Designed to accelerate innovation, the Orlando Health Strategic Innovations group connects real clinical and operational challenges with student and academic talent, creating a healthcare environment where ideas are tested, informed by feedback, and continually improved. The space serves as an extension of the system’s downtown headquarters and is jointly funded by Orlando Health Ventures and the Orlando Health Innovation teams.

Orlando Health’s presence within SPRK aligns with UCF’s broader co-location strategy, which brings industry partners onto campus to catalyze innovation through proximity. The approach emphasizes shared space, shared challenges and shared outcomes to accelerate problem-solving, support experiential learning and speed the translation of ideas into practice.

The co-location marks the latest milestone in Orlando Health’s long-standing partnership with UCF.

“By working side by side at SPRK, we are accelerating innovation and moving real-world healthcare solutions more quickly into the communities we serve.”  — Alexander N. Cartwright, Ů��AV president

The Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute provides comprehensive, year-round care for UCF student-athletes, including on-field coverage, primary care sports medicine, and specialized imaging. As a Pegasus Partner, Orlando Health pledged $5 million toward the , which supports nursing internships, scholarships, and hiring, helping to address the state’s nursing shortage. In addition, Orlando Health and UCF collaborate on advanced technology projects — such as the AI for Medical Surgery system — jointly offer specialized residency programs and collaborate in many additional ways.

“Orlando Health has been an exceptional partner, demonstrating what is possible when industry and academia come together with shared purpose. This next phase of co-location builds on that foundation,” says UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright. “By working side by side at SPRK, we are accelerating innovation and moving real-world healthcare solutions more quickly into the communities we serve.”

Healthcare Innovation at the Center of Campus

Located in approximately 2,649 square feet within SPRK, the Strategic Innovations group was intentionally placed, here, to foster continuous collaboration with faculty and students across disciplines.

This co-location enables a new operating model. Orlando Health brings real health system challenges directly into the academic environment, and interdisciplinary teams of students, faculty, and Orlando Health innovators rapidly design, test, and refine solutions.

Early collaboration has already begun to generate impact in areas such as cancer research, digital health, creation of AI models and various orthopedic innovations.

“The opening of an Orlando Health Strategic Innovations space at UCF represents our shared commitment to advancing healthcare delivery through bold new ideas,” says Jamal Hakim, M.D., chief physician officer, Orlando Health. “Through this partnership, we are creating a collaborative environment where clinicians, researchers, students and industry leaders can generate real-world solutions and drive innovations that will shape the future of how we care for patients.”

Built to Go For Launch

The latest milestone in , this co-location represents UCF’s deep commitment to the ecosystem of support powering our vision for the future.

Through a collective effort — combining philanthropy and transformational giving with corporate partnerships, research commercialization and other revenue-generating endeavors — UCF is charting a bold new path forward and building a future the world has only begun to imagine.

“This co-location with Orlando Health exemplifies the kind of partnership that powers Go for Launch, bringing industry and academia together to create real-world impact,” says Rod Grabowski, UCF vice president for Advancement and Partnership, and CEO of the UCF Foundation. “By aligning visionary partners with UCF’s innovation ecosystem, we are accelerating discovery, expanding opportunity and advancing solutions that improve lives.”

Four outstanding undergraduate students are redefining the boundaries of STEM through their high-impact research — and in doing so, placing the university among the nation’s top producers of Goldwater Scholars.

The prestigious Goldwater Scholarship identifies and supports the nation’s best student researchers in the fields of engineering, mathematics and natural sciences.

This year’s honorees — all expected to graduate next spring — have propelled Ů��AV into an elite tier of research institutions, surpassing several Ivy League institutions and tying for fourth in the nation in total Goldwater Scholars produced alongside Stanford University, the University of Notre Dame and the University of Chicago. Their impactful work reflects UCF’s commitment to building a high-level research environment that empowers students to lead projects addressing significant global and scientific challenges.

Supporting Space Exploration

Goldwater Scholar: Keanu Brayman

Major: Mechanical engineering

Ultimate Goal: To develop robotic systems to support human exploration on Mars.

Keanu Brayman’s passion for space began early.

“One of my earliest memories is watching a Space Shuttle streak across the sky from a beach in South Florida,” Brayman says. “I remember being amazed there were people on board and feeling drawn to one day help explore the stars and discover what lies beyond our planet.”

At UCF, Brayman has refined that dream with the support of faculty and mentors — including Department of Physics Chair and Professor Adrienne Dove, Associate Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Tarek Elgohary and NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Engineer Christopher Proctor — as well as through programs like the .

He plans to pursue a doctoral degree in aerospace engineering to support lunar exploration and NASA’s Artemis program, as well as develop robotic systems that can extract resources and build infrastructure to support human exploration on Mars.

