Latest news with #UniversityofCentralFlorida
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
University of Utah students win NASA Lunobotics grand prize
A team of over 30 students from the University of Utah took home the prestigious grand prize from the NASA Lunobotics competition thanks to their robot. Their design won multiple awards and cemented many of the students' love of STEM, space and collaboration. The team was comprised of students from the Utah Students Robotics club. To compete, the team had to apply for the competition. Out of 70 universities, the team was selected to be one of the 30 official competitors based on their project management plan. The competition was held at the University of Central Florida May 15-17. Over the course of a year, the students prepared for the competition. Early on in the process, the students received a rubric and competition layout for what to expect. The teams then began working on the systems engineering paper, presentation demonstration and, most importantly, the robot itself. 'You are building a robot to compete in a simulated lunar environment,' explained Jeffrey Hansen, a University of Utah chemical and computer engineering student. 'The goal is to navigate through an obstacle zone and then do digging and dumping to build a berm.' Judges look at numerous factors, including the size of the berm compared to the size and energy usage and the different amounts of autonomous operations. Those areas all contributed to the four main areas of scoring: the systems engineering paper, the outreach paper, the presentation demonstration and the construction competition. After competing at Florida, the top 10 teams are chosen to go to the Kennedy Space Center and compete for the grand prize. The Utah-based team split into three different subteams, including mechanical, electrical and software teams. Supporting teams also included an admin and systems team. Frequent meetings, collaborations and trial and error were a must for the students. Hansen called their work an 'evolutionary design style.' 'We had a systems engineering approach. We did it a bit differently than we had done in the past,' Hansen elaborated. 'We decided to start with building a version of the robot that met the basic competition requirements. … Once we had that, we went through different versions to improve upon that design.' Working with 30 students was no small feat. With so many minds hard at work, it was sometimes difficult to find the direction the team wanted to take. Additionally, the challenge was extremely open-ended. As long as the robot was under the specified maximum weight and dimensions, the robot could do anything. Digging systems, electronics, batteries and microcontrollers could all be chosen by the students. Another key piece of the journey was the collaboration with the U. The students worked with the administration to build a lunar simulation to test the robot. The chance to practice before the competition was everything for the team. 'We didn't have (the simulation) done until close to the end of the year, but even that little bit of time helped,' Hansen said. 'It was quite a big process to get that approved.' When they brought their robot to the competition, the team knew they had something special. After taking home the first place in presentation and demonstration, first place in STEM engagement and outreach, second place in construction, special recognition for exceptional use of systems engineering tools and various judges' awards, the team thought they may have a chance to compete in the top 10. Their suspicions were correct. The team ecstatically welcomed the invitation to present their robot at the finals. After an excellent demonstration, the team was awarded the Artemis Award, or grand prize. 'The team just erupted in energy when we found out we won. It felt like we had accomplished everything we went there to do,' Hansen said. 'It was very emotional. It was so much work across a lot of time with so many people. It felt incredible to have all that work come together and walk on stage knowing we had done it.' The experience has helped to shape the students' futures. 'It's been absolutely incredible for getting hands-on experience. … There are real-world applications of participating in this team that I would've never experienced in any of my classes,' Hansen said. To supplement their work, the students also traveled around to numerous K-12 schools around Utah. Their presentations aimed to inspire the future generation of students to try new things, specifically in the STEM field. 'It's how we keep improving the world. It's how we've gotten to where we are today,' Hansen said. 'It's the most important thing out there.'
