Kaaliyah McGaughy, a third-year physics student at the University of Central Florida (UCF), is among the first-generation college students making significant contributions to space research. Her journey began with a childhood visit to the Kennedy Space Center, which inspired her interest in aerospace engineering.
McGaughy chose UCF for its strong engineering and technology programs. Reflecting on her decision, she said, “When I came to UCF during a campus visit in high school and I saw the engineering department — all of the works and creations they had in there — that really sold me. I thought, ‘They’re doing amazing work here. They’re doing everything to make sure that space research, or any research and engineering, is continuously being done.’ I loved that.”
As a first-generation college student, McGaughy emphasizes her family’s support as central to her achievements. “I do a lot of what I do for my family. They sacrificed a lot to get me here today, and without them, I wouldn’t be here at all.” She also received a scholarship specifically for first-generation students.
During her sophomore year in 2022, McGaughy interned at UCF’s Exolith Lab, where she contributed to building the Lunar Highland Regolith Test Bin—one of the world’s largest simulated lunar surfaces used by NASA and other organizations for testing lunar technologies. The bin measures 33 feet by 33 feet and contains 240,000 pounds of simulant soil designed for realistic experimentation.
Her role expanded as she became a part-time senior lab engineer responsible for designing an automated lift system for robots participating in the qualifying round of NASA’s 2025 Lunabotics Challenge.
Recently, McGaughy changed her major from aerospace engineering to physics with an astronomy track to better align with her research interests. With guidance from faculty such as Pegasus Professor Daniel Britt—founder of the Exolith Lab—she has continued as a research intern while maintaining her passion for engineering. “I’m glad I made the decision,” McGaughy says. “I still have engineering under my belt. I love it. I still do it in a heartbeat. But physics was just another avenue I [wanted] to explore.”
UCF is marking Space Week from November 3-7 this year by highlighting achievements like those of McGaughy and others who contribute to advancing space research and supporting Florida’s growing space industry.
“To have something so significant dedicated to what you’re extremely interested in and passionate about — having that represented feels amazing,” she says. “It makes you feel connected. It makes you feel like you have a community.”
