Centric Spring 2012

C

ENTRIC

Knight Fan Stan:

UCF’s No. 1 fan bleeds black and gold

Volume 2, Issue 1

Spring 2012

From

Knight To Niner Bruce Miller’s NFL breakthrough

UCF Apps

The whole campus in the palm of your hand

Reality Stars

Students find their 15 minutes of fame

CONTENTS 06

Best Buddies

08

Bruce Miller

04 UCF iPhone Apps

UCF in the palm of your hand.

05 Arboretum

Fruits and vegetables and six other things you may not know about your campus.

Knight Fan Stan

14 Taste of Orlando

Sample dishes from around the world in UCF’s backyard.

11 Chris Matulis

15 Fifteen Minutes of Fame

12 NASCAR

16 Media Darlings

Knights’ pitcher returns to the field after a two-year hiatus.

Speedway attracts students with help from the College of Business.

13 Millionaires’ Club

Faculty recognized for bringing in big bucks for research.

02

10

CENTRIC

Knights featured in some of TV’s hottest reality shows.

UCF journalism grads make headlines in national media.

17 OSIRIS-REx

Professor partners with NASA to study asteroid as it nears Earth.

Cover photos courtesy of UCF Athletics and San Francisco 49ers

Graphic: CHELSY TRACZ

Centric magazine Editors

Sheridan Block – Managing Editor Kevin Harris – Art Director Allison Miller – Online Editor Editorial Team

Maria J. Ayalde, Adrian Crawford, Abigail Donaldson (Copy Chief), Sara Newton, Meisha Perrin, Ashley Sikand, Camille Thomas, Darcie Vance Visual Team

Kaylen Kennedy, Angele Maraj, Brentley Romine, Nicole Schoen, Chelsy Tracz, Megan Williams Web Team

Adrienne Cutway, Katelyn Schmidt Adviser

Rick Brunson

Nicholson School Director

Dr. Robert Chandler

Our mission

Centric magazine spotlights interesting, innovative and inspiring people in the UCF community – students, faculty, staff and alumni – who make the university a great place to learn and work or who are making an impact on their part of the world.

Get more online

Additional stories, photos and video at:

centric.cos.ucf.edu /centricmagazine 03

CENTRIC

UCF: THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT Text and Graphic by MEGAN WILLIAMS

F

or the UCF student, navigating through campus life just got a lot easier. Whether you want to know the Knights’ final score or you need a new hangout, there are numerous helpful apps you can download. The apps featured below are specific to the iPhone App Store, but both UCF Sports and UCF Mobile can be found in the Android Market as well. Here is a selection that can enhance your college experience.

App: UCF Sports Cost: FREE What is it? UCF sports at your fingertips. With everything from tweets to schedules, you can keep up with your Knights.

App: Central Florida Future Cost: FREE What is it? Get the latest news from the Central Florida Future on the go.

App: Course Mob Cost: FREE What is it? Prepare for your classes throughout the day with study items specific to your schedule.

App: Grub Taxi Cost: FREE What is it? The Grub Taxi lets you order food from your phone, order from the many menus no matter where you are.

04

CENTRIC

App: UCF Mobile Cost: FREE What is it? The go-to app for everything UCF. From school work to social media, this app keeps you up to date on campus life.

App: Inside Knights Cost: $1.99 What is it? A complete list of the latest sports news, rosters and game schedules for UCF. App: UCF Map Cost: $0.99 What is it? A UCF map complete with a directory of campus locations to get you where you need to be.

App: KnightOut Cost: FREE What is it? A guide to getting the best deals for a night on the town.

With daily drink specials at local bars and restaurants, every Knight can stay informed.

7 Hidden Gems Around Your Campus 1 2

3

4 5

6

7

Knights Pantry. Provides food, clothes and other items donated by and for students.

Ceramics and Printed Arts.

Monthly sales feature unique poster art, mugs and even hair accessories created by UCF students. Located outside of the Visual Arts building.

Free Taxi Ride. Everyone gets a complimentary ride courtesy of the Safe Ride program. All you have to do is bring your student ID to the ticket office in the Student Union.

UCF CAN FARM I Students get dirty to eat local

f you follow the trail behind the Harris Corporation Engineering Center, you will find what appears to be an oasis, the Arboretum community garden.

“I expected to, like, dig and we did some digging. … I wasn’t expecting to reap the benefits of the garden on the way back,” sophomore biology major Chris Turdo said. “And it’s really cool because I’ve always wanted a garden, but I obviously can’t [have one] because I’m in college.”

The volunteers said they decided to work with the community garden at the Arboretum initially because of organizations’ service hour requirements, but these volunteers all

The Arboretum. Allows students to grow produce on campus.

Outdoor Adventure. Take trips, rent equipment for surf or turf and zoom down the zip line on the on-campus challenge course. Office located in the UCF Recreation and Wellness Center.

