Service-Learning Helps Students Tackle World’s Tough Issues

This is a guest post from Biology Professor Linda Walters, which was featured on UCF Today and The Huffington Post.  The end of each spring semester brings out the best in academia. Not only is graduation soon to occur, but campuses everywhere celebrate excellence — of faculty, staff and students. I am always excited to attend […]

COS Students Win Big at Graduate Research Forum

The 2013 Graduate Research Forum was a huge success, especially for the college of sciences.  COS students swept the mathematics, optics, and physical sciences section, as well as placing in other sections. 70 students from the college of sciences competed in the forum.  Of those 70, eight placed in their respective groups. COS students placed […]

Wedding Bells

Congratulations to Joann Tyson, ’01, and Douglas Marks, ’82, who got married last April in Winter Park. Douglas graduated with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and Joann graduated with a bachelor’s degree in film.

Kenneth I. Pargament Talks About the Psychology of Religion and Spirituality

Nearly 80 percent of Americans say they practice some type of religion, while approximately 20 percent, mostly younger people, say they do not, according to a 2012 Pew Research Center study. Whether a person is religious, spiritual or neither, the major influence religion has on American culture is emphasized in such religious observances as Passover […]

Biology Students are Best in Show

Last week, students competed in the campus wide UCF Service-Learning Showcase.  We had many COS students compete, but three biology students won best in show.  Madison Hall, Lauren Riegler, and Cherri Sookdeo are members of the Trash Talkers and winners of this outstanding award. “Our project dealt with marine debris, and we presented to 5th […]

UCF Celebrates Arbor Day

Jillian Pavlica, ’09, Said Yes on Local TV

Jillian Pavlica, ’09, and Vincent Ramos,’10, are now engaged. The couple met in 2007 at UCF and have been together ever since. Vincent proposed on television in Huntsville, Ala. where Jillian is a local TV anchor. Pavlica graduated from the Nicholson School of Communication with a bachelor’s degree in radio-television and her fiancé, Vincent Ramos, […]

Alumnus Combines Political Science Goals With Soccer Dreams

Antti Laitinen, ’00, started his studies at UCF in the fall of 1997 with the help of an athletic scholarship. He came to Central Florida from Finland and was recruited as the men’s soccer goalkeeper. His goal was to graduate and then return to Finland. Because he was interested in working either as a journalist, […]

COS Alumni Welcome Future UCF Knight

Congratulations to Christopher Tomko,’07, and Helen Pastrana, ’07, on welcoming their first child and future UCF Knight, Christian Anthony Tomko, on Jan. 24, 2013 in Dallas, Texas. Christopher Tomko and Helen Pastrana are both graduates from UCF’s College of Sciences. Tomko graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science and is also a Kappa Sigma […]

Professors Begin Study of Shelter Policies

This an excerpt from a story Gannett, read the entire piece here. United Way of the Big Bend President Heather Mitchell on Monday introduced two experts she said are helping The Shelter move in the right direction.  UWBB and The Shelter’s board leadership have called in the experts to conduct an internal review of The […]

Kerstin Hamann : Women who shaped UCF

What is your current job title and responsibilities?   I am currently the Chair of the Department of Political Science. My responsibilities include all aspects of leading the department, including budget, curriculum (undergraduate, MA, PhD), faculty development, and partnerships, among others. What is your history at UCF? (past job titles, responsibilities? I was hired as […]

Young Scientists Inspired, Honored at State Science Fair

More than 900 middle and high schoolers will present their research and compete for scholarships during a state science fair coordinated by the University of Central Florida.  The 58th annual State Science & Engineering Fair of Florida began Tuesday, March 26, at the Lakeland Center. Fair activities are coordinated by the Florida Foundation for Future […]

Cynthia Young : Women who shaped UCF

What is your current job title and responsibilities?  Professor of Mathematics and Associate Dean, College of Sciences with oversight of Research and External Funding, Faculty Affairs, Assessment, and STEM Initiatives. What is your history at UCF? (past job titles, responsibilities) Assistant Professor of Mathematics, Associate Professor of Mathematics, Professor of Mathematics, NCAA Faculty Athletics Representative […]

Sarah “Stacy” Barber : Women who shaped UCF

What is your current job title and responsibilities?  Assistant Professor, Anthropology.  I am a Mesoamerican archaeologist responsible for teaching undergraduate courses and conducting archaeological field research in Oaxaca, Mexico, and in Florida. What is your history at UCF? (past job titles, responsibilities) I have been at UCF since 2007 as an Assistant Professor. What is […]

“Style My App”, Interactive App Creation Contest

Calling all tech gurus, gamers, programmers and computer junkies. An outstanding portfolio building opportunity awaits you! Glamorize your inner geek!  Orlando Style Magazine, Central Florida’s premiere luxury lifestyle magazine and a component of Style Magazines, is offering tech savvy students from UCF and Full Sail, the chance to develop a unique, interactive app for the […]

