On Thursday, Sept. 24, the 海角直播 Board of Trustees approved renaming the to the Dr. Yvette Kanouff School of Data, Mathematical and Statistical Sciences. The renaming initiative was the in honor of a transformational gift Kanouff 鈥� a highly successful leader in mathematics and technology 鈥� made to UCF and establishes the school as one of the very few named mathematical schools in the United States.

Kanouff’s investment also establishes an endowed fund that will help advance UCF’s mission of expanding student success and maximizing excellence. The fund will support outstanding graduate students, expand scholarships that increase access and achievement, and recognize excellence in teaching and research among students, faculty and postdoctoral fellows across the school, which is in the .

Creating Paths to Success

Kanouff says she believes everyone can contribute to UCF student success, whether through mentoring, professional connections, volunteer service or financial support.

鈥淚 want our students and future students to know that what I鈥檓 investing in is them,鈥� Kanouff says. 鈥淚 want them and their children to have an amazing opportunity at a college that is able to fully develop their capabilities and talents.鈥�

Her gift reflects a belief shared by many supporters of UCF’s Go For Launch campaign: that investing in students creates opportunities that extend far beyond graduation and strengthens the university’s impact for generations to come.

Kanouff knows firsthand how any financial assistance can help make a student鈥檚 college journey easier, which she says the new endowment and school name will help promote. Kanouff worked to pay for her studies while earning her bachelor鈥檚 and 尘补蝉迟别谤鈥檚 degrees in mathematics at UCF. At the time, she says she did not understand how scholarships worked or what financial assistance might have been available. From this personal experience she knows there are students who have the ability and determination to succeed but they may not know where to find help.

鈥淚f you have the skill and you have the grit, there should be a path for you to have a wonderful career,鈥� Kanouff says.

A Foundation for What Comes Next

In addition to access to opportunities funded by philanthropy, Kanouff says that students should seek out their professors and maintain lifelong relationships with them whenever possible.

When Kanouff was in graduate school at the College of Sciences, she chose a challenging topic on wavelets and their application to digital signal processing and centroids for her 尘补蝉迟别谤鈥檚 thesis. She selected Ahmed Zayed, the former associate chair for graduate studies in UCF鈥檚 College of Sciences, as her advisor. Zayed became her 鈥渢hesis father,鈥� a term that reflected the lifelong commitment he made to mentoring her. The two have remained close ever since.

Zayed encouraged Kanouff to pursue a doctorate in mathematics, but her career ultimately took her in another direction. In 2025, UCF recognized her many contributions to mathematics, data science and technology by awarding her an honorary Doctor of Science. Zayed, now at DePaul 海角直播, traveled from Chicago to attend the ceremony.

鈥淭hat relationship was something really, really special,鈥� Kanouff says, 鈥淎nd that is something most students don鈥檛 have.鈥�

In addition to lifelong friends and mentors, UCF gave Kanouff a strong foundation in mathematics. She began her career as a mathematician in the defense industry, applying pattern-recognition algorithms she had learned at UCF. She later carried that foundation into technology and other emerging fields, discovering how mathematical principles could be applied across industries and disciplines.

Over the years, Kanouff has often visited the campus to see how her professors were doing and occasionally taught a calculus class as a guest lecturer. When speaking with students, she often shares some of the emerging technologies that require the advanced math skills they are learning.

Kanouff points to artificial intelligence as one example of how mathematics drives emerging technology. AI systems rely on mathematical concepts such as pattern recognition, clustering, and association.

鈥淧eople look at AI and think computer science,鈥� Kanouff says. 鈥淚 love computer science, but guess what else you have to take? You have to take data science and math and statistics.鈥�

Expanding What鈥檚 Possible

Through Knights like Yvette Kanouff are helping UCF expand student success, fuel discovery and build a future the world has only begun to imagine. Join the mission at goforlaunch.ucf.edu.

That sense of possibility that Kanouff foresees reflects the vision behind UCF’s Go For Launch campaign and will shape the newly named school, bringing mathematics, statistics and data science together to help students understand complex problems and contribute across disciplines and industries.

鈥淵vette鈥檚 relationship with UCF demonstrates what can happen when graduates remain connected and invest in those who follow,鈥� says Rod Grabowski, senior vice president for advancement and partnerships at UCF and CEO of the UCF Foundation Inc. 鈥淗er generosity advances the vision of Go For Launch by expanding opportunity for students, strengthening academic excellence and inspiring others to help build what comes next.”

Kanouff says she believes creating those possibilities is not the university鈥檚 responsibility alone. Alumni, friends and industry partners can strengthen students鈥� paths in large and small ways by staying connected, sharing their experience, mentoring or contributing to scholarships.

鈥�Mathematics teaches us how to solve complex problems, but supporting students helps create opportunities for them,鈥� Kanouff says. 鈥淲hether we give money, time, mentorship or opportunity, each of us can help a student see a path forward.鈥�

Every time a UCF student accepts a hug from Kelly Haskins 鈥�91, the radio-TV grad pulls them in and asks the same question:

鈥淲hen was the last time you saw your mom?鈥�

When she first started Mom Hugs Day in 2022 as a tribute to her late son/former UCF student, Hunter, she was stunned by some of the answers.