Didier Lessage, senior, inspects the day’s harvest of herbs and vegetables.

Robinson Observatory. It was built to save a telescope, but now is used to study weather and astronomy. Located in Research Park, open houses are scheduled almost every week.

Flying Horse Records. The UCF Music department has a record company that produces jazz albums and helps give hands-on experience to students about the business side of music.

By CAMILLE THOMAS

Volunteers in the nursery plant the seeds for sunflowers that will act as a trellis for vines.

Photos: KEVIN HARRIS

came to a mutual consensus: they will definitely come back.

“I’ve always liked organic vegetables and produce better. ... It’s the best way to eat it,” freshman event management major and third-time volunteer Lindsey Russell said.

The payoff for getting down and dirty working in the garden is a basket full of produce – in the same amount of time it takes to shop at the grocery store.

“I wasn’t expecting it to [taste] so much better, to be completely honest with you. … But it’s so much better than, like, frozen peas or store-bought peas,” freshman marketing major Zac Daughtry said.

The variety of produce available in the garden is far from limited. Fragrant herbs such as dill and cilantro and vegetables like kale, snow peas, fava beans and even fruits like strawberries, coconuts and different citrus can all be found there.

“I found out what kale was, like, two weeks ago and now it’s here, growing in the ground,” freshman environmental engineering major Shantel Tummings said.

Another way to sample food from the Arboretum is to check out the menu at Wackadoo’s and Dining Services on campus, which uses produce from the garden in their food options.

Senior Tina Bechtold and junior Dave Turner collect cilantro that grows in the Arboretum.

05

CENTRIC

Best Buddies members Sara Jean Griffin and Jonalisa Romero bond and hold hands as they walk from the Student Union after their first meeting.

A FRIEND IN NEED

By MEISHA PERRIN

Romero, left, is best buddies with Griffin. “I learn more from them than they do from me,” Griffin says.

F

reshman Sara Jean Griffin has had a life that is anything but ordinary.

Between competing for Maryland’s Perfect Teen, appearing on MTV’s MADE, being on-contract with Disney and a full-time, out-of-state student, it’s hard to calculate how she finds any time for herself. Yet for the 18-yearold theater and broadcasting major, 06

CENTRIC

taking time to herself is the least of her concerns.

For the past seven years, Griffin has spent time and created friendships that would otherwise be unlikely.

Back home in Maryland, she was often exposed to students with intellectual disabilities and found that she not only had the patience, but also the desire to learn from them and befriend them

Photos: BRETNEY GARTH

through the Best Buddies program at her middle and high schools.

Even as a UCF student now, Griffin is still able to keep Best Buddies close to her heart.

“You just learn so much from them because they are always so happy,” she said. “I learn more from them than they do from me.”

The 10-year-old Best Buddies chapter

at UCF brings people together through friendship and has helped students like Griffin fulfill their desires to give back.

“There are so many people that are disabled in our community and I think it is important for people to see that they are normal — they just want to hang out,” said Frances Gaudier, treasurer of the Best Buddies chapter at UCF. “My [Best Buddy] has had multiple partners but never connected with any of them,” Gaudier said. “So I made sure to put in extra effort to make that connection, and now we are really close. We text, like, every day.”

The program matches volunteers like Griffin, who go through an interview process to be selected, with “buddies” who have similar interests.

They typically hang out at least twice a month.

“It’s kind of carefree,” Griffin said.

“It’s like you’re in kindergarten again.

You get to do activities and games—it’s not like other 20-year-olds who just want to go out and party.”

For Griffin, giving back is a lifelong

“ You just learn so much from them because they are always so happy. I learn more from them than they do from me. ” -- SARAH JEAN GRIFFIN

commitment. She hopes to open a theater for children with disabilities one day, as an outlet for their creativity. The idea was inspired by her high school‘s choir for students with disabilities, which exposed her to their more creative side.

“At first, they are very shy [on stage], but once they open up they thrive,” she said. “Their confidence just soars through the ceilings.”

She also hopes to become the president of UCF’s Best Buddies chapter one day, but for now, Griffin is just focusing on giving back as much as she can.

Between movie nights, ice cream socials and barbecues, UCF’s Best Buddies makes sure there is plenty

of time for the participants to build partnerships and create lasting friendships — and according to Larry Desguin, a transition teacher who does vocational training with the students with disabilities at UCF, it makes a world of a difference.

“These guys get really attached,” Desguin said. “I’ve got kids from years ago who see me and it’s like they never left.”

It isn’t just about being friends while in school. Many times, the students with disabilities will show up to the organization’s events even after they have graduated from the program or the volunteer is assigned to a new buddy.

