Research Opportunities

An important goal of the University of Central Florida is to develop excellence in key areas of graduate study and research. UCF is dedicated to teaching and research, to scholarship and the transmittal of that scholarship to students. Graduate students work one-on-one with faculty mentors in studios, libraries, and laboratories, where students and faculty engage in creative research for the benefit of society.

Faculty members at UCF successfully compete for research support, attracting more than $32 million annually from private and public sources. Of this, more than $14.7 million was funded by the federal government in 1995-96, primarily from the Department of Defense. A locally based company, Lockheed Martin, is the largest source of private funding.

Companies have invested in UCF's graduate programs by providing distinguished professorships and endowed chair opportunities for faculty engaged in research and by providing resources to educate graduate students through mechanisms such as the Lockheed Martin funding of the UCF Academy for Mathematics and Science in the College of Education and the Industrial Fellows Program in the College of Engineering.

The university has several nationally and internationally recognized research institutes. The Florida Solar Energy Center (established in 1975 and located adjacent to the campus of Brevard Community College in Cocoa, FL), the Center for Research and Education in Optics and Lasers (CREOL, founded in 1986), and the Institute for Simulation and Training (IST, founded in 1982) conduct a significant amount of the total research for the university. These institutes actively involve graduate students in their research activities and assist in supervising their graduate theses and dissertations. These three institutes account for more than 50 percent of all sponsored research funding at the university. For more information about sponsored research at UCF, visit the Office of Sponsored Research website.

Other organized research units also complement the activities of the academic departments. A few examples include the Center for Economic Education, the Florida-Canada Linkage Institute, the Florida-Eastern Europe Linkage Institute, the Institute for Social and Behavioral Sciences, the Center for Applied Human Factors in Aviation, the Phillips Institute for the Study of American Business Activity, the Institute of Statistics, the Center for Executive Development, and the Small Business Institute.

In addition, UCF is situated next to the Central Florida Research Park, where many companies provide research opportunities for students. For those students who may find it difficult to commute to campus, courses are provided through distance-learning opportunities. Students may be employed with companies providing real-world research, while pursuing a graduate degree through distance learning at the same time.

Central Florida Research Park

The objectives of the Central Florida Research Park are in keeping with the legislative action which enabled its creation: "to encourage and promote the establishment . . . of research and development activity combining the resources of . . . institutions of higher learning, private sector enterprise involved in pure or applied research, and state or federal governmental agency research."

The ultimate goal of university-related research parks is to establish an academic/industry community resulting in a unique approach to the creation of a more effective cooperative academic/industrial endeavor. The university and officials of the Central Florida Research Park believe that the potential for the establishment of close ties between the university and industry will create an attractive environment conducive to the location of research-oriented industry in the park. This activity will enrich and support the academic, teaching, and research programs of the university. The university, in turn, as a community of scholars, reservoir of knowledge past and present, and creator of new knowledge and discovery, can provide the necessary expertise and human resources to enhance the research and development activities required and planned by park residents.

Totally planned to provide a campus-like environment for business adjacent to UCF, the Central Florida Research Park consists of more than 1,000 acres of land. Businesses that desire a "university relationship" can purchase or lease land in the Research Park on which to construct a facility or can lease space for office, office/lab, or light manufacturing activities.

The Institute for Simulation and Training (IST) is located in the Research Park. The Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWCTSD) and the Army Simulation, Training and Instrumentation Command (STRICOM), the focal point of the nation's simulation and training industry, have their headquarters in the Research Park. More than $700 million in federal contracts is granted by the Army and Navy each year.

Currently more than 80 companies are located in the Research Park pursuing activities in simulation and training, lasers, optical filters, behavioral sciences, diagnostic test equipment, and oceanographic equipment. Approximately 5,500 employees currently work in the Research Park including many students and faculty.

Research Park tenants are involved with the University of Central Florida through sponsored research, using faculty as consultants and using graduate and undergraduate students for intern programs and part-time employment. Research Park tenants can also contract with the university for the use of the library computer resources and laboratory facilities. Cooperative projects range from technical research to developing business plans and employee training programs.

