Minutes from one of the world’s most visited airports, UCF has opened a new clinic to help pilots meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) medical requirements to fly safely.

The new º£½ÇÖ±²¥ Aerospace Medicine Clinic at UCF Health Faculty Physician Practice in Lake Nona is led by William “Edâ€� Powers, chief medical officer of UCF’s and a certified aviation medical examiner.

Pilots operating civilian aircraft must have various levels of FAA medical certification depending on the type of aircraft. Commercial pilots must pass the exam every six months or each year.

“Flight safety depends on healthy pilots,� says Powers, who is certified to conduct the highest level of FAA exams. “That’s ultimately what we’re here to support.�

“Here at UCF, we are … connecting medicine, engineering, research and industry in ways few universities can.” — UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright

UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright says the clinic is an example of the university’s mission to educate talent, advance discovery and solve societal challenges that matter.

“The next era of flight will bring new demands on health and human performance,� Cartwright says. “Here at UCF, we are meeting those challenges by connecting medicine, engineering, research and industry in ways few universities can.�

What sets this clinic apart from others is its ability to more efficiently address the health needs of pilots thanks to a network of UCF College of Medicine faculty physicians, university officials say.

The clinic marked its opening with a ceremony today.

Assessing Safety and Minimizing Risk

Medical clearance for pilots is “all about risk,� Powers says. “The FAA has to assess the risk of a pilot experiencing a sudden incapacitation while flying. That’s really what these exams are focused on.�

For that reason, the UCF clinic will not focus on diagnosing disease, but on identifying and acting on any condition that might endanger pilot, crew and passenger safety.

In addition to a physical exam, pilots must pass hearing and vision tests, including demonstrating that they are not color blind. Airline pilots receive an electrocardiogram every year, while other pilots, like hobbyists, may receive an electrocardiogram if there is evidence of heart disease. Physicians also review medical history and discuss any health concerns that could affect flight safety.

Even manageable chronic conditions like high blood pressure can temporarily delay certification until the condition is treated, stabilized and controlled.

“When you’re flying an airplane, you don’t have the luxury of pulling over and waiting for help like if you’re a truck driver,� Powers says. “You must be aware at all times. If you’re responsible for an aircraft full of passengers, the FAA wants to minimize the chance of a sudden incapacitation.�

A Vast Network of Expertise

Complicated medical cases are referred to the FAA for further review, and pilots may need additional interventions to meet certification standards. That’s where the College of Medicine’s physician practice offers a distinct advantage, Powers says.

“We can guide pilots to the specialists and testing they need and help them get back on the path toward medical clearance.” — William “Ed” Powers, chief medical officer of the CASEEM

Unlike private clinics that do pilot certification exams, UCF offers multiple medical specialties under one roof and a team approach to care.

“We can guide pilots to the specialists and testing they need and help them get back on the path toward medical clearance,� Powers says.

Powers brings decades of expertise in space and aviation medicine. Before joining UCF, he was chief of NASA’s Medical Operations Branch, director of flight medicine for Axiom Space and director of the aerospace medicine residency program at the º£½ÇÖ±²¥ of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston.

Powers also worked inside the FAA as a supervisory medical officer. He says that experience gives him a firm understanding of what the FAA requires, making the process smoother for everyone.

“That means fewer delays, fewer mistakes in paperwork and a more efficient process for pilots whose livelihoods depend on getting certified,� he says.

Strengthening the Regional Aviation Ecosystem

Another UCF advantage: the clinic is only about 10 miles from Orlando International Airport, which welcomes 58 million travelers annually. So in addition to local aviators, pilots nationwide who travel to and through Orlando could easily schedule their certification exams at UCF.

“Clinics like UCF’s Aerospace Medicine Clinic [are] helping pilots, whether in space or on the ground, access the care and medical certification support they need to remain flight-ready.” — Lance Lyttle, CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority

The clinic will help strengthen the aviation training pipeline in one of the nation’s most active aerospace regions. This capability is especially important for local flight schools whose students may require guidance in navigating medical certification, return-to-flight concerns and the health demands of aviation careers.

“Central Florida’s aviation ecosystem is built on more than runways, terminals and launchpads,� says Lance Lyttle, CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, which manages Orlando International and Orlando Executive airports. “It also depends on the people and services that keep aviation moving safely and efficiently. Clinics like UCF’s Aerospace Medicine Clinic complement that ecosystem by helping pilots, whether in space or on the ground, access the care and medical certification support they need to remain flight-ready.�

The clinic is embedded in Central Florida’s bustling travel hub with numerous satellite airports, including Kissimmee Gateway Airport and Orlando Sanford International Airport. Giving pilots another option to get cleared to fly strengthens the regional economy, says Shaun Germolus, director of aviation for the Kissimmee facility.

“The aviation industry in Central Florida provides a major economic impact to the region,� Germolus says. “The medical exams and certificates provided by the UCF Aerospace Medicine Clinic will be very valuable to ensure our aviation professionals are healthy and readily available to serve.�

Launching the Clinic

The clinic is starting with limited Thursday and Friday morning appointments to allow the team to refine operations before expanding. Helping coordinate those efforts is Camila Niebla ’26, a UCF health sciences graduate who now serves as the clinic’s aerospace medicine navigator.

Niebla discovered aerospace medicine by accident while exploring future career paths before applying to medical school.

