Landing humans on the moon was just a dream when 91�Թ��� was founded in 1963. But we dared to believe — developing the talent and inventing the technologies to make it reality. That same spirit still drives us today.

We are��America’s Space University. And we celebrate 91�Թ��� Space Week to honor our origin as we dare to build what’s next.

Where Global Leaders Unite to Forge the Future of Space

While taking a break from his job responsibilities on “another planet,” Matthew Montgomery ’08 ’09MS settled in for some light reading: The Handbook of Space Resources. Curious about the authors’ backgrounds, he flipped through the contributors list.

The two-time 91�Թ��� electrical engineering alum couldn’t help but smile when he spotted two familiar names: acclaimed 91�Թ��� planetary scientists Daniel Britt and Phillip Metzger ’00MS ’05PhD.

Even on a mission to “Mars,” 91�Թ��� was right there with him.

On Oct. 19, 2025, Montgomery entered a 1,700-square-foot, 3D-printed habitat at NASA’s Johnson Space Center with three crewmates for NASA’s Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog (CHAPEA). Together, they’ve simulated living on Mars, conducting research and collecting data as if they were 140 million miles from Earth.

Their work includes spacewalks with and without virtual reality, time-delayed communications, crop growth, meal preparation and consumption, exercise, hygiene activities, maintenance work, personal time, science work and sleep — all to help prepare for future missions.

The 39-year-old isn’t a trained astronaut or a NASA scientist. After an 18-month application and screening process, being selected to volunteer for this mission meant stepping away from his loved ones and Floating Lava Studios, his Los Angeles-based film production company, for more than a year.

He cultivated the skills that helped him land this gig, in part, at 91�Թ���.

An Orlando native, Montgomery enrolled through an early admission program while still a senior at nearby University High School. As a Burnett Honors Scholar, he immersed himself in research opportunities and lab work while earning his bachelor’s and �������ٱ��’s degrees in electrical engineering.

“91�Թ��� provided me the technical foundation to get where I’m at,” Montgomery says. “I think engineering is one of the best undergraduate degree programs that anyone can pursue. Foundationally, it teaches you problem-solving skills that can be broadly applied to almost anywhere you go. I also learned solid research principles, and lab work was critical. You need both sides. There’s a lot of opportunity (at 91�Թ���). I’ve taken a more entrepreneurial approach (in my career), and I think 91�Թ��� really sets you up for that.”

As CHAPEA’s science officer, Montgomery draws on his engineering background to contribute expertise in LED lighting, robotics, controlled environment agriculture and embedded control systems.

Ahead of the mission’s scheduled Oct. 31 conclusion, Montgomery answered questions via video about life inside the habitat — and what it could mean for humanity’s future beyond Earth.

A Glimpse of Life on Mars

Why did you say yes to this mission?
When I read through the application, I really felt meant for this mission. It comes down to a simple answer: The researchers asked for help, and they had a worthy cause.

I think there’s a powerful lesson and reminder in there — when you’re pursuing lofty goals or reaching for the stars, you do need support. All you need to do is communicate your vision and ask for help. When you do, people show up and support you.

What does a routine day look like?
Our day-to-day life is similar to astronauts on the International Space Station and representative of what will be expected of Mars-surface astronauts: drone and rover operations, exercise testing, bio collections. Each day has a mix of standard items — resistance or cardio exercise, science and experiment work, crop care,�� maintenance, ensuring you get your daily caloric intake goals met.

We also perform spacewalks, or extravehicular activities, in two forms: virtual reality (VR) or non-VR.

Outside the airlock, we have a simulated Mars surface with red regolith simulant. During non-VR spacewalks, we participate in surface equipment checks, maintenance, infrastructure builds, and a lot of science and geological-type tasks.

On VR spacewalks, we put on headsets and use treadmills that allow us to traverse much larger distances. Compared to the International Space Station, you might be doing spacewalks every day on Mars, and that tempo is something NASA isn’t used to. We need to gather data: Does that tempo start to affect cognition or physical performance?

When you are on the surface of these more remote environments, you’re going to want to use that time to not only survive, but gather data and increase the body of scientific knowledge.

How well did you pack for 378 days?
I consider myself a light packer, and I’ve learned you really don’t need a whole lot to get by. That way of life translated well into the mission.

I did bring some comforts. I’m glad I brought a buckwheat pillow. I find them really comfortable, especially when they’re broken in. I brought a good pair of headphones and a set of spudger tools.

We packed quite a few books. We have a nice library of music and movies. Owning a production company, I really enjoy film, and members of the crew are film fans, too.�� It’s been something we’ve bonded over.

I wish I had brought a small mirror for my room. One of the other crew members brought high-quality microphones we could plug into different devices. It’s contributing to this interview.

In the end, there are four of us. When we come together, we have quite the spread and our bases covered.

How do you hope this mission will advance space exploration?
A lot has to come together to advance space research. The technical side is probably thought of first, but an important piece is the human aspect.

