Whiting is one of only seven geographic combatant commanders, and the visit showcased key research areas and opportunities for collaboration that align with DoD transformative technology and national security research priorities.

UCF recently joined USSPACECOM’s Academic Engagement Enterprise, which allows for further collaboration opportunities with the command.

Whiting began the visit by hearing from several UCF leaders about the university’s unique space-related research endeavors, including Winston V. Schoenfeld, vice president for research and innovation; David Hagan, dean of CREOL, the College of Optics and Photonics; Greg Autry, associate provost for space commercialization and strategy; David Metcalf, associate research professor and director of the Mixed Emerging Technology Integration Lab; Stephen Eikenberry, professor of physics and optics and photonics; Tarek Elgohary, associate professor and director of the Astrodynamics, Space and Robotics Laboratory; and Eric “Tubby” Shwedo, assistant vice president for federal relations.

In the introductory briefing, Whiting was exposed to cutting-edge research in areas such as cislunar developments, space photonics, and modeling and simulation.

The visit further exemplifies UCF’s track record for advancing meaningful space research, Schoenfeld says.

“Here at UCF, we have a rich history of exceptional research in key defense areas beneficial to USSPACECOM such as hypersonics, optics, cybersecurity, materials science and modeling and simulation — just to name a few,” he says. “Our research in these areas has benefitted from significant DoD support — with more than 30% of our federal funding coming from DoD sources for over a decade. I am excited about the collaborative partnership between UCF and USSPACECOM to further the impact our research activities of direct interest to USSPACECOM.”

After the roundtable introduction, the USSPACECOM delegation visited with UCF’s highly regarded ROTC programs — Army ROTC Fighting Knights Battalion and Air Force Detachment 159 — to see firsthand how UCF is cultivating the officers and leaders of tomorrow.

UCF’s AFROTC program, which has been developing officers for the Air Force and Space Force for more than 50 years, has earned the DoD’s ROTC and Educational Institutional Partnership Excellence Award for multiple areas of excellence.

They met with President Alexander N. Cartwright to learn about workforce development and how UCF plays a critical role in supplying quality STEM professionals who are ready to unleash their potential at the crossroads of space and innovation.

The tour concluded with a visit to the newly established Center of Excellence in Hypersonic and Space Propulsion��(HyperSpace Center) to delve into the groundbreaking aerodynamics, propulsion and hypersonic research being conducted at the unique testing facility.

Kareem Ahmed, professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering in the��College of Engineering and Computer Science, discussed specialized detonation methods and carefully crafted fuels that can enhance the efficiency and efficacy of propulsion technologies.

The HyperSpace Center stands out as a pioneering research and testing hub dedicated to advancing next-generation technologies in space propulsion and high-speed travel, playing a vital role in shaping the future of space exploration and defense capabilities.

Ahmed’s team has received multiple DoD grants to develop hypersonic technology, which will be capable of traveling at speeds of Mach 6 to 17 (4,600 to 13,000 mph).

Additionally, undergraduate and graduate students working under Ahmed presented projects in specific areas of hypersonic research, including a live demonstration test of one of their experimental engines.

UCF is well-positioned to continue delivering impactful research for the aerospace industry, having recently joined the newly founded Florida ����ֱ�� Space Research Consortium. As the state’s official space research entity designated by Space Florida, the consortium will facilitate the awarding of NASA research grants in partnership with Kennedy Space Center.

The USSPACECOM visit to UCF is a culmination of mutual interest, partnerships and prior tours earlier in 2024, such as when USSPACECOM Major General Samuel Keener visited UCF when it hosted NASA’s Lunabotics competition.

The tour included visits with key UCF research centers, such as (IST), , and the Center of Excellence in Hypersonic and Space Propulsion (HyperSpace Center).

While Grady toured UCF’s defense-related research, his wife, Christine Grady, visited UCF’s Office of Military and Veteran Student Success; , a clinic dedicated to treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); and met with UCF Army and Air Force ROTC cadets.

“The visit from Admiral and Mrs. Grady underscores the vital role UCF plays in advancing national security and defense research, supporting critical DOD needs, and preparing the next generation of military leaders,” says Winston V. Schoenfeld, UCF’s vice president for research and innovation. “Over 30% of UCF’s federal funding has come from the DOD for more than a decade, positioning UCF as a national leader in delivering key innovations to the DOD.”

