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Articles by Ryan Randall
5 Things to Know About Space Settlement
Space settlement has been the focus of researchers and organizations for years, offering the possibility of ensuring humanity’s long-term survival, advancing scientific knowledge and driving technological innovation. Agencies like NASA have set their sights on sending astronauts to Mars by the 2030s.
UCF Researchers Initiate Effort to Make a Global Impact Through Industrial Engineering
A landmark paper that shares sweeping recommendations for how the industrial engineering profession can address global issues — an initiative spearheaded by UCF researchers — has been published in the International Journal of Production Research. The work, “Grand Challenges in Industrial and Systems Engineering,” shares a set of eight key areas in which the profession can make significant contributions to society.
Philosophy Faculty Lead Ethical Conversations Surrounding AI
As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly integrated into everyday life, UCF’s Department of Philosophy has intentionally been strengthening faculty research in this area, as well as growing opportunities for students to learn more about the impact of technology on humans and the natural and social environments. A primary focus has been examining the ethical implications of AI and other emerging technologies.
UCF Doctoral Graduates Leading the Charge in Job Placement and Starting Salaries
As one of the premier research institutions in the nation, UCF is dedicated to the ongoing success of the graduate student community throughout their academic journey and after graduation. The university is paving the way for cutting edge innovation and cultivating tomorrow’s workforce.
4 UCF Students Selected for National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship
Four UCF students have been awarded the 2025 National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) fellowship, which provides funding and mentorship to students who pursue a doctoral degree in disciplines of military importance. The recipients are: Gabriel Duany ’25 Aaron Guenther ’25 Francisco Hernandez ’24 Lucas Pitts ’24 The fellows will work on a research project of their choosing under the guidance of a mentor from the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD).
Homecoming Highlights: Honoring UCF’s 2025 Shining Knights
On Thursday, Oct. 16, during the heart of Homecoming Week, the Pegasus Grand Ballroom at the UCF Student Union will shine even brighter as Knight Nation gathers for the 2025 Shining Knights Alumni Awards. This celebration recognizes nine extraordinary honorees whose lives and legacies exemplify the highest ideals of the university — visionary leadership, transformative service and unwavering devotion to their alma mater.
UCF Welcomes Outstanding First-Year Class, Launches New Engineering, Technology Degrees
The Class of 2029 arrived at UCF with record-breaking GPAs and test scores, eager to learn from world-class faculty and leverage the university’s strong industry partnerships as they prepare for their careers. During the next four years, students will help develop new space technologies, seek out cures for diseases and learn how to harness artificial intelligence technology in the arts, all alongside expert faculty and dedicated staff mentors.
UCF Staff, Alum Is Knightro’s Head Coach
As Knightro struts his stuff on the field Thursday night to kick off football season, you likely had no idea that the beloved mascot has a head coach — and he’s a data expert at UCF’s College of Medicine. Michael Callahan ’05 ’09MBA ’17EdD, director of knowledge management, is responsible for every piece of medical education data at UCF. He’s also head mascot coach for UCF Athletics. He knows the role he coaches well. Callahan was Knightro from 2002-04, when he was an undergraduate student.
New School of Interdisciplinary Studies Joins College of Community Innovation and Education
UCF is expanding the College of Community Innovation and Education to include the new School of Interdisciplinary Studies (SIS). The move supports UCF’s commitment to providing students with an environment that fosters student success and academic excellence. The classes students take and the faculty members they work with will remain the same. No action is required of impacted students.
Journalism Student Accelerates a Career in Sports Media With NASCAR
Allyson Castillo, a senior at UCF studying broadcast journalism in the Nicholson School of Communication and Media (NSCM), spent ten weeks this summer as an intern for NASCAR’s content team, where she’s working on influencer relations, trend analysis and digital storytelling that brings the energy of the race track to its audiences. Castillo was only one of 40 students selected from more than 4,000 applicants for the NASCAR Next Internship Program.
