Now, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has taken notice.

Deneé Lichtenberg was awarded the DOE’s Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship, giving her the opportunity to further her research at Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico. This premier multidisciplinary research institution is advancing breakthroughs in science and technology to address national security challenges.

The opportunity brings her closer to achieving one of her biggest goals: working at a national laboratory, where she’ll collaborate with experienced researchers and learn how large-scale scientific projects are conducted.

Raised in Titusville, less than an hour away from UCF’s main campus, Lichtenberg says she always knew she’d attend UCF, especially given the strength of its engineering programs. What she didn’t yet know was how far that decision would take her.

“The ability to design and improve materials that impact a variety of fields really motivated me to pursue this discipline.”

She found her path in materials science — a field where physics, chemistry and engineering intersect — which would allow her to study materials from the atomic level to real-world applications.

“Ultimately, everything is made up of materials,” she says. “By changing a material’s structure or composition, you can drastically alter its performance. The ability to design and improve materials that impact a variety of fields really motivated me to pursue this discipline.”

That curiosity has evolved into something bigger: tackling the challenge of sustainably recovering rare earth metals that are vital to the future of energy and technology.

Advancing Sustainable Extraction

Over the past year in the , led by Assistant Professor of Engineering Kausik Mukhopadhyay, Lichtenberg has focused on a breakthrough approach that uses a naturally occurring protein, lanmoudulin.

“The protein can capture rare earth elements from dilute waste streams, and then a small temperature change can trigger the protein to release them so they can be collected,” she says. “This could create a more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly way to recover valuable materials.”

Those materials are critical to everything from renewable energy systems to manufacturing; however, traditional extraction methods rely heavily on large amounts of energy and chemicals sourced from acid mine drainage, coal byproducts and electronic waste.

Lichtenberg’s work points to a sustainable future.

“By developing protein-based systems that selectively capture and release these elements, we could potentially reduce the reliance on traditional extraction,” she says.

At Los Alamos National Laboratory, Lichtenberg will take that work further, designing modified proteins, producing them in the lab and testing how effectively they bind and release rare earth elements.

“It is a very exciting interdisciplinary project that combines protein engineering, materials science and sustainability,” she says. “I hope to continue this research after the internship ends.”

It Takes a Lab — and a Team

But just as impactful as the research has been, the environment that’s shaped it has been.

“Dr. Mukhopadhyay is a fantastic mentor who creates a very supportive and positive environment that encourages learning [both] in and out of the lab,” Lichtenberg says. “The graduate students in the lab have [also] played a huge role in … helping me learn new techniques and [understand] the experiments and science itself.”

Next, she plans to continue her journey as a Knight by pursuing a doctoral degree at UCF, advancing her research as a graduate member of the KM Lab.

For Lichtenberg, this internship isn’t the finish line — it’s just the beginning of reimagining how the world sources its most essential materials.

Since its inception in 2017, the Shining Knights Alumni Awards have honored individuals whose impact transcends campus and community. The inaugural awards were presented to former UCF President John C. Hitt and his wife, Martha, who became the university’s first Honorary Alumni. Among the most prestigious distinctions is the Michelle Akers Award, presented to alumni whose achievements have brought global acclaim to UCF — named for the legendary 1989 graduate, Olympic gold medalist, and one of the greatest soccer players of all time.

“This year’s honorees are nothing short of inspiring,” says Heather Junod, associate vice president for Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving. “Each has illuminated their field with brilliance, carried UCF’s values into the world, and uplifted the lives of others in ways that make our entire Knight Nation proud. They are proof that when Knights charge on, the world takes notice.”

Distinguished Alumni Award

The highest honor bestowed annually upon a UCF graduate.

Kenneth Dixon ’75
A visionary leader and champion of UCF, Dixon’s influence spans more than five decades — from founding the Kenneth G. Dixon School of Accounting to advancing UCF Athletics and student career development. His generosity has elevated UCF’s reputation and inspired generations of Knights to pursue greatness. Dixon’s steadfast commitment has shaped UCF into a powerhouse for academic and athletic achievement, leaving a legacy that will transform both individuals and the university for generations.

Kevin ’92 and Christine Wydra ’93
For more than three decades, the Wydras have enriched UCF through leadership, generosity and vision. Their commitment inspires students and alumni to carry the torch forward. From supporting scholarships to advancing programs that fuel innovation and community impact, Kevin and Christine have left a lasting mark on campus life and cultivated a culture of giving that will inspire Knights for years to come.

