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UCF Study Confirms Flamingos Are Native to Florida and Genetically Fit for Restoration
For all its presence on postcards and popular tourist attractions, the American flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) has been largely absent from Florida itself. Nearly wiped out from the state in the early 1900s, the species has shown only faint signs of a true comeback. Now, a new study published in the American Ornithological Society’s Ornithological Applications […]
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A Knight to Remember: College of Sciences Hosts Annual Scholarship Dinner
A scholarship recipient’s point of view at the annual College of Sciences Scholarship Dinner. By: Majdulina Hamed | Published December 10, 2025 Under twinkling lights and spirited applause, the College of Sciences Scholarship Dinner gathered students, faculty and donors to celebrate academic achievement and the transformative power of philanthropy. The evening was more than a formal event — it was a testament […]
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Rowing Across the Atlantic Ocean: One UCF Student’s Bold Journey
Andres Käosaar is motivated in life by one simple truth: We are capable of doing more than we think we can. That philosophy has landed the UCF industrial and organizational psychology doctoral candidate on a mountain in the middle of a blizzard during an Arctic ski trip. It’s what has encouraged him to complete 50-mile […]
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UCF’s National Center for Forensic Science and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Co-Host Educational Colloquium and Open House
Students and forensic professionals gather to explore new methods, tools, and innovative approaches to process evidence for criminal justice cases. Written by: Emily Dougherty | Published December 9, 2025 UCF and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) recently joined together for the Educational Colloquium on Recent Advances in Forensic Sexual Assault Investigations, paired with […]
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UCF Study Explores Formation of Spider-Like Features on Jupiter’s Moon Europa and Potential for Life
From Europa to other icy moons, scientists are studying how surface features form and what they might reveal about the potential for life. In a new study published in The Planetary Science Journal, researchers from UCF, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) and other institutions explored a unique, spider-like feature in Manannán Crater on Europa, one […]
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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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UCF Launches 1st Planetary and Space Sciences Ph.D. Program in Florida
Born from the challenge of the Space Race, UCF was created to transform imagination into innovation and prepare people to launch humanity beyond its limits. Today, we are still are a place where our people’s curiosity drives discovery, bold questions shape the future and exploration advances life on Earth. Founded to reach the moon, we’re […]
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The Science Behind Star Formation: UCF Professor Studying D2H+ Ions in Extreme Conditions
Born from the challenge of the Space Race, UCF was created to transform imagination into innovation and prepare people to launch humanity beyond its limits. Today, we are still are a place where our people’s curiosity drives discovery, bold questions shape the future and exploration advances life on Earth. Founded to reach the moon, we’re […]
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UCF Physics Professor Works to Uncover the Universe’s History, One Rock at a Time
Born from the challenge of the Space Race, UCF was created to transform imagination into innovation and prepare people to launch humanity beyond its limits. Today, we are still are a place where our people’s curiosity drives discovery, bold questions shape the future and exploration advances life on Earth. Founded to reach the moon, we’re […]
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Introducing the College of Sciences Alumni Council
The newly formed council brings together passionate alumni from UCF’s largest college to strengthen alumni engagement. Written by: Emily Dougherty | Published: October 29, 2025 The College of Sciences (COS) has recently selected a new Alumni Council to represent and engage alumni from UCF’s largest college. Coming from an array of professional backgrounds, these Knights bring […]
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UCF Biology Professor’s Research Links Warming Migratory Temperatures to Decline in Monarch Butterfly Population
Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) have one of the most impressive migrations in the animal kingdom, but rising temperatures are disrupting their physiology, migration success and long-term population stability, raising new questions about conservation strategies. In a recent study published in Royal Society Open Science, researchers found that warmer migratory temperatures may be disrupting their reproductive […]
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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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The Lou Frey Institute Convenes Educators for “Teaching America250: An Historic Opportunity”
Florida educators gather to learn about civics from UCF faculty and researchers in partnership with SPHERE Education Initiatives and the Jack Miller Center. By Sultana Ali | October 3, 2025 Democracy is at the heart of the mission behind Lou Frey Institute and its multi-prong approach to civics education. The institute’s work with educators was […]
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UCF Students Team Up With ESPN+ for Game Day Coverage
Nicholson School of Communication and Media (NSCM) students gain real-world broadcast experience on the field. Written by: Emily Dougherty | September 26, 2025 When Knight Nation tunes into ESPN+ before a football game, they’re watching more than the countdown to kickoff. They’re watching students’ career ambitions unfold. Hitting the Field, UCF’s student-run sports broadcast network, […]
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Empower STEM Event Features UCF Speech & Debate Team for Live Debate on Civic Participation
Four UCF undergraduate students from the Speech and Debate team took center stage at the College of Sciences’ Empower STEM event for a lively and thought-provoking debate on civic participation. By Ana Hidalgo | September 25, 2025 On Constitution Day, Sep. 17, marking the anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787, the […]
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Biology Professor, Computer Science Students Create Teaching Game About Parasitic Wasps
A new desktop game is turning parasitic wasps into unlikely heroes. Released Sept. 9, on the digital platform Steam, The Crawling Dead introduces players to biology topics and the crucial role of this insect species in controlling pests and benefiting the environment. Led by UCF Professor of Biology Barbara Sharanowski and developed by computer science […]
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Sociology Doctoral Student Empowers Mental Health Awareness at Comic-Con Panel
Jaylen Christie combines comic books, sociology, and mental health education in presentation at popular convention in San Diego, California. Written by: Sultana Ali | Published: September 24, 2025 What is the connection between comics and mental health? For UCF doctoral student Jaylen Christie, the relationship came naturally. A longtime fan of comic book hero, The […]
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Meet the 2025-2026 College of Sciences Student Ambassadors
After a competitive application process, these students will represent the College of Sciences student body through engagement and representation. By: Emily Dougherty | Published: September 22, 2025 The College of Sciences (COS) is kicking off this academic year, and its newly selected student ambassadors are leading the way. The COS Faculty Fellow for Student Engagement […]
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Interdisciplinary Research Leads to Promising Results for Future Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment
Researchers discover a more effective peptide-based treatment that targets aggregation of harmful amyloid beta proteins. Written by: Emily Dougherty | Published: September 19, 2025 Interdisciplinary research between the College of Sciences (COS) and the Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences is looking into a more effective way to fight against the effects of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) […]
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UCF Welcomes Outstanding First-Year Class, Launches New Engineering, Technology Degrees
The Class of 2029 arrived at UCF with record-breaking GPAs and test scores, eager to learn from world-class faculty and leverage the university’s strong industry partnerships as they prepare for their careers of choice. During the next four years, students will help develop new space technologies, seek out cures for diseases and learn how to […]
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How UCF’s National Center for Forensic Science Helps Solve Crimes
Tucked away in a quiet corner of Central Florida Research Park, a nondescript building might escape the notice of passersby. But for Jack Ballantyne and his team, it’s anything but ordinary. Inside, groundbreaking forensic science is unfolding — work that has national implications for solving crimes, advancing justice and training the next generation of forensic […]
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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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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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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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Associate Dean of Undergraduate Academic and Student Affairs Retires after 29 years
The College of Sciences celebrates the retirement of Teresa Dorman and her lasting impact. By Emily Dougherty | Published July 31, 2025 When Teresa Dorman joined UCF in 1996 as a graduate secretary she didn’t know she would spend the next 29 years reshaping the student experience, creating initiatives, and mentoring advisors, faculty, staff, and […]
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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, […]