Engineering the Brain

Goldwater Scholar: Kyle Coutray

Majors: Computer engineering and biomedical sciences

Ultimate Goal: To research ways to restore communication, movement and cognitive function to the brain through engineering methods.

Kyle Coutray is focused on the intersection of neuroscience and technology.

“I’m interested in building systems that interact directly with the brain,” Coutray says. “In the lab, … [I’m] blending [both majors] into one approach.”

He aims to pursue a doctoral degree in neural engineering to further his research on brain-computer interfaces that translate complex brain activity into useful functions.

A 2026 Order of Pegasus inductee and a Burnett Honors Scholar, Coutray credits his success to disciplined focus and strong mentorship, particularly from Charles N. Millican Professor of Computer Science Joseph LaViola and Associate Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Helen Huang.

Advancing Patient Care

Goldwater Scholar: Varun Nannuri

Major: Molecular and cellular biology

Ultimate Goal: To pursue a career as a physician-scientist.

Varun Nannuri is driven by a desire to understand why people experience different health outcomes and improve care.

“Through my clinical experiences, I have seen how much patients and families rely on physicians during some of the most difficult moments of their lives,” Nannuri says. “My research experiences have shown me that better care depends on asking better questions.”

Nannuri plans to pursue a dual M.D./Ph.D. degree and become a physician-scientist. His ambition earned him recognition as a 2026 Order of Pegasus inductee while also completing his Honors Undergraduate Thesis. Nannuri is also a member of the Burnett Honors College as a Burnett Medical Scholar, a program that offers guaranteed admission to the UCF College of Medicine upon completion.

“UCF has given me opportunities to grow as a student, researcher, leader and future physician,” Nannuri says.

Restoring Human Senses

Goldwater Scholar: Trevor Overton

Majors: Electrical engineering and biomedical sciences

Ultimate Goal: To improve the lives of people with disabilities through advanced robotic prostheses.

Burnett Honors Scholar Trevor Overton’s work centers on neuroengineering and next-generation prosthetics.

“I’ve always had a passion for building things, and I also love reading and watching sci-fi,” Overton says. “When UCF offered me the opportunity to join the MEDD [ … I knew I had to take it.”

UCF’s MEDD program provides scientifically driven students like Overton with a unique opportunity to integrate engineering principles into medicine.

Much like the development of cochlear implants, Overton imagines similar breakthroughs with vision and touch.

“I envision a future where robotic prostheses are so advanced that they could completely replace or enhance the abilities of humans,” Overton says. “It’s not entirely impossible.”

After earning a doctoral degree in electrical engineering with a focus on neuroengineering, he hopes to inspire the next generation — just as his professors inspired him — emphasizing that UCF’s strength lies in professors who actively invest in their students.

A Growing Research Powerhouse

With four 2026 Goldwater Scholarship recipients, UCF continues to strengthen its position as a leader in undergraduate research. The achievement reflects both students’ immense dedication and a university-wide commitment to driving innovation, mentorship and hands-on discovery. As these Knights prepare for the next steps in their academic journeys, they carry forward a shared mission: to turn research into real-world impact.

Students interested in applying for the Goldwater Scholarship or other major national awards should contact the Office of Prestigious Awards at opa@ucf.edu.

Gray, who died April 22 at age 94, leaves behind a legacy woven into nearly every corner of Central Florida. A lawyer, civic leader, builder and philanthropist, he helped create the institutions, infrastructure and opportunities that generations have benefited from.

“At a time when this region was still defining its future, Charlie Gray was among those who saw what could be — and had the courage and persistence to help build it.” — Alexander N. Cartwright, Ů��AV president

For UCF, his impact was foundational. It exists in every student who walks campus with possibility ahead of them, in every graduate who helps shape the future of this region and in every reminder that one person can change the course of a community.

“At a time when this region was still defining its future, Charlie Gray was among those who saw what could be — and had the courage and persistence to help build it,” Cartwright says. “His leadership and belief in the power of higher education helped lay the foundation for the Ů��AV, an institution that has opened doors of opportunity for generations of students and strengthened communities across Central Florida and our state.

“When we first arrived at UCF, Charlie and Saundra were incredibly gracious in welcoming Melinda and me. It meant a great deal to know him not only as a leader and champion of this university, but as someone whose warmth and generosity left a lasting impression on our family.

“On behalf of UCF, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who were touched by his life and legacy. We are grateful for his contributions and will continue to honor the example he set for what is possible.”

Building a New University for Central Florida

Gray is often described as the “grandfather of UCF,” a title earned through decades of action. In the mid-1960s, as a young attorney and rising political strategist, he helped deliver the momentum needed to turn the vision of a Central Florida university into reality.

After Gray helped Haydon Burns win the race for governor for 1965-67, Burns asked what he wanted in return. Gray’s answer was simple: “Number one, I want a new university.”

Burns delivered, making the project the state’s top higher education funding priority and helping secure what would become Florida Technological University — now UCF.

