist within sports performance centers. It begs the question: Why return for the residency?

麻豆精品 S淚 wanted to work with mentors who would push me to be better, 麻豆精品 S� says Wydra.

Unlike Zapata and Barnwell, Wydra had little soccer experience. Gaining it became part of the push he desired.

“… the value of the residency for me: having access to such diversified people and environments.” 麻豆精品 S� Jeremy Wydra 麻豆精品 S�18 麻豆精品 S�22DPT

麻豆精品 S淒uring my second week in the residency, I stepped into the Orlando City Academy training room to work with high-level athletes, 麻豆精品 S� he says. 麻豆精品 S淚 also helped on the sidelines and talked with the medical staff about team-centered communication with coaches and players. That was the value of the residency for me: having access to such diversified people and environments. 麻豆精品 S�

Wydra sees himself taking full advantage of the variety still in front of him, perhaps as a physical therapist and sports scientist, reforming best practices and helping others be their best.

麻豆精品 S淭hat 麻豆精品 S檚 what my mentors in the residency have done for me: made me a better person and professional, 麻豆精品 S� he says. 麻豆精品 S淚 wouldn 麻豆精品 S檛 trade those 12 months for the world. 麻豆精品 S�

For 25 years, members of have shared a powerful belief: investing in UCF is ultimately an investment in students and the lives they 麻豆精品 S檒l lead.

Through planned gifts such as bequests, estate plans and retirement assets, society members extend opportunity far beyond a single generation. Their support fuels scholarships, research and academic programs that prepare students to meet the evolving needs of industry and community.

In 2025 alone, planned gifts accounted for nearly one-third of all charitable support to UCF.

The society is named for UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 founding president, Charles Millican, a visionary who built the university with the future firmly in mind. During his tenure, Millican transformed 1,227 acres of Central Florida scrubland into an institution designed to support the space race and prepare students for careers in engineering and computer science. He championed what would become the Central Florida Research Park and helped shape UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 enduring ambition to reach for the stars.

Today, that vision lives on through more than 500 members of The Charles Millican Legacy Society 麻豆精品 S� and through the students whose futures are shaped by their generosity.

A World of Possibility

Thiago Maillo 麻豆精品 S檚 path to a bachelor 麻豆精品 S檚 degree wasn 麻豆精品 S檛 linear 麻豆精品 S� but it was driven by something unwavering: the pursuit of greater opportunity.

After his first year studying medicine at the Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Maillo realized he wanted a different future. He saw higher education in the United States as the place to build it. Just three months after applying to Valencia College, he moved to Florida and later .

“Scholarships have made all the difference. They 麻豆精品 S檝e made it possible for me to achieve my dreams.” 麻豆精品 S� Thiago Maillo, biomedical sciences major

Today, he 麻豆精品 S檚 a Burnett Honors Scholar and biomedical sciences major on the neuroscience track, with a minor in psychology. He 麻豆精品 S檚 conducted research at the Applied Cognition and Technology Lab, completed an internship with ThinkNeuro and serves as an undergraduate teaching assistant in Genetics and Embryology. He 麻豆精品 S檚 also found community as president of the Argentinian Student Association.

麻豆精品 S淏eing at UCF was my goal from the start, 麻豆精品 S� says Maillo, who plans to pursue a doctoral degree in cognitive neuroscience. 麻豆精品 S淚 love being a Knight. Scholarships have made all the difference. They 麻豆精品 S檝e made it possible for me to achieve my dreams 麻豆精品 S� and pave the way for my two siblings to follow in my footsteps. 麻豆精品 S�

Reimagining What 麻豆精品 S檚 Possible

Shannon Hankinson didn 麻豆精品 S檛 follow the traditional path to UCF 麻豆精品 S� she created her own.

A Tampa native and single mother of two, Hankinson spent years leading teams at Target before realizing that success and fulfillment aren 麻豆精品 S檛 always the same. Determined to change course, she saved money, left her job, earned an associate degree at Eastern Florida State College and transferred to UCF, becoming the first in her family to pursue a four-year degree.

“Donors made it possible for me to build a future that reflects my values and supports my family.” 麻豆精品 S� Shannon Hankinson, electrical engineering major

Now a senior electrical engineering major, she has seized several opportunities at UCF. She completed two semesters in the , joined the Society of Women Engineers and works as a research assistant in UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 Radiation Effects Exploration Laboratory. There, she studies semiconductor reliability, hardware design and embedded systems under Assistant Professor Enxia Zhang. Through the Scalable Asymmetric Lifecycle Engagement program, she also gained hands-on experience with the U.S. defense sector.