Research Facilities

Sponsored Journals and Publications

Quill
Quill is a select club on the UCF campus that was organized in 1982 to recognize and honor faculty of the university who are authors of one or more books. Criteria of eligibility have been set up by the faculty, and there is an induction of new members at the annual meeting.

Scroll
Scroll is a select club on the UCF campus that was organized in 1987 to recognize and honor faculty of the university who have shown sustained research activities. Criteria of eligibility based on a significant number of peer-reviewed articles in international and national journals have been set up by the faculty. Evaluation of nominees is done by a faculty committee and new members are inducted annually.

Institutes and Centers

Center for Applied Human Factors in Aviation (CAHFA)

The Center for Applied Human Factors in Aviation (CAHFA) has as its mission the enhancement of safety in the nation's airspace system through applied human factors research, systems design, and training strategies. Chartered in 1990, CAHFA is a research consortium established between UCF and Charter partner Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, Florida. CAHFA's professional staff maintains offices on both campuses. The complementary strengths of the two universities are combined to create a research resource that is without peer for solving a vast assortment of aeronautical human factors problems. CAHFA research initiatives are targeted to significantly reduce human factors-related accidents and incidents by determining the efficacy of and by developing strategies for achieving improvements in human performance.

Center for Economic Education

The Center for Economic Education strives to increase public knowledge of economic principles and their applications in daily life. Researchers at the Center develop, collect, and distribute economic educational materials. They also consult with and provide instruction to area schools (K-12), community colleges, and community organizations. Instruction focuses on the principles of economics and their use in making rational economic decisions. Affiliated with the National Council on Economic Education and the Florida Council on Economic Education, the Center also conducts research in economic education.

Center for Executive Development

The Center for Executive Development (CED) of the College of Business Administration develops and coordinates seminars, workshops, and conferences on business and management-related topics. The Center is designed to support the business community in all of its requirements for management education and training. This support may be in the form of short, intensive seminars presented on campus or on-site, special topics seminars developed for particular needs, or customized certificate and non-certificate training programs to increase key competencies and managerial skills. The Center offers individualized attention and training consultation to business clients interested in topics such as Accounting, Business Development, Finance, Leadership, Management, Marketing, Professional Development, and Strategic Planning. The Annual Tax and Accounting Conference and Purchasing Manager Certification are examples of seminars and workshops being offered on a yearly basis. International programs include Brazilian workshops and the International School of Tourism and Hotel Management at Colegio Universitario del Este, Puerto Rico.

Additionally, the Center offers a fully accredited Executive MBA Program for qualified executives seeking to earn an advanced degree in business administration while continuing to work full-time. This fast-paced graduate program provides selected students the opportunity to study the latest in business technologies and application. Alumni of the program include professionals from outstanding organizations such as AAA, AT & T, Barnett Bank, Darden Restaurants, Harris Corporation, Lockheed Martin, Nestle, Pepsi Cola, Sears, Roebuck and Co., SPRINT, Sun Trust Bank, Tupperware, Walt Disney World Co., and Universal Studios.

Center for Research and Education in Optics and Lasers (CREOL)

The Center for Research and Education in Optics and Lasers (CREOL) is the Florida State University System's Center of Excellence for research and education in optics, lasers, and photonics. It was established in 1985 with the mission to provide the highest quality education in optics and lasers, conduct scholarly fundamental and applied research, and aid in the development of Florida's high technology-based industries.

CREOL is closely integrated in the School of Optics and serves as its research arm. The School of Optics/CREOL has grown to an internationally recognized institute with 25 faculty members, 25 Ph.D. level research scientists, and 120 graduate students. The School of Optics/CREOL faculty are recognized to be among the best in the optics/lasers/photonics field with two-thirds holding the rank of Fellow in major national and international professional societies in their field. It is one of only three independent optics academic departments in the nation offering M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in optics. It is housed in a state-of-the-art 83,000-square-foot building dedicated to optics, photonics, and laser education and research on the main campus. This facility houses ninety research laboratories equipped with over $35 million of state-of-the-art equipment. Graduate assistantships, with stipends ranging from $14,000 to $18,000 are available to outstanding students pursuing graduate education in optics and photonics. Research training opportunities are available to undergraduate students through the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program sponsored by the National Science Foundation and other research grants and contracts.