The Tour

Grady began his visit with a meeting alongside UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright, where they discussed UCF’s longstanding commitment to supporting the nation’s defense through cutting-edge research and workforce development.

While with CREOL, Admiral Grady received a briefing on directed energy research and its applications for DOD missions, particularly the capabilities of the Townes Institute for Science and Technology Experimentation Facility. The institute, located at Kennedy Space Center, supports multidisciplinary research with a focus on space science, optics and other advanced technologies.

At IST, UCF showcased the latest advancements in digital twin technology, such as real-time 3D digital twins of structures and areas, and artificial intelligence for DOD-decision making tools.

Grady’s visit to the HyperSpace Center focused on the integration of students into the research process and the timeline for the hypersonic technology, which would allow air travel at speeds of up to 13,000 miles per hour (Mach 17).

Commitment to National Defense and Military Success

UCF is a national leader in supporting military and defense initiatives through education, research and industry partnerships.

UCF’s Office of Military and Veteran Student Success supports more than 3,200 military-connected students, including veterans, active-duty and dependents, by providing academic advising, transition assistance and tailored guidance.

UCF RESTORES offers innovative, no-cost PTSD treatment for veterans and first responders, with clinical trials achieving a 100% success rate in just 14 days for participants completing VR-assisted exposure therapy. The program has treated more than 500 veterans and 950 first responders, with the majority no longer meeting PTSD criteria.

UCF also boasts top-ranked ROTC programs, with the Army ROTC Fighting Knights Battalion and Air Force Detachment 159 preparing leaders for military and civilian careers. UCF’s AFROTC program, which has been developing officers for the Air Force and Space Force for more than 50 years, has earned the DOD’s ROTC and Educational Institutional Partnership Excellence Award for multiple areas of excellence.

In research, UCF’s close ties to the defense industry are amplified through Central Florida Research Park, a $7 billion hub for modeling and simulation adjacent to UCF’s main campus, which is also home to six DOD headquarters. UCF also ranks No. 1 in Florida for VA certifications, is leading the nation in the number of cybersecurity championships, and is the top supplier of graduates to the aerospace and defense industries.

The 11-member team will now face other ROTC teams, military academies and NATO allies in the International Sandhurst Competition held at the United States Military Academy West Point.

The Ranger Challenge — a grueling 18-hour, 25-mile competition — included physical exercises, shooting rifles and pistols, an obstacle course, a hand grenade assault course, artillery training, tactical combat casualty care and more. The cadets marched between locations while carrying rucksacks weighing nearly 50 pounds, including 10 miles on a land navigation course. Cadets also had to react to a downed pilot scenario by providing care to simulated casualty and carrying the soldier two miles on a litter.

Lt. Col. Keith Williams, a professor of military science, was proud of his cadets’ teamwork and camaraderie.

“They worked so hard throughout the year, and it definitely paid off,” says Williams. “I have no doubt that the UCF Ranger Challenge team will continue to dominate against universities throughout the country.”

The 11 cadets who competed — nine men and two women — were team captain Cameron Geigler, Falencia Aulibrice, Timothy Dziena, Matthew Dunbar, Peter Gaffney, Ashley Garcia, Paul Hayes, Zhiwei Lin, Gavin McMillan, Nicholas Plasse and Joseph Power. The cadets trained for months leading up to the Ranger Challenge, and the team’s success at the Fort Benning competition makes them one of only 16 ROTC programs out of 273 universities in the nation that will compete in West Point, New York.

“Our team has shown hard work, perseverance, sacrifice and most of all training and working toward a goal as a united front,” Cadet Dunbar says. “This team has developed a deep trust and understanding of what it takes to see the mission through. Our group’s determination and personal sacrifice is what ultimately led to our success and soon our victory in New York.”

UCF has a long history of supporting both active-duty military personnel and student veterans, as well as partnering with all branches of the military and the defense industry.

The UCF campus is home to two ROTC programs that train students to become commissioned officers in the U.S. Armed Forces. Roughly 170 cadets are currently enrolled in the officer commissioning program, led by nine active-duty cadre members. And this year, UCF Air Force ROTC Detachment 159 marked 50 years of partnership with UCF. An estimated 1,500 UCF graduates have become lieutenants in the U.S. Air Force and Space Force through this Air Force-UCF program.

