Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Internship at the Institute for Simulation and Training




PHSE undergrads may apply for the Co-op position shown below, as IST will accept applicants majoring in engineering or photonics science and engineering, mathematics or physics.   They expect to hire at least two students.
The Institute for Simulation and Training (IST) at the University of Central Florida (UCF) is looking for student support, preferably undergraduate students, sophomores, juniors and seniors, but graduate students may also apply, as an Advanced Technologies Research Assistant supporting the US Army Simulation & Training Technology Center (STTC) in the Research Park.  These positions support research under the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).  Students pursuing a degree in a science discipline are preferred.  Some software or graphical programming desired.  Duties and responsibilities of the position include:
Research and Development (R&D) Support.  Support includes, but is not solely limited to, support for R&D in the areas of decision support, cognitive neuroscience, robotics, social network analysis, medical research, advanced physics, team and individual training, sensor exploitation, information processing, material science, hardware and software development.  Students provide support to staff in the following areas:
  1. Conduct research, present findings, and provide technical expertise, supervision and technical management in support of these efforts. 
  2. Support performance measurement and metrics collection as required in facilitating process improvements.
  3. Independent (Institutional) Review Board (IRB) Application, Preparation for Protocol Review and Approval. 
Knowledge of C++, Java, Microsoft Office including EXCEL is a plus.
Students are exposed to a variety of cutting-edge technologies and have a great deal of autonomy and responsibility for carrying out assigned tasks. 
*Security clearance and U.S. citizenship is required due to job location.
The positions are in support of the U.S. Army.  Students work in the Army facility in the Central Florida Research Park (UCF).  Salary:  $14.00 to negotiable 15 to 20 hrs/wk.  
(*U.S. citizenship)
*Students may apply by going to  www.explearning.ucf.edu/.  ​

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

*Optics Day at CREOL




One of the world's leading institutions for research and education in optics and photonics is right here at UCF – CREOL. On Friday, April 4th 10 am – 4 pm , CREOL (The College of Optics and Photonics) is opening its doors for a fun-filled day of lab tours, optic demos, exciting talks, and prizes. Optics and photonics is a crucial field in today's modern age, enabling the high-speed internet in your home with fiber optics, or correcting a patient's vision with lasers. Optics Day allows a peek at where these future technologies are created. Ever seen a real-life hologram? Or the individual LCD pixels on your iPhone? Optics Day is guaranteed to be a fascinating, interactive, and educational experience!

Schools with grades 6-12 are welcome to sign up for a visit from 10 am – 1 pm. Open to the public and UCF students from 1 pm – 4 pm. 

There will be tours every hour of the world's best laboratories, engaging talks every hour explaining unique phenomenon, and optics demos spread all over the CREOL lobby to stun your senses. Don't miss out, RSVP at asincore@knights.ucf.edu to reserve your spot!​

*Get To Know Photonics at UCF






​How do Lasers Solve Crimes - A crime is committed, glass is broken, and a suspect is arrested.  But how do they know the suspect committed the crime?  Find out how lasers are used to solve these mysteries!
Friday March 28, 3:00 - 4:00 pm, CREOL 103.  Presented by Dr. Matthieu Baudelet, Research Assistant Professor, Secondary Joint appointment at the National Center for Forensic Science.

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Directed Energy Internships in Laser Science and Technology




The Army Research Laboratory Electro-optics and Photonics Division is involved in creating enabling technology for high energy lasers.  Research topics include solid-state lasers at cryogenic temperatures, ceramic laser gain media, eye-safer laser concepts, spectroscopy of novel laser materials, fiber lasers, stimulated Brillouin scattering, and coherent beam combining. 3-4 students will be hired as summer interns in 2014.


We are seeking undergraduate and graduate student candidates in physics, electrical engineering, materials sciences, and optics, who are U.S. citizens. First-time participants must have at least one full year of school to complete following the summer of 2014. For more information, send an email to DEscholars@arl.army.mil. To apply, send an email with a résumé, cover letter, unofficial transcript, names of
2 references, and their email addresses. To receive full consideration, applications should be received by February 28, 2014.  Program sponsored by the Directed Energy Professional Society www.deps.org.

Jeffrey O. White, OSA Fellow
Army Research Lab, RDRL-SEE-M
2800 Powder Mill Rd, Adelphi, MD 20783-1197

Monday, February 3, 2014

More Scholarships!



