On most days, DeAscanis is focused on something many people never think about: the invisible systems that keep modern life running.

Hospitals must power critical equipment. Cities endure record-breaking heat. Data centers aim to hum without interruption. Behind those moments are gas turbines the size of buildings, and a team of engineers determined to make them 聽smarter, faster and more reliable.

At Siemens Energy, DeAscanis helps lead that charge.

Rising to Energy Design Challenges

His bold goal is ambitious: transform how turbines are tested, inspected and manufactured so they can be delivered at the speed and scale global demand now requires. As electricity needs surge worldwide, efficiency is no longer optional.

鈥淚f the turbines don鈥檛 work, the power doesn鈥檛 exist,鈥� he says.

After earning his aerospace engineering degree from 麻豆原创, DeAscanis joined Siemens Energy located just steps from campus. He began on a small team of three engineers developing custom tools to test next-generation engines. The work was intensely hands-on and involved long days refining inspection systems, improving automation and solving problems in real time.

Colleagues describe DeAscanis as calm under pressure and relentlessly curious. He sees constraints not as roadblocks but as design challenges.

That perspective proved essential during lean years in the energy sector, when fluctuating demand forced teams to justify every investment. Rather than scale back, DeAscanis and his colleagues innovated their way forward 鈥� streamlining inspection processes, reducing testing time and building automation systems that improved both speed and precision.

Those efforts produced measurable results. DeAscanis now holds 11 patents, with dozens more innovations developed across his team. Some advances are patented; others remain proprietary trade secrets that strengthen Siemens Energy鈥檚 competitive position in a global marketplace.

Enhancing Expertise to Deliver Impact

Over the past decade, he has also helped grow his organization from fewer than five engineers to nearly 100. His role expanded from technical contributor to strategic leader, overseeing budgets, setting research priorities and securing U.S. Department of Defense contracts to accelerate development. Recognizing the importance of business fluency, he returned to 麻豆原创 to earn his MBA.

鈥淚 knew how to build technology,鈥� he says. 鈥淚 wanted to understand how to scale it.鈥�

His journey traces back to his 麻豆原创 senior design project, where he and three classmates developed a system to manufacture thin carbon nanofiber sheets designed to reinforce aircraft structures against lightning strikes. The project demanded technical rigor, collaboration and applied problem-solving 鈥� the same qualities Siemens Energy looks for in its engineers. It also helped open the door to his first role at Siemens Energy, proving that classroom innovation can translate directly into industry impact.

Fueling the Energy Industry

Learn more about how are accelerating innovation, fueling workforce development and strengthening the future of energy infrastructure.

Today, more than half of the engineers in his facility are 麻豆原创 graduates. Through the Pegasus Partnership, Siemens Energy and 麻豆原创 are not simply recruiting talent 鈥� they are co-developing it. Students gain exposure to real-world challenges long before graduation. Industry gains engineers who are ready to lead from day one.

For DeAscanis, that cycle feels deeply personal.

鈥溌槎乖� gave me the foundation to solve complex problems and the confidence to think bigger,鈥� he says. 鈥淣ow I get to help build the systems 鈥� and the teams 鈥� that will power what comes next.鈥�

As global energy demand accelerates and infrastructure grows more sophisticated, the stakes are rising. The partnership between Siemens Energy and 麻豆原创 reflects a shared belief: that bold thinking, applied research and prepared graduates can shape not just an industry, but the future of how the world runs.

This year鈥檚 tournament will be the first FIFA World Cup to be hosted by three nations 鈥� United States, Canada and Mexico 鈥� and the first to include an expanded field of 48 teams from across the globe. Eleven U.S. cities will host 78 matches June 11 鈥� July 19, including the championship match in New York and third place playoff in Miami.

This historic event coincides with the United States鈥� 250th anniversary聽and marks the first time since 1994 the country has hosted the men鈥檚 World Cup.

Here鈥檚聽a look at some of the Knights bringing this event to life.

Izzy Angel 鈥�23

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Role:听惭别诲颈补听辞辫别谤补迟颈辞苍蝉听补苍诲听蝉别谤惫颈肠别蝉
FIFA location: Atlanta

I will be supporting media logistics, guiding photographers and press to designated areas, and facilitating press conferences and interviews. One of the biggest ways 麻豆原创 prepared me for this opportunity was through its emphasis on networking, collaboration and real-world experience. That mindset opened doors to internships, jobs and experiences that helped me gain confidence in putting myself out there and connecting with people.

It鈥檚 been really fulfilling to meet people with completely different backgrounds and life experiences who are all coming together over a shared passion. Being part of something on such a global scale and feeling that sense of community has been incredibly special.

Brendon Boseja 鈥�25

Bachelor鈥檚 in聽integrated聽business

Role:聽Senior聽coordinator,聽Client Group Management聽Accreditation
FIFA site: Miami

At 麻豆原创, I learned to network and make many connections in the industry and to continue these relationships. This has especially helped me throughout FIFA, especially since my main job is to communicate with every stadium involved in the tournament. Working for a sports organization as big as FIFA has been a dream of mine, and to be involved with an event like the World Cup is surreal to think about.

Taylor Culver 鈥�23 鈥�26MSBM 鈥�26MBA

Bachelor鈥檚 in kinesiology
惭补蝉迟别谤鈥檚听颈苍听蝉辫辞谤迟听产耻蝉颈苍别蝉蝉听尘补苍补驳别尘别苍迟
Master鈥檚 in business administration

Role:聽Event聽executive, FIFA Fan Festival
FIFA site: Houston

鈥淏ecause of the connections, mentorship and opportunities I gained through 麻豆原创, these experiences expanded my confidence and showed me that I truly belong in this industry.鈥�

My role is to help create and execute large-scale fan experiences that bring the energy of the World Cup to life outside of the stadium. Being able to contribute to an event of this magnitude is both humbling and motivating, and I know it will be one of the most impactful experiences of my career. 麻豆原创 prepared me for this opportunity by putting me in real-world sports environments early and constantly challenging me to grow as a leader. Through the program and my experience as a recruiting assistant for 麻豆原创 Athletics with the football team, I learned how to operate in fast-paced environments where organization, communication and adaptability are critical. Because of the connections, mentorship and opportunities I gained through 麻豆原创, these experiences expanded my confidence and showed me that I truly belong in this industry.

