Science & Technology
UCF Alumna Receives $1M NSF Grant to Further Development of Microbe-Killing Residual Disinfectant
Kismet Technologies Inc., founded by Christina Drake ’07PhD, is working with UCF researchers to test and develop the residual antimicrobial product.
Colleges & Campus
How to Prepare for Hurricane Season
From what to include in your hurricane kit to how to stay informed on updates from the university, here’s what you should know.
Research
New Study Shows People Are Willing to Start Cycling More Post-COVID-19 Pandemic
Although the changes to behavior were not always triggered by free will and in many cases forced by external circumstances, the findings show there are…
Science & Technology
UCF Researchers Receive Patent for COVID-Killing Nano-Coating
The coating can not only destroy the COVID-19 virus, but it can also combat the spread of Zika virus, SARS, parainfluenza, rhinovirus and vesicular stomatitis.
Science & Technology
UCF Researchers Prove that COVID Disinfectant Works in Latest Research Paper
The material science and engineering and medical faculty members experimented with a material that has antiviral properties that are activated by white light, such as…
Science & Technology
Face Masks Cut Distance Airborne Pathogens Could Travel in Half, New Study Finds
The findings suggest that masks can be highly effective in preventing the spread of airborne diseases, such as COVID-19, and could allow for the use…
Colleges & Campus
Spring 2022 Classes at UCF Resume Jan. 10
UCF is continuing to closely monitor COVID-19, and will increase cleaning and classroom disinfections, access to hand-sanitizing stations, and the distribution of masks as classes resume…
Colleges & Campus
COVID-19 Testing Site Open at UCF in Partnership with Aventus Biolabs
UCF students, faculty and staff, along with members of the community, can receive COVID-19 testing in Garage A on main campus. Registration for an appointment is…
Colleges & Campus
Top 20 UCF Today Stories of 2021
From impactful research to major Knight accomplishments, here is this year’s most-read stories.
Science & Technology
UCF Researchers Develop Rapid, Highly Accurate Test to Detect Viruses like COVID-19
Researchers say the device can tell with 95% percent accuracy if someone has a virus, a significant improvement over current rapid tests.
Science & Technology
New UCF Study Finds Reasons Why Hospitality Workers Aren’t Returning After COVID
The hospitality industry’s labor shortage could be an issue with holiday travel starting and international travel restrictions lifting.
Colleges & Campus
UCF Podcast: Expertise on Infectious Diseases and Vaccines
Elena Cyrus, an infectious disease epidemiologist at UCF’s College of Medicine, shares her expertise in public health and COVID-19 vaccines.
Alumni
UCF Awards COVID-19 Vaccine Developer Darin Edwards Honorary Degree
The three-time UCF graduate was recognized by university leadership for his “extraordinary contributions to humanity.”
Colleges & Campus
UCF’s Historical Graduation Ceremony is Also Personal
Sharon Park ’19 ’20MS is one of 1,700 UCF graduates expected to return to campus for the in-person milestone they missed in 2020. Her reason…
Colleges & Campus
1700+ Graduates from Class of 2020 Expected to Return for Long-awaited In-Person Commencement Ceremony
UCF alum Darin Edwards ’97 ’10MS ’11PhD, who developed Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine, will speak to returning graduates and their guests.
Science & Technology
UCF Researchers Identify Food Products That Could Reduce COVID Transmission
The products can reduce the transmission potential of airborne pathogens by thickening and reducing a person’s saliva and could be added to foods, such as…
Student Life
A Guide to Health and Safety at UCF
From where to get vaccines to mental health resources, here’s how UCF can help support your health and well-being.
Science & Technology
UCF Study Shows Masks, Ventilation Stop COVID Spread Better than Social Distancing
The results indicate masks and proper ventilation may be key to allowing more capacity in schools, businesses and other indoor areas.
Colleges & Campus
High-Achieving Incoming Freshman Class Sets Records as UCF Starts Fall Semester
Campus returns to pre-pandemic operations with additional safety precautions in place.