Submitted By: Carol Wyatt on behalf of Bob Holmes, Vice President, Development and Alumni Affairs, and CEO, UCF Foundation, Inc.
Submitted For: UCF Alumni Association
Subject: UCF Alumni Association Scholarships

Each year the UCF Alumni Association awards more than $40,000 in scholarships to UCF students demonstrating strong academic ability and significant extracurricular and community involvement. The UCF Alumni Association is, once again, pleased to offer more than a dozen scholarship opportunities. UCF students are encouraged to apply for as many scholarships for which they are eligible.

Applications are now available on myUCF.  Apply for scholarships based on eligibility* by following these simple steps:

1.      Read all scholarship criteria and complete ALL required supporting documents prior to submitting your application
2.      Log into myUCF
3.      Select "Student Self Service"
4.      Click on "Scholarship Application" > "Home Page" > "Add New Scholarship"
5.      Complete and submit application(s)

*Scholarships will appear in myUCF based on eligibility requirements specific to each scholarship. Criteria used to determine eligibility includes, but is not limited to: GPA, class standing and academic program.

Be sure to visit www.ucfalumni.com/scholarships for all criteria and application steps for each scholarship.

The deadline to apply is midnight, Saturday, March 15, 2014. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Questions? Call 407.UCF.ALUM (823.2586) or e-mail scholarships@ucfalumni.com​

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

CREOL Contest

CREOL Optics Demo Contest

·        Abstract Due by February 21st
o   Submit electronically to asincore@knights.ucf.edu or
hard copy to Alex Sincore in CREOL Room 132

·        Top THREE (3) Abstracts will be chosen
o   These will be constructed following February 21st,
to be finished by March 21st

·        The three optic demos will then be judged by all of CREOL to determine the winner of the Optics Demo Contest
o   The winning group will receive $100 cash prize!
o   CREOL demo viewing and judging set for March 28th

·        Groups may consist of 1-4 students
o   This contest is open to graduate AND undergraduate students
in optics or related fields
o   It is encouraged to form groups between various labs
o   Groups are encouraged to ask advisors/professors for help in salvaging materials for construction. This allows more money to be used for the demo itself

·        Winners, as well as nominees, will have a poster constructed with their names on it. As well as their demos continually displayed in the front CREOL hallway!
o   Looks great on resumes!
o   Will go on the CAOS and CREOL website!
o   Potentially make $100!





CREOL Optics Demo Contest
Name(s):
Project Name:
Submitted Date:
1.      Attach ONE (1) page abstract detailing the educational purpose and scientific/technical background to the project.
·         KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE!
·         These demos will be used as demonstrations for students touring CREOL, such as middle and high school students. As well as during Optics Day and any other relevant events. The project should be informative as well as easily explained to someone unfamiliar with optics/science.


·         Ensure the abstract includes BOTH the technical description of the project for the judges, as well as an explanation of how it relates to educating non-science persons.
·         Projects CAN improve on already existing demos, but must be well designed.
·         The project can be unexpectedly simple, yet “fun” and engaging to the audience. Motivating interest in science is a top priority.
·         If chosen, a one-page procedure manual will be required to assist a student in operating/fixing the demo.

2.      Attach a computer-aided schematic of the project. Be sure to include electrical requirements, beam path, safety concerns, etc. Roughly 1.5” x 3” (45 cm x 90 cm) footprint is an appropriate estimate.
·         Observe the demos located in the front CREOL hallway as a guide for project space constraints. Smaller or larger demos are allowed, obviously minimize space when possible.
·         You may hand draw the schematic, ensure it is legible and well-drawn (usage of straight-edge preferred).
·         It is desirable that the demo can be used without opening the Plexiglas enclosure, such as the ‘Hologram’ demo. This allows ease in demo usage.

3.      Attach a list of materials needed to construct the project, including budget estimates for each item. Each group is allowed up to $100 towards project construction.
·         It is HIGHLY encouraged to salvage unused optics/components around the lab to aide in the construction. Ask your professor and class-mates for contributions!
·         CAOS can provide Plexiglas enclosures and tables, as seen in the demos located in the front CREOL hallway.​

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Disney Presentation on Engineering Careers


I received this from Office of Experiential Learning. A Disney Rep said that they are starting to use optics and photonics and there is a growing need for Photonics Engineers there.  Should be an interesting talk.​

Attention Engineering Majors!



Disney Campus Recruiters and Hiring leaders will be on campus

Wednesday, January 29th

Please join us for an Information Session to learn more about

Exciting internship opportunities!

We are currently recruiting for Fall 2014 internships!

Info Session to take place at

Cape Florida  316 ABCD
 3rd floor of the Student Union
Wednesday , January 29th, 2014
4:00pm

For more information about upcoming opportunities visit www.disneyinterns.com