3 Engineering Students Selected for Department of Defense SMART Scholars Program
UCF engineering students Carlos Arteaga, Chance Brewer ’20 and Jean-Philippe Perrault ’06 ’14MBA have been selected for the Department of Defense (DOD) Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship-for-Service Program. Unlike a typical scholarship that only covers the cost of tuition and fees, the SMART scholarship also provides an annual stipend, a summer internship, an experienced mentor and guaranteed employment with the DOD after graduation.
Welcome M.D. Class of 2029
Jack Koczara was inspired by the orthopedic surgeon who healed his sports-torn knees and shoulder. Sierra Simon always loved science but became a lifeguard and saw the importance of saving others during an emergency. Nicole Stevens is a nontraditional student entering medicine after raising three small children. All were welcomed Aug. 4 to the College of Medicine’s Class of 2029 in the traditional White Coat ceremony, recognizing them as physicians in training.
UCF Nursing Ph.D. Graduate Helping to Solve Two Healthcare Challenges
When Eunice Oladepe Ojo ’21DNP walks across the stage at Addition Financial Arena on Saturday she will be positively impacting two major challenges facing healthcare in the U.S. today — the nursing shortage and falls among older adults. Fueling a Talent Pipeline Nursing programs across the nation are turning away qualified applicants due to a shortage of doctorally prepared faculty.
Summer Camp Hosts High School Students from Across the World to Learn About Photonics
“It basically keeps our world running.” That’s the understanding 11th grader Micah Terry now has about photonics after spending a week at CREOL, the College of Optics and Photonics’ Laser and Photonics Summer Camp. The Orlando Science High School student learned how to solder, constructed a pinhole camera, built a homemade telescope and brainstormed some ideas for his future. “I’m definitely considering photonics as a career,” he says.
UCF Professor Seeks to Improve End-of-Life Care for Dementia Patients With Data Tool
Dementia not only affects cognitive and functional abilities, but it’s also among the country’s leading causes of death. When dementia patients are not transitioned into end-of-life care in a timely manner, the delay can cause unnecessary pain, distress and confusion for both them and their loved ones — an issue Latarsha Chisholm works to help alleviate.
UCF Hosts Summer 2025 Commencement Aug. 1-2
UCF alumni who play key roles in the space and philanthrophy sectors will address spring graduates at three commencement ceremonies Aug. 1 and 2 at Addition Financial Arena. UCF will award more than 4,000 degrees during three commencement ceremonies this summer, continuing UCF’s record-setting pace of preparing highly qualified graduates to drive Florida’s rapidly expanding engineering and technology economy and provide vital services to our communities.
Zaheer Ali Named Program Director of UCF’s Space Commercialization and Strategy Initiative
Zaheer Ali has joined UCF’s College of Business as an instructor and Program Director of Space Commercialization and Strategy, bringing with him a distinguished background in space technology, policy and innovation across academia, government, startups and global enterprises. He is a partner at Space Outcomes LLC and New Space Finance and co-founder of Positon Inc. Most recently, he served as professor of practice at Arizona State University’s Thunderbird School of Global Management.
UCF Medicine-Engineering Program Trains Students for Future of Healthcare
Pavan Senthil was inspired walking through a convention hall and seeing the technology that doctors and engineers had created for people with disabilities. Wheelchairs that worked even if a person couldn’t use their arms and legs. AI-assisted robots that provided 24/7 care at home and reported any emergencies to the patient’s healthcare team. Training tools that helped stroke patients regain their fine motor skills.
UCF Nursing Aging Expert Named National Fellow
Florida Blue Endowed Professor for Healthy Communities Ladda Thiamwong has been selected as fellow of the Gerontological Society of America, the nation’s oldest and largest interdisciplinary organization focused on aging. She is among 47 experts from across the U.S. named to the 2025 class for outstanding contributions to the field. The newest fellows will be formally recognized during the organization’s 2025 annual scientific meeting in mid-November in Boston.
UCF Prepares Next Generation Through Fintech Program
As Florida’s Premier Engineering and Technology University, UCF aims to prepare students for emerging and evolving industries. With its location in Orlando, the university aligns academic offerings with sectors that are on a rise in the region and across the state, such as UCF’s fintech interdisciplinary program offered through College of Business and College of Engineering and Computer Science.