This spring, Hankinson will graduate debt-free 麻豆精品 S� supported by scholarships, research funding and a fellowship that 麻豆精品 S檒l carry her directly into a UCF master 麻豆精品 S檚 program. A doctorate is next.

麻豆精品 S淥ne of my goals was to show my children that it 麻豆精品 S檚 never too late to do what you want to do with your life, 麻豆精品 S� Hankinson says. 麻豆精品 S淒onors made it possible for me to build a future that reflects my values and supports my family. 麻豆精品 S�

A Lasting Legacy

On May 2, UCF celebrated the 25th anniversary of The Charles Millican Legacy Society. The milestone coincides with , which builds on the university 麻豆精品 S檚 commitment to accelerating student success, advancing research and driving societal impact.

“… support from … our Charles Millican Legacy Society members [continues] to power our innovators, educators and researchers …” 麻豆精品 S� Rod Grabowski, senior vice president of Advancement and Partnerships

麻豆精品 S淭his university was founded to serve the next great frontier 麻豆精品 S� America 麻豆精品 S檚 space race 麻豆精品 S� and it 麻豆精品 S檚 support from dedicated individuals like our Charles Millican Legacy Society members that continue to power our innovators, educators and researchers as they move that mission forward, 麻豆精品 S� says Rod Grabowski, senior vice president of Advancement and Partnerships and CEO of the UCF Foundation. 麻豆精品 S淔rom driving the latest advances in AI to creating next-level immersive experiences and sparking breakthrough medical research, UCF is building a future others have only imagined 麻豆精品 S� one that this society 麻豆精品 S檚 namesake would be proud to see. 麻豆精品 S�

Maillo is forging new frontiers for his family. Hankinson is showing her children what 麻豆精品 S檚 possible when you start again.

They aren 麻豆精品 S檛 outliers. They 麻豆精品 S檙e what happens when students with extraordinary drive meet extraordinary support.

This is the true legacy of UCF, of Millican and of the society members: students with the confidence to go further, supported by those who believe they can.

Four outstanding undergraduate students are redefining the boundaries of STEM through their high-impact research 麻豆精品 S� and in doing so, placing the university among the nation 麻豆精品 S檚 top producers of Goldwater Scholars.

The prestigious Goldwater Scholarship identifies and supports the nation 麻豆精品 S檚 best student researchers in the fields of engineering, mathematics and natural sciences.

This year 麻豆精品 S檚 honorees 麻豆精品 S� all expected to graduate next spring 麻豆精品 S� have propelled UCF into an elite tier of research institutions, surpassing several Ivy League institutions and tying for fourth in the nation in total Goldwater Scholars produced alongside Stanford University, the University of Notre Dame and the University of Chicago. Their impactful work reflects UCF’s commitment to building a high-level research environment that empowers students to lead projects addressing significant global and scientific challenges.

Supporting Space Exploration

Goldwater Scholar: Keanu Brayman

Major: Mechanical engineering

Ultimate Goal: To develop robotic systems to support human exploration on Mars.

Keanu Brayman 麻豆精品 S檚 passion for space began early.

麻豆精品 S淥ne of my earliest memories is watching a Space Shuttle streak across the sky from a beach in South Florida, 麻豆精品 S� Brayman says. 麻豆精品 S淚 remember being amazed there were people on board and feeling drawn to one day help explore the stars and discover what lies beyond our planet. 麻豆精品 S�

At UCF, Brayman has refined that dream with the support of faculty and mentors 麻豆精品 S� including Department of Physics Chair and Professor Adrienne Dove, Associate Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Tarek Elgohary and NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Engineer Christopher Proctor 麻豆精品 S� as well as through programs like the .

He plans to pursue a doctoral degree in aerospace engineering to support lunar exploration and NASA 麻豆精品 S檚 Artemis program, as well as develop robotic systems that can extract resources and build infrastructure to support human exploration on Mars.

Engineering the Brain

Goldwater Scholar: Kyle Coutray

Majors: Computer engineering and biomedical sciences

Ultimate Goal: To research ways to restore communication, movement and cognitive function to the brain through engineering methods.

Kyle Coutray is focused on the intersection of neuroscience and technology.