UCF Alumna Writes Her Way Around the World

Sarah Sekula, ’00, describes herself as a writer, photographer, editor and chronic adventurer. Her writing has taken her to 21 different countries on six continents. She writes about her adventures, fitness, health/wellness and extraordinary people. Sekula has written for publications such as USA Today, ISLANDS, ShermansTravel.com, CNN Travel, Orlando Sentinel and more. She has also […]

COS Teams Up With Knights Pantry

The College of Sciences has been keeping busy this semester with numerous activities in celebration of UCF’s 50th Anniversary, including an on-going collaboration with the Knights Helping Knights Pantry. The College of Sciences Dean’s Office brainstormed ideas for ways faculty, staff, and students could give back while also celebrating the anniversary. The Knights Helping Knights […]

Let’s Get the Party Started

It’s finally here! Centric magazine’s spring issue launch party is this Wednesday, April 10, 5-7 p.m. at the Fairwinds Alumni Center. Attendees will receive a free copy of the new spring issue as well as free chicken tenders from Huey Magoo’s and free cupcakes from Kupkake Kidz. A DJ from Giovanni’s will be in charge of […]

Graduate Finds Success in Media

Jennifer King McVan, ’99, graduated from the Nicholson School of Communication in 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in radio/television and began her career in media at WESH-TV in Orlando, FL.  She has also worked for Nielsen Media Research & ESPN. McVann currently serves as the media relations manager of Florida Hospital Tampa Bay Division. Prior […]

Alumnus Gets Elected to Public Office

University of Central Florida alumnus Michael Clelland graduated in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree in political science. Unlike most students, who spend their free time between classes at the Student Union or at the mall, Clelland spent his days saving lives at the Longwood Fire Department. He began his service right out of high school […]

Forum to Highlight Central Florida’s Economic Ties with the World

Business leaders and policy experts in the world of global economics will discuss key international markets and trends during a public forum Tuesday, April 9, at the University of Central Florida. The “Central Florida Global Economic Forum 2013: Key Markets and Trends,” organized by the UCF Global Perspectives Office, will take place in the Cape […]

UNA at UCF attends National Model United Nations conference in New York City

After months of preparation, twelve students from the United Nations Association at UCF club attended the National Model United Nations (NMUN-NY) conference in New York City alongside 5,000 students from universities and colleges from around the world, where they represented the Central Asian country of Turkmenistan in five committees, and the Russian Federation in the […]

Dr. Beidel Named 2013 Pegasus Professor

President Hitt presents Dr. Deborah Beidel the Pegasus Professor medallion at Founders Day. Dr. Beidel is a Professor of Psychology in the College of Sciences. She was recognized for her exceptional contributions to the treatment of anxiety in children and veterans.  She has developed novel approaches for using virtual reality and distinct smells to help […]

Graduate Research Forum Winners

Several College of Sciences students won awards this week at the Tenth Annual Graduate Research Forum.  The Pegasus Ballroom was packed with a record number of graduate students presenting posters. Part of UCF’s Student Research Week, the Research Forum showcases the latest research from students, including cutting-edge technology and discoveries in arts, education, health and science. Throughout […]

Alumna to Begin Training for U.S. Foreign Service

This story is reposted from UCF Today. Read the original here. For Stephanie Parenti, ’11, the dream of entering the U.S. Department of State’s Foreign Service is just a few months shy of reality.  Parenti, who graduated from UCF with a degree in political science and a minor in Spanish, is a graduate student in […]

UCF Professor Receives RIHA Grant

Dr. Sarah Barber, a UCF anthropology professor, recently received a grant from the Religion and Human Affairs (RIHA) Program of The Historical Society funded by the John Templeton Foundation through the University of Colorado Boulder. The grant will allow Dr. Barber to study the role of religion in the social and political innovations that led […]

Finding Your Way to Help Those in Need

Ronald Reagan once said, “We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.” Jaime Dixon, ’06, has found a unique way to help others in need by serving as a grant writer. She graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2006 with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Women’s Studies. She […]

Multicultural Advertising Intern Program Finalists

The American Association of Advertising Agencies Multicultural Advertising Intern Program (MAIP) has helped jump start the careers of more than 2,400 Asian/Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Latino, Black/African American, American Indian, Alaska Native, Multiracial and Multiethnic aspiring advertising professionals.  Each year, undergraduate and graduate students are selected for a 10-week paid summer internship at […]

NSC Hosts Third Annual International Crisis and Risk Communication Conference

The Nicholson School of Communication (NSC) hosted the third annual International Crisis and Risk Communication (ICRC) Conference at the Student Union from March 4 to 6.  The annual ICRC Conference brings together the leading experts in both academic and professional fields. The collaboration provides insights and understanding into what constitutes successful and at times unsuccessful crisis […]

UCF Alumna Lends Creativity to Pepsi MAX Commercial

This story is reposted from UCF Today. Read the original here. When Pepsi MAX’s #GordonTestDrive commercial went viral in March, NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon wasn’t the only one at the wheel. UCF alumna Kristina Krkljus, who works at TWBA\CHIAT\DAY in Los Angeles, served as the art director for the commercial that gained 7 million views in […]