Three 麻豆原创 graduates have been selected for the Orlando Veterans Affairs (VA) primary care nurse practitioner residency, a highly competitive postgraduate training program at the nation鈥檚 fourth-largest VA medical center.

Only three residents are selected annually from a pool of applicants to participate in the program, in which 麻豆原创 has had consistent representation since its inception. This year, all three spots were awarded to 麻豆原创 graduates.

For , Melissa Fajardo 鈥�11 鈥�23 and Nancy Saintil 鈥�10MS 鈥�25DNP 鈥� three first-generation college graduates and two first-generation Americans 鈥� it鈥檚 a career opportunity forged in hard work and shaped by an education at 麻豆原创.

鈥淭his milestone represents years of perseverance, faith, growth and the encouragement of people who believed in my potential,鈥� says Alliance, who, along with Fajardo, is among the more than 300 nursing students graduating from 麻豆原创 this week. 鈥淚t is also a reflection of the mentorship, opportunity and support I received throughout my education at 麻豆原创.鈥�

“These three 麻豆原创 graduates are highly qualified and will excel in both their residency and future careers as nurse practitioners.鈥� 鈥� Jacqueline LaManna 鈥�13PhD, 麻豆原创 director of adult primary care nurse practitioner programs

The one-year program is designed to ease the transition into independent practice for newly graduated, licensed nurse practitioners. Nurse practitioner residents rotate through clinical settings with structured mentorship to help care for the 149,000 veterans served by the Orlando VA Healthcare System.

鈥淭his program requires advanced clinical practice, scholarship and leadership skills,” 听says Jacqueline LaManna 鈥�13PhD, 麻豆原创’s director of the adult primary care nurse practitioner programs. “These three 麻豆原创 graduates are highly qualified and will excel in both their residency and future careers as nurse practitioners.鈥�

鈥溌槎乖� prepares nurse practitioners for success,” adds Jonathan Decker, director of the family nurse practitioner program. 鈥淥ur graduates鈥� consistently surpass national first-time pass rate averages on board certifications and many secure employment or advanced training opportunities before graduation 鈥� just like these three.鈥�

The graduates will begin their residency this fall at the Orlando VA Medical Center in Lake Nona, minutes away from 麻豆原创鈥檚 new Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion. The state-of-the-art facility is helping address critical nursing shortages 鈥� awarding more than 900 nursing degrees in the last academic year.

For Saintil, the wife of a veteran, the opportunity is deeply personal.

鈥淭hrough my exposure to the VA healthcare system, I have seen firsthand the positive impact it has on the lives of America鈥檚 veterans,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 am inspired by the VA鈥檚 commitment to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care and honored to contribute to that mission.鈥�

Together with their cohort, the three new Knight nurse practitioners are joining one of the nation鈥檚 fastest-growing occupations and meeting increasing demand in Florida. Driven by physician shortages and a growing and aging population, the growth rate of nurse practitioners in the Sunshine State is projected to be 41.6% by 2034.

Meet them here.

Mimi Alliance 鈥�22

What inspired your nursing career?

From an early age, I knew I wanted a career in healthcare where I could make a meaningful difference in people鈥檚 lives. As I听grew older, I became drawn to the structure and mission of public service, particularly organizations with the ability to improve health at both the individual and community level.

How did 麻豆原创 prepare you for practice?
麻豆原创 prepared me through academic rigor, diverse clinical training, faculty mentorship and meaningful opportunities to serve the community. 麻豆原创鈥檚 Family Nurse Practitioner doctoral program challenged me to strengthen my clinical reasoning, communicate clearly, and think beyond the walls of the clinic.

For example, my doctoral project provided hearing screenings for older adults in Central Florida based in 麻豆原创鈥檚 Mobile Health Clinic. Working alongside faculty, providers, audiologists, students and community partners taught me how collaboration can improve preventive care.

As a student who carried significant responsibility early in life, being part of the 麻豆原创 community allowed me to fully experience scholarship, service, leadership and connection.

In the future鈥�
My long-term goal is to become an exceptional family nurse practitioner known for compassionate, whole-person care, strong clinical reasoning and meaningful relationships with patients over time.

I also see education as part of my professional identity and hope to continue mentoring future nurses and nurse practitioner students.

Melissa Fajardo 鈥�11 鈥�23

What inspired your nursing career?
Nursing is my second career. I initially worked as a first responder and worked with the Orange County Corrections Department for more than 20 years.

I was inspired to pursue a nursing career after watching my grandparents transition through life in the care of the most genuine and loving hospice nursing staff.

How did 麻豆原创 prepare you for practice?
麻豆原创 has been instrumental in my education. I grew up in Massachusetts and was the first in my family to consider attending college. I chose 麻豆原创 for my first degree and have continued to choose 麻豆原创. I love the campus and the education.

The mentorship of my professors, especially in the doctoral program, has given me the confidence to believe in my ability to pursue a higher-level role.

In the future鈥�
After completing the residency, my goal is to secure a full-time position with the VA as a family nurse practitioner in one of the primary care clinics in Central Florida.

I come from a long line of veterans, beginning with my grandfather who served in the U.S. Army during World War II, and providing care to veterans is an incredible privilege. While we can never fully repay them for their sacrifices, I believe we have a responsibility to honor them by providing compassionate, high-quality, and respectful healthcare. I want to become the kind of provider who not only manages chronic illnesses, but also empowers veterans to take an active role in their health and ensures they always feel heard, respected and valued.

Nancy Saintil 鈥�10MSN 鈥�25DNP

What inspired your nursing career?
My mom was a nursing assistant, and she encouraged me to pursue a career in the profession. I remember as a child watching her with patients, and I wanted to care for others as she did.

After nearly 16 years in nursing and following my father鈥檚 stroke, I felt called to expand my role in patient care. That experience inspired me to become a stronger advocate for vulnerable populations, including those who may struggle to access or trust the healthcare system.