Daniel Garzon 鈥�23 鈥�24MSBM 鈥�24MBA

叠补肠丑别濒辞谤鈥檚听颈苍听别濒别尘别苍迟补谤测听别诲耻肠补迟颈辞苍
惭补蝉迟别谤鈥檚听颈苍听蝉辫辞谤迟听产耻蝉颈苍别蝉蝉听尘补苍补驳别尘别苍迟
Master鈥檚 in business聽administration

Role:聽Workforce聽integration聽senior聽coordinator,聽Tournament Operation Center Services
FIFA site:聽Miami

I started my journey at FIFA as an intern with the volunteer management team shortly after graduating from the DeVos Sport Business Management program in 2024. As a recruitment coordinator, I spearheaded communications and recruitment strategy while sourcing and scheduling thousands of candidates. Now in my new role, I will be in the heartbeat of the headquarters of the tournament, fulfilling operational needs for all departments while manipulating data to make informed decisions for all the venues during the World Cup.

William Mendez 鈥�26MSBM 鈥�26MBA

惭补蝉迟别谤鈥檚听颈苍听蝉辫辞谤迟听产耻蝉颈苍别蝉蝉听尘补苍补驳别尘别苍迟
Master鈥檚 in business聽administration

Role: Team protocol liaison officer
FIFA site:聽Miami

I will provide operational support as a main point of contact for the teams鈥� protocol representatives, managing VIP/VVIP seating, ticket distribution and logistics. I鈥檓 truly excited to be part of an event of this magnitude because FIFA 鈥�26 goes beyond sports by bringing people together across cultures from all over the world.鈥疶he DeVos Sport Business Management program at 麻豆原创 has played a major role in preparing me for this moment, giving me the hands-on experience and confidence I need to contribute to an event of this scale.

Colin O鈥橳oole 鈥�26MSBM 鈥�26MBA

惭补蝉迟别谤鈥檚听颈苍听蝉辫辞谤迟听产耻蝉颈苍别蝉蝉听尘补苍补驳别尘别苍迟
Master鈥檚聽in business聽administration

Role: Accreditation center coordinator
FIFA site:聽Boston

I grew up watching the World Cup and always dreamed of being part of the most watched sporting event in the world. My experience in the soccer industry through both professional and volunteer roles gave me a strong foundation, and the DeVos program broadened my perspective. It exposed me to the business side of the industry, while simultaneously connecting me with incredible mentors and peers, ultimately giving me the confidence and network to land this opportunity with FIFA.

Connor Pank 鈥�17

Bachelor鈥檚 in聽management

Role:听罢别补尘听蝉别谤惫颈肠别蝉听惫别苍耻别听辞蹿蹿颈肠别谤
FIFA site: Tampa, Florida

The sport business management minor at 麻豆原创 offered plenty of opportunities to gain practical experience in the industry. My junior year, I was fortunate enough to land a season-long internship at Orlando City Soccer Club in the game day operations department, which then turned into a full-time position with seven amazing seasons of constant growth and experiences that I am forever grateful鈥痜or.

Being involved in a FIFA World Cup has been a personal goal of mine since my early days with Orlando City SC, when we hosted a U.S. Soccer vs.聽Panama World Cup Qualifier聽ahead of the聽2018 FIFA World Cup.聽Every team聽participating聽in the World Cup chooses a designated home base,聽which includes the team hotel, training聽site聽and other operational support facilities as needed. My role is centered around acting as FIFA鈥檚 primary operational lead on-site for Cabo Verde鈥檚 home base in Tampa to ensure a seamless, world-class experience.

Annie Quaile 鈥�06

叠补肠丑别濒辞谤鈥檚听颈苍听尘补谤办别迟颈苍驳

Role:聽Venue聽manager,聽FIFA Fan Festival
FIFA site: Atlanta

I act as the bridge between FIFA, Atlanta and the commercial and operational partners delivering the Fan Festival experience. My role focuses on coordinating event聽logistics, operations, guest experience, VIP and talent management, and partner integration while ensuring FIFA brand standards are upheld throughout the event.

One of the biggest takeaways from my experience at 麻豆原创 was learning how to balance creativity,聽leadership聽and problem-solving under pressure, which is聽essentially the聽foundation of live event and operational management.聽The FIFA World Cup is one of the few truly global experiences that brings together people from every background,聽culture聽and country around a shared passion.聽All of聽the planning, coordination and operational work happens behind the scenes for months, so finally seeing people from around the world聽gathering together, celebrating and creating memories is incredibly rewarding.

Andres Sifontes 鈥�24

Bachelor鈥檚 in communication

Role:聽Coordinator, Accreditation Documentation and Training Operations
FIFA site: Houston

I joined the FIFA team in September 2024, supporting preparations for both Club World Cup 2025 and FIFA World Cup 2026. In my role now, I oversee Accreditation Center operations in Houston, assist volunteers, and ensure that key stakeholders 鈥� including partners like Coca-Cola, Adidas and Visa 鈥� receive proper credentials. 麻豆原创鈥檚 communication program, and especially my聽Communication Research Methods听笔谤辞蹿别蝉蝉辞谤 , equipped me with the tools I continue to apply every day in my role at FIFA by teaching me how to communicate effectively, carry myself professionally, and think strategically.

