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Articles by Edward Duryea
UCF Pharmacy Robot Can Count and Label Prescriptions in 30 Seconds, Allowing Pharmacists to Focus on Patient Care
One of UCF Health Student Health Services’ most industrious team members recently commemorated one year of service to its on-campus pharmacy. For what he lacks in limb and brain, “Pillbert,” the automatic vial-dispensing robot, makes up for in efficiency and intelligence. In about 30 seconds, he can count and label a student’s prescription with precision, choosing from 108 different medications stored within his sturdy frame and dispensing through nine windows.
UCF Researchers Developing Easy-to-Use Viral Biosensor Test - Giving Patients More Accurate, Immediate Results
For most diseases, early detection leads to better patient outcomes. That’s why infectious disease experts and chemists at the UCF College of Medicine and College of Sciences were recently awarded a $537,619 grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to create a low cost, accurate test that detects Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV at the same time.
UCF Leads Inaugural Global Health Summit in Malta, Expands Collaborative Research and Student Exchange Opportunities
Public health experts from the Americas, Europe and Africa gathered in Malta this summer at a UCF-led Global Health Summit to strategize how to make the vision of a healthier world a reality. Although the representatives from these nations may seem culturally dissimilar, the students and faculty in attendance united to find common ground by identifying key opportunities to advance public health for all and establish the framework for future summits and student exchange programs.
UCF Researchers Fight Breast, Prostate Cancer with Targeted Therapies Backed by 2 New Grants
A UCF team of researchers is refining its game plan to tackle cancer. Annette Khaled, who leads the College of Medicine’s cancer research division, recently received more than $2 million in grant funding to expand her work with Z-TOP, a peptide she discovered in 2012 that stops the spread of metastatic cancer cells. She is collaborating with UCF College of Engineering and Computer Science colleagues to design a better cellular delivery system for the treatment.
UCF Med Student Earns Prestigious International NIH Fellowship to Address Antibiotic Resistance
Third-year medical student Larissa Dixon’s journey to becoming a physician is reaching far beyond UCF’s College of Medicine campus — all the way to Peru.
UCF ‘Double Knight’ Harnesses Unique Interdisciplinary Research Path in Quest for M.D.
As a graduate researcher at UCF, Viviana Rivera ’23 ’24MS helped create bionic arms for children needing prostheses, and she still remembers how patients lit up when they received their customized limbs. “I watched my first patient evolve before my eyes from a shy girl to an outspoken, charismatic and funny individual,” she says. “That was always who she was, but the prosthesis gave her more confidence to speak up and make her voice heard.
5 UCF Researchers Use 2025 NSF CAREER Awards to Address Emerging Challenges in Computer Science and Engineering
Three UCF faculty were named 2025 U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program award winners while two recent faculty hires transferred their CAREER projects to continue their work at Florida’s Premier Engineering and Technology University.
UCF Researchers Measure Size of Elusive Moon Orbiting Distant Dwarf Planet for the First Time
In a precise and time-critical observation, postdoctoral researchers Flavia Luane Rommel and Ben Proudfoot from the University of Central Florida’s Florida Space Institute successfully led an investigation that measured the size of Namaka, the smallest and most elusive moon orbiting the distant dwarf planet Haumea just beyond Neptune.
UCF’s “Bridge Doctor” Combines Imaging, Neural Network to Efficiently Evaluate Concrete Bridges’ Safety
Necati Catbas doesn’t hold a medical degree, but the UCF engineering professor is more than qualified to diagnose the health of bridges using a combination of emerging technologies. Catbas collaborated with his former civil engineering student Marwan Debees ’23PhD, who now works as a NASA Bridge Program manager, on newly published research that details how infrared thermography, high-definition imaging and neural network analysis can combine to make concrete bridge inspections more efficient.
UCF Research Team Discovers Breakthrough for 3D Carbon Printing
The research teams of Laurene Tetard, professor of physics at UCF, and Richard Blair, researcher professor at UCF’s Florida Space Institute, have discovered how to produce strong micro and nanofibers of carbon at room temperature, which can be implemented in a unique 3D printing process they have developed.
UCF Scientists Use James Webb Space Telescope to Better Understand Solar System’s Origins
UCF scientists and their collaborators discovered new insights into the formation of distant icy objects in space beyond Neptune, offering a deeper understanding of our solar system’s formation and growth. Using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), scientists analyzed far-away bodies — known as Trans-Neptunian Objects (TNOs) — and found varying traces of methanol.
Profound, Innovative, Analytical and Resilient: Meet UCF’s 2025 Reach for the Stars Honorees
Four UCF assistant professors are being recognized as 2025 Reach for the Stars honorees for their exceptional dedication to advancing knowledge through meaningful research. Each early-career faculty researcher is making a substantial impact through their respective areas of expertise. As in previous years, the variety of disciplines represented through the awards showcases UCF’s commitment to cultivating and recognizing groundbreaking and academically diverse research.