Jason Eichenholz ’95MS ’98PhD
Eichenholz is a serial entrepreneur, executive, philanthropist and recognized pioneer in laser and optics. Over the past two decades, he founded multiple companies that have raised over a billion dollars of investor funding. He is the current CEO and founder of hollow core fiber company Relativity Networks. When he’s not reshaping industries, Eichenholz dedicates himself to serving others — both as a volunteer firefighter and EMT, and through his greatest passion: the Jonathan’s Landing Foundation, a nonprofit creating a comprehensive community for adults across the autism spectrum.

Cathleen Wheatley ’17DNP
As president of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist and Davie Medical Centers, Wheatley leads with excellence while championing nursing education through the Knightingale Society. Her leadership has touched thousands across North Carolina and the world. Known for her vision and compassion, she has strengthened healthcare delivery and inspired the next generation of nurses and healthcare leaders.

John C. and Martha Hitt Honorary Alumni Award

The highest honor for a friend of UCF

Mary Palmer
A global educator and founder of the Florida Alliance for Arts Education, Palmer has enriched generations through teaching, philanthropy and advancing arts education statewide. Her advocacy has opened doors for countless students, while her mentorship and leadership have cultivated a community that values creativity as central to learning and growth. Palmer’s vision continues to inspire students and educators to pursue excellence and innovation in the arts.

N. Donald Diebel Sr.
A retired physician whose leadership sustains the UCF College of Medicine’s KNIGHTS Clinic, Diebel ensures vital healthcare for various communities. Beyond his clinical work, he has championed programs that train future physicians in service and empathy. His dedication has improved countless lives and inspired students and colleagues to embrace medicine as both a science and a calling.

Young Alumni Award

The highest annual honor for a recent 30 Under 30 honoree.

Padmavathi Ganduri ’21
From first-generation college student to serving in the Department of Homeland Security, Ganduri is now pursuing her juris doctor at George Washington ����ֱ�� with ambitions to return to public service and make an even greater impact.

Distinguished Student Award

The highest honor for a current UCF student.

Ossyris Bury
An aerospace engineering major and Burnett Honors College Scholar, Bury has mentored hundreds of STEM students, welcomed thousands of prospective Knights and earned national recognition for her research in structural dynamics. Her leadership and excellence embody UCF’s bold future.

Shi will graduate this May with her M.D. degree after completing her Master of Public Health from Purdue ����ֱ�� Global and her bachelor’s in pre-medical sciences and studio art from Bard College at Simon’s Rock in Massachusetts.

She says she was drawn to UCF’s medical school because of its young, pioneering spirit and strong Arts in Medicine opportunities that encourage students, faculty and staff to express themselves through creativity in addition to science.

“I enjoy drawing and playing the piano, which I have done for almost 20 years,” she says. “In addition to the therapeutic effects of art and music for patients, I have appreciated how the visual arts contributes to the practice of medicine, from the power of observation, reflection and critical analysis.”

Her art has been featured at the College of Medicine’s annual arts showcase, its literary arts magazine, The Script, as well as in galleries in Massachusetts and Orlando.

She became inspired to become a doctor during college, after volunteering at hospitals in Peru, where patients from rural areas traveled miles by foot to get healthcare. That experience inspired her to care for communities lacking healthcare resources, and as a medical student she volunteered at and became clinical director of the St. Thomas Aquinas free clinic in St. Cloud.

The Florida Board of Medicine recently honored Shi with its Chairman’s Medical Student Recognition award, which recognizes medical students who embody leadership, professionalism, compassion and academic excellence while excelling in clinical practice and community service.

Medical research has also been a rewarding part of her UCF experience. She has investigated proteins that affect triple-negative breast cancer proliferation, the use of ultrasound by paramedics to improve care and the effects of plant-based diets on blood pressure in patients with chronic kidney disease. She presented the blood pressure-kidney disease study at the American College of Lifestyle Medicine conference in 2024.

“I enjoy the curiosity, attention to detail, and collaboration involved in research projects,” Shi says. “I believe it can be an eye-opening experience for medical students.”

She plans to do her residency training in internal medicine, hoping that her clinical, research and arts background will help her provide excellent, long-lasting care for patients.

Parker graduates this semester with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and will be working for global energy technology leader Siemens. As a power protection and automation engineer she will have the opportunity to design and implement innovative power protection and automation solutions for evolving power systems, paving the way for the integration of clean energy and smart technologies.