麻豆精品 S淚 麻豆精品 S檓 interested in building systems that interact directly with the brain, 麻豆精品 S� Coutray says. 麻豆精品 S淚n the lab, 麻豆精品 S� [I 麻豆精品 S檓] blending [both majors] into one approach. 麻豆精品 S�

He aims to pursue a doctoral degree in neural engineering to further his research on brain-computer interfaces that translate complex brain activity into useful functions.

A 2026 Order of Pegasus inductee and a Burnett Honors Scholar, Coutray credits his success to disciplined focus and strong mentorship, particularly from Charles N. Millican Professor of Computer Science Joseph LaViola and Associate Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Helen Huang.

Advancing Patient Care

Goldwater Scholar: Varun Nannuri

Major: Molecular and cellular biology

Ultimate Goal: To pursue a career as a physician-scientist.

Varun Nannuri is driven by a desire to understand why people experience different health outcomes and improve care.

“Through my clinical experiences, I have seen how much patients and families rely on physicians during some of the most difficult moments of their lives,” Nannuri says. “My research experiences have shown me that better care depends on asking better questions.”

Nannuri plans to pursue a dual M.D./Ph.D. degree and become a physician-scientist. His ambition earned him recognition as a 2026 Order of Pegasus inductee while also completing his Honors Undergraduate Thesis. Nannuri is also a member of the Burnett Honors College as a Burnett Medical Scholar, a program that offers guaranteed admission to the UCF College of Medicine upon completion.

麻豆精品 S淯CF has given me opportunities to grow as a student, researcher, leader and future physician, 麻豆精品 S� Nannuri says.

Restoring Human Senses

Goldwater Scholar: Trevor Overton

Majors: Electrical engineering and biomedical sciences

Ultimate Goal: To improve the lives of people with disabilities through advanced robotic prostheses.

Burnett Honors Scholar Trevor Overton 麻豆精品 S檚 work centers on neuroengineering and next-generation prosthetics.

麻豆精品 S淚 麻豆精品 S檝e always had a passion for building things, and I also love reading and watching sci-fi, 麻豆精品 S� Overton says. 麻豆精品 S淲hen UCF offered me the opportunity to join the MEDD [ 麻豆精品 S� I knew I had to take it. 麻豆精品 S�

UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 MEDD program provides scientifically driven students like Overton with a unique opportunity to integrate engineering principles into medicine.

Much like the development of cochlear implants, Overton imagines similar breakthroughs with vision and touch.

麻豆精品 S淚 envision a future where robotic prostheses are so advanced that they could completely replace or enhance the abilities of humans, 麻豆精品 S� Overton says. 麻豆精品 S淚t 麻豆精品 S檚 not entirely impossible. 麻豆精品 S�

After earning a doctoral degree in electrical engineering with a focus on neuroengineering, he hopes to inspire the next generation 麻豆精品 S� just as his professors inspired him 麻豆精品 S� emphasizing that UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 strength lies in professors who actively invest in their students.

A Growing Research Powerhouse

With four 2026 Goldwater Scholarship recipients, UCF continues to strengthen its position as a leader in undergraduate research. The achievement reflects both students 麻豆精品 S� immense dedication and a university-wide commitment to driving innovation, mentorship and hands-on discovery. As these Knights prepare for the next steps in their academic journeys, they carry forward a shared mission: to turn research into real-world impact.

Students interested in applying for the Goldwater Scholarship or other major national awards should contact the Office of Prestigious Awards at聽opa@ucf.edu.

Academic Support and Study Strategy

Preparation is the best way to reduce anxiety, and UCF offers a variety of coaching, tutoring, or peer support to help you conquer your study strategy.

• 聽From Monday, April 27聽through聽Friday, May 1, the Student聽Union again will聽become your campus study headquarters, offering free live review sessions led by tutors and Supplemental Instruction leaders across a variety of courses. Plus, Academic Consultation & Engagement peer consultants will be available to provide personalized academic support.
• :听Peer mentors from the Office of Academic Advocacy will host a Mindsets & Motivations Event on聽Tuesday,聽April 28, from聽11聽a.m. to 1 p.m., in Trevor Colbourn Hall, room 202.聽聽They will also be in the Student Union Atrium during the hours listed below to connect you with resources, such as the Writing Center聽(Trevor Colbourn Hall, room 109 and the聽John聽C. Hitt Library, room 330)聽and Math Lab聽(Mathematical Science Building, rooms聽153, 241, 240, and 242).聽Graduate students, remember that the聽聽is open Monday聽through聽Friday from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. in Trevor Colbourn Hall, Room 213.
• Reserved Study Rooms: We all know how busy the library can get during finals week. Use the to book a room at the John C. Hitt, Downtown, or Rosen libraries in advance to make sure you have a designated quiet space to study.