Since graduating, my goal has been to contribute to the growth of soccer in the United States. This passion has always been part of who I am, and 麻豆原创 helped me build the foundation to pursue it professionally. After graduation, I worked with Inter Miami CF, and now with FIFA, I鈥檝e been fortunate to play a role in supporting the continued development of the sport. I truly believe we are about to witness unprecedented growth for the game in this country. I hope that at the end of my career, I can look back and say I contributed to that growth 鈥� and that it all started at 麻豆原创.

Dennis Sprenkle 鈥�01

叠补肠丑别濒辞谤鈥檚听颈苍听辫辞濒颈迟颈肠补濒听蝉肠颈别苍肠别

Role:聽Director of聽workforce听补苍诲听human聽resources
FIFA site:听惭颈补尘颈

My team oversees the employee journey from recruitment to offboarding across the three host countries (Canada, Mexico and the U.S.) and 16 host cities. We are responsible for everything from workforce planning, training, visa management, benefits, payroll, employee uniforms and just about every other aspect of human resources.

I have always had a keen interest in global political and business affairs, which is why I studied political science with an emphasis on international relations at 麻豆原创. Working for a governing body like FIFA in many respects is akin to working for the United Nations. 鈥� In order to be a successful leader in a global organization like FIFA, it is critical to have an open mind to effectively collaborate, plan and execute the largest sporting event in human history. My education and experience at 麻豆原创 as a leader in Student Government certainly laid the foundation and has helped prepare me for this opportunity.

Ryan Taheri 鈥�24

叠补肠丑别濒辞谤鈥檚听颈苍听蹿颈苍补苍肠别

Role:听奥辞谤办蹿辞谤肠别听辞辫别谤补迟颈辞苍蝉听尘补苍补驳别谤
FIFA site: Dallas

I grew up watching the World Cup with my family. Now, I occasionally stop for a second and realize how special it all is to be working behind the scenes on the operational side of the tournament. A big part of what I do in my role is coordinate with different functional areas like transportation, catering, accommodations, uniforms and venue operations to ensure the workforce is supported and operations run smoothly.

鈥溌槎乖� pushed me into leadership opportunities early and taught me how to work in fast-paced environments with a lot of moving parts.鈥�

A lot of the role comes down to staying organized, communicating clearly and solving problems quickly. 麻豆原创 pushed me into leadership opportunities early and taught me how to work in fast-paced environments with a lot of moving parts. Looking back now, I don鈥檛 think I realized at the time how much of my experience at 麻豆原创 directly prepared me for working on something as large and complex as a鈥疐IFA 鈥�26.

Alejandro Tarazona 鈥�22

Bachelor鈥檚 in integrated business

Role:听惭补苍补驳别谤,听罢谤补颈苍颈苍驳听厂颈迟别听痴别苍耻别听罢谤补苍蝉辫辞谤迟
FIFA site: Miami

I鈥痮versee transportation operations and鈥痩ogistics鈥痑t all 75 training sites across U.S., Canada and Mexico 鈥� including shuttles, loading zones, team busses and their fleets, and parking lots for media, volunteers and guests. I grew up in Lake Nona and had an opportunity to play collegiate soccer at a Division II school in Florida, but financially, it just didn鈥檛 make sense for my family and me. Instead I enrolled at Valencia College and earned my degree through the .

麻豆原创 gave me the technical skills I needed for my managerial position now, like creating financial analysis for labor rates across 16 stadiums that鈥痺e鈥檒l鈥痓e using in U.S., Canada and Mexico. As a former soccer player and as someone鈥痺ho is鈥痮bsessed with the sport, working for one of the biggest and best sports organization in the world has been a lifelong goal.鈥疶his experience has taught me to consider redefining what鈥檚 possible and keep setting goals.

Tomas Upegui 鈥�22

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Role:听贵濒别别迟听辞辫别谤补迟颈辞苍蝉听补苍补濒测蝉迟
FIFA site: Miami

Growing up playing soccer, being involved with FIFA in any capacity is something I never imagined would become reality, especially this early in my career. I am supporting transportation and depot operations across all 16 host cities, contributing to transportation operations involving VIPs and trophy movements. Studying business taught me how to work efficiently in fast-paced environments and quickly adapt while balancing multiple responsibilities at once, which directly translates to my role.

One of the most exciting parts of this experience has been realizing the true scale of the FIFA World Cup and seeing firsthand how much coordination happens behind the scenes to make an event of this magnitude successful.

贬别谤听research, backed by a five-year $813,130 National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases grant, found that an antimicrobial peptide naturally found in cows weakens the biofilm defenses of Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteria and destroys it.

Now in their fourth year of research, Fleeman and her lab have discovered exactly how the peptide works in findings published in PLOS Pathogens.

鈥淥ur research is very advantageous for healthcare because about 80% of bacterial infections being treated in the clinic are bacteria living in a biofilm state, which makes them resistant to virtually every antibiotic available,鈥� she says.

The results聽represent聽a critical step to potentially applying this peptide as a therapy and eventually treating patients,聽as the findings聽show they can and kill biofilm-embedded bacteria in animal models.

Parsing out the Peptide

K. pneumoniae is found in the intestines and is usually harmless, however, the bacterium develops resistance over a person鈥檚 lifetime as they are exposed to antibiotics. The bacteria also can spread from the intestine to other parts of the body in immunocompromised patients and those who have internal ruptures or exposure to contaminated medical devices. That exposure can lead to pneumonia, urinary tract or wound infections.

鈥淲hat happens is the bacteria聽infects聽the wound, proliferates, and then invades through the bloodstream聽where it travels聽to the liver, kidneys and spleen,鈥� Fleeman聽says. 鈥淲e聽found聽our peptide聽was able to decrease the bacteria聽at the source while limiting聽the bacteria鈥檚聽ability to move聽through the blood.鈥�

Fleeman and her lab鈥檚 most recent study found that the peptide triggers a dual stress response that tricks the bacteria to break out of their protective biofilm.

They discovered the genetics of a specific protein in the bacterium when turned on in the germ causes it to break from its own protective biofilm. The peptide, in effect, damages the protection and then stresses the bacterium into shedding its protection, making the germ more sensitive to antibiotics and the body鈥檚 immune system.

