Research Foundation
We provide exceptional support and expand funding to power UCF’s growth as a world-class research university.
Elevating and Fostering UCF’s Research Environment
The UCF Research Foundation (UCFRF) is a nonprofit organization established in 1991 to support and advance research at the University of Central Florida. UCFRF promotes and facilitates the research efforts of UCF faculty, staff, and students by managing contracts, grants, and private funding.
We also serve as a bridge between discovery and public impact—helping bring UCF innovations to market and supporting the university’s economic development initiatives.
Contacts
Winston Schoenfeld
President and Chief Executive Officer
Phone: 407-823-0824
winston@ucf.edu
Kim Smith
Chief Operating Officer
Phone: (407) 823-3062
kim@ucf.edu
Megan Carrigan
Chief Financial Officer
Phone: 407-823-3541
Megan.carrigan@ucf.edu
Project AdministrationÂ
Terri Bigham
Director
Phone: (407) 882-1186
terri.bigham@ucf.edu
Amanda Coveney
Associate Director
Phone: (407) 823-1048
Amanda.coveney@ucf.edu
Felecia Sookhoo
Assistant Director
Phone: (407) 823-1879
Felecia.Sookhoo@ucf.edu
Denisha Pierre
Contract Officer II
Phone: 407-882-0153
denisha.pierre@ucf.edu
Alyssa Lindemuth
Contracts Officer II
Phone: (407) 823-1253
alyssa.lindemuth@ucf.edu
Noreen Rothman
Contracts Officer II
Phone: (407) 882-0100
noreen.rothman@ucf.edu
Christopher Materasso
Contracts Officer II
Phone: (407) 882-0280
christopher.materasso@ucf.edu
Nita Patel
Contract Specialist IV
Phone: (407) 823-3458
nivedita.patel@ucf.edu
Janice McFarlane
Post Award Specialist II
Phone: 407-882-0151
Finance & Accounting
Ed Jacobs
Accountant
Phone: (407) 882-1113
Fax: (407) 882-0553
ejacobs@ucf.edu
Sara Garrabrant
Accountant Manager
sara.garrabrant@ucf.edu
Chanda Diperna
Accountant III
Phone:Â (407) 822-0031
Chanda.Diperna@ucf.edu
Ann Boutros
Contracts & Grants Accountant III
ann.boutros@ucf.edu
Cara Roesner
Contracts & Grants Accountant III
cara.roesner@ucf.edu
Chanda Diperna
Accountant III
Phone:Â (407) 822-0031
Chanda.Diperna@ucf.edu
UCF Research Foundation Board Meetings
| Â | Â | |
|
Date |
Time | Location |
|
May 12, 2025 |
3:00-4:30 p.m. | Zoom Meeting |
|
August 27, 2025 |
3:00-4:00 p.m. | Zoom Meeting |
|
December 2nd, 2025 |
3:00-5:00 p.m. | Zoom Meeting |
Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this meeting is asked to advise the University of Central Florida Research Foundation at least 72 hours before the meeting by contacting Kim Smith at 407-823-3062. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the Florida Relay Service at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or 711 (V/TDD).
Pursuant to 286.0105 F.S., if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the board with respect to any matter considered at such meeting, he or she will need a record of the proceedings and may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made.
Highlights
- The UCF Research Foundation manages a variety of agreements including (i) sponsored contracts and grants; (ii) clinical
trial agreements; (iii) research donations, sponsorships, conferences, services and consulting agreements; (iv) vendor
agreements; (v) lease and sublease agreements; and (vi) licensing and option agreements.
- The UCF Research Foundation holds and manages Intellectual Property assets on behalf of UCF.
- The UCF Research Foundation s actively involved in the financial administration of the UCF Business Incubators, the
National Entrepreneur Center (NEC), and the Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine of Florida (ASEMFL).
- The UCF Research Foundation resources, Governing documents, financial information and resources for proposals and
awards are available
here