“I am very excited to … work at a company that I feel is making a positive impact,” she says.

Parker says she was inspired to enter the field by her passion for protecting the environment and motivated by the promising growth in the renewable energy industry.

“I want to contribute to the creation of more sustainable, reliable and efficient power systems,” she says. “I love being outside and contributing to environmental advocacy, so I decided that I would combine my passions and focus on electric power systems.”

Gaining Skills Through Hands-on Experiences

Parker says UCF has been instrumental in preparing her for her career, sharing that her internships and jobs offered at the Society of Women Engineers conferences were made possible with support from UCF. In addition, an introduction from her academic advisor connected her to a recruiter at Siemens to help her land her future job.

“My professors and advisors have set me up for success through their continual support,” Parker says. “I have learned important skills in my classes and have had teachers that were eager to help me achieve my goals.”

“My professors and advisors have set me up for success through their continual support.”

At UCF, she was able to gain hands-on experience with technology used in the industry as a member of the Siemens Digital Grid Lab, led by Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Associate Professor Wei Sun.

The lab, an in-kind gift from Siemens in 2017, is used as part of the curriculum in upper-level electrical engineering classes and serves as an active research lab. The facility gives students and researchers the opportunity to use real-time digital simulations of power grids and prototype microgrid systems. The lab also enables users to incorporate renewable energy sources and design and operate self-healing grids that are less vulnerable to cyberattacks and natural disasters, including damage from hurricanes.

Winning Top Honors

Parker recently demonstrated her skills as a future electrical engineer through her senior design project, Cyber Smart Home Integrated Environment for Learning and Defense (CYBER SHIELD). Complete with a mini replica that emulated a real smart home powered by solar, she and her teammates developed a novel educational tool that provided an engaging, interactive experience in demonstrating how smart power systems work. The project also featured a cyberattack detection algorithm to help show vulnerabilities in the power grid and potential ways to mitigate these risks.

CYBER SHIELD won the coveted Best in Show award of the Fall 2024 Senior Design Showcase, awarded to the top overall project among all engineering disciplines.

“I am beyond thankful that I was a part of such an impactful project with the most amazing team,” Parker says. “CYBER SHIELD turned out even better than I could have ever imagined thanks to the hard work and dedication of each team member. It is amazing to think that this project will continue to educate students in the lab long after we have graduated. We made sure to hang a picture of the team, or our CYBER SHIELD family, in the house to preserve the great memories.”

Making the Most of Her College Journey

Outside the classroom, Parker showed her commitment to the energy sector through her involvement with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Power and Energy Society (IEEE PES), serving as its vice president. She has been recognized for her service and stellar academic record by being awarded two scholarships from the IEEE PES Scholarship Plus Initiative.

When it came time to choose a college, UCF’s highly rated electrical engineering program was a key factor in her decision.

“I chose to attend UCF because it is a leader in STEM education.”

“I chose to attend UCF because it is a leader in STEM education,” says Parker. “I have wanted to be an engineer since I was in fifth grade, and I saw that UCF had one of the best electrical engineering programs in the state.”

As she looks back on her time at UCF, her fondest memories involve enjoying UCF’s beautiful campus, underscoring her appreciation for nature and her drive to create sustainable solutions by working in the power industry.

“I have so many fond memories walking with my friends in the UCF Arboretum, playing guitar by Lake Claire, and watching the beautiful Florida sunsets through the trees on the trails,” she says.

Finding Success After Graduation

Parker will have the opportunity to share her passion for the environment well beyond Florida as she embarks on an international adventure after commencement, sharing her expertise halfway around the world before starting her position with Siemens in North Carolina next June.

“I will be volunteering in the Philippines, Thailand and Spain,” she says. “In each place, I will be working on projects focused on environmental initiatives and conservation.”

“I would like to say thank you to all of the amazing professors at UCF who have gone above and beyond to help students succeed.”

Although her new adventures will take her many miles away from UCF, her heart will forever remain with Knight Nation.

“I would like to say thank you to all of the amazing professors at UCF who have gone above and beyond to help students succeed,” Parker says. “I have had some of the best teachers of my life here at UCF. I will never forget the time and effort my professors spent on helping me learn and accomplish my dreams. I would like to express my gratitude to Dr. Wei Sun, Dr. [Arthur] Weeks, Dr. Qun Zhou Sun and Dr. Justin Phelps for being incredible sources of inspiration. Also, thank you to my research team in the Digital Grid Lab for their constant support and collaboration, as well as to Dr. [Reza] Abdolvand for fostering an environment where students are inspired to aim for greatness.”

