World-Renowned Faculty
Bright minds are solving the world’s greatest problems right here at UCF. It’s one of the reasons we’re positioned to become the world’s leading public metropolitan university. To achieve this vision, we continuously work to bring together thinkers, doers and creators who deliver high-quality education and leading-industry research that transforms lives. The impact of our innovative faculty research and teaching excellence extends far beyond our walls, unleashing a ripple effect that benefits our region, nation and world. From the interesting and heartwarming to the ground-breaking and life-changing, our research initiatives are helping change course for the future.
Alicja Copik, PhD
Associate Professor of Medicine
Associate Professor of Medicine Alicja Copik and her team developed a way to stimulate and strengthen natural cancer-killing cells as a means of cancer treatment. In July 2020, the nanoparticle technology was licensed to Sanofi — a French pharmaceutical giant — in hopes of finding new blood-cancer treatments.
John Fauth, PhD
Associate Professor of Biology
UCF engineering and biology researchers teamed up to test how well staghorn coral skeletons withstand the forces of nature and humans, such as impacts from hurricanes and divers. The findings help inform efforts to successfully transplant nursery-reared coral into the wild.
Kareem Ahmed, PhD
Associate Professor of Engineering
UCF researchers are building on their technology that could pave the way for hypersonic flight. Associate Professor Kareem Ahmed and his team’s experimental engine funnels a mixture of fuel and air at hypersonic speeds toward a perfectly angled ramp. The resulting combustion is extra efficient and creates a shock wave that is essentially frozen in place for a record-breaking three seconds, allowing its energy to be harnessed for unprecedented propulsion.
Recent UCF Faculty Awards
At UCF, we are proud of our award-winning faculty. Many are recognized leaders in their disciplines — receiving awards from professional societies, foundations and other organizations. It demonstrates the impact that they have both inside and outside of the classroom. Here are just several of the most recent faculty awards.
National Science Foundation CAREER Awards
- Sidong Lei, PhD
Studying Specialized Semiconductors - Kevin Moran, PhD
Improving User Interface Experiences - Truong Nghiem, PhD
Machine Learning Guidance to Make Smart Systems Even Smarter - Wen Shen, PhD
Elevating Rare Earth Elements to Make Powerful Magnets - Hao Zheng, PhD
New Chips to Keep Pace with Modern Processing Demands
Innovation and Impact in Teaching and Research
- Mohamed Abdel-Aty, PhD
Medal of Societal Impact for advancements in transportation systems and safety engineering. - Carolina Cruz-Neira, PhD
2025 Forbes 50 Over 50 Innovation honoree for breakthroughs in virtual reality and simulation. - Roger Azevedo, PhD
Pegasus Professor recognized for advancing intelligent learning systems. - Shin-Tson Wu, PhD
Big 12 Faculty Member of the Year for innovations in optics and photonics. - Sejal Barden, PhD
Exemplary Research Practices Award for scholarship strengthening families and communities.
Emergency Management Educator of the Year
Claire Connolly Knox, PhD
Master of Emergency and Crisis Management Founding Program Director, Professor
Recognized by the International Association of Emergency Managers, Claire Connolly Knox is shaping the future of disaster resilience and community preparedness. Her leadership built the foundation for UCF’s No. 1-ranked Emergency and Crisis Management graduate program, empowering the next generation of emergency management professionals to lead with purpose and impact.
Recognized for Inspiring Academic Excellence
NSF-Supported Mentorship Leader
Reach for the Stars Honorees
Pegasus Professors
As America’s Space University, UCF advances ideas into impact — accelerating the breakthroughs that move our world beyond Earth.
Innovation Through Collaboration
Our university thrives on the collective expertise of a world-class faculty. With more than 1,900 faculty from 36 countries, we share a common goal—to empower and prepare students for the future of work and lifelong careers.
