Inspiring
Excellence U N I V E R S I T Y O F C E N T R A L F LO R I DA • O R L A N D O
Everything starts with the desire to be more than you are today. A HIGHLY COVETED BRAND. A MORE STIMULATING PLACE TO WORK. A MORE SKILLED RESEARCHER. A BETTER PARTNER. A BETTER PREPARED STUDENT. A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE. A WORLD’S FIRST. A CHANCE TO GROW.
we provide the opportunity for students to mature, for faculty to excel and for alumni to contribute in countless ways. AT U C F,
STUDENT
Hands-on Researcher S TA C E Y M A I N is a student, but that doesn’t mean she can’t contribute to cutting-edge research to determine the causes of excessive cell death in diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. “My professors have involved me as a key member of their research team. It’s rewarding
to go into the lab and apply the research techniques and approaches I’ve learned in the classroom to contribute to new discoveries.” Stacey hopes her lab work will one day help patients like those at the elder care facilities where she volunteers her time.
FACULTY
Matters of the Heart DR. SAMPATH PARTHASARATHY is committed to uncovering the causes and finding cures for heart disease. With more than 23,000 research citations, he is internationally known for his work as a cardiovascular scientist. In his quest to inspire new ideas for the treatment of heart disease, he has mentored more than 200 students and fellow researchers. “My major goals are to continue my vigorous scientific research and provide mentoring, motivation and direction to junior scientists.�
ALUMNUS
Lifelong Learner DAV ID B E T T NE R, ’03, is the co-creator of Words With Friends. “UCF provided the challenge and laid the foundation I needed to become a lifelong learner, which I feel is one of the most valuable gifts anyone can receive.”
In 2012, he accepted UCF’s Distinguished Alumnus Award. “Receiving the award was an honor and a humbling experience. It was also great getting to reflect back on my education and the ways it helped me achieve success.”
STUDENT
Writing for the Future A D R I E N N E C U TAWAY is gearing up for a fast-paced career in journalism. Through internships at major news outlets in Orlando, and her role as editor in chief of the Central Florida Future, Adrienne is gaining valuable hands-on experience before graduating. “The internship and work opportunities on campus and in the local community have allowed me to gain the experience I need to ensure my success in the future.�
ALUMNA
An Inspiration TIFFANEY MILLER ALEXANDER, ’99, was selected as one of three women from the Kennedy Space Center to be featured on the Women at NASA website, which promotes careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. At an early age, she began tinkering with electronic devices and turned her passion for engineering into her dream job at NASA. “By the time I was in the sixth grade, I knew I wanted to be an electrical engineer. My hope is that our younger generation is inspired to pursue a career in science or math.”
FACULTY
A Chance to Grow DR. LINDA WALTERS’ classroom is often on the water’s edge. Whether she is teaching biology in Orlando or a tropical marine biology study abroad class in Honduras, Walters and her students are often engaged in hands-on research and servicelearning. “You can learn through traditional lectures, but you need to be out in the field to prepare for the real world.” As director of the UCF Fellers House Field Research Station in Canaveral National Seashore, Walters developed an oyster reef restoration program that has involved more than 30,000 volunteers.
STUDENT
Triple Threat D A M I A N B A R R AY is a storyteller. “I love dance because it’s physically demanding. I think it’s amazing to be able to make shapes and tell stories with the body.” But dance isn’t Damian’s only passion. He also showcases his voice and acting talents in productions for Theatre UCF, local playhouses and Universal Studios. Damian hopes to pursue his dream in the limelight after graduation. “I was lucky enough to find my true passion and UCF allowed me to follow it.”
FACULTY
Master Musician DR. NORA LEE GARCIAVELÁZQUEZ cultivated her love for the flute as a young child living in Puerto Rico. Now an internationally regarded flute player, Garcia-Velázquez shares her passion for the instrument with students at UCF. When she’s not in the rehearsal hall, she’s performing or teaching master classes in Europe or South America “I encourage my students to travel and participate in international music programs. There is so much out there, and so many talented people that we can learn from.”
FACULTY
Defying Gravity D R. J OSHUA CO LWE L L grew up watching rocket launches from his Central Florida backyard. “I always wanted to be involved in space exploration in some way.” Today, the associate professor leads UCF students in experiments that have flown on a space shuttle and on suborbital flights. “It’s exciting to do an experiment on the space station. It gives us information we cannot get on any other platform.”
U N I V E R S I T Y O F C E N T R A L F LO R I DA O F F I C E O F U N D E R G R A D U AT E A D M I S S I O N S ORLANDO, FLORIDA 32816-0111
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