UCF Today – University of Central Florida News | Orlando, FL

UCF News | Stories of Impact + Innovation | Orlando, FL

Monday, April 13, 2026 64ºF Clear

UCF’s Kathleen Richardson Receives 2026 Otto Schott Research Award

The international honor recognizes the trustee chair professor’s contributions to optical glass and infrared materials that power next-generation technologies.

UCF Collegiate Cybersecurity Competition Team Advances to Nationals After Outstanding Regional Win

UCF’s first-place finish at the 2026 Southeast Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition marks its ninth since 2013.

UCF Graduate Programs Climb in U.S. News’ 2026 Rankings, Reflecting Strength in Serving National Needs

As UCF’s graduate programs continue to rise, they reinforce the university’s role as a national leader preparing professionals to tackle society’s most urgent challenges.

Bank of America Grant Helps UCF Reach Goal to Fund Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion

The pivotal investment closes a $30 million private-funding campaign, which together with $43 million from the State of Florida, has brought a bold vision for the College of Nursing’s new home to life.

Central Floridian of the Year Finalist: UCF’s Deborah Beidel

The Orlando Sentinel recognizes the UCF RESTORES executive director for leadership in trauma treatment and first responder care.

Honoring Family Legacies by Opening Doors for First-Generation Students

Business alum Raymond Smithberger ’02MBA created the Katherine Crock Memorial Scholarship to remove financial barriers and help others define their own paths to success.

UCF Day of Giving 2026 Launches Knights to New Heights

Knights everywhere came together for a 24-hour celebration of generosity and impact, supporting students, research and programs shaping the future.

UCF Alum Develops Analytics Tool to Improve Hiring for Companies, Applicants

Justin Press ’24 is preparing to launch Hire Match AI, an analytics tool designed to improve hiring insights and help job seekers get past AI resume filters.

UCF Expert Plays Key Role in International Research to Combat Dengue Fever, Zika

As a mosquito-borne virus expert, UCF Assistant Professor James Earnest is leveraging his knowledge to lead two research projects studying immune responses to the dengue and Zika viruses.

UCF Nursing Expert Honored for Contributions to Critical Care

Associate Professor Brian Peach is the only nursing expert in Florida to earn the prestigious distinction of fellow of Critical Care Medicine in 2026.

Best of the Southeast: UCF Conquers Civil Engineering Competition

UCF qualified for the American Society of Civil Engineers’ Concrete Canoe Competition national finals after a stellar showing at the Southeast regional competition.

UCF Celebrates Order of Pegasus, Student Awardees During Founders Day 2026

The Order of Pegasus inducts its 25th class of exemplary Knights among more than 50 students who will be recognized at the annual celebration.

Meet UCF’s 2026 Pegasus Professors

These four researchers are driven to think big and work with purpose as they address some of society’s biggest problems.

Bold, Relentless, Rising: Meet UCF’s 2026 Reach for the Stars Honorees

These six researchers are proving that groundbreaking work doesn’t take decades — just vision, drive and the courage to think differently.

UCF Research to Help Inform Statewide Efforts to Stop Domestic Violence and Improve Care for Survivors

Interdisciplinary researchers from UCF’s Violence Against Women faculty cluster are evaluating the state’s domestic violence resources to help make a safer Florida.

America250: Setting the Facts Straight on the American Revolution

In recognition of America250, UCF history Professor John Sacher provides insight on some common misconceptions about the days of our nation’s founding.

Pegasus Magazine

UCF in the News

Artemis II Images Prepare UCF Researchers for Their Own Lunar Mission

Central Florida Public Media

How Do You Cook in Space?

Sky News

A Common Job Search Tool ‘Brings Some Order to the Chaos’ for Candidates Staring Down a Tough Market

CNBC

SPOTLIGHT: ‘Spaceman of Bohemia’ Comes Home to Orlando with Author Jaroslav Kalfař

Central Florida Public Media

Events at UCF

Apr 13

Leveraging Your High-Impact Practice: Prepare for Your Summer Internship/Research/Abroad 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Apr 13

Love Versus Emotional Hunger 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Apr 13

Anatomy of a Cybersecurity Event 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Apr 13

Keeping It Real: Authentic Student Engagement in the Age of Generative AI 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

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