Colleges & Campus
A Guide to Virtual Services at UCF During COVID-19
Here are some of the online services and resources available to support your success at UCF while the university returns to pre-pandemic operations during Fall 2021.
Sports
What You Need to Know for 2021 UCF Football Season
Information on parking, tickets, traditions, tailgating, watch parties and more.
Health & Medicine
UCF Alum Urges Public to Get Vaccinated After COVID Story Makes Headlines
Terry Greear ’02 contracted COVID in January before he was eligible to get the vaccine and nearly died during his 72-day stay in the hospital.
Science & Technology
UCF Researchers Validate Simple Method to Minimize COVID Spread in Single-Family Home
The researchers found that a basic isolation zone for a contagious person could be created with little cost and effort.
Student Life
Armor Up and Get Vaccinated Before the Fall
This fall UCF will offer more of the in-person classes, services and experiences that contribute so much to student success. We want this to be…
Colleges & Campus
A Letter to Students About the 2021-22 School Year
The Florida Board of Governors and State University System of Florida are strongly recommending that all students get vaccinated for the COVID-19 virus before arriving…
Community
UCF Partners with JPMorgan Chase and Microsoft to Offer Free Skills Training for Pandemic-Displaced Workers
The $550,000 donation will provide training and career coaching and is geared to residents who lost full-time jobs in the hospitality or leisure industries.
Health & Medicine
Med Student Receives National Award For Pandemic Efforts
Lily Chen was awarded the Excellence in Public Health Service Award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service for using her bioengineering expertise…
Science & Technology
UCF College of Sciences Researchers Join Project to Fight Animal-borne Diseases
The goal is to gain a deeper understanding of zoonotic threats, which may include COVID-19, in order to better respond to them.
Research
Getting Ahead Of The Next Pandemic: UCF Researcher Named To National Think Tank
Salvador Almagro-Moreno was chosen because of his expertise on emergent marine pathogens, which are often overlooked when dealing with global health threats.
Research
What Is Genomic Surveillance and Why Is It Being Done at UCF?
Assistant Professor Taj Azarian explains how this field is helping curb the spread of COVID-19.
Colleges & Campus
UCF’s Return to Normal Operations
Starting June 23, UCF will begin operating more aligned with the way we did before the pandemic.
Sports
UCF Planning for 100% Capacity at 2021 Football Games
The decision to update UCF guidelines follows guidance from the Florida Board of Governors, which oversees the state’s 12 public universities, and is in collaboration…
Opinions
Recognizing the Therapeutic Value of Baking During the Pandemic
It was to easier to avoid the grim news from the outside world when my inside world smelled like vanilla and cinnamon.
Colleges & Campus
Pandemic Inspires Surge of Interest in UCF Nursing Degree
The College of Nursing received a 26 percent increase of applications over the last year as more students feel a call to serve.
Health & Medicine
UCF Internal Medicine Residents Helping to Promote COVID-19 Vaccine
Three residents are featured in Orange County’s “I Got My Shot” public safety campaign geared at reducing vaccine hesitancy and building community immunity.
Health & Medicine
Does it Matter Which COVID-19 Vaccine I Get?
Each of the vaccines currently approved for distribution in the United States prevents severe disease and death from COVID-19. Learn a little bit more about…
Colleges & Campus
PHOTOS: Student COVID-19 Vaccinations Begin at UCF
As students are receiving their first doses of the Pfizer vaccine on campus, UCF remind Knights to continue upholding COVID-19 precautions to protect yourself and…
Colleges & Campus
UCF Student Vaccinations Start This Week
UCF will provide both doses of the Pfizer vaccine to about 6,000 students at a clinic that will open in the Pegasus Ballroom later this…
Colleges & Campus
UCF Researchers Work with Public Agencies to Examine Pandemic Efforts, Effects
From predicting COVID-19 infection rates to the pandemic’s influence on domestic violence, UCF experts contribute to national and international knowledge.
