Office of Undergraduate Research Archives | �鶹ԭ�� News

STEM Students Hone Research Skills Through �鶹ԭ��’s Research Experience for Undergraduates Programs

Eddy Duryea ’13 — Tue, 03 Sep 2024 16:32:28 +0000

Sixty-seven undergraduate students from across the U.S. gathered at �鶹ԭ�� to take advantage of STEM research opportunities through the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program.

�鶹ԭ��’s REU site, funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation, connects promising STEM students with established faculty at REU sites, enhancing their in-class learning experience with research, workshops and events.

�鶹ԭ��’s Office of Undergraduate Research and Office of Research collaborate to support REU principal investigators and student participants. There are six cohorts covering distinct areas of research that are comprised of 11 principal investigators and dozens of graduate students, postdoctoral researchers and faculty mentors:

Research Experience for Undergraduates in Computer Vision
Advanced Technologies in Hypersonic, Propulsive, Energetic and Reusable Platforms
Research in Materials for Energy Applications
- and
Engineering and Nanoscience of Materials and Device Applications in Biotechnology and Medicine
- and the
Conservation, Restoration and Communication
- and Coastal Cluster
Applied Computation Mathematics

�鶹ԭ��’s CRCV, led by director Mubarak Shah, has run the nation’s longest continuous REU program for 37 years. The university has maintained five or six REU programs since 2022, and �鶹ԭ��-based nonprofit has been approved for next summer’s REU.

Students engage in a 10-to-12-week program and participate in workshops, labs and an individual research project that they may select from topics provided by corresponding mentors. Students then present their research to their cohort at the conclusion of the REU just before the start of the fall semester.

Launching Research and Accelerating Learning

Isabella Llamazares, a rising junior studying mechanical engineering at Florida International University, wanted to learn more about aerospace engineering but opportunities were limited at her school. She was accepted into the HYPER REU at �鶹ԭ�� and was excited to supplement her learning.

“I always knew that I had to find other opportunities, and I knew that I wanted to come to �鶹ԭ�� either for undergraduate or graduate studies,” Llamazares says. “This REU will help me back at my university. Although we don’t have aerospace down there, I’m part of an aviation club, and I have this as knowledge that I can build upon.”

With an interest in fluid dynamics and propulsion, her project described timing detonations as part of the combustion process for rockets and how to ultimately make them safer.

“I came in just having very basic knowledge from my classes,” Llamazares says. “I didn’t have the average aerospace engineering experience, but it was that dedication and really wanting to continue in this field that got me here. This REU and this project have really helped solidify that I want to pursue something related to the fluids field.”

James Hippelhauser ’11 ’20MS ’23PhD, a HYPER REU mentor and postdoctoral researcher for astrodynamics and space robotics, was pleased with his students.

“I’m definitely satisfied with their progress,” he says. “Astrodynamics is a topic that they don’t really get to learn from a classroom standpoint. I know they learned a lot just from a concept standpoint, but also applying it.”

Hippelhauser was impressed with how well the students absorbed and applied complicated topics such as orbital mechanics.

“It kind of reminded me a lot when I first started research,” he says. “It can be a challenge. Orbital mechanics isn’t a common topic especially for undergrads. They learned as much as they could and as fast as they could.”

Hippelhauser encourages prospective REU students interested in hypersonics, space, propulsion and energy to explore something they may not know.

“Don’t limit yourself to a topic you’re comfortable with,” he says. “Try to go for a topic that you would not have considered.”

Emmelia Lichty, a junior mechanical engineering major at Oral Roberts University, was drawn to �鶹ԭ��’s REU because she says she’s always loved space.

“My dad was an Air Force pilot and he flew fighter jets,” she says. “So, I got to see them up close and I’ve always been infatuated. I came here because everything aerospace is right here with NASA, the space coast, and �鶹ԭ�� is so involved in aerospace research.”

Lichty worked under the mentorship of Florida Space Institute (FSI) Interim Director Julie Brisset to enhance a precision cooling loop for a space-based payload.

“Any fluctuations would affect the actual experiment itself,” Lichty says. “My cooling loop had to be very precise, within plus or minus point one degrees. I had to make the improvements and monitor hardware and code modifications to get the cooling loop to that precision, which I was able to do by the end of the summer.”

Emmelia Lichty, a junior mechanical engineering major at Oral Roberts University, participated in �鶹ԭ��’s HYPER REU and helped stabilize a cooling loop mechanism for space-based payloads. She proudly presented her research in the final week of the REU when it concluded in summer. (Photo by Antoine Hart)

The ability to not just apply classroom knowledge but move beyond it was something she says was very appealing and rewarding.

“Getting hands-on experience with problem-solving is a really a big part of the REU,” Lichty says. “You also get a taste of research, and it helps you make those decisions about your career, like if you want to go to grad school or not.”

Brisset, who also is an associate scientist with FSI, agrees that exposure to research is crucial in understanding and navigating a STEM education.

“There are two components that need to work together, both in the classroom and in the research lab,” she says. “Sometimes it can be an abstract exercise working in a classroom, but if you have a real-life application, it can be easier to make a connection.”

It was rewarding seeing Lichty immerse herself fully in her research, Brissett says.