“I didn’t even know aerospace medicine was a possibility,� she says. “I’ve always been interested in performance-driven medicine, like sports medicine, so this felt really exciting. It’s exciting to be part of something from the beginning and watch it grow.�

Part of a Larger Vision for Aerospace Medicine at UCF

The clinic is part of UCF’s , which is being developed as a comprehensive academic, clinical, research, education, and operational platform to support the future of aviation, commercial spaceflight, and human space exploration.

“This is about building the medical infrastructure required for the next era of flight, both on Earth and in space,� says Emmanuel Urquieta, vice chair for aerospace medicine at the UCF College of Medicine. “Our goal is to create a program that is not only academic, but operational and translational in nature — one that supports student pilots, flight schools, commercial aviation, spaceflight providers and the broader aerospace ecosystem.�

Schedule an Appointment

to learn more about FAA medical exams at UCF Health Faculty Physician Practice and schedule an appointment online.

Natalie Otero ’26 may have missed her graduation ceremony this spring, but she had a good excuse. She’d just landed in Japan for a long-awaited vacation that was three years in the making. She says the trip — where she discovered new interests (sword-making), traversed a mountain and bonded with friends — symbolized her UCF experience.

“Building knowledge and strengthening friendships,� Otero says. “That’s my story at UCF.�

Those relationships led her to pivot from pre-med to accounting and opened her up to learn new skills like coding. Friends fueled her drive, brought her joy and encouraged internships, all of which she credits for her induction into the Order of Pegasus, the highest honor for UCF students.

“When I started at UCF, I didn’t know anyone,� says the Jacksonville, Florida, native. “Everything changed quickly.�

Discovering Her Own Calling

Otero didn’t really want to be a doctor. She just heard she was supposed to be a doctor.

“When you do well in high school, people say, ‘Oh, be a doctor and cure cancer.’ That’s where my mind was when I arrived as a freshman,� says Otero, who began her UCF journey studying biomedical sciences.

Then an elective class, Principles of Financial Accounting, intervened.

“The professor, Jeff Reinking ’13PhD, broke the mold of what it means to be an accountant,� she says. “The concepts made such perfect sense that I switched my major to accounting and saw a clear path ahead. For a freshman, that’s exciting.�

That same year, Otero’s friends introduced her to KnightHacks, a student organization that hosts UCF’s biggest software-building marathon annually for hundreds of students from throughout the nation.

“I said I’d go for fun. Only one girl in our group was a computer science major, but we were able to use basic coding theories to build a program from scratch in 36 hours,� she says. “We didn’t need to win. Learning and becoming closer, those were our awards.�

A Powerful Cycle for Success

Otero needed no push but says her friends at UCF became like iron sharpening iron. They’d talk about work experiences, which made Otero feel as if she needed to catch up. As a sophomore, she applied for the (CWEP), a year-long paid opportunity that enables undergraduate and graduate students to gain real-world work skills and abilities relevant to their academic and career goals.

“I guess they sensed something genuine because they offered the position to me,� she says.

A few months later, she was chosen for another internship, this one with Deloitte. By the time she started her junior year, she had experience with two corporations, had become a hackathon regular and developed a hunger for accounting coursework.

“It all comes full circle. The instructors bring business experiences to the lessons, and we take lessons into businesses,� she says. “I’d leave [Associate Professor] Sean Dennis’s class and think auditing must be the most exciting subject ever. All along, my friends and I kept encouraging each other.�

Her True Inspiration

Word about Otero’s accounting skills spread until people began asking her to help with their taxes. She routinely gives her time and skillset to the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, where she serves people limited by income, language and disabilities.

“My dad walked me through financial knowledge, and with VITA I have the privilege of doing the same for others,� she says.

Otero has drawn more than financial knowledge from her family. Her paternal grandparents came to the U.S. from Cuba at young ages as part of Operaçion Pedro Pan, an agreement of cooperation between the U.S. State Department and Catholic Charities of Miami in the 1960s that saw more than 14,000 unaccompanied children sent by their parents to Miami, away from the growing communist regime in Cuba.

“This has been so much better than I imagined when I came to UCF and didn’t know anyone.â€� — Natalie Otero ’26

“It was hard, but my grandparents talk about how happy they were to be in the U.S., even with limited resources and not knowing when they’d see their parents again,� Otero says. “They’ve always been optimistic because they know the value of opportunities and they worked hard to make the most of them.�

Otero’s own optimism engages friends, and her work ethic has led to the Order of Pegasus award, another internship with Deloitte this summer and graduate school in the fall at UNC Chapel Hill.

“It’s hard to believe,� Otero says. “This has been so much better than I imagined when I came to UCF and didn’t know anyone. Everything is more rewarding, too, because of all the people who have made it possible.�

To mark this historic achievement, the State º£½ÇÖ±²¥ System will launch Florida 10 for 10: Celebrating a Decade of Leading Higher Education, a statewide competitive scholarship initiative awarding up to $1,000 to 10 full-time undergraduate students at each participating university.

TheÌı10ÌıscholarshipsÌıawardedÌıto UCF studentsÌıwill be availableÌıthrough theÌıuniversity’sÌı.ÌıTo apply, studentsÌıare required toÌısubmitÌıa written essay or a video essay explaining why they chose to pursue higher education in Florida and why they selected UCF. ApplicationsÌıwill open Monday, Aug. 3,ÌıandÌıare due Oct.Ìı2.

