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College of Sciences Knight Receives Bachelor’s Degree at 16 Years Old
Psychology graduate Abigail Mena becomes one of UCF’s youngest Knights, with her sights set on medical school and space. Written by: Emily Dougherty | August 28, 2025 When Abigail Mena ’25 walked across the commencement stage this summer, she became one of the youngest students to earn a bachelor’s degree at UCF. For her, the […]
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UCF Students Gain Hollywood Experience as Interns on Shark Tank
Nicholson School of Communication and Media students swam with the sharks behind the scenes of a popular show. Written by: Emily Dougherty | Published: August 28, 2025 Sophia Squiccirini, a senior studying media production and management, and Payton Lewandrowski ’25, a recent Nicholson School of Communication and Media (NSCM) alumna, were selected for the competitive internships on […]
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College of Sciences Researcher Partners with Planetary Science Institute to Publish First Comprehensive Book on Centaurs
The new publication aims to shape the next decade of planetary science research. Written by: Emily Dougherty | Published: August 27, 2025 Maria Womack, a planetary scientist with the Department of Physics and the Planetary Science Institute (PSI) is part of a team that’s publishing the first-ever book entirely focused on one of the solar […]
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Remembering Ida Cook
The UCF community reflects on the legacy of Ida Cook, former member of the Board of Trustees and Emerita Associate Professor of Sociology. By Jason Ford and Sultana Ali | Published August 27, 2025 The College of Sciences faculty and staff and wider university community are mourning the passing of Dr. Ida Cook, Emerita Associate Professor […]
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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 […]
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UCF Researcher Helps Confirm Genetic Restoration Success for Florida Panthers
In 1995, scientists translocated eight Texas pumas into Florida in a genetic restoration effort to save the only viable puma population east of the Mississippi from extinction, the Florida panther. The move raised concerns about harmful mutations and genetic swamping — or loss of unique traits. However, a recent study co-authored by UCF Assistant Professor […]
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Mission Complete as FIEA Students Launch their Games for the Cohort 21 Capstone Presentations
After months of collaborative designing, testing, and developing Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy students unveil their final games, showcasing creativity and leadership. Written by: Emily Dougherty | Published: August 18, 2025 The Nicholson School of Communication and Media’s nationally and globally ranked Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy (FIEA) recently hosted its Cohort 21 Capstone Presentations. This event […]
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‘Shore Wars:’ New Research Aims to Resolve Coastal Conflict Between Oysters and Mangroves, Aiding Restoration Efforts
Oysters and mangroves are both essential to protecting and restoring Florida’s coastlines that they call home, including defending them against storms. As mangrove populations are increasing due to successful restoration efforts and favorable weather, however, their strong comeback may pose unintended consequences for oysters, according to new research from UCF graduate student Katherine Harris and […]
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Behind the Rescue: UCF Expert on the Mental Toll of Disaster Response
Natural disasters leave behind more than physical damage — they take an invisible toll on the first responders who rush in to help. Whether it’s a hurricane, a building collapse or large-scale flooding, these events can leave lasting psychological impacts. As the devastating flash floods that struck Central Texas on July 4, continue to impact […]
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Order of Pegasus Alumna Turned Childhood Curiosity into STEM Advocacy
College of Sciences Physics doctoral graduate, Stephanie Lough, reflects on finding her path through the American Physical Society Bridge Program. By Emily Dougherty | July 25, 2025 When Stephanie Lough decided to return to school at 28 after already building a career, she was unsure of what to expect as a non-traditional student. She graduated […]
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New UCF Study Reveals Opportunities to Boost Confidence in Undergraduate Students
The College of Sciences’ Department of Chemistry published new research showing how professional identity evolves through students’ academic journeys. Written by: Emily Dougherty | Published: July 21, 2025 A newly published study in the Journal of Forensic Science Education from the College of Sciences Department of Chemistry reveals how undergraduate forensic science students’ confidence shifts […]
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UCF Psychology Professor Named as New Editor for American Psychological Association’s International Journal of Stress Management
Dr. Nathan Bowling is helping organizations improve employee well-being while providing mentorship and research opportunities for the next generation of scholars. By: Ana G. Hidalgo | July 2, 2025 Work can be a major source of both stress and fulfillment—and its impact on people’s lives is significant. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, […]
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Anthropology Student Explores South Carolina’s Environmental History through Prestigious Penn State Fellowship
Cheyenne Taylor overcame personal health challenges, found new purpose through Penn State’s ARISE Fellowship inspired by her family heritage. By: Emily Dougherty | June 23, 2025 Cheyenne Taylor, a transfer student from Broward College studying anthropology in the College of Sciences, isn’t just chasing a degree; she has reclaimed her educational journey and purpose after […]
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Doctoral Student Uses Applied Sociology to Create Change Locally and Globally
Through fellowships, fieldwork, and outreach, Lisa Rodriguez transforms sociological concepts into meaningful solutions for local and global communities. By: Emily Dougherty | June 20, 2025 Lisa Rodriguez, a fourth-year sociology doctoral student in the College of Sciences, is using her academic path and shared experiences to make an impact in communities through research, outreach, and […]
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UCF Psychology Professor Leads Student Volunteers to Support Mental Health Initiative at Special Olympics Florida State Summer Games