It was a defining example of Gray’s leadership style: he asked not for personal gain, but for something transformational for the community.

Today, UCF graduates nearly 19,000 students annually and stands as one of the region’s greatest economic engines. Gray remained deeply connected to the university long after its founding, serving as chair of the UCF Foundation and helping guide its growth. In 2016, he received an honorary doctorate of public service.

Driving Prosperity Across Florida

Gray’s impact extended far beyond UCF.

As chairman of the Florida Turnpike Authority, he oversaw the design and construction of the turnpike interchange with Interstate 4 — the gateway to Walt Disney World. That infrastructure helped solidify Walt and Roy Disney’s decision to bring their vision to Central Florida, forever reshaping the region’s economy and identity.

He also secured state support for State Road 408, opening new pathways for growth. As Orange County Attorney, he helped resolve a crippling sewer moratorium, advance the Tourist Development Tax and support development of the Orange County Convention Center, downtown County Administration Center and expansion of the Orange County Library System.

Gray co-founded the Orlando Economic Development Commission (now the Orlando Economic Partnership) and helped attract major employers and mission-driven organizations, including Campus Crusade for Christ and Wycliffe Bible Translators.

He also helped finance the original Orlando Arena, supporting the city’s effort to secure an NBA franchise and helping Orlando become what many called a “major league city.”

In every chapter, Gray believed strong communities do not happen by accident — they are built by people willing to think long-term and serve selflessly.

That philosophy shaped GrayRobinson, the law firm he co-founded in 1970. His guiding principle — “when you build your community, you will build your firm” — became the base of one of Florida’s most influential law firms.

Honoring Charlie Gray’s Legacy

Beyond his professional accomplishments, those closest to him remember a man defined by faith, family and partnership.

He and his wife, Saundra, shared more than 70 years of marriage and adventure — sailing around the world aboard Sea Gem, ranching cattle and preserving Florida’s natural beauty. Together, they donated their beloved Gemini Springs home to Volusia County as a permanent public park.

Gray is remembered as a selfless leader who gave freely to help others, as he believed in putting in the hard work to solve problems, empower people and build together.

A service will be held Monday, April 27, at 3 p.m. at Orlando Lutheran Towers in the Chapel, with the entrance on Liberty Avenue.

In lieu of flowers, consider honoring Gray by — those building a future Gray would be proud of.

In his role as the senior associate vice president for government and community relations, Kittinger has been a constant and trusted presence in UCF’s work across Central Florida.

He has faithfully represented the university with a spirit of collaboration, generosity, and care that has strengthened relationships and opened doors for years, leading to some of the university’s most impactful, long-lasting, and strategic partnerships.

On April 22, Kittinger will conclude his tenure at his beloved alma mater after nearly 23 years of service.

“Fred Kittinger has approached his work with authenticity, optimism and a sincere joy that brings people together and builds the connections that propel our success,” says UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright. “He has left a lasting impression with everyone he has worked with and leaves an enduring legacy at UCF.”

Joining Knight Nation

An Orlando native, Kittinger remembers the main campus being built in the 1960s. He enrolled at ��AV in 1977, known then as Florida Technological University.

He was intent on staying one year to save enough money to eventually transfer to another, more established university in northern Florida. He abandoned the plan in mere weeks, falling in love with the school that he would later spend so much of his career serving.

“We always had that chip-on-our-shoulder attitude, even back then. I like that part of UCF,” Kittinger says. “We were the little engine that could. We knew we were going someplace. We knew we were important.”

He served on orientation team and President’s Leadership Council, joined Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity, witnessed UCF’s first home football game in 1979 and stockpiled memories he now relays with a smile before graduating with his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

After completing his master’s degree at Florida State, he went on to work as a legislative aide in the Florida Senate and as vice president with the then Orlando Chamber of Commerce. He later served as chief of staff for City of Orlando Mayor Glenda Hood.

In 2003, he was approached by the late Senior Vice President Emeritus Dan Holsenbeck and Board of Trustee charter member Patrick Christensen to gauge his interest in a position at UCF working with local governments.

Now nearly 23 years later, he’s ready for his next adventure.

Advocating for his Alma Mater

When you’re anywhere as long as Kittinger has been at UCF, you’re bound to pick up a few keepsakes. Precious items that once adorned his office walls and bookshelves will now have a new place in his home.

A metal pipe from the Reflecting Pond’s old plumbing before it was refurbished in 2018.

A Florida Tech Boulevard street sign, which may or may not have been procured in an unofficial capacity in 1978 under the guise of darkness by some of his fraternity brothers.

But his most treasured mementos are the relationships he carries with him — from the university to the community to government offices across the state.