“Florida’s Board of Governors cares about one thing, first and foremost — student achievement.� — Alan Levin, Florida Board of Governors chair

In addition toÌıthe Florida 10 for 10Ìıscholarships, studentsÌıwillÌıalsoÌıbe ableÌıto complete theirÌıgeneralÌıscholarship applicationsÌıthroughÌıtheÌı,Ìıwhich connects themÌıwith hundreds of scholarshipsÌıthrough UCF colleges and departments.ÌıInÌıfiscal year 2025Ìıalone,ÌıUCF awarded more thanÌı3,200 scholarships and over $7.5 million toÌıstudents.

“Florida’s Board of Governors cares about one thing, first and foremostÌı—Ìıstudent achievement,â€� saysÌıBoard of Governors Chair Alan Levine. “Parents and students know that when they choose Florida’s system of higher education, they are investing in a degree that has value. Our students graduate with low or no debt, and they have high-value jobs they can compete for. That is what students,ÌıparentsÌıand taxpayers rightly expect. Student success is behind every decision we make as Florida’s governing body for higher education.â€�

“I am deeply proud to lead and represent the No. 1 public university system in the nation,â€�says State º£½ÇÖ±²¥ System Chancellor Ray Rodrigues.“At a time when confidence in higher education is being tested, Florida has remained focused on improving student outcomes and ensuring academic programs are grounded in merit and excellence. By prioritizing skills and qualifications, our universities are developing the next generation of leaders for Florida and the nation. I thank our university leadership, faculty and staff whose dedication and commitment make this success possible every day.â€�

“Our decade of nationwide higher education leadership reflects a commitment to excellence, opportunity and innovation.� — Alexander N. Cartwright, UCF president

“Florida’s future is being built by the talent developed across our State º£½ÇÖ±²¥ System. Our decade of nationwide higher education leadership reflects a commitment to excellence,ÌıopportunityÌıand innovation,â€� saysÌıUCF President Alexander N. Cartwright. “This recognition illustrates what is possible when universities align education with rapidly evolving societal needs. As Florida’s Technological º£½ÇÖ±²¥, UCF is proud to produce in-demand talent at an unmatched scale while preparing the tech-literate professionals who will shape Florida’s next generation of prosperity.â€�

That leadership is reflected in outcomes that matter most to students and families. Florida’s public universities compete successfully onÌıtheÌınational stage, ensuring graduates earn high‑quality degrees and move confidently into their careers and entrepreneurial opportunities.

AdditionalÌıFlorida higher education highlights include:

• No.Ìı1 in the nation for lowest in-state tuition

• No.Ìı1 for attracting and developing a skilled workforce

• SevenÌıState º£½ÇÖ±²¥ÌıSystem institutions ranked in theÌınation’sÌıtop 100Ìıpublic universities

• 80%Ìıof in-state studentsÌıattendÌıaÌıState º£½ÇÖ±²¥ÌıSystem institution without a federal student loan

• Nearly 75%Ìıof graduatesÌıareÌıemployedÌıor continuing their education,ÌıwithÌıa median salary of $52,600 within one yearÌıofÌıgraduation

UCF produces more than 19,000 graduates annually,Ìıthe most of any State º£½ÇÖ±²¥ System institution, and many work in high-demand fields such as engineering and nursing that are vital to Florida’s future.ÌıUCFÌıalsoÌıis the nation’s leading provider of graduates to the aerospace and defense industries, according toÌıAviation Week.

UCFÌıisÌıamongÌıthe nation’sÌı10ÌıMostÌıInnovativeÌıSchools amongÌıpublic universities,Ìıas ranked byÌıU.S. News & World Report.ÌıThisÌımonthÌıUCFÌıwas ranked among the top 10ÌıbyÌıSmartAssetÌıfor America’sÌıBestÌıValueÌıPublic Universities.

º£½ÇÖ±²¥ leaders across the state credit collaboration,ÌıaccountabilityÌıand sustained investment for theÌıState º£½ÇÖ±²¥ÌıSystem’s success.

U.S. News & World ReportÌıState Rankings evaluate key metrics, includingÌıeducational attainment, graduation rates,ÌıaffordabilityÌıand federal student loan debt.

Three UCF graduates have been selected for the Orlando Veterans Affairs (VA) primary care nurse practitioner residency, a highly competitive postgraduate training program at the nation’s fourth-largest VA medical center.

Only three residents are selected annually from a pool of applicants to participate in the program, in which UCF has had consistent representation since its inception. This year, all three spots were awarded to UCF graduates — including two who earn their Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) this Saturday during a UCF Summer 2026 commencement ceremony.

For , Melissa Fajardo ’11 ’23 and Nancy Saintil ’10MS ’25DNP — three first-generation college graduates and two first-generation Americans — it’s a career opportunity forged in hard work and shaped by an education at UCF.

“This milestone represents years of perseverance, faith, growth and the encouragement of people who believed in my potential,� says Alliance, is among the more than 300 nursing students graduating from UCF this week. “It is also a reflection of the mentorship, opportunity and support I received throughout my education at UCF.�

“These three UCF graduates are highly qualified and will excel in both their residency and future careers as nurse practitioners.â€� — Jacqueline LaManna ’13PhD, UCF director of adult primary care nurse practitioner programs

The one-year program is designed to ease the transition into independent practice for newly graduated, licensed nurse practitioners. Nurse practitioner residents rotate through clinical settings with structured mentorship to help care for the 149,000 veterans served by the Orlando VA Healthcare System.