As a nurse practitioner, I hope to make a meaningful difference by providing compassionate, patient-centered care and serving as a voice for those who need it most.

How did 麻豆原创 prepare you for practice?
麻豆原创 prepared me for my career as a primary care nurse practitioner by combining strong academic instruction with meaningful clinical experiences.

Many of the faculty are practicing nurse practitioners, which allowed them to bring real-world experiences into the classroom. Their expertise, mentorship, and commitment to student success helped bridge the gap between theory and practice and strengthened my readiness to enter clinical practice.

Through rigorous coursework, hands-on lab experiences, and strong clinical partnerships, I gained exposure to diverse patient populations and healthcare settings.

These experiences have equipped me with the foundational knowledge and skills to contribute meaningfully to the VA.

In the future鈥�
Upon completion of the residency, I hope to continue serving veterans within the VA healthcare system and build a fulfilling career in primary care, providing compassionate, evidence-based care.

Worth noting among this graduating class:

• Roughly 30% of the undergraduate students receiving their degrees are the first in their families to earn their diploma.
• More than 25% of this term’s degrees are tied to STEM majors.
• About 30% of the undergraduate graduating class are Pell Grant recipients.

麻豆原创 is the leading producer of talent among Florida鈥檚 universities, awarding roughly 19,000 degrees annually to Knights who go on to work in high-demand industries. About 85% of our alumni stay in Florida because of the ample opportunity to thrive as part of our state鈥檚 workforce.

Graduates will hear from听three听esteemed speakers听鈥� all 麻豆原创 graduates 鈥斕齱hose leadership and impact听have听benefited听our region:

• Psychology alum听Allen Johnson听鈥�81,听chief听venue听officer for听City听for听Orlando Venues
• Journalism alum Tanya (Easterling) Hill 鈥�97, market president for Central Florida for Florida Blue
• 颁谤颈尘颈苍补濒听箩耻蝉迟颈肠别听补濒耻尘听Fred Kittinger 鈥�80, 麻豆原创鈥檚 former听senior associate vice president for government and community relations

Commencement Festivities

Held in the Addition Financial Arena, summer commencement will take place over three ceremonies spanning Friday, July 31, and Saturday, Aug. 1.

All guests, including children and infants,鈥痭eed a ticket for admission. All graduates who have filed an intent to graduate will receive five commencement ceremony tickets when they pick up their regalia packet.

Guests who do not have tickets may watch the鈥痩ive ceremony via a simulcast viewing鈥痠n the FAIRWINDS Alumni Center and the Student Union. Ceremonies will also be .

Commencement Photo-ops Across 麻豆原创

Graduating Knights are unable to take photos at the Acrisure Bounce House football stadium this semester due to ongoing construction.

Grad Walk

On Thursday,听July听30,听4:30-7 p.m. (doors close at 6 p.m.),听summer听graduates are invited to a photo-op 鈥� Grad Walk 鈥� within the Addition Financial Arena. This will be a first-come, first-served occasion for graduates and up to 10 of their well-wishers to take photos and videos on the ceremony stage.鈥疓raduates听are required to听register at听.

Commencement Schedule

Graduates and guests can review the below commencement ceremony schedule, listing colleges, ceremony听dates听and streaming links:

贵谤颈诲补测,听闯耻濒测听31

6听辫.尘.

College of Arts and Humanities

College of Community Innovation and Education

College of Graduate Studies

Rosen College of Hospitality Management

Saturday,听Aug. 1

9 a.m.

Barry S. Miller听College of Business

College of Health Professions and Sciences

College of Medicine

College of Nursing

2:30听辫.尘.

College of Engineering and Computer Science

College of Optics and Photonics

College of Sciences

For more details and FAQs about听Summer听2026 commencement celebrations, visit听ucf.edu/graduation.

Commencement Speakers

Allen Johnson 鈥�81

Chief Venues Officer, City of Orlando Venues

Allen Johnson 鈥�81 has served as chief venues officer of Orlando Venues since 2004, overseeing the City of Orlando’s diverse portfolio of Kia Center, Camping World Stadium, Tinker Field, Leu Gardens and the Mennello Museum of American Art.

Johnson brings decades of venue management experience from leadership roles across Florida. Under Johnson’s leadership, Orlando Venues has evolved into a premier, globally recognized destination for sports, entertainment and culture, welcoming millions of guests each year while strengthening Central Florida’s reputation as a world-class destination.

A proud 麻豆原创 graduate with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, he has earned numerous honors, including the 2025 International Association of Venue Managers Foundation Legacy Award, the SPORTYS Executive of the Year Award and the Downtowner of the Year Award.

He remains active in the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM), serving as past chairman and trustee of the foundation board, while also contributing to organizations that include the Greater Orlando Sports Commission, Florida Citrus Sports, Victim Service Center and the .

Tanya (Easterling) Hill 鈥�97

Market President for Central Florida, Florida Blue

Tanya Hill 鈥�97听is Florida Blue鈥檚 market president for Central Florida,听responsible for听regional business and community engagement in a 9-county region.

Throughout her more than 25-year career, she has worked with reputable brands including Chick-fil-A, Target and Walt Disney World to drive business results through strategic partnerships.

Hill is passionate about investing time in the community and has been involved with听numerous听community and civic organizations. She currently serves on the board of directors for the听African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida, 4Roots Foundation, Orlando Economic听Partnership听and the Winter Park Health Foundation.

Hill holds a bachelor鈥檚 degree in journalism from 麻豆原创.

Fred Kittinger 鈥�80

Former Senior Associate Vice President for Government and Community Relations, 麻豆原创

A native of central Florida, Fred Kittinger 鈥�80 recently retired as senior associate vice president for government and community relations at 麻豆原创, where he served for more than 22 years.

He worked alongside local and state leaders to help foster some of 麻豆原创’s most transformative achievements, including the approval of 麻豆原创鈥檚 College of Medicine, the creation of the world-class Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy, the development of 麻豆原创 Downtown, the expansion of the 麻豆原创 Business Incubation Program and investments that enhanced the student experience and advanced regional impact.

