A Hub For Cyber Innovation

Transcript

Next, we’re going to chat with Sergie. He’s an alum who will share his story on how UCF prepared him for success outside of the classroom and in the real world. He’ll provide insight on how UCF faculty and staff and even other classmates help ignite his passion for innovative ways to clean waterways. Take it away, Sergie.

– Thanks, Alex. I’m an aerospace engineer by trade and have now put those skills to use in my role as an entrepreneur. The roadmap to success is oftentimes not easy. However, with passion, persistence and ingenuity, anything is possible. Our company ecoSPEARS is committed to solving challenging needs in public, private and government markets. Early in my career, while working at NASA Kennedy Space Center, I was fortunate enough to work alongside the inventors of the SPEARS technology. Recognizing the global impact of this technology in the environmental sector, I partnered with a NASA Technology Transfer program and founded ecoSPEARS, a company dedicated to cleaning up contamination in our waters. During my studies at UCF, I was immersed in a dynamic community where everyone aimed to find the next breakthrough that would change our world. I was challenged to think creatively and stretch my skills while having the chance to be mentored by faculty who are still active in the industry, which allowed me to learn the different aspects of entrepreneurship that has brought me to where I am today. The support I received from UCF faculty taught me how to be a good mentor to others. UCF doesn’t just prepare students to succeed in the classroom, it sets them up to be high achievers in the workplace and have their own companies. The more students take advantage of all UCF has to offer, the better their odds of being a force of influence in their field. From partnership programs with local companies, such as the Lockheed Martin Work Experience program to resources the university provides, like the Business Incubator program, which has helped more than 350 local startups over the past 20 years. UCF can help you take charge of your career before you even graduate. While entrepreneurs constantly adapt to industry changes and challenges, I know the foundation that UCF has given me will allow me to overcome anything that comes my way. Back to you, Alex.

– Great story, Sergie. I love how UCF helped students take charge of their future no matter what industry they choose to go into. And the innovative ways Knights are impacting the globe, that’s amazing. That’s what really matters. Thanks again, Sergie.