“The biggest thing I see is that the kids look forward to these events,” Desguin said. “It’s giving them access to things they don’t normally get because most of their friends are in the same situation as them.

“It’s just somebody taking the time to treat them like anybody else. It creates a very strong bond,” he added. “They’d be with them forever if they could.”

(Above) Joey Teblum, Adrian Gomes, Domingo Rodriguez and Isaiah Wallace, from left, at the Best Buddies barbecue in February. The program holds group events about once a month to allow members to get acquainted with each other.

Photos: MEGAN WILLIAMS (Right) Best Buddies vice president and senior hospitality major Rose Nguyen catches a flying disc during a game with club members at Lake Claire. Nguyen has been a member of Best Buddies at UCF since 2010 and became an officer in 2011. “You know you make a difference by being a part of Best Buddies,” Nguyen said. “You can see it by how happy the members are and how much they appreciate you.”

07

CENTRIC

IT’S MILLER TIME

From Knight to 49er, Bruce Miller reflects on his rookie NFL season

By ASHLEY SIKAND

S

itting down with a 6-2, 250-pound NFL player may sound intimidating, but San Francisco 49ers fullback and former UCF defensive end Bruce Miller is full of personality and humor.

After spending his college career at UCF, he said he wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.

“UCF is the greatest place on Earth, I knew it was the best choice I ever made,” said Miller, 24.

He graduated last year, leaving his legacy as all-time sacks leader and two-time Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year. Miller was selected in the seventh round as a fullback by the 49ers in the 2011 NFL Draft.

“I think I’ve done pretty good,” Miller said with a laugh. “I set goals that I thought were reasonable, that could be achieved with hard work and dedication and then of course you have to set some goals that may not be [achieved].”

With last year’s lockout, Miller said he didn’t show up with the rest of the 49ers until it was time for camp. He dropped everything and moved out to California. Having never been to the West Coast before, the move was tough and something completely new to him.

He didn’t have time to adjust or enjoy the city; he had to put his focus right on football.

“It was an adventure, and very tough in the beginning,” Miller said. “I probably won’t play any more defense, but I would love to play linebacker maybe someday down the road.”

He was taken under the wing of Moran Norris, 12-year NFL fullback veteran, who taught him everything he needed to know about being a fullback, being in the NFL and life in general. Frank Gore, running back for 08

CENTRIC

Bruce Miller dives toward the goal line in a 2011 game against Arizona. Miller started in 8 games, made 11 receptions for 83 yards, and scored 1 touchdown. Courtesy: San Francisco 49ers

the 49ers, and Tom Rathman, running back coach, were also role models for Miller.

“Anytime a group of people are

“ UCF is the greatest place on earth, I knew it was the best choice I ever made. ”– BRUCE MILLER working toward the same goal and hold each other accountable you really build a relationship,” Miller said.

He proved himself worthy to not only his team but to his newfound fans on Nov 6, 2011, after he secured a 30-yard touchdown pass against the Washington Redskins.

“The team gave me a hard time about it,” he said. “Apparently, you are supposed to keep the ball and do a touchdown celebration, but I skipped

all that and just ran off to the sideline.”

After the game, he was able to retrieve the game-winning ball and give it to his parents.

UCF fans are able to spot Miller on the field very easily because he is still wearing the legendary number 49 that he once wore in Bright House Networks Stadium.

“I was shocked no one was wearing 49 once I got there,” he said regarding the San Francisco 49ers. “Now I have a UCF and a 49er jersey hanging up and they are both 49; it is pretty special.”

He said his family and friends have been supportive, which is a big part of the reason why he’s still doing what he is today.

His mother, Lisa Miller, said it is very rewarding watching Bruce reach his goals. His parents have been watching him work since he was 5 years old.

“He has always worked so hard and been so passionate about the game,” she said. “To finally see it become a

reality for him is so exciting that it is hard to describe in words.”

Both of his parents, who live in Georgia, said they could not be happier for him or prouder of the young man that he is.

Another fan base Bruce can always count on is back here at UCF. He said he has gotten the biggest support from his UCF friends, especially his old football teammates.

“He’s someone who doesn’t have a problem giving you his opinion, whether if it’s what you want to hear or not,” red shirt junior running back Latavius Murray said.

“He is down to earth and hasn’t let his recent success change him as a person in any way.”

Many of the current UCF football players said they agreed with Murray saying that Miller was able to motivate and provide inspiration for the team this past year.

Red shirt junior linebacker Ray Shipman said he would watch how Miller carried himself and how hard he worked on and off the field.

“I felt if I was going to learn from anyone he would be the best player to watch.”

Senior linebacker Josh Linam said Miller had been extremely motivational to him this past season and taught him to be more confident.

“I stayed on the phones with these guys and really tried to help them out as much as I could from a distance,” Miller said. “It was a tough season for them and sometimes the ball bounces that way.”

