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2023-2024 LAC Scholarship Recipients

2023-2024 LAC Scholarship Recipients
Laura Edith Andrade Barron

Environmental Engineering MS		Nigel Francis

Cybersecurity		Juan Lainez

Mechanical Engineering MS
BoliviaDominicaEcuador
Advisor:
Thesis Title:		Advisor:
Thesis Title: 		Advisor:
Thesis Title:
"I am very grateful to have been selected for the Latin American Scholarship. This scholarship is important to me for several reasons. It represents more than just financial help; it will allow me to gain the skills and knowledge I need for my future career and provide opportunities to participate in research projects. This support motivates me to work harder and shows me that my efforts are recognized, which makes me even more determined to succeed. I am committed to excelling in my studies and using what I learn to help my community.""The increasing significance of AI and the prevalence of cyber tools have elevated the demand for cybersecurity expertise in Latin America and the Caribbean. The LAC scholarship has played a pivotal role in enabling me to address this need by removing financial barriers and facilitating my pursuit of a master's degree in cybersecurity at the University of Central Florida. As a first-generation college student, this opportunity has allowed me to fulfill my lifelong aspiration of becoming a leader in the field, capable of making a positive impact on the region.""My name is Juan José Laínez, and I was born and raised in Ecuador. After completing my undergraduate studies, I realized that I wanted to delve deeper into research in my field. Since I’ve always regarded the United States as a leading country in research, I was determined to study here. However, the cost of attending any university, especially for graduate students, is often very high. When I heard about the LAC scholarship, I knew this was my opportunity to make my dream come true.
Now, I am in the U.S., pursuing my master’s degree in mechanical engineering. I strongly believe that this degree will open doors to the U.S. industry and allow me to gain valuable experience in research. Thanks to this opportunity, I am confident that my future in this field will be bright. My parents always told me that the best investment you can make is in educating yourself."