“My greatest fortune is the number of folks I’ve had a chance to work with and develop long-term friendships with.” — Fred Kittinger

“It takes that trio to make an impact — you’ve got to have private industry, you’ve got to have government, and you have to have the non-profit independent sector all working together,” he says. “My greatest fortune is the number of folks I’ve had a chance to work with and develop long-term friendships with. I’ve been very blessed.”

He says his proudest moments are wrapped up in some of the university’s biggest milestones, all made possible through partnerships: approval for the College of Medicine; the creation of UCF’s Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy (FIEA);  the UCF Downtown campus; the growth of the UCF Business Incubation Program that spans all Central Florida counties; and working on the team that secured $90 million in Tourist Development Tax revenues from the Orange County Board of Commissioners to invest in Acrisure Bounce House.

“His ability to build trust and make people feel valued has left a lasting impression on colleagues, partners and communities across our region,” says Janet Owen, UCF vice president for government and community relations and associate general counsel.

More Than a Job

In addition to his role as an administrator, Kittinger played an active part in students’ lives for many years.

Alongside Holsenbeck and former government relations team member Alison Schultz, Kittinger helped form and guide the UCF Legislative Scholars Program, a premier, immersive, full-time experience during state legislative sessions. From the classroom to the Capitol, students gain firsthand exposure to the legislative process by working directly with legislative staff and professional lobbyists in Tallahassee, Florida. Since the program’s inception in 2005, more than 320 students have participated.

Kittinger served as a longtime adjunct instructor in the , which is part of the College of Community Innovation and Education (CCIE).

Alongside his wife of 43 years, they established the Fred and Sandra Kittinger Scholarship Fund in 2020. This scholarship supports graduate students in public administration, assisting with tuition, textbooks, fees and any other items included in the cost of education.

“What has always set Fred apart is not just what he has done, but how he has done it,” Owen says. “He brings a genuine positivity and a welcoming presence to every interaction, approaching his work with kindness, thoughtfulness and a sincere interest in others. On a personal level, I am especially grateful for Fred’s friendship and counsel over the years. He will be deeply missed.”

Miller was impressed by our reputation as an early leader in technology and STEM fields, our connection to the space program and our success expanding into other areas. In fact, UCF boasted one of the highest certified public accountant (CPA) pass rates of any public university — impressive to an aspiring accountant.

So Miller applied, was accepted and committed to UCF sight unseen. It was the beginning of a journey that would change his family’s trajectory, along with the university’s.

Today, he committed a transformational $50 million gift — the largest single philanthropic investment in the university’s history — to position UCF as a global leader in fintech, artificial intelligence (AI) and business innovation by establishing the Barry S. Miller College of Business.

First-Generation Student

Miller is president and co-founder of both Voloridge Investment Management and Voloridge Health. He also founded and sold another successful business in his entrepreneurial career.

But back when Miller was attending UCF, he was paving the way as the first in his family to go to college. His dad, a self-taught contractor and developer and a single father, saw the value of higher education for his son.

“My father had a deeply ingrained work ethic that he passed on to me,” Miller says. “In the summer, he would get me out of bed early and have me carrying lumber and working on roofs. I learned to work hard, but I also learned that [it] was a tough job to do for 50 years. I wanted to try a different path.”

Once he started on that path, there was no stopping him.

Building Foundations

At UCF, Miller became a star student. He excelled in accounting, learned numerical analysis and had a knack for understanding financial markets. He graduated magna cum laude with a degree in finance.

“I learned how to really study and apply myself academically at UCF. Essentially, I was learning strategy and project management as I made my way through school,” Miller says. “I didn’t know how impactful those habits would be until later in life. I realize now that everything I learned at UCF has been foundational to my success.”

“I realize now that everything I learned at UCF has been foundational to my success.”

Outside of class, Miller became a student-athlete, playing football when he initially came to UCF. That’s where he met then-quarterback Darin Hinshaw ’90 ’94MBA, who encouraged him to join his fraternity, Pi Kappa Alpha (PIKE), and became his big brother.

“Initially, I wasn’t interested in joining a fraternity. I had this idea that fraternities weren’t serious about school or life, and I was,” Miller says. “But my experience in PIKE ended up being formative. It’s where I learned about being a gentleman, dressing for success, networking and more.”

“To this day, so many of my friends are former fraternity brothers, including one of my best friends, Sean Hayes ’95, who has also been my business partner for nearly 30 years,” Miller continues. “As I look back, everything in my life has a connection to UCF — my friends, my business partners, my career and even my wife Rosie ’95, since we met in college.”

Leaving a Legacy

As he built his career and found success in the business and financial world, Miller wanted to give back to UCF. Over time, he has invested in first-generation and STEM student scholarships, UCF Athletics’ Knights Leadership Academy, the John T. Washington Center mural and more.

Each gift has been based on a personal connection or conviction.

“Being a first-generation student myself, having that opportunity to support students who are the first in their families to go to college is personal to me,” Miller says.