This year’s Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences Graduate Research Symposium featured more than 50 research projects. Students shared their findings with faculty and competed for cash prizes for the top research.

The symposium provides young researchers with the opportunity to analyze their data and create compelling presentations that can ultimately get support from research funding organizations, says Jackie Zhao, a Burnett School professor and symposium chair.

“It takes a lot of effort and hard work to … get the data for these presentations. Without that, you cannot have a presentation,” he says. “Students also need to … pull that together into a good story that they can continue to work on — from the bench, into clinical trials and potentially into a new drug.”

Second-year doctoral student Aaron Beaird joined the Burnett School with a passion for understanding infectious diseases. He discovered a mentor in Tara Strutt, associate professor and College of Medicine immunology researcher.

Beaird’s research focuses on better understanding influenza so medicine can develop one complete vaccine, rather than changing the flu vaccine every year based on the disease’s newest strain.

Current vaccines are designed to attack influenza’s surface proteins, which change constantly. Beaird is looking at ways to attack the virus’ internal, more stable proteins to create a superpowered vaccine patients might only have to take once.

Generally, vaccines work by introducing a weak or inactive version of a virus to the body. This allows the immune system to recognize the virus as a threat and remember how to fight it when you’re exposed to the flu.

However, not all of the body’s memory cells are created equal. Beaird’s research is examining the makeup of the strongest memory cells to see how future vaccines can be developed that program these cells to help the body create superpowered defenses against the flu.

Beaird says that the conference gave him experience on the best ways to present his scientific discoveries.

“Having the opportunity to talk with my peers and faculty who understand this research and are contributing to the advancement of science is super exciting,” he says. “When we go to conferences, we are going to have to present posters, and you don’t want that to be your first time doing it, so you need practice presenting.”

The event also allows undergraduates and new graduate students to experience the variety of research happening at the Burnet School of Biomedical Sciences. Its faculty researchers are focused on finding cures and treatments for the diseases that plague humanity — including infectious, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases and cancer.

“The Burnett research symposium is a great opportunity for our students and postdocs to showcase their research work to their peers and faculty,” says Saleh Naser, the Burnett School’s associate director of graduate studies. “It also allows our new students to be introduced to the ongoing research at the Burnett labs.”

Congratulations to this year’s winners in each of the categories:

Best Ph.D. poster

Anamaria Morales-Alvarez from Hung Nguyen’s lab

Poster: Metabolic Reprogramming of T Cells via GPR84 Inhibition Improves Cancer Immunotherapy

Best Postdoc poster

Jichao Ma from Zixi Jack Cheng’s lab

Poster: Identification of Spinal Afferent Innervation in the Rat Heart: Atria and Ventricles: Anterograde Tracing

Best M.S. poster

Erika A. Serravalle from William Self’s lab

Poster: Evaluating the Antimicrobial Properties of Fungus-Derived Xanthoquinodins against Clostridioides difficile

Ten Knights were selected for the 2024 Department of Defense (DoD) Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship, an educational and workforce opportunity available to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing STEM degrees. The program covers the cost of tuition and education related expenses, provides an annual stipend of at least $30,000 a year, provides a mentored internship experience during the summer and offers employment at a DoD facility upon degree completion. The goal of the program is to build a workforce of leaders in the STEM disciplines.

The recipients are:

• Brandon Allen
• Matthew Hadad
• Emily Kinkead
• Joseph Lee
• Thomas Nguyen
• Conner Parsay
• Jordyn Sitson
• Jeffery Smith
• Enilda Velazquez ’20
• Louis Vest

Brandon Allen

Master’s in electrical engineering student

As a gifted math and science student, Allen says he always wanted to be an engineer, something his mom encouraged during his childhood. He chose electrical engineering for its novelty compared to other more well-known disciplines.

“I chose electrical engineering because it deals with concepts that are so unknown to most people, almost as if it were a form of magic,” Allen says.

He was drawn to UCF for two reasons: his family in close proximity, and for its optics programs, which are ranked in the top 30 worldwide according to U.S. News & World Report.

“I chose UCF because of its optics program. In my line of work, I deal with infrared cameras and other electro-optical devices,” Allen says. “Also, I have family members in the area that will help make UCF feel like a home away from home.”

Allen adds that he applied to the SMART scholarship program for the financial opportunity to attend school full time.

