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<\/p>\nORLANDO, Fla. \u2014 Scientists from the Air Force Technical Applications Center are working with professors and students at University of Central Florida through a partnership aimed at strengthening research and workforce development in nuclear science. <\/p>\n
The collaboration took place during the fall 2025 semester under an Educational Partnership Agreement between the two organizations, allowing Air Force experts to share real-world applications of radiochemistry and nuclear forensics with UCF students. <\/p>\n
Officials said Jonathan Holton, chief of AFTAC\u2019s research and development relationships branch, and 1st Lt. Piper Gray, a nuclear physicist and chemistry team lead, gave presentations to chemistry students studying under Associate Professor Vasileios Anagnostopoulos, who directs UCF\u2019s Nuclear Regulatory Commission fellowships program.<\/p>\n
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UCF C Airforce Group photo (UCF)<\/p>\n
The presentations focused on AFTAC\u2019s role in nuclear treaty monitoring, global nuclear forensics and radiochemistry laboratory work.<\/p>\n
Students asked questions about radiation safety, lab analysis technology, career opportunities and the challenges of working with radioactive materials in federal science roles. <\/p>\n
An Educational Partnership Agreement is a formal arrangement between a defense laboratory and an academic institution designed to share technology, expand research and support education in science, technology, engineering and math fields. <\/p>\n
Dr. Matthew Loving, AFTAC\u2019s scientific technology information officer, said the goal is to encourage students to pursue careers in science and public service.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis collaboration allows our center to leverage the cutting-edge research and expertise of academic institutions, while providing universities with the advantage to work on real-world challenges and access unique government facilities and resources,\u201d Loving said. <\/p>\n
After the seminar, students and Air Force personnel toured UCF\u2019s radiochemistry lab, mass spectrometry facility and materials characterization center. <\/p>\n
Anagnostopoulos said the partnership helps prepare students for critical roles tied to national security.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis partnership with the Air Force Technical Applications Center represents more than collaboration. It is a strategic investment in the future of national security,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n
AFTAC is based at Patrick Space Force Base and serves as the nation\u2019s nuclear treaty monitoring center.<\/p>\n
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