Prior to his career at 麻豆原创, Kittinger served as chief of staff to Orlando Mayor Glenda Hood and previously as vice president of government relations for the Greater Orlando Chamber of Commerce. He began his career as a legislative aide to state Senator George Stuart of Orlando.

Reflecting his commitment to the community, Kittinger currently serves on the board of directors for Junior Achievement of Central Florida (past chair), Central Florida Council for Scouting America and Legacy Pointe at 麻豆原创.

Kittinger graduated from 麻豆原创鈥檚 criminal justice program and earned his master’s degree in public administration from Florida State University.

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�

When Latrell Sam-German graduated high school in 2021, he didn鈥檛 have a detailed career plan 鈥� just a desire to do something that was bigger than him.

Fortunately for him, the possibilities in the realm of serving others are plentiful. He first thought of enlisting in the military, which would also provide the structure he was seeking. He even considered pursuing medicine, trade work or air traffic control.

It was ultimately that innate sense of purpose, coupled with mentorship, that introduced Sam-German to the world of law enforcement by way of 麻豆原创. Now on the brink of becoming the inaugural graduate of the bachelor鈥檚 in criminal justice program鈥檚 professional track, he鈥檚 preparing to cross the commencement stage at Addition Financial Arena on Saturday.

But first, he鈥檒l spend today celebrating his graduation from the inaugural class of the Orlando Police Department鈥檚 in-house academy.

Boldly Pursuing His Purpose

Sam-German鈥檚 foray into criminal justice began with candid discussions with both his uncle and best friend鈥檚 brother, both of whom work for a police department in South Florida. The latter became his mentor.

鈥淗e took me under his wing and showed me the ins and outs of the career, getting me into the right mindset for the academy and what to expect,鈥� he says.

After completing his associate degree at Broward College, Sam-German transferred to 麻豆原创 in 2024. Although he knew he wanted to pursue a bachelor鈥檚 in criminal justice, it was an email about the program鈥檚 new professional track from Associate Professor that caught his attention.

Housed in the College of Community Innovation and Education, the professional track allows students to graduate with a degree in criminal justice and a听certificate in criminal justice management and leadership 鈥� plus state certification in law enforcement or corrections, acquired through internship experiences like officer academies.

鈥淏eing able to graduate 麻豆原创 and academy at the same time was definitely the biggest draw for me,鈥� he says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 like knocking out two birds with one stone. The opportunity to complete the academy in my last semester as my internship, get my degree and walk out with a job is huge.鈥�

“The opportunity to complete the academy in my last semester as my internship, get my degree and walk out with a job is huge.鈥� 鈥� Latrell Sam-German, student

In the professional track, he had the opportunity to go on ride-alongs with three agencies 鈥� Orange and Osceola County Sheriff鈥檚 offices, and Orlando Police Department (OPD). He spent the next year and a half juggling his coursework with the various career fairs and networking opportunities that Watkins passed along. All the while, his eyes remained locked on the goal of landing an academy sponsorship for his final semester.

In early Fall 2025, he interviewed with OPD and passed the physical abilities test. He knew his commitment to networking had paid off when his recruiting lieutenant and sergeant remembered him from a spring career summit.

Fast forward a few weeks, and Sam-German got the call he鈥檇 been hoping for: OPD had offered him an academy sponsorship.

Training for Impact

Since early December, Sam-German has attended OPD鈥檚 in-house academy full-time as his required internship. The rigorous experience consists of intensive training in law enforcement policies and procedures, physical training and defense tactics. That includes five consecutive weeks of high-liability training with firearms, first aid and driving patrol cars.

鈥淚t’s very paramilitary,鈥� he says. 鈥淓very day we have to shine our boots, iron our clothes, make sure everything is up to par and come ready. It鈥檚 essentially changing our point of view from the civilian mindset to an officer mindset. We鈥檝e learned to watch our surroundings, never be complacent, know policy and rules, and know when to apply them.鈥�

鈥淥ur job is public service, and we’re there to help. I really wanted to do something that was bigger than me, and I think this is one of the best occupations to fulfill that.鈥� 鈥� Latrell Sam-German, student

When all is said and done, he will have completed 772 hours of training that concludes at the culmination of his first week as a sworn officer. In mid-May, he鈥檒l begin field service alongside a field training officer.

Right now, he鈥檚 most looking forward to learning about community patrol.

鈥淚 have always been interested in getting out there in community, speaking with people, learning a city鈥檚 cultural fabric and how I can help,鈥� he says. 鈥淢y biggest focus right now is to be great in patrol because sometimes people just need somebody to talk to. After all, our job is public service, and we’re there to help. I really wanted to do something that was bigger than me, and I think this is one of the best occupations to fulfill that.鈥�

Persistence That Delivers

The fact that he鈥檚 about to cross the finish line won鈥檛 hit him until he puts on the cap and gown 鈥� and the official OPD officer uniform. But Sam-German is already reflecting on how quickly his time at 麻豆原创 has gone by, and how the decision to pursue the professional track helped launch his career trajectory.

That鈥檚 thanks in large part, he says, to the faculty who have helped foster connections and provided opportunities to explore different career paths.

鈥淢y professors have been great,鈥� he says. 鈥淢any of them are retired law enforcement who came over to 麻豆原创 and can speak about the career and what to expect. Being able to come straight from college into the academy has given me the upper hand because a lot of what we talked about in class now pertains to my police academy experience.鈥�

鈥淏eing able to come straight from college into the academy has given me the upper hand because a lot of what we talked about in class now pertains to my police academy experience.鈥� 鈥� Latrell Sam-German, student

Sam-German’s story is exactly what Watkins hopes to see for years to come 鈥� more graduates like him who will go on to impact change in the criminal justice system.

鈥淲orking with and assisting Latrell along his professional journey is exciting, fulfilling and a testament to the work of many,鈥� he says. 鈥淒eveloping and promoting the professional track has taken many years and considerable work with our police and correctional professionals in and around Central Florida.”