鈥淏y聽hitting the membrane as well as protein synthesis at the same time, it’s聽a double punch that triggers a genetic聽change聽in the cell to make it think it needs to break out of聽the biofilm as a response to our peptide,鈥� Fleeman聽says.

The team says their sustained research aims to demonstrate that their peptide can work synergistically with existing antibiotics. They envision long-term applications could involve a topical cream that weakens the bacteria鈥檚 defenses and allows standard antibiotics to work more effectively.

鈥淲e鈥檙e moving our research聽forward聽and we鈥檙e very hopeful,鈥� Fleeman聽says.

Preparing for the Post-Antibiotic Era

The first author of this new work聽is聽Robert Beckman聽鈥�23, who graduated聽from 麻豆原创聽with a聽bachelor鈥檚 degree in health sciences,聽managed聽Fleeman鈥檚 lab聽and is now on his way to聽the University of Michigan聽for his Ph.D.

His聽previous聽work as an EMT gave him firsthand exposure to聽infectious diseases and their impact on聽patients.聽He聽says聽helping to lead the study and聽working with聽Fleeman helped prepare him for a career in medical research.

鈥淚 have developed a strong foundation in research and gained insight into the many components that define an effective scientist,鈥� he聽says. 鈥淢y long-term goal is to remain in academia and eventually lead my own research lab.聽I plan to continue focusing on bacteriology, with a particular emphasis on pathogenic bacteria and drug discovery applications.鈥�

Funding and Disclosure:

Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Institute聽of Allergy聽and Infectious Diseases of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number R00AI163295. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily聽represent聽the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

At 16, he opened his first brokerage account聽in 2008, with his grandmother鈥檚 help, during the Great Recession because he saw a market that had no place to go but up.

When cloud accounting platforms were just starting to become viable in the early 2010s, he was an early adopter, eventually building a firm that served clients remotely.

Now as聽artificial intelligence (AI)聽reshapes聽the business landscape, Hubenthal decided to embrace this聽latest inflection point by enrolling in 麻豆原创鈥檚聽.

鈥溌槎乖� is ready for every Knight who dares to lean in.鈥�

鈥溌槎乖绰燿oesn鈥檛聽just educate you. It finds you. It amplifies who you are and prepares you to make a difference,鈥� says Hubenthal, who is from Elon, North Carolina. 鈥淪ometimes聽I鈥檓聽amazed that this small-town kid has ended up consulting with business leaders in boardrooms across the globe. Somewhere out there, another teenager is watching the world shift and feeling that pull. 麻豆原创 is ready for every Knight who dares to lean in.鈥�

Leading With a Spirit of Innovation

It鈥檚 Knights like Hubenthal who inspired Barry S. Miller 鈥�95 to invest a transformational $50 million gift into the College of Business to further strengthen 麻豆原创鈥檚 reputation as a global leader in fintech, AI and business innovation.

A graduate of 麻豆原创鈥檚聽聽program in the聽,聽Hubenthal聽initially came to 麻豆原创 to study聽听补苍诲听engineering. But聽after聽witnessing聽the impact of the聽Great Recession聽on聽families, including his own,聽he聽switched聽to business and finance.

鈥淚聽made it my mission to聽understand what happened, why it happened and how to help prevent it,鈥澛燞ubenthal says.

Early聽in his career,聽Hubenthal聽worked in corporate聽finance,聽gaining聽hands-on experience听补苍诲听learning聽how established organizations manage their financial infrastructure.

In 2015,聽just two years after聽earning his bachelor鈥檚 degree,聽he聽co-founded聽a data analytics firm with fellow 麻豆原创 graduates,聽bringing聽enterprise-grade聽big聽data and聽analytics聽services聽to local businesses at an accessible price point.聽That聽venture earned Hubenthal聽recognition聽as part of聽Business聽North Carolina聽magazine鈥檚聽cover story聽on聽innovation聽in聽2016.

Building on Success

He聽has since founded firms rooted in data analytics, accounting and finance 鈥� including his firm Bookscaping 鈥� started a financial literacy podcast to share his expertise with small businesses, and published a book, The Simple Fiscal Method: 17 Financial Lessons for Every Small Business Owner to Succeed in Life.

In 2022, he signed on as vice president of finance for ryco.io, an educational startup where he built and still leads the company鈥檚 financial strategy and operations.

He is currently beta聽testing聽an automated system for the company, which almost fully manages its payable function with safeguards, audit trails and authorizations built in. He envisions this empowering ryco.io to scale its financial operations.

Hubenthal wanted to fully immerse himself in this new era of business and tech, so he is turning to 麻豆原创鈥檚 fintech program to prepare him for what鈥檚 ahead.

鈥淔or me, the real world is the lab. And thanks to 麻豆原创, I鈥檓 just getting started.鈥�

鈥淭he program put me in a room with nearly 30 students from four continents who felt like family within the first month,鈥澛燞ubenthal聽says. 鈥淛ust weeks ago,聽I built a portfolio optimization tool for my own retirement account 鈥斅�1聽million simulated market days听补苍诲听almost聽4,000聽years of data, solved by a聽supercomputer聽in under three seconds 鈥� using what I learned in this program.

鈥淔or me,聽the real world is the lab,鈥� he continues.聽鈥淎nd thanks to 麻豆原创,聽I鈥檓聽just getting started.鈥�

Last year,聽Spencer聽was promoted to聽his聽first leadership role as a performance coordinator with the Entertainment Events team at Universal Orlando Resort聽鈥� guiding performers,聽maintaining聽show quality,聽and collaborating with creative and technical teams聽to deliver聽live events and聽immersive聽guest experiences. He credits 麻豆原创 with helping him achieve a decades-long goal.