CREOL's research activities span the spectrum from basic science to prototype development. The faculty and research staff pursue joint research projects with industry, other universities, and government laboratories, and are always seeking new opportunities to work with industry to expose students to the industrial environment and to help in technology transfer. Current research areas include: linear and nonlinear guided-wave optics and devices, high speed photonics telecommunications, semiconductor lasers, nonlinear optics, laser-induced damage, quantum-well optoelectronics, photonic information processing, infrared systems, optical system design, image analysis, virtual reality, medical imaging, diffractive optics, optical crystal growth and characterization, high intensity lasers, x-ray optics, EUV sources, optical glasses, and laser materials processing, free-electron lasers, and light matter interaction. These research programs are supported by over $6 million of research grants and contracts from numerous federal and state agencies and industry.

CREOL has a very active Industrial Affiliate Program to facilitate strong cooperative relations with industry. The program provides businesses and manufacturers with benefits of cutting-edge research and with access to the expertise and facilities of CREOL. Faculty members are teaming with Florida-based small businesses to help them compete for federally sponsored Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) programs. The program provides industry with effective ways to contribute to and sustain the research and teaching of laser and electro-optic technology.

For additional information, please visit our website at http://www.creol.ucf.edu or contact Dr. M. J. Soileau, Director of the School of Optics/CREOL at (407) 823-6800 or by email mj@creol.ucf.edu.

Dick Pope, Sr., Institute for Tourism Studies

The mission of the Dick Pope, Sr., Institute for Tourism Studies is to improve the quality of the tourism product and increase the benefits of tourism for the industry, the state, and the local community. To this end, the institute is involved in a variety of research projects and educational programs.

The research includes the collection, development and dissemination of information relevant to the tourism and hospitality industries in the areas of marketing, consumer behavior and visitor satisfaction, feasibility, economic, motivational, and forecasting. Some of the institute's patrons include tourism promotion agencies at the state and local levels; tourism development commissions; professional associations; and private enterprises such as attractions, hotels, motels, food-service establishments, ground and air transportation companies, travel agencies and tour operators, and other related businesses.

The institute devotes significant efforts to increasing public awareness of the tourism industry in Florida and elsewhere, and of the contribution of the industry to the social and economic welfare of the general public.

Florida-Canada Linkage Institute

The Florida-Canada Linage Institute was established by the State of Florida in 1986 to foster cultural, educational, and economic linkages between Florida and Canada. Linkage is developed through promotion of expanded public/private dialogue on cooperative research and technical assistance, cultural exchange, enhancement of language training and student/faculty exchange programs.

Florida-Eastern Europe Linkage Institute

The Florida-Eastern Europe Linkage Institute (a Class II state-mandated activity) is a statewide effort hosted by the University of Central Florida in partnership with Lake Sumter Community College, and is designed to create and foster educational, commercial, cultural, and social exchanges between the state of Florida and the countries in central and eastern Europe and former Soviet Union. The institute, funded and administered through the Office of Academic Affairs and located in the College of Health and Public Affairs on the main campus of the University of Central Florida, promotes the development of linkages through expanded public/private dialogues on cooperative research and technical assistance, cultural exchanges, the enhancement of language training, and student/faculty exchange programs.

Institute of Government

The Institute of Government, an affiliate of the Florida Institute of Government, is housed in the College of Health and Public Affairs and provides training and technical assistance to federal, state, and local government agencies and intergovernmental associations. Training workshops, certification programs, conferences, seminars, applied research projects, citizen surveys, strategic planning, and organizational development programs are among the services offered by the institute.

Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC)

Created by the Florida legislature in 1974, the Florida Solar Energy Center is the largest and most active state-supported renewable energy and buildings research institute in the United States. FSEC functions as the energy research institute of Florida and is one of the research institutes of the University of Central Florida. It is located on a 20-acre research complex on UCF's Cocoa campus, 35 miles east of the main campus in Orlando.

FSEC employs a staff of 150. Of that number, approximately 75 are professionals with expertise in engineering and energy research, buildings science, energy analysis, policy analysis, and education and training. The remainder of the staff comprises technical and clerical support personnel and university student assistants.

