Alexander N. Cartwright Archives | University of Central ��ӽ紫ý News

From the Clinic to the Cockpit: ��ӽ紫ý Opens New FAA-Designated Clinic for Pilots

Eddy Duryea ’13 | Photos by Eric Eraso — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 17:34:48 +0000

Minutes from one of the world’s most visited airports, ��ӽ紫ý has opened a new clinic to help pilots meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) medical requirements to fly safely.

The new University of Central ��ӽ紫ý Aerospace Medicine Clinic at ��ӽ紫ý Health Faculty Physician Practice in Lake Nona is led by William “Ed” Powers, chief medical officer of ��’s and a certified aviation medical examiner.

Pilots operating civilian aircraft must have various levels of FAA medical certification depending on the type of aircraft. Commercial pilots must pass the exam every six months or each year.

“Flight safety depends on healthy pilots,” says Powers, who is certified to conduct the highest level of FAA exams. “That’s ultimately what we’re here to support.”

“Here at ��ӽ紫ý, we are … connecting medicine, engineering, research and industry in ways few universities can.” — ��ӽ紫ý President Alexander N. Cartwright

��ӽ紫ý President Alexander N. Cartwright says the clinic is an example of the university’s mission to educate talent, advance discovery and solve societal challenges that matter.

“The next era of flight will bring new demands on health and human performance,” Cartwright says. “Here at ��ӽ紫ý, we are meeting those challenges by connecting medicine, engineering, research and industry in ways few universities can.”

What sets this clinic apart from others is its ability to more efficiently address the health needs of pilots thanks to a network of ��ӽ紫ý College of Medicine faculty physicians, university officials say.

The clinic marked its opening with a ceremony today.

Assessing Safety and Minimizing Risk

Medical clearance for pilots is “all about risk,” Powers says. “The FAA has to assess the risk of a pilot experiencing a sudden incapacitation while flying. That’s really what these exams are focused on.”

For that reason, the ��ӽ紫ý clinic will not focus on diagnosing disease, but on identifying and acting on any condition that might endanger pilot, crew and passenger safety.

In addition to a physical exam, pilots must pass hearing and vision tests, including demonstrating that they are not color blind. Airline pilots receive an electrocardiogram every year, while other pilots, like hobbyists, may receive an electrocardiogram if there is evidence of heart disease. Physicians also review medical history and discuss any health concerns that could affect flight safety.

Even manageable chronic conditions like high blood pressure can temporarily delay certification until the condition is treated, stabilized and controlled.

“When you’re flying an airplane, you don’t have the luxury of pulling over and waiting for help like if you’re a truck driver,” Powers says. “You must be aware at all times. If you’re responsible for an aircraft full of passengers, the FAA wants to minimize the chance of a sudden incapacitation.”

A Vast Network of Expertise

Complicated medical cases are referred to the FAA for further review, and pilots may need additional interventions to meet certification standards. That’s where the College of Medicine’s physician practice offers a distinct advantage, Powers says.

“We can guide pilots to the specialists and testing they need and help them get back on the path toward medical clearance.” — William “Ed” Powers, chief medical officer of the CASEEM

Unlike private clinics that do pilot certification exams, ��ӽ紫ý offers multiple medical specialties under one roof and a team approach to care.

“We can guide pilots to the specialists and testing they need and help them get back on the path toward medical clearance,” Powers says.

Powers brings decades of expertise in space and aviation medicine. Before joining ��ӽ紫ý, he was chief of NASA’s Medical Operations Branch, director of flight medicine for Axiom Space and director of the aerospace medicine residency program at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston.

Powers also worked inside the FAA as a supervisory medical officer. He says that experience gives him a firm understanding of what the FAA requires, making the process smoother for everyone.

“That means fewer delays, fewer mistakes in paperwork and a more efficient process for pilots whose livelihoods depend on getting certified,” he says.

William “Ed” Powers demonstrates part of a hearing test with a standardized patient. Pilots are assessed for hearing, vision, cardiovascular health and more to ensure pilot safety and eliminate the risk of sudden incapacitation.

Strengthening the Regional Aviation Ecosystem

Another ��ӽ紫ý advantage: the clinic is only about 10 miles from Orlando International Airport, which welcomes 58 million travelers annually. So in addition to local aviators, pilots nationwide who travel to and through Orlando could easily schedule their certification exams at ��ӽ紫ý.

“Clinics like ��’s Aerospace Medicine Clinic [are] helping pilots, whether in space or on the ground, access the care and medical certification support they need to remain flight-ready.” — Lance Lyttle, CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority

The clinic will help strengthen the aviation training pipeline in one of the nation’s most active aerospace regions. This capability is especially important for local flight schools whose students may require guidance in navigating medical certification, return-to-flight concerns and the health demands of aviation careers.

“Central ��ӽ紫ý’s aviation ecosystem is built on more than runways, terminals and launchpads,” says Lance Lyttle, CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, which manages Orlando International and Orlando Executive airports. “It also depends on the people and services that keep aviation moving safely and efficiently. Clinics like ��’s Aerospace Medicine Clinic complement that ecosystem by helping pilots, whether in space or on the ground, access the care and medical certification support they need to remain flight-ready.”

The clinic is embedded in Central ��ӽ紫ý’s bustling travel hub with numerous satellite airports, including Kissimmee Gateway Airport and Orlando Sanford International Airport. Giving pilots another option to get cleared to fly strengthens the regional economy, says Shaun Germolus, director of aviation for the Kissimmee facility.

“The aviation industry in Central ��ӽ紫ý provides a major economic impact to the region,” Germolus says. “The medical exams and certificates provided by the ��ӽ紫ý Aerospace Medicine Clinic will be very valuable to ensure our aviation professionals are healthy and readily available to serve.”

Launching the Clinic

The clinic is starting with limited Thursday and Friday morning appointments to allow the team to refine operations before expanding. Helping coordinate those efforts is Camila Niebla ’26, a ��ӽ紫ý health sciences graduate who now serves as the clinic’s aerospace medicine navigator.

Niebla discovered aerospace medicine by accident while exploring future career paths before applying to medical school.

“I didn’t even know aerospace medicine was a possibility,” she says. “I’ve always been interested in performance-driven medicine, like sports medicine, so this felt really exciting. It’s exciting to be part of something from the beginning and watch it grow.”

Part of a Larger Vision for Aerospace Medicine at ��ӽ紫ý

The clinic is part of ��’s , which is being developed as a comprehensive academic, clinical, research, education, and operational platform to support the future of aviation, commercial spaceflight, and human space exploration.