“I think it was very complete,” she says. “Emmie did mechanical work, fluid mechanics, some electronics and some coding. In the end, it was a very complete lab experience. The research was a success as she achieved the cooling precision.”

The competitive nature of REUs across the board has increased, as well as the quality of applicants, Brisset says.

“We have undergrads who go through this program who stay in STEM and routinely end up in grad school,” she says. “We have people who are mid-career that come to us and say they discovered their love for astronomy when they did the REU program.”

Getting Out and Shoring Up

Rowan Wyss, a senior biology student at Eckerd College, participated in �鶹ԭ��’s Coastal Cluster REU, where he studied feral hog populations and their interactions with the environment and other animals at the Mosquito Lagoon.

He says found the research experience gratifying and hopes to continue quantifying where and how these animal populations forage.

“I was looking for an REU experience and was aware of its transformative nature — how it exposes you to grad school and different software or programs used for biology research,” Wyss says. “I got way more out of the REU than I thought. I built so many connections and I’m much more proficient in software and the tools of the trade.”

In the early stages of applying and even participating in the REU, it can be easy to feel the “imposter syndrome,” or feeling like you’ve lucked into a position you’re not qualified for despite being actually qualified, Wyss says.

“You’re surrounded with people extremely proficient in this field when you might have little to no research experience. But that’s just science. It’s never a competition. It’s people working together,” he says.

Otis Woolfolk, a junior studying biology/marine biology track at �鶹ԭ��, tested the resiliency and sustainability of novel non-plastic oyster bags filled with recycled shells to restore shorelines throughout Florida. Woolfolk’s research marks the first test of the new materials in warm water restoration conditions.

He learned about REUs after being encouraged to apply by his ecology professor, Melinda Donnelly, and through his volunteer work with �鶹ԭ��’s Coastal and Estuarine Ecology Lab.

“I was asked about the ideas I had for my Ph.D., and I really want to work on microplastics and how they affect mangroves,” Wolfolk says. “So, this was close to that. Oyster bags generally use plastics, so I experimented with using more environmentally friendly materials made of potato starch or basalt that deteriorate within years.”

He found the process exciting and enjoyed delving into a component of marine biology and conservation that he may not have considered had he not participated in the REU.

“As a novice scientist, I learned a huge amount,” Wolfolk says. “It’s a time for you to get messy and make mistakes. You’re doing research, doing workshops and you’re learning how the science world works.”

During his poster presentation, Wolfolk says he felt a newfound confidence in his ability as a novice scientist when a freshman asked him how to get involved with research.

“My advice?” he says. “Volunteer as much as possible and don’t doubt yourself.”

Otis Woolfolk, a junior studying biology/marine biology track at �鶹ԭ��, and Rowan Wyss, a senior biology student at Eckerd College, participated in �鶹ԭ��’s Coastal Cluster REU. They both gained valuable research experience that they plan to carry through their education and eventually into STEM careers. (Photo by Antoine Hart)

Linda Walters, lead investigator for the Conservation, Restoration and Communication NSF REU site and Wolfolk’s REU mentor, says Wolfolk did an exemplary job in his research.

“It was very rewarding to watch this journey,” she says. “Otis had the opportunity to be on the ground-floor of our cutting-edge research in marine restoration this summer. He is gifted at asking good, thought-provoking questions and communicating his science.”

The program is very competitive and only 10 students were selected for the Coastal Cluster REU out of 377 applicants, says Walters, who also is a Pegasus Professor of biology. Those who participate in the REU usually continue their education through graduate school, she says.

“During the 10 weeks, the students go from a very limited research background to developing their research questions, collecting data, analyzing their data and presenting their projects to the larger community,” she says. “It is a lot of work for the mentors to keep everything on track for this accelerated timeline, but the students make it worthwhile. They become confident researchers in 10 weeks.”

Honing a Vision

�鶹ԭ��’s CRCV has hosted about 370 students since it was designated as an REU site 37 years ago and continues to guide undergraduates in the evolving field of computer vision, says Niels Lobo, associate professor of computer science and CRCV REU mentor.

“The nature of the REU has matured,” he says. “The field has evolved, and what students are doing now in their projects is vastly different than what people would have done 10 to 20 years ago.”

Lobo came to �鶹ԭ�� 31 years ago and was encouraged to assist with REUs within the first year. Lobo has seen the composition of student applicants and participates becoming more dynamic during his time at the university.

“What we’re seeing is that the student population applying for these research opportunities is exploding,” he says. “That means that the overall experience of the cohort is going to be a little bit richer because everybody gets exposed to something different.”

Computer vision is harnessing the power of technology to not just view things through a camera, but to understand them, Lobo says. Continually adapting to the constant evolution of the field while also considering computer vision’s ethical implications are two components he is teaching students.

“Every two or three years, the field discovers something new,” Lobo says. “In research, there are no study guides, so you need to go out and explore. That process of discovery is only accomplished through research.”

Claire Zhang, a junior studying applied mathematics-computer science at Brown University, was glad to have embarked on CRCV REU.

She previously conducted remote research, but she says the program at �鶹ԭ�� provided her with a more immersive and shared experience.

“It was really nice meeting this community and coming to work together,” Zhang says. “I imagined it being very independent, but I found that it was a lot more collaborative than I originally thought even though we all had our own independent projects.”

