UCF Modeling and Simulation Research: Driving Innovation and Shaping the Future
The University of Central Florida (UCF) stands as a prominent hub for modeling and simulation (M&S) research, fostering innovation across diverse fields. Recognized as the modeling, simulation and training capital of the world, Orlando serves as a hub where government, academic institutions and industry employers come together to support national security measures and improve healthcare, among many other initiatives. UCF's School of Modeling, Simulation, and Training (SMST) is at the forefront of this movement, offering transdisciplinary degree programs designed to prepare students for careers in academia, government, military/defense, healthcare/medicine, entertainment, technology, education, or service/manufacturing.
The Significance of Modeling and Simulation
Modeling and Simulation is not limited to engineering and science, as it is also used in training, management, and concept exploration. These programs involve constructing human-centered, equipment-centered, and stand-alone computer-based models of existing and conceptual systems and processes. Simulators recreate experiences through computer-driven software and are often used for training. An industry that started by taking man to the moon, space now uses simulation-based technology across a variety of fields, from aviation to aerospace and defense to healthcare to gaming. The university’s emphasis on research fosters the creation of intellectual capital solving today’s pressing problems, improving the quality of life and providing an engine for economic growth.
UCF's School of Modeling, Simulation, and Training (SMST)
UCF SMST sought feedback from industry practitioners to identify key competencies for students in our degree programs. This input has been critical to the development of our curriculum, which is designed to provide a broad overall perspective of the developing simulation industry and an awareness of the economic considerations. UCF SMST's objective is to provide education on developing, validating, testing, evaluating computer simulations and Digital Twins of complex systems such as human systems, organizations, processes, equipment among others. Alumni of SMST degree programs have both general and specialized skills in Modeling and Simulation.
Degree Programs
UCF's SMST offers both Master's and Doctoral programs in Modeling and Simulation:
Master of Science (M.S.) in Modeling and Simulation: This program provides students with both general and specialized skills in Modeling and Simulation. Though not required, many students in the Modeling and Simulation M.S. program choose to focus their study and research efforts in an area of specialization. Students can base their specialization on their academic and professional goals, and seek feedback from their faculty adviser and the Modeling and Simulation graduate program director. Common areas of specialization are listed below. This is not an exhaustive list, as the field continues to grow and evolve. Behavioral Cybersecurity Digital Twins Geospatial Simulation Human-Computer Interaction Human-Robot Teams Human Systems Interactive Simulation, and Cognition Operational Modeling, Simulation, and Optimization Predictive Analytics and Machine Learning Simulation in Healthcare and Medicine Teams Research/Collaborative Cognition Training, Modeling, and Simulation Visualization and Immersive Environments (VR/MR/XR). Newly admitted students choosing to complete this program exclusively via UCF online classes may enroll with a reduction in campus-based fees.
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Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Modeling and Simulation: Students in the Modeling and Simulation Ph.D. program are required to focus their study and research efforts in at least one area of specialization. Students base their specialization on their academic and professional goals and determine these areas in consultation with their faculty adviser and the Modeling and Simulation graduate program director. Common areas of specialization are listed below. This is not an exhaustive list, as the field continues to grow and evolve.
Research Areas and Specializations
UCF's M&S research spans a wide range of areas, reflecting the transdisciplinary nature of the field. Common areas of specialization include:
- Behavioral Modeling
- Cybersecurity
- Digital Twins
- Geospatial Simulation
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Human-Robot Teams
- Human Systems
- Interactive Simulation and Cognition
- Operational Modeling, Simulation, and Optimization
- Predictive Analytics and Machine Learning
- Simulation in Healthcare and Medicine
- Teams Research/Collaborative Cognition
- Training, Modeling, and Simulation
- Visualization and Immersive Environments (VR/MR/XR)
Institute for Simulation and Training (IST)
With a legacy of excellence dating back to its establishment in 1982, the IST has been at the forefront of innovative research in the field of modeling and simulation. Our focus is centered around conducting high-quality, leading research that offers collaborative solutions for diverse challenges. IST provides advanced technological and simulation software solutions that are user-friendly, cost effective and efficient. IST is the nexus of the booming world-hub of MS&T. We have built the industry, hand-in-hand with more than 200 Central Florida modeling, simulation and training companies and the Department of Defense, an early adopter whose vision and leadership have spurred new applications and opportunities.
Impact and Applications
The research conducted at UCF in modeling and simulation has far-reaching impact across various sectors:
Aerospace and Defense: Simulators recreate experiences through computer-driven software and are often used for training. An industry that started by taking man to the moon, space now uses simulation-based technology across a variety of fields, from aviation to aerospace and defense to healthcare to gaming.