Professor and Chair adds that the program was intentionally designed to be mutually beneficial to students and law enforcement agencies in reinforcing the workforce pipeline.

鈥淭he professional track is our department鈥檚 way to give back to the surrounding law enforcement and correctional community in the form of producing high-quality, motivated and practitioner-ready students like Latrell,鈥� Paoline says.

As he prepares to reap both the academic and professional rewards of his work, Sam-German also finds personal reward in having become someone his classmates turn to for advice as they consider pursuing the professional track. He tells them that if they鈥檙e willing to put the work in, good things will happen.

鈥淚 don’t think it was luck; it was the result of hard work,鈥� he says of his success. 鈥淚t鈥檚 really about not being afraid to put yourself out there and talk to these agencies, even when it can feel intimidating. That door is going to open. You just have to step through it.鈥�

Johnston, who was born without arms, joined 麻豆原创鈥檚 program in Fall 2024 and is now graduating this May. IES, housed by the in the College of Community Innovation and Education, is a state-recognized, two-year certified transition program that immerses students with disabilities into campus life while helping them develop the independence necessary for long-term employment.

Johnston says she learned about IES online and became interested when she researched the program.

鈥淚 feel more outgoing since I started the program. I was homeschooled and used to hang out with only three or four friends, so I was really shy when I first came here.鈥� 鈥� Nina Johnston, IES student

鈥淭wo months after I graduated high school, my mom saw the application for IES on Facebook and asked if I wanted to apply,鈥� Johnston says. 鈥淚 wanted a college experience, but I didn鈥檛 want to go to college for four or six years. Two years sounded perfect, so I thought it would be a good idea. After looking into the program, I thought, 鈥楾his looks really fun.鈥� 鈥�

Program Director says Johnston made a strong first impression even before she arrived at 麻豆原创.

鈥淎s part of her application, Nina sent a video of herself cleaning, doing her daily routine and even horseback riding,鈥� Best says. 鈥淲e were amazed when we watched that video. When she came here, we saw firsthand how independent and determined she is.鈥�

Johnston started IES in August 2024, and it wasn鈥檛 long before she jumped right into various campus activities. While pursuing a major in hospitality, she joined Knights Exemplar and Best Buddies, two clubs that provide social and academic support to students with intellectual disabilities. In fact, she鈥檚 now a Buddy director with Best Buddies.

Her growing involvement even led to a part-time job at the information desk in the 麻豆原创 Student Union. She says these experiences have greatly improved her confidence and social skills.

鈥淏ut having all these classes and opportunities made me realize, 鈥極K, I can do this. I can talk to people.鈥� IES helped me come out of my shell.鈥� 鈥� Nina Johnston, IES student

鈥淚 feel more outgoing since I started the program,鈥� Johnston says. 鈥淚 was homeschooled and used to hang out with only three or four friends, so I was really shy when I first came here. But having all these classes and opportunities made me realize, 鈥極K, I can do this. I can talk to people.鈥� IES helped me come out of my shell.鈥�

Best says she has blossomed into an inspiring and beloved member of the IES community.

鈥淣ina is a true leader,鈥� Best says. 鈥淢any students in the program go to her for advice even before they come to us. They look up to her because she thrives in her academics while holding down a job. She鈥檚 always looking to pick up extra hours, and she never falls behind on her assignments while she鈥檚 working. She is a committed and hardworking student.鈥�

In her newfound social circle, Johnston made a connection that developed into something deeper over time. Soon after starting in the program, she met fellow student Zackary Bruns. Their friendship grew into a relationship, and they are now engaged to be married in November 2026.

As she plans for her wedding, Johnston has also been working to prepare other logistical aspects of her future. One of these is a major personal and practical achievement: her driver鈥檚 license, which she earned after practicing with IES鈥檚 AI-powered driving simulation.

鈥淭he driving simulation at IES gave me a good idea of how traffic happens in real time,鈥� Johnston says. 鈥淎nd it worked perfectly: I got my license on the first try.鈥�

Students with disabilities often lack adequate opportunities to practice driving, so many never earn their licenses 鈥� something TJEEI Program Director says can be a barrier to employment.

鈥淥ur driving simulator helps students get more comfortable behind the wheel, and Nina is a great example of that.鈥� 鈥� Christine Parsons, TJEEI Program Director

鈥淚f students can鈥檛 drive and don鈥檛 have a car, they can鈥檛 get to work without public transportation,鈥� Parsons says. 鈥淭hat can be a huge issue, especially here in Central Florida. Our driving simulator helps students get more comfortable behind the wheel, and Nina is a great example of that.鈥�

Equipped with her license, Johnston and Bruns are now focusing on two main goals: securing full-time employment and finding an apartment. They have decided to move to Ocala, Florida, where they plan to be close to Johnston鈥檚 parents as they begin the next stage of their lives.

Looking ahead, Johnston says she is excited for her next chapter and grateful for all her experiences at 麻豆原创.

鈥淲hen I was in my first semester of IES, it felt like it took forever,鈥� Johnston says. 鈥淏ut now that I鈥檓 here, it鈥檚 like, 鈥榃here did the time go?鈥� I鈥檓 sad to leave the program, but I鈥檓 happy I did it because I鈥檝e met so many wonderful people.鈥�

As Preston Strenth prepares to cross the stage at commencement, he finds himself flashing back to the moment his journey to this milestone started in 2023 with the South Carolina National Guard.

Strenth was on deployment in Kuwait with his unit. Among his fellow infantrymen was 20-year-old Jayson Haven. Haven had been accepted to his dream school, the University of Michigan, and was fulfilling the final two months of his year-long assignment before shipping off to college. He was tragically killed in a non-combat vehicle rollover accident.

鈥淚 think all of us who were on that deployment understood you鈥檙e here and somebody else isn鈥檛. What are you going to do with your life?鈥� Strenth says.