The university has been ranked No. 7�� for Best Online Bachelor’s Program for Veterans by��U.S. News & World Report; one of the Best Colleges for Veterans by��College Factual; and��“Military Friendly” by��Military Friendly Schools.

Since 2011, the����has been serving a growing student veteran population – including roughly 1,400 who are currently enrolled. The resource center offers support and a sense of community to students, faculty and staff veterans on campus. Students use the space for studying and homework, and it’s also where they receive guidance on the use and benefits of the GI Bill.

Applying for a ROTC scholarship in 2011 was just a way to help fund college and help in her pursuit of becoming a collegiate athlete, she said. But Barrows soon realized that she had a hidden passion for the military.

“In high school I never did ROTC, in middle school never did it,” said Barrows. “I always made fun of those people.”

At 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 12, Barrows will become one of those people when she is sworn in as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force with her squadron looking on at UCF’s Classroom 2 Building.

But, the journey to becoming a lieutenant hasn’t been an easy one for Barrows. Her dreams of becoming a swimmer at the collegiate level were short-lived, and her ROTC scholarship would be taken away as a result of her poor academic standing at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, N.J.

“I was a computer science major, in ROTC, and had 8 swim practices a week,” said Barrows. “It was extremely overwhelming, I was 19 years old, home sick, and academics were super hard.”

It wasn’t until she was sent home in spring of 2012 that she realized how much she had enjoyed ROTC. “I think I thrive in a disciplined environment,” said Barrows. “I missed the camaraderie, the discipline, the same schedule. It was hard to be away from it.” Devastated to be out of the program for an extended period of time, Barrows decided to try again. She attended Eastern Florida State College and then Valencia College in hopes of raising her GPA and getting back into ROTC.

In the spring of 2013, Barrows was admitted into UCF through Direct Connect, a program that guarantees students admission to UCF when they earn an associate degree from one of the partner colleges. Barrows was able to get back into ROTC fulltime. Since then, she has taken on a number of leadership roles, even holding the highest ranking as a cadet in ROTC: Wing Commander. Wing Commanders are responsible for supervising the training of more than 180 cadets and making sure everyone completes their assigned jobs.

“It was hard to make a comeback but I wouldn’t change a single thing that happened,” said Barrows. “The ROTC program at UCF has been a very rewarding experience and has given me the confidence I need to succeed in all other aspects of my life.”

Barrows is scheduled to report to Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter, S.C., on May 11, 2016, where she has been assigned the job of aircraft maintenance. In the meantime she plans to spend as much time as possible with her family, which still calls Satellite Beach home. As for the military, she’s a proud member now.

“At my private ceremony, my dad was able to give me the oath of office, and it still feels extremely surreal,” she said. “I still can’t believe it; I dug myself out of the hole and was able to graduate on time.”

In its inaugural rankings of Best Colleges for Veterans, U.S. News & World Report identified UCF as one of the nation’s best schools at assisting veterans pursue a college education. Colleges were selected based on graduation rate, faculty resources, and reputation, as well as performance in other academic quality criteria.

The recognition by U.S. News comes at a time when UCF just dedicated a new building on campus to house the university’s Air Force and Army ROTC programs. Their facility��features a 40-by-40-foot room dubbed the “Virtual Battlelab,”��an open area with a variety of computerized simulators for ROTC cadets.

Student veterans are provided with mentoring and special academic support services starting when they arrive at UCF. The university’s Veterans Academic Resource Center supports students in understanding campus resources; provides study space, tutoring and academic advising; and helps faculty members and staff understand the needs of student veterans.

On Veteran’s Day, UCF planted 1,586 flags on Memory Mall, one for each of UCF’s currently enrolled student veterans.

In September, G.I. Jobs magazine ranked UCF among the top 15 percent of universities, private and community colleges and trade schools in the nation for the services and support it provides to military students.

Early next year, the ����ֱ�� Business Incubation Program will aim to combat unemployment/underemployment among veterans through its FastTrac NewVenture for the Veteran Entrepreneur program, which will run Jan. 13 – March 24. For registration, sponsorships, scheduling and other information, contact Michael Weiss at Michael.Weiss@ucf.edu or 407-823-0014.