“This is about building the medical infrastructure required for the next era of flight, both on Earth and in space,” says Emmanuel Urquieta, vice chair for aerospace medicine at the ��ӽ紫ý College of Medicine. “Our goal is to create a program that is not only academic, but operational and translational in nature — one that supports student pilots, flight schools, commercial aviation, spaceflight providers and the broader aerospace ecosystem.”

Schedule an Appointment

to learn more about FAA medical exams at ��ӽ紫ý Health Faculty Physician Practice and schedule an appointment online.

CATER Named an Official University Research Center

Marisa Ramiccio — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 14:23:11 +0000

At the Center for Advanced Turbomachinery and Energy Research (CATER), the mission is simple: CATER to the energy needs of society. For 20 years, researchers affiliated with the center have worked on groundbreaking projects in power generation, space propulsion and aviation that have pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in power generation, air travel and spaceflight.

Now CATER is expanding its mission and its reach as it shifts from a center within the College of Engineering and Computer Science to an official university center, effective July 1. This new iteration of CATER includes structured goals for faculty success, advancing new industry and national lab partnerships and the development of new research and testing facilities for students and faculty.

“��ӽ紫ý has an unparallel industrial ecosystem that includes turbomachinery companies, space propulsion companies and aviation companies,” Pegasus Professor and Trustee Chair Jayanta Kapat says. “CATER works at the intersection of these technologies and strives to provide the best training to ��ӽ紫ý students who will work for these organizations, capable of providing them with fast and quality technical solutions.”

Fostering Faculty Mentorship

��ӽ紫ý sets up its faculty for long-term success, in part, through quality mentorship.

As part of Kapat’s plan, core senior CATER faculty members will mentor incoming assistant professors who join CATER as core faculty members until they receive promotion and tenure. Throughout the process, junior faculty will receive guidance on the grant funding process and networking as well as student recruitment and advising.

CATER’s current interdisciplinary faculty expertise includes mechanical and aerospace engineering, and modeling, simulation and training.

“The typical faculty career is 20 to 30 years, and we want our faculty to stay successful over that period of time,” Kapat says. “None of this is taught in a university as a course. So in CATER we have created a very intense one-to-one mentorship plan that worked well in the previous version of CATER so that core members can sustain productivity over their entire faculty careers.”

Redefining the Research Focus

To be considered or to remain a core member of CATER, senior faculty will need to continuously meet specific metrics such as annual research expenditures, total annual awards, the number of mentored graduate students, number doctoral graduations, publications, etc.

CATER won’t expand beyond 15 core members and 10 research faculty members, while keeping its focus on various research applications, such as hypersonics and national security, energy and sustainability, advanced air mobility, and space power and propulsion.

“These are the areas where we contribute to the university’s overall strategic initiatives that President Alexander N. Cartwright implemented as part of ��’s strategic plan,” Kapat says. “So this is our contribution to the university’s strategic goals.”

The faculty are already working on several research projects to support CATER’s research pillars, including the development of digital twin architecture for power plants and aviation systems, creating new fuels for zero-emission aviation, use of supercritical carbon dioxide, molten salt and ammonia as energy carriers for future power generation systems, expanding design paradigm using advanced manufacturing and newer materials, and investigating the possibility of building a power plant on the moon.

Expanding Industry Partnerships

CATER also supports industry needs through partnerships with major energy, aerospace and defense organizations that are based in Central ��ӽ紫ý, including Pegasus Partner Siemens Energy. For the past decade, CATER’s homebase has been the Siemens Energy Center on the main campus. But now researchers have additional facilities that support their work.

CATER and the Aerospace Technology Group (ATG) have collaborated on the CATER-ATG Engine Research Test (CERT) facility, which recently opened at Valkaria Airport near Melbourne, ��ӽ紫ý. The space allows CATER researchers to certify engine parts and develop/validate new technologies that companies like Boeing or GE could incorporate into their next generation aviation systems.

Professor Kareem Ahmed, a world expert in hypersonic and space propulsion, is using the space to conduct fuel tests for the Department of Defense. Professor Subith Vasu, a world expert in supercritical carbon dioxide oxy-combustion and ammonia combustion, will conduct engine testing of ammonia as a fuel for an actual aviation gas turbine — one of the first in the world.

Kapat’s group is conducting ground testing of hypersonic flight components and will conduct cracking of ammonia using heat from a gas turbine exhaust. Such experiments can’t be run on the ��ӽ紫ý campus.

A third joint facility called the CATER Applied Propulsion and Energy Center (CAPE), is under development with start of operation expected by August. This would house several mid-TRL experimental rigs on supercritical carbon dioxide cycle, molten salt systems and components, energy storage, advanced air mobility, etc.

CAPE facility will be also strategically located close to the world’s largest molten salt energy storage facility, called MOSS, being planned by Siemens Energy and will be used to test components for thermal energy storage systems and thermal interface for advanced nuclear reactors. Siemens Energy would own the MOSS facility while a nuclear reactor company will supply a large fraction of the equipment. ��ӽ紫ý researchers will help operate and use the facility to conduct research and train the next generation of nuclear and mechanical engineers.

“We need to train the new workforce because there is not enough people trained in nuclear engineering anymore,” Kapat says. “Mechanical engineering is a nuclear-adjacent area, so they see this as an opportunity to train the workforce by letting them run the facility. So it’s a win-win for everybody.”

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

Liz Lytle — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 14:02:16 +0000

��ӽ紫ý Trustee Chair and Pegasus Professor Deborah Beidel, who serves as executive director of ��ӽ紫ý RESTORES, has been named a finalist for the Orlando Sentinel‘s 2026 Central Floridian of the Year award, an honor recognizing those whose leadership and community impact shape the region.

Deborah Beidel (center, black and white dress), Director of the ��ӽ紫ý Division of State Fire Marshal Joanne Rice (right of Beidel) with the ��ӽ紫ý RESTORES team at the Resiliency Command Center unveiling.

The award recognizes Beidel — representing the entire ��ӽ紫ý RESTORES team — for building a national model for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment. Since its founding in 2011, ��ӽ紫ý RESTORES has treated more than 2,150 individuals, including nearly 600 military members and more than 1,350 first responders. All treatment is provided at no charge, supported by state funding, federal grants and private donations.

“When we founded ��ӽ紫ý RESTORES, we set out to prove that PTSD treatment could be faster, more effective and accessible to everyone who needs it,” Beidel says. “Over the past 15 years, that mission has grown into something larger: a comprehensive system of treatment, training, and crisis response that meets people wherever they are in their journey toward healing. This recognition reflects the clinicians, researchers and staff who have made that vision a reality.”

The center’s intensive outpatient program produces outcomes that exceed national standards – 76% of participants no longer meet diagnostic criteria for PTSD following treatment, and the program boasts a relapse rate of less than 1%.

Virtual reality is used in exposure therapy at ��ӽ紫ý RESTORES to help treat PTSD.