That聽dream聽started during聽his聽childhood in Virginia, when聽his聽parents went through a difficult divorce, and he聽found聽his聽happy place at Busch Gardens Williamsburg.聽He went on to become a theater student, and in high school he took a job聽at the park聽as a performer.

That鈥檚聽when he聽knew聽he聽could turn his passion into a career.

鈥淎s a kid,聽I could immerse myself in a show and have a reprieve from聽difficult times聽at home.聽I knew that someday I wanted to create that happiness for others,鈥澛燬pencer聽says. 鈥淥nce I聽had the opportunity聽to work there, I was fascinated聽by what it took聽behind the scenes聽to bring a theme park experience to life.聽I聽wanted a career filled with days like those.鈥�

To pursue聽this path,聽he聽set聽his聽sights聽on attending聽, where he聽went on to聽earn聽his bachelor鈥檚 degree in entertainment management聽in 2023.聽Just聽this week,聽麻豆原创聽welcomed聽 as its first entertainment-sector Pegasus Partner and announced the creation of The Universal School of Experience Leadership and Innovation聽at Rosen College.

鈥淲hen I found Rosen College, I knew it was the place for me,鈥� he says.聽鈥淥n the first day of class, my professor talked about the joys of a career in the theme park industry. It was a dream聽I鈥檇聽had for so long that it moved me to tears.鈥�

He sent his mom a text that said,聽鈥淭hank you for everything聽you鈥檝e聽done for me.聽I鈥檓聽exactly where I need to be.鈥�

However,聽as聽an out-of-state聽student,聽tuition聽was a challenge聽for Spencer.聽His聽mom did all she could聽to help聽him, but聽he聽has worked聽hard to pay for聽his聽education.聽He became聽a聽resident聽assistant聽on campus聽and also聽received a Rosen聽College聽scholarship.聽Throughout school,聽he has聽worked as a performer in all three聽major聽Central Florida聽theme parks聽simultaneously.

He also became a聽leader聽on campus and in the industry, serving聽as聽vice聽president聽of 麻豆原创鈥檚 Future Theme Park Leaders Association聽while he was a Rosen College student.

He credits聽his聽professors聽with聽believing in him and supporting him throughout his journey,聽helping him to work toward聽his goal聽of聽becoming聽a show director聽in one of the local world-class theme parks.

The same professor who inspired him on day one later encouraged him to pursue a master鈥檚 degree in聽themed experience, part of聽麻豆原创鈥檚聽College of Arts and Humanities.聽This program聽is designed聽for聽the聽next generation of creators, artists and leaders聽who聽are redefining what it means to be entertained, and Spencer just聽graduated in early May.

鈥淢y 麻豆原创 journey has been the experience of a lifetime,鈥� he says.聽鈥淎nd the best part is that I鈥檒l spend my career creating experiences that are just as life-changing for others.鈥�

Last year, Spencer received a聽Universal Orlando聽Impact Award聽recognizing his contributions聽to聽the聽grand opening celebration of Epic Universe, the resort鈥檚 newest theme park.

听补迟听,聽inspiring the 麻豆原创 community听补苍诲听demonstrating聽the power of a Knight education to聽reshape what it means to be entertained and what the future of experiences holds for people everywhere.

The 麻豆原创-Universal聽Pegasus Partnership聽is a聽significant early聽milestone聽of聽聽鈥斅燼聽$3.5 billion聽campaign to expand聽opportunity, advance聽discovery聽and drive impact across the university.

Spencer鈥檚聽story shows why聽聽is聽so important: Investments in 麻豆原创 help students ignite meaningful careers, discover new聽frontiers聽and create a bold tomorrow.聽Students like聽him聽are launching a new era of innovation and making their mark across every industry.

Now a global project manager for wire technology at Alleima Advanced Materials, the materials science and engineering alum has earned the company鈥檚 2026 Innovation Prize for her work advancing wires used in critical medical devices such as continuous glucose monitors, hearing implants and pacemakers. The annual award recognizes excellence in product development.

鈥淭he work I do is very rewarding. Every day, I get to contribute to advancing medical care and treatment,鈥� McDorman says. 鈥淚f it鈥檚 a medical device and it has a wire, Alleima is likely contributing to it somehow.鈥�

McDorman earned her doctoral degree from 麻豆原创 under Associate Professor Swaminathan Rajaraman, who directs the , where researchers develop micro- and nanoscale solutions spanning biotechnology, pharmacology, plant sciences and medical devices.

鈥淚 chose 麻豆原创 because the [materials science and engineering] program was highly rated … and had a wide variety of research areas …鈥�

Before coming to 麻豆原创, McDorman earned her master鈥檚 and bachelor鈥檚 degrees in physics, but discovered a passion for applied research that required a deeper focus on materials.

鈥淲hen I decided to pursue a Ph.D., materials science and engineering was a natural choice,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 chose 麻豆原创 because the program was highly rated, small and had a wide variety of research areas that I was interested in.鈥�

Through her doctoral studies, McDorman found a more biology-focused side of materials science. Her work with biosensors in Rajaraman鈥檚 lab ultimately inspired her to pursue a career in the medical device industry.

She credits her research experience at 麻豆原创 with preparing her for work at Alleima, where 90% of her unit鈥檚 business supports medical device manufacturing.

鈥淭he company has a rich history of materials innovation in steel and nickel-based alloys,鈥� McDorman says. 鈥淪ince we produce wire, I am constantly using base materials science knowledge to process the material in a way that achieves a specific set of properties in the end product.鈥�

She says she has always aimed for a position that would allow her to make a positive contribution to society, an opportunity she is grateful to have at Alleima.

For new graduates considering a similar path, McDorman encourages them to connect with 麻豆原创 alumni on LinkedIn and to explore job opportunities in Florida鈥檚 growing manufacturing industry, particularly in Volusia and Flagler counties.

鈥淲e put a lot into our work every day because we truly care about ensuring the best possible patient outcomes,鈥� she says. 鈥淚t is great that our efforts have been recognized by the business.鈥�

There鈥檚 something undeniably powerful about becoming the person your younger self once needed.