Wellness Resources

Your mental health is the foundation of your academic performance. If the pressure begins to feel unmanageable, there are several ways to find support.

• Mental Health Support: Beyond traditional counseling, (CAPS) provides 24/7 crisis support by dialing 407-823-2811.
• Free Mental Health Apps: Students have free access to , an anonymous peer-to-peer mental support community, and for free tele-therapy sessions, including evening and weekend appointments.

• Meeting Basic Needs: If your budget is tight during finals, the provides food, toiletries and even clothing to Knights in need.

Finals Week Events Around Campus

Conquer the end of the semester with these main campus events. Whether a study session or a social break, these opportunities are designed to help you cross the finish line feeling supported and confident.

• OverKnight Study (various dates between April 20 麻豆精品 S� May 5, 1 – 6 a.m.): The John C. Hitt Library will extend normal hours during to accommodate late-night study sessions in a safe, quiet environment.
• Sunset Yoga at Lake Claire (April 22, 7 麻豆精品 S� 8 p.m.): Join the Recreation and Wellness Center (RWC) for a special end of semester Sunset Yoga session 麻豆精品 S� the perfect way to decompress and stretch out after a long day of studying. Check the to register for a spot.
• Float Into Finals (April 23, 4 麻豆精品 S� 5:30 p.m.): Graduate Student Life to Trevor Colbourn Hall Room 213 for some well-deserved ice cream floats and good vibes with other students.
• Study Union (April 27 麻豆精品 S� May 1): SARC partners with the Student Union to bring multiple final exam review sessions in-person and online before and after finals week, with by a Peer Tutor or Supplemental Instruction Leader.
• Late Knight Breakfast (April 28, 10 p.m. 麻豆精品 S� midnight):听Mark your calendars to come by the Student Union Atrium to enjoy your favorite breakfast foods. Hosted by Student Government, for students.
• Mindsets & Motivations with PeerKnights (April 28, 11 a.m. 麻豆精品 S� 1 p.m.): Held in Trevor Colbourn Hall Room 202, this event helps students prepare for finals with campus resources focused on time management, study tips and staying motivated.

Transportation and Parking

To avoid parking delays, students are encouraged to arrive at campus early during finals week.

• will聽run on their regular schedule Monday, April 27聽through聽Thursday, April 30, from 6:30 a.m.聽to 10:30 p.m., and on Friday, May 1, from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• Need聽a ride on Saturday? There is a special shuttle service on May 2. Routes 1 麻豆精品 S�10 will provide transportation to the Main Campus from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Quick Links for Success

Whether you are hitting the books in a reserved study room, meeting with a PeerKnights coach or taking a brain-break at the gym, remember that every resource at UCF is designed to help you succeed. Take a breath, trust your preparation and know that the UCF community is there to help and cheer you on.

麻豆精品 S淥nce I realized it wasn 麻豆精品 S檛 a mistake, I was thrilled, 麻豆精品 S� says Xhemali, one of the inaugural recipients of the Katherine Crock Memorial Scholarship. 麻豆精品 S淚 麻豆精品 S檓 financing this entire experience on my own, so every bit helps. That 麻豆精品 S檚 money I can now put toward my future. 麻豆精品 S�

For Xhemali, an aspiring lawyer, college once felt like a distant world reserved for others. Between traveling back-and-forth across the Atlantic Ocean to live with his parents in Albania and relatives in Chicago and Jacksonville, Florida, he constantly balanced family expectations with his own ambitions. Ultimately, Xhemali faced a difficult choice: work to support his family or focus solely on his studies. He chose both, supplementing his scholarship by working as a produce clerk at Publix and a warehouse shipper.

College of Business alum Raymond Smithberger 麻豆精品 S�02MBA understands that drive. Growing up on a 100-acre farm in Southeast Ohio, Smithberger learned the value of hard work and family obligation early on. The oldest of five, with a father who worked in a factory and a mother who was a receptionist, Smithberger was aware of the financial hurdles facing a first-generation student when he left home to pursue his undergraduate degree and later an MBA at UCF.