With many returning players on the team in the 2012 season, Miller said to keep a look out for Kemal Ishmael, Blake Bortles, Jordan Rae and Victor Gray; he believes they will be the leaders of the team.

He has come back to visit UCF many times since moving to the big league and said he will never forget about his fans.

“I enjoy taking a couple pictures and signing autographs, it is always fun to get back and see everyone and

spend time with the UCF fans.”

As far as next year’s NFL season, Miller said there is so much he can improve on and is excited to show what he has learned.

“I’m looking forward to getting back and working with those guys and take another run to the Super Bowl,” he said.

Looking back at it all, Miller doesn’t know where he would have been now if it wasn’t for the time and work he put in at UCF. He said he is very grateful that his journey has paid off and led him to his childhood dream.

(Left) Former UCF defensive end Bruce Miller prepares for the snap during a game in Bright House Networks Stadium. (Above) “I was shocked no one was wearing 49 once I got there,” Bruce said regarding his jersey number.

Courtesy of UCF Athletic Department

Q&A

Get to know Bruce Miller off the field. He dishes on his family, relationship status and what he does in his spare time.

Q: Ever been starstruck?

A: “Every game. The funniest moment was first preseason game against the New Orleans Saints.

After the game I ran out on the field to shake Drew Brees’ hand and then ran back to the locker room. I have to catch myself sometimes.”

Q:What do you do off the field?

A: “I like to do all kinds of things…a little bit of a nerd, play video games, Call of Duty, go to the mall, do a little window shopping.”

Q: Girlfriend?

A: “Hahaha no. I’m looking and welcoming all dates.”

Q: Have you become verified as the official Bruce Miller on Twitter yet?

A: “I’m not a big Twitter guy. I’ve tried to pick up my tweeting but I have gotten a few more followers.

I am not official yet, follow me @ BMiller_49.”

Q: One day left to live, what would you do?

A: “Spend it with the fam (my family loves the movies and then we would go out to eat and have a nice dinner).”

Q: Something no one knows about you?

A: “I am a big Taylor Swift fan.”

09

CENTRIC

STAN THE MAN

Brian Stanley has been a UCF supporter since the ‘80s. And he’s loved every second of it

By MARIA AYALDE

I

t’s hard not to notice Knight Fan Stan.

He wears UCF jerseys, hats and pins. He carries a collection of signs — his most-prized possessions. And he walks around campus, greeting people with a simple “Go Knights.”

Known to the UCF community as Knight Fan Stan, Brian Stanley has been wearing his black and gold heart on his sleeve for years in an effort to instill “Knight Pride” into the UCF community.

“I’m not trying to be Knightro ... he doesn’t talk and I like to talk a lot,” Stanley said. “He’s a mascot, I’m a super fan.”

A fan, but not an alumni.

A Seminole State College graduate, Stanley began following UCF because his wife and sister attended the school.

Modeling himself after super fans from other schools, such as the University of Florida’s “Mr. Two-Bits,” Knight Fan Stan started cheering at games in the `80s. But it was in 2010 that the Knight Fan Stan persona began.

10

CENTRIC

“It wasn’t until then that I got the name on the jersey and started doing the signs,” Stanley said. “It’s more of a crowd thing. My main goal is student participation.”

Stanley made a name for himself going section to section to get students to cheer at football games, which at the time were played at the Florida Citrus Bowl. After Bright House Networks Stadium was built, it took off.

“Recognition comes with the territory, but it’s not about that,” Stanley said. “If students see me then that’s fine I can give them a high-five and if that instills motivation then that’s really all I want to do.”

Students like junior Hannah Sadigh said that as soon as she sees Knight Fan Stan stand up, she joins him in cheering.

“It’s tough not to when you see him,” Sadigh said. “We always start yelling, ‘black and gold.’”

Stanley also gives back to the UCF community. He recently participated in a project called Clean the World as part of Volunteer UCF.

Photo: MEGAN WILLIAMS

“ It’s a great school, so

get to the games and support it. ”- KNIGHT FAN STAN “I do it out of the heart really, and to interact with students,” Stanley said.

“My thing is if I can make a difference then why not go for it?”

Stanley is a father of two kids who hope to attend UCF. He said they are aware of the Knight Fan Stan persona and that their classmates often ask them about it.

He hopes his school pride will rub off on others.

“Every time I see him at games I get excited,” senior Ryan Spangler said. “He makes sure everyone’s off their feet and cheering.”

Stanley’s goal is for every UCF fan to share his enthusiasm.

“It’s a great school, so get to the games and support it,” Stanley said. “Rock and roll. Every day is a great day to be a UCF Knight.”

A

booming roar erupts from the stands of the newly expanded Jay Bergman Field. The sun begins to set as the stadium lights illuminate the dusty diamond.