Several states are now establishing similar programs, sending clinicians and researchers to Orlando to study ��ӽ紫ý RESTORES’ approach.

What began as a research-focused treatment program has expanded into a comprehensive ecosystem of care encompassing clinical treatment, peer support training, crisis response and family resources.

, ��ӽ紫ý RESTORES clinicians:

Delivered more than 2,100 hours of evidence-based care;
Trained more than 450 first responders through the center’s REACT peer support program;
Unveiled a first-of-its-kind mobile Resiliency Command Center to deliver psychological support at disaster scenes; and,
Integrated the ��ӽ紫ý RESTORES 2nd Alarm Project, extending capacity-building and behavioral health navigation services to agencies across ��ӽ紫ý’s Panhandle.

��ӽ紫ý RESTORES has also responded to large-scale tragedies including the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting and the 2021 Champlain Towers South condominium collapse in Surfside, FL, providing on-site mental health support to survivors, families, and emergency personnel. All treatment is provided at no charge, supported by state funding, federal grants and private donations.

“Dr. Beidel’s work reflects the very best of ��ӽ紫ý. She combines compassion, research and innovation to address one of the most complex challenges facing our local communities,” says ��ӽ紫ý President Alexander N. Cartwright. “Through ��ӽ紫ý RESTORES, she has redefined how PTSD is treated, turning breakthrough ideas into real solutions for those who need them most. Because of her work, first responders, trauma survivors, and so many others across Central ��ӽ紫ý, and beyond, are finding a path forward.”

The Central Floridian of the Year finalist recognition follows Beidel’s selection as the Big 12 Conference’s 2025 Faculty of the Year for ��ӽ紫ý. Now in its second year, the award showcases the academic excellence, research breakthroughs and educational opportunities available to students at Big 12 institutions.

��ӽ紫ý Becomes First ��ӽ紫ý University to Earn Accreditation by Higher Learning Commission

��ӽ紫ý — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 19:14:08 +0000

��ӽ紫ý is proud to have earned initial accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission, becoming the first institution in the State University System to earn accreditation from the nation’s largest institutional accreditor. This milestone underscores ��’s growing national reputation, commitment to academic excellence and student success, and role in advancing ��ӽ紫ý as a national leader in education.

��ӽ紫ý earned the status after completing the Accelerated Process for Initial Accreditation and demonstrating the university meets all HLC quality standards and requirements related to institutional mission; ethical and responsible conduct; teaching and learning for student success; and institutional effectiveness, resources and planning.

“HLC is an accreditation partner that matches our scale, our innovation, and our commitment to strong stewardship of public resources.” — President Alexander N. Cartwright

“��’s transition to HLC reflects our bold ambitions for the future and our responsibility to deliver exceptional value for ��ӽ紫ý,” says ��ӽ紫ý President Alexander N. Cartwright. “HLC is an accreditation partner that matches our scale, our innovation, and our commitment to strong stewardship of public resources. Meeting the rigorous standards to earn this accreditation reflects the faculty and staff whose unwavering dedication to student success, academic excellence, and operational efficiency fuel our momentum.”

About the Higher Learning Commission

Founded in 1895, HLC is a private nonprofit accrediting agency and the nation’s largest institutional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. HLC accredits approximately 1,000 colleges and universities in the United States.

Why Accreditation Matters for ��ӽ紫ý

As ��ӽ紫ý offers universities new and innovative options for accreditation, ��ӽ紫ý is proud to lead the way as the first in the State University System to earn accreditation from HLC.

HLC accreditation validates excellence across ��ӽ紫ý, evaluating aspects including academic programs, governance and administration, mission, finances and resources.

Accreditation provides assurance that the university is fulfilling its public mission and providing excellent education, while also demonstrating ��’s commitment to continuous improvement. It is also essential for the university to receive federal funding, including student financial aid.

��’s Strong Return on Investment

As a leading R1 university committed to building a better future, ��ӽ紫ý empowers innovative community partnerships, world-class research with global impact, and the integration of technology and learning to foster incredible student outcomes.

U.S. News & World Report ranks ��ӽ紫ý among the top 15 most innovative universities in the country and has consistently ranked ��’s online degrees among the top 10 nationally for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs.

According to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, ��ӽ紫ý has a higher graduation rate and lower annual cost than the average midpoint for four-year schools, with a graduation rate of 73% compared to the midpoint of 58%. ��ӽ紫ý remains a great value for a quality education, with average annual costs of $10,650 compared to the $19,740 midpoint for other four-year schools.

��ӽ紫ý is also ��ӽ紫ý’s most financially efficient university.

“��ӽ紫ý has become a national leader in delivering excellence at scale, achieving outstanding outcomes for our students and the state while operating with one of the lowest costs per degree in the nation,” President Cartwright says. “Because of that efficiency, additional new investments in ��ӽ紫ý would deliver among the strongest returns in higher education — fueling the talent, research, and innovation that drive ��ӽ紫ý’s future.”

Our Ongoing Commitment to Excellence

��ӽ紫ý was initially accredited in 1970, and most recently held its status through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Accreditation is an ongoing relationship. As a member of HLC, the institution will participate in ongoing reviews for compliance with HLC standards.

More information about the institution’s accreditation is available in HLC’s .

Daring to Boldly Invent the Future: ��ӽ紫ý’s Next-Generation Preeminent University

��ӽ紫ý — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 12:45:08 +0000

From world-class faculty and high-achieving students to dedicated academic success coaches and staff who excel at coordinating research grants, the ��ӽ紫ý community contributes so much to creating a better future for our students and our state.

Their determined pursuit of excellence and transformation of knowledge into breakthroughs have catapulted ��ӽ紫ý to become ��ӽ紫ý’s Next-Generation Preeminent University.

President Alexander N. Cartwright announced Monday that ��ӽ紫ý has reached the 12 metrics required to earn the designation of Preeminent State Research University by the ��ӽ紫ý Board of Governors. Qualifying for the state’s highest designation highlights ��’s achievements in student success, research and more — and the talents and hard work of so many in the ��ӽ紫ý community who made this happen.

“From the very beginning, ��ӽ紫ý has been a university that defies expectations, turning scrubland into a next-generation university built for discovery, innovation and opportunity,” President Cartwright says. “Reaching the 12 metrics necessary for ��ӽ紫ý’s Preeminent State Research University designation reflects the grit and ambition of our students, faculty, and staff, and the power of this community to dream bigger and achieve more. Preeminence is not an arrival point but a launchpad for an even bolder future.”

“This is an extraordinary accomplishment, and one that reflects the collective efforts of our faculty, staff, students, and leadership team — with this Board’s unwavering support,” says Board of Trustees Chair Alex Martins ’01MBA. “It is a milestone that belongs to the entire ��ӽ紫ý community, and I am proud we have reached this point together.”