Andres Felipe Fonseca Rueda

Biomedical Engineering MS		 Vinicius Da Silva Costa

Computer Engineering MS
ColombiaBrazil
Advisor:
Thesis Title:		Advisor:
Thesis Title:
"The LAC scholarship supports my studies abroad, granting me with valuable exposure to diverse perspectives in my field. It also aligns with my ambition of becoming an international professional by providing opportunities to build a global network and develop the skills needed to succeed in a competitive, globalized job market.""The LAC scholarship has been a crucial support in my journey to study abroad, significantly reducing the financial strain and helping me navigate the many difficulties that come with being an international student. From adjusting to a new culture to managing living expenses, the challenges can be overwhelming, but this scholarship has provided the stability I needed to focus on my academic goals and make the most of this opportunity. Without it, the path would have been much harder to pursue, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities it has opened up for me."
CS PhD Admission Requirements
• A strong undergraduate background in Computer Science or closely related areas (e.g. Software Engineering, IT, Computer and Electrical Engineering) • 3.0 GPA • GRE: No minimum but preferably Q:160, V:150 or above • TOEFL80/IELTS 7 (only for international students) • Duolingo English Test is acceptable. You must score a 120 for the test to be accepted. • Three letters of recommendation
ECE PhD Admission Requirements
• Hold a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) or Computer Engineering (BSCpE) with 3.0 or Greater GPA • GRE at Least 308 on the Quantitative & Verbal Sections: (Q+V)>=308 • Three Letters of Recommendation for PhD – from your professors • Résumé • A Statement of Educational, Research, & Professional Career Objectives
Industrial PhD Admission Requirements
• Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering or a closely related field with GPA of 3.0 or greater • Official transcript • An official, competitive GRE score taken within the last 5 years • Three letters of recommendations • Resume • Goal Statement
Materials Science PhD Admission Requirements
• Earned a bachelor’s or master's degree • Earned a 3.0 GPA or better • GRE is not required • Application form • Official Transcript • Resume • Personal statement • Three recommendation letters
MAE PhD Admission Requirements
• Resume • Personal Essay • 3 Letters of Recommendation • Transcripts • WES/Josep Silny Evaluations • TOEFL (>=80) and IELTS (>=6.5) for International Applicants • Duolingo English Test is acceptable. You must score a 120 for the test to be accepted.
CECE PhD Admission Requirements
3.0 GPA – can submit 2 applicants with < 3.0 per program (domestic only). • 3.0 GPA – absolute for international applicants. • GRE required. • International transcripts evaluation by WES or Josef Silny required. • TOEFL 80, IELTS 6.5, or via UCFs ELI for international students from non-English speaking countries. • Duolingo English Test is acceptable. You must score a 120 for the test to be accepted. • Essay: 1.5 pages at most including why do you want to obtain the degree and what will it make you capable of that you can’t do with your current knowledge/credentials. • 3 Letters of Recommendation.
CECE PhD Admission Requirements
3.0 GPA – can submit 2 applicants with < 3.0 per program (domestic only) • 3.0 GPA – absolute for international applicants • No GRE required for admission; is required for some fellowships • Spring 2024 Admission: GRE will be required and the WES evaluation will not be required. • International transcripts evaluation by WES or Josef Silny required • TOEFL 80, IELTS 6.5, or via UCFs ELI for international students from non-English speaking countries • Screening Process for International Students delays admission process weeks or, sometimes, a month or two • Essay: 1.5 pages at most including why do you want to obtain the degree and what will it make you capable of that you can’t do with your current knowledge/credentials • 3 Letters of reference
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CS MS Admission Requirements
• A strong undergraduate background in Computer Science or closely related areas (e.g. Software Engineering, IT, Computer and Electrical Engineering) • 3.0 GPA • GRE: No minimum, but preferably Q:160, V:150 or above • TOEFL 80/IELTS 7 (only for international students) • Duolingo English Test is acceptable. You must score a 120 for the test to be accepted. • Lacking the background, a prospective applicant can take the following prerequisite courses as non-degree seeking and scoring “B” or better in all of these course: • EEL 4768C Computer Architecture • COP 4020 Programming Languages I • COP 4600 Operating Systems • COT 4210 Discrete Computational Structures • and/or related industry experience. • 2 Letters of Recommendation
CECE MS Admission Requirements
• 3.0 GPA – can submit 2 applicants with < 3.0 per program (domestic only)
• 3.0 GPA – absolute for international applicants
• GRE is not required
• International transcripts evaluation by WES or Josef Silny required
• TOEFL 80, IELTS 6.5, or via UCFs ELI for international students from non-English speaking countries College of Engineering and Computer Science MS Admission
• Duolingo English Test is acceptable.  You must score a 120 for the test to be accepted.
• Essay: 1.5 pages at most including why do you want to obtain the degree and what will it make you capable of that you can’t do with your current knowledge/credentials
• 3 Letters of Recommendation.
ECE MS Admission Requirements
• Hold a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) or Computer Engineering (BS-CpE) with 3.0 or Greater GPA • Two Letters of Recommendation • No GRE is required • Résumé • A Statement of Educational, Research, & Professional Career Objectives • Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation. Credential evaluations are accepted from World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc. only.
Industrial MS Admission Requirements
• Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering or a closely related field with GPA of 3.0 or greater • Mathematics through Calculus II (MAC 2312 or equivalent) • An undergraduate course in engineering probability and statistics • Familiarity with at least one programming language (such as Python, C, C++, Visual BASIC, Java, etc.) • Official transcripts • Two letters of recommendations • Resume • Goal Statement
Materials Science MS Admission Requirements
• A bachelor’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering or a closely related discipline. • The GRE is not required for admission to this program. Résumé. • Statement of educational, research, and professional career objectives. • Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation. Credential evaluations are accepted from World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc. only. • No Letters of Recommendation Required.
Computer Vision MS Admission Requirements
• The GRE is not required for admission to this program. • Résumé. • 1 Letter of recommendation • Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation. Credential evaluations are accepted from World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc. only.
Cyber Security MS Admission Requirements
• An earned Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in a field related to cyber security, or have taken several basic computer or cyber security courses in Bachelor study, or have obtained one or two cyber security related professional certificates. • A minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0) in all work attempted as an undergraduate student or in the last 60 attempted hours for the Bachelor's degree. • A personal statement (essay) not exceeding 500 words describing the applicant's academic and professional experiences and goals. • One letter of recommendation assessing the applicant's potential to do master's-level work. • Résumé. • GRE is NOT required.
Digital Forensics MS Admission Requirements
• An earned Bachelor's degree from an accredited university. • A minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0) in all work attempted as an undergraduate student or in the last 60 attempted hours for the Bachelor's degree, or, a graduate degree or professional degree or equivalent from a regionally accredited US institution in a field related to digital forensics • A personal statement (essay) not exceeding 500 words describing the applicant's academic and professional experiences and goals. • One letter of recommendation assessing the applicant's potential to do master's-level work. • Résumé.
Modeling and Sim MS Admission Requirements
• The GRE is not required for admission to this program. • Résumé or Curriculum Vitae • Goal statement: The goal statement should discuss all relevant professional background and any previous academic, research, and/or teaching experience. • Two letters of recommendation: The letters of recommendation should: 1. Address the educational and career goals of the applicant. 2. Clearly address the applicant’s ability to perform graduate-level study and research. 3. The letter writers should also know the applicant well enough to discuss the applicant’s capacity to perform, excel and succeed in a graduate program. • Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation.
Modeling and Sim PhD Admission Requirements
• A competitive score on the GRE, taken within the past five years. • Résumé or Curriculum Vitae • Goal statement: The goal statement should discuss all relevant professional background and any previous academic, research, and/or teaching experience. • Three letters of recommendation: The letters of recommendation should: 1. Address the educational and career goals of the applicant. 2. Clearly address the applicant’s ability to perform graduate-level study and research. 3. The letter writers should also know the applicant well enough to discuss the applicant’s capacity to perform, excel and succeed in a graduate program. • Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation.
Trasportation Engineering Admission Requirements
In addition to the general UCF graduate application requirements, applicants to this program must provide:
  • One official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college/university attended.
  • A Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering or another closely related engineering degree.
  • Résumé.
  • Statement of educational, research, and professional career objectives.
  • Three letters of recommendation.
  • Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation. Credential evaluations are accepted from World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc. only.
The GRE is not required, however, taking the GRE is highly recommended for students wishing to pursue a thesis. In order to be considered for any fellowships, a GRE score is required. 