The three-story Classroom II along Memory Mall will include high-tech lecture halls and general-purpose teaching areas. For the campus Air Force and Army ROTC programs, they’re looking forward to moving into their part of the building��after years of operating out of cramped quarters near the Recreation and Wellness Center. Their facility��features a 40-by-40-foot room dubbed the “Virtual Battlelab,”��an open area with a variety of computerized simulators for ROTC cadets.

“A permanent home for the ROTC programs has been the vision of university leadership for a very long time,” said Col. Todd M. Freece, Air Force Commander of AFROTC Detachment 159. “We are excited to leave our ‘temporary’ facilities after over a decade and are committed to sustaining a professional officer-training program that reflects the values of UCF and the Armed Forces.”

His counterpart leading the Army ROTC program, Lt. Col. Mario Johnson of the Fighting Knights Battalion, said the location of the new building – along Memory Mall, next to Classroom I and close to the Student Union – is a major thoroughfare for students and will enhance recruiting efforts. The new building also is within walking distance of the Veterans Commemorative Site and the Veterans Academic Resource Center.

Each branch has about 200 students who take specialized training and education programs. UCF became a host campus for Air Force ROTC in 1972 and for the Army ROTC in 1986. The Army ROTC was on the campus earlier, but was supported through the Army ROTC program at Stetson ����ֱ��.

The first floor of the new building will be shared for recruiting, supply and training spaces. The floor also contains “Heritage Hall” – a quiet place to study that will showcase ROTC and military heritage.��The other floors will have offices, conference rooms, study areas and storage.

“The new map room and Virtual Battlelab will greatly enhance training when instructors are teaching map reading, land-navigation classes and squad and platoon tactical training,” Johnson said.

Freece said the project also shows a commitment by the university to play a prominent role in developing leaders for the nation’s armed forces.

“When interested students visit the ROTC programs at UCF, they will see a beautiful and modern facility centrally located on the main campus,” he said. “Prospects will see that UCF not only develops new military leaders, but also actively honors their service and supports veterans transitioning to student life.”

The building, designed by Schenkel Shultz Architecture, will be submitted for LEED silver certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.

G.I. Jobs magazine ranked UCF among the top 15 percent of universities, private and community colleges and trade schools in the country for the services and support it provides to military students.

G.I. Jobs, which targets veterans looking for post-military success, reviewed more than 12,000 schools for its annual list. The publication selected the schools that best support student veterans and offer them the most outstanding education, value and welcome.

Student veterans are provided with mentoring and special academic support services starting when they first arrive at UCF. The university’s Veterans Academic Resource Center supports students in understanding campus resources; provides study space, tutoring and academic advising; and helps faculty members and staff understand the needs of student veterans.

The center, which opened in 2010, is in the CFE Arena across the street from Barnes & Noble and serves as a one-stop shop for student veterans and their eligible dependents.

More information about the Veterans Academic Resource Center is available at .

UCF hosted Operation Giveback’s third-annual signature event, 5K, 10K and 15K road races that raised $80,000.

“Our outstanding wounded warriors and military families have given so much so that all of us can enjoy our freedom and quality of life,” said José Garcia-Aponté, the retired Army command sergeant major who founded Operation Giveback with his wife, Maribel.

“We want to show our appreciation for the sacrifices they have made and give the wounded warriors and military families the opportunity to get to know each other. Many of them stay in touch and support each other after they leave Orlando.”

UCF has hosted Operation Giveback’s races the past three years. Below a large U.S. flag held up by fire engines, about 20 wounded warriors led the start of the 5K race.

UCF Provost and Executive Vice President Tony Waldrop spoke during the opening ceremonies by the Veterans Commemorative Site on Memory Mall. The crowd applauded when he gestured toward the Classroom II building under construction and pointed out that it soon will be the new home of the university’s Army and Air Force ROTC programs.

Also before the races, the Oquendo family from Hillsborough County received Operation Giveback’s first “Make a Dream Come True Award.”

Decorated Army Sergeant First Class Paul D. Oquendo dreamed of taking his family to New York City for sightseeing and a Broadway show once his daughters were old enough to appreciate the experience.

Cancer prevented the Hillsborough County resident from fulfilling that dream. He died in September from a rare but aggressive form of cancer known as synovial sarcoma.

As a way to honor Oquendo for serving his country for 21 years, the Orlando nonprofit organization Operation Giveback will fly his family to New York City. They will stay at the luxurious Plaza Hotel and watch a Broadway show.

