Carolina Cruz-Neira, Ph.D., director of the University of Central Florida’s Institute for Simulation and Training (IST) and the Agere Chair of the Department of Computer Science within UCF’s College of Engineering and Computer Science, has been named to the prestigious Forbes “50 Over 50” list for 2025 in recognition of her groundbreaking innovations in virtual reality.

Forbes honors 200 influential women annually in the categories of Lifestyle, Impact, Innovation, and Investment. Cruz-Neira, recognized in the Innovation category, pioneered the CAVE virtual reality system, which Forbes calls “a technology used worldwide, from gaming and art installations to military training.” Her open-source contributions have enabled the development of highly sophisticated VR systems globally.

“One of my biggest challenges,” says Cruz-Neira, “has been championing unconventional ideas, especially early in my career, when I didn’t fit the typical mold,” She adds, “Looking back on my journey, I realize that my work in immersive technologies, simulation, and digital twins is helping to create a global common language, one that’s reshaping how we learn, collaborate, heal, and ultimately, build a better future. These technologies are not just tools, but bridges that connect people and possibilities across the world.” Cruz-Neira concludes by saying, “Being over 50 is no longer just about advancing my own ideas but also mentoring the next generation and helping them shape theirs. Fulfillment now comes from seeing others succeed.”

Other notable honorees this year include actress and entrepreneur Halle Berry, business leader Maria Shriver, and astronaut Sunita Williams.
UCF’s Institute for Simulation and Training (ist.ucf.edu) is an internationally recognized, interdisciplinary institute conducting basic and applied human-centric research that affects nearly all sectors of industry and government, from health care to national defense and education to manufacturing. UCF and IST have built the industry, together with more than 200 Central Florida modeling, simulation, and training companies and the Department of Defense, an early adopter whose vision and leadership have spurred new applications and opportunities.

Forbes 2025 50 Over 50: https://www.forbes.com/sites/maggiemcgrath/2025/07/30/forbes-2025-50-over-50-meet-the-women-who-define-innovation-drive-and-hope/