鈥淭here were a few international kids who had not seen their moms in two years,鈥� she recalls. 鈥淭hose hugs meant a lot.鈥�

Four years in, the fifth annual Mom Hugs Day 鈥� which will be held Thursday, Sept. 24, from noon until 2 p.m. at Ferrell Commons 鈥� has grown from two moms to 50. Some bring pre-packaged snacks and water to hand out. Some sense a student is really struggling and personally connect them to (CAPS) or to get the support they need. Chipper, the therapy dog, makes appearances.

Haskins looks forward to organizing the event every year on behalf of her nonprofit organization, Do It for Hunter, in partnership with .

鈥淲e get more out of it than we give. We walk away just filled with love, and we all say, we wish we could do this every day,鈥� Haskins says. 鈥淲e just want to do a little something to try to help especially some of the young people in our area because after losing Hunter, we didn鈥檛 want this to happen to another family.鈥�

Remembering Hunter

Haskins, who has called Merritt Island, Florida, home since she moved from Michigan in the ninth grade, is from a family of Knights. Her husband, Andrew Haskins 鈥�97, graduated with an electrical engineering degree. They sent their daughters Haley 鈥�16 (psychology) and Hannah 鈥�18 (nursing) here.

By the time her son Hunter enrolled in 2021, she was practiced at the college kid send-off.

鈥淚 think he seemed to be more prepared and more mature than kids his age because he grew up with two older sisters. He knew how to do his laundry. He knew how to cook for himself,鈥� she says.

Five weeks into the semester, on Sept. 29, 2021, Hunter took his life. When he was found, his laptop was still open. He鈥檇 just failed a math test.

鈥淗e was just the most normal kid, and the last one you would think of for this to happen to. But Hunter wasn鈥檛 much of a talker. He wouldn鈥檛 talk about his feelings, and we will never know exactly why,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 think he had a panic attack, and he didn鈥檛 know how to handle it.鈥�

Now she purposefully has conversations with teenagers about the inevitable ups and downs of life. She tells them it鈥檚 OK to fail a test because you鈥檒l get another chance to take it again, just like she did in college algebra. She hosts an annual You Matter Day at Hunter鈥檚 high school and works to install suicide awareness benches in parks, schools and other community areas.

鈥淚 know I’m a different person now. There鈥檚 the 鈥榖efore鈥� me and the 鈥榥ow鈥� me,鈥� she says. 鈥淚t does give me a lot of purpose. When I get feedback from and hearing that somebody was helped, then it makes it all worth it.鈥�

Simple Idea Leads to Meaningful Impact

Haskins got the idea for Mom Hugs Day when she saw an older, retired couple publicized for bringing lawn chairs to a now-forgotten campus to offer hugs to college students. She immediately got the wheels in motion.

Although she is now retired, she started the event while she was vice president of marketing at Launch Credit Union. She cashed in a PTO day every year for the couple of hours she spent on campus giving out hugs.

鈥�Best PTO day ever 鈥� so worth it,鈥� she says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 my favorite day of the year.鈥�

WHPS Director Stephanie Spies has helped coordinate the event since its inception, and she has witnessed first-hand the magic that happens from the simple act of connection.

鈥淭o see that many students who were so excited just to be able to get a hug from a mom, or [who] ended up calling their moms or grandmas afterward because they missed them or connecting with students who had been impacted by suicide 鈥� it’s just been an overwhelmingly positive experience,鈥� Spies says.

It expanded to Florida Atlantic 海角直播 this year, and Haskins continues to get requests from non-UCF moms to bring it to other Florida campuses. She always replies with if someone can make a connection with the university on her behalf, she鈥檚 up for a road trip.

鈥淪ome of the most meaningful things that we can do don鈥檛 have to cost a lot of money,鈥� she says.

Resources for UCF Students, Faculty and Staff

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call 988. Free, confidential counseling is available 24/7 for mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or simply available for anyone who needs someone to talk to.

It鈥檚 important to prioritize taking care of your mental health. Take advantage of these resources at UCF to help you:

Students

• UCF offers a wide range of free mental health services to currently registered undergraduate and graduate students. Students can access CAPS by visiting their offices by Student Health Services, between the Biology and Physical Sciences buildings, or by or by phone at 407-823-2811. During non-business hours, students can call 407-823-2811 and press 5 to be immediately connected to a licensed therapist.
• provides proactive programming and education for students to practice lifelong skills that improve quality of life on topics that include stress management, nutrition and social wellness.
• assists students facing personal hardships, academic concerns, well-being challenges, or unexpected crises. If you are need of support or are concerned about a UCF Knight, .
• connects students with peers around the world who may be going through similar experiences. It is a safe, judgment-free space to share your thoughts, receive encouragement and find support whenever you need it.