Student Life
Students: Apply Now for Emergency Financial Relief
Students who did not receive an award in March may apply now through 11:59 p.m. April 11 for the second round of grants from the Higher…
Opinions
I Wish We Had Learned Better From Our Early Response to HIV
Addressing a major public health crisis like COVID-19 requires the full engagement of the public, so we cannot afford to be divided and disconnected.
Colleges & Campus
Reflecting on 1 Year with COVID-19
Michael Deichen, associate vice president of Student Health Services, discusses life at UCF during the pandemic and what the future holds as we pass the…
Health & Medicine
What Makes the COVID-19 Vaccine Safe?
Two UCF professors explain the process of how the vaccine came to be and why they trust the science behind it.
Colleges & Campus
A Return to More Normal Operations Update from Academic Affairs
As UCF continues to carefully monitor public health conditions, the university is preparing to increase face-to-face learning, working and engagement opportunities during the Summer B…
Colleges & Campus
Awarding Our Students More Financial Relief
Last week, students received an email with an application link that they must complete in order to be considered for federal aid from the Higher Education…
Colleges & Campus
UCF Nursing Students Step Up to Support Community Vaccination Sites
Nearly 200 student nurses are helping administer COVID-19 vaccinations in the local community and gaining valuable practical skills.
Science & Technology
UCF Data Teams Advance to Finals of Global COVID-19 Competition
The university’s two teams are among of 46 others that will be tested for their ability to use technology to develop mitigation efforts against the…
Community
WUCF Wins Award for ‘Meet the Helpers’ Programming During Pandemic
The presentation was made this week by the National Educational Telecommunications Association during its annual public-media awards ceremony.
Sports
Challenging UCF Sports Season on Tap
The athletics department is gearing up for the greatest multi-month undertaking in Knight history as all 16 varsity sports are in action.
Community
Drive-through COVID-19 Testing Opens In Lake Nona
At this time the Lake Nona testing site is temporarily unavailable.
Colleges & Campus
UCF Makes Parking, Shuttle Changes During the COVID-19 Pandemic
From parking-permit options to wellness precautions on shuttles, here is a look at how campus transportation has adapted to mitigate COVID-19’s impact.
Colleges & Campus
COVID-19 Precautions and Vaccine Update
UCF has been approved as a vaccination site for faculty, staff and students — with an initial batch of 1,000 doses arriving for distribution next week. Details…
Colleges & Campus
UCF’s Housing and Residence Life COVID-19 Safety Measures for Spring 2021
From occupancy expectations to planned responses for positive cases, here are some of the procedures UCF Housing will follow to reduce risks from COVID-19.
Colleges & Campus
New UCF COVID-19 Safety Measures for Spring 2021
UCF implements additional COVID-19 mitigation and tracking efforts for this semester, including reminders on UCF Mobile, new testing procedures during move-in, and assessing wastewater for…
Colleges & Campus
Spin Scooters to Return to UCF Campus
Beginning Monday, 200 scooters will be available on main campus with new safety precautions in place.
Colleges & Campus
UCF Recreation and Wellness Center’s Safety Measures During COVID-19
Limited capacity and reservations will still be required for indoor facilities, including the Climbing Tower and RWC @ Knights Plaza, as the Recreation and Wellness…
Colleges & Campus
UCF Libraries Reopen for Spring 2021 with Construction Continuing on Main Campus
Facilities on the main, Rosen and UCF Downtown campuses will resume operations for Spring 2021, as well as construction in the John C. Hitt Library…
Colleges & Campus
UCF Experts Weigh in as Coronavirus Captures Headlines
UCF faculty and staff in various fields share their expertise with local and national media.
Colleges & Campus
Why We Remain Hopeful
President and First Lady Cartwright share a message of hope and gratitude as we close out a year that came with challenges.
Health & Medicine
Tell Me Something Good — The Benefits of Gratitude
For advice on how to practice gratitude, we turn to Katherine Daly, a licensed psychologist who leads wellness efforts at the UCF College of Medicine.