A Community Dedicated to Student Success

��ӽ紫ý adopted a new model of student success support in 2023 with academic success coaches. Each student is paired with a success coach who works one-on-one with them, helping them develop their academic and career goals, and guiding them on the path to success. Success coaches help remove barriers for students and empower them to thrive on campus and beyond.

When DirectConnect to ��ӽ紫ý student Hayley Ellis transferred from Daytona State College, she had to adjust to a much larger school in a new city. Mostly homeschooled growing up, Ellis is an aspiring pathologist double majoring in health sciences, and molecular and cellular biology.

Just as she began feeling overwhelmed in Organic Chemistry, senior academic success coach Christian Viau reached out to champion her success.

“When I got [Christian’s] email, I was like, ‘Someone here wants me to succeed and help me map out my classes,’ ” Ellis says. “That was a huge relief. It felt good to have someone there for me.”

“I think providing [a] support system from inside the institution is vital. As a success coach, that’s a driving factor for me — because in my undergrad, I would’ve loved to have someone I could lean on.” — Christian Viau, senior academic success coach

Since then, they’ve met several times to build a manageable academic schedule and discuss how to get involved and connect with Knights across campus.

Every student Viau works with receives individualized support. That includes Ellis, whom he knew needed extra help due to the unique challenges double majors face. Now approaching graduation, she’s stayed on track to finish in four years.

Thanks to the efforts of Viau and dozens of other academic success coaches across campus, along with caring faculty members who mentor students, and many other people, ��ӽ紫ý has increased our four-year graduation rate to 63.8%, which is up 14 percentage points in four years.

Another example of efforts that have greatly benefited students is in the College of Arts and Humanities, where faculty in writing and rhetoric are strengthening student success in first-year composition courses. Shane Wood, associate professor and director of first-year composition and Professor Sherry Rankins-Robertson facilitated a progress report initiative that identifies at-risk students early in Composition I and II courses. Students are then connected to support and resources to help them succeed in these subjects, which nearly every ��ӽ紫ý student takes, and which directly affect key preeminence metrics like freshman retention and four-year graduation rates.

“Serving more than 6,500 students a year, success in these [composition] courses plays a pivotal role in helping students persevere at ��ӽ紫ý and ultimately graduate.” — Shane Wood, associate professor

What began as a small pilot program with about 10% faculty participation has grown to be embraced by nearly 90% of instructors today. That shift has contributed to a remarkable 96% persistence rate, which measures percentage of students who continue, in composition courses — helping bolster student success across the university.

“Serving more than 6,500 students a year, success in these courses plays a pivotal role in helping students persevere at ��ӽ紫ý and ultimately graduate,” Wood says.

Rankins-Robertson says the initiative also reflects the dedication of faculty who support students from their very first semester.

“We’re trying to make students feel like they belong here, and when they feel supported, they’re more likely to continue,” Rankins-Robertson says. “Preeminence, to me, highlights the dedication of our faculty and the intentional ways they approach the classroom in order to make a meaningful impact on students’ lives.”

From Ingenuity to Impact: Boosting Research Funding and Technology Transfer

��’s world-class faculty are bold innovators who drive over $285 million in annual research expenditures across fields like space exploration, engineering, optics and photonics, modeling and simulation, healthcare, cybersecurity and more. Their work has helped ��ӽ紫ý become a National Academy of Inventors top 20 public university for patents in the U.S. — and meet preeminence metrics.

“When the Office of Technology Transfer showcases ��ӽ紫ý innovations, we not only generate interest in licensing intellectual property, but also create pathways for industry partnerships that extend far beyond licensing alone.” — Svetlana Shtrom ’08MBA, director of Technology Transfer

The Office of Technology Transfer, which oversees the filing and issuance of patents, is part of the university’s Economic Development and Innovation division within the Office of Research. Technology Transfer plays an integral role in overseeing research commercialization, strengthening industry relationships and facilitating formation of new startup companies. Supporting the efforts of the Technology Transfer team are a host of other Office of Research staff who submit proposals, process funding awards and much more.

“��’s Office of Technology Transfer is dedicated to serving the university research community by identifying innovative research that has commercial potential and attracts interest from industry partners, entrepreneurs, and investors with the goal of bringing promising research results to the market for the betterment of society,” says Svetlana Shtrom ’08MBA, director of Technology Transfer.

Being a strong producer of patents enhances ��’s national prominence, attracting more talented students and researchers who further fuel the cycle of innovation.

“We are committed to supporting researchers, entrepreneurs and stakeholders in turning ideas into impact,” says Raju Nagaiah, Technology Transfer’s assistant director of licensing. “We are passionateabout our work — we love science and technology, and get very excited when we learn about new inventions and the opportunity to improve people’s lives through innovation.”

Companies frequently approach the Technology Transfer to explore available technologies, and this often leads to deeper research collaborations and more funding opportunities for faculty, Shtrom says.

Driving Student Achievement and Innovation

Preeminence also acknowledges the many ways that students excel in the classroom and transform ideas into impact.

Zackary Zuniga, a dual major undergraduate student studying photonics science and engineering, and electrical engineering, founded ZuLeris Interactive in 2023 after taking ��’s Entrepreneurship for Defense course. The company, now part of the ��ӽ紫ý Business Incubation Program, creates immersive simulations for electromagnetic defense training.

“At ��ӽ紫ý, I found a community that supported me every step of the way,” Zuniga says. “From mentors to the entrepreneurship ecosystem, I’ve never experienced this level of encouragement anywhere else.”

Set to graduate in December, Zuniga and his team spent the summer on a national fellowship sponsored by the Defense Innovation Unit, which focuses on helping startup companies. He credits ��ӽ紫ý for connecting him with opportunities that have shaped his startup, allowing it to make training more accessible and scalable.

Leading ��ӽ紫ý’s Future

As ��ӽ紫ý attracts top talent, strengthens industry partnerships and drives innovation that benefits the state and nation, the university’s impact is felt across key sectors — from healthcare and nursing to space and defense — positioning ��ӽ紫ý as a vital contributor to ��ӽ紫ý’s prosperity.

For the 2025-26 academic year, ��ӽ紫ý boasts its strongest class in years. The university received a record 65,900 applicants from first-year students for 8,100 spots in the Summer and Fall 2025 semesters. The average high school GPA for fall freshmen was 4.24 and the class posted a 1347 average SAT score.

What Comes Next

When it comes to preeminence, the Board of Governors must first verify the results of ��’s 12 metrics. Once verified, the 12 metrics will come before the ��ӽ紫ý Board of Trustees for approval in April 2026, and would then move onto the Board of Governors for certification and official designation in June.