Her project involved creating segmentation masks for solar cells to show their degradation in a quantitative way rather than the qualitative way of identifying degradation by darkened glass regions of cells. Zhang created and used a model that outlines the materials and can characterize how degraded the cells are.

“I have almost no experience with material science,” she says. “This project connected material science to computer science, and it was a great introduction.”

Zhang gained not just expertise in a field she’s interested in, but also knowledge and momentum to continue her education and pursuit of a STEM career.

“For the past semester, I had been thinking about whether I should explore different concentrations,” she says. “This summer showed me that I can continue to explore other interests while remaining in this concentration, specifically, that I could apply computer science to these other interests.”

Students interested in more information about �鶹ԭ��’s REU program should visit: .

�鶹ԭ�� Student Research Week 2024: Celebrating Innovation, Collaboration and Impact

Mila Chial — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 19:27:46 +0000

There are few opportunities for students from across disciplines and colleges to come together quite like the �鶹ԭ�� Student Research Week, taking place March 25-29. From groundbreaking engineering feats to captivating artistic projects, students from various fields and expertise levels gather this week to showcase their work within the �鶹ԭ�� community.

The premiere event is the Student Scholar Symposium, which takes place March 26-27, where over 800 students showcase more than 600 projects. Graduate and undergraduate students summarize their research or creative projects on posters, providing viewers with a concise overview. During the symposium, judges interview presenters to select top projects in various categories. Winners are announced daily and receive scholarship awards to support their future endeavors.

After the Student Scholar Symposium on March 27, the College of Business will host the Impact of Research Competition. This event challenges students to articulate the significance and potential impact of their research, to address the ‘so what?’ question and thereby demonstrate how their contributions can improve the world. The top three winners will receive $3,000 in awards to support the continuation of their work.

We’re pleased to announce that this year, we will host keynote speaker, Jorge Cham, on March 28. Cham is the best-selling and Emmy-nominated creator of PHD Comics, a popular comic strip offering a humorous portrayal of academia. The Panamanian engineer turned cartoonist, writer, and producer began crafting his comedy while pursuing a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering at Stanford University. His talk promises to be insightful and entertaining, as he examines the sources of stress for creative and scientific professionals, explores the myth of procrastination, and helps students reconnect with their inner drive and motivation.

Jorge Cham, the best-selling and Emmy-nominated creator of PHD Comics, is set to speak at �鶹ԭ�� during Student Research Week on March 28, delving into stress, procrastination myths, and reigniting motivation for creative and scientific professionals.

On March 29, the Enhancing Lives Showcase offers the opportunity to discover the incredible creative scholarship at �鶹ԭ�� in a more personalized setting. Explore interactive displays showcasing artworks, videos, and posters detailing how the knowledge and skills gained through research enabled each creation. Engage with students as they share insights into their work.

After the showcase, the week closes with the Excellence Awards, recognizing the dedication and efforts of �鶹ԭ�� students and faculty mentors who work diligently throughout the year on research and creative endeavors.

Student Research Week events help foster camaraderie build presentation skills and bring people together while allowing students to receive recognition for their hard work.

“Research is undoubtedly an integral part of graduate study and drives the discovery that makes �鶹ԭ�� one of the top universities in innovation,” says Elizabeth Klonoff, vice provost and dean of the College of Graduate Studies.

Kim Schneider, assistant vice provost in the Division of Student Success and Well-Being states, “We are excited to see the incredible work of all students and recognize the symposium as a valuable opportunity for them to share their expertise. However, what inspires this event each year is the collaboration and community it instills in those who participate and attend.”

Student Research Week is open to all students, faculty, staff and the community. For more information or to see the full schedule and locations of events, visit .

�鶹ԭ�� Student Summer Project: Getting an Early Start on Space Rover Design

Kissimmee Crum — Tue, 05 Jul 2022 15:35:24 +0000

Catherine Millwater has been dreaming of space long before arriving at �鶹ԭ��. In 2018, the eager 17-year-old reached out to �鶹ԭ��’s Planetary Sciences Group in hopes they had room for a high school student willing to learn how to be a researcher. Spoiler alert: They did.

Millwater, who expects to graduate from �鶹ԭ�� in May 2023, is now majoring in physics with an astronomy track and a minor in math. This summer she is at the University of Cornell as part of a U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program working in Cornell’s astrophysics and planetary science program. The NSF funds REU programs, which pay most of the students’ expenses for the duration of the program. Her research focus is systems engineering and spacecraft design, more specifically effective communication between remotely operated vehicles and satellite constellations, like Starlink, to successfully offload large quantities of data.

“I selected this area because I want to work on rovers, landers and NASA missions in my future career,” Millwater says. “I hope to one day be able to lead missions and studies of my own.”

As a dedicated member of �鶹ԭ��’s Exoplanets Research Group and the Exolith Lab, Millwater is constantly diving deep into her research focuses. She analyzes astronomical observations of an exoplanet using our specialized homebrew software at Exoplanets Research Group, mentored by Pegasus Professor Joseph Harrington. At the Exolith Lab, which is a part of the Center for Lunar and Asteroid Surface Science (CLASS), a NASA SSERVI node, she utilizes simulated regolith to test the geotechnical properties of those terrestrial surfaces, which is important for those building landers, rovers, designing instruments, and planning missions.