UCF Partners with 5 Universities to Offer Exceptional Education Consortium-model Doctoral Program
A U.S. Department of Education report shows that 39 states and Washington, D.C., reported an insufficient supply of teachers who are trained to support students with high-intensity needs for the 2024-25 school year. In response, UCF is collaborating with five other universities to create the Special Education Teacher Education Policy, Practice and Research Doctoral Training Consortium, or Project SPARC.
UCF to Contribute to Optimization of Semiconductor Manufacturing Process Through New National Institute
At the heart of every electronic device is a semiconductor chip. These tiny circuits can improve fuel efficiency in your car, allow your computer to process and store data, or enable you to download the latest apps on your phone. But the process of manufacturing semiconductor chips is tricky and ripe for improvement. One small mistake can cost millions, but advanced technology can help eliminate flaws during fabrication and transform the industry overall.
UCF Researchers Receive $600K Grant to Develop Intelligent Assistive Robotics
For people with upper extremity disabilities — such as a stroke, multiple sclerosis or other conditions — assistive robotics can help restore their independence in performing everyday tasks like eating, grooming and grasping objects. But much like old dogs, these devices have a hard time learning new tricks. “They need a lot of demos to learn new tasks, and people with disabilities aren’t able to provide these demos,” says Professor Aman Behal, an assistive robotics expert at UCF.
Researcher Continues Developing Promising Nanoparticles for Medical Applications Original
Sudipta Seal is determined to increase patient survivorship and enhance their quality of life. As a UCF Pegasus Professor and chair of materials science and engineering department, Seal takes his research down to the nanoscale. He focuses on cerium oxide nanoparticles known as nanoceria. These specialized nanoparticles are versatile and can be tailored for a variety of medical applications. Since arriving at UCF in 1997, Seal has 92 UCF patents to his credit, with more than 450 journal papers.
UCF Researchers Advance Knowledge About Juvenile Sea Turtle’s Early Life Stage, Informing Conservation Efforts
Biology researchers from the College of Sciences’ UCF Marine Turtle Research Group studied the dispersal movements of four juvenile sea turtle species, revealing that they may be active swimmers, rather than passive drifters, during their early life stage known as the “lost years.” These findings challenge existing hypotheses and provide important data for assessing risks from human activity and informing conservation efforts.
UCF Helps Develop AI Tool That May Assist Underserved Hospitals
As the fields of healthcare and technology increasingly evolve and intersect, researchers are collaborating on the best ways to use emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) to care for patients. This includes using AI to assist in collecting and deciphering diagnostic data among medical professionals, particularly in underserved communities. One such model, “BioMedGPT,” has shown great potential to democratize healthcare and reduce disparities amongst patients.
Ancient Artifacts Unearthed in Iraq Shed Light on Hidden History of Mesopotamia
New discoveries by a UCF researcher and her team at the ancient Mesopotamian site of Kurd Qaburstan, including clay tablets with ancient cuneiform writing, a game board and large structural remains, may provide a wealth of knowledge about this Middle Bronze Age city and shed light on the more hidden history of Mesopotamia. The clay tablets are the first of their kind found in the region and are still being interpreted.
UCF Researcher Receives $3.8 Million Grant to Develop a Solar Energy Storage System
Solar energy may be abundant in the hot and muggy climate of Florida, but it can be intermittent during inclement weather and inconsistent during the night or peak usage. To keep the power grid reliable, UCF Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Associate Professor Like Li is developing a novel energy storage system that can reserve solar energy for future use.
UCF Awarded $4.2 Million Grant for Research and Student Education in Quantum Materials
UCF and the University of Washington (UW) were recently awarded $4.2 million for six years from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish a quantum materials research and education center as part of the Partnerships for Research and Education in Materials (PREM) program.
Florida Panthers Deemed Unaffected by Emerging Fatal Genetic Condition in New UCF-led Research
UCF researchers helmed a study that found Florida panthers are not particularly susceptible to a potentially transmissible disease that causes cognitive decline leading to death in their prey. The findings abate concerns that this fatal disease, known as chronic wasting disease, is threatening the species. The study, published this week in the Journal of Wildlife Diseases, states that Florida panthers are not at increased risk for contracting the disease.
UCF Researcher to Develop Hydrogen Combustion Engine for Commercial Vehicles
More than 70% of the nation’s freight is transported by large commercial trucks. While ground transportation may be a popular choice for delivery, it isn’t the cleanest. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles such as tractor-trailers, buses and vocational vehicles are the largest mobile source of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. NOx is known for creating air pollutants such as smog, carbon monoxide and other toxins.