UCF Epidemiologist Receives Field’s Highest Honor
UCF infection preventionist Cindy Prins has been named a fellow of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) – the highest honor for a scientist focused on better ways to prevent infectious diseases. APIC is the leading professional association for infection preventionists, with more than 15,000 members. Prins is one of just 39 fellows selected worldwide this year.
UCF Is Florida’s First to Earn Third Global Recognition in Healthcare Simulation Excellence
A longstanding leader in healthcare simulation, UCF’s College of Nursing has been awarded its third global honor for excellence.
UCF Emergency Management Professor, Public Administration Alum Honored for Public Service Contributions
For Claire Connolly Knox and Kathryn Valentine ’16, emergency management is more than a career. It’s a calling — and one that’s earned them statewide recognition. To celebrate the accomplishments of emergency management professionals, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) and the Florida Disaster Foundation recently hosted their inaugural Awards Ceremony Gala, a new component of Florida’s Training for Emergency Management (FTEM) symposium.
Gabriel Carrillo Named Program Director for UCF’s Center for Risk Management and Insurance Education
The UCF College of Business has landed Gabriel Carrillo — a seasoned industry professional — as instructor and program director for the Center for Risk Management and Insurance Education. Carrillo comes to UCF after having spent 30 years in the insurance industry and building a mulitfaceted portfolio in property and casualty insurance, with experience spanning into underwriting, actuarial work, research, product development and product management.
UCF Foundation Board Announces New Appointments for 2025-26 FY
At their June meetings, the UCF Foundation Board of Directors endorsed the appointment of four new board members and publicly introduced two new committee advisors. All newly appointed members began their terms on July 1. The new directors are Jim Adamczyk ’02 ’04MBA, Marshall Cohn ’11MS, Irene McNutt ’94 ’95MSA and Tom Riordan ’78 ’79MSEE. The new committee advisors are Ron Hancock ’78 and Todd Feintuch ’04.
Collaborative UCF Research Team Develops Technique for Rapid Isolation and Characterization of Exosomes
Researchers from the College of Sciences and College of Medicine have developed a quick, easy and cost-effective method to isolate and study exosomes, which can help diagnose diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer’s earlier. Exosomes are nano-sized vesicles released by cells that can carry information which contain proteins, DNA and other molecules from the cells that created them.
UCF Talent Fuels Orlando’s Rise as a Tech Hub
Over the years UCF’s academic work in the tech field has earned national recognition, with the university producing 25% of engineering and computer science graduates in Florida.
UCF Introduces New Bachelor’s Degree in Health Informatics
Technological innovation is a constant in nearly every industry. In healthcare, it’s especially instrumental in leveraging data to enhance patient care. What most patients don’t see during a doctor’s visit or hospital stay are the people behind the scenes who actively work to improve patient care by analyzing healthcare data using information technology and data science principles — a practice known as health informatics.
How UCF’s Latest Goldwater Scholars Are Charting Their Own Fascinating Destinies
How UCF’s Latest Goldwater Scholars Are Charting Their Own Fascinating DestiniesDEK: The two recipients are making research impacts in healthcare and space to help better the world.By Robert Stephens Their first names are Sun and Ossyris. It’s hard to imagine two more perfectly fitting recipients of the prestigious Goldwater Scholarship, which honors select students nationwide pursuing careers in STEM fields.
Kareem Ahmed Named a Trustee Chair
A professor renowned for pioneering research in high-hypersonic flight is UCF’s newest trustee chair, a prestigious honor for faculty who demonstrate national and global excellence in teaching, research and service. Kareem Ahmed, a world expert in hypersonic and space propulsion, is a professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and a faculty member of UCF’s Center for Advanced Turbomachinery and Energy Research.