When she isn’t in the lab investigating moon rocks, Millwater enjoys regular rock-climbing, hiking and scuba diving. She’s a long-time member of �鶹ԭ��’s Rock-Climbing Club and is the president of the Astronomy Society on campus. The group emphasizes community outreach and science communication to the general public to help educate the community about why science matters.

Most recently, she was awarded the highly competitive Astronaut Scholarship. The honor awards the best and brightest STEM students conducting research that will forge ahead research in their field. This year, the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation awarded 68 scholarships to students from 45 different universities across the U.S.

“The Astronaut Scholarship to me is the product of dedication and work throughout all my years in undergrad,” Millwater says. “This award represents a goal I have been striving towards since I started my degree and winning it feels surreal.

One of the reasons for her success is her willingness to reach out and talk to faculty. She tells all her classmates to get involved in research and don’t be shy. Professors are easy to talk to and more than willing to take on an eager and dedicated undergraduate, she says. And be open to possibilities.

“Don’t be afraid to branch out into another discipline because interdisciplinary projects are very interesting and produce unique findings,” Millwater adds.

Upon her return to �鶹ԭ�� from her summer REU, she will be applying the new knowledge about electronics and systems engineering she learned at Cornell to her current research projects as she wraps them up. She will also continue to promote science education through her work with the Astronomy Society and hopes to attend as many �鶹ԭ�� events, games and concerts to make the most of her final year.

Millwater thanks her mentors and professors at �鶹ԭ�� who have been willing and eager to teach undergraduates, like herself, how to conduct research, present findings at a conference and write an academic paper. She is grateful for her experiences in the lab and hopes to continue a path in research following graduation. She plans to obtain a doctoral degree in planetary sciences after receiving her bachelor’s.

Limbitless Solutions Sets Orlando Innovation Ecosystem on Fire

Zenaida Gonzalez Kotala — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 17:02:59 +0000

�鶹ԭ��-based , which creates bionic arms for children, took top honors Thursday in front of some of the hottest companies in Orange, Brevard, and Volusia counties.

The Orlando Business Journal awarded 25 local companies with the newspaper’s inaugural Inno Fire Awards. The awards recognized companies for their innovation, growth, and impact in the Central Florida region. Top winners in five categories – based on their years in business – were named 2022 Blazers. Representatives from the winning companies donned red blazers, reminiscent of the green jacket awarded to the Masters golf tournament winner.

“It was an honor to represent the culture of innovation here at �鶹ԭ��,” says President and Cofounder of the organization, Albert Manero ’12 ’14 ‘16PhD. “Our team is thrilled to see the growth of the program as we prepare to expand our impact through new clinical trials.”

The event drew a who’s who of business leaders. Manero was joined by co-founders John Sparkman ’13 ’15MS (vice president and director of Technology) and Dominique Courbin ’18 (director of Production), Angie Carloss ’04 ’18MPA (director of Administration, Operations, and Outreach), and Erin Turner ’08 ’16MBA (director of Advancement).

“It really takes a team effort,” Sparkman says. “Our undergraduate student research and internship program, now with 50 students participating, has allowed us to expand our innovation and technology development.”

Limbitless Solutions took the top Blazer award in the Established Players category (businesses in operation 8 to 10 years). It was established in 2014 by a then group of �鶹ԭ�� students who wanted to help one local boy who needed a prosthetic arm. Since then, the leaders all graduated from �鶹ԭ��, and the organization has grown leaps and bounds. This past summer, they moved into a 6,000-square-foot facility, tripling its size. In 2021 Limbitless Solutions generated more than $1 million and is working through clinical trials. The group has also presented to the United Nations several times in the past few years; to discuss inclusivity and the role technology can play. The group expects to expand its work to adults in 2022 and is launching a new pediatric clinical trial partnership here in central Florida with Orlando Health Arnold Palmer.

David Adelson, executive director of tech and innovation for the Orlando Economic Partnership, told the crowd gathered to celebrate at the Citrus Club that Orlando has been growing an ecosystem that’s ideal for business. The efforts have finally been recognized, he told the group, noting that earlier this week named Orlando the best large city in the nation to start a business. He credited much of the community’s success to pioneering entrepreneurs like the ones honored Thursday.

One of the keys to Limbitless Solutions success cited in the OBJ is the team’s ability to bring together individuals from engineering, game design, and the arts to create. The team credits collaboration across disciplines and partnerships at �鶹ԭ�� and beyond for driving innovation and the company’s success.

The honorees included businesses focused on everything, from autonomous vehicles and luxury spaceflights to cybersecurity and clinical research management. According to the April 29-May 5 edition of the OBJ, the honorees had a combined average of 106 percent year-over-year revenue growth in 2021, employed a combined 1,034 people, and projected another 894 hires before the end of 2022.

Sponsors of the award include the Florida High Tech Corridor, the Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College, the Orlando Tech Council, and Soliman Productions.