鈥淚 think all of us who were on that deployment understood you鈥檙e here and somebody else isn鈥檛. What are you going to do with your life?鈥�

Seven months later, Strenth envisioned that life and voiced his goals to his wife, Kriselle. He proposed a two-year timeline to earn a college degree in computer science and start a new career path.

鈥淚 feel like everything in my life now is all clicking together,鈥� says Strenth, who landed three job offers before graduating and is in the process of purchasing his first home. 鈥淚 have achieved the American dream in a sense.鈥�

The Right Place

A Central Florida native, Strenth moved to South Carolina at 17 and joined the National Guard two years later. He extended his contract twice 鈥� his current contract ends in 2027 鈥� as he pursued a degree in criminal justice from the University of South Carolina.

He took advantage of the educational benefits the U.S. Army offers and obtained a certification in computer programming, which introduced him to coding software.

After that fateful deployment in Kuwait, he and his wife set their sights on Orlando and 麻豆原创, where Strenth knew of the university鈥檚 reputation as one of the nation鈥檚 top military friendly schools, its strength in computer science and our many industry partnerships.

Learn more about Preston Stenth’s journey from his .

鈥淲ithout a doubt, coming to 麻豆原创 is the best thing I ever did,鈥� he says.

His credits from the University of South Carolina transferred over to help keep him on track for his two-year timeline. He thrived, in part, because of his willingness to take advantage of the many resources offered through the .

His experience here also tested him in ways that led to great growth and confidence.

In his second semester, while taking Computer Science I, he was stuck on his first programming assignment. Every time he willed the coding to work, he was met with the same result: fail.

His frustration turned to tears as he voiced his doubts to his wife. What if he just screwed up his life? What if he couldn鈥檛 do this?

She encouraged him while leveling with him at the same time 鈥� he wasn鈥檛 the first to attempt this class or this degree. If he wanted to be here, he was going to figure it out.

She was right.

鈥淚 think that is kind of the point 鈥� they will make you go to that line and ask yourself, 鈥楧o you want to be here?鈥� 鈥� Strenth says. 鈥淏ecause it鈥檚 a program that can lead you to a financially stable future. I have offers that no one in my family has ever had in front of them before. But you鈥檝e got to work for them.鈥�

Opportunity Calls with BNY

He applied that same grindstone mentality to maximizing opportunities outside of the classroom 鈥� all the while driving to South Carolina once a month to fulfill his National Guard duties.

鈥淚 have offers that no one in my family has ever had in front of them before.鈥�

In Spring 2024, he attended a lunch and learn with BNY, which was organized by the Office of Military and Veteran Student Success. The leading global financial services company announced a formal partnership with 麻豆原创 that establishes a co-located educational innovation hub on 麻豆原创鈥檚 main campus 鈥� the first-of-its-kind in Florida.

Strenth turned the connection he made with the BNY recruiter into a summer internship as a software engineer and vowed to himself to secure a job offer.

He wasn鈥檛 deterred by the fact that many of his fellow interns had started programming as middle-schoolers while he, at 24, had just learned the basics a year prior.

He committed to being the first one in the door and one of the last to leave. He reached out to fellow veterans he found in an interdepartmental staff directory to seek advice about integrating into the company. He emailed a weekly recap to his supervisor that listed how his accomplishments that week aligned with BNY鈥檚 core values.

鈥淚 was trying to showcase that I wanted to be here, and I wanted this job offer more than anything,鈥� Strenth says.

When the internship ended, he stayed connected, even as he lined up another software engineering internship with Hatalom Corporation, a service-disabled veteran-owned small business.

Strenth had three job offers lined up before graduation day with BNY, Hatalom and Northrop Grumman. BNY鈥檚 career growth potential, military leave policy and proximity to his home were too good to pass up.

鈥淏NY has a future leaders program that I鈥檝e already expressed interest in even though I鈥檓 not eligible for another two years. But I鈥檓 already telling them, 鈥楾his is something I want to do. How can I?鈥� 鈥� he says.

He draws upon that memory of his conversation with his wife from years ago 鈥� in his story, he refers to it as 鈥渢he gamble鈥� 鈥� as he sits here today, once again, betting on himself.

鈥淣ow two years later, I鈥檓 like, 鈥榃e won. We did it,鈥� 鈥� he says. 鈥淐elebrating this moment at graduation is a testament to the sacrifices that my wife has made, my family has made, and the countless other people who have supported me to get to this point.鈥�

A future nurse adjusts their cap, preparing to enter a hospital where the need for care continues to grow.

An engineer looks out into the crowd, knowing the next step leads into an industry building what鈥檚 next.

At 麻豆原创, these moments don鈥檛 happen one by one. They happen all at once 鈥� thousands of stories, each with a different starting point, moving forward together.

Opportunity, Provided at Scale

At 麻豆原创, scale has always meant more than size.

It means access. It means opportunity. It means students who arrive with ambition and leave with proof.

More than 10,000 Knights make up the Spring Class of 2026.

Additionally, about 37% of bachelor鈥檚 degree recipients are eligible for Pell Grants, and about 22% are the first in their families to earn a college degree 听鈥� reflecting a university built to open doors and help students move through them.

This is scale with purpose.

Where Talent Meets Demand

麻豆原创 graduates move directly into high-demand fields 鈥� from hospitals and schools to tech firms, startups and public agencies.

This is a workforce built not just in classrooms, but for real-world impact.

Each year, the university awards nearly 19,000 degrees 鈥� more than any other institution in Florida 鈥� including leading the state in bachelor鈥檚 degrees in engineering and nursing. These two fields are essential to sustaining Florida鈥檚 economic growth and meeting the needs of an expanding population.

Turning Studies Into Real Skills

Before they graduate, Knights are already building career-ready experience.

That same hands-on approach extends into high-impact research across fields from computer vision to biotechnology to pediatric prosthetics.

Career Prep From the Start

Support starts early, and it鈥檚 designed to carry students all the way through.