Now the chief operating officer at Help at Home, a national home care provider, Smithberger credits his late mother, Katherine Crock, for pushing him to blaze his own trail.

麻豆精品 S淪he was the one who really encouraged me to do things differently, 麻豆精品 S� Smithberger says.

Following his mother 麻豆精品 S檚 passing, Smithberger honored her legacy by creating the Katherine Crock Memorial Fund. The endowment ensures students like himself, and Xhemali, have the support they need to define their own futures 麻豆精品 S� and pays tribute to someone who valued education more than anything else.

UCF Day of Giving is Thursday, April 9. Join us during Knight Nation’s single largest day of impact as we support our favorite colleges, programs, student services, research endeavors and more. .

麻豆精品 S淸My mother] wanted to pursue further education but never had the chance, 麻豆精品 S� Smithberger says. 麻豆精品 S淚 feel honored to support other first-generation students in her memory. 麻豆精品 S�

Strategically launched last year on to maximize impact, visibility, and matching opportunities, the Katherine Crock Memorial Fund helps to expand student access, reduce financial barriers,and accelerate academic success. By funding both established and new scholarship initiatives, donors directly enable UCF students to focus on their studies and career-shaping experiences, such as internships and campus involvement, rather than financial stressors.

While the finer points of UCF Day of Giving are still new to Xhemali, he understands the significance ofSmithberger 麻豆精品 S檚 generosity.

麻豆精品 S淚 麻豆精品 S檓 still fresh, but I 麻豆精品 S檓 figuring out this stuff, 麻豆精品 S� Xhemali says. 麻豆精品 S淲hat I do know is that I want to use this scholarship to put me in a position where I can help someone like Mr. Smithberger has helped me. 麻豆精品 S�

The National Leader in Emergency and Crisis Management

UCF earned the No. 1 Homeland/National Security and Emergency Management Graduate Program ranking in the nation for the聽 third consecutive year.

At the forefront of this year’s ranking is the College of Community Innovation and Education (CCIE)’s online emergency and crisis management program, signaling UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 long-standing leadership in programs that keep people safe from disasters of all kinds.

麻豆精品 S淭o maintain the U.S. News No. 1 ranking of graduate programs in homeland security and emergency management is truly a team endeavor, 麻豆精品 S� Associate Professor of Public Administration Yue ‘Gurt’ Ge says. 麻豆精品 S淚t reflects our nationally and internationally renowned faculty in education and research, our stellar students and alumni 麻豆精品 S� who have become the backbone of the emergency management profession in Florida and beyond 麻豆精品 S� and our signature staff members and advisory board representing government, nonprofit, and business sectors across Central Florida. 麻豆精品 S�

That strong connection to practice is central to the program 麻豆精品 S檚 success. Faculty research influences policy nationwide, while students gain real-world insight through close partnerships with emergency managers at the local, state and federal levels. Graduates leave prepared to respond to complex crises, from natural disasters to public health emergencies, at a time when the need for highly trained professionals continues to grow.

A Top-10 School Preparing Student Counselors

UCF’s College of Community Innovation and Education also earned the No. 9 ranking for Student Counseling and Personnel Services Graduate Programs in the nation.

Recognition for CCIE’s student counseling聽 graduate program reflects UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 high-touch faculty mentorship model and its emphasis on integrating research, service, and professional preparation.

For Benoit Aubin, a first-year doctoral student in counselor education, that support has been transformative. A former firefighter and medic, Aubin now works as a mental health clinician for his former fire station while serving as a graduate research assistant with UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 Marriage and Family Research Institute (MFRI).

With guidance from Department of Counselor Education and School Psychology Chair and MFRI Executive Director Sejal Barden, Aubin has conducted clinical research focused on trauma and relationship stress among first-responder couples. His work has already contributed to a funded grant, conference presentations, a published book and the development of a training program 麻豆精品 S� achievements he credits to a highly supportive learning environment.

麻豆精品 S淯CF knows how to prepare us to compete professionally, 麻豆精品 S� Aubin says.

A 34-Spot Rise in Advanced Nursing Education

UCF’s College of Nursing jumped 聽34 spots to No. 37 for Doctor of Nursing Practice Graduate Programs in the nation 麻豆精品 S� the highest ranking in the college 麻豆精品 S檚 history.