Graduating Senior Plots a Path for Environmental Justice

Carol Stinnett ’08 — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 13:00:41 +0000

From the time she was a little girl, Sarah Royer loved everything about the environment and its benefits. She was passionate about learning and doing more — from reading books to finding ways to contribute to making an impact. That passion continued to grow throughout her time in school, and while she wasn’t sure how it would tie into college or a career, Royer knew that it would lead her somewhere great.

“I remember learning about reducing, recycling and reusing when I was four,” she says. “Our family home was less than 3 miles from a water treatment facility. So as I got older, I started to realize the impact it had on our quality of life. That really fueled my motivation for finding a way to help our community and others like it.”

Now, just a couple weeks away from earning her environmental studies degree and political science minor, Royer has her sight set on what’s next: law school. She plans to advocate for communities to ensure everyone has equal access to clean resources and proper infrastructure that benefits both the environment and society.

“I plan to focus on environmental law, as well as sustainability and community development. My goal is to become an environmental lawyer where I’ll be able to tackle many of today’s environmental justice issues,” she says.

An Opportunity to Thrive

Raised in Miami Gardens, Royer comes from a Caribbean home. Her mother is Jamaican and father is Dominican. The family is tight-knit and her parents always wanted to ensure Royer had the opportunity to succeed. And when it came time to choosing a college, it was her mother that gave her the idea of attending �鶹ԭ��.

“I’m so happy I became a Knight. The campus is beautiful and there are so ways to get involved.”

“My mom told me about different opportunities available at �鶹ԭ��,” she says. “I’m so happy I became a Knight. The campus is beautiful and there are so ways to get involved. Plus, the amazing football climate was a bonus. I love football.”

One of her first priorities after arriving on campus was to take advantage of everything the university has to offer. She joined the and met students who shared similar values and were her support system during her time at �鶹ԭ��. Royer was also part of LEAD Scholars for two years, which she credits with molding her into a better leader and person to serve others. During her Spring 2021 semester, she was initiated into the Mu Iota Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. where she was able to expand her leadership experience by becoming the treasurer. Royer will also continue to make a global impact and serve her community alongside her sorority sisters.

“I always recommend students to get involved and spend their time wisely here. It’s a good way to meet new people, enjoy new experiences and figure out the path you want to take,” she says.

Royer also participated in undergraduate research during her time at �鶹ԭ��. She most recently completed an independent research project where she focused on the city of Houston — specifically on the resources and infrastructure the city has in place to help protect environmental conditions in urban and underserved communities. During her literature review, Royer gained insight into the designing storm water and flood management systems, managing weather events like Hurricane Harvey, and implementing measures to ensure equal access to clean resources and proper infrastructure. She hopes to bring awareness to the issue through publishing her research and presenting her findings at the Florida Undergraduate Research Conference (FURC) and in early 2022.

“The environmental studies program’s interdisciplinary approach helped me learn and apply creative solutions to solve challenging problems,” she says. “The experience helped mold me into a good candidate for law school, jobs and so much more.”

Hands-On Skills Meet Real-World Experience

As Royer learned more about environmental studies and the legal field, she wanted to take the next step and get hands-on experience. She landed two internships with the City of Orlando which would provide her with a first-hand glimpse of what the industry entails. Royer’s first opportunity included serving as the city’s sustainability education intern where she helped coordinate workshops that taught middle schoolers about the environment and recycling.

“It was a great experience to get involved in our community. One of my favorite parts of the internship was contributing toward managing the urban farm spaces that we have. I learned so much,” she says.

After completing her first internship, Royer stayed with the City of Orlando and transitioned to the energy department. This one was more data driven and allowed her to examine the science side of the industry.

Throughout her studies, Royer was determined to not let anything get in her way, including the pandemic. While many things were virtual, she continued searching for opportunities using — a database that connects �鶹ԭ�� students and alumni with employers. It provided a path to her next opportunity: a paralegal internship with Malik Law PA in Spring 2021. There, she was able to work directly in the legal field — drafting documentation, motions, and notices, creating case files, and helping attorneys prepare for trial.

“I took it upon myself to find opportunities during the pandemic,” she says. “I wanted to elevate my professional skills and I’m so thankful for the opportunities that I found on Handshake.”

Now, Royer is ready to take some time off after graduation and start exploring law schools — from Washington D.C. to Tennessee to Florida — before attending one in Fall 2022. She’s also looking forward to getting a head start on thumbing through some legal books during her downtime.

“I love it here. Coming to �鶹ԭ�� made me a better person and has prepared me for the real world. I can’t wait to see where life takes me next.”

But Royer isn’t saying goodbye to �鶹ԭ�� yet. Over the coming months, she plans to continue her work as a peer mentor and student assistant for the , where she helps guide students throughout their research journey, like recommending faculty mentors and finding ways to get funded.

“I love it here,” she says. “Coming to �鶹ԭ�� made me a better person and has prepared me for the real world. I can’t wait to see where life takes me next.”

For the Love of Space – Student Group Hosts Multiple Space Related Events

Kissimmee Crum — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 19:39:28 +0000

It’s no secret �鶹ԭ�� loves space. From a space-themed football game to its “reach for the stars” motto, space is a part of the university’s fiber.

The university was founded in part to support the space industry on the Space Coast. Since then, faculty and students have participated in more than 600 NASA research projects and many more for private companies. Through it all, students have been an integral part of the effort.