From day one, students connect with career counselors who help them build resumes, practice interviewing, find internships and connect with employers.

And when it鈥檚 time to take the next step, campus-wide career fairs open the door. They鈥檙e a gateway for students to explore a wide range of career paths, get real insight from industry professionals and stay ahead in a fast-moving job market.

Retaining Talent Across Florida

The impact of a 麻豆原创 education doesn鈥檛 leave with its graduates. In many cases, it stays 鈥� and grows.

But where graduates go next tells an even bigger story.In and around听Orlando听鈥� the No. 2 Best City to Start a Career in America (WalletHub) and one of the fastest-growing hubs for innovation 鈥� that talent doesn鈥檛 just fill jobs.

It builds industries. It strengthens economies. It accelerates growth.

More Than a Milestone

Commencement is what everyone sees.

The walk. The tassel. The celebration.

But at 麻豆原创, it鈥檚 also something more.

Before students cross the stage, they鈥檝e already built experience. By the time they graduate, they鈥檙e aligned with real-world demand. After they leave, they power the industries shaping Florida鈥檚 future and beyond.

Each commencement adds thousands more to that momentum. Each graduate strengthens the pipeline.

And across the state 鈥� and far beyond it 鈥� you can already see what they鈥檙e building.

We could start 33 years ago to when Castro Tapler first visited 麻豆原创 and dreamed of becoming a Knight.

Or jump to when she lost sight of that dream in the whirlwind of life after enlisting in the U.S. Marines, completing an overseas deployment, getting married and raising a family.

Or here, in present day, as the 49-year-old graduates alongside her oldest, each with degree choices influenced by Johnny鈥檚 struggle with neurological hearing loss 鈥� hers, early childhood development and education and his, communication sciences and disorders. And don鈥檛 forget her other son, Michael, an emergency management major, close behind and husband, John, graduating later this year from Valencia College, a partner.

Their story is one of many subplots and selfless acts, and so much love for family 鈥� a family that pulled strength from each other on the road to this long-awaited, triumphant moment.

鈥淧eople doubted us for moving here from Long Island to become Knights,鈥� Castro Tapler says. 鈥淲e said, 鈥楯ust watch.鈥� 鈥淲e鈥檙e proving that you can do anything you put your mind to doing by adapting and overcoming.鈥�

A Dream Put on Hold, But Never Forgotten

Castro Tapler鈥檚 mind first fixed on 麻豆原创 in 1993 when the family of her friend, David Konits 鈥�01, paid for her to visit them in Orlando to thank her for saving their son鈥檚 life after a serious injury. Putting others first had already become ingrained for Castro Tapler, then 16, despite a childhood without means. She lived with her mother in another friend鈥檚 basement and had never traveled beyond New York.

鈥淭hey brought me to the 麻豆原创 campus and I was blown away,鈥� she says. 鈥淚鈥檇 never seen such nice kids studying together in such a beautiful environment. If I could ever afford college, I wanted it to be here.鈥�

Castro Tapler went back home, finished high school and joined the U.S. Marines. Shortly after 9/11, she was deployed to Kuwait. The idea of college continued to dim as she fulfilled her military duty, returned to Long Island, went to work and raised a family.

鈥淭he goal was always out there,鈥� she says, 鈥渂ut I just couldn鈥檛 get to it.鈥�

She wanted a more streamlined path for her sons, Johnny and Michael, so she and her husband always included tours of universities during family trips.

鈥淲hen we came to 麻豆原创, the boys and John fell in love,鈥� Castro Tapler says, 鈥渁nd to me, that feeling of belonging was still there after so many years.鈥�

On the day of Johnny鈥檚 high school graduation, they loaded up the car and moved to Orlando 鈥� placing her within reach of the dream she never gave up on.

Planting Roots on Campus

As a U.S. Marine veteran, Castro Tapler has chilling stories about how she calmly put out oil fires in open combat zones. On her first day of classes at 麻豆原创, she 鈥� like a good Marine 鈥� arrived 30 minutes early with food and hydration. An emotion consumed her: Fear.

Here she was, surrounded by students half her age using tablets and carrying backpacks while she pulled around a wagon and used a spiral notebook. She would need to relearn how to learn. Three encounters quickly made her feel at ease.

鈥淭he sound of a piano in the lobby soothed my nerves. Then a group of girls in my first class invited me to work with them. And I found the ,鈥� she says. 鈥淎 college campus is a different world from what veterans are used to. The people in that office helped me understand aid, tutoring and the culture. They鈥檙e veterans, too, so they know how difficult the transition can be.鈥�

Her fear turned to joy and a genuine belief she belonged. She felt even more connected knowing Johnny and Michael were on the same campus feeling the same pride.

The Start of a New Future

We come to the most surreal moment: mom and son graduating together. She points out this is a goal achieved, but not the goal.

鈥淥ur degrees open doors to serve others,鈥� Castro Tapler says.

She鈥檒l teach first grade, knowing each child is unique, perhaps with a challenge that hasn鈥檛 yet been identified. Johnny intends to use his communications and sciences disorders degree as the first step toward a medical degree in audiology. He visualizes being the first person parents see when their babies are diagnosed with a complication. He already knows what he鈥檒l say:

鈥淚t鈥檚 going to be OK. Look at me. I have a hearing disorder, too, and now I鈥檓 a doctor,鈥� Johnny says.

Michael will apply his emergency management degree from 麻豆原创 to help communities on a larger scale. And John, after finishing at Valencia College, will consider an online business master鈥檚 program at 麻豆原创, so he can provide financial planning and support for those facing their own challenges.

鈥淗e wants so badly to be a Knight like the rest of us,鈥� Castro Tapler says.

It makes sense. Knights are known for their grit. And this family has plenty of it.

