President Cartwright Returns For Second Tour of Department of Physics

UCF President Dr. Cartwright tours the Physical Sciences Building in October.

By NIKITTA CAMPBELL

UCF President Alexander Cartwright, Ph.D., and First Lady Melinda Cartwright recently toured the Department of Physics for a second time, with a focus on the research laboratories.

Leading the Nov. 13 tour was Department Chair Eduardo Mucciolo, Ph.D., along with students and faculty who shared details of their research with the Cartwrights.

“The President and Mrs. Cartwright made a brief visit to Physics a month ago and were so well impressed that they asked for a second, longer tour,” Mucciolo said.

The tour demonstrated the department’s commitment to advancing research excellence across many disciplines. According to Mucciolo, the president was impressed with the advances that the department has made and continues to make.

President Cartwright and the first lady listen to a presentation during a visit to the Physical Sciences Building in October.

“President Cartwright is still a laser researcher at heart and was very much interested in our attosecond science program,” Mucciolo said. “He asked sharp questions to faculty and students who work in this area. He also had a chance to talk with condensed matter physics and planetary scientists, who truly impressed him with their research and credentials.”

With the rapid growth of research in the department, space is a critical factor and more lab space for existing and new researchers is needed. It is one of the things that will fuel growth in the department.

“President Cartwright was impressed by our facilities, but also recognized the need for more research space, so that our programs can continue to growth in size and quality,” Mucciolo said.

The department chair applauded faculty, students and staff for their hard work and dedication to the field of research, and is confident that they will bring their innovative technology out of the labs to the nation and the globe.