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Celebrating David Vaillancourt, Orchid Chair in Applied Physiology & Kinesiology

On February 29, the University of Florida community and distinguished guests celebrated the induction of David Vaillancourt, Ph.D., as the Orchid Chair in Applied Physiology & Kinesiology.

Dr. Vaillancourt's lecture highlighted his research in Parkinson's disease including his early focus on the substantia nigra, a region crucial in Parkinson's pathology, that led to the development of a novel imaging technique—the first MRI-based progression marker for the disease.

Watch the lecture and read more >


UF-led study could lead to new way to detect brain changes associated with Alzheimer’s risk

New research published today suggests there is a link between abnormal blood levels of amyloid — a protein associated with Alzheimer’s disease — and subtle changes in brain microstructures on a type of MRI, findings that could lead to a new way to detect Alzheimer’s earlier in people with no clinical signs.

“Previously people would say one of the earliest events you would see is amyloid positivity in the brain on a PET scan,” said David Vaillancourt, Ph.D., Orchid Chair and Professor in Applied Physiology & Kinesiology. “Our findings suggest there seem to be events occurring both in the blood and in the brain before you detect amyloid positivity in the brain.”

Read the story at ufhealth.org >


Join us March 26 for D.K. Stanley Day

The 2024 D.K. Stanley Day Committee and the College of Health & Human Performance invite the university and greater community to this special lecture and poster symposium in celebration of our first dean and the college's commitment to enhancing the quality of life.

The day kicks off with the lecture, "What's a Brain For: A Moving Story," from Daniel M. Wolpert, Ph.D., professor of neuroscience, principal investigator at the Zuckerman Institute, Columbia University.

Read more >


Colleges are using AI to prepare hospitality workers of the future

If you’re planning to go into the hospitality industry, the pathway is increasingly going to involve some sort of familiarity with AI. That’s one of the key messages in “Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Robot Applications in Hospitality Businesses,” a new book by Rachel J.C. Fu, Ph.D., chair and professor, Department of Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management.

Read the Q&A at theconversation.com >


Welcome #UF28!

Congratulations to our newest Gators! The College of Health & Human Performance (HHP) gives you an education unlike anywhere else. Here, you have the opportunity to study, explore and make a profound difference in people’s lives. We empower students with the tools, knowledge and confidence to fulfill their dreams and become remarkable assets to their communities.

At HHP, you will gain more than just an education – we are confident you will also find a home.

Read more >


We Heard You Holler! Thank you, Gators!

The sixth annual “Stand-Up and Holler: Gator Nation Giving Day” was held on Thursday, February 15. On this day, Gators from around the world donated to various causes across the University of Florida and College of Health & Human Performance.

Read more >


Celebrating Love

Happy Valentine's Day! In celebration of the occasion, we share two relationships that recently blossomed in the College of Health & Human Performance.

Meet Mariana Franz and Austin Unger, and Chris Sato and Chelsea Robalino.

Read more >


Revving up tourism

Rachel J.C. Fu, Ph.D., chair and professor of the Department of Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management, discusses the future of tourism and how Formula One and other big events look set to drive growth in the hospitality industry.

Read the story at theconversation.com >


Happy Gator Day!

At the University of Florida College of Health & Human Performance, we’re advancing the way we live, work and play by promoting healthy living, training the next generation, enhancing physical performance and enriching lives.

Read more >


Celebrating the UF College of Health & Human Performance Educators of the Year

Congratulations to the 2023-2024 UF College of Health & Human Performance Educators of the Year celebrating Stephen Coombes, Ph.D.; Doctoral Dissertation Mentor of the Year; Anna Gardner, Ph.D., Teacher of the Year; and Jenny Neelands, Advisor of the Year.

Read more >


How to Start Working Out Again

Benjamin Gordon, Ph.D., instructional assistant professor in applied physiology and kinesiology, shares his advice with the New York Times on creating an exercise plan you can actually stick with — and enjoy.

Read the story at nytimes.com >


Chris Janelle’s Leadership Expands as Senior Associate Dean

Congratulations to Christopher Janelle, Ph.D., professor in applied physiology and kinesiology, on his promotion to senior associate dean for academic affairs at the UF College of Health & Human Performance. Michael Reid, Ph.D., dean, recently announced Dr. Janelle’s promotion.