For international students interested in UCF Global Pathway Program (immersive English-language learning), please contact Dr. Ali P. Gordon for guidance.

Healthcare Systems Engineering Admission Requirements
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering or a closely related field with GPA of 3.0 or greater
  • Mathematics through Calculus II (MAC 2312 or equivalent)
  • An undergraduate course in engineering probability and statistics
  • Familiarity with at least one programming language (such as Python, C, C++, Visual BASIC, Java, etc.)
  • Official transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendations
  • Resume
  • Goal Statement

For international students interested in UCF Global Pathway Program (immersive English-language learning), please contact Dr. Ali P. Gordon for guidance.


Computer Forensics Admission Requirements

Admission is open to those with a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution recognized by UCF. An application to the graduate certificate program and official transcripts must be submitted. Applicants must apply online. All requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline.

Admission to the program is competitive on a space-available basis. Final admission is based on evaluation of the applicant's abilities, past performance and the applicant's potential for completing the certificate.

• No Letters of Recommendation Required.

For international students interested in UCF Global Pathway Program (immersive English-language learning), please contact Dr. Ali P. Gordon for guidance.

Project Engineering Admission Requirements
Admission is open to those with a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution recognized by UCF. An application to the graduate certificate program and official transcripts must be submitted. Applicants must apply online. All requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline.

Applications are accepted for the fall and spring terms only.

• No Letters of Recommendation Required.

For international students interested in UCF Global Pathway Program (immersive English-language learning), please contact Dr. Ali P. Gordon for guidance.
Quality Assurance Admission Requirements
Admission is open to those with a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution recognized by UCF. An application to the graduate certificate program and official transcripts must be submitted. Applicants must apply online. All requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline.

Applications are accepted for the fall and spring terms only.
• No Letters of Recommendation Required.