An important aspect of our mission is time-delayed communication. That’s something NASA has limited experience with but is looking to gain through experiments like this.

If we think about the ISS or the moon, they’re relatively close to the Earth, and [communication] is nearly instantaneous. But as we push farther out to Mars, that distance gets quite long. We have no [option for] instant [communication] like a phone call or video chat. A lot becomes written, and we have to account for the time it takes to send messages and receive responses.

Ultimately, all of this will hopefully create new processes, procedures and plans for surface missions where mission control isn’t quite as integrated with the crews.

What have you learned about yourself during this mission?
I should give myself a little grace and have a short memory. I’m driven to strive for really high-performing outputs, but in complex situations, especially on long-duration missions, you’re going to make mistakes and things aren’t going to go as planned. You need to assess those accurately, learn the lesson and move on.

The good part about a long-duration mission is there’s usually an opportunity to give something a go again. There’s a little comfort in that.

I’ve also learned I should trust myself a little more. When something doesn’t feel right or I’m feeling [drawn to] a particular course of action, I should dive in and pinpoint where that’s coming from. A few [times during] this mission, [doing that has] led to better outcomes.

What advice do you have for future Mars explorers?
Acquire a broad set of skills. I’m continually impressed by the crew’s breadth and depth of knowledge. When it’s just the four of you and you have to rely on yourself and each other, having that broad set of skills is incredibly important. You’ll be the ones solving problems, and that could be the difference between life and death and the success of the mission.

Foster a deep sense of inquisitiveness. You need to be present. Being [observant] might lead to new discoveries. It might also lead to preemptive measures that help your safety and success.

Check everything. That’s both good for data and good for safety.

Fans refused to be denied the opportunity to celebrate the Knights’ epic double-overtime victory against No. 2 BYU and were determined to rush the field by whatever means necessary — including scaling down the roughly 8-foot tall structures in the north end zone.

The victory is one for the record books, marking 91�Թ���’s highest-ranked opponent ever defeated and the first win over an AP top 5 opponent in program history.

“This is the best team we’ve played, I’ve got so much respect for them,” says 91�Թ��� head coach Scott Frost. “I’m happy for 91�Թ���, a win like this has been a long time coming for us.”

Below are some of the best images and social media commentary to come out of the game and celebration.

Through the new program, funded by the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, 91�Թ��� is building a more intentional curriculum-to-career experience that connects transfer students with career preparation, mentorship, and High-Impact Practices (HIP) learning opportunities, such as internships, work-based learning, and undergraduate research experiences.

Oct. 19-23 is National Transfer Student Week

Graduation data shows that transfer students are less likely to secure post-graduation employment or graduate school placement compared to those who begin their higher education at 91�Թ���. However, transfer students who engaged in hands-on learning, like research and internships, are significantly more likely to have secured opportunities at the time of graduation.

“Transfer students bring extraordinary talent, resilience and ambition to 91�Թ���,” says project lead, Kimberly Schneider, assistant vice provost for at 91�Թ���. “This partnership allows us to remove barriers, strengthen support systems, engage in HIPs, and create clearer pathways from college to meaningful careers.”

As one of the nation’s largest universities, 91�Թ��� serves nearly half of its 60,300 undergraduates through transfer pathways. Debuting in August 2027, the Pegasus Launch Program will provide targeted support before and after transfer through technology integration and intentional programming to help students:

• Make informed academic decisions
• Participate in High-Impact Practices
• Stay committed through graduation
• Successfully transition into the workforce or graduate education

— a nationally recognized model for student success since it began in 2005 — guarantees admission to 91�Թ��� when students earn an associate degree at one of the seven state colleges. Each year, 5,000 students take advantage of the program, improving access to higher education and fueling the region’s workforce.

“Through DirectConnect to 91�Թ���, we help transfer students make informed academic decisions, align their coursework with their intended 91�Թ��� major, and prepare for a successful transition,” says Kimberly Hardy, assistant vice provost for 91�Թ��� Connect. “The Pegasus Launch Program takes that support a step further by helping students connect their education with hands-on learning experiences, so they are better prepared to enter the workforce after graduation.”

Even before students transfer, they will utilize a digital curriculum-to-career degree map that aligns academic coursework directly with real-time job market data. To accelerate professional development, the improved program integrates advanced career-readiness tools, including VMock AI feedback for interviews and Focus2Career, a self-guided career planning system, as well as HIPs, which include research and internships.

Pegasus Launch Program seeks to increase HIP participation. The current university-wide goal is for 100% of undergraduate students to complete at least one High-Impact Practice experience by graduation.

Two decades ago, 91�Թ��� opened an on-campus stadium that embodied the ambition of a spirited university and the belief of its fanbase. Today, the opening of the new Roth Tower marks the next chapter in that story, celebrating the rise of Knight Nation, 91�Թ���’s trajectory as the youngest institution in a Power Four conference and the momentum still ahead.