“This trip will mean so much to me, because I can share Paul’s dream for him,” said Dora Oquendo. “I know he is looking down and is smiling at this dream come true. My girls are going to be so excited. ��We have told them lots of stories��of New York.”

Operation Giveback’s mission is to raise awareness and resources for wounded warriors and their families, as well as the families of fallen heroes. The organization intends to fulfill one family’s dream each year.

Several UCF ROTC students volunteered at the event, and the Student Veterans Association, the Psychology Department’s Trauma Management Therapy program and UCF Athletics all set up tents on Memory Mall. The Trauma Management Therapy program treats veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan who are diagnosed with PTSD.

Bury the Dead, an anti-war story by Irwin Shaw, will be presented Feb. 16-26 in the campus’ Black Box theatre. Even though several major wars have been fought in the decades since the play opened on Broadway in 1936, the play focuses on old themes that are still relevant.

While the play is anti-war, the director did not want it to be anti-military. Those involved with the production are raising awareness and funds to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project, which provides help for injured service members as they return to civilian life in the community.��

“Everyone in the cast knows someone serving in the military. We support and honor these soldiers,” said director and Associate Professor Mark Brotherton. “All the soldiers [in the play] have passed on and are young, and there are a lot of things they say they didn’t take notice of in life – things we see that pass us by.”

The play portrays six dead soldiers who stand up in their makeshift graves and refuse to be buried. As they express their anguish and the futility of war, they don’t want to give up their hold on the past and future.

To prepare for the play, Brotherton asked the cast members to watch movies about war and the military. They were shown military movements by a member of the cast who is in ROTC. They also met with a wounded returning soldier and his wife to discuss the effects of war on their lives.

“We had a master sergeant come to talk with us,” Brotherton said. “He talked about the camaraderie, and he made a wonderful statement about war that meant a lot to the cast. He said that when he goes there [into battle], ‘It doesn’t mean I agree or disagree with the war. My job is to get my men home.’”

The cast of 29 is using the play as a way to reach out into the community.

They have started an online donation page to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project (https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/individual-fundraising/ucfbtd/). Students are hosting an information table at Market Day on Wednesdays outside the Student Union, and they will collect donations from patrons during the Bury the Dead intermission.

Before the Feb. 23 performance, there will be a 6:40 p.m. discussion with organizations that help veterans. The benefit and discussion are being organized by students Karlyn Muzik and Kimberly Carolus.

Although most of the play is somber, it is not all about death.

“It gives more reasons for living than it talks about dying,” Brotherton said. “They don’t come back to say that war is bad. They come to say what we should watch for in life.”

Theatre UCF’s Black Box production of Bury the Dead will run Thursdays through Sundays, Feb. 16-26. Shows begin at 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. For tickets and other information contact the box office at 407-823-1500.

As a way to honor all veterans during Veterans Day in the month of November, the UCF Veterans Academic Resource Center (VARC) created a special video and placed it on “You Tube”: . In addition, the center has several events and announcements during UCF’s Week of Honor and Remembrance including the UCF Community Veterans History Project and Veteran Services Extravaganza.

The Week of Honor and Remembrance will recognize and honor veterans as well as educate the UCF community. Veteran Services and many UCF colleges and offices partnered to present various event and tributes during the week of November7-12:

Nov. 1-30: All month long, the UCF Library will have on display, “The Florida Fallen Hero Quilt Project.”

��UCF Community Veterans History Project:
The UCF Community Veterans History Project is collecting, preserving, and making accessible to the public the experiences of Central Florida’s veterans so that future generations will better understand the realities of conflict. It is a collaborative endeavor supported by multiple departments and offices at UCF. The histories, which students began recording during the fall 2010 semester, are archived and made digitally available through the UCF library. For more information, visit: www.riches.cah.ucf.edu/veterans.

Veteran Services Extravaganza
The Veteran Services Extravaganza, an information event for veteran students, will be held on November 9 at 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the Ferrell Common Auditorium. The event will feature speakers from OEF/OIF/New Dawn and Florida Department of Veteran Affairs and have representatives from:

UCF Veterans Academic Resource Center: VARC is veterans’ one-stop solution to their needs as a student veteran. The center�� provides offices, study space and lounge space, as well as access to a number of university offices, in one central location. For more information, visit: .