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

鈥淏uilding knowledge and strengthening friendships,鈥� Otero says. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 my story at UCF.鈥�

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.

鈥淲hen I started at UCF, I didn鈥檛 know anyone,鈥� says the Jacksonville, Florida, native. 鈥淓verything changed quickly.鈥�

Discovering Her Own Calling

Otero didn鈥檛 really want to be a doctor. She just heard she was supposed to be a doctor.

鈥淲hen you do well in high school, people say, 鈥極h, be a doctor and cure cancer.鈥� That鈥檚 where my mind was when I arrived as a freshman,鈥� says Otero, who began her UCF journey studying biomedical sciences.

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

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

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

鈥淚 said I鈥檇 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,鈥� she says. 鈥淲e didn鈥檛 need to win. Learning and becoming closer, those were our awards.鈥�

A Powerful Cycle for Success

Otero needed no push but says her friends at UCF became like iron sharpening iron. They鈥檇 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.

鈥淚 guess they sensed something genuine because they offered the position to me,鈥� 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.

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

Her True Inspiration

Word about Otero鈥檚 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.

鈥淢y dad walked me through financial knowledge, and with VITA I have the privilege of doing the same for others,鈥� 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 Opera莽ion 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.

鈥淭his has been so much better than I imagined when I came to UCF and didn鈥檛 know anyone.鈥� 鈥� Natalie Otero ’26

鈥淚t 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鈥檇 see their parents again,鈥� Otero says. 鈥淭hey鈥檝e always been optimistic because they know the value of opportunities and they worked hard to make the most of them.鈥�

Otero鈥檚 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.

鈥淚t鈥檚 hard to believe,鈥� Otero says. 鈥淭his has been so much better than I imagined when I came to UCF and didn鈥檛 know anyone. Everything is more rewarding, too, because of all the people who have made it possible.鈥�

To mark this historic achievement, the State 海角直播 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.

The听10听scholarships听awarded听to UCF students听will be available听through the听university鈥檚听.听To apply, students听are required to听submit听a written essay or a video essay explaining why they chose to pursue higher education in Florida and why they selected UCF. Applications听will open Monday, Aug. 3,听and听are due Oct.听2.

鈥淔lorida鈥檚 Board of Governors cares about one thing, first and foremost 鈥� student achievement.鈥� 鈥� Alan Levin, Florida Board of Governors chair

In addition to听the Florida 10 for 10听scholarships, students听will听also听be able听to complete their听general听scholarship applications听through听the听,听which connects them听with hundreds of scholarships听through UCF colleges and departments.听In听fiscal year 2025听alone,听UCF awarded more than听3,200 scholarships and over $7.5 million to听students.

鈥淔lorida鈥檚 Board of Governors cares about one thing, first and foremost听鈥斕齭tudent achievement,鈥� says听Board of Governors Chair Alan Levine. 鈥淧arents and students know that when they choose Florida鈥檚 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,听parents听and taxpayers rightly expect. Student success is behind every decision we make as Florida鈥檚 governing body for higher education.鈥�

鈥淚 am deeply proud to lead and represent the No. 1 public university system in the nation,鈥漵ays State 海角直播 System Chancellor Ray Rodrigues.鈥淎t 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.鈥�

鈥淥ur decade of nationwide higher education leadership reflects a commitment to excellence, opportunity and innovation.鈥� 鈥� Alexander N. Cartwright, UCF president

鈥淔lorida鈥檚 future is being built by the talent developed across our State 海角直播 System. Our decade of nationwide higher education leadership reflects a commitment to excellence,听opportunity听and innovation,鈥� says听UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright. 鈥淭his recognition illustrates what is possible when universities align education with rapidly evolving societal needs. As Florida鈥檚 Technological 海角直播, UCF is proud to produce in-demand talent at an unmatched scale while preparing the tech-literate professionals who will shape Florida鈥檚 next generation of prosperity.鈥�

That leadership is reflected in outcomes that matter most to students and families. Florida鈥檚 public universities compete successfully on听the听national stage, ensuring graduates earn high鈥憅uality degrees and move confidently into their careers and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Additional听Florida higher education highlights include:

• No.听1 in the nation for lowest in-state tuition

• No.听1 for attracting and developing a skilled workforce

• Seven听State 海角直播听System institutions ranked in the听nation鈥檚听top 100听public universities

• 80%听of in-state students听attend听a听State 海角直播听System institution without a federal student loan

• Nearly 75%听of graduates听are听employed听or continuing their education,听with听a median salary of $52,600 within one year听of听graduation

UCF produces more than 19,000 graduates annually,听the most of any State 海角直播 System institution, and many work in high-demand fields such as engineering and nursing that are vital to Florida鈥檚 future.听UCF听also听is the nation鈥檚 leading provider of graduates to the aerospace and defense industries, according to听Aviation Week.

UCF听is听among听the nation鈥檚听10听Most听Innovative听Schools among听public universities,听as ranked by听U.S. News & World Report.听This听month听UCF听was ranked among the top 10听by听SmartAsset听for America鈥檚听Best听Value听Public Universities.

海角直播 leaders across the state credit collaboration,听accountability听and sustained investment for the听State 海角直播听System鈥檚 success.

U.S. News & World Report听State Rankings evaluate key metrics, including听educational attainment, graduation rates,听affordability听and federal student loan debt.

Studies have shown the condition affects nearly one in four women worldwide and is linked to dozens of potential disorders involving multiple organ systems. Yet many healthcare providers receive only limited training in diagnosing the source of pain, often leaving patients facing years of uncertainty, repeated testing and ineffective treatments before receiving the right diagnosis.

A yearlong collaboration between a UCF physician-scientist and two biomedical sciences undergraduate students aims to create a better environment for doctors and patients to reach an understanding together. Biomedical sciences students Sarah Gabriela Nieto Chavarro and second-year Juliana Dimetry interned with Georgine Lamvu, a UCF College of Medicine volunteer professor of obstetrics and gynecology, to transform years of international research into a practical tool to help clinicians evaluate patients more quickly and confidently.

The team is developing an AI-assisted clinical questionnaire application that guides physicians through a patient’s symptoms and identifies which organ systems and conditions should be examined. Rather than replacing a physician鈥檚 judgment, the application compiles patient histories quickly to help guide physicians toward making a clearer diagnosis.

From International Research to a Practical Tool

Despite the prevalence of CPP, many healthcare providers lack specialized training in diagnosing the underlying condition because symptoms often overlap with gastrointestinal, urinary, musculoskeletal and reproductive disorders.

鈥淲e鈥檙e hoping that this can become easy to use and can take a detailed medical history that could take an hour to get through down to just 5 to 10 minutes.鈥� 鈥� Georgine Lamvu, volunteer professor and Orlando VA practitioner

鈥淲e鈥檙e hoping that this can become easy to use and can take a detailed medical history that could take an hour to get through down to just 5 to 10 minutes,鈥� says Lamvu, who practices at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Orlando and directs its gynecological surgery fellowship program and center. 鈥淭hat allows physicians to have a more efficient evaluation and spend more time with the patient.鈥�

The center is a pioneering program designed to address the growing demand for specialized gynecologic care among women veterans. As the number of women veterans using VA healthcare services is expected to increase significantly, this fellowship and center aims to train highly skilled gynecologists to meet their healthcare needs within the VA system and beyond.

As part of that initiative, this project builds upon nearly five years of work led by Lamvu alongside an international coalition of physicians, researchers and patient advocacy groups.

Their research culminated in an international consensus called R U MOVING SOMe, an acronym that categorizes the broad range of symptoms associated with chronic pelvic pain and is the basis of the AI-tool Lamvu and her team developed.

Finding a Definitive Diagnosis

Lamvu says the team translated the clinical research into the logic behind a chatbot-style application that asks fewer than 20 targeted questions. Physicians enter a patient鈥檚 symptoms and history into the program, which then suggests the organ systems and conditions most likely responsible for the pain, helping clinicians focus their evaluation.

The team plans to expand the application beyond patient questionnaires by incorporating physical examination findings into the same scoring system. Ultimately, the researchers say they hope it can be used in any practice that serves women, but it may be years away from being realized.