The Roth Tower project, made possible by a $90 million commitment of Tourist Development Tax revenues from the Orange County Board of County Commissioners, represents a pivotal addition to the Kenneth G. Dixon Athletics Village that strengthens Orange County as a premier destination for sports tourism and community engagement.

“The new Roth Tower would not be possible without Orange County’s $90 million investment, and we are deeply grateful to Mayor Demings and the Board of County Commissioners for their belief in 91�Թ���,” says 91�Թ��� President Alexander N. Cartwright. “That investment, together with the commitment of our donors, fans and community, helped make this next chapter of the Bounce House possible. Today, we are delivering a community asset designed to bring people here, bring them back and create lasting value for Orange County.”

Born to Bounce

Since its opening in 2007, Acrisure Bounce House has allowed 91�Թ��� to showcase the momentum and trajectory of one of the country’s fastest-growing universities.

For years the idea of an on-campus stadium at 91�Թ��� was a dream that many had said could never come true. 91�Թ��� President John C. Hitt and several prominent 91�Թ��� supporters, including the tower’s namesake, Jerry and Susan Roth, saw the vision of what an on-campus stadium could be. They believed the football program and a stadium could help elevate the university and its brand.

In the last 20 years of the Bounce House, 91�Թ��� has captivated audiences on nationally televised primetime broadcasts; welcomed premiere college football shows �����ʱ�’s College GameDay and �󰿳�’s Big Noon Kickoff; hosted conference championships that catapulted the Knights to New Year’s Six bowl games; and has become a not-to-be-missed atmosphere in college sports.

The new Roth Tower represents another important investment in our continued rise.

A Tower With a Story to Tell

Thoughtful planning went into the design elements and functionality of the new tower.

The new space allows more opportunities beyond game day to welcome alumni, partners and visitors for corporate meetings and retreats, weddings and events, and even rocket launch viewing opportunities of nearby Kennedy Space Center, whose Launch Complex 39A aligns with the stadium’s 50-yard line.

Stronger media and broadcast spaces will help showcase 91�Թ��� nationally and open possibilities for hosting other premiere sporting events and concerts. The strategic layout and structure will make operations and logistics safer, smarter and more efficient.

The tower also serves as an extension of 91�Թ���’s mission to equip our students with the knowledge, skills and aptitudes that align with the workforce of the future, offering paid opportunities to gain industry experience in areas including facility and event management, game day operations, broadcasting and production, brand management and strategic communications.

The details are uniquely 91�Թ���, with nods to the university’s roots as America’s Space University and its location in one of the most desirable tourist destinations globally.

A new concept in luxury seating, the open-air, semi-private Sky Suites on the north and south wings of the tower​ take advantage of Orlando’s average of 233 sunny days per year. Floor-to-ceiling windows serve as the east and west walls of the central suite space on the third floor for optimal views of the field and athletic village.

The stadium’s art collection is growing with two custom murals that pay homage to the 91�Թ��� story and the university’s relationship to Orange County designed by artist Harry Foreman ’18, a graphic design and emerging media management graduate. These complement several installations around the concourse already that include Knightro, wings of Pegasus (the university’s official seal), 91�Թ���’s Big 12 ties and Orlando.

Building What’s Next

Roth Tower will create memorable experiences for visitors and reinforces 91�Թ��� as another reason people choose to come to Orange County and come back.

While the tower is a huge step forward for 91�Թ��� Athletics, it is not the finish line, says 91�Թ��� Director of Athletics and Vice President Terry Mohajir, who has worked to implement facility enhancements throughout the village since he arrived in 2021.

“Our fans gave this stadium its identity … and kept the faith as 91�Թ��� climbed from one level of collegiate athletics to the next,” Mohajir says. “Our responsibility now is to keep matching that belief, by giving our student-athletes every opportunity to succeed, competing for championships, delivering a Power Four-caliber experience and continuing to build the Kenneth G. Dixon Athletics Village into one of the greatest destinations in college sports.”

The 91�Թ��� football team opens the 2026 season against Bethune-Cookman on Thursday, Sept. 3, at 7 p.m. Ticket information can be found at .

Joshua Taggart knew he wanted to work for the space industry the day he experienced his first launch while attending a camp at Kennedy Space Center, seeing the space shuttle Endeavour soar into the sky. He’s now closer to making that dream a reality after being recognized with one of the industry’s most distinguished awards.

Taggart is the latest Knight to receive the coveted Astronaut Foundation Scholarship, a national award that provides more than 70 scholarships of up to $15,000 each for some of the nation’s very best STEM students. He will be recognized with the 2026 class of scholars at the foundation’s gala, to be held next month in Houston.

Taggart says he chose 91�Թ��� for its reputation in engineering as the No. 1 supplier of talent to the nation’s aerospace and defense industries (Aviation Week Network). He is in good company as part of a trio of Astronaut Scholars this year from the College of Engineering and Computer Science, joining mechanical engineering student Keanu Brayman and computer engineering student Kyle Coutray (a biomedical sciences double major), who have received the scholarship for second consecutive year.