“This program requires advanced clinical practice, scholarship and leadership skills,” Ìısays Jacqueline LaManna ’13PhD, UCF’s director of the adult primary care nurse practitioner programs. “These three UCF graduates are highly qualified and will excel in both their residency and future careers as nurse practitioners.â€�

“UCF prepares nurse practitioners for success,” adds Jonathan Decker, director of the family nurse practitioner program. “Our graduates’ consistently surpass national first-time pass rate averages on board certifications and many secure employment or advanced training opportunities before graduation – just like these three.â€�

The graduates will begin their residency this fall at the Orlando VA Medical Center in Lake Nona, minutes away from UCF’s new Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion. The state-of-the-art facility is helping address critical nursing shortages — awarding more than 900 nursing degrees in the last academic year.

For Saintil, the wife of a veteran, the opportunity is deeply personal.

“Through my exposure to the VA healthcare system, I have seen firsthand the positive impact it has on the lives of America’s veterans,� she says. “I am inspired by the VA’s commitment to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care and honored to contribute to that mission.�

Together with their cohort, the three new Knight nurse practitioners are joining one of the nation’s fastest-growing occupations and meeting increasing demand in Florida. Driven by physician shortages and a growing and aging population, the growth rate of nurse practitioners in the Sunshine State is projected to be 41.6% by 2034.

Meet them here.

Mimi Alliance ’22

What inspired your nursing career?
From an early age, I knew I wanted a career in healthcare where I could make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. As IÌıgrew older, I became drawn to the structure and mission of public service, particularly organizations with the ability to improve health at both the individual and community level.

How did UCF prepare you for practice?
UCF prepared me through academic rigor, diverse clinical training, faculty mentorship and meaningful opportunities to serve the community. UCF’s Family Nurse Practitioner doctoral program challenged me to strengthen my clinical reasoning, communicate clearly, and think beyond the walls of the clinic.

For example, my doctoral project provided hearing screenings for older adults in Central Florida based in UCF’s Mobile Health Clinic. Working alongside faculty, providers, audiologists, students and community partners taught me how collaboration can improve preventive care.

As a student who carried significant responsibility early in life, being part of the UCF community allowed me to fully experience scholarship, service, leadership and connection.

In the future…
My long-term goal is to become an exceptional family nurse practitioner known for compassionate, whole-person care, strong clinical reasoning and meaningful relationships with patients over time.

I also see education as part of my professional identity and hope to continue mentoring future nurses and nurse practitioner students.

Melissa Fajardo ’11 ’23

What inspired your nursing career?
Nursing is my second career. I initially worked as a first responder and worked with the Orange County Corrections Department for more than 20 years.

I was inspired to pursue a nursing career after watching my grandparents transition through life in the care of the most genuine and loving hospice nursing staff.

How did UCF prepare you for practice?
UCF has been instrumental in my education. I grew up in Massachusetts and was the first in my family to consider attending college. I chose UCF for my first degree and have continued to choose UCF. I love the campus and the education.

The mentorship of my professors, especially in the doctoral program, has given me the confidence to believe in my ability to pursue a higher-level role.

In the future…
After completing the residency, my goal is to secure a full-time position with the VA as a family nurse practitioner in one of the primary care clinics in Central Florida.

I come from a long line of veterans, beginning with my grandfather who served in the U.S. Army during World War II, and providing care to veterans is an incredible privilege. While we can never fully repay them for their sacrifices, I believe we have a responsibility to honor them by providing compassionate, high-quality, and respectful healthcare. I want to become the kind of provider who not only manages chronic illnesses, but also empowers veterans to take an active role in their health and ensures they always feel heard, respected and valued.

Nancy Saintil ’10MSN ’25DNP

What inspired your nursing career?
My mom was a nursing assistant, and she encouraged me to pursue a career in the profession. I remember as a child watching her with patients, and I wanted to care for others as she did.

After nearly 16 years in nursing and following my father’s stroke, I felt called to expand my role in patient care. That experience inspired me to become a stronger advocate for vulnerable populations, including those who may struggle to access or trust the healthcare system.

As a nurse practitioner, I hope to make a meaningful difference by providing compassionate, patient-centered care and serving as a voice for those who need it most.

How did UCF prepare you for practice?
UCF prepared me for my career as a primary care nurse practitioner by combining strong academic instruction with meaningful clinical experiences.

Many of the faculty are practicing nurse practitioners, which allowed them to bring real-world experiences into the classroom. Their expertise, mentorship, and commitment to student success helped bridge the gap between theory and practice and strengthened my readiness to enter clinical practice.

Through rigorous coursework, hands-on lab experiences, and strong clinical partnerships, I gained exposure to diverse patient populations and healthcare settings.

These experiences have equipped me with the foundational knowledge and skills to contribute meaningfully to the VA.

In the future…
Upon completion of the residency, I hope to continue serving veterans within the VA healthcare system and build a fulfilling career in primary care, providing compassionate, evidence-based care.

Madison Young always knew she wanted a career in law. What she didn’t know was where that path would lead.

That became clearer during the Spring 2026 semester when the student landed an internship with Judge Christopher Sprysenski, a family law judge and UCF adjunct instructor in the College of Community Innovation and Education. The courtroom became a classroom, where for more than 200 hours, she observed family law proceedings, watching the legal system work in real time before debriefing directly with the judge who decided the outcomes.

This internship helped solidify that she’s meant to be here.

The opportunity began after Young took Sprysenski’s Domestic Relations Law course. After learning about her career goals, volunteer work with the Legal Aid Society and growing interest in family law, he encouraged her to apply for the judicial internship program he facilitates.

It proved to be the perfect match.

By the end of the semester, Young had accepted a job offer as a legal assistant and set her sights firmly on law school.

More Than a Front-Row Seat

What made the experience unique wasn’t just observing cases — it was understanding the reasoning behind them.