UCF’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program (DNP) improved ranking reflects a continued investment in academic rigor, faculty expertise and hands-on clinical training designed to address the nation 麻豆精品 S檚 growing need for nurse practitioners.

Graduates from the DNP program consistently outperform national first-time pass rates on nurse practitioner certification exams. They also often receive job offers before they even complete their degrees, according to Christopher Blackwell 麻豆精品 S�00 麻豆精品 S�01MSN 麻豆精品 S�05PhD, director of UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner program. All full-time faculty hold at least one doctoral degree, more than half remain actively practicing clinicians and many are nationally recognized fellows. Through partnerships with healthcare organizations across Central Florida students gain applied experience alongside expert preceptors in varied clinical settings.

麻豆精品 S淭he incredible amount of support I 麻豆精品 S檝e received from UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 nursing professors and the opportunities to make an impact through my research and clinical practice solidified that I made the best choice in my graduate degree, 麻豆精品 S� says Mimi Alliance 麻豆精品 S�21, a family nurse practitioner doctoral student who provides care and conducts research on the UCF Mobile Health Clinic.

Some of that training is anchored in the college 麻豆精品 S檚 Helene Fuld Health Trust STIM Center, an internationally recognized simulation facility that strengthens clinical skills and decision-making before students enter patient-care environments. The STIM Center, as well as UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 nursing programs, are housed in the Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion, which opened in Lake Nona in Fall 2025 thanks to generous state and industry support 麻豆精品 S� a proof point of UCF’s ability to solve real-world issues.

Building on a Legacy of Aerospace Engineering Excellence

As Florida 麻豆精品 S檚 Technological University, UCF continues to build on our strength in technology-driven fields by ranking No. 38 for Aerospace Engineering Graduate Programs in the nation.

The UCF College of Engineering and Computer Sciences‘ aerospace engineering graduate program ranking reinforces the university 麻豆精品 S檚 legacy in a field deeply tied to Florida 麻豆精品 S檚 Space Coast and NASA’s recent Artemis II launch.

麻豆精品 S淚t is gratifying to see the hard work and exciting research of our faculty and students recognized by our peers, 麻豆精品 S� says Associate Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Jeffrey Kauffman, noting that since launching the aerospace engineering doctoral program in 2019, UCF has steadily climbed in rankings while program enrollment has grown to more than 100 doctoral students.

Fueling that growth are advances in hypersonic flight, space exploration and defense research, with UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 HyperSpace Center serving as a catalyst for interdisciplinary collaboration. Faculty success in securing competitive federal research funding has strengthened infrastructure and expanded opportunities for both graduate and undergraduate students.

The result is a vibrant research environment where students engage directly in cutting-edge projects and build industry connections well before entering the workforce.

Across disciplines, UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 growth in the U.S. News & World Report’s graduate rankings reflects a shared commitment to student success 麻豆精品 S� driven by faculty who mentor closely, curricula that align with real-world needs and an institutional culture focused on impact. As UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 graduate programs continue to climb, they reinforce the university 麻豆精品 S檚 role as a national leader preparing professionals to tackle society 麻豆精品 S檚 most urgent challenges.

That 麻豆精品 S檚 because every dollar ripples far beyond a single day. Every gift opens doors: for students to chase a dream, create unforgettable memories, boldly invent the future and be recognized for their hard work. And every donor does more than give 麻豆精品 S� they ignite potential, spark inspiration and elevate Knights for generations.

With UCF Day of Giving 2026 right around the corner 麻豆精品 S� Thursday, April 9 麻豆精品 S� we 麻豆精品 S檙e reflecting on the transformational effects and personal stories of triumph that emerged from last year 麻豆精品 S檚 show of support, knowing that shortly, our collective contributions will set another wave of Black & Gold breakthroughs, successes and discoveries into motion.

Prioritizing Unique Opportunities

Area of Support: College of Engineering and Computer Science Dean 麻豆精品 S檚 Excellence Fund
Amount Raised: $67,421
Impact: Learning experiences

Growing up in rural Ohio, Jordan Hires, an aerospace engineering major and Burnett Honors College Scholar, often gazed at the boundless night sky, inspired by the astronauts from her home state of Ohio. Moving 1,000 miles away for college was daunting, but manageable. With her sights set on becoming a chief engineer for deep space flights, UCF offered two key benefits: a renowned aerospace engineering program and proximity to NASA.