UCF Student’s Simulation Startup Finds Home at UCF Business Incubation Program, Earns First Contract
The growing prominence of augmented and virtual reality gave UCF senior Zack Zuniga an idea that he recently brought to life. Zuniga founded ZuLeris Interactive in 2023 after realizing the opportunity to create simulations for specialized electromagnetic defense training through his Entrepreneurship for Defense course while earning degrees in both electrical and photonics engineering.
U.S. Army Awards $1M Grant to UCF for Development of Semiconductor Light Source
Disinfecting a room with just the click of a button would be a dream come true for medical professionals, scientists and even homeowners. But that technology isn’t just a fantasy: it’s currently being developed by UCF researcher Leland Nordin. Nordin, an assistant professor of materials science and engineering, is leading a project to develop a compact semiconductor light source for defense and civilian applications such as room disinfection.
Universities and Defense Agencies Collaborate on Research at Inaugural Florida Defense Science and Technology Symposium Hosted by UCF
Nearly 200 participants from the State University System of Florida and the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) gathered at UCF on Oct. 17-18 for the first Florida Defense Science and Technology Symposium (FDSTS) to learn from each other and strengthen research partnerships. UCF hosted the symposium on its main campus and co-organized the event with the University of South Florida and the Florida High Tech Corridor.
Life-Saving Spongelike “Bandage” Developed by UCF Researchers Rapidly Stops Hemorrhaging and Mitigates Risk of Infection
Without proper medical invention, injuries sustained from traffic collisions, serious workplace accidents or weapons may result in fatal hemorrhaging. UCF researchers aim to prevent such bleeding in potentially deadly situations with a new hemostatic spongelike bandage with antimicrobial efficacy that they recently developed and detailed in a newly published study in the journal Biomaterials Science.
UCF Researchers Develop Unique ‘Barcodes’ for Molecules to Help Expedite Medical Advancements
Barcodes are commonly used to track items like groceries or clothing, but UCF researchers have developed a special “barcode” to identify much smaller objects: molecules. UCF researchers, led by UCF NanoScience Technology Center Professor Debashis Chanda, developed a “barcoding” technique to quickly identify chiral molecules based on their unique infrared fingerprints, potentially speeding up pharmaceutical and medical advancements.
UCF Researcher Refining Magnetic Levitation Technology
UCF and the University of Florida are receiving $1.2 million over two years from Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to develop a miniature system capable of levitating a large mass with exceptional stability.
UCF Researchers Develop Rapid Test to Detect Dopamine
Dopamine, a neurotransmitter in our brains, not only regulates our emotions but also serves as a biomarker for the screening of certain cancers and other neurological conditions. University of Central Florida researchers, led by UCF NanoScience Technology Center Professor Debashis Chanda, have developed an integrated optical sensor capable of detecting dopamine directly from an unprocessed blood sample.
STEM Students Hone Research Skills Through UCF’s Research Experience for Undergraduates Programs
Sixty-seven undergraduate students from across the U.S. gathered at UCF to take advantage of STEM research opportunities through the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program. UCF’s REU site, funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation, connects promising STEM students with established faculty at REU sites, enhancing their in-class learning experience with research, workshops and events.
UCF Office of Research Awards 3 Faculty Fellowships to Accelerate Research Enterprise
Three UCF faculty members have been awarded fellowships by the UCF Office of Research to advance the university’s research efforts over the coming year. The selected fellows — Vladimir Boginski, Nichole Lighthall and Dinender Singla — will develop and implement programs that can help improve faculty grant success and accelerate the growth of the research enterprise. Topics the fellows will focus on include research infrastructure, proposal development and specific research awards.
UCF Researcher Develops Lotus-inspired Tech to Convert CO2 to Fuels, Chemicals
In an effort to reduce the environmental impact of carbon dioxide emissions, a UCF researcher has developed a new technology that captures carbon dioxide and outputs useful fuels and chemicals. Yang Yang, an associate professor in UCF’s NanoScience Technology Center, created an innovative device that captures carbon dioxide with a microsurface comprised of a tin oxide film and fluorine layer.
UCF Physics Doctoral Student Earns International Award for Innovations in Photon Detection Techniques
UCF physics doctoral graduate Tianyi Guo ‘23PhD earned an international doctoral thesis award from Springer Nature and was published through book series, Springer Theses. His thesis, Low Energy Photon Detection, was nominated after his final semester in fall 2023 at UCF by his supervisor, UCF NanoScience Technology Center Professor Debashis Chanda.