As his capacity to give grew, Miller wanted to make a transformative gift that would have an impact today and for generations to come. That led to conversations with university leaders about the opportunity to establish as a global leader in fintech, AI and business innovation.

To help bring that vision to life — and to build early momentum for , UCF’s comprehensive campaign to fuel bold ideas and build its future — Miller has committed to a $50 million gift, establishing the Barry S. Miller College of Business.

The investment will accelerate an innovative new model of business education designed for a world where technology, data and decision-making are inseparable, and it will prepare students with the skills the marketplace demands.

“We are at a seminal moment in business, and AI and new technologies are creating fundamental shifts at a dramatically faster speed than ever before,” says Miller, who was inducted into the UCF College of Business Hall of Fame in 2022. “I want UCF to become the leader in business education, paving the way for everyone else.”

Inspiring Others

“Finding a way to have an impact is one of the most gratifying things you can do with your time and money.”

Until recently, Miller has made most of his gifts to UCF anonymously. But as UCF unveiled Go For Launch, he saw a powerful opportunity to step forward and encourage others to do the same. By sharing his commitment more openly, Miller hopes to help build momentum and invite broader participation in UCF’s vision.

“I hope this gift inspires people to be part of UCF’s mission to create a bold new future and give at whatever level they can. Maybe it’s $10, $100 or $1,000 — it all makes a difference,” Miller says.

“I want to tell people this: If it’s not your time to make a gift today, maybe it will be a year from now, or five years from now,” he continues. “Finding a way to have an impact is one of the most gratifying things you can do with your time and money.”

To reduce these challenges, associate professors of health sciences Michael Rovito and Keith Brazendale in UCF’s Department of Health Sciences are conducting a 6-month intervention study, which is funded by the Florida Department of Health Cancer Innovation Fund.

The National Cancer Institute estimates survival rates for testicular cancer are high, as about 10,000 men are diagnosed each year and fewer than 5% die from the disease — underscoring the need to improve quality of life for these patients.

“Our focus is on finding ways to improve the quality of life for these survivors, and to improve their mental, emotional and social health,” says Rovito, who has researched testicular cancer and men’s health for nearly two decades.

A New Approach to Survivorship Care

Previous survivorship programs have often focused on high-intensity exercise, which can be difficult for patients managing recovery, work and family demands. To develop a more sustainable path to recovery, Rovito and Brazendale are testing a uniquely designed intervention in Florida, known as the Physical Activity and Connectivity for Testicular Cancer Survivors (PACT) program.

PACT combines low-impact, remote, physical activity with an online support network to help survivors navigate psychosocial challenges. Participants engage in regular low-intensity physical activity, such as walking or taking the stairs, and track their progress using Fitbit devices. The devices provide real-time feedback, allowing researchers to set weekly goals and offer personalized guidance. This feedback loop helps participants stay engaged while building sustainable habits.

“We’re seeking an intervention they can do for the rest of their lives,” Brazendale says. “We want these healthy supports to become habit.”

Support Beyond Physical Recovery

Connected through Zoom sessions, PACT program participants receive personalized counsel and encouragement from the researchers directly. They also take part in virtual peer-support sessions led by a social worker and a survivor advocate trained in trauma-informed care. Monthly sessions include breathwork, meditation and discussions on common concerns such as fertility, relationship changes and fear of recurrence.

“The online support session provides coping strategies and tools for the participants to use during the day, when they can feel anxious or depressed or overwhelmed,” Rovito says.

Outside of the meetings, researchers stay in touch regularly with individual messages to participants, sending tailored motivational text messages.

“Our hope is that we are providing realistic physical activity changes that are sustainable when the monitoring ends,” says Brazendale. “We want these survivors to have adopted habits and skills that result in them being healthier over the long-term.”

The researchers say they hope to expand the program to other cancer survivor groups and integrate it into broader survivorship care across Florida, while securing additional funding for larger-scale trials.

The Feasibility of the Physical Activity and Connectivity for Testicular Cancer Survivors (PACT) program is supported by a grant from the Florida Department of Health Cancer Innovation Fund grant number 25C33. 

UCF’s texts and technology program has received a 2026 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) to launch “Building a Digital Humanities Generative AI Learning Community,” a 24-month initiative designed to help faculty and graduate students thoughtfully integrate AI into humanities teaching.

This year, ��AV is leading one of only 84 projects funded by the NEH and is the only institution in Florida to be selected for the award.

Associate Professor and Professor will lead the initiative, which focuses on interdisciplinary collaboration, curriculum redesign and hands-on experimentation with emerging AI tools.

Coding for Creativity

Salter, director of graduate programs in the College of Arts and Humanities, says the project builds on a long tradition in digital humanities of teaching creative problem-solving through technology.

