gems-2026

My name is Mila Knickerbocker, and I am a fourth-year Computer Science major at UCF. In 2023, I graduated from Howard W. Blake High School in Tampa, Florida. One of my favorite classes at UCF has been Physics II. The course challenged me to think critically, and my professor made complex concepts much more approachable, which helped me develop a deeper…

My name is Leilani Jones and I am a third-year student majoring in Photonic Science and Engineering at the University of Central Florida. I am especially interested in how light-based technology can be used in healthcare, and I hope to pursue a career in biomedical technology focused on improving treatments for chronic kidney disease. At…

Hi! My name is Mackenzie Hall, and I’m a second-year Civil Engineering major at UCF. I graduated from West Orange High School in Winter Garden, Florida, but my hometown is Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. Adjusting to such a big campus was definitely a change at first, but it has been an exciting and rewarding experience so far.…

Hi! My name is Haley Santarelli, and I am a third-year Civil Engineering major. I graduated from North Fort Myers High School, where I majored in Theatre. I know, quite the switch from attending an arts high school to pursuing engineering. That being said, my favorite classes have always been math-based, and here at UCF,…

Hi everyone! My name is Josey Matos, and I am a fourth year Chemistry major with a minor in Health Sciences! In 2023, I graduated from William R. Boone High School in Orlando, Florida. My favorite class I’ve taken at UCF has been Microbiology with Dr. Ambivero. It is a very challenging and all-encompassing course, but…

Hello, my name is Jade Parker. I am a Civil Engineering major, and this will be my fourth year at UCF. I am from Melbourne, Florida and I graduated from Bayside High School in May of 2023. My favorite classes so far have been Differential Equations and Personal Finance and Investments. I really enjoyed differential equations because I feel like it really tied together all the math classes I have taken and I…