Briefs
Facial Movement
This November, Limbitless Solutions unveiled a device that allows people to move wheelchairs using only their facial muscles. Through electromyographic sensors placed near the forehead that send signals to a wheelchair’s joystick, users can move forward, backward, left and right — all depending on which muscles they use.
Pro Goal
The Orlando City Soccer Club selected UCF forward Hadji Barry 13th overall to join the Lions during the MLS SuperDraft in January. Barry, a senior, appeared in 33 matches for the Knights over two seasons. He is the third UCF player in four years to be selected in the first round of the draft.
“I am really happy to start my pro career here in Orlando alongside my UCF family.”
Hadji Barry, UCF soccer forward
Best Catch
Drew Butera, former UCF baseball player and current backup catcher for the Kansas City Royals, caught the game-winning strike in Game 5 of the 2015 World Series, becoming the first Knight to win the Fall Classic.
25 Years of Life
The Learning Institute for Elders (LIFE) at UCF celebrates a quarter century this year of providing faculty-led educational events for Central Florida seniors.
Hip Hip Hooray!
For the third straight year, UCF cheerleaders placed second at the College Cheerleading National Championships. This marks the 11th consecutive year that UCF cheerleading, coached by Linda Gooch, ’85, has placed in the top four, with national titles in 2003 and 2007.
Top Honors
Top 20 for Online Programs
U.S. News & World Report ranked UCF No. 20 in the nation for online bachelor’s degree programs. The university’s online graduate criminal justice program came in at No. 21, and the online nursing program was listed at No. 42.
Nationally Recognized for Research
The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education classified UCF as an R1 Doctoral University, the highest research designation that can be achieved.
Top in the Nation for Cyber Defense
For the second year in a row, UCF’s Collegiate Cyber Defense Club, also known as Hack@UCF, took home the Collegiate Cybersecurity Championship Cup.
Top Invention Award
R&D Magazine recognized UCF Associate Professor Jayan Thomas for his development of energy transmitting and storing copper wire at its annual R&D 100 Awards, widely known as the “Oscars of Invention.”