鈥淧hysicians just need a way of processing all the information that comes from the patient to narrow it down to a differential diagnosis,鈥� Lamvu says. 鈥淩ight now, it鈥檚 all too common to see healthcare workers panic a little when they hear a patient has chronic pelvic pain because it’s considered a complex condition.鈥�

An Inspiring Internship

The students sifted through years of research and developed the logic for the AI in less than a year. Given the complexity of CPP and the vast amount of data, Lamvu says she is impressed by Dimetry and Nieto Chavarro.

鈥淭hey learned valuable lessons, like if you see a problem that seems unsolvable to everyone else and that directly and negatively impacts patients, you have the power to do something about it,鈥� she says. 鈥淭hese are experiences not every student gets to have, especially this early on in their life.鈥�

Dimetry says she challenge intrigued her, and that she was drawn to the project for the opportunity to be at the forefront of medicine and emerging technology.

鈥淚 think that adapting the field of medicine to AI in ways such as this project is necessary to keep medicine growing and advancing,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 also saw how impactful this project could be if done successfully, and I wanted to be a part of that and make a difference,鈥�

For Nieto Chavarro, who graduates Summer 2026, the experience showed her how to use technology to help deliver compassionate patient care.

鈥淥n a personal level, this experience has taught me to keep going and to never give up,鈥� Nieto Chavarro says. 鈥淎ll of this has ultimately reinforced how essential it is to genuinely listen to patients so they feel safe and understood鈥�

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鈥檚 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 鈥� including two who earn their Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) this Saturday during a UCF Summer 2026 commencement ceremony.

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

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

“These three UCF graduates are highly qualified and will excel in both their residency and future careers as nurse practitioners.鈥� 鈥� Jacqueline LaManna 鈥�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.

鈥淭his program requires advanced clinical practice, scholarship and leadership skills,” 听says Jacqueline LaManna 鈥�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.鈥�

鈥淯CF prepares nurse practitioners for success,” adds Jonathan Decker, director of the family nurse practitioner program. 鈥淥ur graduates鈥� consistently surpass national first-time pass rate averages on board certifications and many secure employment or advanced training opportunities before graduation 鈥� just like these three.鈥�

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

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

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

Together with their cohort, the three new Knight nurse practitioners are joining one of the nation鈥檚 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 鈥�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鈥檚 lives. As I听grew 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 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鈥�
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 鈥�11 鈥�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鈥�
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 鈥�10MSN 鈥�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鈥檚 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鈥�
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鈥檛 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鈥檚 meant to be here.

The opportunity began after Young took Sprysenski鈥檚 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鈥檛 just observing cases 鈥� 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.

鈥淭hat was definitely a big difference between doing an internship at the courthouse versus at a law firm,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 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.鈥�

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鈥檚 also pursuing volunteer opportunities with the Central Florida Collaborative Divorce group thanks to these connections.

鈥淣ow, I’ve grown a community,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 got to meet some cool people working in the field I want to go into, and it’s been really inspiring.鈥�

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.” 鈥� Christopher Sprysenski, UCF adjunct instructor

Her work ethic alone speaks for itself 鈥� 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.

鈥淚 have to say she was one of the most dedicated students I have had the pleasure of working with,鈥� Sprysenski says. 鈥淥n 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.鈥�

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.” 鈥� Madison Young, legal studies student

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

鈥淚 don’t think I would have realized I wanted to do family law and be a lawyer if I didn’t make those connections,鈥� she says. 鈥淭he 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鈥檛] engaged [with] and connected through them.鈥�

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鈥檚 now closer to making that dream a reality after being recognized with one of the industry鈥檚 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鈥檚 very best STEM students. He will be recognized with the 2026 class of scholars at the foundation鈥檚 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 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.

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

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

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鈥檚 Choice Award at UCF Student Research Week for his Honors Undergraduate Thesis, 鈥淩obust AlN MEMS Resonators for High Temperature Space Environments.鈥�

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.

鈥淎side 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,鈥� Taggart says. 鈥淚 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.鈥�

Those interested in the Astronaut Scholarship and other opportunities should reach out to the Office of Prestigious Awards at听OPA@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鈥檚 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鈥檚 workforce.