Faculty and Staff

• The offers a 24-hour emergency hotline and in-person, telephonic or video counseling with licensed professional counselors. It is confidential and free to all faculty and staff (excluding OPS student employees) as well as their eligible family members, including spouses, dependent children, parents and parents-in-law.

To build the ultrafast computers of the future, scientists are looking beyond the electrical charge of electrons to another property: their spin. While conventional hardware relies entirely on the movement of charge to process data, the ability to tap into this intrinsic quantum property could enable researchers to completely reinvent how information travels through a circuit.

Now, a team led by UCF Professor of Physics has identified a promising candidate. Neupane and his collaborators found evidence of altermagnetism, an emerging form of magnetism that combines useful characteristics of the two more familiar types of magnetism: ferromagnetism and antiferromagnetism.

Ferromagnetism produces the behavior most people associate with everyday magnets. In these materials, magnetic moments align in the same direction, creating a magnetic field. That property can be useful in electronics, but the resulting stray magnetic fields can interfere with nearby components.

Antiferromagnets behave differently. Their magnetic moments point in opposing directions and cancel one another out, largely avoiding the stray fields. However, they lack some of the useful electronic properties found in ferromagnets.

Altermagnets offer another possibility by combining desirable characteristics of both.

Like antiferromagnets, they can avoid producing unwanted stray magnetic fields. But they can also generate and detect spin currents 鈥� the movement of electron spins through a material 鈥� that researchers hope to use for future electronics.

Neupane and his collaborators experimentally identified signatures of this unusual magnetic state in Co鈧�/鈧凾aSe鈧�, a layered material containing magnetic cobalt atoms. The discovery gives researchers a promising, versatile platform for studying altermagnetism and could help advance future electronic and spintronic technologies.

鈥淭hese materials are distinguished from more conventional antiferromagnets by their ability to generate and detect spin currents without the negative effect of producing stray fields,鈥� Neupane says. 鈥淭his new property makes them very well positioned for use in many different applications 鈥� including spintronics, ultrafast memory devices, terahertz networks and energy-efficient electronics.鈥�

Tracking the Signs of Altermagnetism

To determine whether Co鈧�/鈧凾aSe鈧� exhibited altermagnetism, the researchers needed to examine how its electrons behaved.

They used a technique called angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, or ARPES, which allows scientists to measure the energy and movement of electrons and map a material鈥檚 electronic structure.

鈥淥ur approach was to use higher-resolution methods that were insensitive to the electron鈥檚 spin to measure the splitting in the energy levels,鈥� Neupane says. 鈥淭hen, we complemented this measurement with spin-resolved ARPES to conclusively tell if this looks like altermagnetism.鈥�

The team first detected a characteristic splitting in the material鈥檚 electronic bands. They then used spin-resolved ARPES to take a closer look and found that those split states carried opposite spin polarizations, key evidence of altermagnetism.

Getting a clear look at that behavior presented another challenge. Photoemission measurements are extremely sensitive to a material鈥檚 surface, so researchers needed exceptionally clean samples to accurately observe what was happening.

While collaborators produced high-quality Co鈧�/鈧凾aSe鈧� samples, Neupane鈥檚 team carefully screened them for ultra-clean surfaces before mapping the material鈥檚 electronic behavior.

鈥淭he significance became clear once the experimental measurements consistently matched our theoretical predictions,鈥� Neupane says. 鈥淪eeing those independent pieces of evidence converge gave us confidence that we had identified a genuine layered altermagnet.鈥�

Why Layered Materials Are Changing the Game

Finding evidence of altermagnetism was only part of what made Co鈧�/鈧凾aSe鈧� interesting to researchers.

The material is built from extremely thin layers stacked on top of one another. Because those layers are weakly bound, scientists can separate and combine them into extremely thin structures, making layered materials promising for use in thin-film devices and other emerging technologies.

Scientists call this family of layered materials transition-metal dichalcogenides, or TMDs.

In Co鈧�/鈧凾aSe鈧�, magnetic cobalt atoms inserted between the layers help create the material鈥檚 unusual magnetic properties. Its layered structure also makes the material highly tunable, allowing researchers to modify it and study how those changes affect its electronic and magnetic behavior.

The team also wanted to understand where that unusual electronic behavior originated. Before the study, it was unclear whether the key signatures of altermagnetism in layered materials would come primarily from the surface or from deeper within the material.

Their measurements showed that the relevant electronic state originated primarily within the material itself and displayed clear signatures of altermagnetic order.

鈥淓vidence for altermagnetism in a versatile materials platform opens a lot of new possibilities,鈥� says Milo Sprague, the study鈥檚 lead graduate student researcher. 鈥淭here鈥檚 currently a lot of debate in altermagnetic theory about how the spin-polarized electronic states interact with other magnetic phenomena. Now we have a material that we can easily modify to explore these new questions.鈥�

Building the Foundation for Future Technologies

Most conventional electronics rely on the electrical charge of electrons to transmit and process information. But electrons possess another property, their spin, that researchers are exploring as another way to carry information.

This emerging field is known as spintronics.