New Research Group Aims to Shape Quantum Properties of Light
In Assistant Professor Yannick Salamin’s lab, the shelves are fuller every day. Delivery boxes arrive like clockwork. Students move equipment back and forth. Salamin says, pardon the dust. “Sorry about the mess,” he says, pushing some wires to the side. It’s all part of the process to launch a new lab. Salamin got the keys to the space when he started at CREOL, the College of Optics and Photonics in August 2024.
Landlords & PMs - What’s your biggest time-waster in managing rentals?
Hi all — I’m working with a student to explore building an AI assistant for landlords and small property managers. The goal is to reduce manual work like responding to tenants, handling maintenance, sending rent reminders, and generating simple reports. We’re trying to understand what parts of rental management actually consume the most time, create stress, or just feel too manual even if you’re using software like AppFolio, Buildium, Avail, or Hemlane.
UCF-HCA Florida Healthcare Residents Lead Research, Projects to Enhance Patient Care
Resident physicians, pharmacists and allied health trainees who care for Central Floridians gathered this month at the College of Medicine to share their research on making that care even better. The event was sponsored by the UCF-HCA Florida Healthcare Internal Medicine residency program, which provides care to patients at the Orlando VA Medical Center and HCA Florida Osceola Hospital.
UCF Hosts Prestigious ‘Battle of the Brains’ Computer Programming Championship
A UCF computer programming competition team, UCF OrElse, will join more than 50 others from colleges around the U.S. and Canada in the nation’s most prestigious computer programming contest. The teams will showcase their exceptional talents to leading employers May 22-26. UCF’s College of Engineering and Computer Science will host the International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC) North America Championship.
Critical Florida Sea Turtle Sanctuary Renamed in Honor of Late UCF Biology Professor “Doc” Ehrhart
In the heart of the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge (ACNWR), a 34-acre stretch of conservation land, known as the Barrier Island Sanctuary, was renamed on April 26 in honor of the late biology professor Llewellyn “Doc” Ehrhart (1942–2022). This newly named sanctuary recognizes his groundbreaking research on sea turtle ecology and coastal conservation.
UCF Public Safety Adds 3 New Officers to Team
The UCF Public Safety team welcomed three new officers at a swearing-in ceremony last week, which was attended by family, friends and colleagues. “This can be a tough job, but it’s one that we love,” says UCF Police Chief Carl Metzger ’03MS.
3 UCF Knight Nurses, 2 Generations, 1 Big Celebration
On Friday, two generations of one family will be among the more than 400 UCF students walking across the stage at Addition Financial Arena to receive a nursing degree. Their achievement will not only celebrate a family milestone but also contribute to strengthening the local nursing talent pipeline amid a critical workforce shortage. With Mother’s Day nearing, the achievement and memorable moment will be even more special for the family, who calls Apopka, Florida, home.
Biomedical Sciences, DirectConnect Students Find Success Before Graduation
Personal health experiences — and opportunities UCF has provided through its DirectConnect program — have culminated in academic success, undergraduate research experience and exciting futures for three Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences students. Zaima Aline, Arlette Morcelo and Nicole Stevens, who all graduate with honors from UCF on May 2, say support from UCF faculty mentors and caring physicians inspired them to follow their dreams to improve healthcare for all.
UCF Student Achieves Excellence in Engineering, Medicine Before Graduation
Chloe Pinkston, an aerospace engineering student on the pre-medical track, is poised to make significant contributions to the emerging field of aerospace medicine. A native of Oviedo, Florida, Chloe’s journey at the University of Central Florida reflects an exceptional blend of academic rigor, groundbreaking research and a passion for innovation.
Graduate Students Share New Discoveries to Treat Disease
Nasser Yousef came to UCF as an undergraduate biomedical sciences major, unsure if he would pursue a career as a physician or a scientist. Today, as a Ph.D. candidate at the Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, he has dedicated himself to medical research because he says scientific discovery can impact patients worldwide.
Frost Family Commits $500,000 to UCF Athletics’ Competitive Success Fund
As UCF prepares to celebrate its annual Day of Giving on April 10, the Frost family has made a generous $500,000 commitment to UCF Athletics’ newly launched Competitive Success Fund. This transformational gift from UCF head football coach Scott Frost and his wife, Ashley, will directly enhance UCF’s ability to recruit, retain, and develop student-athletes as they compete at the highest levels.