Graduates will hear from听three听esteemed speakers听鈥� all UCF graduates 鈥斕齱hose leadership and impact听have听benefited听our region:

• Psychology alum听Allen Johnson听鈥�81,听chief听venue听officer for听City听for听Orlando Venues
• Journalism alum Tanya (Easterling) Hill 鈥�97, market president for Central Florida for Florida Blue
• Criminal听justice听alum听Fred Kittinger 鈥�80, UCF鈥檚 former听senior 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,鈥痭eed 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鈥痩ive ceremony via a simulcast viewing鈥痠n 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,听July听30,听4:30-7 p.m. (doors close at 6 p.m.),听summer听graduates are invited to a photo-op 鈥� Grad Walk 鈥� 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.鈥疓raduates听are required to听register at听.

Commencement Schedule

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

Friday,听July听31

6听p.m.

College of Arts and Humanities

College of Community Innovation and Education

College of Graduate Studies

Rosen College of Hospitality Management

Saturday,听Aug. 1

9 a.m.

Barry S. Miller听College of Business

College of Health Professions and Sciences

College of Medicine

College of Nursing

2:30听p.m.

College of Engineering and Computer Science

College of Optics and Photonics

College of Sciences

For more details and FAQs about听Summer听2026 commencement celebrations, visit听ucf.edu/graduation.

Commencement Speakers

Allen Johnson 鈥�81

Chief Venues Officer, City of Orlando Venues

Allen Johnson 鈥�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 鈥�97

Market President for Central Florida, Florida Blue

Tanya Hill 鈥�97听is Florida Blue鈥檚 market president for Central Florida,听responsible for听regional 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 with听numerous听community and civic organizations. She currently serves on the board of directors for the听African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida, 4Roots Foundation, Orlando Economic听Partnership听and the Winter Park Health Foundation.

Hill holds a bachelor鈥檚 degree in journalism from UCF.

Fred Kittinger 鈥�80

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

A native of central Florida, Fred Kittinger 鈥�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鈥檚 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鈥檚 criminal justice program and earned his master’s degree in public administration from Florida State 海角直播.

That鈥檚 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鈥檚 Augmented World Expo in Long Beach, California. Auggie Awards, which received over 330 entries across 18 categories, are among the world鈥檚 most recognized honors in the augmented and virtual reality industry.

The award-winning UCF team includes computer science student researchers Judah Rowe 鈥�23 鈥�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鈥檚 surroundings while mapping the user鈥檚 body movements directly onto the robot.

鈥淔rom 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,鈥� Cruz-Neira says. 鈥淲e 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.鈥�

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

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

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. 听Someone unable to travel could experience strolling along the Champs-脡lys茅es in Paris through the robot鈥檚 perspective.

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

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

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鈥檚 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鈥檝e built a robust working prototype that鈥檚 an exceptional display of real value for the community.

鈥淯CF is making [its] mark in the world as the technology university,鈥� she says. 鈥淭his project demonstrates that as a university, we鈥檙e part of the future that we like to talk about. [We鈥檙e helping build it.]鈥�

Over millions of years, flowing water etched valleys, shaped mountainsides and formed the branching blue and green scars visible across Earth 鈥� and potentially those on other celestial bodies.

Now, UCF researchers and collaborating institutions developed a framework capable of reconstructing realistic 3D landscapes using only 2D river network patterns. By combining computer models that simulate how river networksform with principles of hydraulic geometry 鈥� the study of how rivers naturally shape themselves over time 鈥� the researchers were able to estimate terrain features such as elevation, channel depth, slope and sediment transport.

The approach could help scientists better understand how landscapes evolve under different environmental conditions on Earth and potentially other planetary bodies such as Mars and Titan.

Rivers as Geological Records

According to Arvind Singh, an associate professor in UCF鈥檚 Department of Civil, Environmental and Construction Engineering, river networks preserve traces of the physical processes and external forcings that shaped them over time.

鈥淩iver networks encode the integrated effects of hydrologic and geomorphic processes, reflected in metrics such as drainage structure, channel geometry, relief and hypsometry (the measurement of elevation and depth),鈥� Singh says.

Reconstructing Landscapes from Networks

Traditionally, researchers study river systems by starting with 3D topographic data gathered through satellite imaging and digital elevation models, then extracting river networks from the terrain.

The new framework flips that process.