Altermagnets could be particularly useful for spintronics because they can generate and detect spin currents without producing the stray magnetic fields that can interfere with densely packed electronic components.

鈥淎s electronic devices continue to shrink, researchers need new materials that can operate faster while consuming less energy,鈥� Neupane says.

Layered materials are already being investigated for use in extremely small transistors, optical technologies and other electronic devices. At the same time, researchers are exploring whether spin currents can provide new ways to transmit digital information.

Layered altermagnets could bring those two areas of research together, providing extremely thin, adaptable materials capable of controlling electron spin without producing the same unwanted magnetic interference as conventional magnets.

鈥淚f this approach proves viable, then layered altermagnets will be at the forefront of electronics development,鈥� Neupane says.

What Researchers Still Don鈥檛 Know

The study gives researchers something particularly valuable: a material they can use to investigate the many unanswered questions surrounding altermagnetism in Co鈧�/鈧凾aSe鈧�.

Scientists still don鈥檛 fully understand why this unusual magnetic state forms or why it can become favored over other possible magnetic structures 鈥� including ferromagnetism and other forms of antiferromagnetism 鈥� and how it behaves.

Theoretical studies suggest that competition among different interactions between electrons may help determine which magnetic state forms, but researchers are still working to determine how completely those theories describe the behavior of real materials.

鈥淭here are many details to the theory of how altermagnets work that haven鈥檛 been explored or verified yet,鈥� Neupane says. 鈥淣ow that we have identified several platforms for answering these questions, more advanced studies into these materials are underway.鈥�

Because scientists can modify Co鈧�/鈧凾aSe鈧� and observe how its properties change, the material provides researchers with a new experimental platform for investigating unanswered questions and exploring how altermagnetism interacts with other magnetic and electronic phenomena.

This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science under Award Number DE-SC0024304.

Deaner鈥檚 dissertation centers on a first-of-its-kind Florida scrub jay translocation initiative examining genetic rescue, a conservation strategy that introduces individuals from other populations to increase genetic diversity and improve the health and viability of an imperiled population.

鈥淭his project gives us a unique opportunity to understand the effects of a large-scale translocation on population recovery, how mate choice is influenced when birds from different genetic units are brought together and how genetic variation changes over time,鈥� Deaner says.

The project build on regional recovery efforts that began in the late 1990s through mitigation efforts led by the with guidance from the late , a prominent Florida avian biologist. Raoul Boughton, senior manager of ecology and wildlife at the Mosaic Company, leads the current recovery effort, with Deaner and Sahas Barve, program director of avian ecology at Archbold Biological Station, serving as co-principal investigators.

Testing Genetic Rescue at an Unprecedented Scale

Researchers translocated 48 Florida scrub jays to a new recipient site 鈥� enough birds to fill the site to its estimated carrying capacity. Previous translocations typically moved smaller numbers of birds over several years. All 48 birds were hatched in 2025, minimizing age-related competitive advantages.

Six months after the translocation, Deaner has already observed promising signs.

Florida scrub jays typically do not become breeders until they are 2 or 3 years old.听 Across six decades of monitoring at Archbold Biological Station and two decades of data from the local population, fewer than 0.25% of recorded nesting attempts involved pairs of one-year-old birds.

At the recipient site, however, four of the 10 newly formed pairs of one-year-old birds attempted to nest this year 鈥� a rate of 40%. Researchers had expected approximately half of the groups to include young birds serving as helpers听 but instead, most translocated birds sought their own breeding positions.

The early breeding activity is significant because genetic rescue ultimately depends on translocated birds establishing themselves, reproducing and passing their genetic variation into the recipient population. Although it is too early to determine the translocation鈥檚 long-term effect, the nesting attempts allow researchers to begin studying whether and how that genetic integration occurs.

Combining Genomics and Field Monitoring

Genomic data allows researchers to examine genetic variation among source populations, while long-term field monitoring provides information about survival, reproduction, territory establishment, dispersal and population growth. The team combines this data using Vortex, a population viability analysis software, to assess how genetic, environmental and demographic factors could affect the species鈥� long-term survival.

Researchers also equipped the birds with RFID tags and established feeding stations where each jay must stand on an antenna to access peanuts. The system allows Deaner to track visits and social feeding behavior, including patterns that may indicate pair formation and help researchers target birds for reproductive monitoring.

Deaner says UCF was the right place to pursue those questions because of the university鈥檚 collaborative and interdisciplinary approach to biology.

鈥淢y dissertation combines conservation genomics, population ecology, behavior, spatial analysis and population modeling and UCF has given me access to researchers with expertise across those fields,鈥� she says.

Deaner conducts her research in UCF Department of Biology Chair and Professor , where she works alongside students studying similar conservation questions.

Building on Nearly Two Decades of Fieldwork

Deaner鈥檚 path to UCF has been shaped by her years working directly with Florida scrub jays.

Between earning her undergraduate degree at the 海角直播 of Delaware and her 尘补蝉迟别谤鈥檚 degree at Georgia Southern 海角直播, she spent six years conducting early translocations involving the same Florida scrub jay population she studies today.