鈥淚 think back to people saying you鈥檒l never afford college, you鈥檙e too old, and Johnny can鈥檛 become a doctor with hearing loss,鈥� Castro Tapler says. 鈥淣ow we鈥檙e going to walk to the stage together and hear our names called.鈥�

麻豆原创 is the leading producer of talent among Florida鈥檚 universities, awarding nearly 19,000 degrees annually to Knights who go on to work in high-demand industries. About 85% of our alumni stay in Florida because of the ample opportunity to thrive as part of our state鈥檚 workforce.

Graduates will hear from six esteemed speakers whose leadership and impact span some of Central Florida鈥檚 most influential industries:

• Barry Miller 鈥�95, president of Voloridge Investment Management
• Brian Adams 鈥�04MBA, president and CEO of AdventHealth Central Florida Division
• Gloria Caulfield, vice president of strategic alliances, Tavistock Development Company
• Barbara Gellman-Danley, president of Higher Learning Commission
• Maj. Gen. James Smith, commander, space training and readiness command at Patrick Space Force Base
• Peter Lee, president of Microsoft Science

Commencement Festivities

Held in the Addition Financial Arena, spring commencement will take place over six ceremonies spanning Friday, May 8, and Saturday, May 9.

All guests, including children and infants,鈥痭eed a ticket for admission. All graduates who have filed an intent to graduate will receive five commencement ceremony tickets when they pick up their regalia packet.

Guests who do not have tickets may watch the鈥痩ive ceremony via a simulcast viewing鈥痠n the FAIRWINDS Alumni Center and the Student Union. Ceremonies will also be livestreamed .

Commencement Photo-ops Across 麻豆原创

Graduating Knights are unable to take photos at the Acrisure Bounce House Stadium this semester due to ongoing construction.

Grad Walk

On Thursday, May 7, 2:30-7 p.m. (doors close at 6 p.m.), spring graduates are invited to a photo-op 鈥� Grad Walk 鈥� within the Addition Financial Arena. This will be a first-come, first-served occasion for graduates and up to 10 of their well-wishers to take photos and videos on the ceremony stage.鈥疓raduates are required to .

Commencement Schedule

Graduates and guests can review the below commencement ceremony schedule, listing colleges, ceremony dates and streaming links:

Friday, May 8

9 a.m.

College of Business

Rosen College of Hospitality Management

2 p.m.

College of Health Professions and Sciences

College of Medicine

College of Nursing

7 p.m.

College of Arts and Humanities

Nicholson School of Communication and Media

Saturday, May 9

9 a.m.

College of Community Innovation and Education

2 p.m.

College of Sciences (excluding Nicholson School of Communication and Media)

7 p.m.

College of Engineering and Computer Science

College of Graduate Studies

College of Optics and Photonics

For more details and FAQs about Spring 2026 commencement celebrations, visit ucf.edu/graduation.

Commencement Speakers

Barry Miller 鈥�95

President of Voloridge Investment Management

Barry Miller 鈥�95 serves as president of Voloridge Investment Management, quantitative hedge fund manager, and Voloridge Health, a data science-based health tech company, both Florida based.

Miller, who graduated with honors from 麻豆原创 with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in finance, recently made a transformational $50 million gift this spring to establish the Barry S. Miller College of Business at 麻豆原创. The largest single philanthropic investment in 麻豆原创 history, the gift will accelerate a bold new model of business education designed for a world where technology, data and decision-making are inseparable.

Miller, also a member of the 麻豆原创 College of Business Hall of Fame, brings years of executive experience, having previously served as CEO of LASAS Technologies, a finance and insurance company that he co-founded in 1998. His career experience includes financial analysis, capital raising, financial markets, actuarial experience, software development and in-depth company infrastructure formation.

After gaining valuable experience as an entrepreneur and chief executive officer, Miller鈥檚 ambition led him to join and invest in Voloridge Investment Management and then Voloridge Health. For both companies, he is responsible for many facets of leadership, including trading, back-office operations, compliance, sales and marketing, vendor relationships and strategic planning.

Brian Adams 鈥�04MBA

President and CEO of AdventHealth Central Florida Division

Brian Adams is president and CEO of AdventHealth鈥檚 Central Florida Division, one of the nation鈥檚 largest faith-based health systems, whose 37,000 dedicated team members provide care for more than 3 million patients.

Known for building high-performing teams and ensuring the organization grows to meet the care needs of the community, Adams has led efforts to expand access to care, elevate quality and bring innovative solutions to rapidly growing communities. His leadership has continued to position AdventHealth as a trusted and innovative partner in Central Florida.

As a part of AdventHealth for more than 24 years, Adams has held senior leadership roles across the organization, including CEO positions in Tampa and Polk County, where he oversaw major expansions, facility investments and quality improvements.

He earned his master鈥檚 of business administration from the 麻豆原创 and a bachelor鈥檚 degree from Union College in Nebraska. Originally from Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, Adams and his wife have two teenage sons.

Gloria Caulfield

Vice president of strategic alliances, Tavistock Development Company

In her multifaceted role as vice president of strategic alliances at Tavistock, Gloria Caulfield manages business development and corporate partnerships, collaborates with national and global stakeholders to advance health innovation, and leads the development of cutting-edge strategies for the Lake Nona community.

She is the chief architect and creative force behind the Lake Nona Impact Forum. The revered global health innovation summit brings together many of the world鈥檚 most preeminent thought leaders and serves as a signature event of the Tavistock Group.

Caulfield serves on boards that reflect her passion for advancing the future of human health, including the StartUp Health Impact Board, which focuses on mobilizing entrepreneurs to solve the biggest health challenges of our time, and the LFE Capital Advisory Board, which supports female founders and impactful, wellness-oriented companies.

Prior to joining Tavistock, she had a distinguished career at AdventHealth. As senior executive director for community development, she provided strategic leadership for corporate partnerships and spearheaded critical community initiatives across Central Florida. Caulfield is an alumna of the University of Arizona and brings visionary leadership to every aspect of her work.

Barbara Gellman-Danley

President of Higher Learning Commission

Barbara Gellman-Danley is president of the Higher Learning Commission, which accredits colleges and universities to ensure they meet high-quality standards and continuously improve.