麻豆精品 S淚t 麻豆精品 S檚 the best decision I 麻豆精品 S檝e made, 麻豆精品 S� she says.

Since becoming a Knight, she 麻豆精品 S檚 done backstage tours at NASA, met with industry leaders from Mitsubishi, Siemens Energy and Lockheed Martin, and even talked to a former astronaut at an awards ceremony. This past summer, she worked alongside Professor Kareem Ahmed in the Propulsion and Energy Research Lab as a U.S. National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) fellow, testing a solution to remove heat from engines 麻豆精品 S� research that could make hypersonic aircraft safer and cheaper. It was her second research experience as an undergrad.

麻豆精品 S淚 don 麻豆精品 S檛 know if it 麻豆精品 S檚 every little girl 麻豆精品 S檚 dream to work on classified projects with military and civilian applications, but it definitely was this little girl 麻豆精品 S檚 dream, 麻豆精品 S� she says. 麻豆精品 S淭hanks to UCF, I 麻豆精品 S檝e had experiences that most students don 麻豆精品 S檛 get until graduate school. 麻豆精品 S�

Many of those opportunities are made possible by the College of Engineering and Computer Science Dean 麻豆精品 S檚 Excellence Fund, which supports hands-on learning, cutting-edge research equipment and innovative initiatives.

Supporting Lasting Memories

Area of Support: Marching Knights Scholarship Fund
Amount Raised: $14,067
Impact: Multiple scholarships for band members

For UCF Marching Knights President Zoie Taverna, two moments define her UCF experience: the rush of running onto the field for her first game and the bittersweet joy of singing the alma mater song alongside her best friend for their final game before graduation.

麻豆精品 S淔or three whole years, we stood next to each other in the stands, screaming, feeding off each other 麻豆精品 S檚 energy, 麻豆精品 S� Taverna says. 麻豆精品 S淔or her last game, we went all out. We couldn 麻豆精品 S檛 even talk by the end of it. We cried while singing the alma mater. 麻豆精品 S�

Taverna is among the Marching Knights whose experiences at UCF are bolstered by the Branen Band Endowed Scholarship, which helps cover essentials like textbooks, meals and rent that her Bright Futures scholarship does not. As a mechanical engineering major, band leader and corresponding secretary for the national chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi, she packs her days with coursework, practice and student engagement.

During the summers, she works full-time at a summer camp for kids, and she spends her weekends and evenings at Panera Bread to save up enough to cover the expenses to allow her to stay focused while in school.

麻豆精品 S淲ithout scholarships, I wouldn 麻豆精品 S檛 have the time to do extracurriculars, such as Marching Knights, where I get to represent UCF in Central Florida and around the world, 麻豆精品 S� she says. 麻豆精品 S淎nd I wouldn 麻豆精品 S檛 get to spend every Saturday in the Bounce House with all of my friends, immersed in the band life we love. 麻豆精品 S�

Illuminating Pathways

Area of Support: College of Optics and Photonics (CREOL)
Amount Raised: $54,880
Impact: $4,880 Went Toward Supporting 19 scholarships for attendees

This summer, high school student Chloe Phung left the bright lights of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, to spend a week immersed in the study of light on UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 campus. As part of the third Laser and Photonics Summer Camp hosted by CREOL, she joined more than 50 high school students from across Central Florida 麻豆精品 S� and around the world.

麻豆精品 S淚 had the chance to learn many things, to learn more about optics, lenses and lasers, 麻豆精品 S� Phung says.

In addition to learning opportunities, the camp shines a light on the photonics industry, where more than 10,000 jobs open each year in the U.S., despite only 80 to 100 students in the nation graduating with bachelor 麻豆精品 S檚 degrees in photonics annually. A third of those graduates come from CREOL.

Paying it Forward

Area of Support: Dr. Michelle R. Dusseau Communication and Community Impact Endowed Scholarship Fund
Amount Raised: $1,780
Impact: $1,500 scholarship for one communication major, awarded annually

Beatrix Alerte transferred to UCF in Spring 2024 with a plan: build community on campus, explore a career in media, stay active in service and say yes to every opportunity.

The first three goals came naturally. She enrolled in classes, mentored two freshmen as part of the UCF chapter of Big Sister Little Sister mentoring program and served as a trip coordinator for the Alternative Spring Break Program. Alerte also gained work experience as a marketing ambassador for Project BEST, a Student Support Services project that supports first generation students, and as an intern with UCF Athletics.