After court sessions, Young had the opportunity to discuss cases with Sprysenski, gaining insight into how judges evaluate witness credibility, weigh evidence and how attorneys present and advocate for a strong case.

“That was definitely a big difference between doing an internship at the courthouse versus at a law firm,â€� she says. “I got to see his perspective on what he found important about someone’s argument, what didn’t weigh into his decision and how he came to make his decisions. It gives me perspective for when I become an attorney.â€�

The internship also introduced her to a side of the legal profession many undergraduates never experience. Sprysenski invited Young to professional networking events with practicing attorney groups such as Central Florida Collaborative Divorce and the Seminole Inns of Court. She’s also pursuing volunteer opportunities with the Central Florida Collaborative Divorce group thanks to these connections.

“Now, I’ve grown a community,â€� she says. “I got to meet some cool people working in the field I want to go into, and it’s been really inspiring.â€�

Finding Her Calling

As she watched family law cases unfold and the weight the outcomes carry for real families, Young became increasingly interested in helping families navigate conflict outside the courtroom through mediation, collaborative divorce and other forms of alternative dispute resolution.

That interest led her to enroll in Lecturer ‘s mediation practicum and pursue UCF’s graduate certificate in conflict resolution and analysis while preparing for the Law School Admission Test.

“[Madison] was one of the most dedicated students I have had the pleasure of working with.” — Christopher Sprysenski, UCF adjunct instructor

Her work ethic alone speaks for itself — a testament to her dedication to making a mark in the field. While carrying a full course load, participating in UCF’s Phi Delta Phi Legal Honor Society and completing her internship, Young also worked full time as a bartender and volunteered with the Legal Aid Society as a court-appointed advocate for children involved in active cases.

“I have to say she was one of the most dedicated students I have had the pleasure of working with,� Sprysenski says. “On top of my internship, Madison actively attended many social events with me where she met lawyers in our community, and she is already receiving job offers.�

One of those connections led directly to her first professional role. Young recently joined Bernal-Mora & Nickolaou, a family law firm in Maitland, Florida, where she works as a legal assistant, drafting legal documents, managing case deadlines and filings, communicating with clients and learning what goes into preparing family law cases.

Opening the Door

For Young, the most important lesson from her UCF experience is simple: get involved.

“The classes at UCF [gave me a strong] foundation, but being able to observe [family law] in real life [gave] me a completely different understanding.” — Madison Young, legal studies student

UCF’s legal studies faculty — many of whom are practicing attorneys, judges and mediators — provided valuable mentorship and connections in the profession, but it was Young’s initiative to build relationships, seek opportunities and step outside the classroom that transformed those opportunities into a career.

“I don’t think I would have realized I wanted to do family law and be a lawyer if I didn’t make those connections,â€� she says. “The classes at UCF [gave me a strong] foundation, but being able to observe [it] in real life [gave] me a completely different understanding. Getting experience early opened up a lot of opportunities that I wouldn’t have had if I [hadn’t] engaged [with] and connected through them.â€�

Joshua Taggart knew he wanted to work for the space industry the day he experienced his first launch while attending a camp at Kennedy Space Center, seeing the space shuttle Endeavour soar into the sky. He’s now closer to making that dream a reality after being recognized with one of the industry’s most distinguished awards.

Taggart is the latest Knight to receive the coveted Astronaut Foundation Scholarship, a national award that provides more than 70 scholarships of up to $15,000 each for some of the nation’s very best STEM students. He will be recognized with the 2026 class of scholars at the foundation’s gala, to be held next month in Houston.

Taggart says he chose UCF for its reputation in engineering as the No. 1 supplier of talent to the nation’s aerospace and defense industries (Aviation Week Network). He is in good company as part of a trio of Astronaut Scholars this year from the College of Engineering and Computer Science, joining mechanical engineering student Keanu Brayman and computer engineering student Kyle Coutray (a biomedical sciences double major), who have received the scholarship for second consecutive year.

As Taggart works to complete his final year at UCF, his latest accomplishment fuels his path to make an impact as a future space researcher.

Future Focused

Driven to contribute to humanity’s exploration of our universe, Taggart is already working on future-focused innovations that can benefit the space industry.

Through NASA Office of STEM Engagement, he interned at the Johnson Space Center working on communications, avionics, propulsion and flight software for CubeSat subsystems.

This summer at NASA’s Glenn Research Center, he is researching packaging materials for silicon carbide pressure sensors, working to make sure they perform reliably above 1,000 degrees Celsius (1,832 degrees Fahrenheit), and on integrating thermocouple sensors for temperature compensation.

“I chose this field of research because I want to be involved in next-generation electronics that can withstand the extreme nature of outer space.� — Joshua Taggart

“With the harsh environment that outer space is and planet surfaces like Venus, electronics must survive very high temperatures and radiation effects,� he says. “I chose this field of research because I want to be involved in next-generation electronics that can withstand the extreme nature of outer space.�

His work as an undergraduate researcher for the Q-Sim Lab, directed by Assistant Professor Jaesung Lee, also centers around developing technology designed to operate in outer space. Taggart is working on microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) resonators designed to perform under extreme conditions, such as elevated temperatures and increased exposure to radiation.

He recently won a Judge’s Choice Award at UCF Student Research Week for his Honors Undergraduate Thesis, “Robust AlN MEMS Resonators for High Temperature Space Environments.�

His passion for space has only grown over the years, reflected by his ongoing research at UCF and for NASA. As an Astronaut Scholar, Taggart is launching into a future full of possibilities.

