Want to pursue a career in academia? Let the UCF Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering help you prepare.
The department’s Future Faculty Laureates (FFL) program is designed to enhance the academic career readiness of UCF students enrolled in the electrical engineering or computer engineering doctoral programs. As an FFL, you gain access to advanced academic and professional development opportunities including:
- Teaching experience as a graduate teaching assistant, supported by formal pedagogical training
- Enhancing UCF electrical engineering and computer engineering courses through curriculum development and instructional innovation
- Publishing and presenting in educational venues
- Mentoring undergraduate students
- Teaching a course as an instructor of record
- Participating in research proposal development and funding activities
Each awardee will be provided with a $6,000 discretionary budget per year for two years to support travel, publishing, training and other activities that strengthen their academic portfolio.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the FFL program, you must be enrolled in a doctoral program in the UCF Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Please note that applicant eligibility will be verified by the department before any award offer will be made.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit a single PDF file that includes the following:
- A nomination letter your advisor, highlighting the your potential to succeed in a future academic career
- Your current curriculum vitae (CV)
- Up to three pieces of evidence demonstrating your readiness and potential for a faculty role. Examples include:
- GTA awards or recognition
- Instructional materials you have developed,
- STEM-related publications
- Evidence of mentoring, outreach or leadership in academic settings.
Evaluation Process
All applications will be reviewed by the department’s development committee as well as the graduate coordinator. They will recommend selected candidates to the department chair for final approval. Incomplete and non-qualifying applications will not be considered. All applicants will be notified via email whether they are awarded a scholarship or not.
How to Apply
Interested students are encouraged to submit all required documents as one PDF file to ecescholarships@ucf.edu with “FFL Program Application” in the subject line. The deadline for Fall 2026 applications is TBD.
Contact
Diana Poulalion
Graduate Advisor
diana.poulalion@ucf.edu
Reza Abdolvand
Department Chair
reza.abdolvand@ucf.edu