Her final goal was made easier this summer when Alerte was named the inaugural recipient of the Dr. Michelle R. Dusseau Communication and Community Impact Endowed Scholarship, created this past year by longtime the College of Science‘s Nicholson School of Communication and Media faculty member Michelle Dusseau.

麻豆精品 S淭his scholarship has given me the freedom to say yes to career-building opportunities, many of which are unpaid, while worrying less about covering

personal living expenses, 麻豆精品 S� Alerte says. 麻豆精品 S淭hat support makes all the difference. 麻豆精品 S�

This UCF Day of Giving, we 麻豆精品 S檙e launching Knights to new heights! Save the date to on Thursday, April 9, 2026. Check out the to maximize your impact. And get ready to join your Knight Nation family as we Bounce, Stomp, Splash and Cheer our way to more impact than ever before.

Computer science students Brian Barak 麻豆精品 S�25, Thomas Meeks and Benjamin Prins competed as UCF Triangulate, one of the 52 university teams at the NAC who earned the chance to compete for a spot internationally from an original field of about 1,000 from the U.S. and Canada. UCF placed No. 5, earning the opportunity to head to Dubai in November to compete at the 50th annual ICPC World Finals.

The trio placed ahead of the Georgia Institute of Technology and University of Florida, the other two schools in the contest 麻豆精品 S檚 southeast region. They also beat Ivy League universities and colleges with notable computer science programs, including California Institute of Technology, Harvard University and Carnegie Mellon University.

麻豆精品 S淭he contest has grown from a few hundred students to almost 100,000 students. It 麻豆精品 S檚 getting harder and more challenging each year to outperform others, 麻豆精品 S� says UCF programming team faculty advisor Ali Orooji.聽 麻豆精品 S淲e are very proud of our students and coaches who put in the time and effort to do well in the contest. 麻豆精品 S�

ICPC student programmers are among the best in the world. At UCF, competitors are often recruited for their contest experience by companies such as Google and Microsoft, attracted by contestants 麻豆精品 S� proven ability to collaborate under pressure on advanced algorithms.

麻豆精品 S淭he training offered by [our computer programming teams’] coaches is exceptional, and our competitors 麻豆精品 S� commendable work ethic and skills continue to draw the attention of the tech industry to our college. 麻豆精品 S� 麻豆精品 S� Michael Georgiopoulos, CECS dean

麻豆精品 S淥ur programming team continues to make us proud with their latest accomplishment, 麻豆精品 S� says College of Engineering and Computer Science Dean Michael Georgiopoulos. 麻豆精品 S淭hey are establishing a legacy of excellence in programming for UCF. The training offered by their coaches is exceptional, and our competitors 麻豆精品 S� commendable work ethic and skills continue to draw the attention of the tech industry to our college. 麻豆精品 S�

During the contest, the competitors have five hours to answer a series of logic problems that require developing algorithms to solve. The problems are based on real-world scenarios such as modeling air traffic flow, optimizing security for an art gallery, and tracking animals in a wildlife preserve. Teams of three collaborate on one computer to solve the most problems in the least amount of time.

Barak, Meeks and Prins solved nine out of the 13 problems, and were the first to solve problem K.

麻豆精品 S淚 think we had several advantages over other North America teams going into the contest that played a part in our team 麻豆精品 S檚 performance: a phenomenal support structure with the dedicated coaches, especially our team’s coach Glenn Martin 麻豆精品 S�92 麻豆精品 S�95MS 麻豆精品 S�12PhD; access to the programming team lab; and support from the rest of the team, 麻豆精品 S� Meeks says.

He adds that frequent and consistent twice-weekly practice and training on challenging problems from ICPC training camp sets and the Universal Cup, a nonprofit organization that provides resources for competitive programmers, also contributed to their success.

麻豆精品 S淪everal years of being on a team together helped us form a strong and efficient team dynamic, 麻豆精品 S� he says.

Hosted by UCF for the past six years, the NAC attracts a number of sponsors who recognize the contest as an opportunity to meet the next generation of talented programmers. This year 麻豆精品 S檚 contest sponsors included Jane Street, OpenAI, JetBrains, Jump Trading, Citadel, the National Security Agency, Hudson River Trading and Upsilon Pi Epsilon Honor Society.