UCF Scientists Study Starship Launchpad in Preparation for Future NASA Lunar Missions
Scientists at UCF are gathering valuable data for humanity’s next venture back to the moon and even for potential lunar settlements. UCF physics doctoral candidate Brandon Dotson and Florida Space Institute planetary scientist Phil Metzger ’00MS ’05PhD analyzed rock samples from the first SpaceX Starship rocket launch in April 2023 that triggered a unique reaction causing the concrete launchpad to explode and eject material up to six miles away.
UCF Planetary Scientist’s Expertise Informs New Method for Terraforming Mars
Mars remains in humanity’s crosshairs as a promising planet to colonize due to its great potential in becoming habitable someday. With this in mind, UCF Planetary Scientist Ramses Ramirez, in collaboration with researchers at the University of Chicago and Northwestern University analyzed Martian climate models to study the possibility of using Mars-based nanoparticles to warm the atmosphere to accommodate life on Mars.
UCF Researchers Develop Nano-treatment to Help Save Florida Mangroves from Deadly Disease
Mangroves and palm trees are hallmarks of the Sunshine State not just for their beauty but for their immense importance to Florida’s coastlines. Mangroves are crucial because they naturally protect coastal shores from storm damage and serve as vital wildlife habitats around the world.
UCF Researchers Help Discover ‘Self-Healing Glass’
Self-healing glass may sound like a science fiction concept, but new research from the University of Central Florida demonstrates it’s much closer to reality.
UCF Researchers Receive $1.2M DARPA Grant to Improve Autonomous Systems Training
Autonomous systems, such as self-driving cars and unmanned aircraft, learn from modeling and simulation. However, the training process can take months to years, and it doesn’t account for the uncertainty found in the real world. In the world of robotics, this is known as the simulation-to-real gap.
UCF Launches Inaugural Mentorship, Scholarship Initiative for Students in AI
Faculty in UCF’s College of Sciences and College of Engineering and Computer Science are preparing incoming students to keep pace with the emerging multidisciplinary field of artificial intelligence.
UCF Biologist Continues Unraveling Mystery of Magnetic Bacteria
The remarkable ability of migratory animals to navigate and recall routes may be attributed to a sensitivity to not just Earth’s magnetic fields, but perhaps an interaction with magnetic bacteria living inside them.
UCF Researcher Clearing the Way for Smart Wireless Networks
Communicating unimpeded at distances near and far is a dream Murat Yuksel is hoping to realize. His ongoing research, titled “INWADE: INtelligent Waveform Adaptation with DEep Learning,” and funded by the U.S. Air Force Research, aims to get us closer to that dream by improving the quality of high frequency wireless networks using machine learning to fine-tune the networks’ efficacy.
Company Founded by UCF Alumnus Earns Prestigious Air Force Contract to Propel Innovation
Helicon Chemical Company, a company using UCF’s Business Incubation Program and founded by David Reid ‘12PhD, was awarded a $1.9 million Tactical Funding Increase contract in May from the U.S. Air Force to accelerate its enhanced-performance solid rocket propellant research and production. Helicon is the second company to have been awarded a Tactical Funding Increase Contract while using UCF’s Business Incubator’s guidance and services. The first company was Red Six Aerospace, Inc.
UCF Researcher Further Explores Nanotech to Improve Cancer and Disease Detection
Early discovery of debilitating diseases such as cancer or dementia is critical in determining treatment and saving lives. UCF Department of Chemistry Associate Professor Xiaohu Xia recently received a $1.3 million R01 grant from the National Institutes of Health to continue his promising nanoparticle research that could drastically improve disease detection accuracy by more than 300-times.
UCF Researcher Studies Science Behind Limb Coordination to Help Stroke Patients
Many everyday tasks require the use of two limbs. But when people experience a debilitating medical condition such as a stroke or loss of a limb, these same everyday tasks may become a struggle. Qiushi Fu, a professor in UCF’s Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering within the College of Engineering and Computer Science, aims to alleviate such struggles with his new research on bimanual coordination that began in March as part of a National Institutes of Health grant.
UCF’s First Mission to the Moon Passes Two Critical Milestones
In the spring of 2024, NASA’s Lunar-VISE, or Lunar Vulkan Imaging Spectroscopy Explorer, mission passed through two critical milestones on its continued successful path to the Moon in 2027. Lunar-VISE is a NASA Payloads and Research Investigations on the Surface of the Moon (PRISM) program-selected mission.
UCF Alumnus Brings Focus to High-powered Laser Delivery Research
Recently realized UCF results published in the journal Optica could lead to a new generation of fiber-based laser beam delivery systems with applications in directed energy, precision machining, medical sciences and power beaming over fiber. Matthew Cooper, who completed his optics and photonics doctorate from CREOL, tested the power, efficiency and quality of laser transmission via a hollow-core fiber just prior to his graduation in late 2023.
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