Colleges & Campus
Proceeds from UCF Masks Raise $50,000 for Student Aid
The face coverings, made by Orlando-based Rock ’Em, are part of an ‘Armor Up, Knights’ fundraiser to help students in need during the pandemic.
Colleges & Campus
How UCF Made a Difference During the Pandemic
From supporting those in need to developing innovative methods to battle COVID-19, here’s how the UCF community responded to new challenges.
Health & Medicine
Preparing for a COVID-19 Vaccine
UCF may serve as a mass vaccination site in the spring. Here Student Health Services’ Michael Deichen shares some facts about the vaccine as the distribution…
Research
UCF’s Top 10 Research Stories for the Year Reflect Turbulent Nature of 2020
News about Arecibo Observatory and research to curb COVID-19 top the list.
Community
Hosting a Virtual Party Event During COVID-19
Virtual events are new territory for many of us, so be patient and flexible.
Sports
What to Know for the 2020 UCF Basketball Season
UCF men’s and women’s basketball tip off their seasons at Addition Financial Arena, which will implement enhanced COVID-19 safety measures.
Community
UCF RESTORES Starts New Mental Health Services in Orange County for COVID-19
The work will focus on mental health services for residents of Azalea Park and essential workers in Orange County at no cost.
Alumni
UCF Nursing Grad: Unity Will Help Defeat Coronavirus
“Every day I wake up wondering, ‘Is today the day I am going to have to care for someone infected with the virus that has the…
Science & Technology
UCF Researchers Identify Features That Could Make Someone a Virus Super-Spreader
Sneezes from people who have congested noses and a full set of teeth travel about 60 percent farther than from people who don’t, according to…
Sports
What Fans Need to Know for UCF’s 2020 Football Season
UCF prepares to lift off for its annual Space Game when the Tulane Green Wave rolls into town Saturday at 2 p.m.
Health & Medicine
UCF Leads Study to Identify Factors Related to Preterm Births Among Black Women
Rates for preterm births among Black women were about 50 percent higher than those for white women in 2019, according to the U.S. Centers for…
Health & Medicine
UCF Researcher’s Natural Killer Cell Therapy In Trials for Treating COVID-19
The study will also see if the therapy, which was created by Alicja Copik, protects high-risk patients against respiratory infections like influenza.
Health & Medicine
If You’re A COVID-19 Survivor, Consider Donating Your Blood Plasma
Jane Gibson, a College of Medicine expert in molecular pathology and genetics, shares some guidelines for donating plasma and how previously infected patients can help current…
Colleges & Campus
UCF Hiring 60 Armor Up Ambassadors
Students work to create awareness about the university’s COVID-19 safety protocols
Opinions
Even Virtual Meetings Can Have Powerful Lessons
It’s not all about me — online inspiration leads me to believe that in our new environment there are ways to still improve and advance…
Health & Medicine
Stopping the Spread
UCF student contact tracers help limit COVID-19 on campus and in the community.
Health & Medicine
Do Gloves Protect You from COVID-19?
Erica Hoyt of UCF’s College of Nursing says wearing gloves may actually increase the spread of germs.
Science & Technology
AI Can Detect COVID-19 in the Lungs Like a Virtual Physician, New Study Shows
The new UCF co-developed algorithm can accurately identify COVID-19 cases, as well as distinguish them from influenza.
Science & Technology
New Study: Face-Covering Use Up, More People Are Taking COVID-19 Threats Seriously
Face-covering use is up, vaccine uncertainty is on the rise and many people are overestimating their risk of getting seriously sick or dying, researchers say.
Colleges & Campus
Importance of Getting a Flu Shot during COVID-19
UCF is offering several opportunities for students, faculty and staff to get vaccinated this flu season.
Colleges & Campus
Our Commitment to the UCF Community
An update on the Sept. 10 on-campus incident.
Health & Medicine
Staying Pain-Free and Active While Working from Home
Athletic training Assistant Professor Colby Mangum suggests a few modifications that can help you improve your posture and increase physical activity while working from home.
