UCF Advancement and Partnerships

10/21/2026

A UCF-led research team has received a $19.2 million award from the U.S. Army Research Office to explore new ways to understand and control light in complex environments. The five-year initiative brings together researchers across institutions and industry partners to advance optical science, explore real-world applications and train the next generation of scientists and engineers.

It’s a powerful example of how research, collaboration and industry partnerships can move discovery beyond the lab. 🚀

🔗 Learn more: https://bit.ly/3U7lXCg

A five-year research program will explore new ways to understand and control light traveling through turbulent and complex environments, while helping launch a new chapter for UCF’s Townes Laser Institute.

10/20/2026

UCF is partnering with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to create a new pathway for aspiring crime analysts. Through specialized training embedded in undergraduate and graduate coursework, students can gain the credentials needed to help strengthen public safety across Florida.

🔗 Learn more: https://bit.ly/4i8ZiO5

Students studying criminal justice now can complete specialized crime analyst training as part of their coursework, ensuring they can make a direct impact in crime analysis sooner.

10/14/2026

Eight trailblazing faculty members have been named 2026 Luminary Award recipients for research and scholarship making an impact across industries and communities. Their work reflects the power of UCF expertise to address complex challenges and shape what’s next.

Check out this year’s Luminaries:

The honorees are advancing discovery across fields ranging from transportation safety and quantum science to tourism, disaster resilience and emerging technology.

10/14/2026

UCF Awarded $500,000 Grant from JPMorganChase to Support STEM Education and Strengthen Pathways to UCF for Parramore Youth UCF College of Community Innovation and Education

The three-year funding initiative will provide holistic, community-based strategies to prepare Orlando students for careers in high-demand fields.

10/13/2026

A love of jazz. A father's legacy. A gift that will impact generations. 🎷

Retired UCF faculty member Joe DiNapoli created the Mike DiNapoli Jazz Studies Endowed Scholarship to honor his father's extraordinary career and help talented student musicians pursue their passions. Through this scholarship, Mike DiNapoli's music and influence will continue to inspire future Knights for years to come. 💛🖤 Read more about this story here: https://bit.ly/4esMbpI

10/05/2026

UCF Assistant Professor of Aerospace Engineering Paula do Vale Pereira and UCF alumnus Daniel Castro Ortega ’18, Senior Propulsion Engineer at Lockheed Martin Corporation, have been selected as inaugural recipients of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) 30/30 Recognition Program. 🌟

They are among 30 young professionals recognized for advancing aerospace through technical achievement, innovation and contributions shaping the future of the industry. The recognition highlights the expertise and innovation emerging from UCF’s aerospace community and the university’s role in advancing the next generation of aerospace leaders. 🚀
Check it out: https://bit.ly/4hBVrsv

AIAA is pleased to announce its newly selected 30/30 recipients – 30 young professionals advancing aerospace today and shaping the future in lasting ways. Selected for the exceptional rigor and impact…

09/25/2026

Wonderful to see our team connecting, collaborating and representing UCF at UIDP!
Our Partnerships team had a great time at the UIDP conference, connecting with leaders and exploring new opportunities to advance university-industry partnerships.

We’re excited to bring the conversation home as the University of Central Florida hosts the UIDP Conference in 2027! We can’t wait to welcome the community to Knight Nation!

09/24/2026

🚀 A transformational gift is helping shape what’s next at the University of Central Florida. The university will name its School of Data, Mathematical and Statistical Sciences in honor of technology pioneer and two-time AlumKnight Yvette Kanouff, whose generosity will support scholarships, graduate students and academic excellence.

From mathematics to emerging technologies, Kanouff is helping create new opportunities for the next generation of Knights to innovate, discover and build what comes next. 💫 Read more about it here: https://www.ucf.edu/news/ucf-to-name-school-of-data-mathematical-and-statistical-sciences-in-honor-of-technology-pioneer-alumna-yvette-kanouff/

09/15/2026

Momentum starts with showing up. For nearly two decades, Tiffany Hughes has built connections across UCF by bringing people together, championing students and believing in what’s possible when a community works toward a shared future.

As co-chair of UCF’s Go For Launch Campus Leadership Team, her approach is simple: show up, build relationships and create momentum.

Read Tiffany’s story and discover the power of showing up: https://bit.ly/4xRm9UR

09/15/2026

Turning groundbreaking research into real-world impact.

UCF is part of a new $20 million National Science Foundation pilot program designed to help small businesses move late-stage deep technologies from federally funded research to the marketplace.

The initiative highlights the power of connecting research, entrepreneurship and industry to accelerate what’s next. Read more about it: https://bit.ly/46lkfzV

The $20 million program aims to address a persistent gap that separates federally funded deep technology research from commercial success.