Left-hand pitcher Chris Matulis steps up to the mound.

Nearly two years have passed since he’s been on the field, but as he throws his first pitch of the night, it’s as if he’s never left.

“I’d be lying to you if I said I wasn’t a little nervous,” Matulis said with a grin.

“My heart was pumping a little bit, but after that first pitch, I kinda got to settle down and get back to baseball.”

Matulis played his first season with the UCF Knights this year. The Boynton Beach native joined the Knights in summer 2010, transferring from Louisiana State University.

However, due to NCAA transfer rules, Matulis was required to sit out for the upcoming season. The timing of the transfer worked out well enough, because the pitcher also underwent Tommy John surgery that summer.

After several doctors confirmed a chronic tear in the ligament of his left elbow, Matulis traveled to Cincinnati for the surgery. The procedure involves reconstructing a torn ligament in the elbow using tendons from another part of the body. A year off the mound allowed him to take time to recover and rehabilitate.

“Having to sit out an entire year of baseball was one of the most difficult things I’ve ever had to do,” Matulis said.

Though confined to the dugout, the southpaw did anything but kick up his feet and relax.

He was a vocal asset to the team, keeping the energy level and overall morale for the team high.

“He lightens the mood in the dugout and locker room,” pitcher and roommate Joe Rogers said. “He likes keeping things right off the field, but when he’s on the field he’s all business and no play.”

After a year and a half off the diamond, Matulis was more than ready to get back to the sport he loves.

UCF pitcher Chris Matulis

Photos: MEGAN WILLIAMS

COMEBACK CHRIS

After two years and elbow surgery, UCF senior Chris Matulis returns to the mound

By SHERIDAN BLOCK

In his first game at UCF, “Magic Matulis” helped bring the Knights to a victory over Long Island.

“Chris has done a great job. It’s very exciting to see him do so well with opening week. He deserved it,” UCF head coach Terry Rooney said.

Though he was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals last spring, Matulis opted to stay with the Knights and finish his undergraduate career.

Now that he’s back in the game, the pitcher has high expectations for the remainder of his career as a Knight before graduating next fall.

“I’m happy with where I’m at and feel that my best moments are ahead of me,” Matulis said. “I hope to go to [the College World Series in Omaha] this year and become a major leaguer.

“Hopefully, with the draft, third times a charm.”

11

CENTRIC

NASCAR PICKS UP SPEED AMONG STUDENTS Speedway teams with UCF to attract new fans

By MARIA PARADA

T

he scent of grilled hamburgers and the sound of country music and laughter hang over the infield of Daytona International Speedway. Little Big Town’s hit “Little White Church’’ booms through speakers as college-age friends dance with each other, giggling at the lyrics.

Welcome to tailgating – NASCAR style.

UCF students Andrea Bejarano, Hannah Meyers, Shannon Gavin and Alli Troisi are among the crowd, setting up a tent where they’re camping out by the first turn of the 2.5-mile, trioval track. They’re here to watch the Budweiser Shootout, a night race and one of the key exhibition events of Speedweeks 2012, held in midFebruary each year.

“Tailgating at a NASCAR race is a chance to spend time with my friends who share the same interests as me,” said Bejarano, a senior advertising and public relations major. “It’s a fun time.”

Bejarano and her friends are exactly the demographic that NASCAR is targeting. A sport usually associated

with middle-aged men and Middle America, NASCAR is now trying to appeal to college students by reaching out to universities and recruiting students to market the sport to their peers.

Last fall, NASCAR partnered with UCF’s College of Business to create a discounted $29 ticket package that sports marketing students pitched to other students. The ticket included a parking spot in the infield, entrance to the race, a post-race concert and entry to a special “College Tailgate Zone” where students could congregate their peers from around the region.

That’s where Hannah Meyers, a junior event management major, ended up at the Budweiser Shootout with her friends.

“I didn’t like NASCAR until last semester,” she said. “I was the only one on the Kinetics team that wasn’t sure of the sport. I would just stand there nodding and saying ‘Yeah...’ but I learned that the sport is more than UCF journalism student Jessica Gillespie contributed to this story.

Andrea Bejarano grills hamburgers in the infield at Daytona International Speedway.

Photo: JESSICA GILLESPIE

UCF students Shannon Gavin, Hannah Meyers and Andrea Bejarano check out the tri-oval track at Daytona International Speedway prior to the Budweiser Shootout race in February.

Photo: MARIA PARADA

Paul Menard (27), David Ragan (34) and Michael Waltrip (55) wreck coming out of Turn 1 during the NASCAR Budweiser Shootout auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Feb. 18, in Daytona Beach. AP/JOHN MOORE

12

CENTRIC

MEET UCF’S CLUB OF

MILLIONAIRES

Rock star researchers granted big bucks and elite membership

By ADRIAN CRAWFORD

H

igh rollers. Big ballers. Since 2000, UCF has acknowledged faculty who accumulate $1 million or more in research funding through a fiscal year. It is known as the Millionaire’s Club. It is exclusive, but its ranks continue to grow.

