Michael Bassett and Melissa Deinys are among the 6,000 students set to graduate from the University of Central Florida (UCF) on December 12-13. Both students credit their experiences at UCF for fostering a commitment to scientific discovery and using science to benefit others.
Bassett, a Burnett Honors College Scholar, is graduating with a double major in molecular and cellular biology and mechanical engineering. This program is considered one of UCF’s most challenging, requiring 163 credit hours. It aims to prepare professionals who can bridge the gap between biological sciences and engineering principles to create innovative healthcare solutions. Bassett completed multiple internships at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control during his studies, served as a teaching assistant, and worked as an undergraduate chemistry lab researcher.
Reflecting on his education, Bassett said: “With my training, I know the what and the why. I can use that knowledge to solve more medical problems. I hope I can help my colleagues understand why something is happening in the body.” He plans to pursue a career designing improved surgical instruments that could make procedures less invasive and safer.
Melissa Deinys discovered her passion for science early on while attending STEM-focused schools in Miami. During an internship at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, she identified a pathogen threatening Florida’s mangroves. Working with the Marine Resources Council—a non-profit organization focused on protecting Florida’s Indian River Lagoon—she found that 80% of sampled mangroves were infected by at least one pathogen.
At UCF, Deinys helped develop “Mag Sun” (MgSuN), a nutrient made from magnesium and sulfur nanoparticles that acts as an antimicrobial solution while nourishing plants. The product has reduced pathogens by 95% in affected mangroves and has been approved for use throughout Florida; Deinys hopes it will soon receive EPA approval for nationwide use.
“I grew up in South Florida and developed a deep love for the beach and coast,” Deinys said. “And I knew something was happening to my mangroves. I’m committed to the community I’m from and I want to help people – that’s the goal.”
As an undergraduate, Deinys led research efforts between UCF and Cornell University focused on agricultural artificial intelligence, worked in UCF’s Material Innovation for Sustainable Agriculture Lab, mentored peers through the Office of Undergraduate Research, and presented her findings at various conferences. An Order of Pegasus honoree, she will continue at UCF as a Ph.D. student specializing in nanoscience within chemistry.
Deinys expressed her enthusiasm for interdisciplinary work: she wants to explore ways agriculture might intersect with space travel.