We believe innovation emerges when ideas converge. It transforms how we teach, learn and engage — all while staying committed to a constant pursuit of academic and operational excellence. Our faculty are innovative researchers, global thought leaders, analytical thinkers and renowned scholars. And together, we will continue to boldly drive change.
Faculty, including full time, part time and visiting
Research funding received in grants, gifts and sponsored awards
Faculty tenured. An additional 16.8% are on a tenure-earning track
Faculty have doctoral degrees
Research in 60 Seconds
Faculty and student researchers are solving many of today’s greatest challenges. And now, we’re sharing our knowledge with the world. The “Research in 60 Seconds” series offers a quick glimpse into some of the latest innovative work that’s transforming the future today.
Explore Research in 60 Seconds
UCF Fosters Creativity Through Tech
Forward-thinking researchers like Stella Sung explore how technology provides greater artistic freedom to enrich lives.
Faculty Research Clusters
By leveraging our existing strengths, the faculty cluster initiative encourages interdisciplinary approaches to the world’s most pressing challenges. Each cross-disciplinary team focuses on solving scientific and societal challenges through teaching and research.
The strength of this initiative comes from faculty depth, the ability to translate depth across disciplines and the collaboration among deans, directors, chairs and faculty members in every college across campus.
Explore UCF’s 9 Interdisciplinary Research Initiatives:
A Leader in Teaching Innovation
For more than 25 years, UCF has been at the forefront of digital learning. Our faculty continuously find ways to incorporate technology in a meaningful way. Faculty set students on the path to success. And as online instruction becomes increasingly important in higher education institutions, we will continue to adapt to the needs of students.
Our faculty’s commitment to leading the way in innovative education technology has helped UCF gain national recognition for online learning. The Chronicle for Higher Education says, “The University of Central Florida provides perhaps the best example of an institution that has done this. Its Digital Learning Division manages not just the UCF Online program but also a broad-based faculty-development program supporting educational-technology use in online, remote, hybrid, and face-to-face courses.”
Dedicated to Faculty Success
At UCF, we believe in the power of teamwork. From teaching technologies and professional development to research mentoring and work-life balance, UCF faculty are supported across campus through a variety of offices and centers aimed to help them achieve more. Access to resources, partnerships and industry all play a significant role in strengthening faculty success in the classroom, research lab and beyond.
Faculty Excellence
Supports faculty with professional development tools and resources to succeed in their career. From workshops to promotion/tenure guidance to faculty awards, we’re here to help faculty at every step.
Office of Research
A team of experts to assist faculty with research activity. The office has the tools, resources and support needed to help the research community throughout the lifecycle of a sponsored award.
Faculty Center for Teaching & Learning
Assists with teaching and development needs to innovate the classroom. FCTL also offers different faculty support groups, a writing club and development conferences.
UCF Libraries
Access to thousands of electronic full-text journals and documents on a wide range of subjects. Libraries also offer faculty support with subject and campus librarians to find exactly what they need for the lab or classroom.
Center for Distributed Learning
Access to thousands of electronic full-text journals and documents on a wide range of subjects. Libraries also offer faculty support with subject and campus librarians to find exactly what they need for the lab or classroom.
Office of Access & Community Engagement
Facilitates workshops and various development programs for faculty, such as the Leadership Empowerment Program.
Invest in Research & Educators
Contribute to a healthier and more vibrant society. UCF faculty members help UCF expand its program offerings and adapt to the new fields of study and career paths that are emerging every day.
Give NowFaculty News
Teaching and Research Opportunities
Located in Orlando, Florida, UCF and its 13,000 faculty and staff members create life-changing opportunities for more than 68,000 students on campus and online.
UCF offers a variety of positions for academic leaders, talented professionals and passionate team players who share our goal of creating an environment fueled by innovation and partnerships.
Twelve colleges. Unlimited possibilities.
At UCF, we offer an array of academic options for just about every interest. Check out our 245+ degree programs, award-winning faculty and groundbreaking research. You’ll quickly discover all there is to experience and learn at one of the nation’s most innovative universities.