“The idea was,” said Barb Abney, Director of Marketing and Communications for the Office of Research & Commercialization at UCF, “to recognize faculty in a fun way and encourage them to apply for more funding.”

In 2000, UCF ended the fiscal year with just under $50 million in research funding and saw six faculty members inducted into the club.

The school has received over $100 million every year since 2005 and has honored a total of 252 millionaires, with some faculty acknowledged multiple

times.

“First, it was a way to have a little bit of fun,” said M.J. Soileau, vice president for the Office of Research & Commercializaton. “Second, it was a way to acknowledge people that were doing a heck of a job for the university, in a fun way.”

After all the calculations have been tallied for the fiscal year, there is a ceremony to honor the year’s recipients.

Each is given a bottle of hot sauce with Soileau’s image on it.

“We give a variety of other awards too,” said Soileau. “We give a Big Spender award for whoever gets the most grant money. We give an Every Little Bit Counts award for whoever gets the smallest grant. We do the awards as a way to celebrate the accomplishments of the faculty.”

UCF researchers have to compete

for grants with faculty from all over the country.

“I think people recognize if what you do is worth a million dollars to a federal agency,” said Abney.

For the 10-year celebration they rented out the stadium club overlooking Bright House Networks Stadium.

“Our thinking was, let’s recognize research faculty like we would a winning football team,” said Abney. “That’s really what this club has done. It’s elevated the presence of research faculty in a way that people can understand.”

Eight people were honored for the first time in 2011. The honorees include Stephanie Lackey, Larry Chew, Lixing Gu, Glenn Martin, Deborah Beidel, Kenneth Reynolds, Talat Rahman, and Anne Culp.

Glenn Martin

Senior Research Scientist leading the Interactive Realities Laboratory at the Institute for

Simulation and Training Research: Building virtual environments used for training personnel, mostly military applications.

Advice to students entering this research field: “Enjoy your education because you’ll use it. I use math and writing frequently. It’s not a surprise that they make you take both.”

Long-term goals: To make an impact in the field of simulation training.

Now that you are a high-rolling UCF millionaire, what tropical island do you plan on visiting? “I’ve always wanted to go on a scholarly cruise to Antarctica, actually.”

Photo: KAYLEN KENNEDY

Dr. Deborah Beidel

Professor and Director, Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology Research: Developing treatments for anxiety disorders, including using virtual environments.

Advice to students entering this research field: “You have to have a passion for your work. Also, surround yourself with a ‘team of rivals.’ They will sharpen your thinking as well as share the workload.”

Long-term goals: Develop effective treatments for anxiety disorders for both children and adults that can be used in any clinical setting.

Now that you are a high-rolling UCF millionaire, what tropical island do you plan on visiting? “Any tropical island that does not have Internet or email access.”

Photo: KAYLEN KENNEDY

Kenneth M. Reynolds

Associate Professor, Department of Criminal Justice Research: Crime mapping, developing inter-agency communication systems, Russian criminal justice system.

Advice to students entering this research field: “Get involved in the criminal justice community. Develop working relationships with them.”

Long-term goals: Support and improve law enforcement information systems and help Russian policymakers reform their criminal justice system to combat corruption.

Now that you are a high-rolling UCF millionaire, what tropical island do you plan on visiting? “If I was given the choice between going to Tahiti or Stalingrad or Moscow, I would go to Stalingrad or Moscow.”

Courtesy of KENNETH REYNOLDS

13

CENTRIC

NOW TAKING SUGGESTIONS From the realistic to the unreal, students share what they would change about UCF

“Make the gym 24 hours... they close too early,” junior Julian Barrientos said. Photo: KEVIN HARRIS

Senior Madelyn Sovern and junior Niko Gonzalez lounge next to the campus bookstore. “I would put hammocks everywhere on campus.

Most of the kids spend their time on the net anyway,” junior Chase Davis said. Photo: KEVIN HARRIS

“Every single corner should have a cotton candy stand,” junior Jose Regalado said. Photo: KAYLEN KENNEDY

A TASTE OF ORLANDO What the world has to offer – in UCF’s backyard

By MEISHA PERRIN Takeyama Sushi: 1016 Lockwood Blvd. #160.

Takeyama has plenty of popular sushi rolls to go around.

417 Alafaya

Aloma

McCulloch

University

Aloma

417 Colonial Colonial

408

408

408

Avalon Park Blvd.

Graphic: KAYLEN KENNEDY

14

CENTRIC

417

Alafaya

Cypriana: 12309 E. Colonial Drive.

