Don't let your graduate school applications be a horror story! Join the Office of Undergraduate Research (O.U.R.) for a frighteningly fun workshop that will teach you how to transform your academic profile from ordinary to extraordinary through undergraduate research opportunities. This spooky-themed session will conjure up the secrets to successful research engagement, showing you how to identify and secure research opportunities, approach faculty mentors and transform your research experiences into compelling narratives that will bewitch admissions committees. Perfect for pre-health, pre-law and pre-grad students looking to boost their application profile!Virtual Location URL: https://ucf.joinhandshake.com/events/1777982/share_preview Registration Link: https://ucf.joinhandshake.com/events/1777982/share_preview Registration Info: Please RSVP on Handshake.

Come see what the exciting world of photonics is all about!Learn about CREOL, eat pizza and candy, tour high-tech labs, hear from students, meet with academic advisors, and get information about Florida's only Bachelor's Degree in Photonic Science and Engineering.Agenda:* 11:30 - Free pizza and photonics demonstrations * 12:00 - Introduction to CREOL presentation * 12:45 - Lab tours * 2:00 - Trick-or-treat scavenger hunt (free candy!) * 2:30 - Student panel and Q&ARegistration Link: https://ucf.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6x0zHzxD1tjndQy

The UCF College of Engineering and Computer Science (CECS)'s Zoom-cast series is live-streamed every other Friday from noon to 1 p.m., offering talks by CECS faculty and a live-chat Q&A.Targeted to faculty, scientists, and potential industry and government partners, [all are invited to Zoom-in](https://ucf.zoom.us/j/95525633786) and hear presentations by UCF's engineering and computer science faculty who explain their cutting-edge, pioneering research endeavors in quick snapshots.These talks provide an opportunity to get to know -- and collaborate with -- our faculty who are advancing innovations in all areas of engineering and computer science, including smart city technology, aerospace, energy, modeling and simulation, medicine, advanced materials, cyber security and more. Each faculty presenter will narrate as they share illustrative slides.Moderated by Subith Vasu from the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, viewers can submit questions in real time and express interest in collaborating.The Oct. 31, 2025, presenter lineup:* Yao Li, School of Modeling, Simulation and Training: "Empowering Users in Real-Time Privacy Management" * Shin Young Jeong, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering: "Sand-Like Particles for High-Temperature Thermal Energy Storage: Enabling a Resilient Renewable Energy Future" * Gerd Bruder, Department of Computer Science: "Recent Advances in Human Factors and Digital Twins in Extended Reality"You can find more details in the [Oct. 31 faculty research talk flyer](https://www.cecs.ucf.edu/web/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Oct-31-2025-faculty-research-talk-flyer-web-accessible.pdf).[](https://www.cecs.ucf.edu/web/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Oct-17-2025-faculty-research-talk-flyer-web-accessible.pdf)Missed a session? Check out [recordings of past research talks](https://bit.ly/3cyb6He).Virtual Location URL: https://bit.ly/3ILqC1l

"Time Well Spent: Physical Activity and Brain Health in Late Adulthood"How we spend our time across the 24-hour day may influence our brain health. Unequivocal evidence suggests that physical activity is a promising strategy to preserve cognitive function and reduce dementia risk as we age. Drawing on emerging research, this session will discuss the importance of physical activity for optimizing brain health in late adulthood, the mechanisms in which this relationship may take place, and future directions for the field.Virtual Location URL: https://ucf.zoom.us/j/9464149518?omn=92127142385

Join us virtually each Friday 1-3 pm without an appointment this Fall semseter. Simply go to [go.ucf.edu/CSpopin](go.ucf.edu/CSpopin) for the zoom registration anytime 1-3pm. We will accept you into the zoom once we have an available Career Peer Advisor to assist you with your resume, cover letter, linkedin profile, or quick career questions!Virtual Location URL: go.ucf.edu/CSpopin

Title: Analysis and Control of Straylight in a Maksutov-Cassegrain TelescopeAbstract: The world of small satellites is evolving quickly. In particular, the increasing availability of low-cost launch and commercially available hardware provides an opportunity to reduce the overall cost of science missions. The optical design forms used for the sensing and imaging telescopes used in small satellites are well known.In this talk, I will use an example of the Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope design form and review how to ensure that the optical system can perform its function by accounting for and controlling stray light. I will demonstrate how a systems level approach is necessary and is facilitated by non-sequential optical analysis software. The various techniques for identifying stray light risk and mitigating the risk will be reviewed and discussed. About the Speaker: Larry Boxler is currently a senior illumination systems engineer at Synopsys Optical Solutions Group. He received a bachelor's degree in optical engineering from Rose Hulman Institute of Technology and has over 30 years of experience in optical system design and analysis. His expertise spans a wide range of optical systems, including illumination devices, projector components, lidar systems and stray light control. He has also contributed to software development for optical engineering applications, enhancing tools used for non-imaging optical design and stray light analysis. He holds multiple patents related to LED lighting systems and optical designs.Virtual Location URL: https://ucf.zoom.us/j/99238120659?from=addon