Funded Research
Our Research and Development (R&D) Process
We utilize a systematic, scientific approach to program development that prioritizes rapid experimentation, validated learning and iterative product development. Our team creates Minimum Viable Products (MVP) to test core hypotheses with actual users before committing extensive resources. We collect actionable data to refine ideas based on empirical feedback. This approach minimizes waste, reduces uncertainty, and aligns product development with actual customer needs rather than speculative assumptions. Investments lead to cost-effective impacts with our constituents.
Center for Innovation, Design and Digital Learning
The Center for Innovation, Design and Digital Learning (CIDDL) helps faculty adoption of educational technology to meet the needs of all learners. This study is funded by the U.S. Department of Education (H327S200008).
Project Social Code
Project Social Code aims to improve the social skills of elementary school students with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disabilities through the development and use of a social robotics and STEM-learning activities. This project is funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (H327S200008).
Project RAISE
The Robots and Artificial Intelligence to Improve Social Skills for Elementary Students (RAISE) Project is a collaborative project that aims to improve the social skills of students with disabilities by creating a teaching toolkit featuring the Dash™ robot and an AI-driven socially assistive robot, Zoobee™. This project is funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (H327S200009).
ModelME
Model ME uses AAA-quality game design and art to create a game that teaches students how to conceptualize fractions. This project was recently honored with a gold award at the Serious Game Conference. The ModelME project and Dream2B videogame were developed with funding from the National Science Foundation (1949122).
Funded Master’s Degree Programs
Project SPEECH 2.0
Project SPEECH 2.0 is an innovative federally funded initiative that provides funding for courses leading to a Master of Education in Exceptional Student Education or a Master of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders, including an interdisciplinary graduate certificate in Language and Literacy Intervention. The certificate focuses on preparing educators to support students with high-intensity needs through a collaborative approach.
Contact: projectspeech@ucf.edu
Project Next-Gen Special Education Teacher
Project Next-Gen Special Education Teacher aims to enhance exceptional student education through a cohesive academic curriculum designed to increase the number of special education teachers, including those from diverse backgrounds and multilingual capabilities.
Contact: nextgenset@ucf.edu
Project Central
Project Central is an innovative federally funded project from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs. The program prepares professionals to work collaboratively to support children with high-intensity needs. The project provides funding for qualified scholars to engage in courses leading to either a Master of Education in Exceptional Student Education or an Educational Specialist in School Psychology.
Contact: projectcentral@ucf.edu
Project ASD
Project ASD is a grant funded through 2029 by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs, which provides financial and academic support to individuals who are seeking Masters Degrees in either Exceptional Student Education or Communication Sciences and Disorders that incorporate UCF's Graduate Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Contact: projectasd@ucf.edu
Funded Doctoral Programs
Special Education Teacher Education Policy, Practice, and Research Consortium
The Special Education Teacher Education Policy, Practice, and Research Consortium (SPARC) is a doctoral training program designed to prepare scholars for leadership roles in special education. The program offers a rigorous curriculum, apprenticeship experiences, mentorship from leading faculty, and financial support to develop expertise in teaching, research, policy advocacy and research-practice partnerships. Contact: Matthew.marino@ucf.edu
LEAD IT Scholars
The Preparing Scholars to Lead Inclusion & Transition (LEAD IT) project is a doctoral program designed to prepare highly competent special education leadership personnel from culturally and linguistically diverse populations for university faculty positions or for service in training positions in agencies and school systems.
LEAD Next Scholars
The Preparing Next Generation Special Education Leadership Scholars (LEAD NEXT) prepares the next generation of special education leadership personnel to address both the statewide and nationwide need for personnel preparation in special education.
TELEPORTS Scholars
The Technology Enhanced Learning Enabled by Partner Organizations, Research, and Teaching Success (TELEPORTS) prepares special education personnel at the doctoral level with specific skills in the area of teaching, research, and service with effective leadership skills suitable for university positions.