As Taggart works to complete his final year at 91�Թ���, his latest accomplishment fuels his path to make an impact as a future space researcher.

Future Focused

Driven to contribute to humanity’s exploration of our universe, Taggart is already working on future-focused innovations that can benefit the space industry.

Through NASA Office of STEM Engagement, he interned at the Johnson Space Center working on communications, avionics, propulsion and flight software for CubeSat subsystems.

This summer at NASA’s Glenn Research Center, he is researching packaging materials for silicon carbide pressure sensors, working to make sure they perform reliably above 1,000 degrees Celsius (1,832 degrees Fahrenheit), and on integrating thermocouple sensors for temperature compensation.

“I chose this field of research because I want to be involved in next-generation electronics that can withstand the extreme nature of outer space.” — Joshua Taggart

“With the harsh environment that outer space is and planet surfaces like Venus, electronics must survive very high temperatures and radiation effects,” he says. “I chose this field of research because I want to be involved in next-generation electronics that can withstand the extreme nature of outer space.”

His work as an undergraduate researcher for the Q-Sim Lab, directed by Assistant Professor Jaesung Lee, also centers around developing technology designed to operate in outer space. Taggart is working on microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) resonators designed to perform under extreme conditions, such as elevated temperatures and increased exposure to radiation.

He recently won a Judge’s Choice Award at 91�Թ��� Student Research Week for his Honors Undergraduate Thesis, “Robust AlN MEMS Resonators for High Temperature Space Environments.”

His passion for space has only grown over the years, reflected by his ongoing research at 91�Թ��� and for NASA. As an Astronaut Scholar, Taggart is launching into a future full of possibilities.

“Aside from the financial support that this scholarship will provide me as I complete my undergraduate program, I am very eager for all of the networking opportunities I will have,” Taggart says. “I look forward to networking with other students and industry leaders to learn and grow as much as I can thanks to the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation.”

Those interested in the Astronaut Scholarship and other opportunities should reach out to the Office of Prestigious Awards at��OPA@ucf.edu.

91�Թ��� researchers are known worldwide for their innovative studies, groundbreaking discoveries and contributions to patented technologies that have impacted society and influenced other leaders in the field.

Two College of Engineering and Computer Science professors and a three-time 91�Թ��� alum-turned-courtesy faculty appointee are now being recognized for their achievements that have advanced the quality of life for the state of Florida and the nation.

Professors Reza Abdolvand and Ni-bin Chang and Lockheed Martin Fellow Clara Rivero Baleine ’01 ’03MS ’05PhD have been named 2026 inductees of the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame (FIHF). This initiative celebrates pioneering inventors and empowers future problem-solvers and changemakers.

This initiative celebrates pioneering inventors and empowers future problem-solvers and changemakers.

This year, 10 inventors from Florida will be inducted during a formal ceremony in Tampa on Nov. 6. Since FIHF was founded in 2013, five faculty inventors from 91�Թ��� have been recognized with the distinction.

“Induction into the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame represents the ultimate validation of a lifelong commitment to translating academic research into industry practice,” Chang says. “Being inducted into the Hall of Fame, which includes over 90 inventors in different fields is also a testament to the thriving Florida innovation ecosystem and the power of continuous, groundbreaking discovery.”

A Career in Environmental Innovation

Chang was selected for induction based on his groundbreaking invention of green sorption media (GSM) and sustainable water treatment technologies that improve water quality.

GSM is a cost-effective and sustainable type of filtration media that uses recycled byproducts and natural minerals to treat stormwater runoff, wastewater effluent, groundwater flow and agricultural discharge.

There are a variety of patented GSM blends that can filter heavy metals, pathogens and contaminants from water systems. This process not only restores aquatic ecosystems but halts the transmission of waterborne diseases, and eliminates cyanotoxins and “forever chemicals” from water that can harm both humans and animals.

“Removing these diverse contaminants from water matrices provides profound, cascading benefits for both human health and aquatic ecosystems,” Chang says. “By eliminating the risk pathways associated with both acute exposure and chronic bioaccumulation, these GSM-based treatment technologies support fundamental ecological balance and public well-being.”

GSM blends are already used at more than 300 water treatment sites across the U.S.

The Inventor of Advanced Electronics

Abdolvand, the chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, was named an inductee for his contributions to the field of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) — incredibly small devices that have mighty power. Specifically, he is the inventor of a class of microelectronics called Thin-Film Piezoelectric-on-Substrate (TPoS) devices, which improve the reliability and efficiency of a wide range of electronics, including cell phones.

“By improving the efficiency and reliability of the components that make up these systems, the impact, while often invisible to the end user, is very real,” Abdolvand says. “Better performance, lower power consumption, and more reliable devices are the kinds of improvements that quietly make everyday technology work better for everyone.”

Abdolvand’s interest in innovation stems from his natural sense of curiosity. He says his tendency to connect the dots between seemingly unrelated events or systems has served him well throughout his career in research and academia.

