-
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) […]
-
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 […]
-
College of Sciences Researcher Partners with Planetary Science Institute to Publish First Comprehensive Book on Centaurs
The new publication aims to shape the next decade of planetary science research. Written by: Emily Dougherty | Published: August 27, 2025 Maria Womack, a planetary scientist with the Department of Physics and the Planetary Science Institute (PSI) is part of a team that’s publishing the first-ever book entirely focused on one of the solar […]
-
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 […]
-
‘Shore Wars:’ New Research Aims to Resolve Coastal Conflict Between Oysters and Mangroves, Aiding Restoration Efforts
Oysters and mangroves are both essential to protecting and restoring Florida’s coastlines that they call home, including defending them against storms. As mangrove populations are increasing due to successful restoration efforts and favorable weather, however, their strong comeback may pose unintended consequences for oysters, according to new research from UCF graduate student Katherine Harris and […]
-
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 […]
-
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 […]
-
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, […]
-
Anthropology Student Explores South Carolina’s Environmental History through Prestigious Penn State Fellowship
Cheyenne Taylor overcame personal health challenges, found new purpose through Penn State’s ARISE Fellowship inspired by her family heritage. By: Emily Dougherty | June 23, 2025 Cheyenne Taylor, a transfer student from Broward College studying anthropology in the College of Sciences, isn’t just chasing a degree; she has reclaimed her educational journey and purpose after […]
-
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 […]
-
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 […]
-
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. […]
-
UCF Hosts The Florida Consortium on the Neurobiology of Cognition for the First Time
The Psychology Department at the College of Sciences convenes researchers across the state to explore issues around cognition and aging. By: Sultana Ali and Jordan Sammarco | May 20, 2025 Researchers from across the Florida university system, as well as other organizations connected to cognition, gathered at the University of Central Florida May 8 and […]
-
Interdisciplinary Collaboration Unlocks New Insights Into Quantum Physics
Konstantin Vodopyanov, a professor at the College of Sciences and CREOL, the College of Optics and Photonics, recently co-authored a study published in the journal Optica. This research examines electro-optic sampling (EOS), a technique that advances fields such as quantum physics, molecular spectroscopy and biomedical sensing. As a professor at the two colleges, Vodopyanov shows […]
-
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, […]
-
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 […]
-
Astrophysics Observatory SPHEREx Launches on its Way to Study the Origins of the Universe
NASA’s newest astrophysics observatory, SPHEREx, recently launched on its way to study the origins of our universe, the history of galaxies and to search for evidence of life in our galaxy. The infrared space telescope will spend about two years orbiting Earth from 404 miles overhead, collecting data on more than 450 million galaxies. The […]
-
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 […]
-
UCF Researchers Receive $600K Grant to Develop Intelligent Assistive Robotics
For people with upper extremity disabilities — such as a stroke, multiple sclerosis or other conditions — assistive robotics can help restore their independence in performing everyday tasks like eating, grooming and grasping objects. But much like old dogs, these devices have a hard time learning new tricks. “They need a lot of demos to […]
-
Los Angeles Wildfires Show Firefighting and Public Communication Challenges
The top of the year has been a challenge for Southern California, and a reminder for the nation of the devasting impacts of fires. As of Jan. 27, the Los Angeles wildfires have killed at least 28 people, forced over 200,000 to evacuate, and destroyed or damaged 16,255 structures. The wildfires have led to discussion […]
-
UCF Researchers Advance Knowledge About Juvenile Sea Turtle’s Early Life Stage, Informing Conservation Efforts
Biology researchers from the College of Sciences’ UCF Marine Turtle Research Group studied the dispersal movements of four juvenile sea turtle species, revealing that they may be active swimmers, rather than passive drifters, during their early life stage known as the “lost years.” These findings challenge existing hypotheses and provide important data for assessing risks […]
-
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 […]
-
UCF Admitted to Prestigious Research Consortium to Advance Critical Engineering, Defense Innovations
UCF recently joined the consortium of universities comprising the Systems Engineering Research Center (SERC), one of 15 U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) designated University Affiliated Research Centers (UARC) in the country. UCF’s membership in the UARC allows researchers and DoD project sponsors to better directly connect with one another and collaborate on meaningful research through […]
-
UCF Researcher Discovers New Technique for Infrared “Color” Detection and Imaging
UCF researcher Debashis Chanda, a professor at UCF’s NanoScience Technology Center, has developed a new technique to detect long wave infrared (LWIR) photons of different wavelengths or “colors.” The research was recently published in Nano Letters, an esteemed scholarly journal published by the American Chemical Society. The findings are the result of a $1.5 million […]
-
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 […]
-
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 […]
-
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 […]
-
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 […]
-
UCF Lecturer’s Service-Learning Research is Cover of Academic Journal
By Rachel Stamford A UCF chemistry lecturer’s pioneering service-learning research on sucralose in the Orlando Easterly Wetlands has put her on the cover of a premier academic journal. Dr. Emily Heider was a postdoctoral research assistant at the University of Central Florida developing sensors to detect mercury in water before she was hired in 2015 […]
-
Chemistry Grad Student Cracks Code for Colorblind Tests
Tatiana Fedotava-Molden, a first-year Ph.D. student in the department of Chemistry, has already had her first research breakthrough and publication in one of the most prestigious international chemistry journals. For a chemistry Ph.D. student, Molden had an interesting start. When she lived in Russia, she went to school for journalism and found herself at movie […]