The most popular dish is the gyro, which is a combination of lamb and beef over pita bread, manager Luito Nasi said.

Thunya Thai: 13001 Founders Square Drive.

Quickly becoming a big hit in Avalon Park.

Lac Viet Bistro: 2021 E. Colonial Drive.

At Lac Viet, you can get authentic Vietnamese food anywhere from $3 to $45.

Ceviche Tapas: 125 W. Church St. “The food: amazing is all you need to know,” customer Erica Ruggiero said.

15FAME MINUTES OF

Students double as reality TV stars

By ABIGAIL DONALDSON

F

or decades it has been an American tradition to gather around the television set and watch a beloved sitcom.

With the introduction of the 21st century came a whole new “futuristic” genre of television: reality shows. While reality TV had been around for a while, it experienced a surge in the year 2000.

Suddenly, they were everywhere; reality shows became a global phenomenon.

From American Idol to America’s Next Top Model to the Amazing Race, there was a type of show for every viewer.

However, with the world tuning in to witness real people living their lives on camera, what is it like to be behind those cameras with the eyes of millions watching?

“You never know how you will be portrayed or how America will view you,” said Katrina Edorsson, an interdisciplinary studies major at UCF who competed on the 24th season of Survivor.

UCF psychology major Nicole Lucas,

who competed on cycle 16 of America’s Next Top Model, found the reality TV environment to be a bizarre experience.

“For me, it was very overwhelming having cameras watching your every move, knowing that anything weird I did could potentially be on national TV,” said Lucas, who was handpicked

by Tyra Banks to be on the show. “My least favorite part was having to wear mics from the second we got up in the morning to the second we went to bed.”

One of the main questions that has arisen concerning reality TV is, “How real is the show, anyway?” For UCF alumna McKenzie Coburn, her experience on The Real World: New Orleans was completely unscripted and everything was shown exactly as it had happened.

“The situations I was put in weren’t always situations I would have encountered in the way I live my life and the people I surround myself with,” Coburn said, mentioning that she was relieved a blowout fight she had with a

Katrina Edorsson competed on Survivor.

Courtesy of KATRINA EDORSSON

Nicole Lucas, UCF psychology major, competed in cycle 16 of America’s Next Top Model. Courtesy of NICOLE LUCAS

McKenzie Coburn, a UCF alumna who graduated in 2011 with a psychology degree, was a cast member on The Real World: New Orleans in 2010. Courtesy of MCKENZIE COBURN

fellow cast member didn’t make it into the show.

Lucas wasn’t as fortunate when it came to her portrayal.

“I don’t think my editing was correct at all. They made me look like I never talked. They’re also allowed to pick any photo ... and say it was the best,” Lucas said of her experience on Top Model.

“They also cut out a challenge that I won.”

But while Lucas says that she would never consider participating in a reality show again, Coburn and Edorsson both shared similar feelings about their experiences.

“I would do it again in a heartbeat!”

Edorsson said, citing her new friendships as one of the best things about being on the show.

15

CENTRIC

MEDIA DARLINGS Journalism grads are making headlines of their own

Centric had the opportunity to chat with three graduates of the Nicholson School of Communication journalism program. Each woman now works for prestigious companies in the field, including The Wall Street Journal, The Huffington Post and ABC News. The three alumnae share what knowledge they’ve gained and some tips to help land a dream job.

By DARCIE VANCE

LAURA STEVENS

The Wall Street Journal: Frankfurt, Germany Class of 2004

A beat reporter who covers the European banking industry, Stevens now lives overseas in Frankfurt, Germany, where she writes for The Wall Street Journal.

The journalism program at UCF trained Stevens well for street reporting, she said.

Interviewing strangers seems a lot less intimidating now compared to when she was a student.

“Last year, I covered the Frankfurt shooter attack, which involved traveling to

ILEANA LLORENS

CENTRIC

opinions about a television show or sharing information about their surroundings” Llorens said.

She also offers the following tips on how to benefit from social media sites: “Don’t be afraid to make your presence known. Connect with people that share the same interests as you; ask questions. It’s a conversation,” she said. “If you don’t speak up every now and then, no one’s going to know you’re there.”

Courtesy of ILEANA LLORENS

Good Morning America: New York, NY Class of 2011

Murphy is no stranger to journalism.

Growing up with journalists as parents, Murphy knows that news never takes a vacation.

“Recently Whitney Houston’s death was very intense … it happened while I was seeing Avenue Q without cellphone service for more than two hours. That night I had more than 200 emails on my phone. I was at work very early the next morning,” she said.

16

Courtesy of LAURA STEVENS

The Huffington Post: New York, NY Class of 2008

Llorens works as a news editor in the Traffic and Trends department. She tracks and writes about breaking news across the world on the company’s Facebook and Twitter accounts. As the eyes and ears of The Huffington Post, she believes that in today’s society, it’s important to network via social media. Making connections via Twitter helped her land her job.

