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Joshua Colwell Leads UCF’s College of Sciences as Dean
The search for a new dean for the UCF College of Sciences has concluded with the appointment of Joshua Colwell, a Pegasus Professor of physics who has been at UCF for 20 years. Following a competitive national search and rigorous interview process, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs John Buckwalter selected Colwell on […]
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UCF Aiding Healthy Ecosystems Through Bat Conservation Advancements
A UCF Department of Biology doctoral student has helped position UCF as a contributor to the North American Bat Monitoring Program (NABat), a coordinated effort to track bat populations across North America using standardized acoustic methods. Research Path Rooted in Responsibility Ifer White, who serves as a graduate teaching associate while pursuing a Ph.D. in integrative and conservation biology, describes herself […]
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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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UCF Researchers Travel to South Pacific for Diving Research Expedition
Led by a UCF faculty member, a global team of researchers is using innovative genetic analysis to uncover how countless drifting fish larvae connect distant reefs. Written by: Emily Dougherty | Published: February 6, 2025 Countless larvae move through the ocean currents every day, and UCF researchers are taking a closer look at how these larvae travel and keep distant reefs connected. Led by […]
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UCF Team Secures Second Place in National Algorithms for Threat Detection Challenge
UCF researchers excel in anomaly detection to support national security research and advance real-world data science. Written by: Emily Dougherty | Published: January 8, 2025 A team of UCF researchers and students recently earned a second-place finish in the National Algorithms for Threat Detection (ATD) 2025 Challenge, a national data science competition sponsored by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) and hosted by Penn State’s […]
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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 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 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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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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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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Biology Researchers Lead Technology-Driven Seagrass Restoration Projects in Florida
Seagrass meadows are rapidly vanishing across the world, threatening animal species that rely on this vital coastal ecosystem for survival. Two UCF biology graduate students are leading projects developing innovative solutions for conserving seagrass species in Florida, with support from Pegasus Professor of Biology Linda Walters and Assistant Professor of Biology and Genomics and Bioinformatics faculty […]
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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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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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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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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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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 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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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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Celebrating College of Sciences 2025 Founders’ Day Awardees
UCF’s annual event celebrates outstanding accomplishments and contributions of employees, faculty, and students By: Emily Dougherty | March 31, 2025 Student Awards Order of Pegasus UCF’s highest student honor, which recognizes new inductees into the Order of Pegasus. Additional awards include graduate honors for exceptional master’s theses and dissertations, undergraduate awards for outstanding honors theses, […]
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College of Sciences Connects with Central Florida Community at Spark STEM Fest
Faculty and Students come together to bring unique STEM demos to children at the Orlando Science Center By: Emily Dougherty | February 28, 2025 The College of Sciences showcased its commitment to community outreach, innovation, and STEM education at the Spark STEM Fest, hosted at the Orlando Science Center in collaboration with UCF’s Office of […]
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UCF Students Awarded at American Statistical Association Florida Chapter Meeting
Five Knights receive distinction at statewide meeting hosted by UCF By Emily Dougherty | February 26th, 2025 For a group of UCF students, the American Statistical Association (ASA) Florida Chapter Meeting 2025 was more than just an academic conference—it was a moment of recognition, collaboration, and celebration. Five College of Sciences statistics and data science […]
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Physics Doctoral Student Advances Research to Improve Effectiveness for Scientific Instruments on the Moon’s Surface
College of Sciences Ph.D. Candidate makes strides with research on lunar space exploration with NASA fellowship By: Emily Dougherty | January 28, 2025 Jared Long-Fox, a doctoral student in the Planetary Science Track in the Department of Physics within the College of Sciences, is advancing research supported by the NASA Space Technology Graduate Research Opportunities […]
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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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UCF Psychology Professor Recognized with Beckman Award for His Impact on Student’s Research for Breast Cancer Survivors
Psychology and art blend into lifelong impact for women with Stacie Becker’s research By Emily Dougherty | November 25, 2024 Dr. Jeffrey Cassisi, Professor of Psychology in the College of Sciences, is a recipient of the 2024 Elizabeth Hurlock Beckman Award for his mentorship and support of Stacie Becker’s research. Becker is a master’s student […]
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UCF Doctoral Student Wins Russell and Singurd Varian Award
Kaige Shi has been recognized by the American Vacuum Society for his research to provide solutions for converting renewable electricity into chemical energy By: Emily Dougherty | November 8, 2024 Kaige Shi, a doctoral physics student, has been awarded the Russell and Singurd Varian Award from the American Vacuum Society (AVS) for his research about the […]
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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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PhD. Student’s Research on Snakes is Helping Protect Florida’s Ecosystem
Jenna Palmisano was awarded multiple research grants to expand her research on parasites affecting pygmy rattlesnakes and Florida ecosystems By: Emily Dougherty | October 28, 2024 Florida has diverse ecosystems that are made up of an array of species, all of which play an important role in the beauty of Florida. Jenna Palmisano, a doctoral […]