“Aside from the financial support that this scholarship will provide me as I complete my undergraduate program, I am very eager for all of the networking opportunities I will have,� Taggart says. “I look forward to networking with other students and industry leaders to learn and grow as much as I can thanks to the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation.�

Those interested in the Astronaut Scholarship and other opportunities should reach out to the Office of Prestigious Awards atÌıOPA@ucf.edu.

Worth noting among this graduating class:

• Roughly 30% of the undergraduate students receiving their degrees are the first in their families to earn their diploma.
• More than 25% of this term’s degrees are tied to STEM majors.
• About 30% of the undergraduate graduating class are Pell Grant recipients.

UCF is the leading producer of talent among Florida’s universities, awarding roughly 19,000 degrees annually to Knights who go on to work in high-demand industries. About 85% of our alumni stay in Florida because of the ample opportunity to thrive as part of our state’s workforce.

Graduates will hear fromÌıthreeÌıesteemed speakersÌı— all UCF graduates —Ìıwhose leadership and impactÌıhaveÌıbenefitedÌıour region:

• Psychology alumÌıAllen JohnsonÌı’81,ÌıchiefÌıvenueÌıofficer forÌıCityÌıforÌıOrlando Venues
• Journalism alum Tanya (Easterling) Hill ’97, market president for Central Florida for Florida Blue
• CriminalÌıjusticeÌıalumÌıFred Kittinger ’80, UCF’s formerÌısenior associate vice president for government and community relations

Commencement Festivities

Held in the Addition Financial Arena, summer commencement will take place over three ceremonies spanning Friday, July 31, and Saturday, Aug. 1.

All guests, including children and infants, need a ticket for admission. All graduates who have filed an intent to graduate will receive five commencement ceremony tickets when they pick up their regalia packet.

Guests who do not have tickets may watch the live ceremony via a simulcast viewing in the FAIRWINDS Alumni Center and the Student Union. Ceremonies will also be .

Commencement Photo-ops Across UCF

Graduating Knights are unable to take photos at the Acrisure Bounce House football stadium this semester due to ongoing construction.

Grad Walk

On Thursday,ÌıJulyÌı30,Ìı4:30-7 p.m. (doors close at 6 p.m.),ÌısummerÌıgraduates are invited to a photo-op — Grad Walk — within the Addition Financial Arena. This will be a first-come, first-served occasion for graduates and up to 10 of their well-wishers to take photos and videos on the ceremony stage. GraduatesÌıare required toÌıregister atÌı.

Commencement Schedule

Graduates and guests can review the below commencement ceremony schedule, listing colleges, ceremonyÌıdatesÌıand streaming links:

Friday,ÌıJulyÌı31

6Ìıp.m.

College of Arts and Humanities

College of Community Innovation and Education

College of Graduate Studies

Rosen College of Hospitality Management

Saturday,ÌıAug. 1

9 a.m.

Barry S. MillerÌıCollege of Business

College of Health Professions and Sciences

College of Medicine

College of Nursing

2:30Ìıp.m.

College of Engineering and Computer Science

College of Optics and Photonics

College of Sciences

For more details and FAQs aboutÌıSummerÌı2026 commencement celebrations, visitÌıucf.edu/graduation.

Commencement Speakers

Allen Johnson ’81

Chief Venues Officer, City of Orlando Venues

Allen Johnson ’81 has served as chief venues officer of Orlando Venues since 2004, overseeing the City of Orlando’s diverse portfolio of Kia Center, Camping World Stadium, Tinker Field, Leu Gardens and the Mennello Museum of American Art.

Johnson brings decades of venue management experience from leadership roles across Florida. Under Johnson’s leadership, Orlando Venues has evolved into a premier, globally recognized destination for sports, entertainment and culture, welcoming millions of guests each year while strengthening Central Florida’s reputation as a world-class destination.

A proud UCF graduate with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, he has earned numerous honors, including the 2025 International Association of Venue Managers Foundation Legacy Award, the SPORTYS Executive of the Year Award and the Downtowner of the Year Award.

He remains active in the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM), serving as past chairman and trustee of the foundation board, while also contributing to organizations that include the Greater Orlando Sports Commission, Florida Citrus Sports, Victim Service Center and the .

Tanya (Easterling) Hill ’97

Market President for Central Florida, Florida Blue

Tanya Hill ’97Ìıis Florida Blue’s market president for Central Florida,Ìıresponsible forÌıregional business and community engagement in a 9-county region.

Throughout her more than 25-year career, she has worked with reputable brands including Chick-fil-A, Target and Walt Disney World to drive business results through strategic partnerships.

Hill is passionate about investing time in the community and has been involved withÌınumerousÌıcommunity and civic organizations. She currently serves on the board of directors for theÌıAfrican American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida, 4Roots Foundation, Orlando EconomicÌıPartnershipÌıand the Winter Park Health Foundation.

Hill holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from UCF.

Fred Kittinger ’80

Former Senior Associate Vice President for Government and Community Relations, UCF

A native of central Florida, Fred Kittinger ’80 recently retired as senior associate vice president for government and community relations at UCF, where he served for more than 22 years.

He worked alongside local and state leaders to help foster some of UCF’s most transformative achievements, including the approval of UCF’s College of Medicine, the creation of the world-class Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy, the development of UCF Downtown, the expansion of the UCF Business Incubation Program and investments that enhanced the student experience and advanced regional impact.

