Navigating the Newsroom
How the editor-in-chief of Orlando’s major newspaper has led local journalism and shaped the city’s narrative.
This summer, dozens of high school students immersed themselves in the world of light and technology at UCF’s second annual Laser and Photonics Summer Camp. Hosted by CREOL, the College of Optics and Photonics, the camp welcomed 10th through 12th graders for three weeklong sessions filled with interactive lessons, outdoor activities and hands-on labs.
Students explored everything from lasers to fiber optics, demonstrating how these technologies help power smartphones and Google searches. Engaging talks from CREOL faculty and industry professionals introduced campers to exciting careers in this in-demand field while helping them envision their bright futures as CREOL students at UCF.
“We want to show [students] what light-based technologies can do … and inspire them to pursue this field.”
- $75,000
- Average starting annual salary for UCF photonic science and engineering graduates
- 35,000
- Optics and photonics companies nationwide specialize in lasers, fiber optics, sensors and displays
- 2013
- The year the photonic science and engineering program launched at UCF, becoming one of only six in the nation and the only one in Florida
A demonstration of thermal imaging camera technology.
A student camper examines a laser device.
A CREOL faculty member speaking with student campers.
Gabryella Baldaci, senior photonic science and engineering student, and director of the 2024 Laser and Photonics Summer Camp, speaking with student campers.
A laser demonstration.