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8 UCF Faculty Members to Be Inducted in Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine of Florida
The Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine of Florida (ASEMFL), a nonprofit that brings together the top academics and practitioners in the state, announced its 2026 cohort of inductees. Eight of the new members are from UCF. The inductees are: Associate Professor Chen Chen – Associate Member Professor Ivan Garibay ’00MS ’04PhD – Associate Member […]
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7 Knights Earn 2026 NSF Graduate Research Fellowships
What does it take to study how some of the earliest galaxies in the universe evolved, develop cleaner energy technologies or better understand the ecosystems that sustain life on Earth? For a group of seven UCF graduate students and alums, it starts with curiosity and a willingness to explore the unknown. Researchers studying topics ranging […]
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Doctoral Chemistry Student Earns GEM Fellowship for Research in Nuclear Forensics and National Security
From undergraduate researcher to GEM Fellow, a graduate student is building a future in radiochemistry and national security research through UCF. Written by: Emily Dougherty | Published: July 13, 2026 Chemistry doctoral student and Graduate Research Assistant Wilfredo Rivera Rodriguez has been selected for the prestigious GEM Fellowship, a nationally recognized graduate fellowship that supports students pursuing advanced degrees in STEM fields and helps develop future […]
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FDLE Relocates Orlando Toxicology Lab to UCF, Strengthening Partnerships and Research
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is deepening its strategic public safety partnership with UCF by embedding experts at the university’s Academic Health Sciences Campus. Relocating FDLE’s toxicology laboratory to the UCF facility in Lake Nona better connects academic-industry research, workforce development and forensic testing in one of the nation’s fastest-growing medical and technology […]
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UCF, Air Force Partnership Expands Opportunities in National Security Research, Student Training
At a time when the United States faces a shortage of trained radiochemists and growing national security demands, UCF is helping prepare the next generation of scientists to meet the challenge. A new educational partnership between UCF and the U.S. Air Force Technical Applications Center (AFTAC) is creating opportunities for research, student training and workforce […]
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UCF Researcher Helps Define the Future of Nanozymes in Healthcare and Technology
A new study co-led by a UCF researcher highlights how nanozymes — engineered nanomaterials that mimic enzymes — could improve disease detection, targeted therapies and technologies designed for harsh for real-world environments. Written by: Emily Dougherty | Published: June 1, 2026 Associate Professor of Chemistry Xiaohu Xia is exploring the potential of nanozyme technology in outperforming natural enzymes, proteins that accelerate chemical reactions. The study was published in the journal Nature Reviews Materials. The first author is Shikuan Shao, a postdoctoral researcher at UCF, and […]
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UCF Grad’s Mission to Build Pipeline of Young Innovators
Some of the nation’s most promising scientists can be found in Will Furiosi ’13 ’14MAT’s Oviedo High School classroom. Spend five minutes talking to Ankan Das, Angela Calvo-Chumbimuni and Moitri Santra about their research innovations in robotics, mental health and agriculture, and one truth becomes quite clear: These teens are the real deal. Backed by […]
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Natural Chemical Factories: UCF Study Reveals How Bacteria Build Explosive-Like Molecules
Scientists at UCF have discovered how certain bacteria can produce molecules chemically similar to those used in explosives, revealing a previously unknown pathway for building complex, nitrogen-rich compounds. The study, led by UCF associate professor of chemistry Jonathan Caranto, identifies hydrazinoacetic acid as a key building block in the production of N-nitroglycine, a rare compound […]
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Tentacles in Solution: UCF Research Speeds Up DNA Biosensing
Detecting disease in a blood sample. Monitoring contaminants in drinking water. Identifying biological threats before they can spread. DNA biosensors play a critical role in each of these, but many rely on a slow process that can miss fleeting signals or delay results. At UCF, researchers are developing a new approach inspired by squids, octopuses […]
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UCF Study Suggests Some Alzheimer’s Symptoms May Begin Outside the Brain