Science & Technology
UCF Researchers Are Helping Develop Rapid, Longer Lasting COVID Disinfectant
The disinfectant spray will use UCF-developed cerium oxide nanoparticles that have been shown to have a wide range of therapeutic properties.
Colleges & Campus
UCF’s Revamped Student Union to Reopen
The Heart of Campus — which now includes a full-service Starbucks — will open its doors Aug. 8.
Health & Medicine
How Vaccines Work And What It Means For COVID-19
Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences virus expert Kai McKinstry discusses some of the challenges of developing vaccines.
Medicine
Answering the Call to Serve in a Pandemic
“Patients were everywhere. The ICU was full. The wards were full,’” says UCF College of Medicine faculty physician Jeff LaRochelle about his time in New…
Student Life
PHOTOS: Knights Armor Up During 1st Week of Fall 2020
Nine Knights share their new semester experiences during the pandemic and why you should wear a face covering on campus.
Colleges & Campus
Knights Pantry Adjusts During Pandemic to Keep Helping Students
Any UCF student with a valid ID can access the food pantry, which has transitioned to curbside service and appointments for in-store shopping.
Colleges & Campus
What You Should Know for the First Week of Fall 2020 at UCF
From mandatory COVID-19 safety measures to campus community events and helpful resources, here is some important information to help you start the semester right.
Colleges & Campus
Armor Up with New Knights Face Coverings
Proceeds from the sales of the coverings, made by a former student’s apparel company, will also help Knights in financial need.
Opinions
Reality of My Daughter’s Home Schooling During Pandemic Has Begun to Sink In
This is hard for all of us parents, and a time to be supportive to one another, not critical or negative.
Colleges & Campus
President Cartwright Welcomes Students to Fall 2020
Cartwright encourages Knights to pledge to take care of each other by Armoring Up and participate in Pegasus Palooza.
Colleges & Campus
Portable Handwashing Stations Allow Students to Lather Up Before Class
A student-led initiative from UCF Wellness and Health Promotion Services aims to bring awareness to sustaining healthy habits during COVID-19 as flu season approaches.
Colleges & Campus
UCF Welcomes Class of 2024 with Campuswide Health Enhancements
The Fall 2020 semester heralds one of the university’s most accomplished freshman classes, enhanced safety precautions and the first anniversary of UCF Downtown.
Colleges & Campus
A Guide to Eating on Campus During the COVID-19 Pandemic
UCF Dining Services’ initiatives include grab-and-go meals, mobile ordering and a continued commitment to cleanliness and food safety protocols.
Health & Medicine
Don’t Be A COVID-19 Super Spreader
College of Medicine students Neel Shah and Deep Gandhi offer their perspectives on the importance of physical distancing, especially as students return to UCF campus…
Science & Technology
UCF Awarded $170K Grant to Explore Cybersecurity Risks Amid COVID-19
UCF faculty members Clay Posey and Mindy Shoss will research behaviors of temporary work-from-home employees.
Colleges & Campus
UCF Police Changes Safe Escort Program for Fall Semester
Due to COVID-19, the Knight Ride service has been reimagined with alternative ways to help students and employees stay safe while on campus late at…
Colleges & Campus
The Cartwrights’ Decision to Give Back to UCF
President Alexander N. Cartwright and First Lady Melinda K. Cartwright have pledged a quarter million dollars to support student scholarships, STEM research, the humanities and…
Health & Medicine
As Children Return To School During the Pandemic
Colleen Moran-Bano, a pediatrician at the UCF College of Medicine, uses her professional expertise and personal experience to provide guidance on navigating the pandemic as…
Community Impact
UCF in the News
- Orlando International Airport Shares What Could Be Possible with Air Taxis, More on Site
- ‘Fell in Love with This Place:’ Navy Veteran Finds His Place Helping Students, Veterans at UCF
- UCF Researchers Use AI Technology to Monitor Aging Infrastructure
- Feds Grant UCF Extra $6M to Expand Community Wraparound Services
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