The volunteer effort offered psychology and nursing students real-world mental health screening experience while providing vital mental health and wellness education to Special Olympics Florida athletes. By: Ana G. Hidalgo | June 17, 2025 Dr. Megan Sherod, associate chair for academic programming and associate director of clinical training for the Clinical Psychology Master’s program in […]
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High School Students Level Up Knowledge of Gaming Careers at UCF’s Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy
This past month, the Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy (FIEA) welcomed the KB Foundation and 28 young people in its Philadelphia-based mentorship programs for a tour of FIEA facilities, offering a glimpse into the degrees available and potential future careers in the gaming industry. Students also had an opportunity to visit UCF’s main campus, UCF Downtown, […]
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Research in 60 Seconds: How Seagrass Helps Coastal Ecosystems Thrive
Whether it’s solving the world’s biggest problems or investigating the potential of novel discoveries, researchers at UCF are on the edge of scientific breakthroughs that aim to make an impact. Through the Research in 60 Seconds series, student and faculty researchers condense their complex studies into bite-sized summaries so you can know how and why Knights […]
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Running to Success: College of Sciences Alumnus and Two-Time Paralympian Shares His Journey
Kyle Coon reflects on shaping his career since graduating from UCF. By: Emily Dougherty | June 4, 2025 Q: Can you please share more about yourself? A: I was diagnosed with a rare form of eye cancer when I was 10 months old, called bilateral sporadic retinoblastoma. For the first six years of my life, […]
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First Distinguished Lecture Hosted by The India Center at UCF
Vivek Lall, Chief Executive of General Atomics Global Corporation, Shares Insights on U.S.-India Technology Opportunities By Sultana Ali | May 29, 2025 This April, The India Center at UCF hosted its inaugural Distinguished Lecture, featuring Vivek Lall, Ph.D., Chief Executive of General Atomics Global Corporation. In a conversation with Professor Jayanta Kapat, Pegasus Professor in […]
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UCF Student Selected for Prestigious Internship at The New York Times
This summer UCF student Kendal Asbury will embark on an exciting journey as one of four interns at The New York Times through the prestigious Dow Jones News Fund (DJNF) summer internship program. For more than 60 years, the Dow Jones News Fund has placed top journalism students in internships at media outlets across the […]
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UCF Graduate Student Awarded Prestigious Marine Conservation Scholarship Named After Distinguished Marine Biologist Susan L. Williams
Biology student Carla Perscky will conduct first-time research, developing innovative technologies to help conserve tropical seagrass, a vital habitat for many marine species By: Ana G. Hidalgo | May 22, 2025 Carla Perscky, a master’s student in the UCF Department of Biology and Navy veteran, received the Women Divers Hall of Fame’s (WDHOF) Susan L. […]
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UCF Hosts The Florida Consortium on the Neurobiology of Cognition for the First Time
The Psychology Department at the College of Sciences convenes researchers across the state to explore issues around cognition and aging. By: Sultana Ali and Jordan Sammarco | May 20, 2025 Researchers from across the Florida university system, as well as other organizations connected to cognition, gathered at the University of Central Florida May 8 and […]
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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. Hosted […]
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Yvette Kanouff Awarded Honorary Doctorate Degree
The College of Sciences Spring 2025 commencement ceremony featured a special guest speaker, alumna Yvette Kanouff, who received one of the highest honors bestowed by UCF, an honorary doctoral degree. Kanouff earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mathematics from UCF and has remained engaged with UCF in the subsequent years, currently serving on […]
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The India Center Hosts Conference on Capturing Change in India
The India Center welcomes former Defense Secretary of India, Ajay Kumar, for virtual keynote address. By Liliana Hogan | May 2, 2025 On April 3rd, The India Center hosted its annual conference, “Capturing Change in India: Technological Transitions, Economic Transformations and Evolving Global Footprint”, which featured panelists, including Shahana Sheikh, Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the […]
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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. The team’s research, published in Nature Communications, […]
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UCF Professor Retires after 53 Years
Roger Handberg’s milestone marked with a celebratory last lecture. By: Emily Dougherty | April 24, 2025 Professor of Political Science, Roger Handberg, Ph.D., in The School of Politics, Security, and International Affairs (SPSIA) within the College of Sciences is retiring after over five decades of research, teaching, and administration at UCF. Before his journey as […]
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Remembering Michael Reid
Students and faculty look back at the legacy Michael Reid left in the Department of Mathematics. By Emily Dougherty | April 21, 2025 The College of Sciences is mourning the loss of Associate Professor of Mathematics Michael Reid, who passed away earlier this semester. Known for his decades long dedication to teaching, he leaves behind […]
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College of Sciences Doctoral Student Combines Archaeology, Geospatial Science, and Artificial Intelligence at Harvard University’s Spatial Data Lab
Bryce Peacher incorporates the use of AI into recreating history through fellowship. By Emily Dougherty | April 15, 2025 Bryce Peacher, second-year doctoral student studying Integrative Anthropological Sciences, is currently in a fellowship with Harvard University’s Spatial Data Lab. His unique research engages Geospatial Artificial Intelligence to look at ancient landscapes. Peacher’s advisor, Associate Professor […]
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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 […]