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

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

Monday, October 20, 2025 81ºF Partly Cloudy

20 Years of DirectConnect to UCF: Making College Possible for More Students

As Knight Nation celebrates Transfer Student Success Week, the university also reaches a milestone with DirectConnect to UCF — a program that has empowered more than 79,000 students to earn high-quality degrees at a fraction of the cost

October 20, 2025

Tackling a Bigger Purpose

UCF Hall of Famer Shaquem Griffin ’16 made the “impossible” possible as a football player. He’s now working with smartARM to make AI-driven prosthetics more accessible and affordable for people around the world.

Computer Engineering Researcher Investigates Economic and Environmental Challenges of AI

With a $600,000 grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation, Professor Jun Wang aims to make AI foundation models more accessible to individuals and small businesses.

UCF Achieved Record-Breaking $126.1 Million in Philanthropy in 2024-25

The university has set bold new standards for philanthropy, engagement and partnerships.

Ocean Expert Joins UCF as Director of the National Center for Integrated Coastal Research

Ivan Haigh, the new director of UCF Coastal, plans to establish the center as a globally recognized hub for coastal science.

UCF Historians Infuse the Past with Tech to Breathe New Life into Atlantic Migration

An ambitious UCF-led team comprising faculty, students and recent graduates are using advanced digitizing to better visualize 17th and 18th century European religious migration to the Americas and connect us to the past.

UCF Counselor Education Professor Receives National Award for Family and Counseling Research

As the recipient of the 2025 Exemplary Research Practices Award, Sejal Barden continues to advance innovative work in the field of counseling.

UCF Researchers Aim to Uncover Link Between Age and Breast Cancer Treatment

Materials science researchers Needa Brown and Aleksandra Petelski-Kulik will study the breast cancer microenvironment with support from the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation.

UCF Professor Leads NSF-Supported Mentorship Program for Early-Career Hazards and Disaster Researchers

Abdul-Akeem Sadiq, who previously participated in the comprehensive program as both a fellow and mentor, is now facilitating its sixth cohort to help train the next generation of experts.

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.

UCF Alum, Physician Gives Undergraduates Unprecedented Experience in Medicine

The Dr. Gideon J. Lewis’ Surgical Internship Program offers select pre-med students an opportunity to experience patient care, research and surgical procedures firsthand.

UCFPD Commander Graduates From FBI National Academy

Christopher Gavette is the third UCF Police Department officer to complete the prestigious 10-week program for law enforcement executives.

UCF Professor Appointed to National Commission on Mathematics Instruction

Lockheed Martin Eminent Scholar Chair Sarah Bush will apply her expertise to advance mathematics education in the U.S. while bridging global insights.

Social Work Researchers to Study How Animal Robots Can Help Older Adults 

A new study will explore how a robotic seal may ease loneliness and spark meaningful connections for older adults living with dementia.

5 Things to Know About Space Settlement

Ramses Ramirez, physics assistant professor, discusses key factors researchers will plan for future outer space outposts.

Enhancing Student Support: How UCF’s Knightbot Transforms the College Experience

The AI-powered technology helps to improve student experience, increase enrollment and retention, and enhance operational efficiencies at UCF.

Pegasus Magazine

UCF in the News

Remember the Moon Rover? Here’s a Look at a Possible Artemis Version

Orlando Sentinel

Could Humans Build Floating Cities on Venus?

The Brighter Side of News

UCF Snaps Losing Streak with Romp Over West Virginia

Orlando Sentinel

SpaceX Tries for 2 Successful Starship Missions in a Row with Monday’s Launch

ABC News

Events at UCF

Oct 20

Credit Cards for Beginners 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Oct 20

Colloquium by Professor Robert Buckingham, University of Cincinnati 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Oct 20

Graduate & Professional School Fair - Hosted by UCF Academic Advancement Programs 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Oct 20

Mic Knight Mondays at Knightcade 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm

View All Events