Prior to his career at UCF, Kittinger served as chief of staff to Orlando Mayor Glenda Hood and previously as vice president of government relations for the Greater Orlando Chamber of Commerce. He began his career as a legislative aide to state Senator George Stuart of Orlando.

Reflecting his commitment to the community, Kittinger currently serves on the board of directors for Junior Achievement of Central Florida (past chair), Central Florida Council for Scouting America and Legacy Pointe at UCF.

Kittinger graduated from UCF’s criminal justice program and earned his master’s degree in public administration from Florida State º£½ÇÖ±²¥.

That’s the future a team of UCF researchers is building, and their groundbreaking work has earned international recognition.

A team of UCF researchers has won an industry award for using robotics and digital twins to blend human intuition with technological innovation.

Their work, Be There Without Being There: Humanoid Robot Immersive Telepresence, received the Auggie Award for Best Interaction Product at this year’s Augmented World Expo in Long Beach, California. Auggie Awards, which received over 330 entries across 18 categories, are among the world’s most recognized honors in the augmented and virtual reality industry.

The award-winning UCF team includes computer science student researchers Judah Rowe ’23 ’25MS, junior Liam Abramov, seniors Seniah McField and Megan Bailey, Assistant Professor Mohsen Rakhshan, and is led by UCF Institute for Simulation and Training Interim Director and Agere Chair Professor of Computer Science Carolina Cruz-Neira. In addition to this honor, Cruz-Neira received the 2026 Auggie Award for Innovator of the Year.

Together, they developed a system that pairs a humanoid robot with an immersive digital environment, allowing a person to interact with a remote location as if they were physically there.

The technology creates a real-time digital twin of the robot’s surroundings while mapping the user’s body movements directly onto the robot.

“From a technical [standpoint], this is perhaps the first working product or system that actually [allows] a human to be physically functional in a remote location as if they were really there,â€� Cruz-Neira says. “We map the body of the human to the robot. So the human walks, the robot walks. The human moves, and the robot moves. The human turns the head, the robot turns the head. It’s almost like the concept in the movie Avatar.â€�

While Cruz-Neira and Rakhshan guided the project, she says the talented UCF students are responsible for successfully implementing physical telepresence.

“This project was done entirely by UCF students,� she says. “They are the ones who solved all the problems. They brought it to this level of sophistication to win the award.�

The technology has applications across industries wherever people cannot safely or easily be physically present.

A robot could enter buildings damaged by hurricanes or earthquakes to assess structural damage and search for survivors. Healthcare providers could remotely examine patients with limited mobility or those living far from medical facilities. ÌıSomeone unable to travel could experience strolling along the Champs-Élysées in Paris through the robot’s perspective.

The most important aspect of the work is its ability to blend human intuition with technological innovation, Cruz-Neira says.

“At the end of the day, we have a human element, and robots can help us extend our human capabilities through this amazing technology,� she says. “This project is about [using] technology to augment or extend our human capabilities to help us do things more safely and more effectively.�

The team continues refining the technology to enhance the human experience. Future developments include incorporating artificial intelligence to give the robot greater autonomy and adding a sense of touch that would allow users to remotely feel temperature and texture, as well as manipulate objects.

Cruz-Neira says the project demonstrates not only what’s possible through emerging technologies, but also what UCF students can accomplish when given the opportunity to tackle complex real-world challenges. The students have taken this project from the lab into the real world. They’ve built a robust working prototype that’s an exceptional display of real value for the community.

“UCF is making [its] mark in the world as the technology university,� she says. “This project demonstrates that as a university, we’re part of the future that we like to talk about. [We’re helping build it.]�

UCF researchers are known worldwide for their innovative studies, groundbreaking discoveries and contributions to patented technologies that have impacted society and influenced other leaders in the field.

Two College of Engineering and Computer Science professors and a three-time UCF alum-turned-courtesy faculty appointee are now being recognized for their achievements that have advanced the quality of life for the state of Florida and the nation.

Professors Reza Abdolvand and Ni-bin Chang and Lockheed Martin Fellow Clara Rivero Baleine ’01 ’03MS ’05PhD have been named 2026 inductees of the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame (FIHF). This initiative celebrates pioneering inventors and empowers future problem-solvers and changemakers.

This initiative celebrates pioneering inventors and empowers future problem-solvers and changemakers.

This year, 10 inventors from Florida will be inducted during a formal ceremony in Tampa on Nov. 6. Since FIHF was founded in 2013, five faculty inventors from UCF have been recognized with the distinction.

“Induction into the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame represents the ultimate validation of a lifelong commitment to translating academic research into industry practice,� Chang says. “Being inducted into the Hall of Fame, which includes over 90 inventors in different fields is also a testament to the thriving Florida innovation ecosystem and the power of continuous, groundbreaking discovery.�

A Career in Environmental Innovation

Chang was selected for induction based on his groundbreaking invention of green sorption media (GSM) and sustainable water treatment technologies that improve water quality.

GSM is a cost-effective and sustainable type of filtration media that uses recycled byproducts and natural minerals to treat stormwater runoff, wastewater effluent, groundwater flow and agricultural discharge.

There are a variety of patented GSM blends that can filter heavy metals, pathogens and contaminants from water systems. This process not only restores aquatic ecosystems but halts the transmission of waterborne diseases, and eliminates cyanotoxins and “forever chemicals� from water that can harm both humans and animals.

“Removing these diverse contaminants from water matrices provides profound, cascading benefits for both human health and aquatic ecosystems,� Chang says. “By eliminating the risk pathways associated with both acute exposure and chronic bioaccumulation, these GSM-based treatment technologies support fundamental ecological balance and public well-being.�

GSM blends are already used at more than 300 water treatment sites across the U.S.