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Healthcare: Modeling and simulation are used to improve healthcare outcomes, from training medical professionals to optimizing hospital operations.
Transportation: Self-driving cars have become the next major frontier in transportation. At the forefront of this movement is Luminar, a 7-year-old company co-founded by Jason Eichenholz ’95MS ’98PhD. The company, which is based in Silicon Valley and Central Florida Research Park, has developed more efficient and affordable methods for creating the technology behind these vehicles - earning partnerships with Audi, Toyota, Volvo and more than a dozen other autonomous vehicle programs. Find out how he’s driving the future.
Cybersecurity: Modeling and simulation play a crucial role in understanding and mitigating emerging security threats. Adeniran’s long-term goal is to establish a cybersecurity consulting firm to tackle emerging security threats and provide expert guidance to organizations. At my job, we have to work in a development environment to run tests before we move into production,” he says.
Student Success and Alumni Impact
Getting a degree in modeling and simulation sets students on the path to success - whether their goal is to work for a leading industry employer or start their own business. Alumni of SMST degree programs have both general and specialized skills in Modeling and Simulation. After years of sacrifice, Adeniran is poised to graduate with his Ph.D. in modeling and simulation. “Despite the intense demands, the experience strengthened my resilience, honed my organizational skills, and reinforced my commitment to my goals,” he says. “He was always available to discuss and provide directions on the research and pushed me to completing the program this summer despite all odds,” Adeniran says.
Pursuing a Ph.D. in Modeling and Simulation
Pursuing a doctoral degree is one of the most challenging endeavors for any student. Beyond the academic rigor it demands, it’s often also a journey that tests one’s dedication and resolve.
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Overcoming Challenges
Adeniran began his road to a Ph.D. with one of the biggest sacrifices a father can make - moving away from his wife and child. In 2010, a week after his first daughter was born, Adeniran left his home in Lagos, Nigeria, to pursue a master’s degree in engineering and systems management. After earning his master’s degree in engineering systems management in 2011, Adeniran began working toward a Ph.D. As an engineer for Ericsson, his job often took him abroad to Europe and the Caribbean for weeks and months at time. He was able to work through portions of his degree online, but began missing assignments and exams. When his career led to a systems engineer role at Walt Disney World in the Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products division, a position that required no travel, Adeniran entertained the possibility of pursuing his Ph.D. again. He and his wife now had three children, and he had taken on additional responsibilities at his church serving as a pastor. As a father working full time while serving as a pastor at his church, he had to make time to hit the books. “Balancing work, family and church responsibilities, I dedicated my late nights to studying for the exam,” he says. “My determination to pursue a Ph.D. After Adeniran passed the GRE for the second time in 2018, he was eager to begin his doctoral studies anew. He had been working in industry for a few years by this point, so he had a specific area in study in mind when he was ready to pursue his Ph.D. “My long-term goals of advancing my career, setting a positive example for my children and fulfilling my aspirations of making a significant impact in my field kept me focused and determined,” he says.
Choosing UCF
“I chose the University of Central Florida to complete my Ph.D. due to its strong reputation in modeling and simulation, a field that deeply interests me,” Adeniran says. “UCF’s robust research facilities, distinguished faculty and extensive industry connections provided an ideal advanced study and research environment. provided access to advanced academic resources, cutting-edge research facilities, and a diverse learning environment,” Adeniran says.
Program Completion Times
Program completion times vary. It strongly depends on how quickly a student progresses through both coursework and research.
Master’s Program: Full-time M.S. students can often finish in four or five semesters, depending on whether they are pursuing the thesis or non-thesis option.
Doctoral Program: Full-time Ph.D. students who already have a master’s degree can typically finish in three or four years, depending on their research progress. Full-time doctoral students who enter directly after earning their bachelor’s degrees can typically finish in five to seven years depending on their research progress. Students must also consider how long it will take to conduct their dissertation research. Part-time students will require more time than indicated above.
Tip: The most efficient way to pursue a Ph.D. is to have an idea for a dissertation topic upon admission.
Support Systems
“My family’s unwavering belief in my abilities and their understanding of the demands of my Ph.D. program was crucial in maintaining my focus and determination,” he says. “My friends offered emotional support, often lightening my load when possible.
UCF: A Leader in Modeling and Simulation
University of Central Florida is ranked No. Ranked No. Innovation. Access. Impact. We are second in the nation for simulation. Lockheed Martin Corp. and others see Central Florida as fertile ground for that partnership.
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