“The moment it all clicked was during my Ph.D., when I was first given the opportunity to work on genuinely hard technical problems,” Abdolvand says. “I realized I could come up with solutions that simply did not exist yet. That realization was a turning point.”

As his career progresses, Abdolvand hopes to leave behind a legacy that is less about devices and innovation and more about people. His passion for educating, inspiring and creating opportunities for students means more than the impacts of his inventions.

“What excites me most is seeing students take the seed ideas developed at the university and carry them forward into their own companies, their own inventions, their own contributions to society,” Abdolvand says. “That chain of innovation — from a research lab to a startup to a product that improves people’s lives — is what I find truly meaningful. If I can play even a small role in setting that chain in motion for as many students as possible, that is the legacy I would be interested to leave behind.”

On the Cutting Edge of��Infrared��Materials and Optics

Driven by a desire to protect people and advance technologies that matter, Rivero Baleine joined Lockheed Martin, a 91�Թ��� Pegasus Partner, in 2005 after completing three degrees in six years at 91�Թ���.

Rivero Baleine now serves as a Lockheed Martin fellow, contributing to cutting‑edge innovation in infrared materials and optics.

Rivero-Baleine’s gradient refractive index optical materials and metamaterial coatings transformed infrared sensing systems for defense and advanced photonics applications.

“I am profoundly proud and deeply humbled to be welcomed into such an extraordinary community of inventors and innovators,” Rivero-Baleine says. “What inspires me most is knowing that these��innovations will��become part of systems that protect service members, strengthen national security and expand the capabilities of the platforms we rely on. That sense of purpose continues to��drive��my work every day.”

Rivero Baleine continues to maintain strong ties with 91�Թ��� through a courtesy faculty appointment at CREOL and serves on the CREOL Dean Advisory Board and the 91�Թ��� Material Science Industrial Advisory board.

Rivero Baleine is a Burnett Honors Scholar and earned a bachelor’s degree in physics, and a �������ٱ��’s and a doctorate in optics.

91�Թ��� Professor Michal Masternak and his team have identified molecular changes in the liver that happen when space travelers experience radiation and microgravity. These changes – that resemble accelerated aging – provide new insight into how prolonged space missions may increase health risks for astronauts and reveal potential targets for therapies that could combat age-related diseases on Earth.

“Just 24 hours after radiation exposure, there are many genetic changes in the liver that are remarkably similar to what happens during aging.” — Professor Michal Masternak

“We focused on the liver because it is one of the major metabolic organs in our body,” says Masternak, leader of the College of Medicine’s aging and space medicine research efforts. “What we found was that just 24 hours after radiation exposure, there are many genetic changes in the liver that are remarkably similar to what happens during aging. We can assume that if someone were in space much longer, the damage could be much greater.”

The findings were recently published in��GeroScience.

Navigating the Science

For their study, 91�Թ��� researchers and scientists from the U.S. created a simulated deep space environment in the lab. The team exposed animal models to simulated microgravity for 14 days and galactic cosmic radiation and solar particle events at NASA Space Radiation Laboratory trying to mimic the dosage that astronauts would be exposed to during a trip to Mars.

The exposure triggered noticeable and potentially harmful changes in the liver, including increased cellular senescence (aging and decreased cell function), inflammation and fibrosis. Left untreated, these conditions can eventually lead to declining and even failing organ function.

The research team then compared their results with data collected from astronaut blood samples taken during the NASA Twins Study and Inspiration4 astronauts. They saw similar genetic changes in blood.

“We’ve got this raw data from human studies, and they show that some of these changes are similar,” Masternak says. “That tells us we’re identifying useful molecular targets that one day could help protect astronauts during long-duration space missions.”

They��also��went a step further to see��whether the��changes could be treated. They��identified��a group of molecules known as antagomirs that alter several aging and inflammatory genetic pathways��by interacting with the body’s��microRNA. This system could pinpoint promising��future��therapies for space travelers.

Understanding Aging in the Space Age

Masternak says��the nation’s��growing space industry provides a unique opportunity to study aging at an accelerated pace.

“Very often when we study different aging processes, it takes time,” he says. “Even in humans, it’s almost impossible because it would take decades. But if we see some acceleration of aging in space, then we can translate it to human studies. We can observe processes happening much faster, understand them better and eventually use that knowledge to improve health for people here on Earth.”

“If we see some acceleration of aging in space, then … we can observe processes happening much faster, understand them better and eventually use that knowledge to improve health for people here on Earth.” — Masternak

Those discoveries could eventually lead to therapies that slow age-related diseases, preserve organ function and improve quality of life for everyone as they age.

“Our understanding of aging is very complex,” Masternak says. “Aging isn’t simply wrinkles or cosmetic changes. It’s the gradual and cascading failure of multiple organs and biological systems that happen at the same time. By understanding what starts that process and where it happens, we have a better chance of preventing many diseases before they develop. That is one of the biggest outstanding questions.”