For nonprofit management alum Britt Johnson 鈥�23 鈥�25MNM, that transformation came full circle.

Johnson, who experienced homelessness and a lack of resources growing up, was recently named executive director of Christian HELP, a local nonprofit dedicated to preventing homelessness by supporting at-risk households.

“I see myself in some of the children who come to us fighting hunger. … Now I lead an organization that [supports] and protects them.”

The organization primarily serves the ALICE population 鈥� Asset Limited, Income Constrained and Employed 鈥斅爓orking families who may be one car breakdown or missed paycheck away from crisis.

鈥淚 see myself in some of the children who come to us fighting hunger and [lacking] resources because I was once that child,鈥� Johnson says. 鈥淚n my own personal life, I experienced homelessness. I experienced a lack of basic necessities. Now I lead an organization that [supports] and protects them.鈥�

Establishing an Educational Foundation

Johnson’s path to leadership wasn’t linear.

After dropping out of high school to help support his family, he spent 17 years away from the classroom. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, he enrolled at Orange Technical College and earned his GED.

He later attended Seminole State College before transferring to 麻豆原创 through the program. At 麻豆原创, he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science before enrolling in the 鈥檚 program.

That education changed more than his career trajectory 鈥� it introduced him to nonprofit Christian HELP. Its mission focuses on preventing homelessness by helping people find work, access resources and build stability.

In 2021, Johnson began volunteering there to fulfill a Seminole State honors program service requirement. But the moment he started working with clients, he recognized himself in them.

鈥淚t looked like my lived experience,鈥� he says. 鈥淚 got really connected to the mission.鈥�

Rising Through the Ranks

What began as 20 volunteer hours turned into years of service and leadership. Johnson rose through the organization as volunteer coordinator, resource manager, food distribution lead and care manager before being named executive director in November 2025 鈥� just before graduating with his master鈥檚 degree.

Today, he leads with a philosophy grounded in listening first and meeting people where they are to best provide the help they need.

鈥淲hen I walk into a neighborhood or a church or a city council meeting, I’m there to co-create with the community, not prescribe it,鈥� he says. 鈥淲e have to listen first before acting.鈥�

Christian HELP provides everything from one-on-one career coaching, resume clinics, financial literacy workshops and skill-building sessions. Through its Central Florida Employment Connections division, the nonprofit hosts six regional job fairs each year at the Central Florida Fairgrounds, connecting employers directly with job seekers. Its food pantry distributes more than 1 million pounds of food annually across Orange and Seminole counties.

“Our services help provide stability in times of uncertainty.”

For clients actively working toward employment, the organization also provides targeted financial assistance, helping cover expenses like gas, an oil change or a utility bill.

鈥淥ur services help provide stability in times of uncertainty,鈥� Johnson says. 鈥淚f you’re not working, you’re going to tip over into a spiraling cycle of issues, and we want to prevent that.鈥�

Under Johnson’s leadership, Christian HELP is continuing to expand. This spring, the organization opened a second Orange County location through a partnership with Peace United Methodist Church, bringing employment services, grocery support and financial literacy programs directly into neighborhoods.

The Heart of the Mission

In 2025, Johnson was named an Emerging Leader Impact Award recipient by Heart of Florida United Way and recognized as an Alumni Excellence Honoree by Seminole State College. He was also recently accepted into Nova Southeastern University, where he鈥檒l pursue a Doctor of Education degree in human service administration.

Still, Johnson says many of the opportunities that made these recognitions and opportunities possible began at 麻豆原创. Coursework in volunteer management and cross-sector collaboration gave him practical tools he now uses every day. Just as important were the mentorship, networking and alumni community connections that helped open doors beyond graduation.

鈥淭he biggest lesson I carry from 麻豆原创 to Christian HELP every day is very simple: Access is dignity,鈥� he says. 鈥淲hen you build systems that are welcoming, data-informed and relentlessly human, lives are transformed.鈥�

All were among 109 College of Medicine graduates who became Physician Knights on May 15 and promised to become what their dean calls one of 鈥渢he Good Doctors 鈥� a 麻豆原创 tradition.鈥�

This year鈥檚 M.D. program commencement was the medical school鈥檚 14th and the last for Vice President for Health Affairs and founding Dean Deborah German, who announced earlier this year she will transition from the role she has held for 20 years.

鈥淕raduates, today you become alumni of an innovative medical school committed to improving health for all,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hrough your time here, you learned, you grew, and you cared for patients with courage, dedication, and grace. I couldn鈥檛 be prouder of the work you have done.鈥�

With this year鈥檚 commencement, 麻豆原创鈥檚 young medical school, which opened in 2009, has prepared 1,421 physicians to care for Floridians and the nation at large.

Inspired by Her Research Mentor

Moots is the third M.D./Ph.D. graduate in 麻豆原创鈥檚 history. She enrolled at the university in 2013 to pursue her bachelor鈥檚 degree in biomedical sciences and began her combined doctoral degree in 2018. Now she will go to Lakeland Regional Hospital for internal medicine training 鈥� her first choice for residency because of the hospital鈥檚 focus on innovation, research and clinical trials.

鈥淚鈥檝e spent almost half my life at 麻豆原创,鈥� she says. 鈥淕raduating is incredibly exciting, but it feels strange to close such a long and meaningful chapter.鈥�

She said her medical training at 麻豆原创 was most shaped by her research mentor, Otto Phanstiel, a College of Medicine cancer researcher. 鈥淗e exemplifies the qualities I aspire to carry into medicine through the way he communicates, collaborates, and approaches every interaction with humility, curiosity, and a drive for excellence,鈥� she says. 鈥淗is influence has shaped how I hope to approach research, teamwork, and patient care throughout my career.鈥�

鈥淢ost Monumental Moment of My Life鈥�

Shaylor will do his . He hopes to become a hand surgeon. Medical school military officers are promoted when they receive their M.D. degree, and 麻豆原创鈥檚 tradition is to honor that promotion at commencement. After receiving their diplomas, military officers are pinned with their new rank by a faculty member of their choosing.

