College of Sciences Honors Alumni Driving Impact Across Industries at the Distinguished Alumni Awards 

The 2026 Distinguished AlumKnight Awards celebrate graduates whose careers are advancing research, strengthening communities and shaping the future. 

Written by: Emily Dougherty | Published April 22, 2026

At the 2026 Distinguished AlumKnight Awards, the College of Sciences (COS) celebrated alumni whose careers demonstrate how knowledge, leadership and service can create lasting change and impact in the Central Florida Community and beyond.

The event honored graduates who are not only leaders in their fields, but also contributors to the communities and systems their work influences.

Beyond the awards, the evening served as a celebration of community, as alumni gathered alongside family members, colleagues and mentors who have supported their journeys. Hosted at The Celeste Hotel, the room reflected a shared sense of pride, with conversations, reunions and moments of recognition highlighting the personal connections behind each achievement.

Kelsey Larsen, assistant professor in the School of Politics, Security, and International Affairs and event emcee, emphasized the importance of recognizing impact.

“This annual event recognizes our remarkable alumni who have achieved exceptional personal, professional, and philanthropic accomplishments in their respective fields, Larsen says. “Our awardees excel in life, and they bring immense pride to Knight Nation.”

Throughout the evening, speakers highlighted how alumni success reflects a broader mission—one centered on student success, innovation and community engagement.

Kerstin Hamann, senior associate dean of the College of Sciences and Pegasus Professor, emphasized that connection.

“We are committed to student success at UCF,” Hamann says. “The successes we’re celebrating tonight is a testament to the commitment, passion, and hard work of our distinguished alumni, as well as the support of their loved ones, many who are here with them tonight.”

Hamann also highlighted a major milestone for the university as it continues to expand its academic and research impact.

“UCF is entering an exciting new phase as we have met and surpassed the requirements to become a preeminent university in Florida,” Hamann says. “The College of Sciences is supporting that vision—increasing the number of students that complete their undergraduate education in four years, growing the number of doctoral degrees, and catalyzing research.”

The impact of that vision could be seen in the alumni recognized throughout the evening.

Paige Marotta’s recognition as Distinguished Young AlumKnight highlighted the role of emerging professionals in shaping future pathways through mentorship and engagement.

“In addition to remarkable accomplishments, this award recognizes an individual who has maintained direct and meaningful involvement with their alma mater since graduating,” Hamann says.

The Distinguished Noble Knight Award, awarded to Aaron Smith, represents a model of service-driven expertise, applying data science to both industry challenges and student development.

“Aaron embodies the spirit of the Noble Knight Award combining scientific excellence, service to others, and a deep commitment to uplifting the next generation of Knights,” Eloy Hernandez, interim director of the School of Data, Mathematical, and Statistical Sciences, says.

Dr. Alan L. Peterson’s, recipient of the Distinguished Physical Sciences AlumKnight Award, work in behavioral medicine demonstrates the extensive implications of research, particularly in improving care for military populations.

“Dr. Peterson embodies the values of the College of Sciences: rigor, service, collaboration, and a deep dedication to advancing human well-being,” Mark Neider, interim chair of the Department of Psychology, says.

Olivia Feild, recipient of the Distinguished Natural Sciences AlumKnight Award, highlights the critical role of analytical chemistry in mission success, supporting testing processes at Kennedy Space Center that ensure safety and precision.

Her contributions extend beyond the lab through mentorship and leadership, reinforcing the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing in scientific environments.

Awardee of the Distinguished Physical Sciences AlumKnight Award, Dr. Todd Du Bosq, reflects the impact of innovation in defense technology, with his work advancing electro-optical and infrared systems and contributing to international research collaborations.

His leadership and technical expertise have played a key role in strengthening the U.S. Army’s capabilities while shaping the future of performance modeling and computational imaging.

In communication and media, Nikki Roth, a Nicholson School of Communication and Media Hall of Fame inductee, demonstrates the growing influence of immersive technology, where she has helped shape real-time experiences across industries including film, gaming and virtual reality.

Her work bridges creative and technical disciplines, driving innovation in how people interact with digital environments and redefining the future of user experience.

Together, all the honorees represent a collective narrative—one where knowledge is not static, but actively applied to address challenges to drive impact.

Through their work, these AlumKnights continue to push boundaries, solve complex problems, and elevate communities. Their achievements reflect COS not defined by where its graduates go, but by how far their impact travels.

“Together, we are shaping the future of the College of Sciences at UCF,” Christina Starace, executive director of advancement, says.

2026 Distinguished AlumKnight Winners

Distinguished Young AlumKnight Award 

Paige Marotta 

B.A. Sociology 

Paige Marotta, MBA, is a talent analyst at Vaco by Highspring, where she supports talent acquisition operations and enhances the candidate experience. She earned her Master of Business Administration in human resources from Louisiana State University Shreveport after completing her bachelor’s degree in sociology at the UCF. She remains actively engaged in mentorship and community involvement. 

Distinguished Noble Knight AlumKnight Award 

Aaron Smith is a data scientist and statistician whose work spans government, education and Fortune 500 analytics. He leads large-scale survey analysis and develops machine learning systems that translate data into actionable insights for decision-makers. Since 2016, he has also served as an adjunct lecturer at UCF, mentoring students in statistics, data science and applied research. 

Distinguished Social Sciences AlumKnight Award 

Dr. Alan Peterson

B.S. Psychology 

Dr. Alan L. Peterson is a professor and chief of the Division of Behavioral Medicine at UT Health San Antonio, where he leads major research initiatives focused on PTSD and trauma-related conditions. A UCF graduate and retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel, his work has shaped national clinical guidelines and improved care for service members and veterans. He directs two international research consortia advancing behavioral health. 

Distinguished Physical Sciences AlumKnight Award

Dr. Todd Du Bosq

Ph.D. Physics

Dr. Todd Du Bosq is the division director for the Sensor Evaluation and Digital Prototyping Division at the U.S. Army DEVCOM C5ISR Center. With more than 18 years of experience, he has advanced electro-optical and infrared systems and contributed to international research collaborations, including NATO initiatives. His work continues to shape innovation in defense technology and performance modeling. 

Distinguished Physical Sciences AlumKnight Award

Olivia Feild 

M.S. Forensic Chemistry

Olivia Feild is a forensic scientist and analytical chemist serving as a lead lab analyst at Kennedy Space Center. She supports mission-critical testing through advanced analysis while mentoring team members and improving laboratory operations. A UCF graduate, she remains actively engaged in mentorship and alumni initiatives within the College of Sciences as a member of the Dean’s Advisory Board and Alumni Council.

Distinguished Physical Sciences AlumKnight Award

Nikki Roth 

M.S. Interactive Entertainment

Nikki Roth is a technical art manager at Meta, specializing in real-time technology and immersive experience design. Her career spans companies including Apple, Google, EA and Lucasfilm, where she has helped advance virtual production, VR/AR and simulation technologies. She continues to drive innovation by bridging creative vision with technical execution across industries.