FSEC annually receives approximately $3 million in operating funds from the state of Florida. The institute also contracts to perform research for external sponsors. The value of these contracts and grants ranges from $5 million to $8 million annually. Total funding from 1975 to 1998 exceeds $87 million.

FSEC has gained national and international respect for its program activities in:

• Photovoltaic systems, applications, and cells
• Energy and building systems
• Indoor air quality
• Advanced HVAC systems
• Solar thermal systems
• Hydrogen energy from renewable resources
• Pollutant detoxification
• Photoelectrochemical processes
• Alternative fueled vehicles
• Education and Training

Institute for Simulation and Training (IST)

The Institute for Simulation and Training (IST) is an internationally recognized research institute that focuses on technology advancement in training systems, education, and simulation and modeling. IST was established in 1982 as a research unit of the University of Central Florida (UCF) and is part of the Deparment of Defense (DoD) Center of Excellence (COE) for Simulation and Training. The COE represents the largest concentration of simulation and training expertise in the world.

IST is located in the Central Florida Research Park, where it occupies over 35,000 square feet of laboratory and office space adjacent to the main UCF campus. Also located in the Park is the Army Simulation Training and Instrumentation Command (STRICOM), the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWCTSD), and the Air Force Agency for Modeling and Simulation (AFAMS), in addition to numerous companies involved in simulation and training development.

IST's strength lies in its broad-based, multidisciplinary resources. These include a concentration of in-house simulation and training expertise, extensive laboratory facilities and equipment, and an experienced support staff. IST draws on these resources together with those of UCF, government, commercial organizations, and other universities to advance the state-of-the-art in simulation-based training.

Services provided by IST include:

• Research and research support
• Data gathering, evaluation, and distribution
• Technology transfer
• Modeling and simulation course, workshop, publication, and website development
• Resources and research opportunities for students in simulation-related disciplines
• Development of links among academic, government, and commercial simulation entities.

IST's research staff encompasses a broad spectrum of academic disciplines including computer science, computer engineering, human factors psychology, instructional design, and a variety of engineering disciplines. Additionally, many of IST's researchers and program managers have extensive experience in commercial and military organizations. Integrating this experience with the academic environment provides a unique perespective on simulation and training research with a thorough understanding of application requirements.

Augmenting the professional staff are nearly 100 graduate and undergraduate students who work in almost every research and support area of IST. Since its inception, more than 550 students have worked at IST, many completing advanced degrees in simulation-related disciplines while contributing to institute research efforts.

Major research domains at the institute include:

• Simulator networking
• Virtual world visualization and interaction
• Education and training applications
• Information gathering/dissemination
• Technology transfer

Institute of Statistics

The Institute of Statistics provides statistical consulting and analytical support to all areas of the university. The institute makes valuable contributions to research by supporting non-statistical researchers with statistical consulting assistance during the planning of experiments and investigations, analysis of data, and the evaluation of results. The institute also provides statistical support to various governmental agencies and private organizations.

Institute for Technical Documentation

The Institute for Technical Documentation offers a variety of services for client companies, including the development of original technical documentation, the translation of documentation written in foreign languages, and the development of seminars to assist clients in writing their own documentation.

The institute consists of a core of permanent professional staff, supplemented by university faculty, staff, and students, all of whom have demonstrated expertise in technical writing of documentation. These services are enhanced by the cooperative efforts of educators, engineers, foreign language experts, psychologists, and scientists who act as consultants to the institute.

Trained writers, established facilities, and continued contact with personnel in industry and research enable the institute to engage in a wide variety of documentation projects.

Small Business Development Center

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is part of a statewide organization designed to promote economic development by responding to the needs of the small business community. The SBDC, located in the College of Business Administration at the University of Central Florida, is responsible for a geographic area including Orange, Osceola, Lake, Citrus, Brevard, Volusia, Flagler, Seminole, and Sumter counties. Regional centers located at Brevard Community College, Daytona Beach Community College, and Seminole Community College assist small business in these areas.

Assistance is provided through workshops and individual counseling in the following areas: Marketing, Peronnel, Bookkeeping, Business Tax, Franchising, Sources of Financing, Product Innovation, Business Plan Development. Additional programs provide assistance to clients in the areas of government contracting, energy conservation, and international trade.