鈥淐ollecting those data and knowing so many answers lie just beneath the surface of each spreadsheet is what first inspired me to pursue graduate school,鈥� Deaner says.

After earning her 尘补蝉迟别谤鈥檚 degree, she returned to the Florida scrub jay recovery project, where her work reinforced the importance of genetic recovery to the population鈥檚 long-term persistence. At UCF, Deaner has been able to bring those experiences together, combining the perspective of a field biologist with the tools of a researcher.

She hopes the research will ultimately help conservationists recover imperiled species more quickly and with fewer resources. In September, Deaner presented preliminary findings at the International Conservation Translocation Conference in Edinburgh, Scotland.

鈥淚t’s not the taxa (group of organisms) that’s important, it’s the questions,鈥� Deaner says. 鈥淎s long as the questions are the ones that trigger your curiosity, you are heading in the right direction.鈥�

For Stephen Masyada, civics education has been a lifelong interest. Now, his work in the field will help shape how civics knowledge and skills are assessed for students across the country.

Masyada, director of the , has been selected as one of 20 members of the panel that will help revise the framework for the civics portion of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) for the 2032 assessment.

The appointment recognizes his extensive experience in civics education and provides an opportunity to bring his perspective to a national conversation about what students should know and be able to do as engaged citizens.

鈥淚 think it’s a recognition of the work we do here at the Lou Frey Institute and at UCF in civic education and the impact we’ve had on civics in Florida and in some cases nationally,鈥� Masyada says.

Shaping How Civics Education Is Assessed

The NAEP civics assessment provides data used to understand students鈥� civic knowledge nationally. While only a sample of students take the assessment, the results provide a broader picture of civic education across the country.

Masyada says the framework is particularly important because it can influence how policymakers and educators understand what should be emphasized in civics education.

鈥淭he content of the framework will dictate to states what is seen as important and what they’ll be comparing what’s happening in the states to when they release data,鈥� Masyada says.

He also expects the framework to play a role in national evaluations of state standards for civics and government.

As a member of the framework committee, Masyada hopes to help broaden the way civic education is considered and assessed. Rather than focusing solely on students鈥� ability to recall facts, he believes assessments should also consider how students apply their knowledge.

鈥淚 think we really need to think about something beyond just knowledge, but also scenarios,鈥� Masyada says. 鈥淲hat does the knowledge look like in practice, taking it to that next level?鈥�

He also hopes the conversation will consider how civics education can begin earlier, including at the K-5 level.

For Masyada, effective civic education includes foundational knowledge of the nation鈥檚 founding principles, rights and liberties and the responsibilities of citizenship. It also includes dispositions that encourage students to participate in their communities, work with others to address problems and seek solutions to public policy issues.

鈥淗ow do we measure these different dispositions necessary?鈥� Masyada says. 鈥淚 think that’s part of the conversation for the committee that’s involved with this.鈥�

Bringing a National Perspective to Civics Education

The committee鈥檚 work will bring together perspectives from across the country. Masyada says that is important because civic education varies significantly from state to state.

鈥淲e have 50 states and 50 different ways to approach civic education in this country,鈥� Masyada says. 鈥淚 know what’s actually happening and being taught in Florida鈥檚 classrooms. I’ve been involved heavily in standards in this state and helping teachers understand what the standards mean and what they look like.鈥�

A U.S. Air Force veteran, Masyada earned his bachelor鈥檚, 尘补蝉迟别谤鈥檚 and doctoral degrees from the 海角直播 of Florida and a certificate in instructional design and higher education leadership from UCF.

He taught high school in Florida for more than a decade and also worked in North Carolina as a state-level social studies specialist. In 2014, he joined the Lou Frey Institute, where he has continued his work supporting civic education.

His experience working directly with K-16 educators, developing and interpreting standards and supporting assessment initiatives has prepared him to contribute to the national framework process.

He is one of two representatives from the College of Sciences involved in the development of the 2032 civics assessment. In addition to Masyada serving on the 20-member framework committee, Terri Fine, professor emerita from the School of Politics, Security and International Affairs (SPSIA) and former associate director of the Lou Frey Institute, will serve on the 10-member content committee.

鈥淭he fact that UCF has two people involved I think it’s a huge feather in the cap for all of us,鈥� he says.

As the committee looks toward the 2032 assessment, Masyada hopes its work will strengthen support for high-quality civic education and help establish a shared understanding of what students need to know and how they can participate in civic life.

He also sees an opportunity to consider how the country鈥檚 student population has changed and how civic education can provide common ground.

鈥淲e’re a far more diverse student population than we used to be,鈥� Masyada says. 鈥淪o I think having some commonality, some understanding of what can bring this population together, when it comes to civic education, I think that’s one of my hopes.鈥�

Extending UCF鈥檚 Civic Education Work

The Lou Frey Institute at UCF houses the Florida Joint Center for Citizenship and has been a leading provider of civic education instructional and professional development resources in Florida since it was established in 2002. 听The institute reaches approximately 300,000 students and 2,000 teachers across every Florida school district.