Students Positioned at the Forefront of Space Medicine

College of Medicine students are also benefitting from space medicine research. Biomedical sciences Ph.D. student Md��Tanjim Alam��’25MS��joined Masternak’s laboratory during his��biotechnology��master’s program after initially planning to study cancer in relation to aging biology. Then he was introduced to space medicine, including processing astronaut samples from commercial space travelers to study how extreme environments affect human biology. That research has inspired him.

“I want to keep exploring the unknown,” Alam says. “I really want to understand how space travel influences human health, particularly its effects on aging and cancer.”

Biotechnology��graduate��student��Sarah Siddiqi ’24 says the interdisciplinary nature of the research attracted her to the space medicine and aging lab.

“When people think of aging, they think only about elderly populations,” says Siddiqi, who earned her bachelor’s degree as a Burnett Honors Scholar in biomedical sciences. “But we study aging across different stages of life and different environments, including space. I’ll always be focused on improving quality of life. I want to better understand diseases that are increasingly prevalent and find ways to recognize them earlier, before they progress to later stages.”

Funding and Disclosure:

Representing��91�Թ���,��Natalie Hayslip��’24��served as first author, while��Sarah Ashiqueali��’21MS ’24PhD, Xiang Zhu, Ridwan Hussein��’22��and��Mishfak��Mansoor also contributed to the research.��Researchers from��Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine,��Universidade��Federal de Pelotas,��the��University of��Pittsburgh��and��the��University of North Carolina at Chapel��Hill��also��contributed.

This work was supported by the National Science Foundation Award Number (FAIN): 2317758(MMM), Ed and Ethel Moore Alzheimer’s Disease Research Program of the��Florida Department of Health,��Public Health Research, Biomedical Research Program��24A12 (MMM), and the National Science Centre, Poland UMO-2023/51/B/NZ5/00498 (MMM).

Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the awarding agencies.

At the threshold of retirement on June 30, 91�Թ���’s first Pegasus Professor (honored in 2000) and original architect of online learning would rather talk about his ultimate inspiration.

“My greatest reward is that so many of my former students stay in touch with me,” says Dziuban, an inaugural Online Learning Consortium (formerly Sloan Consortium) fellow.

“My greatest reward is that so many of my former students stay in touch with me.”

Those students often showed up for Dziuban’s statistics and research design classes. Many of these students were daunted by the subjects only to find that the person teaching them listened intently, making himself, and the material, approachable.

This is Dziuban’s style — with students, colleagues, everyone. To effectively teach, he knows he must begin with the right questions. That curiosity-driven approach has guided 91�Թ��� to be a leader in online education, including the 91�Թ��� Online program which serves 9,000 students annually, for over 30 years — earning recognition among the nation’s best programs, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Here, 91�Թ���’s longest serving faculty member is finally on the other side of the questions, sharing insightful reflection and parting wise words.

Humble Roots

“I never set out to achieve any of this,” he says, “but the smallest incidences can make significant impacts.”

Dziuban grew up near Utica, New York, where most boys graduated from high school and followed their fathers into the mills. Dziuban, avid about hunting and fishing, began to develop a routine that exists to this day: reading two books every week.

“The truth is, I didn’t want to work in a mill,” he says. “Reading led to college and college allowed me to reinvent myself. People had called me Charlie. I hated it. In college, I became Chuck.”

Chuck earned degrees, moved, taught, and discovered a connection with statistics and research. At the University of Wisconsin, a mentor, Chester Harris, changed his life.

“He was terrifyingly smart,” Dziuban says, “but he knew the importance of understanding students before expecting them to understand the subject. I still have a picture of Chester on my desk. It keeps me humble.”

Humility was among the factors that drew Dziuban to a new university in Orlando, where parking lots were dirt and a cardboard box housed the university’s entire computing output.

“I saw FTU then, and 91�Թ��� now, as a place where you had room to develop ideas.”

“I saw FTU then, and 91�Թ��� now, as a place where you had room to develop ideas,” he says. “It was like a Silicon Valley startup. You weren’t sure how it might go, but at least the vibe was positive.”

He developed one of his first ideas following a three-hour statistics lecture.

“My students should have been in an emergency room after that lecture,” he says. “I realized they’d learn better by running data first and then coming back for an abbreviated lesson — similar to what we call a ‘flipped classroom.’ Students said, ‘Oh, I get it now.’ ”

Pioneering Digital Learning

Dziuban was called upon to use his expertise in and research design to develop a plethora of ideas that would attract international attention to 91�Թ���.

One of those early ideas led to a seismic shift that thousands of 91�Թ��� and 91�Թ��� Online students are still benefitting from today.

While developing what would become the Research Initiative for Teaching Effectiveness, Dziuban mentioned to the university’s fourth president, John C. Hitt, the concept of remote learning through the use of VHS tapes.

“He told me to innovate,” Dziuban says, “so we used computers instead of tapes. Eventually, we had the most sophisticated online learning model in the country, and the walls of classrooms came down.”