Shaylor was inspired to enter military service by Jose Borrero, a U.S. Air Force flight surgeon during Vietnam before becoming a founding faculty member at the College of Medicine. Now retired, Borrero continues to serve as a mentor to 麻豆原创 medical students. He returned to commencement May 15, pinned Shaylor and proudly saluted the young military physician. Shaylor describes the pinning as 鈥渢he most monumental moment of my life.鈥�

Connecting with Others

Castellano and Threatt met playing volleyball during their first year of medical school, then started a band with other M.D. students. They went through the fear of 鈥渃ouples matching鈥� into residency 鈥� unsure if they would be selected to train at the same hospital or even city.

Today they鈥檙e simultaneously planning their move to Johns Hopkins in Baltimore and their wedding. He鈥檒l practice anesthesiology because it combines his love of chemistry and connecting with people.

鈥淭here鈥檚 a small window that you have to talk to patients before surgery, but it is one of their most vulnerable moments in which you really have an ability to make this individual feel comfortable,鈥� he says. 鈥淭hat is a very special relationship to me.鈥�

She鈥檚 training to be a pediatrician.

鈥淢y biggest dream and aspiration is to be an advocate for children and for families,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 think that through Johns Hopkins there will be a lot of opportunities to do so and go into communities to be helping and educating children.鈥�

Some of the nation鈥檚 most promising scientists can be found in Will Furiosi 鈥�13 鈥�14MAT鈥檚 Oviedo High School classroom.

Spend five minutes talking to Ankan Das, Angela Calvo-Chumbimuni and Moitri Santra about their research innovations in robotics, mental health and agriculture, and one truth becomes quite clear: These teens are the real deal.

Backed by 麻豆原创 associate professors Ellen Kang (physics and NanoScience Technology Center) and Candice Bridge 鈥�07笔丑顿聽(chemistry) and researcher Max Kuehn 鈥�22 (Exolith Lab), the Oviedo High trio recently earned recognition as the top three projects at Seminole County鈥檚 regional science fair.

With Oviedo鈥檚 proximity to main campus, the collaboration highlights 麻豆原创鈥檚 steadfast commitment to supporting STEM education across Central Florida.

They went on to represent the county admirably at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Phoenix, where they took home several prizes against more than 1,700 high schoolers from around the globe.

Most notably, Santra took home first place and $6,000 in the Plant Sciences category and received the EU Contest for Young Scientists Award. She will represent Regeneron ISEF at the EU Contest for Young Scientists to be held this September in Kiel, Germany.

鈥淲orking in Dr. Kang鈥檚 lab played pretty big role in choosing materials science and engineering as my major for college because I was exposed to just how many different things someone can do in the area I work with, nanotechnology,鈥� says Santra, a senior bound for Stanford who has worked with Kang since she was a freshman. 鈥淭he lab provided a lot of resources 鈥� not just the instruments, but also mentorship, advice and support.鈥�

A Will to Succeed

The hallway leading to Furiosi鈥檚 classroom is decorated with rows of blue, red, white, green, yellow and pink paper accomplishment ribbons. More ribbons, pennants and certificates adorn his walls, along with eight Science and Engineering Fair of Florida best-in-fair grand award senior division trophies 鈥� more than any other high school in the state.

During his own primary education, Furiosi attended eight schools over 12 years. As a seventh-grader at Stone Magnet Middle School in Brevard County, he was initially prohibited from participating in science fair because officials couldn鈥檛 verify Furiosi was capable of the coursework from his transfer transcripts. He would later go on to earn Order of Pegasus as a Burnett Honors Scholar majoring in biomedical sciences before earning his master鈥檚 degree in teacher education.

Every day, he saw a wall of ribbons, much like the ones in his classroom now. And every day he would tell himself, 鈥淚 want to be one of those kids.鈥�

That experience fundamentally shaped how the 麻豆原创 grad runs his program today.

鈥淲hat keeps me motivated is knowing that I have the opportunity to get people to be really prepared, informed citizens who are good thinkers, and who, when faced with a problem, smile and tackle it instead of running away,鈥� Furosi says.

Infusing Life into Science

Furiosi began teaching at Oviedo High School in 2013 as he pursued his accelerated master鈥檚 degree, made possible by the College of Community Innovation and Education鈥檚 Resident Teacher Professional Preparation Program. The program, funded by a U.S. Department of Education grant, was created in response to the growing need for skilled workers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Four years later, he took over the school鈥檚 science fair program and was determined to breathe new life into it, which at the time involved just four kids.

He cold called students in his AP Biology and Honors Chemistry聽courses, begging anyone who had shown a glimmer of interest during class to sign up so they wouldn鈥檛 have to fold the program.

Today, he鈥檚 at 46 students, with some, like Calvo-Chumbimuni, interested in joining the program as soon as they arrive at Oviedo High.

鈥淢y seventh grade science fair teacher knew Mr. Furiosi and spoke highly of him,鈥� says Calvo-Chumbimuni, who earned fourth place ISEF’s biochemistry category this year. 鈥淲hen I came to Oviedo High and met him, I immediately understood why. The research program stood out to me as a valuable opportunity.鈥�

Furiosi fosters a safe space to fail, learn and grow from the research. There are no barriers to entry; no project deemed too insignificant. And he stresses the merits of high-quality mentorship, like the ones Das, Santra, and Calvo-Chumbimuni formed with 麻豆原创 faculty and STEM labs.

Some of his students have earned thousands of dollars in prizes 鈥� one alone pulled in $70,000 and is now studying at the University of Glasgow 鈥� at prestigious competitions sponsored by some of the tech industry鈥檚 biggest names, including Regeneron and Lockheed Martin, a 麻豆原创 Pegasus Partner.