President Cartwright shared that his priority for any new dollars that come with the official preeminence designation is investment in the faculty and staff who propel the university’s excellence.

From there, the sky is the limit as ��ӽ紫ý continues to build on our innovations in student success at scale, grow as ��ӽ紫ý’s Premier University for Engineering, Technology and Innovation, and become a top 25 public research university.

��ӽ紫ý Opens Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion in Lake Nona, Fueling a Talent Pipeline and Healthcare Innovation

��ӽ紫ý — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 18:04:43 +0000

��’s opened today as Knight nurses excitedly began fall classes, ushering in a bright future for them, the nursing profession and the health of ��ӽ紫ý’s communities.

Elected leaders joined founding donors to celebrate the pavilion’s opening on ��’s at Lake Nona. They gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and toured the pavilion, which will help to address ��ӽ紫ý’s critical nursing shortage. Fittingly for ��ӽ紫ý’s Premier Engineering and Technology University, the pavilion also features the latest in immersive modeling and simulation technologies.

“This facility will help strengthen ��ӽ紫ý’s nursing talent pipeline in ways that make communities across our state healthier.” — ��ӽ紫ý President Alexander N. Cartwright

“The Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion is a powerful example of what is possible when vision, community and partnership come together. Built with the generous support of state leaders, donors and health care champions, this facility will help strengthen ��ӽ紫ý’s nursing talent pipeline in ways that make communities across our state healthier,” says ��ӽ紫ý President Alexander N. Cartwright. “Together, we are fueling hands-on learning, enabling new research and discovery, and preparing generations of Knight Nurses who will have a lasting impact on the lives of those they serve.”

With the opening, ��ӽ紫ý will increase access to its accredited and nationally ranked nursing degree programs and graduate an additional 150 newly licensed nurses annually. These graduates will have a direct impact on the state. Of the 17,000 Knight nurse alumni, 85% live and work in ��ӽ紫ý, and nearly 60% remain in Central ��ӽ紫ý.

Located next to the College of Medicine and in Lake Nona’s Medical City, a nationally recognized hub of healthcare innovation, the Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion will bolster interdisciplinary collaboration to prepare providers to thrive in the workforce and deploy cutting-edge research to solve the industry’s greatest challenges and ensure a healthier future for all.

Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson played a vital role as Senate President in securing about $43 million in state funding for the Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion, as well as additional funding for state university and state college nursing initiatives throughout ��ӽ紫ý.

“We worked very hard to secure the funding,” he says. “When you think about state-of the-art nursing, when you think about doubling the capacity of nursing, this couldn’t come at a better time. ��ӽ紫ý is growing 400,000 people a year still. We’re going to continue to grow.”

“Thanks to the leadership of Governor DeSantis and the ��ӽ紫ý Legislature, the state continues to invest in key academic programs that set an example nationwide,” says State University System Chancellor Ray Rodrigues. “The new Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion at the University of Central ��ӽ紫ý is no exception — by providing innovative educational opportunities for nursing students now, ��ӽ紫ý is ensuring a promising future of skilled nurses that will care for our communities.”

The Power of Partnerships

The Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion, which came to fruition through $43 million from the State of ��ӽ紫ý and over $29 million from private donors, will directly impact the community that created it and will be a longstanding symbol of what can be achieved through the power of community partnerships — unleashing potential for generations to come.

“We are honored to be part of this transformative moment for Central ��ӽ紫ý,” says Kenneth Robinson, president and CEO of Dr. Phillips Inc. and the Dr. Phillips Foundation. “This investment will help address the nursing shortage, strengthen our healthcare system, and expand access to exceptional education and career opportunities. By supporting this project, we’re helping to graduate more Knight nurses who will make a lasting impact. We’re proud to stand with ��ӽ紫ý and our community partners to shape a healthier, brighter future.”

Founding donors of the facility also include the Helene Fuld Health Trust; ��ӽ紫ý Pegasus Partners AdventHealth, Orlando Health, Nemours Children’s Health and Addition Financial; Zaby and Suree Vyas; and many others.

“Today we are witnessing the power of partnerships,” says Professor Emerita Mary Lou Sole, who, as the previous College of Nursing dean, led the efforts to advocate and raise funds for the new building. “The Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion is the result of the collective efforts of ��ӽ紫ý and this community to come together to solve one of our greatest healthcare challenges. We are incredibly grateful for the support, which will have an immeasurable impact for generations to come.”

Inside the Future of Nursing

Every aspect of the 90,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility was thoughtfully designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and student success and well-being.

“The Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion will serve as a catalyst for ensuring a brighter, healthier future,” says new College of Nursing Dean Sharon Tucker. “In this space, ��ӽ紫ý will strengthen and empower future nurses and nurse leaders to advance healthcare innovation and collaboration to improve evidence-based patient care and outcomes.”

On the second and third floors is a hub of healthcare innovation, the Helene Fuld Health Trust Simulation, Technology, Innovation and Modeling (STIM) Center. ��ӽ紫ý is ��ӽ紫ý’s first simulation center to earn three international accolades in the field and the new, expanded space will build upon its global leadership to innovate healthcare education using the latest immersive technologies to prepare nurses for practice as compassionate, skilled providers.

The second floor also features the Dr. Colleen Conway Welch Virtual Reality Learning Studio, a makerspace design studio to accelerate nurse-led innovations, a home health apartment to meet growing demand for home-based healthcare, and the Elizabeth Morse Genius Foundation Healthy Aging Research Lab for interdisciplinary research and innovations led by renowned aging expert Ladda Thiamwong.

Upon entering the pavilion, students, faculty, staff and visitors are greeted with the inspiring “” public art commissioned by ��ӽ紫ý’s Art in State Building program. The first floor also includes three large high-tech learning studios, the Zaby and Suree Vyas Collaboration Concourse, the Martin Andersen-Gracia Andersen Foundation Study Cafe and a student success suite.

The opening comes a little over a year and a half after the groundbreaking in January 2024. ��ӽ紫ý built the Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion in conjunction with HuntonBrady Architects, Ayers Saint Gross and DPR Construction.

��’s Industry Partners Highlight Transformational Impact

AdventHealth

“At AdventHealth, we’ve seen firsthand the extraordinary caliber of nurses who graduate from ��ӽ紫ý. They bring clinical excellence, compassion and an unwavering commitment to their patients — values that perfectly align with our mission to provide whole-person care. As the demand for skilled nurses continues to grow, we’re happy to support this exciting new chapter for the ��ӽ紫ý College of Nursing. And as a ��ӽ紫ý alum, I’m excited to welcome even more outstanding Knight nurses to AdventHealth.”

