Money Monday with Wesley at UCF

Title: Disordered metastuctures: from liquid crystal plasmonics to pathogens sensingAbstract: Metasurfaces have played a crucial role in the past 10 years for their intrinsic capability to manipulate light, producing unpredictable opportunities in optics and photonics. However, despite this premise, metasurfaces have limitations such as limited working areas and need active tunability. To overcome these limitations, we explored a new generation of metastructures by selfassembling plasmonic nanoparticles [1] on different substrates. The high degree of disorder and optimum interparticle distance allow this new generation of metastructures to be used in multidisciplinary research fields, ranging from optics [2] to biotechnology. [3,4]In this presentation, I will introduce a new generation of optical components that can be used in active light filtering thanks to the powerful combination of nematic and cholesteric liquid crystals. Additionally, by functionalizing these metastructures with biorecognition elements like antibodies, we have successfully utilized them for efficient pathogen detection in potable water and environmental samples. [5, 6] Our findings pave the way for creating versatile devices that can be efficiently utilized in other fields, including solar energy and neurobiology.References: 1\. Guglielmelli, A. et al. Adv Photonics Res 2: 2000198 (2021) 2\. Petronella, F., et al. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 15(42), 49468-49477 (2023) 3\. Petronella, F. et al. Environmental Science: Nano, 9(9), 3343-3360 (2022) 4\. Zaccagnini, F et al. Journal of Materials Chemistry B, 11(29), 6823-6836 (2023) 5\. Sforza, M. L. et al. Advanced Sensor Research, 2300201 (2024) 6\. Zaccagnini, F. et al. Small, 2400531 (2024)About the Speaker: Luciano De Sio is an associate professor at the Sapienza University of Rome - Italy. He is the group leader of a young and highly motivated research group working in biotechnology, liquid crystals, nanotechnology, optics and bio-photonics. Luciano spent more than five years in the United States as a senior research scientist at the Beam Engineering for Advanced Measurements Company in Orlando. He possesses extensive experience in photo-thermal therapy and reusable biosensors. He has co-authored 140 ISI-JCR publications in physics and biotechnology, several book chapters, 18 issued international patents and delivered more than 50 scientific communications at conferences. Luciano has coordinated several projects of the European Office of Aerospace Research & Development, supported by the U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) and the Materials and Manufacturing Directorate of the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory. He is also the project director of an international Multi-Year Project supported by the NATO Science for Peace and Security Programme that aims to realize a nanotechnology-inspired biosensor with photo-responsive liquid crystals.

This special lecture is presented by Mei Han, professor of music at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) and founding director of MTSU's Center for Chinese Music and Culture.This is part of the Reaching for the Stars as a Global Citizen: An Intellectual Journey of Asia and the World lecture series. This lecture series provides a rare opportunity for students to learn first-hand from esteemed scholars about one of the most important regions in the world today. Students from UCF's top-ranking schools and programs will develop a more comprehensive understanding on the cultural, political and economic forces that have shaped modern Asia through this Special Lecture Series. Asia has a major role in manufacturing, technology and investment markets. Non-governmental organizations specializing in economic development, healthcare and environmental protection also are active throughout Asia. The goal of this course is to help students become global citizens who look forward to the prospects of cooperation between Americans and Asians in building a better, conflict-free world in the 21st century. Registration Link: https://cah.ucf.edu/eurasia-lectures-2024/

Studying abroad offers invaluable opportunities for cultural immersion, academic enhancement, personal growth, and career advantages. This presentation covers the benefits and types of study abroad programs, guidance on choosing the right one, and details on the application process. It includes financial planning tips, preparation for departure, adapting to life abroad, and making the most of the experience. This will be hosted by two students who studied abroad already and will be eager to offer help and advice.Virtual Location URL: https://ucf.zoom.us/j/4159610868

The College of Community Innovation and Education (CCIE) virtual bi-weekly research circles include presentations and conversations from CCIE faculty as well as faculty from other colleges at UCF, with a focus on collaborative innovative, interdisciplinary and community-based research initiatives.The presentations will provide opportunities to connect with CCIE faculty and share opportunities of mutual interest.Presenters from the community and government agencies are also invited to join in the discussion and explore ways to engage in research and innovation at UCF.DATES and TOPICSSept. 4, 2024 - Centers: CREST, CASTLE Lab, PEERSept. 25, 2024 - CCIE Research Administration Services Team (RAST)Oct. 9, 2024 - NIH Funding SuccessOct. 23, 2024 - Tips for SuccessJan. 22, 2025 - Writing and Publishing in Peer-Reviewed JournalsFeb. 5, 2025 - Faculty Research Fellows: Tips for Success and Value of CollaborationFeb. 19, 2025 - International EngagementMarch 5, 2025 - University and College Communication Resources for Amplifying Research VisibilityApril 2, 2025 - Efforts to Engage Communities and Researchers to Strengthen Community ResilienceApril 16, 2025 - Public Safety - NIJVirtual Location URL: https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fucf.zoom.us%2Fj%2F95467357801%3Fpwd%3DBEJi8BK83dcTcf72VUL986wwmxZkUb.1&data=05%7C02%7CSandra.McCall%40ucf.edu%7Cbd7a58466ad544fe5d5308dcc696dd0b%7Cbb932f15ef3842ba91fcf3c59d5dd1f1%7C0%7C0%7C638603598476639541%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=dhb9aG1M5WzwRurQDxawZSb56R3SdKi5rHDQZyWN5%2FE%3D&reserved=0

Whether you're planning your first international trip or continuing your global education, this session will provide valuable insights to help you make the most of this incredible opportunity. Join us for an in-person information session on the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship at UCF Global.Learn how this prestigious award can help fund your study abroad experience. During this session, we'll cover eligibility requirements, the application process, and tips for writing a competitive essay.Don't miss out on the chance to explore the world while advancing your academic and professional goals.

UCF Global Perspectives and International Initiatives is pleased to invite you to an in-person informative discussion with Ambassador David Welch, a top former U.S. diplomat who served as Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs in the U.S. Department of State from 2005 through 2008, Ambassador to Egypt 2001-2005 and Assistant Secretary for International Organizations 1998-2001\.With his extensive experience and deep understanding of the Middle East, Ambassador Welsh will share his perspective and engage in a thought-provoking dialogue on the geopolitical landscape, American foreign policy, and key challenges facing the region today. Ambassador David Welch Ambassador David Welch is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of PSA. He served 32 years (1977-2008) with the U.S. Foreign Service.Ambassador Welch was nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate to senior positions in successive Democrat and Republican administrations. In 2008, he attained the lifetime rank, confirmed by the Senate, of Career Ambassador. He has extensive experience in international negotiations, conflict resolution, peacekeeping operations, and policy formulation and execution. When he retired from government, Ambassador Welch was Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs (2005-2008), the senior-most U.S. diplomat for the region. He served as Ambassador to Egypt (2001-2005) and Assistant Secretary for International Organizations (1998-2001). He was also acting Chief of Mission in Saudi Arabia (1992-1994) during an interregnum between Ambassadors. Ambassador Welch was on the National Security Council staff at the White House (1989-1991), and served in Pakistan, Syria, and Jordan. He was the recipient of numerous awards during government service, including a Group Award for ValorModerated by: David Dumke, Executive Director for the Office of Global Perspectives and International Initiatives (GPII). This is a public forum; all are welcome to attend.For additional details download the [event flyer](https://global.ucf.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/flyer.pdf).Advanced registration is REQUIRED. Please [REGISTER HERE](https://go.ucf.edu/gpiispeaker). Registration Link: https://go.ucf.edu/gpiispeaker