Instead of beginning with terrain itself, the researchers investigated whether river networks contain enough information to reconstruct landscapes from the ground up.

鈥淏ecause traditional approaches require full topography and only describe patterns, reverse engineering (e.g., from networks) can reveal the underlying physical processes that govern landscape form,鈥� Singh says.

The researchers say river networks can reveal far more than simple drainage patterns. Under the framework, the geometry of the networks can also help estimate hidden environmental variables tied to landscape formation.

鈥淎 key insight is that realistic 3D landscapes, and even unobservable quantities like discharge or sediment transport, can be reconstructed from 2D network structure alone, revealing strong constraints imposed by fundamental scaling laws,鈥� Singh says.

Testing Alien Worlds

Because the framework is dimensionless and scalable, researchers were also able to adapt the model to hypothetical landscapes on Mars and Titan by changing variables such as gravity and sediment density.

The resulting simulations revealed how river valleys and terrain formations may differ across planetary environments. Compared to Earth and Mars, Titan鈥檚 lower gravity and unique environmental conditions produced wider channels, deeper river systems and flatter overall landscapes.

鈥淢ars and Titan provide natural laboratories with different gravity and fluid/sediment properties, allowing the framework to test how identical network structures yield different landscapes under altered physical conditions.”鈥擜rvind Singh, associate professor

The planetary comparisons allowed the researchers to test how different environmental conditions influence landscape formation even when river structures remain similar.

鈥淢ars and Titan provide natural laboratories with different gravity and fluid/sediment properties, allowing the framework to test how identical network structures yield different landscapes under altered physical conditions,鈥� Singh says.

The simulations also demonstrated how gravity and sediment behavior can dramatically alter the shape of landscapes over time.

鈥淒ifferences in gravity and sediment properties directly alter channel width, depth, slope, and relief, leading to distinct landscape geometries even with the same network structure,鈥� Singh says.

The researchers say the framework may also help scientists better understand how precipitation, sediment size and watershed structure influence the evolution of landscapes over time. Unlike many traditional landscape evolution models, the framework explicitly resolves river channels and their physical characteristics, including depth, slope and gravel transport.

A New Framework for Landscape Evolution

The researchers say the framework differs from many traditional landscape evolution models because it directly incorporates the physical properties of river channels into the simulations.

鈥淭his framework couples probabilistic 2D channel network generation with physically based, dimensionally consistent hydraulic geometry and hillslope models, explicitly resolving channel properties and producing fully scalable 3D landscapes,鈥� Singh says.

By revealing how river networks preserve hidden information about the worlds they shape, the researchers hope the framework can help scientists better understand not only Earth鈥檚 geological past, but also the ancient landscapes of distant planetary environments.

听The study was conducted by researchers from UCF, the 海角直播 of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and collaborating institutions, with support from the UCF P3 program and other funding sources.

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 鈥�01 鈥�03MS 鈥�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.

鈥淚nduction into the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame represents the ultimate validation of a lifelong commitment to translating academic research into industry practice,鈥� Chang says. 鈥淏eing 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.鈥�

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 鈥渇orever chemicals鈥� from water that can harm both humans and animals.

鈥淩emoving these diverse contaminants from water matrices provides profound, cascading benefits for both human health and aquatic ecosystems,鈥� Chang says. 鈥淏y 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.鈥�

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) 鈥� 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.

鈥淏y 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,鈥� Abdolvand says. 鈥淏etter performance, lower power consumption, and more reliable devices are the kinds of improvements that quietly make everyday technology work better for everyone.鈥�

Abdolvand鈥檚 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.

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

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.

鈥淲hat 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,鈥� Abdolvand says. 鈥淭hat chain of innovation 鈥� from a research lab to a startup to a product that improves people’s lives 鈥� 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.鈥�

On the Cutting Edge of听Infrared听Materials 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鈥慹dge innovation in infrared materials and optics.

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

鈥淚 am profoundly proud and deeply humbled to be welcomed into such an extraordinary community of inventors and innovators,鈥� Rivero-Baleine says. 鈥淲hat inspires me most is knowing that these听innovations will听become 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 to听drive听my work every day.鈥�

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鈥檚 degree in physics, and a 尘补蝉迟别谤鈥檚 and a doctorate in optics.