A team of interdisciplinary UCF researchers are leading a NASA research project to prevent abrasive, harmful lunar dust accumulation on astronauts and their equipment by fabricating a specialized nanocoating.

The Simulation, Technology, Innovation and Modeling is the first and only program in Florida accredited by the Association of SP Educators — and is now among an elite group worldwide with three accolades from leading organizations in the field.

The early-career professors were recognized for their excellence with significant research funding as part of a prestigious and highly competitive annual U.S. National Science Foundation grant program.

Mendonca will support the UCF research enterprise by overseeing funding programs and initiatives, including centers, institutes and core facilities.

Endowed professor Ladda Thiamwong is among 47 experts honored for their outstanding contributions and selected as 2025 fellows of the Gerontological Society of America.

The emerging fintech program is allowing students and faculty to conduct key research that positions UCF as a leader in the new financial landscape.

Most recently, Poirier served as vice chancellor for technology and chief information officer at the University System of New Hampshire.

As an associate professor of medicine at UCF, Prins works to improve infection prevention in nursing homes through her own studies and mentoring medical students researching infection prevention.

Carrillo brings three decades of insurance industry expertise and leadership experience.