This is why, the annual Chuck D. Dziuban Award for Excellence in Online Teaching, established in 2012, is bestowed to one 91�Թ��� instructor who teaches an exemplary online or video course.

“Like I said, I never planned any of this,” he says.

Staying True to “Doing the Right Thing”

If you ever stepped near Dziuban’s office, you’d see a poster featuring a child with hotelier and philanthropist Harris Rosen — namesake of 91�Թ���’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management. Rosen used an adage that’s echoed in Dziuban’s mind since they began to break barriers to education in communities in need 31 years ago: “Do the right thing.”

With this as his guide, Dziuban helped The Rosen Foundation institute a program to ensure free preschool and resources through high school. College and trade school would also be free. Instead of directing the program, they empowered people in Orlando’s Tangelo Park and Parramore communities to lead it.

They’ve expanded that impact across Florida as well, and the results have been remarkable — including a recent $50,000 donation from the Harris Rosen Foundation to Gainesville for All in honor of Dziuban’s work transformative community initiatives.

“The odds of earning a college education have gone from nine-to-one against to three-to-one in favor,” Dziuban says. “There’s immense talent in every community. We can’t let it go to waste. It’s why we start young and celebrate every success.”

At the end of this school year, he will be on stage for just such a celebration.

“I’ll have the honor of moving tassels from the right to the left on the graduation caps of pre-k students,” Dziuban says.

The man with six decades of achievements in higher education will stand back and enjoy a moment the 4- and 5-year-old kids can tell others about.

“I can’t imagine anything more meaningful than that.”

Designed to accelerate innovation, the Orlando Health Strategic Innovations group connects real clinical and operational challenges with student and academic talent, creating a healthcare environment where ideas are tested, informed by feedback, and continually improved. The space serves as an extension of the system’s downtown headquarters and is jointly funded by Orlando Health Ventures and the Orlando Health Innovation teams.

Orlando Health’s presence within SPRK aligns with 91�Թ���’s broader co-location strategy, which brings industry partners onto campus to catalyze innovation through proximity. The approach emphasizes shared space, shared��challenges��and shared outcomes to accelerate problem-solving, support experiential��learning��and speed the translation of ideas into practice.

The co-location marks the latest milestone in��Orlando Health’s��long-standing partnership with 91�Թ���.

“By working side by side at SPRK, we are accelerating innovation and moving real-world healthcare solutions more quickly into the communities we serve.” ��— Alexander N. Cartwright, 91�Թ��� president

The Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute provides comprehensive, year-round care for 91�Թ��� student-athletes, including on-field coverage, primary care sports medicine, and specialized imaging. As a��Pegasus Partner,��Orlando Health pledged $5 million toward the��, which supports nursing internships, scholarships, and hiring, helping to address the state’s nursing shortage. In addition, Orlando Health and 91�Թ��� collaborate on advanced technology projects��—��such as the AI for Medical Surgery system��—��jointly offer specialized residency programs and��collaborate in��many��additional��ways.

“Orlando Health has been an exceptional partner,��demonstrating��what is possible when industry and academia come together with shared��purpose. This next phase of co-location builds on that foundation,” says 91�Թ��� President Alexander N. Cartwright. “By working side by side at SPRK, we are accelerating innovation and moving real-world healthcare solutions more quickly into the communities we serve.”

Healthcare Innovation at the Center of Campus

Located in��approximately��2,649��square feet��within SPRK, the��Strategic Innovations group��was intentionally placed, here,��to foster continuous collaboration with faculty and students across disciplines.

This co-location enables a new operating model. Orlando Health brings real health system��challenges��directly into the academic environment, and interdisciplinary teams of students, faculty,��and Orlando Health innovators rapidly design, test,��and refine solutions.

Early collaboration has already begun to generate impact in areas such as cancer research, digital health, creation of AI��models��and various orthopedic innovations.

“The opening of an Orlando Health Strategic Innovations space at 91�Թ��� represents our shared commitment to advancing healthcare delivery through bold new ideas,” says Jamal Hakim, M.D., chief physician officer, Orlando Health. “Through this partnership, we are creating a collaborative environment where clinicians, researchers, students and industry leaders can generate real-world solutions and drive innovations that will shape the future of how we care for patients.”

Built to Go For Launch

The latest milestone in , this co-location represents 91�Թ���’s deep commitment to the ecosystem of support powering our vision for the future.

Through��a collective effort��—��combining philanthropy and transformational giving with corporate��partnerships, research��commercialization��and other revenue-generating endeavors��—��91�Թ�����is charting��a��bold��new path forward and building a future the world has only begun to imagine.

“This co-location with Orlando Health exemplifies the kind of partnership that powers Go for Launch, bringing industry and academia together to create real-world impact,” says Rod Grabowski, 91�Թ��� vice president for Advancement and Partnership, and CEO of the 91�Թ��� Foundation. “By aligning visionary partners with 91�Թ���’s innovation ecosystem, we are accelerating discovery, expanding opportunity and advancing solutions that improve lives.”