“In a lot of humanities programs, when we teach people how to build digital projects, we’re teaching them some level of code,” Salter says. “But often we’re working with low-code tools — interfaces designed for a specific purpose, like building a certain kind of game. Once students learn how to navigate those tools, what really matters is their ideas, the design, the story they want to tell.”

She explains that generative AI tools function in a similar way. Rather than replacing creativity, they can expand it.

“When we look at agentic AI, it’s essentially a low-code computational interface,” Salter says. “The better you can define and plan a concept, the more the system can assist with the underlying technical work — especially in the creative applications.”

Reimagining Humanities Work

Stanfill says the grant will fund course redesign efforts over the next two years. Faculty and graduate student participants will adapt existing undergraduate digital humanities courses to meaningfully incorporate AI in ways that align with humanistic expertise. Stanfill’s scholarship has recently received national recognition. In 2025, they were awarded the National Communication Association’s Diamond Anniversary Book Award for their book “Fandom Is Ugly: Networked Harassment in Participatory Culture”.

“It’s about integrating AI in a way that makes sense for each course and for what humanities already bring to the table,” Stanfill says. “The goal is to enhance — not replace — the core strengths of humanities scholarship.”

The funding will also support stipends that allow participants in the program to experiment with advanced AI tools that are expensive to access.

“They are more cost-intensive,” Salter says. “Part of what this grant allows us to do is give students real access — not just a limited sandbox version — so they can fully understand what these tools can do.”

The implications extend to areas such as archival transcription and preservation. Advances in handwriting recognition and large-scale document analysis could help students work with under-digitized collections in new ways.

“If you can bring a class into an archive that’s been underappreciated and use these tools, you can build searchable databases and identify patterns in ways that used to require years of manual labor,” Salter says.

The grant strengthens UCF’s position as a leader in digital humanities education, the researchers say. By fostering collaboration across disciplines and encouraging thoughtful AI integration, the texts and technology program aims to model how humanities scholarship can evolve alongside technological innovation.

The “Building a Digital Humanities Generative AI Learning Community”  project has been made possible in part by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

The Thermo Fisher Talos F200X analytical transmission electron microscope enables researchers — both at UCF and in industries across Florida — to observe and analyze materials at the atomic scale. Equipped with advanced nanoanalysis tools, the instrument allows direct observation of elemental, chemical, electrical and magnetic states, dramatically enhancing what scientists can measure and understand.

The instrument will be housed in UCF’s AMPAC Materials Characterization Facility (MCF), directed by Professor Jiyu Fang, and will operate as a shared university resource supporting interdisciplinary research and external partnerships.

“The new Thermo Fisher Talos F200X analytical transmission electron microscope will revolutionize materials science and engineering at the nanoscale,” says Professor Sudipta Seal, chair of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. “Its advanced analytical capabilities will enable unprecedented insight into structure–property relationships, accelerating innovation across next-generation semiconductors, quantum materials, space and hypersonic systems, and cutting-edge biomedical applications.”

“This instrument is a catalyst for discovery,” says Vice President for Research and Innovation Winston Schoenfeld. “By giving our researchers and students the ability to see and understand materials at the atomic scale, Ů��AV is unlocking new pathways for innovation across energy, aerospace, semiconductors and beyond.”

A Unique Capability in Florida

While other institutions in Florida operate microscopes within the Talos series, UCF’s system offers a distinct combination of capabilities.

It is the only Talos F200X in the state equipped with both a cold field emission gun and a super X energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy detector. This configuration significantly enhances energy resolution and high-contrast imaging, enabling exceptionally precise chemical mapping at the atomic scale.

According to Professor Akihiro Kushima, the cold field emission gun allows advanced atomistic-scale analysis even for beam-sensitive materials — samples that can be damaged under conventional imaging conditions. The improved resolution and signal collection make it possible to analyze delicate materials in ways that were previously difficult or impossible.

In addition to supporting engineering and computer science research, the instrument will expand capabilities in fields such as planetary science, where nanoscale characterization of extraterrestrial materials can provide new insight into the origins and composition of planetary bodies.

Supporting Florida’s Innovation Ecosystem

Beyond academic research, the microscope is expected to strengthen partnerships with Florida’s high-tech industries.

The Talos F200X enables deep structural understanding of advanced materials, opening new opportunities for collaboration with companies across aerospace, defense, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, electronics, semiconductors, energy and environmental sectors.

Kushima notes that the microscope is already supporting collaborations with local industry partners developing advanced battery materials. Using the Talos F200X, researchers can study how material structures evolve during charge and discharge processes, providing deeper insight into reaction mechanisms and helping optimize performance. The acquisition was made possible by the UCF Office of Research, with support from the Office of the Provost.

Training the Next Generation

The Talos F200X will be incorporated into undergraduate and graduate coursework in electron microscopy and advanced characterization techniques. Students conducting research can also gain hands-on experience after completing required training.