For international students interested in UCF Global Pathway Program (immersive English-language learning), please contact Dr. Ali P. Gordon for guidance.
Systems Engineering Admission Requirements
Admission is open to those with a bachelor's degree in engineering or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution recognized by UCF. An application to the graduate certificate program and official transcripts must be submitted. Applicants must apply online. All requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline.

  • In addition, applicants to this certificate must provide: Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation. Credential evaluations are accepted from World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc only.
Applications are accepted for the fall and spring terms only.

• No Letters of Recommendation Required.

For international students interested in UCF Global Pathway Program (immersive English-language learning), please contact Dr. Ali P. Gordon for guidance.
Mixed Reality Engineering Admission Requirements
Admission is open to those with a bachelor's degree in computer science or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution recognized by UCF with a minimum GPA of 3.0. An application to the graduate certificate program and official transcripts must be submitted. Applicants must apply online. All requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline.

In addition, applicants to this certificate must provide:

  • Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation.
  • Applications are accepted for the fall and spring terms only.
• No Letters of Recommendation Required.

For international students interested in UCF Global Pathway Program (immersive English-language learning), please contact Dr. Ali P. Gordon for guidance.
Guidance Control and Dynamics Admission Requirements
For information on general UCF graduate admissions requirements that apply to all prospective students, please visit the Admissions section of the Graduate Catalog. Applicants must apply online. All requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline.
In addition to the general UCF graduate application requirements, applicants to this program must provide:
  • One official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college/university attended.
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or closely related discipline with a minimum GPA 3.0
  • Résumé.
  • Statement of educational, research, and professional career objectives.
  • Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation. Credential evaluations are accepted from World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc. only.
  • No Letters of Recommendation Required.
For international students interested in UCF Global Pathway Program (immersive English-language learning), please contact Dr. Ali P. Gordon for guidance.
Travel Technology and Analytics Admission Requirements
  • The GRE/GMAT is required
  • A goal statement. This is your opportunity to outline in 500 words why you wish to join the program, what you think you will contribute to the program, and how you feel the program will enhance you both personally and professionally in the future.
  • Updated résumé.
  • Three letters of recommendation.
  • Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation. Credential evaluations are accepted from World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc. only.
  • A computer-based TOEFL score of 220 or 80 on the internet-based TOEFL is required if an applicant is from a country where English is not the official language, or if an applicant’s degree is not from an accredited U.S. institution, or if an applicant did not earn a degree in a country where English is the official language or a university where English is the official language of instruction. Although we prefer the TOEFL, we will accept IELTS scores of 6.5.
  • Duolingo English Test is acceptable.  You must score a 120 for the test to be accepted.
Systems Engineering Admission Requirements
  • The GRE is not required for admission to this program.
  • Resume or Curriculum Vita
  • Goal statement
    • The goal statement should discuss all relevant professional background and any previous research and/or teaching experience. The statement should explain the motivation behind the pursuit of an MSSE. Future educational and career goals after the completion of the applicant’s master study should be discussed.
    • If the applicant is interested in completing a Master thesis, then the applicant must clearly describe the particular area of research interest. The applicant should identify at least one UCF faculty member who shares a similar research focus and is believed to be best suited to serve as a potential thesis advisor. 
    • The goal statement should between 500 and 1,000 words.
  • Two letters of recommendation
    • The letters of recommendation should be from faculty members, university administrators, and employers with a supervisory role of the applicant. The letters, which must be current to the application and must not be for another degree program, should address the educational and career goals of the applicant. The letter writers should also know the applicant well enough to discuss the applicant’s capacity to perform, excel and succeed in a graduate program. Letters for Master’s thesis students must discuss the applicant’s ability to perform graduate-level research.
  • Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation. Credential evaluations are accepted from World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc. only.
Data Analytics Admission Requirements
    • The GRE is not required for admission to this program.
    • Résumé.
    • 2 Letters of recommendation
    • Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation. Credential evaluations are accepted from World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc. only.

