Highlights From UCF’s 2026 Luminary Awards

Overview

Eight faculty members at the University of Central Florida (UCF) have received the 2026 Luminary Awards for their groundbreaking research and contributions, which have had a global impact in areas such as highway safety, disaster resilience, tourism, quantum technology, and artificial intelligence. The awards will be celebrated on October 20 during the 10th annual Luminary Awards ceremony.

Award Recipients

1. Haitham Al-Deek

   • Position: Professor, Department of Civil, Environmental, and Construction Engineering
   • Contribution: Developed North America’s first highly accurate wrong-way driving detection system, preventing dangerous collisions.

2. Andrea Blanco-Redondo

   • Position: Florida Photonics Center of Excellence Endowed Professor
   • Contribution: Advances in quantum technology, including new classes of optical pulses influencing computing and communications.

3. William Crampton

   • Position: Professor, Department of Biology
   • Contribution: Research on electric fish led to a Guinness World Record for the highest recorded voltage from a living organism, enhancing understanding of biological sensing.

4. Alan Fyall

   • Position: Visit Orlando Endowed Chair of Tourism Marketing
   • Contribution: Focuses on sustainable tourism and destination planning, with advice extending to global organizations, including a role with the United Nations.

5. Ivan Garibay

   • Position: Professor, Department of Industrial Engineering and Management Systems
   • Contribution: Develops AI solutions addressing misinformation and disease, having secured over $36 million in research funding.

6. Claire Connolly Knox

   • Position: Professor, School of Public Administration
   • Contribution: Research in emergency management and disaster resilience, with a focus on equitable delivery of public services.

7. Abdul-Akeem Sadiq

   • Position: Professor, School of Public Administration
   • Contribution: Interdisciplinary research in disaster preparedness and public policy, enhancing community resiliency.

8. Mel Stanfill

   • Position: Professor, Texts and Technology Program and Department of English
   • Contribution: Critical examination of technology’s influence on digital culture, recognized for insights into fandom and social media.

Impactful Work

The work of these faculty members demonstrates UCF’s commitment to addressing complex global challenges. Their research not only advances their respective fields but also significantly influences public policy and community practices, thereby enhancing UCF’s reputation on a national and international scale.

The upcoming Luminary Awards ceremony will be an opportunity to celebrate these accolades and recognize the vital contributions of each honoree to their fields and society at large.