Understanding materials at the nano and atomic scales is essential in advanced manufacturing and semiconductor sectors, where structural insights inform synthesis optimization and failure analysis. Students trained in advanced characterization techniques such as transmission electron microscopy are highly valued in industry, positioning UCF graduates to contribute directly to Florida’s advanced manufacturing and semiconductor workforce.

Industry partners interested in utilizing the AMPAC Materials Characterization Facility may request instrument time by contacting ampacmcf@ucf.edu.

Over the past eight years, the awards have supported a wide range of projects across the arts, health, humanities and technology, reflecting the breadth of interdisciplinary work at UCF and the program’s commitment to addressing real-world needs through creative research and community partnership.

Each winning team will receive $25,000 to support projects that meaningfully integrate technology, demonstrate potential for sustainability and measure outcomes using a logic model framework. This year’s theme, “Tech for the Human Good,” emphasizes the power of arts, humanities, health and technology to create positive societal impact.

To qualify, teams must include at least one member from the College of Arts and Humanities, another UCF unit and a community partner. Submissions are evaluated on potential impact, sustainability and measurable outcomes.

Founded in 2018 by Chuck Steinmetz and Margery Pabst Steinmetz, the awards debuted as the Pabst Steinmetz Arts and Innovation Awards, becoming the first project supported by the couple’s joint foundation. Originally created to ignite research initiatives focused on arts and wellness, the scope of the awards has since broadened. Margery Pabst Steinmetz says the awards have the potential to drive innovation and lasting impact for both campus and community.

“This year’s applicant pool was especially strong and highly accomplished,” Margery Pabst Steinmetz says. “Over the last year, we made some changes to the award so more researchers and nonprofits could see how it applies to their work, but the mission remains the same: champion and grow interdisciplinary research that will have a lasting impact on our community and beyond.”

Learn more about the winning projects.

Limbitless Adaptive Sports League: Power Soccer

This project, led by Matt Dombrowski’05 ‘08MFA, professor of emerging media in the , in collaboration with Peter Smith ’05MS ’12PhD, associate professor in the , aims to develop a multiplayer adaptive sports video game for individuals who use power wheelchairs.

In partnership with UCF-based nonprofit Limbitless Solutions, the Mayo Clinic, Central Florida Dreamplex and Orlando Magic Dreamers, the project transforms competitive adaptive sports like power soccer — a sport specifically designed for individuals who use power wheelchairs — into an accessible virtual gaming experience.

The game uses an electromyographic controller to translate muscle movements into game commands, allowing players to compete while building skills that support independence, collaboration and social engagement.

“The project empowers wheelchair athletes by giving them a platform to compete, connect and develop skills in ways that weren’t previously possible,” Dombrowski says. “This award is deeply meaningful to me and to everyone at Limbitless, and we are sincerely grateful to the [Pabst Steinmetz Foundation] for recognizing and supporting this work.”

Dombrowski says his inspiration comes from former students, neighbors and colleagues who live or have lived with degenerative conditions. He and Peter Smith recently lost a respected research collaborator who profoundly shaped the project and inspired the game’s development. The collaborator introduced them to the world of power soccer, and the team proudly dedicates the effort to his memory.

“This project is special because it … supports undergraduate student creatives, brings athletes of all abilities into true partnership, and provides training and independence …” — Matt Dombrowski’05 ‘08MFA, Ů��AV professor

“This project is special because it serves multiple communities at once. It supports undergraduate student creatives, brings athletes of all abilities into true partnership, and provides training and independence through Project Xavier, our hands-free power wheelchair control system,” Dombrowski says. “At its core, this work is about access, dignity and joy. Gaming and sport should be for everyone, across all abilities. No one should ever have to lose access to something they love.”

The initiative will host an annual eSports tournament, establish a scalable framework for adaptive sports games and provide professional development opportunities for interdisciplinary UCF students. Anticipated outcomes include increased social connection, physical activity engagement and overall well-being for participants, while advancing inclusive game design.

Collaborators:

• Paulette Belser, Orlando Magic Dreamers
• Matthew Dombrowski ’05 ‘08MFA, College of Arts and Humanities
• Cameron Gomes ’08, Central Florida Dreamplex
• Albert Manero ’12 ’14MS ’16PhD, Limbitless Solutions
• Björn Oskarsson, ALS Center of Excellence at Mayo Clinic Jacksonville
• Peter Smith ’05MS ’12PhD, Nicholson School of Communication and Media, College of Sciences
• John Sparkman ’13 ’15MS, Limbitless Solutions

More information about the project can be found .

Designing for Resilience: Integrating Art and Wearable Technology for Firefighter Health, Safety and Well-Being

Led by Kaitlyn Crawford, associate professor of materials science and engineering in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, in collaboration with Ashley Taylor ’12, assistant professor of emerging media and graphic design in the School of Visual Arts and Design, this project partners with the Sanford Fire Department to design wearable technology that monitors firefighter heat stress while incorporating artistic design and educational components.