For example, the International Observe the Moon Night event — which drew more than 100 people to campus on Oct. 16 — is supported by the student-run Astronomy Society. It was the fourth Knights Under the Stars public event this school year for the club.

Knights Under the Stars is run entirely by volunteers from Astronomy Society. Undergraduate and graduate students are able to share their passion for space by helping the public explore celestial bodies in outer space.

During the events, students who are pursuing space-related studies help faculty set up telescopes at the Robinson Observatory or other spots on campus. They help guests view through the lenses to see the cosmos.

Director of the Robinson Observatory and Physics Professor Yan Fernandez has been researching comets and asteroids since 1994. He is thrilled to see individuals from all over campus pause and take in the brilliance of the night sky.

“We really enjoy showing everyone just how wondrous astronomy is. That ‘wow’ moment when someone has their first up-close view of Saturn’s rings, or craters on the moon, or Jupiter is extremely satisfying,” says Fernandez. “The Astronomy Society always has a good group of students who are excited to do these outreach events. In fact, we couldn’t put them on without their contribution and effort.”

The Astronomy Society is based out of the Department of Physics and focuses primarily on planetary sciences. The club is made up of individuals with a love for all things space. The society hosts general body meetings where guest speakers talk about their research. The group also organizes adventure trips related to space.

The club provides a space to foster interest in space exploration and aims to inform members about the scientific side of astronomy and helps the public better understand the importance of space sciences, explains club president Catherine Millwater. She is pursuing a degree in physics (astronomy track). As an undergrad she also conducts research with the Exoplanet Research Group and at the Exolith Lab.

“The Astronomy Society has been an integral part of my undergraduate experience,” Millwater says. “It’s opened up new avenues for friends in the same field and has helped me find research opportunities.”

For Mae McGonigal, another member of the society, it’s all about learning and sharing knowledge. She enjoys participating in the Knights Under the Stars public events from stargazing at Memory Mall to visiting the Robinson Observatory on campus.

“I love being able to learn about what’s going on in our solar system and sharing it,” McGonigal says.

The Dark Sky Camping Trip is another highlight of the fall semester. Members grab their tents and sleeping bags to spend a night out in the fields. Without light pollution, the view of the night sky is magical, says Johnna Noel whose been a society member for three years.

“It was really cool and inspiring to see the Milky Way for the first time during the camping trip,” she says.

The society welcomes students from all majors.

“Whether it be physics, engineering, math or science communications, or any others, you’ll find a home in Astronomy Society,” says Parks Easter, the club’s vice president. “As long as you have a passion for space you are welcome, and the benefits are fantastic. The guidance and opportunities members receive from field professionals and research mentors is invaluable.”

Weather allowing, the Astronomy Society’s next public event is scheduled for Wednesday Nov. 10 at dusk (approximately 7:15 p.m.) at the Robinson Observatory. Check the observatory’s or for updates.

10 �鶹ԭ�� Graduate Students Awarded Florida Space Grant Consortium Fellowships

Kissimmee Crum — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 13:25:19 +0000

Ten �鶹ԭ�� graduate students have been awarded NASA Florida Space Grant Consortium (FSGC) fellowships. The students represent various colleges and disciplines, studying a range of topics in nanotechnology and mechanical and aerospace engineering that have the potential to advance space exploration.

The NASA Florida Space Grant Consortium awards two different types of fellowships in areas of space science and engineering. One award is a Dissertation and Thesis Improvement fellowship, which provides partial support of a student’s thesis and doctoral dissertation beyond the existing project. The maximum award for the Dissertation and Thesis Improvement fellowship is $5,000 for projects with a duration of no longer than a year. The other award is a one-year master’s fellowship, which includes a stipend of $10,000 for those pursuing a full-time master’s degree.

The Dissertation and Thesis Improvement Fellowship recipients are:

Nanotechnology

Pavlo Kravchuk; Mentor: Assistant Prof. Ellen Kang
Balaashwin Babu ’20; Mentor: Professor Sudipta Seal

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Corey Kinney; Mentor: Professor Subith Vasu
Jose Bobren-Diaz; Mentor: Professor Subith Vasu
Michael Tonarely ’20; Mentor: Assoc. Professor Kareem Ahmed
Charles Clark ’19; Mentor: Assoc. Professor Kareem Ahmed

The Dissertation and Thesis Improvement fellowship is offered in efforts to support students by providing supplemental funds that are not readily obtainable. These awards can be used to help sponsor travel to specialized facilities, laboratory supplies, software licenses and other necessary research materials for the duration of the fellowship program.

��ɾ��Babu ’20, who earned a bachelor’s in biomedical sciences from �鶹ԭ��, says the award will help him continue his work centered on reducing oxidative stress in order to better treat space-related bone loss among astronauts.

“The amount of information and knowledge from our experiences in outer space can enhance our life here on Earth,” Babu says. “I focused my proposal on astronauts, but bone loss is something quite prevalent even here on Earth. What we learn will likely help us here too.”

In order to apply for the fellowships, students must also have mentors and they were thrilled at this year’s results.

“It is a testament to the high-quality students we have at �鶹ԭ��, who are working on NASA-relevant research; these new awards would make a total of 15 students who received the FSGC fellowships from my group,” says Professor Subith Vasu, who mentors awardees Cory Kinney and Jose Bobren-Diaz.

