See how UCF academics and leaders intersect and collaborate with the community and others in making the world a better place.
Fri Nov 19
In the year 2020, we endured a worldwide pandemic, local lockdowns, and the “Great Toilet Paper Shortage.” The latter foreshadowed an ongoing sequence of shortages: lumber, refrigerators, meat, cars, and most recently, artificial Christmas trees. “History is being made before our eyes,” says Muge Yayla-Kullu, associate professor of supply-chain management at UCF. “What we’re experiencing…
Fri Nov 19
While COVID-19 has greatly impacted this year’s holiday season, many of us will still be making — and unfortunately overindulging in — holiday foods. This pandemic is stressful, which also causes many of us to overeat. So this week, we turn to College of Medicine faculty member Magdalena Pasarica, an M.D./Ph.D. who specializes in family…
Fri Nov 19
Brian Monacelli, Ph.D., ’05, may have recently helped send a laser-based Raman and fluorescence spectrometer to Mars on the Perseverance rover, but the achievement he’s most proud of might surprise you. Monacelli’s passion is rooted in teaching and supporting technicians to ensure their success in the workplace. His interest in education began as a youth,…
Thu Nov 18
The College of Medicine recognized faculty, staff, students and community members for their achievements and contributions during the annual Awards Ceremony Nov. 16. The virtual event featured the college’s inaugural awards recognizing individual’s commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion. “You are the heart and soul of this medical school, this university and this community,” said…
Wed Nov 17
Created in 2012, Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement celebrated on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. It puts a philanthropic spin on the retail rush of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Each year, Giving Tuesday highlights the power of people coming together to make a positive difference in our communities and the world. We encourage…
Wed Nov 17
Family, friends, and UCF Police officers and staff welcomed two new officers to the department at a swearing-in ceremony earlier this month. Both recruits have a background in sports — one is a former collegiate and professional football player and another is a professional fishing guide who participates in tournaments in his spare time. At…
Wed Nov 17
When patients enter the UCF Physical Therapy Clinic, Liana Perez-Hernandez is the first smiling face they see. As the medical secretary for the public-facing clinic, she makes sure things run smoothly and patients have a great experience. Learn more about Perez-Hernandez and her role in the college.â¯â¯ How did you come into your role in the college? Perez-Hernandez:…
Wed Nov 17
Central Floridians will have a chance to see the longest partial lunar eclipse of the century early Friday morning and it promises to put on quite the show. The best viewing opportunity in Orlando — weather permitting — will be between 3 and 4:30 am. The University of Central Florida will have telescopes out on…
Wed Nov 10
Applications for the 2021 Pabst Steinmetz Foundation Arts and Wellness Innovation Awards are now being accepted. The two $25,000 awards, which seek to build sustainable models for arts and wellness innovation across the Central Florida community and UCF campus, are given annually to projects that are focused on interdisciplinary collaboration in the area of arts and wellness. Applications for 2021 are open through December 3. This year’s…
Tue Nov 9
On Sunday, five physical therapists from Nemours Children’s Health teamed up with UCF Go Baby Go to build two adaptive toy cars for children with mobility impairments. The cars will help the children navigate the world in a new way that was not accessible to them before. The event was made possible thanks to a generous donation…
Tue Nov 9
Veterans Day pays tribute to the many individuals who have honorably served our country in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marine Corps and Space Force. Their uniforms, military awards and decorations symbolize their leadership and commitment to our nation. Their boots depict their persistence and bravery. As the sister of two combat veterans,…
Mon Nov 8
Concert Knight at Addition Financial Arena featured multi-platinum recording artist Tinashe, known for “2 On” (ft Schoolboy Q) and “All Hands on Deck” and Florida rapper Denzel Curry. UCF Alumni recognized its Shining Knights award recipients in a special ceremony. These Knights were celebrated for their commitment to the university in the categories of Distinguished…
Mon Nov 8
UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright today awarded three-time alumnus Darin Edwards ’97 ’10MS ’11PhD an honorary doctoral degree in public service, praising his “extraordinary contributions to humanity, including incredible endeavors in global public health that have saved lives, reduced human suffering and safeguarded the health of countless millions of fellow humans around the world.” Edwards, who led the development…
Fri Nov 5
With about 1,400 current student veterans at UCF, it’s important that each one knows what’s available to help them make the most out of their campus experience. In September, U.S. News & World Report ranked UCF the 86th best college for veterans. The Veterans Academic Resource Center (VARC) is the main resource center for student veterans at UCF. From providing…
Wed Nov 3
When medical student Brittany Perry told leaders of UCF’s new hospital she wanted to provide treats for first-responders treating COVID-19 patients, they thought she might deliver cupcakes. Instead, thanks to Lake Nona’s community, Perry collected $5,000 worth of gift cards and restaurant coupons for healthcare providers because “a little gratitude goes a long way.” Brittany…
Tue Nov 2
With a student voting rate of nearly 75% for 2020, UCF outpaced the national average for voting engagement, according to a recent study from the Institute for Democracy and Higher Education. UCF’s new voting rate also marks a 13.5% increase from 2016, highlighting the university’s commitment to encourage increased civic action. Across the nearly 1,200…
Mon Nov 1
An art exhibit at the Lake County Museum of Art recently featured the talents of individuals on the autism spectrum. Spectral Evidence, which is in its fourth year, was made possible through a partnership between the museum and the UCF Center for Autism and Related Disabilities. The exhibit concluded its three-week run this past weekend. The…
Mon Nov 1
One conversation can change the course of a life. For Loriann Kaaihue ’08 ’09MBA, it was two. In the early 2000s, the mother of two decided to return to college to complete a bachelor’s degree in business management. She had been a stay-at-home mom for about six years and was ready to get back into the…
Mon Nov 1
UCF Alumni announced its Shining Knights Award recipients for 2021-12 winners celebrated for their commitment to the university in the categories of Distinguished Alumni, Honorary Alumni, Young Alumni, Distinguished Student and the Champion’s Award. They will be honored in an invitation-only reception at the Celeste Hotel on Friday, Nov. 5 during UCF Homecoming week. Distinguished Alumni Award Jessica…
Fri Oct 29
As UCF celebrates its 50th anniversary of Homecoming, celebrations are back in person — including Spirit Splash — for the campus community. Knights are expected to wear face coverings during in door gatherings. UCF also encourages attendees of in-person events to get vaccinated, if they have not already. The UCF Student Health Center is currently offering the Pfizer vaccine to…