“I plan on using my education to help foster innovation within the Air Force,” he says. “Also, I have hopes that an M.S. degree will help me obtain promotions and take on more of a leadership role.”

Matthew Hadad

Bachelor’s in electrical engineering student

Electrical engineering major Hadad knew he had a penchant for electrical engineering from his interest in circuit math from a high school course, AP Physics I. His pursuit of the field is also an homage to his mom, who had planned on studying electrical engineering herself.

“My mother was going to be an electrical engineering major, but she could not finish because she had given birth to me, and I was a bigger priority for her than her major,” Hadad says.

UCF wasn’t the school he dreamed of growing up, but a high school friend convinced him to become a Knight and he hasn’t looked back since. When he learned of the opportunity to pursue the SMART scholarship, its military ties were a natural fit for him. Hadad says he was always fascinated with naval history, particularly of navies during World War II.

“I am very grateful for the SMART Scholar program. After I receive my M.S. degree, I plan to work for the U.S. Department of Defense for as long as possible,” Hadad says. “It’s something I have wanted to do and could see myself doing in the future.”

Emily Kinkead

Bachelor’s in photonics science and engineering student

As a transfer student, Kinkead has yet to step foot on the UCF campus, but she’s already made quite the impact. The photonics science and engineering major spent the summer at the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Armaments Center at the Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey, where she’s already participated in several STEM outreach programs. She says she’s excited for the opportunity to intern there and looks forward to learning as much as she can from the experience.

“There is so much to learn and experience,” Kinkead says. “Having the ability to do so with the support of SMART means that I will be pushed and challenged as I pursue my degree, which I hope one day will make me an invaluable member of the DoD family.”

Joseph Lee

Doctorate in chemistry student

After serving on the front line for the U.S. Army, Lee aims to make a difference in military labs to advance nuclear security research. As a chemist, his doctoral research, which is conducted under the guidance of Assistant Professor Vasileios Anagnostopoulos, focuses on understanding the interactions of radioactive elements, such as actinides, with molecules found in nature. Applications for this work can range from radioactive waste management — including response to events such as Fukushima nuclear accident in 2011 — to efficient use of nuclear fuel and even recycling.

“I aspire to join the Airforce Technical Application Center (AFTAC) located on Patrick Space Force Base upon my graduation,” Lee says. “There I will have the opportunity to contribute to the nation’s mission related to nuclear security and global monitoring of nuclear activities under the DoD.”

With the SMART Scholarship, Lee is on the right path to his dream career as he’ll be interning at AFTAC each summer until he graduates.

“The DoD is offering opportunities for the next generation of subject matter experts in the field of nuclear science and technology,” Lee says. “Along with this, UCF is providing me the fundamental academic resources and training as a graduate student. These opportunities will provide me with a unique skillset in the future of scientific progression.”

Thomas Nguyen

Doctorate in biomedical engineering student

Nguyen is no stranger to prestigious internships. The biomedical engineering doctoral student previously completed the Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program (NREIP), sponsored by the Office of Naval Research. Fittingly, Nguyen completed his DoD SMART internship with the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWCTSD). He says both his time at UCF and his experience with NREIP have prepared him for this opportunity.

“Notably, my involvement in projects like the T-45 Flight Simulator Development and the Dental Aerosol Reduction System (DARS) project during my NREIP internships has provided me with firsthand experience in applying engineering principles to defense-related simulations,” Nguyen says. “These experiences have prepared me to excel in a dynamic and challenging environment, where innovation and technical expertise are paramount.”

Nguyen will work under the mentorship of senior research and development engineer Rocco Portoghese, assisting with projects that leverage simulation technologies to enhance the effectiveness of military training. Through his work, Nguyen hopes to enhance his knowledge of simulation technologies, develop technical skills in electrical circuitry and 3D design, and emerge from the internship as a leader ready for a career with a defense organization.

“This opportunity represents a pivotal moment in my academic and professional journey, allowing me to contribute directly to defense technology while furthering my education,” Nguyen says. “I am eager to immerse myself in challenging projects and collaborate with experts in the field, ultimately making meaningful contributions to the defense industry.”

Jordyn Sitson

Bachelor’s in information technology  student

After graduation, Jordyn Sitson plans to become a cyber analyst and researcher. Now in her senior year, she’s already lined up a job with the DoD.

“My favorite part of the cybersecurity field has always been finding the clues that lead up to a cyber-attack, and by pursuing a career as an analyst and researcher I’ll be able to search for these traces firsthand and stay up to date on any trends that may be related to the cause of potential cyberattacks,” Sitson says.

