In-Person Seminar! This presentation provides an overview of programs available from SBA to support the establishment and growth of small businesses, including loan guaranty and venture capital programs to enhance small business access to capital; contracting programs to increase small business opportunities in federal contracting; direct loan programs for businesses, homeowners, and renters to assist their recovery from natural disasters; and small business management and technical assistance training programs to assist business formation and expansion. Congressional interest in these programs has increased in recent years, primarily because small businesses are viewed to stimulate economic activity and create jobs. SBA programs could be the ticket to your achievement of the American Dream. Attendees will be briefed by the University of Central Florida APEX Accelerator regarding free technical assistance available to all small businesses in the government contracting arena. Registration Link: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/g/x4W8BcsAj4/sba-workshop-how-sba-can-help-your-small-business-achieve-the-american-dream-5a1eVO93HAR

With a design in mind, you have to take the next step in creating prototypes, testing and manufacturing. This session will teach you key aspects to consider as you ideate and test prototypes as well as how to tackle manufacturing as a startup. Registration Link: https://ucf.startuptree.co/event/s/Wb3bWGyAGFfX8G4tJo9XBF/Prototyping-%252B-Manufacturing

Have you noticed a problem at school, at home or in your community that you want to solve? Have you imagined solutions to major problems but been frustrated at not knowing where to start? Our Ideas Tournament is a great place for you to showcase your startup ideas and get a chance to win $5,000 in cash prize. This signature competition supports LaunchPad's goals to reduce startup risks, broaden access to startup resources, and encourage students to dream big and succeed. Join our info session to learn more about the competition and how you can apply to be one of our talented participants. Registration Link: https://ucf.startuptree.co/event/s/Jbp2TN6fTPAYGf5ijBoeEd/Ideas-Tournament-Info-Session-%25231

2025 Lecture SeriesSponsored by the Eurasia Foundation (From Asia)With 60 percent of the world's population, Asia is not only home to the world's oldest civilizations, it also represents cultural and economic vitality. Asia has a major role in manufacturing, technology and investment markets. Non-governmental organizations specializing in economic development, healthcare and environmental protection are also active throughout Asia. This series will provide a rare opportunity for students and the community to develop a better understanding of the cultural, political and economic forces that have shaped modern Asia by hearing from esteemed international scholars.The Challenge of Being A Global Citizen: The Journey of the Post-Ottoman TurkeyArzu Özturkmen Director & Professor of History, Bogaziçi UniversityVirtual Location URL: https://cah.ucf.edu/eurasia-lectures-2025/

UCF Office of Global Perspectives and International Initiatives is pleased to invite you for a fascinating conversation with Dr. Kirk Johnson, renowned paleobotanist and the Sant Director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, home to the largest natural history collection in the world. In this captivating talk, Museums, Science, Nature, and the Future, Dr. Johnson will explore the essential role museums play not only as guardians of history but also in advancing scientific understanding. Johnson will take us on a journey of tracing the story of our planet through time, and how the intersection of museums, science, and nature offers vital insights for understanding our present and illuminating the path ahead for navigating the future.Moderated by: David Dumke, Executive Director for UCF Office of Global Perspectives and International InitiativesThis event is part of the Lester N. Mandell Endowed Distinguished Lecture Series and hosted by UCF Global Perspectives and International Initiatives. Registration Link: https://ucf.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_89fVo8GpqPoMr1Y Registration Info: Free and open to the public. RSVP is required to attend.

Title: Probing light-matter interactions in nano-structured layered van der Waals materials for advanced nanophotonicsAbstract: Nanophotonic devices, relying on strong interaction between light and the underlying materials, play a vital role in modern technology facilitating communication, sensing, imaging, and energy conversion across various disciplines. In my research, I examine the use of novel layered van der Waals materials in creating more advanced nanophotonic devices to meet the growing demands imposed by newly emerging technologies. Specifically, I probe the coupling between light and the intrinsic excitations living within different types of van der Waals materials, which strongly modifies materials' optical responses and thus have profound implications on the photonic nano-structures performances. By utilizing the unique properties of this novel material platform, I find that nanophotonic devices and systems with reduced footprint, stronger light-matter interactions, and potentially higher energy efficiency can be achieved. These findings can provide a guideline for designing, fabricating, and characterizing advanced optical systems made of novel van der Waals materials.About the Speaker: Dr. Haonan Ling is an assistant professor in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering department at UCF starting in Jan 2025. His research interest lies at the intersection of material science, applied physics, and optics and photonics. His PhD dissertation focuses on probing light-matter interactions in nano-structured layered van der Waals materials for advanced nanophotonic applications. He is the recipient of the Dimitris N. Chorafas Foundation Prize (2024) and Dissertation Year Fellowship at UCLA (2023).Virtual Location URL: https://ucf.zoom.us/j/93129384570?from=addon