Small Business Institute

Business schools have for some years been interested in getting students out of the classroom and involved with real business problems rather than "textbook" situations. By sponsoring the Small Business Institute (SBI) program, the University of Central Florida does not only satisfy this need, but at the same time provides free professional help to small business people who are in need of managerial guidance.

The SBI program uses a team of senior-level undergraduate or graduate-level students who, under faculty supervision, provide management counseling and technical assistance to small business clients. Examples of these services are: general management audits, development of business plans, establishment of accounting systems, design of inventory systems, cost analysis, pricing strategies, and evaluation of alternative markets.

The major objective of the College of Business Administration at the University of Central Florida is to educate men and women for positions of productive responsibility in business and the professions. UCF's Small Business Institute program stresses analytic ability and the student's learning skills in recognizing and coping with change. At the same time, the program provides on the job experience and sound academic training for the student.

Florida Space Institute (FSI)

Florida Space Institute (FSI) is an interdisciplinary organization that relies on faculty participation from all five colleges of the University. FSI's goal is to maximize space research opportunities for UCF faculty and students, while providing highly valued results to the space community. FSI's objectives are to:

• Facilitate the performance of research to advance space technology.
• Serve as a catalyst to advance educational opportunities and experiences.
• Provide researchers with access to the upper atmosphere and space.
• Upgrade UCF capabilities through training and development programs.
• Advocate UCF's contributions to commercial space servicecs.
• Be an active participant in the international space community.

Space research areas of interest include advanced launch systems, communications, the earth system sciences, educational technology, and space optics. Over 50 faculty members at the University have expertise and experience in these areas. In education, FSI serves to aid in the development of new space-related courses and programs. FSI also works with industry, government, and the Central Florida school districts to improve science and mathematics education through the use of space applications and technology.

Environmental Systems Engineering Institute

Engineering research is a primary function of the Environmental Systems Engineering Institute (ESEI). Located within the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department at the Unversity of Central Florida (UCF), ESEI provides a central location for coordinating environmental projects utilizing the specific expertise of CEE and other departments at UCF. Specific expertise within the CEE department includes portable water treatment, corrosion control, stormwater abatement, air dispersion modeling, noise abatement, solid waste, incineration, hazardous waste investigation, wastewater treatment, and receiving water impacts.

UCF has a long history of environmental problem solving. ESEI projects have involved colleges and departments outside of the College of Engineering at UCF in order to conduct comprehensive environmental projects concerning research, training, analysis, and education. UCF has significant capital resources invested in laboratory space, advanced analytical equipment, and computer technology that is available for environmentally oriented problem solving.

Projects conducted through ESEI provide a central contact point within UCF, which allows a project team with a high degree of specialized expertise to be assembled. Information regarding ESEI or any environmentally oriented project can be obtained by calling or writing Dr. J.S. Taylor at the above address or phone number. ESEI was created by UCF to enhance environmental education and services at UCF and actively seeks interaction with government and private organizations.

Other Centers

Institute for Exercise, Physiology, and Wellness
Director: Dr. Frank Rohter
(407) 823-2049

The Institute for Exercise, Physiology, and Wellness provides physiologic assessments for: Body Fat Percent (Hydrostatic Weighing); VO₂ Max; Resting Metabolic Rate; Lactate Threshold; Cholesterol Profile; and Exercise and Nutrition Intervention Programs.

Additional centers providing opportunities for graduate student research are:

Dr. Phillips Institute for the Study of American Business Activity
Director:Dr. David Scott
(407) 823-5903

Florida Sinkhole Institute
Director:Dr. S. Kuo
(407) 823-5644

Transportation Systems Institute
Director:Dr. Haitham Al-Deek
(407) 823-5798

Institute for Research and Program Development in Education
Director:Dr. Michael C. Hynes
(407) 823-6076

| Graduate Studies | | Home | Index | Search | News | Events | Contact UCF | Help |
Copyright © 2000 University of Central Florida Orlando, Florida (407) 823-2000
Page last updated on: Maintained by Graduate Studies