The Inventor of Advanced Electronics

Abdolvand, the chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, was named an inductee for his contributions to the field of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) — incredibly small devices that have mighty power. Specifically, he is the inventor of a class of microelectronics called Thin-Film Piezoelectric-on-Substrate (TPoS) devices, which improve the reliability and efficiency of a wide range of electronics, including cell phones.

“By improving the efficiency and reliability of the components that make up these systems, the impact, while often invisible to the end user, is very real,� Abdolvand says. “Better performance, lower power consumption, and more reliable devices are the kinds of improvements that quietly make everyday technology work better for everyone.�

Abdolvand’s interest in innovation stems from his natural sense of curiosity. He says his tendency to connect the dots between seemingly unrelated events or systems has served him well throughout his career in research and academia.

“The moment it all clicked was during my Ph.D., when I was first given the opportunity to work on genuinely hard technical problems,� Abdolvand says. “I realized I could come up with solutions that simply did not exist yet. That realization was a turning point.�

As his career progresses, Abdolvand hopes to leave behind a legacy that is less about devices and innovation and more about people. His passion for educating, inspiring and creating opportunities for students means more than the impacts of his inventions.

“What excites me most is seeing students take the seed ideas developed at the university and carry them forward into their own companies, their own inventions, their own contributions to society,â€� Abdolvand says. “That chain of innovation — from a research lab to a startup to a product that improves people’s lives — is what I find truly meaningful. If I can play even a small role in setting that chain in motion for as many students as possible, that is the legacy I would be interested to leave behind.â€�

On the Cutting Edge ofÌıInfraredÌıMaterials and Optics

Driven by a desire to protect people and advance technologies that matter, Rivero Baleine joined Lockheed Martin, a UCF Pegasus Partner, in 2005 after completing three degrees in six years at UCF.

Rivero Baleine now serves as a Lockheed Martin fellow, contributing to cutting‑edge innovation in infrared materials and optics.

Rivero-Baleine’s gradient refractive index optical materials and metamaterial coatings transformed infrared sensing systems for defense and advanced photonics applications.

“I am profoundly proud and deeply humbled to be welcomed into such an extraordinary community of inventors and innovators,â€� Rivero-Baleine says. “What inspires me most is knowing that theseÌıinnovations willÌıbecome part of systems that protect service members, strengthen national security and expand the capabilities of the platforms we rely on. That sense of purpose continues toÌıdriveÌımy work every day.â€�

Rivero Baleine continues to maintain strong ties with UCF through a courtesy faculty appointment at CREOL and serves on the CREOL Dean Advisory Board and the UCF Material Science Industrial Advisory board.

Rivero Baleine is a Burnett Honors Scholar and earned a bachelor’s degree in physics, and a ³¾²¹²õ³Ù±ğ°ù’s and a doctorate in optics.

Students in the , with support from the American Association of Venezuelan Engineers (AAVE), are producing 3D-printed orthopedic devices — including splints, neck braces and animal immobilizers — for people and pets injured in the disaster.

The initiative, called Bracing Venezuela, began after BMES leaders contacted Greco Pinzón, president of AAVE. Pinzon’s dad, who has been volunteering in Caracas, Venezuela’s capital, connected the students with physicians on the ground who identified the types of orthopedic devices most urgently needed.

“… before we knew it, we had a campuswide humanitarian project taking shape.”

“From there, everything snowballed,� says Jannah Barakat, a mechanical engineering major and president of BMES. “We started test printing, organizing volunteers, building a print tracker, reaching out to other student organizations, and before we knew it, we had a campuswide humanitarian project taking shape.�

Since launching the effort, BMES has produced more than 350 devices that have been shipped to clinicians in Venezuela. Smaller items, such as finger and wrist splints, take only a few hours to print and are manufactured flat so they can be easily transported. Once they arrive, clinicians soften the material with hot water and mold each device to fit each patient. Larger devices, such as neck braces and animal leg braces, are printed in multiple sizes and can take up to 10 hours to complete. With volunteers printing from across UCF and beyond, multiple devices can be produced simultaneously.

Bracing Venezuela has received support from Mohsen Rakhshan, an assistant professor in and BMES faculty advisor, who opened his lab’s 3D printer for the project. While many volunteers are engineering students, faculty members, UCF alumni and 3D-printing hobbyists have also come forward to help.

“One of the coolest things about this project has been watching people from so many different backgrounds come together around one goal,â€� Barakat says. “Whether you’re printing a brace, packing a box, donating supplies or simply helping us spread the word, every contribution helps get these devices into the hands of the people and animals who need them.â€�

“I hope this initiative becomes a model for how engineering students can quickly mobilize to respond to humanitarian needs.”

Those interested in joining the initiative don’t need to own a 3D printer. BMES supplies filament to volunteers who have printers, while others can still make an impact by donating materials, connecting the organization with additional volunteers or helping spread the word.

For Barakat, Bracing Venezuela demonstrates what’s possible when engineering students come together for a greater good.

“I hope this initiative becomes a model for how engineering students can quickly mobilize to respond to humanitarian needs,â€� she says. “Whether it’s supporting communities after natural disasters, helping [less fortunate] populations locally or partnering with organizations in other countries, I’d love to continue using engineering as a way to make healthcare more [widely available] wherever it’s needed.â€�

To join the Bracing Venezuela initiative, email Jannah.barakat@ucf.edu.