Four students from the University of Central Florida (UCF) have been awarded the 2025 National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) fellowship. The recipients are Gabriel Duany, Aaron Guenther, Francisco Hernandez, and Lucas Pitts. The NDSEG fellowship provides funding and mentorship to doctoral students in fields relevant to national defense.
The fellows will work on research projects under the guidance of mentors from the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD). The fellowship covers tuition, fees, and includes a monthly stipend. Since its start in 1989, more than 70,000 students have applied for the NDSEG fellowship nationwide, with only about 4,700 selected. This year’s group includes 126 fellows from across the country.
Gabriel Duany is beginning his Ph.D. in aerospace engineering at UCF and will conduct research involving laser and optical spectroscopy to study heat and airflow effects in high-speed flights and missile defense.
“I went to UCF because it is closely connected to the aerospace industry,” Duany says. “I did a lot of research in undergrad here, which gave me the experience I needed to land this fellowship.”
Aaron Guenther is pursuing a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering. His project involves using laser diagnostics on military jet engines to collect data that could help develop engines able to run on various fuels for DOD logistics needs.
“The NDSEG fellowship is awarded to students who propose research projects that align directly with the interests of the Department of Defense,” Guenther says. “Our research group is heavily involved with defense projects, so I thought that the availability of knowledge and resources would allow me to submit a strong application.”
Guenther adds: “When applying for undergraduate programs, I saw UCF as the best engineering program in Florida because of its heavy involvement in research and its many connections to the engineering industry,” Guenther says. “My time spent doing research as an undergraduate has highly prepared me for the responsibility of leading my own research in graduate school.”
Francisco Hernandez is working toward his Ph.D. in optics and photonics after returning to UCF following dual bachelor’s degrees in photonics engineering and electrical engineering.
“Finding out that I had won the NDSEG fellowship during my first year as a doctoral student was a tremendous personal achievement, and I was quite happy about it when I shared the news with my family,” Hernandez says. “This recognition has been a huge motivator to keep pushing forward with my research at UCF, knowing that both my potential as a doctoral student and the work I am doing at CREOL are being recognized by one of the leading research organizations in the country.”
Hernandez also says: “I believe that my Ph.D. program, combined with a platform like NDSEG, will allow me to inspire future Ph.D. students while also helping to increase public understanding of photonics,” Hernandez says. “The fellowship also provides mentorship and networking opportunities that can connect me with leaders in photonics, enabling me to adopt new approaches to solving complex challenges in both my research and professional growth.”
Lucas Pitts is another recipient pursuing his Ph.D. in aerospace engineering at UCF.
“Beyond honing my technical skills, I am excited to connect with other researchers at conferences to gain feedback on my work and learn about what others are doing,” Pitts says. “Engaging with the broader research community will help me better understand how my work fits into larger challenges and grow both professionally and personally.”
Pitts adds: “The CECS undergraduate program has prepared me by providing rigorous coursework that deepened my knowledge and research methods,” Pitts says. “Through hands-on projects, collaborating with my peers and great mentorship from faculty like Dr. Subith Vasu, I have gained the knowledge and confidence to really make the most of the NDSEG fellowship and contribute meaningfully to my field.”
The NDSEG program aims to encourage promising graduates toward advanced degrees related directly or indirectly to national security needs. Each year hundreds apply for these fellowships but only a small percentage are selected due their proposed alignment with DOD priorities.
