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College of Sciences

Distinguished Math Alum Turns to Art in Retirement

There’s more art in science than one might think. Just ask Don Marks ’73, a mathematics instructor turned master wood turner. “I never would have expected myself to become an artist,” chuckled Marks. Prior to enrolling at UCF in 1969, at what was then known as Florida Technical University, Marks stumbled upon his first love…

TNT: How to Defuse Quarantine Conflict

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us are spending significantly more time at home, which means more time with those who live with us. In addition, most people are experiencing increased stress due to various issues, including financial concerns, worries about health, changes in work schedules and less time with friends. The…

Somehow, Amid the Coronavirus Chaos There Can Be Peace

Crisis has become the overriding trait of the year 2020. After rumors of war, an impeachment trial, huge wildfires and devastating earthquakes, we now live in the new world of COVID-19. No one shakes hands anymore, wearing a mask and gloves to the bank is normal, and the lucky ones get to work and learn…

Magnet Research Hits Breakthrough

Researchers pushing the limits of magnets as a means to create faster electronics published their proof of concept findings Friday in the journal Science. The University of Central Florida is the lead university in the multidisciplinary university research initiative (MURI) project, which is funded by a $7.5 million grant from the Department of Defense. The team exploring methods…

Psychology Community Says Farewell to Longtime Professor

The psychology community at UCF said goodbye last month to a professor who dedicated 31 years to teaching generations of students the intricacies of the mind. Ed Rinalducci, Ph.D., whose tenure from 1986-2017 included roles as associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, program director of the applied experimental/human factors doctorate program and…

Mental Health Series from UCF RESTORES Coming to Social Media

Expert advice to deal with the stressful disruptions caused by COVID-19 is coming soon to Facebook Live. The Q&A-style, roughly 10-minute videos will be co-hosted by faculty and staff of UCF RESTORES, a research center and treatment clinic based on campus that provides treatment for active duty military, first responders, survivors of sexual assault and…

Student Research: Understanding the Lionfish Invasion in Florida

Biology major Katherine Viehl conducts research focused on the lionfish, one of the state’s most invasive species. Though this species is native to the South Pacific and Indian oceans it has been spreading through the Atlantic Coast since 1985. Their predatorial habits cause damage to the biodiversity destroying native fish and plants of the estuaries…

Math Major Lands Exclusive Scholarship

A double major in computer science and mathematics recently landed one of the most prestigious undergraduate scholarships in the U.S. Only five endorsements per university are allowed for the Goldwater Scholarship, and Gary Hoppenworth was one of those recipients. He’s joined by Ashley Santana, who is majoring in biomedical sciences and biotechnology. Hoppenworth plans to…

Statistics Research Reveals Human Behavior

Studying human behavior isn’t the exclusive domain of psychology. When Alexander V. Mantzaris, Ph.D, joined the Department of Statistics and Data Science in 2016, his unique research on network science and social media behavior proved just that. Mantzaris brought a background studying the behavior of voters in the international song contest Eurovision. The show encompasses…

LIFE at UCF Honors 3 Women Faculty Members for Impactful Initiatives

Each year during Women’s History Month, LIFE at UCF generously celebrates women faculty for their contributions. For 2020, the award criteria focused on commitment to do extraordinary things, designed to celebrate a successful initiative spearheaded by a woman faculty member. “LIFE at UCF has been honored to be a part of celebrating women faculty for…

UCF, FAU and Coast Guard Team up to get Endangered Sea Turtles Home

Florida Atlantic University and the University of Central Florida teamed up with the U.S. Coast Guard to take some endangered sea turtles into the ocean where they belong. With the COVID-19 pandemic closing or severely limiting everything from beaches to lab activities at universities, researchers got creative to make sure three six-month old green turtles…

Reach for the Stars Award Recipients Changing the World

The 2020 UCF Reach for the Stars recipients have conducted research that may change the world we know. From supersonic engines that may someday let us travel from New York to Los Angeles in 30 minutes to protecting our waterways, exploring the new world of attoscience and making education accessible to those with disabilities, they…

Meet the 2020 Pegasus Professors

This year’s Pegasus Professors are world renowned researchers and respected teachers, certainly deserving of the university’s top award for faculty. During an entire career at UCF, faculty who are exceptional in every area — teaching, research and service — are recognized for their work. These awards are determined by the president, and recipients receive a…

Five Reasons to Call Your Mom, According to Science

By nature, humans are social beings. Social distancing does not mean you should suddenly become a hermit and detach from others. A call or digital chat can really help someone else, like your mom or your grandparents. Social contact will make this stressful time easier on them.  Below are five reasons why you should call,…

New Project Aims to Address Global Crises

The UCF Office of Global Perspectives & International Initiatives (GPII) is pleased to announce the launch of a new project, “Addressing Global Crisis” (AGC). The AGC Project will examine not only how the world responds to the current coronavirus pandemic, but how governments, individually and collectively, deal with natural disasters, ecological challenges and climate change.…

New Grad Credits Einstein For Physics Passion

Kevin Fernando can thank Albert Einstein for leading him to UCF. Fernando is graduating this spring with double degrees in math and physics after finding inspiration from a textbook in 11th grade. “One of the first chapters was on physics and there was a picture of the German theoretical physicist, Albert Einstein. I didn’t know who…

UCF’s Nicholson School Launches New Website to Promote Open Government

An experiment in promoting open government was launched last week by UCF’s Nicholson School of Communication and Media – and if the project meets with good results in Winter Park, it could be expanded to other Central Florida cities. A new grant-funded website – WinterParkSunshine.org – was set up by the school’s journalism program to help inform…

Forensic Scientists Harness Pollen Power to Fight Crime

Pollen gets a bad rap this time of year for its allergy-induced itchy eyes and sniffles. But researchers at the National Center for Forensic Science are harnessing its crime-fighting power. That fine, grainy powder staining your windshield yellow holds a wealth of genetic information about its plant origin. Mapping out a precise DNA picture falls…