The computer science major heard about the SMART Scholarship through a speaker at the Women in Cybersecurity Club at UCF. “The scholarship is still relatively unknown and easy to apply for,” Sitson says. “I encourage anyone in STEM that is looking for a chance to get a head start working and gaining experience at a DoD facility to apply for this scholarship.”

This summer, Sitson gained experience as a cybersecurity intern at NAVFAC, the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command in Jacksonville, Florida. There she worked with four cybersecurity teams, which helped her decide to work with the Operational Technology team for the following summers.

“Learning information and applying it are completely different so I hope that with this real-world experience I become a better cyber analyst that can help contribute to NAVFAC’s mission,” Sitson says.

Jeffery Smith

Master’s in civil engineering student

UCF’s reputation for engineering education, its proximity to prominent engineering organizations and its partnerships with industry giants like the DoD persuaded Smith to become a Knight. That decision paid off for Smith, who will conveniently complete his internship at his current workplace, the Jacksonville District Office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Smith works under the mentorship of civil engineer Tony Ledford, learning how to apply the concepts he’s learned in the classroom to the real world.

“I look forward to benefiting from Tony Ledford’s experience as a mentor and learning about creative engineering techniques, efficient project management techniques and problem-solving techniques,” Smith says. “In addition, I’m excited to expand my professional networks and ties inside the DoD, which will be very helpful for my future job.”

Smith says the opportunity to work for the DoD, and to receive financial support for his graduate students, were just a few benefits that drew him to the SMART Scholar program.

“Getting chosen as a SMART Scholar is a thrilling and incredibly fulfilling experience,” Smith says. “Knowing that my efforts and commitment have been acknowledged in a fiercely competitive sector is a great source of pride and achievement.”

Enilda Velazquez ’20

Doctorate in human factors and cognitive psychology student, bachelor’s in psychology alum with minors in cognitive sciences, and international and national security

Inspired by her parents’ work in civilian defense through the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy, Velazquez aims to be a scientist contributing to U.S. national security. At UCF, Velazquez has engaged in several research experiences, including previous efforts with the Transportation Research Group Lab and current work with the Minds in Technology, Machines in Thought (MIT2) Lab.

“My research is on visual performance, but specifically multi-target search, [which is] how we look at multiple things of interest in a scene that has other things that are not of interest,” she says. “The biggest impact of my work is safety.”

While Velazquez says she’s had some valuable research experiences at UCF, she’s looking forward to taking her work to the next level with optics work at the C5ISR Center, which is one of eight science and technology domains within the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, known as DEVCOM. She also says she’s looking forward to serving as an apprentice to a mentor working in the field.

“I’m very excited just be on hands-on projects and kind of learn by doing. I love learning by doing. I feel like that’s most of my career has been learning by doing,” Velazquez says. “And so just to be on projects where I can see this kind of research be applied real time, I feel like that’s honestly the most invaluable part of this entire thing.”

Louis Vest

Doctorate in aerospace engineering student

Before Louis Vest decided a doctoral degree, he debated following in his father and grandfather’s steps to join the military. With the SMART Scholarship program, he’s able to serve his country in a different way.

“My father instilled in me a very serious work ethic and a dedication to take advantage of opportunities that he did not have, in this case, being able to go to school,” Vest says. “I think the biggest driving force for [why I applied to] SMART was …  having the opportunity to serve my country as a civilian contractor with the DoD.”

Vest always knew he wanted to be an engineer, but his journey at UCF solidified his career would be in the aerospace industry. The doctoral student’s research focuses on fundamental fuel chemistry, and he is mentored by Professor Subith Vasu, who studies clean energy and hypersonic travel advancement.

“Upon connecting with [Dr. Vasu], he was the reason that I came out to UCF,” Vest says. “I had done a little bit of reading on research opportunities with Vasu that students were able to pave their way through, and it felt like a very natural fit. … The environment, and by extension the community, that UCF fosters, particularly in the sciences, is unparalleled.”

Next summer, he’ll intern at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Indian Head, Maryland, gaining hands-on experience and industry insights that would normally take years to achieve, he says.

“I hope to be a part of the next generation of researchers who find the most efficient fuels to be used in the aerospace and astronomical industries,” Vest says, “And I’m hoping to gain the opportunity to work alongside other engineers and partners to effectively help pave the way for the next frontier, which I believe is a space.”