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Families of men killed in Halloween shooting to sue City of Orlando, OPD
On Oct. 31, Tyrek Hill was preparing to discuss with his mother the possibility of buying a truck to start his own towing company. Timothy Schmidt Jr. was showing a friend around Orlando, where Hill was a student at the University of Central Florida. That night, both men decided to hit downtown for its annual Halloween block party. Neither made it out alive after being gunned down by 17-year-old Jaylen Edgar, who inexplicably was carrying a weapon as he strolled among the partygoers. Now, the families of both men are suing, accusing the city and the Orlando Police Department of wrongful death by failing to provide adequate security. On Tuesday, two of their parents — Timothy Schmidt Sr. and Teresa Clinton, Hill's mother — met in person for the first time to announce the lawsuit, joined by attorneys Michael Haggard and Douglas McCarron. 'We're in an awful club that you don't want to be in,' Schmidt Sr. said. Hill added, 'Our sons left here somewhat the same. … We're trauma-bonded.' Several businesses that make up the city's Entertainment District are also set to be named in the lawsuit, but the attorneys declined to name them. Haggard said the city and OPD have been notified of the coming lawsuit, which is expected to be filed later this month. This month also marks the ninth anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub shooting, which resulted in the deaths of 49 people before the shooter was killed by law enforcement. 'Everybody in the community should be asking: has anything changed?' Haggard said. 'Has anything changed in society? Has anything changed in how businesses deal with this, the government deals with this, or anything along those lines?' About 75,000 people were partying downtown Halloween night when gunfire erupted on two separate occasions. The first happened on the corner of North Orange Avenue and Central Boulevard, where city surveillance video showed Edgar shot Hill in the head from close range while walking past him. He then shot Schmidt Jr. shortly after, striking him in the heart in front of Sly Fox Bar following an altercation in which Schmidt Jr. wasn't involved. Edgar, who turns 18 in September, was arrested as he tried to flee amid a panicked, scattering crowd. He was charged as an adult on two counts of first-degree murder and seven counts of attempted murder, with his next court appearance expected to take place Aug. 25. While a City of Orlando spokesperson declined to comment on the pending litigation, officials at the time of the shooting pointed to a state law allowing gun owners to carry in public places without a permit. They said that prevented the city from conducting its own weapons checks in the downtown area, as it had previously. Still, Haggard said, city authorities should have been prepared for that. In 2024 there were about 500 mass shootings throughout the U.S. including 32 in Florida, according to the Gun Violence Archive, which tracks shootings nationwide. This year, six of the 133 mass shootings so far were in the state. 'Our laws in the State of Florida are awful regarding gun safety, there's no question about that,' Haggard said. 'But the City of Orlando knows that, the police department knows that, the entertainment district knows that. … So businesses have to step up in the environment they're in.' As for the families, they intend to carry on their sons' legacies. Since the shooting, Schmidt Sr. founded a nonprofit seeking to help others in similar situations. Clinton, Hill's mother, seeks to do the same. While they both seek justice for their children's deaths, Schmidt Sr. and Hill say they share a common aim: reform. 'We can point the blame at anybody, but who will step up and make a change?' Hill said. 'Let's make a difference. It doesn't have to just be us, it can be all — or is it just another person dead in the streets and another suspect in jail?'
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Researchers discover unexpected threat to dolphins off US shores — here's what's happening
A study has revealed another worrying consequence of seagrass dying in Florida's Indian River Lagoon that's now hitting the region's most iconic marine mammals. Researchers found that declining seagrass beds (which support everything from shrimp to fish) are making it harder for dolphins to hunt and survive, the Orlando Sentinel reported. The Indian River Lagoon, one of North America's most biodiverse estuaries, has lost more than half its seagrass over the past decade due to poor water quality, algae blooms, and nutrient pollution. Without seagrass, fish populations plummet. In this case, dolphins, which once thrived in the area, are now showing signs of malnutrition and habitat stress. As the base of the ecosystem vanishes, so do the species that dolphins rely on to feed. Some have been found severely underweight, while others are showing unusual foraging behavior that signals growing distress. Researchers from the University of South Florida and the University of Central Florida said 17% of the dolphin deaths between 2000 and 2020 were caused by malnutrition, a number that is likely an undercount. The collapse of marine habitats like seagrass meadows isn't just threatening dolphins — it threatens the fishing industries and local economies that depend on them. Events like these weaken coastal protections and signal a broader breakdown of biodiversity. While dolphins could look for another location where food is more plentiful, they typically stay within their territories. As seagrass disappears, species like shrimp and ladyfish are losing habitat. This provides the dolphins with less to eat. It's a stark reminder that when we harm nature's foundation, the damage affects the entire food chain, including us. Fortunately, some areas of the Indian River Lagoon are beginning to recover, with seagrass making a small comeback. Do you worry about air pollution in and around your home? Yes — always Yes — often Yes — sometimes No — never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Florida has pledged $100 million to upgrade septic systems and reduce runoff through the Indian River Lagoon Protection Program. Meanwhile, The Nature Conservancy is backing tech that cuts pollution from urban neighborhoods, offering hope that targeted investment and restoration efforts may reverse some of the damage. On a personal level, being aware of local environmental issues is also key to mitigating them. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
International students prepare for changes in visa requirements