“People are engaging with each other in real time — whether they’re exchanging

RACHEL MURPHY

a somewhat scary suburb where I rang the shooter’s doorbell and then talked to his landlord,” Stevens said.

“I also spent a very cold night outside the airport watching as police examined the scene and the press spokesmen came over to give us info once every few hours.

I’m pretty sure I was the first journalist to track down someone to confirm that it was, indeed, an Islamic-motivated terrorist attack.”

Working as a booker for Good Morning America at ABC News, Murphy is responsible for calling and trying to get people to appear on television to tell their side of a news story.

Working in the field does have its perks.

During an internship at 20/20, Murphy met Diane Sawyer.

“She’s a powerful, intelligent and savvy woman and that’s something I respect and aspire to be,” Murphy said.

Courtesy of RACHEL MURPHY

FROM EARTH TO

ASTEROID

Professor helps launch NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission Professor Campins uses tools such as a topographical map of Mars to teach his students astronomy. Photo: CHELSY TRACZ

“

Since I was 4 years old I’ve liked astronomy and wanted to be an astronomer,” Professor Humberto Campins said, his eyes lighting up. He rocked back in his chair and stared up at the ceiling of his office as if he were still a little boy gazing at the night sky, wishing for a helicopter so he could fly to Mars.

Campins is the provost research professor that heads up the Planetary Sciences Group at UCF. His expertise on comets, asteroids and meteorites has garnered him international attention and landed him on some of the largest space missions.

In 2016, the Origin Spectral Interpretation Resource Identification Security Regolith Explorer (OSIRISREx) will launch from Kennedy Space Center on its way to bring back a sample of a near-Earth asteroid. Campins was asked to join the team.

His primary function will be to help characterize the asteroid as much as possible before the spacecraft arrives at its target.

“That’s tough because the asteroid is coming close to the Earth this spring,” Campins said, “but then it doesn’t come back till we get there, until after we get there. So we need to study it now, this spring.”

He will be using telescopes in Spain, Chile and Hawaii to observe the asteroid.

Then after observing it from the ground, he will continue his observations from the multiple cameras and spectrometers the spacecraft will be outfitted with.

By ADRIAN CRAWFORD

In 2010 Campins discovered water ice on an asteroid for the first time.

Then later that year he discovered water ice on a second asteroid. One of the primary objectives of OSIRISREx is to search for organic molecules necessary for life. Campins’ discovery boosted the mission’s science and aided in its selection by NASA. Campins did not expect to find water ice when he was observing the asteroid.

“I was hoping to find hydrated minerals – clays, something like that.

Instead it was water. It impacted me,” Campins said, taking a deep breath and momentarily reflecting on the memory.

The significance behind the discovery could help explain how Earth got its water. Campins said in the early stages of Earth’s formation, the surface of the planet would have been too hot for water to last, so water must have come from elsewhere after the Earth cooled, such as impacts with asteroids.

“We were shocked to find water ice,” said Kelsey Hargrove, a graduate student of Campins’ who was working on the observations with him. “There was a lot of confusion – ‘What is this?

Is it ice? Is it not?’ There was a lot of going back and forth because no one had ever really detected it before. We were paving new ground.”

Campins remotely operated the NASA Infrared Telescope in Hawaii for their observations from midnight till noon and then taught class from noon till 1:45 p.m.

“When I was driving home to go to sleep, I felt drunk,” Campins said, turning his chair around and grabbing

an imaginary steering wheel. “I felt impaired. I was driving and focusing on the road and I was saying it’s only five miles.” He slapped his face, pretending to struggle focusing on the imaginary road ahead. “It’s only five miles.”

All that hard work and dedication gained Campins enough notoriety that in 1987 the International Astronomical Union named asteroid 3327 after him.

“He’s a very curious guy,” Hargrove said. “He’s a very hard worker. I really hope that rubs off on me. He’s very enthusiastic.”

Graphic courtesy of NASA/GSFC/UA

17

CENTRIC

Nicholson School of Communication U N I V E R S I T Y

CO LLE GE

O F

O F

C E N T R A L

S C IENCES

•

F L O R I D A

O RL ANDO,

F LO RI DA

UCF THROUGH THE YEARS

1966

1990

1999

2008

Courtesy of SPECIAL COLLECTIONS & UNIVERSITY ARCHIVES, UCF

Since its inception in 1963, the University of Central Florida has grown to be a leading institution with the second-largest enrollment in the United States. Among many things, UCF is well-known for its constant advancement and growth. With every new semester, there are new buildings and facilities to enhance students’ college experience. These images show how our campus has grown from desolate farmland to a leading metropolitan public research university.