UCF researchers have uncovered evidence that some movement-related symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease may originate outside the brain, which could change how the disease is diagnosed and treated in the future. The study was sponsored by the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Aging and was led by UCF Nanoscience Technology Center Professor James Hickman and Research Professor Xiufang “Nadine” Guo. In collaboration with researchers at healthcare tech company Hesperos, the team used lab-grown, human-cell systems designed to […]
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UCF Chemistry Instructor’s Creative Approach Earns Excellence in Online Teaching Award
Nicole Lapeyrouse ’16MS ’18PhD never knows when and where she might be recognized. Students and their significant others who have never met her in person will come up to her in stores and along sidewalks to say, “Excuse me, but aren’t you …?” Yes, it’s her. The chemistry and geology instructor recently walked into a […]
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College of Sciences Inspires Curiosity at Spark STEM Fest
Through hands-on activities and demos, the College of Sciences connected its research with the Central Florida Community. Written by: Ryan Fox | Published: February 27, 2026 Innovation met curiosity as the College of Sciences (COS) engaged future scientists, alumni, and the Central Florida community at Spark STEM Fest. Presented by the UCF Office of Research, Spark STEM Fest is an annual celebration of technology and […]
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College of Sciences Hosts Interdisciplinary Seminar on Avatars, AI and the Future of Human Performance
Interdisciplinary seminar highlights how UCF faculty are leveraging AI technologies and immersive systems to transform communication, teaching and embodied experiences. Written by: Emily Dougherty | Published: February 27, 2026 As artificial intelligence and immersive technologies continue to evolve, researchers across the College of Sciences (COS) are investigating how digital agents influence the way people communicate, learn and even experience their own physical abilities. To advance […]
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UCF Researchers Create the “Fantastic Four” Chemical Standards for Forensic Science
Forensic science is a field that’s drawn more attention in recent years, thanks to the onset of true crime podcasts and the increase of television shows and films focused on the topic. A survey by Edison Research last year reported that 84% of the U.S. population ages 13 and up are “true crime consumers,” listening or […]
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UCF Researchers Lead Critical Work in National Nuclear Forensics Consortium
As one of the selected universities for the NNSA-funded Consortium for Nuclear Forensics, UCF is advancing cutting-edge research while building pathways for future security and nonproliferation experts. By: Emily Dougherty | November 21, 2025 Researchers in the College of Sciences are playing a pivotal role in strengthening the nation’s nuclear security through their leadership in the Consortium for Nuclear Forensics (CNF). CNF brings […]
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Interdisciplinary Collaboration through College of Sciences and CREOL Faculty Grows Opportunities for STEM Students
A new program, funded by a National Science Foundation grant, will holistically support academically high achieving students with financial barriers on their journey to commencement. Written by: Emily Dougherty | Published: October 24, 2025 The educational path to a STEM degree can be challenging both in and out of the classroom. To encourage aspiring scientists, […]
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UCF Researchers Developing Easy-to-Use Viral Biosensor Test — Giving Patients More Accurate, Immediate Results
For most diseases, early detection leads to better patient outcomes. That’s why infectious disease experts and chemists at the UCF College of Medicine and College of Sciences were recently awarded a $537,619 grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to create a low cost, accurate test that detects Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV […]
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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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College of Sciences Hosts Interdisciplinary Seminar on Novel Materials for Health, Energy, and Other Applications
Faculty come together to learn more about the research taking place in their college By: Emily Dougherty | March 13, 2025 On February 24th, the College of Sciences hosted an interdisciplinary seminar entitled, “Novel Materials for Health, Energy, and Other Applications,” bringing faculty together to share approaches to conducting research from across the College. Pegasus […]
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UCF Doctoral Student Awarded National Nuclear Security Administration Program Award for Technical and Higher-Education
PhD chemistry student, Zachary Murphy, has been recognized for his research at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. By: Emily Dougherty | December 12, 2024 Zachary Murphy, a doctoral chemistry student in the College of Sciences, has been awarded the National Nuclear Security Administration Program Award for Technical and Higher-Education (PATH) for his research focusing on […]