Assistant Professor Ellen Kang says she was excited to see what her student Pavlo Kravchuk would accomplish next.

“I am very grateful to see how my student pushes his boundaries for achieving challenging goals. I look forward seeing what he accomplishes with this FSGC fellowship,” Kang says.

Master’s Fellowship recipients are:

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Christopher Rehberg ’20; Mentor: Professor Kawai Kwok
Jose Zapata ’21; Mentor: Professor Jihua Gou
Perla Latorre-Suarez ’21; Mentor Professor Seetha Raghavan
Rachel Hytovick ’20; Mentor: Professor Kareem Ahmed

The FSGC Master’s fellowship is awarded to the best and brightest students, offering aid in their pursuit of a master’s degree in space-related disciplines. Working closely with NASA and the applicant’s university, this fellowship fosters collaborations between the government, private laboratories, faculty, and students. Applicants submit proposals based on research they are actively working on to be considered for a $10,000 stipend.

Jose Zapata, who transferred into �鶹ԭ�� to study mechanical engineering in 2018, says the award will help him pursue his passion — making space operations safer for astronauts and eventually everyday people.

His research focuses on adding a health monitoring system to wind turbines. This system could ideally identify hazards before they become critical.

“Waiting for something bad to happen isn’t a good idea,” he says. “It’d be really vital if we could inspect the whole shuttle or rocket and easily protect areas that are damaged, instead of working on an entire system from scratch.”

Engineering Professor Seetha Raghavan says all the recipients are working on research that will impact space-related technology. The money will help talented students finish their advanced degrees, which will also serve as an inspiration for others.

Raghavan’s mentee, for example, Perla Latorre-Suarez ’21, is looking to develop a 3D-printing method to manufacture sensors in space environments that will monitor the structural integrity of the machinery and vehicles used. Latorre-Suarez hopes to implement these sensors in future lunar explorations, such as the Artemis Mission.

“Perla is highly active in outreach, so I know that this opportunity is one that will have a positive impact on all the undergraduates and K-12 STEM students that she mentors as well,” Raghavan says.

�鶹ԭ�� Student Seeks to Shine a Light on the Pandemic’s Effects on Nonprofits

Simone Rousseau — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 14:33:53 +0000

Tiffany Chinwuba cares deeply about the barriers that many experience, particularly within the healthcare sector. That’s why she decided that her first research project at �鶹ԭ�� would be to look at the overwhelming impact COVID-19 has had on nonprofit organizations over the past 11 months. She’ll be presenting her work at the Student Scholar Symposium held during , March 29–April 2.

Chinwuba, who is majoring in biomedical sciences and nonprofit management, is taking a closer look at the specific ways life during COVID-19 has altered some nonprofit organizations in Central Florida, while also understanding how these groups have transformed the livelihood of local communities. The economic recession triggered by COVID-19 has busted open the doors in regard to clientele, Chinwuba says.

“This is unlike any other recession we have seen before,” she says. “Nonprofits are doing the best they can with the resources they have.”

It is no surprise that nonprofit organizations, which rely upon grants and donations for sustainability, would have to rethink the ways in which they keep their organizations afloat during a recession without precedent. And this is at the heart of Chinwuba’s research, thinking within and beyond a global pandemic to understand how best to position aid agencies to survive through disaster situations now and in the future.

On top of this, she is seeking to understand the gaps that the nonprofit sector fills. She has found that in a pandemic where many are encountering financial loss, joblessness and the threat of homelessness, that the nonprofit sector has been leaned on much more than ever before. For instance, one of the organizations she has interviewed has been providing fresh groceries to hundreds of families each week, as well as free medical and dental visits and homelessness prevention services.

The research isn’t complete because we won’t see all of the effects on the economy for a couple of years, but the current information has the potential to help nonprofits become more resilient and better serve clients, Chinwuba says.

In the future she plans to attend medical school and hopes to work with low income and at-risk communities.

“The nonprofit sector does a really good job of trying to alleviate suffering and remove barriers to increase quality of life,” she says. “In a way a physician does the same thing the nonprofit sector does just in a different way. Remove barriers.”

To find out more about Chinwuba’s work and that of other undergraduate and graduate students, check out the Student Scholar Symposium during this year’s virtual Student Research Week. Hundreds of students will be presenting their work. Those with a valid �鶹ԭ�� email are welcome to attend virtually. For details and schedule of all events

New �鶹ԭ�� Study Examines Leeches for Role in Major Disease of Sea Turtles in Florida

Thu, 18 Feb 2021 15:30:19 +0000

�鶹ԭ�� researchers are homing in on the cause of a major disease of sea turtles, with some of their latest findings implicating saltwater leeches as a possible factor.

The disease, known as fibropapillomatosis, or FP, causes sea turtles to develop tumors on their bodies, which can limit their mobility and also their health by interfering with their ability to catch and eat prey.

FP causes sea turtles to develop tumors on their bodies, which can limit their health and mobility. Photo credit: Jake Kelley. Permit: MTP-231 and NMFS #19508

While the cause of FP isn’t known, saltwater leeches have been suspected to play a role due to their frequent presence on areas of sea turtles where FP tumors often develop, such as on their eyes, mouths and flippers.