Prior to beginning this role in 2014, she was president of the University of Rio Grande/Rio Grande Community College in Ohio. She previously served as vice chancellor of the Ohio Board of Regents, president of Antioch University McGregor, vice president at Monroe Community College and vice chancellor at the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

Gellman-Danley sits on the boards of Credential Engine, which she chairs, and GlobalMindED. Her career includes previous board and commission memberships with the Association of Governing Boards Council of Presidents, the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements, the American Council on Education鈥檚 Education and Attainment group and the Council on Adult and Experiential Learning.

Gellman-Danley holds degrees from Syracuse University, Simmons University, Oklahoma City University and the University of Oklahoma. She did post-graduate work at New York University, Cornell, Harvard, the University of Chicago and MIT.

An honorary member of Phi Theta Kappa, she is a professional certified coach, certified executive coach and certified life coach. She holds certifications in change management, Agile and Lean Six Sigma, a professional credential validating expertise in data-driven process improvement aimed at reducing waste and defects.

Maj. Gen. James Smith

Commander, space training and readiness command at Patrick Space Force Base

As commander, Maj. Gen. James E. Smith is responsible for preparing the U.S. Space Force and more than 14,000 military and civilian guardians to prevail in competition and conflict through innovative education, training, doctrine and test activities.

Originally from Boise, Idaho, Maj. Gen. Smith commissioned in 1997 as the top graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy. His career spans numerous space operations and acquisition positions, including command at the squadron, group, wing, garrison and Field Command levels.

Maj. Gen. Smith has deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and to the U.S. Embassy in Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Prior to his current position, Maj. Gen. Smith served as the vice director, Joint Force Development, J-7, the Joint Staff, Arlington, Virginia.

Peter Lee

President of Microsoft Science

Peter Lee is president of Microsoft Science, where his responsibility is to accelerate the pace of discovery in the physical, biological and medical sciences through the use of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.

Previously, he led the world laboratories of Microsoft Research. Before joining Microsoft in 2010, he established a new technology office at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency within the U.S. Department of Defense, creating operational capabilities in machine learning, data science and computational social science.

From 1987 to 2010, Lee was a professor and the head of the computer science department at Carnegie Mellon University. He is a member of the National Academy of Medicine and serves on the boards of several institutions in AI and medicine, including the board of trustees of the Mayo Clinic and the board of directors of the Kaiser Permanente School of Medicine. He served on President Obama鈥檚 Commission on Enhancing National Cybersecurity and has testified before both U.S. House and Senate committees.

He is the co-author of the book, The AI Revolution in Medicine: GPT-4 and Beyond. In 2024, Lee was named by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in health and life sciences.

The two are among 6,000 undergraduate, master鈥檚 and Ph.D. students who will graduate from 麻豆原创 Dec. 12-13.

Bassett and Deinys, both Florida natives, credit 麻豆原创 with instilling in them a spirit of scientific discovery and a passion to use their love of science to help others.

Transforming Healthcare Through Tech

Bassett will graduate with a medicine-engineering double degree in molecular and cellular biology and mechanical engineering. The degree program, one of 麻豆原创鈥檚 most challenging, recognizes that the future of healthcare is in technology, and the workforce needs trained professionals who can understand both the biology of disease and the engineering principles to create new healthcare solutions.

The double major requires 163 credit hours and a lot of time management skills. With back-to-back engineering and biomedical sciences labs as part of his routine, Bassett jokes he could actually feel his mind transform as he walked from one classroom to the next to absorb and process two vastly different topics.

While at 麻豆原创 Bassett completed multiple internships at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. A Burnett Honors College scholar, he served as a teaching assistant and a chemistry undergraduate lab researcher.

Bassett says 麻豆原创 helped him understand the medical 鈥渨hys鈥� of the medical engineering he creates and wants to go into an industry that will allow him to design and test better medical tools that can make surgery less invasive, more efficient and safer.

鈥淲ith my training, I know the what and the why,鈥� he says. 鈥淚 can use that knowledge to solve more medical problems. I hope I can help my colleagues understand why something is happening in the body.鈥�

Making Florida鈥檚 Mangroves More Resilient

Born in Miami, Deinys knew science was her passion at an early age while attending a STEM-focused middle and high school. During an internship at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, she discovered a pathogen that was threatening to kill Florida mangroves.

Later, in collaboration with the Marine Resources Council, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and restoring Florida鈥檚 Indian River Lagoon, they determined that 80% of the mangroves they had sampled tested positive for at least one of the pathogens.

Through her research at 麻豆原创, she helped create a nutrient of magnesium and sulfur nanoparticles called 鈥淢ag Sun鈥� (MgSuN) that acts like an antimicrobial solution while helping nourish the plant. Mag Sun is also sustainable so it鈥檚 safe for the environment. The product, which reduced pathogens by 95%, has now been approved for use across Florida, and Deinys hopes it will soon receive EPA clearance for use nationwide.

鈥淚 grew up in South Florida and developed a deep love for the beach and coast,鈥� she said. 鈥淎nd I knew something was happening to my mangroves. I鈥檓 committed to the community I鈥檓 from and I want to help people 鈥� that鈥檚 the goal.鈥�

As an undergraduate, she was lead research assistant in an agricultural artificial intelligence effort between 麻豆原创 and Cornell University and 麻豆原创鈥檚 Material Innovation for Sustainable Agriculture Lab. She also served as an Office of Undergraduate Research peer mentor and has presented her research at conferences across the state and nation.

An Order of Pegasus honoree, Deinys will stay at 麻豆原创 to earn her Ph.D. in chemistry with a specialization in nanoscience. She said her goal is to be a 鈥渏ack-of-all-trades,鈥� in science because she鈥檚 excited by too many opportunities to use her inquisitive mind to solve real-world problems. As she speaks from her lab office filled with plants, she says she wants to use her love of agriculture to help find ways to link plant life and space travel.