-Cathy Stankiewicz, (MSN’11), chief nursing officer, Central ��ӽ紫ý Division

Helene Fuld Health Trust

“The Helene Fuld Health Trust Simulation, Technology, Innovation and Modeling Center at ��ӽ紫ý exemplifies our mission to support the education of nursing students. Simulation is a critical component [of] nursing education and will continue to be in the future, and we’re proud to make this investment to strengthen nursing skills and improve the welfare of our communities.”

-Robert Campbell, vice president of Trust & Fiduciary Services at HSBC, who oversees the trust

Nemours Children’s Health

“Growing and solidifying the nursing workforce is critical to care delivery across the healthcare sector. Through our longtime relationship with the ��ӽ紫ý College of Nursing, we have seen firsthand the benefits of hiring their well-trained, work-ready graduates. The new nursing pavilion will be a tremendous asset in our continued collaboration, partnership, and investment to support the education, development, and maturation of emerging nurses.”

-Nicole Johnson, (DNP’17), senior vice president and chief nursing and patient operations officer

Orlando Health

“It is an honor and privilege to be associated with ��ӽ紫ý, and we are thankful for our partnership with the university, nursing professors, and students.”

-David Strong, president and CEO

��ӽ紫ýPD Adds 2 New Officers to Team, Celebrates Promotions

Amanda Sellers ’13 ’19MA — Wed, 29 Jan 2025 15:56:12 +0000

The ��ӽ紫ý Public Safety team welcomed two new officers at a swearing-in ceremony attended by family, friends and colleagues.

“It’s always been my belief that policing is the most noble profession,” says ��ӽ紫ý Police Chief Carl Metzger ’03MS. “I’m proud of the work we do at ��ӽ紫ý to keep our campus safe. We hold a very high standard of excellence, and I believe that we do it better than any campus police department in the United States.”

President Alexander N. Cartwright expresses his gratitude with the ��ӽ紫ý public safety team at the swearing-in ceremony. (Photo by Kadeem Stewart ’17)

��ӽ紫ý President Alexander N. Cartwright and First Lady Melinda were also present at the ceremony, where the president shared remarks, expressing his gratitude to the public safety team and offering well wishes to the new and newly promoted officers.

“Each of you really do represent the very best of ��ӽ紫ý,” President Cartwright says. “On behalf of all of us at ��ӽ紫ý, welcome to this next chapter of your careers, whether beginning or further along. We are so proud to call all of you Knights and we look forward to all you achieve.”

The new officers will be assigned to the patrol division upon completion of their field-training program, where they will spend several weeks paired with senior officers to receive hands-on experience out in the field before graduating to solo patrol.

Meet the Officers

Donavan Jackson joined the ��ӽ紫ý Police Department (��ӽ紫ýPD) in September 2023, sponsored by the agency to attend the law enforcement academy at Valencia College. Despite a delay in admission due to a serious health scare, he made a full recovery and graduated from Academy Class 24-04. Jackson holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a ��ٱ��’s in higher education leadership from the University of Wisconsin Whitewater. His connection to ��ӽ紫ý runs deep, having previously worked in the Department of Housing and Residence Life. In his free time, Jackson enjoys writing and recording music, which has garnered more than 400,000 streams and received award nominations.
Originally from Miami, Kamila “Kami” Otero ’24 has been a part of ��ӽ紫ý’s Public Safety family since August 2023 when she became a ��ӽ紫ýPD intern. After completing her internship, she continued as a cadet while earning her criminal justice degree at ��ӽ紫ý. After graduating, ��ӽ紫ýPD sponsored her to attend the law enforcement academy at Valencia College, where she graduated as the top academic student with an almost perfect score. Fun fact: Otero loves the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and even has four pet turtles named after them.

In addition to welcoming the latest public safety team members, ��ӽ紫ýPD also celebrated three individuals who were recently promoted.

Left to right: Sergeant Alexander DeLuca ’15, Commander Matthew Scott ’07 ’11MS and Corporal Al Sammelian. (Photo by Kadeem Stewart ’17)

Commander Matthew Scott ’07 ’11MS was promoted from Sergeant in November. With more than 17 years in law enforcement, he began his career as a ��ӽ紫ýPD community service officer before the agency sponsored him to attend the academy. After graduating, he joined the department as a sworn patrol officer and quickly rose through the ranks to detective, supervisor and presidential liaison. Scott spent several years as an award-winning K-9 handler and made history as ��ӽ紫ýPD’s first therapy dog handler while serving in the Criminal Investigations Division. Most recently, he led the Community Partnerships Unit, where he’s credited with revolutionizing the department’s programming and community outreach while also serving as the presidential security escort. A proud two-time ��ӽ紫ý alumnus, Scott holds bachelor’s and degrees in criminal justice. He’s also a graduate of the Valencia College Criminal Justice Institute Leadership Academy.
Sergeant Alexander DeLuca ’15 was promoted from Corporal in November. He started his journey as a ��ӽ紫ýPD community service officer before becoming a sworn officer for the agency in 2016. Throughout his career, he’s served as a detective, a dedicated member of the Honor Guard, and a key part of the Emergency and Heavy Response teams. An avid biker, DeLuca has participated in several Police Unity Tours and is a police mountain bike instructor and certified bike mechanic. A ��ӽ紫ý alumnus, he earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and is currently pursuing a dual ��ٱ��’s degree in public administration and criminal justice — all while continuing to patrol his alma mater on the night shift Delta squad.
Corporal Al Sammelian was promoted from Officer First Class in November. He made a bold career shift from the automotive industry to law enforcement, joining ��ӽ紫ýPD in 2018. He hit the ground running, starting as a patrol officer and quickly advancing to a K-9 handler, working alongside his loyal four-legged partner, Zeus. Most recently, the duo has been an integral part of the Community Partnerships Unit, where Sammelian has led agency programming, outreach events and recruitment efforts. In his new role, he has returned to night shift patrol on the ��ӽ紫ý main campus, serving as Sergeant DeLuca’s corporal on the Delta squad.

A live stream of the swearing-in ceremony can be viewed .

U.S. Space Command Commander Explores Innovation, Research Capabilities at ��ӽ紫ý

Eddy Duryea ’13 — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 20:52:52 +0000

The U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM) Commander who oversees all space operations for the Department of Defense, General Stephen N. Whiting, visited the University of Central ��ӽ紫ý Tuesday to learn more about its pioneering advancements in space research and defense.

Whiting is one of only seven geographic combatant commanders, and the visit showcased key research areas and opportunities for collaboration that align with DoD transformative technology and national security research priorities.

��ӽ紫ý recently joined USSPACECOM’s Academic Engagement Enterprise, which allows for further collaboration opportunities with the command.