UCF Named as One of Four National Finalists in Competitive Coca-Cola Refreshing Films Program
For the first time, the UCF film students in the Nicholson School of Communication and Media in the College of Sciences have been selected as finalists in the Coca-Cola Refreshing Films program. Cinemark Fan Favorite voting launches today and the public can vote for their favorite of the four entries through April 30. (Note: Every vote is an entry for a chance to win prizes such as movie tickets for a year or a $500 gift card).
Sandia National Laboratory Taps UCF Researchers to Develop Infrared Camera for Space
Pictures of Earth from space are captivating, but not so easy to capture. Down here, we worry about lighting, focus and composition when we snap pics for social media. But in the harsh climate of space, the fundamentals of photography are less of a concern. The challenges in that environment include extreme temperatures and high levels of radiation that interfere with the equipment, as well as transmitting high-resolution images across communication systems with low bandwidth.
9 Unique Funds to Support on UCF Day of Giving
That special time of year is approaching here at UCF when Knight Nation rallies together to bounce, stomp, splash and cheer for all things Black & Gold during UCF Day of Giving on April 10. By supporting students, life-changing research and initiatives that mean the most to you, you’ll help launch Knights to new heights! Not sure where to make your gift this year? Here are some of the lesser-known, unique programs, departments and services available for support.
UCF’s Roger Azevedo Selected as AERA Fellow
University of Central Florida’s School of Modeling, Simulation, and Training Professor Roger Azevedo, who also serves as director of the SMART Lab at UCF’s Institute for Simulation & Training (IST), is one of 29 exemplary scholars announced as Fellows of the American Educational Research Association (AERA) 2025. Azevedo’s research focuses on human interactions with intelligent learning systems to study learning, performance and transfer in various contexts.
It Takes a Swarm: Help Rebuild a Bear-ravaged Beehive
Across the 800 or so acres of UCF’s natural lands, the bees are not only buzzing in the trees, but also in four official beehives and a half-hive “nucleus” managed by the UCF Arboretum and Sustainability Initiatives. There used to be more beehives on the east side of the arboretum’s natural lands. Those areas comprise a variety of ecosystems — scrubby and wet flatwoods, and dome and strand swamps — that are unique and protected from development but not from the area’s natural predators.
Flu is Here - What You Should Know
Flu is on the rise across the community and nation, so we asked Ariel Mejia, medical director at UCF Health Faculty Physician Practice and an internal medicine specialist, for advice on dealing with the contagious respiratory illness. What are the signs and symptoms of the flu that patients should watch for? The flu likes to make a big entrance when it comes in – a fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, muscle aches like a truck just ran you over. And for some children, even nausea and diarrhea.
Inspired by Family, UCF Nursing Student Called to Care for the Heart
More than 120 million adults in the U.S. are currently living with cardiovascular disease, and that figure is only expected to rise in the coming years according to researchers at the American Heart Association. Behind those startling statistics are patients and their family members like Hailey Glowiak ’21. Last year, Glowiak’s 87-year-old grandfather woke up with heart palpitations, dizziness and shortness of breath.
Eating Disorders: Recognizing Symptoms and Finding Support for College Students
Eating disorders among college students increased 13% from 2013 to 2021-22, according to a 2022 study published by Science Direct. As cases of this complex issue rise, UCF Health’s Student Health Services (SHS) and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) reminds the campus community the university is here to help those in need. Eating Disorder Awareness Week is Feb. 24-March 2.
Los Angeles Wildfires Show Firefighting and Public Communication Challenges
The top of the year has been a challenge for Southern California, and a reminder for the nation of the devasting impacts of fires. As of Jan. 27, the Los Angeles wildfires have killed at least 28 people, forced over 200,000 to evacuate, and destroyed or damaged 16,255 structures. The wildfires have led to discussion on what can be done to prevent them as well as the government response to the fires and assisting populations affected. Wildfires are an issue in Florida as well.
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