鈥淲e appreciate the opportunity to support and represent the college, the school and the university in these different districts, working with so many different teachers and leaders and representing UCF on the national stage as well when it comes to civic education,鈥� Masyada says.

As artificial intelligence (AI), virtual assistants and robots become increasingly woven into everyday life, more researchers are asking this question: What happens when technology stops being just a tool and becomes something we can communicate with?

UCF faculty have spent years helping create a field dedicated to finding the answers.

“Human-machine communication is about studying how humans perceive and interact with technology as a communicator rather than simply as a tool.”

This summer, human-machine communication (HMC) reached a major milestone when the International Communication Association (ICA) elevated it from an interest group to an official Division, recognizing it as an established area of communication research. The achievement reflects the rapid growth of a field exploring how emerging technologies are reshaping the way people communicate, form relationships and make decisions.

“Human-machine communication is about studying how humans perceive and interact with technology as a communicator rather than simply as a tool,” UCF College of Sciences Professor Jihyun Kim says. “It’s about communicating with machine agents as interaction partners.”

Among those who helped shape the field are faculty members Kim and Professor Patric Spence, whose leadership has contributed to HMC’s development both at UCF and within the international research community.

When Technology Becomes the Communicator

Traditional studies of technology-mediated communication typically examine technology as a channel connecting people. HMC shifts the focus to interactions between people and technologies such as AI assistants, social robots and virtual companions.

Researchers explore how these interactions can influence everything from trust and relationships to decision-making and communication.

Although scholars have studied human-computer interaction for decades, HMC is a relatively young field within the communication discipline. It formally emerged in 2015, bringing together researchers interested in studying machines not simply as tools, but as communicators.

Since then, the rapid adoption of generative AI has accelerated both public interest and scholarly research.

Kim, who recently completed a four-year leadership term with ICA’s Human-Machine Communication Interest Group, witnessed that growth firsthand.

“During my four years in leadership, I saw a drastic increase in the volume of HMC research,” she says. “I also saw scholars from interpersonal communication, organizational communication, public relations and many other communication specialties begin collaborating to better understand AI from their own perspectives.”

“We’re studying how humans perceive AI and communicate with it for good outcomes.”

But as public conversations increasingly focus on whether AI could replace human work or relationships, Kim says that鈥檚 a common misconception about human-machine communication research.

“A lot of times people assume we’re glorifying AI, but that’s not what we study,” Kim says. “We’re studying how humans perceive AI and communicate with it for good outcomes.”

Her own research explores how people perceive and interact with AI or machine agents and how people can instead use AI to strengthen, rather than replace, human relationships.

“I’m studying augmentation,鈥� Kim says. 鈥淗ow can AI help strengthen the relationships we already have? How can we communicate with AI more effectively, so it enhances our social relationships instead of replacing them?”

Building a Scholarly Home

As interest in HMC grew, so did the need for a dedicated scholarly community.

Spence was among the founding members who organized the first HMC post-conference in 2016, creating one of the first formal spaces where researchers with shared interests could collaborate and exchange ideas.

“Through our research and leadership, we’ve helped put UCF on the international stage.”

He later helped establish the journal, which launched in 2020 and is hosted under a UCF domain. Before its creation, researchers published HMC studies across broader communication journals, as no publication was dedicated exclusively to the emerging field. The journal provided a central platform for sharing HMC research and scholarship, building an international academic community, and further positioning UCF as a leader in the discipline.

“Whenever we do something meaningful in this field, UCF is represented alongside that achievement,” Kim says. “Through our research and leadership, we’ve helped put UCF on the international stage.”

Kim continued that work during her tenure as vice chair and later chair of ICA鈥檚 Human-Machine Communication Interest Group.听 She focused on mentoring early-career researchers, expanding the field’s international presence and helping prepare the review dossier that ultimately led to HMC’s elevation to Division status.

From Momentum to Milestone

For Kim, the new designation signals more than organizational growth.

“[The recognition] especially matters for junior scholars because they’re contributing to a discipline that’s formally recognized by the world’s largest communication association.”

“Having this formal recognition within the International Communication Association sends the message that human-machine communication is now an established field,” Kim says. “It especially matters for junior scholars because they’re contributing to a discipline that’s formally recognized by the world’s largest communication association.”

The milestone is expected to create new opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration, including partnerships with researchers studying AI from technical, behavioral and social perspectives.

And as AI continues to evolve, Kim believes HMC will continue growing alongside it, helping researchers better understand not only the technologies themselves but also the people who use them.

“We want to make sure it’s not about studying bad things,” Kim says. “It’s about how we can leverage what AI offers to improve our lives and how we can communicate more effectively.”

In April 2023, a few days after senior prom, Gabby Murison 鈥�26 and her family drove 650 miles from New Orleans to Orlando. They鈥檇 vacationed in previous years to the area鈥檚 theme parks, but this time they had just one destination on the itinerary: UCF. The university interested Murison for its strong film program through the . She also knew UCF offered a variety of pathways in case she discovered a new interest.