Whiting began the visit by hearing from several ��ӽ紫ý leaders about the university’s unique space-related research endeavors, including Winston V. Schoenfeld, vice president for research and innovation; David Hagan, dean of CREOL, the College of Optics and Photonics; Greg Autry, associate provost for space commercialization and strategy; David Metcalf, associate research professor and director of the Mixed Emerging Technology Integration Lab; Stephen Eikenberry, professor of physics and optics and photonics; Tarek Elgohary, associate professor and director of the Astrodynamics, Space and Robotics Laboratory; and Eric “Tubby” Shwedo, assistant vice president for federal relations.

In the introductory briefing, Whiting was exposed to cutting-edge research in areas such as cislunar developments, space photonics, and modeling and simulation.

The visit further exemplifies ��’s track record for advancing meaningful space research, Schoenfeld says.

“Here at ��ӽ紫ý, we have a rich history of exceptional research in key defense areas beneficial to USSPACECOM such as hypersonics, optics, cybersecurity, materials science and modeling and simulation — just to name a few,” he says. “Our research in these areas has benefitted from significant DoD support — with more than 30% of our federal funding coming from DoD sources for over a decade. I am excited about the collaborative partnership between ��ӽ紫ý and USSPACECOM to further the impact our research activities of direct interest to USSPACECOM.”

After the roundtable introduction, the USSPACECOM delegation visited with ��’s highly regarded ROTC programs — Army ROTC Fighting Knights Battalion and Air Force Detachment 159 — to see firsthand how ��ӽ紫ý is cultivating the officers and leaders of tomorrow.

General Whiting and USSPACECOM officers visited ��ӽ紫ý’s ROTC program and met promising officers in training. (Photo by Antoine Hart)

��’s AFROTC program, which has been developing officers for the Air Force and Space Force for more than 50 years, has earned the DoD’s ROTC and Educational Institutional Partnership Excellence Award for multiple areas of excellence.

They met with President Alexander N. Cartwright to learn about workforce development and how ��ӽ紫ý plays a critical role in supplying quality STEM professionals who are ready to unleash their potential at the crossroads of space and innovation.

The tour concluded with a visit to the newly established Center of Excellence in Hypersonic and Space Propulsion (HyperSpace Center) to delve into the groundbreaking aerodynamics, propulsion and hypersonic research being conducted at the unique testing facility.

Kareem Ahmed, professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, discussed specialized detonation methods and carefully crafted fuels that can enhance the efficiency and efficacy of propulsion technologies.

The HyperSpace Center stands out as a pioneering research and testing hub dedicated to advancing next-generation technologies in space propulsion and high-speed travel, playing a vital role in shaping the future of space exploration and defense capabilities.

Ahmed’s team has received multiple DoD grants to develop hypersonic technology, which will be capable of traveling at speeds of Mach 6 to 17 (4,600 to 13,000 mph).

Additionally, undergraduate and graduate students working under Ahmed presented projects in specific areas of hypersonic research, including a live demonstration test of one of their experimental engines.

General Whiting visited ��ӽ紫ý’s Center for Excellence in Hypersonic and Space Propulsion and learned about ��ӽ紫ý’s cutting edge hypersonic research from Kareem Ahmed, professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering. (Photo by Antoine Hart)

��ӽ紫ý is well-positioned to continue delivering impactful research for the aerospace industry, having recently joined the newly founded ��ӽ紫ý University Space Research Consortium. As the state’s official space research entity designated by Space ��ӽ紫ý, the consortium will facilitate the awarding of NASA research grants in partnership with Kennedy Space Center.

The USSPACECOM visit to ��ӽ紫ý is a culmination of mutual interest, partnerships and prior tours earlier in 2024, such as when USSPACECOM Major General Samuel Keener visited ��ӽ紫ý when it hosted NASA’s Lunabotics competition.

��’s 27 Best Photos of 2024

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 15:00:27 +0000

Here’s a look at some of the most unforgettable photos of the year.

(Jan. 5 | Photo by Antoine Hart)

Electrical engineering doctoral student Ganesh Marasini tests real-life grid control operations in ��’s — a training ground for rising engineers to collaborate, learn and help reimagine the energy grid of the future.

(Jan. 10 | Photo by Kadeem Stewart ’17)

Hundreds of fans celebrated ��ӽ紫ý men’s basketball’s upset win over No. 3 Kansas at Addition Financial Arena.

(Jan. 12 | Photo by Kadeem Stewart ’17)

��ӽ紫ý broke ground on the transformational Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion at Lake Nona, which is anticipated to open in 2025-26. The new 90,000 square-foot home of the College of Nursing will help ��ӽ紫ý graduate more highly qualified, compassionate nurses for the future.

(Jan. 31 | Photo by Kadeem Stewart ’17)

A student practices with a manikin hand at ��’s state-of-the-art in the College of Nursing, which is equipped with advanced medical devices and technology to train nursing students for clinical practice.

(March 15 | Photo by Kadeem Stewart ’17)

Since kicking off the outdoor season with a top 10 national ranking, the ��ӽ紫ý women’s track and field team has clocked some of the world’s fastest times this year.

(April 6 | Photo by Kadeem Stewart ’17)

During the 10th anniversary of ��ӽ紫ý Celebrates the Arts — a multi-day festival honoring creative expressions — artists competed in Creative Clash, a live art event where they raced against the clock to create large-format artwork with markers in front of spectators at Seneff Arts Plaza.

(May 4 | Photo by Kadeem Stewart ’17)

A graduate walks across the stage during a Spring 2024 commencement ceremony that took place in Addition Financial Arena.

(May 30 | Photo by Kadeem Stewart ’17)

Three students dove into their studies while hanging out in their dorm room at the .

(Aug. 2 | Photo by Jordan Smith)

A Summer 2024 graduate beams with pride, holding his diploma as he walks across the commencement stage.

(Aug. 30 | Photo by Nick Leyva ’15)

Knightro shows off a ��ӽ紫ý specialty license plate while filming a new at ��ӽ紫ý Interactive Entertainment Academy’s Studio 500. To Knight Your Ride, click here.

(Sept. 6 | Photo by Antoine Hart)

��ӽ紫ý students are conducting groundbreaking research at labs, paving the way for the future of space exploration and innovation.

(Sept. 7 | Photo by Mark Godin)

Two fighter aircrafts flew over FBC Mortgage Stadium during the pregame ceremony for the Family Weekend football game, where the Knights defeated the Sam Houston State University Bearkats, 45-14.

(Sept. 7 | Photo by Mark Godin)

Running back RJ Harvey crossed into the end zone for a touchdown during the Knight’s second home game of the season against Sam Houston.

(Sept. 17 | Photo by Nick Leyva ’15)

A student guides TapeMeasure, ��’s semiautonomous dog-like robot, up the steps of the John C. Hitt Library, demonstrating its advanced navigation capabilities for innovative research by students and faculty.

