Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/54910
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA UCF at a Glance The University of Central Florida, the nation's second- largest university with an enrollment of more than 56,000 students, is a dynamic and entrepreneurial institution. Offering more than 200 degree programs, UCF is an academic and research leader in optics, modeling and simulation, engineering and computer science, education, hospitality management and digital media. It is ranked among the nation's top five up-and-coming institutions by U.S. News & World Report. The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching has designated UCF as a university with "very high research activity," a category that features the nation's top research institutions, and has recognized UCF's substantial commitments in Curricular Engagement and Outreach & Partnership. UCF offers classes at its main campus in East Orlando, the downtown Center for Emerging Media … the College of Medicine and our medical city partners at Lake Nona will potentially create 30,000 jobs and more than $7.6 billion in economic impact. UCF researchers have earned more than $100 million in external grants for seven consecutive years. UCF also ranks third among all U.S. universities for the strength and impact of its patents, according to IEEE, the world's leading association for the advancement of technology. UCF's internationally recognized Institute for Simulation and Training is an anchor of the region's $2.5 billion modeling and simulation industry. Working in Weightlessness No one thinks much of the force that keeps most objects firmly planted to the ground. But could gravity be holding us back and not just down? Research in the field of microgravity, also known as zero gravity, is one of the most promising new areas for the commercialization of space. Thanks to supporting funds from the Florida High Tech Corridor Council, this research could climb to new heights at The Center for Microgravity Research and Education at the University of Central Florida (UCF). Created as a partnership between UCF and Space Florida, the state's aerospace economic development agency, the Center for Microgravity will strive to be an internationally known center for exceptional research in microgravity environments. The Center will also prepare future generations for science and space careers by educating grade school children and teachers about the fundamental laws of motion and basic physics. DR. JOSH COLWELL tests materials during free fall at the Center for Microgravity Research and Education at UCF. "Space Florida was very interested in teaming with UCF to establish a strong science and education center to promote the aerospace industry," said Howard Haug, senior vice president and CFO of Space Florida. florida.HIGH.TECH 2012 19 C. HODGES PHOTO