鈥淚鈥檒l never forget stepping onto Memory Mall,鈥� she says. 鈥淢y thoughts about college changed. I got caught up in this environment of 鈥榳e support each other because we鈥檙e all Knights鈥� and I was ready to move.鈥�

“… I discovered something bigger outside the classroom. I built my world here.”

Moving was nothing new to Murison. Her dad serves in the U.S. Army, so she鈥檇 already lived in eight cities across six states.

鈥淏ut I鈥檇 never been anywhere like UCF,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 had big goals: to develop my creative side and learn about social media and film. But I discovered something bigger outside the classroom. I built my world here.鈥�

The Curious Freshman Looking for Community

At the beginning, Murison was like most first-year students: a bit uncertain, searching for a connection.

鈥淚 realized quickly that the 670 clubs and organizations at UCF need people,鈥� says Murison, who minored in event management. 鈥淎s soon as I got involved, the student population of 70,000 got smaller. It ignited passions I didn鈥檛 know existed.鈥�

“My perspective grew by talking with people … and observing how mentors 鈥� guided others.”

Her first connection came through an academic and community engagement initiative, which she saw as an opportunity to get out of her dorm and become involved in service, which runs in her family of military veterans, educators and nurses. On day one, she asked a fellow member, civil engineering major Luisa Cordova, to go for a walk. Murison learned about life in Venezuela on that walk. She also found a best friend and roommate.

鈥淢y perspective grew by talking with people like Luisa and observing how mentors 鈥� guided others,鈥� Murison says.

A mentor gently persuaded Murison to apply her communication skills to the campus community. Still in her first semester and despite a full plate, Murison volunteered for Spirit Splash during Homecoming Week.

鈥淚t was supposed to be a simple way to pitch in,鈥� Murison says, 鈥渂ut as I guarded the pool, I was struck by the impact students were making by running this big event.鈥�

By her sophomore year, Murison had been named to the executive board for Homecoming.

鈥淢y involvement grew to the point where I鈥檇 see students wearing merchandise I helped design,鈥� she says. 鈥淢y confidence and connections to UCF kept expanding.鈥�

A Full-Circle Moment

At the beginning of Murison鈥檚 junior year, Malaret suggested that Murison transition from LEAD to the President鈥檚 Leadership Council (PLC). Murison found PLC to be another way to inspire UCF students to make the most of their entire college experience, just as she鈥檇 been doing herself. Around the same time, she discovered an ideal outlet to share her knowledge and growing love for UCF: as an Undergraduate Admissions Ambassador.

鈥淲hen I was a little girl, I wanted to be Hannah Montana,鈥� she says. 鈥淏eing a tour guide is as close as I鈥檝e come to that dream. Talking about UCF to groups became like a performance, except everything I say is true.鈥�

“My advice to students is to funnel your energy into organizations you care about. Make a difference. Grow your work ethic. Have fun.”

During at least 100 tours, Murison spoke with more than 1,000 prospective students and VIP guests. She walked them along Memory Mall, through the 鈥渨e鈥檙e all Knights鈥� environment that changed her view of college, and described firsthand the transformative power of campus involvement.

鈥淢y advice to students is to funnel your energy into organizations you care about,鈥� she says. 鈥淢ake a difference. Grow your work ethic. Have fun. And don鈥檛 be involved for the sake of a resume.鈥�

On one tour in 2025, she met a girl from her high school in Louisiana, an 18-year-old version of herself, with one foot at prom and the other reaching toward the next phase of life.

鈥淚 must have given a decent tour because she just finished her freshman year at UCF,鈥� Murison says. 鈥淪he鈥檚 [involved on campus] and serves on the Homecoming committee. Isn鈥檛 that amazing? It鈥檚 gratifying to have made an impact, but even better to know that she鈥檚 creating her own path, and a personal story to share with others.鈥�

Murison’s experience reflects the vibrant community and opportunities available across UCF 鈥� where getting involved can lead to lifelong friendships, new skills and a growing sense of belonging. It’s an experience reflected in UCF’s Grade A overall rating and its No. 19 ranking for Best Student Life in America and No. 21 for Best College Campuses in America by .

The Accomplished Graduate Ready for the World

In April, UCF and Universal Destinations & Experiences launched a Pegasus Partnership to strengthen three decades of collaboration with aligning education with real-world experience, creating career pathways and developing themed innovations.

In April, three years after her first step onto campus, Murison was awarded the Order of Pegasus, UCF’s most prestigious student award. She was notified that she had received the honor while on a retreat with admission tour guides, with whom she became friends.

鈥淭he honor meant more because they were there to celebrate with me,鈥� she says.

A few weeks later, Murison graduated and finished an event management internship at Universal Orlando Resort, where she further strengthened her ability to prioritize responsibilities and find balance. She now has job offers from several companies in Orlando, though she could envision a move to California to pursue filmmaking or scriptwriting. There will be plenty of time to decide.