(Sept. 17 | Photo by Kadeem Stewart ’17)

A member of ��ӽ紫ý Air Force ROTC Detachment 159 salutes while being filmed on campus for , showcasing ��ӽ紫ý as a place for those who dare to invent the future.

(Sept. 19 | Photo by Nick Leyva ’15)

Annika Emmert, a health sciences student, and Limbitless Solutions intern and past bionic arm recipient, tries on a bionic arm, showcasing its advanced technology that empowers children with limb differences.

(Sept. 24 | Photo by Kadeem Stewart ’17)

This year, ��ӽ紫ý Downtown, in partnership with Valencia College, celebrates five years of educational excellence. The campus has welcomed more than 7,000 students and awarded 10,300 degrees since opening in 2019.

(Sept. 25 | Photo by Nick Leyva ’15)

Two space scientists operate a rover on the world’s largest simulated lunar surface, located in ��’s Exolith Lab. The lab’s Lunar Highland Regolith Test Bin was developed in partnership with the ��ӽ紫ý Space Institute to support space exploration research.

(Sept. 28 | Photo by Kadeem Stewart ’17)

Before the ��ӽ紫ý Knights took on the Colorado Buffaloes, two cheerleaders interacted with a young ��ӽ紫ý fan during Knight Walk at IOA Plaza, the lively pregame tradition where fans, the marching band, and the cheer and dance teams rally together to welcome the football team before kickoff.

(Oct. 12 | Photo by Kadeem Stewart ’17)

��’s cheer team amped up the crowd as the Knights took on the University of Cincinnati Bearcats at FBC Mortgage Stadium.

(Oct. 24 | Photo by Kadeem Stewart ’17)

Rapper NLE Choppa performed at Concert Knight presented by ��ӽ紫ý Homecoming at Addition Financial Arena.

(Oct. 25 | Photo by Paige Wilson ’17)

The cheer team hyped up the crowd with a high-energy stunt routine before students charged into the Reflecting Pond to catch homecoming rubber ducks at Spirit Splash.

(Oct. 25 | Photo by Paige Wilson ’17)

Knightro surfed over a crowd of students at Spirit Splash, ��’s biggest homecoming tradition.

(Oct. 25 | Photo by Kadeem Stewart ’17)

During Spirit Splash, Knightro even secured a cowboy-themed rubber duck, celebrating this year’s theme: Cowboys vs. Aliens.

(Nov. 1 | Photo by Mark Godin)

Knightro posed with a constellation-themed SpaceU cape in front of a giant moon backdrop at ��’s 2024 SpaceU Luncheon, honoring the university’s ties to space exploration and innovation.

(Nov. 8 | Photo by Nick Leyva ’15)

��ӽ紫ý President Alexander N. Cartwright stands next to rocket engines while touring facilities during a visit to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

Nation’s Second-highest Ranking Military Officer Visits ��ӽ紫ý to Explore Cutting-edge Research and Innovation

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 17:10:37 +0000

Admiral Christopher Grady, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the nation’s second highest-ranking military officer, visited the University of Central ��ӽ紫ý Tuesday to learn more about its innovative research and alignment with U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) priorities.

The tour included visits with key ��ӽ紫ý research centers, such as (IST), , and the Center of Excellence in Hypersonic and Space Propulsion (HyperSpace Center).

While Grady toured ��’s defense-related research, his wife, Christine Grady, visited ��’s Office of Military and Veteran Student Success; , a clinic dedicated to treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); and met with ��ӽ紫ý Army and Air Force ROTC cadets.

“The visit from Admiral and Mrs. Grady underscores the vital role ��ӽ紫ý plays in advancing national security and defense research, supporting critical DOD needs, and preparing the next generation of military leaders,” says Winston V. Schoenfeld, ��’s vice president for research and innovation. “Over 30% of ��’s federal funding has come from the DOD for more than a decade, positioning ��ӽ紫ý as a national leader in delivering key innovations to the DOD.”

The Tour

Admiral Christopher Grady, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and ��ӽ紫ý President Alexander N. Cartwright (Photo by Antoine Hart)

Grady began his visit with a meeting alongside ��ӽ紫ý President Alexander N. Cartwright, where they discussed ��’s longstanding commitment to supporting the nation’s defense through cutting-edge research and workforce development.

While with CREOL, Admiral Grady received a briefing on directed energy research and its applications for DOD missions, particularly the capabilities of the Townes Institute for Science and Technology Experimentation Facility. The institute, located at Kennedy Space Center, supports multidisciplinary research with a focus on space science, optics and other advanced technologies.

CREOL Interim Associate Dean for Research, Professor and ��ӽ紫ý Photonics Center of Excellence Nanophotonics Chair Eric Johnson provides an overview of the college’s research capabilities and their applications to DOD priorities. (Photo by Antoine Hart)

At IST, ��ӽ紫ý showcased the latest advancements in digital twin technology, such as real-time 3D digital twins of structures and areas, and artificial intelligence for DOD-decision making tools.

Grady’s visit to the HyperSpace Center focused on the integration of students into the research process and the timeline for the hypersonic technology, which would allow air travel at speeds of up to 13,000 miles per hour (Mach 17).

Commitment to National Defense and Military Success

��ӽ紫ý is a national leader in supporting military and defense initiatives through education, research and industry partnerships.

��’s Office of Military and Veteran Student Success supports more than 3,200 military-connected students, including veterans, active-duty and dependents, by providing academic advising, transition assistance and tailored guidance.

��ӽ紫ý RESTORES offers innovative, no-cost PTSD treatment for veterans and first responders, with clinical trials achieving a 100% success rate in just 14 days for participants completing VR-assisted exposure therapy. The program has treated more than 500 veterans and 950 first responders, with the majority no longer meeting PTSD criteria.

��ӽ紫ý also boasts top-ranked ROTC programs, with the Army ROTC Fighting Knights Battalion and Air Force Detachment 159 preparing leaders for military and civilian careers. ��’s AFROTC program, which has been developing officers for the Air Force and Space Force for more than 50 years, has earned the DOD’s ROTC and Educational Institutional Partnership Excellence Award for multiple areas of excellence.

In research, ��’s close ties to the defense industry are amplified through Central ��ӽ紫ý Research Park, a $7 billion hub for modeling and simulation adjacent to ��’s main campus, which is also home to six DOD headquarters. ��ӽ紫ý also ranks No. 1 in ��ӽ紫ý for VA certifications, is leading the nation in the number of cybersecurity championships, and is the top supplier of graduates to the aerospace and defense industries.

Alexander N. Cartwright Archives | University of Central ���ӽ紫ý News

From the Clinic to the Cockpit: ���ӽ紫ý Opens New FAA-Designated Clinic for Pilots