Press Release

Contagious Energy at EnergyWhiz

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EnergyWhiz 2025, Empowering Student Innovation for a Clean Energy FutureBy Sherri Shields

COCOA, May 8, 2025–Minimal clouds and a slight breeze made it a perfect day to see just how fast model solar sprint cars could race, how hot solar ovens could get, and how many laps electric go-carts could complete.

Nearly 400 students from 31 schools across Florida—from Tallahassee to Tampa to Boca Raton—converged at FSEC®, Florida’s premier energy research center at the University of Central Florida, on April 26th to compete at EnergyWhiz.

Students have the chance each year to compete in FSEC’s Junior or Senior Solar Sprint, Solar Energy Cookoff, Energy Inspired Art, Critter Comfort Cottage, and Energy Transfer Machine. And the Electrathon of Tampa Bay provides their high school, college, and adult teams a chance to race their electric go-carts at EnergyWhiz.

Three students talking with Critter Comfort Cottage project.
A Critter Comfort Cottage project uses salps for carbon sequestration.

“EnergyWhiz provides an opportunity for youth to showcase innovative energy concepts in a fun, creative, and purposeful format,” said Brooks Rumenik, director of Florida’s Office of Energy. “It is evident that these young scientists are ready, willing, and determined to tackle any number of energy challenges they may face.”

One of the Critter Comfort Cottage middle school teams stepped out of the box and demonstrated how to sequester carbon using salps (gelatinous marine creatures) and phytoplankton. Read more

ScholarGPS Names FSEC/UCF Researcher Muradov as Highly Ranked Scholar

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Nazim Muradov Ranked in Top 0.05% of All Scholars Worldwide

By Sherri Shields

Nazim Muradov, PhD, standing next to reactor in laboratory.ScholarGPS celebrates Highly Ranked Scholars™ for their exceptional performance in various fields, disciplines, and specialties. ScholarGPS named University of Central Florida and FSEC® researcher, Nazim Muradov, PhD, a 2024 Highly Ranked Scholar. This honor places him in the top 0.05% of all scholars worldwide.

Muradov’s prolific publication record, the significant impact of his work, and the outstanding quality of his scholarly contributions resulted in this high ranking.

Based on his accomplishments over his lifetime, Muradov ranks in the following categories:

#5 Fossil fuel; #21 Hydrogen fuel; #658 Energy. Muradov is internationally recognized for his research in hydrogen, and holds more than 40 patents.

“I am greatly honored to have earned the title of Highly Ranked Scholar,” says Muradov. “I consider it a testament to the high appreciation of the scientific merit and high quality of the research work conducted at FSEC over the years, particularly in the field of hydrogen energy and technology.” Read more

Space Coast Community Honors Brevard County Exemplary Science Teachers

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Each year, the Space Coast Science Education Alliance (SCSEA) honors the top science teachers in Brevard County. The Exemplary Science Teacher Award is given in recognition of teachers who go above and beyond to foster a love of learning and develop science literacy among their students. This year, four teachers received the distinguished award.

“It is a true honor to celebrate four of the most dedicated and talented science teachers in Brevard County,” says Kevin Smith, president, SCSEA. “We are grateful for their contributions and the opportunity to recognize their hard work.”

The 2024 Exemplary Science Teacher Award winners are:

  •  Elizabeth Youngs, Viera High School
  • Nicole Nelson, South Lake Elementary School
  • Alexandria Wicker, DeLaura Middle School
  • Kayla Wildenthaler, Mila Elementary School
Photo of award winners holding their gifts in front of sign.
(Left to right) Alexandria Wicker, DeLaura Middle; Elizabeth Youngs, Viera High (Hall of Fame Inductee); Kayla Wildenthaler, Mila Elementary; Nicole Nelson, South Lake Elementary. Photo credit: Sherri Shields

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UCF Mechanical Engineering Student Receives FEWC’s Inaugural Scholarship

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The Florida Energy Workforce Consortium launched a new scholarship this year promoting careers in energy. Timothy Gallagher, a mechanical engineering student at the University of Central Florida, is one of two recipients of this inaugural award. Each recipient received a check for $2000 to further their goal of working in the energy industry.

Monica Marlow, FEWC Board Member and Finance Chair, presents scholarship check to Timothy Gallagher, UCF engineering student and FSEC employee.
Monica Marlow, FEWC Board Member, presents scholarship check to Timothy Gallagher, UCF engineering student and FSEC employee. Photo: Antoine Hart

“We are proud to be able to offer the scholarships to the students who plan the careers in energy sector as another way of supporting energy workforce development,” said Olec Andrić, Education Chair at Florida Energy Workforce Consortium. “We are looking forward to support Timothy Gallagher’s growth at UCF and a successful start of his energy career.” Read more

Space Coast Community Celebrates Its 25th Year Recognizing Exemplary Science Teachers

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Six outstanding science teachers received the distinguished Exemplary Science Teacher Award from the Space Coast Science Education Alliance (SCSEA) last Space Coast Science Education Alliance SCSEA logoweek at a dinner honoring their achievement. The award is given in recognition of Brevard County teachers who go above and beyond to foster a love of learning and develop science literacy among their students.  

“When SCSEA started this program 25 years ago, it was to encourage exemplary science teachers to keep up their great work, and for the community to say thank you for the sacrifices that teachers and their families make. That goal remains the same,” said Susan Schleith, SCSEA treasurer and FSEC educator. “Our outstanding science teachers are the key reason Brevard is among the top Florida school districts in science education.”       

The dinner was hosted by UCF’s Florida Solar Energy Center®, where FSEC Deputy Director, Philip Fairey, addressed the teachers with some notable remarks. “The scientific method is rigorous—requiring defensible evidence-based results. Science is not a belief as some claim. Rather, it is a method of discovery that has significantly improved human existence over time. And this is what you do—you teach our children what science is and why it is so important.”

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