Four outstanding undergraduate students are redefining the boundaries of STEM through their high-impact research — and in doing so, placing the university among the nation’s top producers of Goldwater Scholars.

The prestigious Goldwater Scholarship identifies and supports the nation’s best student researchers in the fields of engineering, mathematics and natural sciences.

This year’s honorees — all expected to graduate next spring — have propelled 91�Թ��� into an elite tier of research institutions, surpassing several Ivy League institutions and tying for fourth in the nation in total Goldwater Scholars produced alongside Stanford University, the University of Notre Dame and the University of Chicago. Their impactful work reflects 91�Թ���’s commitment to building a high-level research environment that empowers students to lead projects addressing significant global and scientific challenges.

Supporting Space Exploration

Goldwater Scholar: Keanu Brayman

Major: Mechanical engineering

Ultimate Goal: To develop robotic systems to support human exploration on Mars.

Keanu Brayman’s passion for space began early.

“One of my earliest memories is watching a Space Shuttle streak across the sky from a beach in South Florida,” Brayman says. “I remember being amazed there were people on board and feeling drawn to one day help explore the stars and discover what lies beyond our planet.”

At 91�Թ���, Brayman has refined that dream with the support of faculty and mentors — including Department of Physics Chair and Professor Adrienne Dove, Associate Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Tarek Elgohary and NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Engineer Christopher Proctor — as well as through programs like the .

He plans to pursue a doctoral degree in aerospace engineering to support lunar exploration and NASA’s Artemis program, as well as develop robotic systems that can extract resources and build infrastructure to support human exploration on Mars.

Engineering the Brain

Goldwater Scholar: Kyle Coutray

Majors: Computer engineering and biomedical sciences

Ultimate Goal: To research ways to restore communication, movement and cognitive function to the brain through engineering methods.

Kyle Coutray is focused on the intersection of neuroscience and technology.

“I’m interested in building systems that interact directly with the brain,” Coutray says. “In the lab, … [I’m] blending [both majors] into one approach.”

He aims to pursue a doctoral degree in neural engineering to further his research on brain-computer interfaces that translate complex brain activity into useful functions.

A 2026 Order of Pegasus inductee and a Burnett Honors Scholar, Coutray credits his success to disciplined focus and strong mentorship, particularly from Charles N. Millican Professor of Computer Science Joseph LaViola and Associate Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Helen Huang.

Advancing Patient Care

Goldwater Scholar: Varun Nannuri

Major: Molecular and cellular biology

Ultimate Goal: To pursue a career as a physician-scientist.

Varun Nannuri is driven by a desire to understand why people experience different health outcomes and improve care.

“Through my clinical experiences, I have seen how much patients and families rely on physicians during some of the most difficult moments of their lives,” Nannuri says. “My research experiences have shown me that better care depends on asking better questions.”

Nannuri plans to pursue a dual M.D./Ph.D. degree and become a physician-scientist. His ambition earned him recognition as a 2026 Order of Pegasus inductee while also completing his Honors Undergraduate Thesis. Nannuri is also a member of the Burnett Honors College as a Burnett Medical Scholar, a program that offers guaranteed admission to the 91�Թ��� College of Medicine upon completion.

“91�Թ��� has given me opportunities to grow as a student, researcher, leader and future physician,” Nannuri says.

Restoring Human Senses

Goldwater Scholar: Trevor Overton

Majors: Electrical engineering and biomedical sciences

Ultimate Goal: To improve the lives of people with disabilities through advanced robotic prostheses.

Burnett Honors Scholar Trevor Overton’s work centers on neuroengineering and next-generation prosthetics.

“I’ve always had a passion for building things, and I also love reading and watching sci-fi,” Overton says. “When 91�Թ��� offered me the opportunity to join the MEDD [ … I knew I had to take it.”

91�Թ���’s MEDD program provides scientifically driven students like Overton with a unique opportunity to integrate engineering principles into medicine.

Much like the development of cochlear implants, Overton imagines similar breakthroughs with vision and touch.

“I envision a future where robotic prostheses are so advanced that they could completely replace or enhance the abilities of humans,” Overton says. “It’s not entirely impossible.”

After earning a doctoral degree in electrical engineering with a focus on neuroengineering, he hopes to inspire the next generation — just as his professors inspired him — emphasizing that 91�Թ���’s strength lies in professors who actively invest in their students.

A Growing Research Powerhouse

With four 2026 Goldwater Scholarship recipients, 91�Թ��� continues to strengthen its position as a leader in undergraduate research. The achievement reflects both students’ immense dedication and a university-wide commitment to driving innovation, mentorship and hands-on discovery. As these Knights prepare for the next steps in their academic journeys, they carry forward a shared mission: to turn research into real-world impact.

Students interested in applying for the Goldwater Scholarship or other major national awards should contact the Office of Prestigious Awards at��opa@ucf.edu.