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Doctoral Chemistry Student Selected for the Department of Energy, Office of Science Graduate Student Research Program
Alec DeCecco, a graduate student in the Department of Chemistry, is investigating the impacts of Criegee intermediates on climate change By: Emily Dougherty | October 29, 2024 Since the beginning of his undergraduate studies at UCF, Alec DeCecco, now a Ph.D. student in the Department of Chemistry, has spent his time in a research lab […]
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Chemistry Researchers Advance Universal Design for Learning in STEM Courses
Focus on Bilingual approaches through National Science Foundation grant expand accessibility for learning across diverse student groups By: Emily Dougherty I October 4, 2024 Dr. Erin Saitta, Assistant Professor in the UCF Department of Chemistry, and doctoral student (Chemistry), Kathleen Lugo Charriez, have recognized the array of difficulties that undergraduate chemistry and other STEM students […]
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10 UCF Students Selected for 2024 DoD SMART Scholarships
Receiving paid tuition, annual stipends, an internship and guaranteed employment after graduation sounds like a dream come true to any college student. But for several UCF students, that dream is about to become a reality. Eight Knights were selected for the 2024 Department of Defense (DoD) Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship, an […]
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UCF Researchers Develop Nano-treatment to Help Save Florida Mangroves from Deadly Disease
Mangroves and palm trees are hallmarks of the Sunshine State not just for their beauty but for their immense importance to Florida’s coastlines. Mangroves are crucial because they naturally protect coastal shores from storm damage and serve as vital wildlife habitats around the world. Scientists at the University of Central Florida are working to preserve […]
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Grant awarded to UCF will help recruit promising STEM students
A newly awarded grant will unlock some new opportunities for ten promising science and engineering students at the University of Central Florida. Dr. Talat Rahman and Dr. Mihai Vaida were recently awarded an NSF REU Site grant entitled “Research in materials for energy applications”. The $427,000, three-year grant will provide ten undergraduate students opportunities to […]
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DOD Scholarship Brings New Energy to Student’s Nuclear Research at UCF
Harnessing nuclear energy has always come with environmental concerns. A doctoral student at the University of Central Florida hopes to tackle that challenge, and a prestigious scholarship from the Department of Defense is going to help. Joseph Lee has been awarded the DOD’s SMART scholarship. The STEM scholarship will fund Lee’s research, which looks at the […]
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UCF Reach for the Stars 2024 Honorees Leading the Charge into the Future
The 2024 University of Central Florida Reach for the Stars honorees share a dedication to advancing knowledge and addressing real-world challenges within their respective fields. Each researcher demonstrates a commitment to innovation, whether it’s in clean energy, healthcare, performing arts or manufacturing. The Reach for the Stars awards highlight their contributions to academia and underscore […]
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UCF Joins $25M National Consortium on Nuclear Forensics
UCF is one of 16 universities in the U.S. that have formed a consortium on nuclear forensics. The association is supported by a $25 million cooperative agreement with the Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). The goal of the consortium is to engage in research that supports the NNSA’s nuclear security and nonproliferation […]
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UCF Researcher Develops Nanotechnologies for Sustainable Agriculture, Optimized Drug Delivery
Prolific University of Central Florida inventor Swadeshmukul Santra is developing new technologies that hold promise not only for sustainable agriculture, but also for improved medicine. Santra, a professor associated with UCF’s NanoTechnology Science Center, Department of Chemistry and Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, has 34 UCF inventions under his belt and leads the university’s Materials […]
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2024 American Chemical Society Leadership Institute Award Goes to UCF Chemistry Junior
A deserving Chemistry student earned the 2024 American Chemical Society (ACS) Leadership Institute Award, allowing her to attend this year’s conference in Atlanta, Georgia. The recipient, Yael Faroud, is a junior majoring in Chemistry with a minor in Health Science. She serves as the Secretary for the UCF ACS student chapter. Professor Stephen Kuebler has […]