鈥淚鈥檓 the kid who watched with awe when the credits rolled at the end of Disney movies,鈥� Murison says. 鈥淏uilding something big from scratch always fascinated me, especially when it involves a team. That鈥檚 what my UCF experience has been like. For now, though, I鈥檒l just 鈥� exhale. I want to spend time being 22 for a little while.鈥�

• Associate Professor Chen Chen 鈥� Associate Member
• Professor Ivan Garibay ’00MS ’04PhD 鈥� Associate Member
• Professor Jayanta Kapat 鈥� Full Member
• Professor Damla Turgut 鈥� Full Member
• Associate Professor Thomas Wahl 鈥� Associate Member
• Associate Professor Dazhong Wu 鈥� Associate Member
• Professor Xiaohu Xia 鈥� Associate Member
• Professor Yang Yang 鈥� Associate Member

Full members are recognized as established leaders with a sustained record of exceptional impact in their respective fields. Associate members, who are new to ASEMFL this year, are recognized for their professional accomplishments and emerging leadership.

鈥淲e are proud to welcome this exceptional group of scholars and innovators to ASEMFL, including our inaugural class of associate members,鈥� says Yogi Goswami, ASEMFL president and distinguished professor at the 海角直播 of South Florida. 鈥淭heir lifelong dedication and creativity have led to transformational advances in their fields, improving lives and strengthening our communities.鈥�

Since its establishment, ASEMFL has grown to more than 300 experts grounded in common research and educational pursuits who are committed to undertaking issues in science, engineering and medicine of particular interest to the state.

This year鈥檚 cohort is the largest in ASEMFL history. All new members will be inducted at the ASEMFL annual meeting, which takes place in November at the 海角直播 of South Florida.

Chen Chen

Associate Professor in the and the Institute of Artificial Intelligence

Citation: For pioneering contributions to multimodal and federated learning and real-time, privacy-preserving video analytics, advancing trustworthy and efficient AI systems for public safety, healthcare, and societal well-being.

Jayanta Kapat

Pegasus Professor and Director of the Center for Advanced Turbomachinery and Energy Research

Citation: For innovative research and digital twin modeling and their impact on improved costs, efficiency and emissions in advanced turbines and energy systems.

Nasser Kutkut

Graduate Faculty Scholar in the

Citation: For having pioneered high-efficiency and IoT-enabled battery charging systems, cloud-based energy management, and smart telematics platforms 鈥� technologies that cut costs, reduce emissions, and modernize industrial and electric vehicle power management worldwide.

Ivan Garibay ’00MS ’04PhD

Professor of Industrial Engineering and Management Systems and Director of the UCF Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Initiative

Citation: For pioneering work in AI for modeling complex human behavior, including the development of inverse generative social science, evolutionary model discovery, green technological innovation, and AI for social resilience against disinformation and polarization.

Damla Turgut

Pegasus Professor and Chair of Computer Science

Citation: For pioneering contributions to the application of value of information in wireless networks, and for outstanding leadership in advancing research and education at both the university and international professional society levels.

Thomas Wahl

Associate Professor in the and the Center for Integrated Coastal Research

Citation: For pioneering work on flood risk analysis, coastal compound flooding and assessment of coastal hazards at multiple scales under weather extremes.

Dazhong Wu

Associate Professor in the

Citation: For contributions to the development and implementation of machine learning-based techniques for part qualification and certification in advanced manufacturing.

Xiaohu Xia

Professor in the

Citation: For pioneering artificial enzyme research, achieving unprecedented catalytic efficiencies and developing diagnostic technologies with substantial clinical and societal impact.

鈥淒r. Xia鈥檚 research is an excellent example of how cutting-edge research in the College of Sciences leads directly into transformative applications for the betterment of humanity,鈥� says Josh Colwell, College of Sciences dean. 鈥淗is recognition by ASEMFL is particularly appropriate given the nature of his innovative work combining nanomaterials and fundamental chemistry research for healthcare applications that will directly impact people鈥檚 lives.鈥�

Yang Yang

Professor in the

Citation: For being an accomplished scholar in developing energy materials using nanotechnology.

Driving Research Excellence at UCF

Together, the honorees exemplify the breadth of research excellence driving innovation across UCF’s College of Sciences and College of Engineering and Computer Science.

鈥淛ay Kapat, Damla Turgut, Chen Chen, Ivan Garibay, Thomas Wahl, Dazhong Wu, Yang Yang and all faculty in the College of Engineering and Computer Science have contributed significantly to the research and education in their disciplines and their induction to the academy is a testament [to] their meaningful accomplishments,鈥� says Michael Georgiopoulos, College of Engineering and Computer Science dean. 鈥淭he academy is expected to benefit from their expertise and their anticipated service to move its mission forward.鈥�

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
• 颁谤颈尘颈苍补濒听箩耻蝉迟颈肠别听补濒耻尘听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:

贵谤颈诲补测,听闯耻濒测听31

6听辫.尘.

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听辫.尘.

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.

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.