The team is integrating wearable sensors — developed in collaboration with Northwestern University — that track physiological indicators to detect heat stress. Custom graphic design elements and informational infographics will be incorporated to encourage adoption within the fire service. A design feedback loop with the local fire service in Sanford ensures the wearable designs align with firefighter culture and identity, promoting usability and long-term adoption.

“Through [the Pabst Steinmetz Foundation’s] support, we will be able to collaborate across disciplines to create critical technological advances … that result in positive societal impact.” — Kaitlyn Crawford, UCF associate professor

“The goal is to improve firefighter health and safety while respecting traditions and creating tools they’re excited to use,” Crawford says. “It’s an incredible honor to engage with our fire service community in this meaningful way. We are sincerely grateful to the [Pabst Steinmetz Foundation] for supporting this work. Through this support, we will be able to collaborate across disciplines to create critical technological advances and meaningful connections with the community that result in positive societal impact.”

The award will allow the team to scale the project across multiple regions and provide hands-on professional development opportunities for UCF students in design, engineering and research. By helping prevent cardiac events and other heat-related health risks, the initiative addresses an urgent community need while modeling how art, engineering and public service can intersect to improve lives.

An infographic illustrating the wearable device and project logic model is available .

Collaborators:

• Carter Clingan, a materials science and engineering undergraduate student at UCF
• Kaitlyn Crawford, College of Engineering and Computer Science
• David Giordano, a biomedical engineering graduate student at UCF
• Ronnie McNeil Jr., Sanford Fire Department
• Ashley Taylor ’12, College of Arts and Humanities
• Studio Pegasus students, College of Arts and Humanities

U.S. Department of Education (ED) Under Secretary of Education Nicholas Kent meets with Chanda Torres ’98 ’00MA ’08EdD, assistant vice president of the Dixon Career Development Center.

Torres shares an overview of the Kenneth G. Dixon Career Development Center, which empowers UCF students and recent graduates to successfully connect academic and career pathways — often through industry partnerships — that lead toward professional success and fulfillment.

Kent (center), ED Deputy Under Secretary James Bergeron (left) and ED Special Advisor Ethan Good (right) listen to an overview of the Lockheed Martin College Work Experience Program (CWEP).

Launched more than 40 years ago, CWEP provides paid internship experiences to about 500 UCF students annually — including about 60% of graduating Knights who are offered full-time jobs after completing the program.

ED and UCF staff in front of the Kenneth G. Dixon Career Development Center welcome sign.

Left to right: Assistant Secretary of Labor Henry Mack; Associate Vice Chancellor of Public Affairs for the State University System Tony Lee; UCF Associate Vice President for Federal Relations Eric “Tubby” Shwedo; Torres; UCF Dixon Career Development Center Program Manager Erica Hutton; Director of Career Services at UCF Lynn Hansen; Director of Experiential Learning at UCF Quynh Dang; and UCF Director of Academic Advancement Programs Michael Aldarondo‑Jeffries.

UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright joins Kent, Harding, Senior Campus Recruiter for BNY Tatiana Manzanares and Shwedo as they tour BNY’s Next‑Gen Client Technology and Operations Center in the SPRK building on UCF’s main campus.

In Fall 2025, UCF and BNY, a leading global financial services company, launched a groundbreaking $5 million Pegasus Partnership that established a co-located educational innovation hub on UCF’s main campus — the first-of-its-kind in Florida.

Kent also had the opportunity to meet and interact with students in the current BNY cohort.

At the heart of this collaboration is the 8,400 square-foot Next-Gen Cybersecurity Technology and Operations Center Lab, which reimagines how universities and global enterprises can work together to prepare the workforce of the future.

ED and UCF staff at the BNY Next-Gen Cybersecurity Technology and Operations Center Lab.

Left to right: ED Special Assistant Cristian Clementi, Good, Associate Vice Chancellor of Public Affairs for the State University System Tony Lee, Mack, Kent, Cartwright, Manzanares, Harding and Dang.

Vice President for Research and Innovation Winston Schoenfeld discusses UCF’s research enterprise and emphasizes the benefits of its adjacency to Central Florida Research Park, where defense‑focused organizations support research collaborations and workforce development.

Institute for Stimulation and Training (IST) Interim Director Carolina Cruz‑Neira offers an in‑depth overview and demonstration of IST advanced technological capabilities, with lab visits that included the Virtual and Augmented Reality Lab (VARLab).

Kent explores the CAVE system — a technology Cruz-Neira pioneered in the 90s — at the VARLab, where IST demonstrates how it develops immersive simulation systems for industry, government and research collaborators.

Cruz‑Neira provides an in‑depth demonstration of IST’s VARLab and overview of how Ů��AV is preparing the next generation through modeling, simulation and training.