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Ratings & reviews

5.05/4/2026

Always goes above and beyond for students.

4.06/27/2025

Creates a safe space for learning and growth.

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About Kathleen

Dr. Kathleen A. Richardson serves as the UCF Trustee Chair, Pegasus Professor of Optics and Materials Science and Engineering, and Florida Photonics Center of Excellence Professor at CREOL, The College of Optics and Photonics, University of Central Florida. She holds a B.S. in Ceramic Engineering (1982), M.S. in Glass Science (1988), and Ph.D. in Ceramic Engineering (1992) from Alfred University. With over 25 years at UCF, Richardson directs the Glass Processing and Characterization Laboratory (GPCL), leading research on the design, synthesis, and characterization of novel glass, glass-ceramic, and ceramic materials tailored for advanced optical applications. Her academic interests encompass structure/property relationships influencing optical functionality in bulk, planar, and fiber formats; gradient refractive index (GRIN) optics; transparent ceramic media; optical phase change materials, including 3D-printing techniques; infrared material metrology; and optical nanocomposites for chem-bio detection and integrated opto-electronic systems.