His alums have gone on to top research institutions including Harvard, MIT, Columbia, Stanford, and of course, 麻豆原创. One of those Knights is aerospace engineering grad Daniel Dyson 鈥�21 鈥�22MS 鈥�25PhD, who studied in Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Subith Vasu鈥檚 lab and now works for Relativity Space at NASA鈥檚 Stennis Space Center, America鈥檚 largest rocket propulsion test site.

鈥淢r. Furiosi really pushes you toward excellence,鈥� says Das, a sophomore building a tensegrity robot with shape memory alloys that he tested at 麻豆原创鈥檚 Exolith Lab.

Supporting Excellence

An award-winning researcher who has been supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation, Kang is not easily impressed. Still, Santra made an immediate impression as an eighth grader when she first popped up Kang鈥檚 inbox, asking if she could present her idea on a nanoparticle treatment for citrus greening disease in Florida.

鈥淚 could clearly see that she had a firm understanding of the material and just thought, 鈥榃ow, she is really a force.鈥� I actually wanted to have my undergrad students see her presentation because of how professional she was, even at that young age,鈥� Kang says. 鈥淪he has this creativity, passion, persistence and resilience 鈥� all the key elements that you need as a successful STEM field researcher.鈥�

Similarly, Bridge immediately noticed Calvo-Chumbimuni鈥檚 persistence and go-getter attitude when she initially connected with her two years ago. Driven by her interest in the intersection of neuroscience, psychology and analytical chemistry, Calvo-Chumbimuni pitched her idea to develop an electrochemical sensor and biosensor to improve diagnostic methods for mental health disorders.

鈥淚鈥檝e always appreciated her sense of humanity,鈥� Bridge says. 鈥淚 thought, 鈥業f you can foster someone who has this sort of compassion already, there are infinite possibilities for what they can do to benefit the community.鈥� 鈥�

The two have been dedicated, active participants in their labs, regularly conducting research multiple days per week during the school year and, at times, daily over the summer.

The faculty and their doctoral students have mentored the high schoolers through instrumentation methods, analyzing data, the literature review process and their presentations.

Both presented continuations of their projects at ISEF 鈥� Calvo-Chumbimuni for her second-straight year, Santra for her third 鈥� while Das made his first time at the competition memorable with his fourth-place finish in the engineering technology: statics and dynamics category.

Kuehn, who is an engineer at , is accustomed to working with a variety of researchers and scientists who test their experiments and equipment at the Highland Regolith Test Bin. He says he was quickly intrigued by Das鈥� project, a lightweight and nimble robot that can expand, contract and move through electric current.

Das wanted to test the robot in lunar regolith 鈥� simulated moon dirt 鈥� because he envisions the tech behind his robot one day being utilized in lunar missions or search and rescue efforts in unstable environments.

鈥淢ax noticed that sometimes the motion was a little slow, so he gave some suggestions,鈥� Das says. 鈥淲orking in the lunar regolith chamber was a very insightful and eye-opening experience. I know I鈥檓 still in high school, but I鈥檝e learned I want to do research for as long as I can because I really find this interesting.鈥�

Which, at the end of the day, has been Furiosi鈥檚 mission all along.

鈥淩esearch is not just in science. It is in all disciplines. There鈥檚 a lot of cool things that need to be discovered in all fields,鈥� he says. 鈥溌槎乖粹�檚 expertise has been so invaluable in preparing my students for the future. A lot of these kids have wonderful ideas, and I really hope we can continue growing more professional support for them in any capacity.鈥�

麻豆原创 School of Visual Arts and Design students earned all four scholarships awarded at Creative South, a testament to the university鈥檚 growing reputation as a hub for emerging creative talent.

鈥淲e鈥檝e built such a strong community that when one person succeeds, we all do,鈥� says Vanessa Mor谩n, a senior graphic design student and treasurer of 麻豆原创鈥檚 Graphic Design Student Association. 鈥淭hat’s something Associate Professor Victor Davila 鈥�97 鈥�07MFA has always instilled in us.鈥�

For Brianna Rodriguez, a junior graphic design student who received a $1,000 grant, the scholarship is validation for where she鈥檚 heading.

鈥淚t felt like a message that my work has potential, and that I need to start seeing it that way,鈥� she says.

Building Industry Connections

The students鈥� takeaways from Creative South went well beyond scholarship awards. Known for its welcoming environment, the conference gave students direct access to industry professionals, hands-on feedback, and real-world insight.

The access stood out to AJ Sibul, a senior graphic design student, who says Creative South made the industry feel more human.

鈥淭here鈥檚 no separation between attendees and speakers,鈥� Sibul says. 鈥淭hey emphasize people first, titles second.鈥�

From portfolio reviews to keynote presentations to late-night networking events, students built meaningful connections with working creatives, leading to mentorship, internships, and future job opportunities.

麻豆原创 emerging media alumnus Josh Alonso 鈥�25 understands that firsthand. Alonso first attended Creative South as a student, where he earned a scholarship from Heyo, a design and development agency, which included a yearlong mentorship with a professional from the company.

That experience led to his current full-time role, demonstrating how connections made at Creative South can translate directly into opportunities.

鈥淭hat mentorship really grew into a friendship, which led to a job offer later down the road,鈥� Alonso says. 鈥淭hey helped me understand the importance of being someone people wanted to work with, rather than just having the best-looking portfolio.鈥�

鈥淢y career essentially got its 鈥榡umpstart鈥� from the people I met at Creative South.鈥� 鈥� Josh Alonso 鈥�25

Alonso鈥檚 journey reflects what many 麻豆原创 students are beginning to experience: real pathways into creative careers.

鈥淢y career essentially got its 鈥榡umpstart鈥� from the people I met at Creative South,鈥� he says.

As 麻豆原创 continues to invest in the next generation of creatives, experiences like Creative South equip students with the connections and confidence needed to succeed in the industry after graduation.