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#24
In the World

For Optics and Photonics Universities, ranked by U.S. News & World Report.

2,200
New Jobs

In optics and photonics — a trillion-dollar industry — are estimated to open annually in the U.S. through 2030.

3+
Degree Programs

The College of Optics and Photonics pioneers the science and technology of lights, lasers, fiber optics and other areas of study. Visit creol.ucf.edu to learn more.

“The best companies love our students.”

— Shin-Tson Wu, trustee chair professor

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Faculty Who Inspire

Our faculty and researchers are focused on solving the biggest problems facing humanity.

From medical diagnostics to space exploration, UCF researchers are pushing the boundaries of optics and photonics. Students gain hands-on experience with global leaders like Professor Konstantin Vodopyanov, whose work in light-based technologies is shaping the future of health, communications, and defense.

Konstantin Vodopyanov

Making Molecules “Sing” to Better Understand Them

21st Century Scholar Chair Professor Konstantin Vodopyanov uses ultrafast lasers to identify molecular structures. His research could be used to detect dangerous pollutants in the air or diseases using human breath.

UCF Faculty Are Leading Research, Discovery & Impact

By studying the behavior of light, nationally-recognized scientist Peter Delfyett has discovered new uses for lasers, helping data move faster on the internet and driving the future of autonomous vehicles.

How UCF faculty are advancing photonics

peter delfyett
Layton Hall

CREOL is a premier optics school with excellent faculty and resources.”

Where a UCF Degree Can Take You

What you’ll learn, who you’ll meet and the opportunities you’ll take on at UCF will lay the foundation for a meaningful life. Our goal is to prepare you for success — from job satisfaction and well-being to feeling fulfilled and confident in your path.

Isabella Pardo

Isabella Pardo ’23

Bachelor’s in photonic science and engineering

“I feel honored to receive this award. I am tremendously thankful for the overwhelming support from professors and students at CREOL that made this possible.”

Pardo is one of the first 20 Optica Women Scholars in the world, a competitive honor providing mentorship and financial aid for women in STEM.


Jason Eichenholz

Jason Eichenholz ’95MS ’98PhD

Master’s in optical science and engineering

Doctorate in optical science and engineering

“We have the opportunity to deliver what we believe is the world’s first autonomous solution for series production, powering highway autonomy and proactive safety.”

Eichenholz is a co-founder and chief technology officer of Luminar, a tech company at the forefront of developing self-driving vehicles that has partnered with Volvo, Nissan and Toyota.

Optics and Photonics News


Colleges & Campus
Daring to Boldly Invent the Future: Florida’s Next-Generation Preeminent University
UCF has achieved 12 metrics to earn the state’s highest designation — a credit to the university community’s talents and dedication.
Colleges & Campus
4 UCF Students Selected for National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship
The program provides tuition, fees, a monthly stipend and research opportunities for students pursuing doctoral degrees in areas of military importance.
Research
UCF Researchers Advance Understanding of Quantum Light and Turn Loss into Robustness
The study demonstrated a “lossy” platform that could lead to more robust quantum states of light, adding to the foundation for future applications like quantum…

out of state college student taking classes on a laptop

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Take the next step toward becoming a Knight and save your spot at UCF.

out-of-state student taking classes at UCF

University of Central Florida Colleges