The results, which were published recently in the journal , are the first evidence of a significant association between leeches and the disease in sea turtles, according to the researchers.

“Florida is one of the areas most heavily impacted by FP,” says Anna Savage, an associate professor in �鶹ԭ��’s and study co-author. “Over the past three decades, approximately half of the green turtle juveniles encountered in the Indian River Lagoon have FP tumors, which is one of the highest rates documented,” she says.

Sea turtle health is important because the ancient marine reptiles contribute to healthy oceans and coastlines by grazing and maintaining sea grass beds.

All sea turtles are categorized as threatened or endangered because of threats from pollution, coastal development and fishing, in addition to infectious diseases.

Central Florida’s Atlantic coastline hosts about one-third of all green turtle nests in the state and is one of the most important nesting areas in the world for loggerheads.

Knowing if leeches play a role in the disease transmission can help researchers better understand and predict its spread, as well as inform conservation actions, such as leech removal in sea turtle rehabilitation centers.

The Process

Leah Rittenburg, a recent undergraduate alumna of �鶹ԭ��’s Biology Department and the study’s lead author, spearheaded the research and was responsible for the genetic analyses. Photo credit: MTRG. Permit: MTP-231 and NMFS #19508

The study’s lead author and a recent undergraduate alumna of �鶹ԭ��’s Biology Department, Leah Rittenburg, spearheaded the research and was responsible for the genetic analyses.

To find out a possible connection between leeches and FP, the researchers documented the presence of leeches on green and loggerhead turtles captured from the Indian River Lagoon and also used genetic analyses to determine if leeches collected from the turtles contained chelonid alphaherpesvirus 5, or ChHV5, the virus most likely responsible for disease development in an individual turtle.

“Our historical data, collected by the between 2006 and 2018, revealed that leech parasitism was significantly associated with FP in green turtles but not in loggerhead turtles,” Rittenburg says.

“For the genetic analysis, about one-fifth of the leeches we collected were positive for ChHV5, and one leech species trended towards coming from FP-positive turtles, further supporting the hypothesis that leeches may act as ChHV5 transmitters,” she says.

Saltwater leeches have been suspected to play a role in FP due to their frequent presence on areas of sea turtles where FP tumors often develop. An arrow points to a leech. Photo credit: Chris Long. Permit: MTP-231 and NMFS #19508

Now that the researchers have demonstrated a relationship between FP and leeches, they want to evaluate more specifically if leeches transmit the turtle herpesvirus, which would provide stronger evidence that the virus in an underlying cause of FP.

Study co-authors were Jake R. Kelley, a master’s student in �鶹ԭ��’s Department of Biology, and Kate L. Mansfield, an associate professor in �鶹ԭ��’s Department of Biology and director of the �鶹ԭ�� Marine Turtle Research Group.

The research was funded by grants from �鶹ԭ��’s and by a Florida Sea Turtle License Plate grant.

Savage received her doctorate in ecology and evolutionary biology from Cornell University. She is a member of �鶹ԭ��’s Genomics and Bioinformatics Cluster and joined �鶹ԭ��’s Department of Biology, part of �鶹ԭ��’s College of Sciences, in 2015.

Student Coaching Project Earns Marchioli Award

Jordan McGrew — Thu, 23 Jan 2020 14:19:09 +0000

An ongoing project to boost classroom student engagement through high-impact practices (HIP) recently earned one of �鶹ԭ��’s highest internal awards.

Called HIP Coaches, the project uses student coaches to mentor and guide fellow students through high-impact learning experiences, such as collaborative assignments and projects, undergraduate research and internships. The idea is to help faculty equip students with skills they can use whether they’re heading into the demands of graduate work or pulling together an analysis for their first job.

HIP Coaches is the idea of Pegasus Professor Linda Walters, Kimberly Schneider and Mary Tripp. Walters, a biology professor, heads the Coastal and Estuarine Ecology Lab; Schneider is an assistant dean of academic engagement and director of undergraduate research; and Tripp is an instructional specialist.

Together, they won the Marchioli Collective Impact Innovation Award, which rewards programs, initiatives and projects that help �鶹ԭ�� achieve priority metrics from the university’s strategic plan.

“We were absolutely thrilled to receive this award. To be recognized for our work here is an honor that we feel incredibly proud of,” Schneider says.

The project dates back to 2014, when Schneider recognized a need for campuswide research opportunities. She recruited five faculty members to travel to Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida, and learn what other campuses are doing to bridge this gap between faculty and students involved in research. Experts recognize research as a strong high-impact practice because it deepens students’ understanding of a topic and empowers them to learn more.

“That conference gave us the gift of time,” says Tripp. “Afterwards, we were able to think independently, as well as collaboratively, to figure out how we wanted to move forward in our own classrooms. We were also thinking of ways to move �鶹ԭ�� forward as an innovative institution.”

HIP Coaches are hand-picked by professors to assist in high-impact projects related to a course. That one-on-one attention is hard to come by in a school of more than 69,500 students, Walters notes, and it also helps professors feel engaged with students.

“It just goes to show you that a good idea can have legs if you work hard enough,” says Walters. “This is only the beginning for a program that has had such a positive outcome thus far.”