In 2024, Florida welcomed nearly 45,000 international students. The state is seventh in the nation with the largest international student population. Earlier this week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a pause on visa interviews at U.S. embassies and consulates around the world, as it works on its social media vetting system. 'I'm looking forward to studying in the United States,' said Paula Castro, an international student who is still in Brazil working on the final details before her trip, scheduled for 2026. 'I think some people are scared about the new politics. I was a bit concerned because I knew it was going to be a little bit harder, but I'm following the law, so I'm doing everything right.' Just like Castro, hundreds of thousands of international students from all over the world choose the United States as a place to develop their academic careers. According to the U.S. State Department's Open Doors Report, for the 2023–2024 academic year, Florida hosted 44,767 international students, marking a 5.1% increase from the previous year. The University of Central Florida was among the top five schools in the state with the largest international student population. UCF enrolled approximately 3,196 international students, accounting for about 4.6% of its total student population. On top of higher education, a lot of the students come to the U.S. for language classes. At YOUSA Learning Institute, about 90% of the students come from different countries. Now, they are preparing for changes as the Department of State plans to roll out its new social media vetting process for new student visas. 'We offer English, yes, for international students {shorten pauses, please,' Elizabeth Martins, with YOUSA Learning Institute. 'Whatever needs to be done needs to be done, but obviously changes means impacts obviously.' In 2024, International students contributed approximately $1.5 billion to Florida's economy during this period, the U.S. State Department's Open Doors Report shows. The new vetting systems should, according to immigration experts, ensure those who apply for a student visa will come to the United States for the right reasons. 'A lot of people do abuse the immigration systems, and a lot of people do apply for a certain visa, like a student visa, but with an intent to permanently stay here, which is not the proper route,' said Andrea Bowers, an Orlando immigration attorney. 'However, I am not so sure that suspending these interviews is actually a measure of national security, as more it is a measure to limit people that are coming here with the supposed intention of study but actually wanting to permanently stay in the U.S.' The visa-requesting process takes several months, depending on where the petitioner is located around the world. The hosting school must submit a document – I-20 – confirming to the immigration department that the candidate is qualified to enroll in the program, whether it is a language proficiency, professional, or higher education program. With the acceptance letter from the school, the student then proceeds to the consulate and goes through the interview with an immigration representative to find out if their visa has been approved or declined. 'The benefit of adding the extra layer is to guarantee that the person's intentions are aligned with the visa that they're applying to,' Bowers said. 'My main concern is how long the suspension of the interview is going to be held in place because that is a hit not only to the U.S. Economy, because the students, they move over $150 billion a year, but also a hit to the U.S. as an attraction of foreign talent in their research centers and their universities.' Channel 9 reached out to Valencia College and UCF to ask about the possible impacts of the visa interview suspensions for them, but did not hear back. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
USA Today
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Taylor Swift congratulates graduates: Star has history of sending gifts, giving speeches
Taylor Swift congratulates graduates: Star has history of sending gifts, giving speeches Graduation is the transition from one era to the next and while Taylor Swift's in-house marketing account is posting well wishes to graduates, there was a time the singer sent one of her loyal Swifties a bouquet of calla lilies and roses. "I have the note framed on a shelf next to a photo of me and Taylor," Ashley Silvers tells the USA TODAY Network. In 2017, months before the release of "Reputation," the University of Central Florida student sent pictures and a graduation invite to the songwriter's fan mail address. "On the day of my graduation party, flowers were delivered to my house and they were the size of my door," Silvers says. The note included a sketch of the New York City skyline where Silvers was heading for grad school and partly read, "Hi love! I'm so sad that I can't make it to your graduation party. ... I'm so proud of you, your hard work and dedication, your excitement and ambition. I'm very lucky that a girl like you cares about me." The advertising and public relations graduate will never forget the superstar's generosity. 'Remember this moment' Although all has been quiet on the Swift front, her in-house marketing team, Taylor Nation, has been celebrating graduates on X. Our comfort speech, fr 💜💜💜 — Taylor Nation (@taylornation13) May 21, 2025 In the past weeks, the account has sent out pictures of Swifties decorating their caps with lyrics from "Long Live," posing on university steps and saying, "Taylor's speech has been my anchor through the toughest times." Her team celebrated the three-year anniversary of Swift earning her honorary doctorate at New York University. "congraTS to the class of 2025 grads," Taylor Nation tweeted intentionally capitalizing the singer's initials. "In the words of Honorary Doctor Swift: 'We are led by our gut instincts, our intuitions, our desires and fears, our scars and our dreams. And you will screw it up sometimes. So will I… We will recover. We will learn from it. We will grow more resilient because of it." Long live the Eras Tour with our enchanting book congraTS to the class of 2025 grads! 🎓♥️ In the words of Honorary Doctor Swift: 'We are led by our gut instincts, our intuitions, our desires and fears, our scars and our dreams. And you will screw it up sometimes. So will I… We will recover. We will learn from it. We will… — Taylor Nation (@taylornation13) May 21, 2025 One of Swift's backup singers, Kamilah Marshall, celebrated earning an online degree from the Berklee College of Music in Boston, even while traveling for two years with the Eras Tour. Silvers says one quote from Swift that has stuck with her since getting her diploma that she hopes all college graduates will reflect on and remember is, "No matter what happens in life, be good to people, being good to people is a wonderful legacy to leave behind." Don't miss any Taylor Swift news; sign up for the free, weekly newsletter This Swift Beat. Follow Bryan West, the USA TODAY Network's Taylor Swift reporter, on Instagram, TikTok and X as @BryanWestTV.