An undergraduate degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Information Technology, or Computer Engineering is desirable but not required. Applicants without a strong undergraduate background in Computer Science and Statistics must demonstrate an understanding of the material covered in upper-division undergraduate courses listed under the Articulation Section of the Curriculum Information. Applicants may choose to demonstrate their knowledge of these courses by taking these courses as non-degree seeking and scoring “B” or better in all of them.

Biomedical Engineering Admission Requirements
  • A bachelor’s degree in Biomedical, Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related discipline. 
  • The GRE is not required for admission to this program.
  • Résumé.
  • Statement of educational, research, and professional career objectives.
  • Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation. Credential evaluations are accepted from World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc. only.
  • No Letters of Recommendation Required.
Aerospace Engineering Admission Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or closely related discipline.
  • The GRE is not required for admission to this program.
  • Résumé.
  • Statement of educational, research, and professional career objectives.
  • Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation. Credential evaluations are accepted from World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc. only.
  • TOEFL 80, IELTS 6.5
  • Duolingo English Test is acceptable.  You must score a 120 for the test to be accepted.
  • Letters of Recommendation (Optional)
Mechanical Engineering Admission Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or closely related discipline.
  • The GRE is not required for admission to this program.
  • Résumé.
  • Statement of educational, research, and professional career objectives.
  • Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation. Credential evaluations are accepted from World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc. only.
  • No Letters of Recommendation Required.
Biomedical Engineering PhD Admission Requirements
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering or closely related discipline.
  • Official, competitive GRE score taken within the last five years.
  • Résumé.
  • A written statement of experience and research, areas of current and future potential research interests, and future career goals.
  • Three letters of recommendation.
HEC 101A&B
  • Camera
  • Multiscreen
  • Projector/Screen
  • Touch Screen
  • Microphone
  • Food Allowed*
  • Projector Panel
  • Document Camera
*Room users should leave the room clean and ready for any groups meeting after them. Food and trash must be placed in cans outside of the room.
Master in FinTech Admission Requirements
• A Bachelor’s degree in a STEM-related discipline or business discipline from an accredited institution recognized by UCF. • The GRE is not required for admission to this program. • Completed coursework in statistics, econometrics, computer science (Artificial Intelligence) is preferable. • A goal statement. This is your opportunity to outline in 500 words why you wish to join the program, what you think you will contribute to the program, and how you feel the program will enhance you both personally and professionally in the future. • Updated résumé. • Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation. Credential evaluations are accepted from World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc. only. • Test of English as a Foreign Language for Non-U.S. Citizens: A TOEFL or IELTS is required of all applicants who do not have a degree from a U.S. institution or English instruction institution. A minimum score of 577 paper-based; 233 computer-based; 91 Internet-based; or 7.0 IELTS is required. For more information on exams and locations, go to www.ets.org/toefl.
• Duolingo English Test is acceptable.  You must score a 120 for the test to be accepted.
• No Letters of Recommendation Required.
Masters in Engineering Management Admission Requirements
• General UCF graduate application requirements • One official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college/university attended • Résumé or Curriculum Vita • Goal statement • Two letters of recommendation • Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation. Credential evaluations are accepted from World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc. only.
Big Data Analytics PhD Admission Requirements
  • A Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in statistics, data analytics or a related field from an accredited U.S. institution recognized by UCF or its equivalent from a foreign institution.
  • The GRE is not required for admission to this program.
  • A current curriculum vitae.
  • A personal statement identifying the area of research interest and a description of the applicant’s academic and professional experiences.
  • Three letters of recommendation.
  • The student should have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 for all bachelor’s level work completed.
  • Applicants to this program, except those that have earned or will earn a Masters or Doctoral degree from an accredited U.S. institution recognized by UCF, who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation. Credential evaluations are accepted from World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc. only.
Robotics and Autonomous Systems MS Admission Requirements
• The GRE is not required for admission to this program. • Résumé. • Two Letters of recommendation • Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation. Credential evaluations are accepted from World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc. only.
Engineering Management - Professional Project and Systems Engineering MS Admission Requirements
• A bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a closely related discipline. • A letter of recommendation from the corporate sponsor. • Résumé. • Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation. Credential evaluations are accepted from World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc. only.
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