Read more >


Why women are drawn to solo travel and how the tourism industry is responding

A majority of people traveling abroad alone these days are women, and demand for women-led tour groups is rising. Stephanie Sy talked with Heather Gibson, professor of tourism, hospitality and event management, for a segment on PBS NewsHour.

Learn more at pbs.org >


Save the Dates: College Events

Mark your calendars this spring for several college-wide events including faculty recognition ceremonies, spring awards and commencement.

Read more >

 

 

 


With $2.5 million in funding, the University of Florida launches a strategic sports initiative

The University of Florida is embarking on a multi-faceted initiative to propel the university to the global stage in sports performance, healthcare, and communication, while illuminating its world-class sports facilities and partnerships. 

Read more >


Celebrating Jalie A. Tucker, Mary F. Lane Professor in Health Education & Behavior

Congratulations to Jalie A. Tucker, Ph.D., M.P.H., Mary F. Lane Professor in Health Education & Behavior. An installation ceremony was hosted November 29 celebrating the newly endowed professor.

Dr. Tucker highlighted her research on the behavioral economics of addictive behavior change within the context of reducing alcohol-related risks and problems.

Watch the lecture and read more >


Biases behind transgender athlete bans are deeply rooted

New research by George B. Cunningham, Ph.D., and Kelsey Garrison in the Department of Sport Management reveals that recent transgender athlete bans stem from state politics and public biases.

Read the article at TheConversation.com >


Christopher McLeod Recognized by North American Society for the Sociology of Sport

Christopher M. McLeod, Ph.D., assistant professor in sport management, was honored by the North American Society for the Sociology of Sport, earning the Early Career Research Award and being named a Research Fellow. Additionally, McLeod was invited to join the editorial board of “Sociology of Sport Journal.”

Read more >


Spreading Holiday Cheer: Giving Back Through UF College of Health & Human Performance

As the holiday season approaches, it's the perfect time to spread love and joy. One impactful way to do so is by giving back to the community and the University of Florida College of Health & Human Performance offers three meaningful avenues to make a difference this December.

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Advancing frontiers: Five teams awarded AI collaborative funds

The University of Florida College of Health & Human Performance has recently awarded five proposals with seed funding, up to $25,000 each, for external grant submissions. This initiative aims to propel the college into the forefront of cutting-edge research by harnessing the power of artificial intelligence.

Read more >


HHP Celebrates George B. Cunningham, UAA Professor in Sport Management

Congratulations to George B. Cunningham, Ph.D., the University Athletic Association Endowed Professor in Sport Management. An installation ceremony was hosted earlier this month celebrating the newly endowed professor.

Dr. Cunningham, chair in the Department of Sport Management, highlighted his research on diversity and inclusion in sport and physical activity.

Watch the lecture and read more >


Meet Grant Tays: A former Marine and current Ph.D. student

In honor of Veterans Day, we share with you the profile of Grant Tays, a former Marine and current doctoral student working in the Neuromotor Behavior Laboratory in the Department of Applied Physiology & Kinesiology.

Thank you to Grant Tays and all who have served.

Read more >


Celebrating First-Generation Day

On National First-Generation College Day, we celebrate the determination, resilience and accomplishments of those who are the first in their families to pursue higher education.

Join us in celebrating our first-generation students and learn more about their achievements. Read about two first-generation college students in the College of Health & Human Performance and hear their advice.

Read more >


Celebrating UFHHP AI Day

This fall, the college hosted its first AI Day as part of UF AI Days. The event explored the intersections of artificial intelligence, industry and the college's diverse disciplines. More than 130 community members listened to an expert panel session and keynote presentation, and participated in a generative AI student competition, research poster session and networking event.  

View photos >


#UFHHP Gators Give

For the third year in a row, faculty and staff in the College of Health & Human Performance met its goal achieving a 35% pledge rate and by collectively raising more than $15,000.

Read more >


HHP research spending up 25 percent to record $12.6 million

University of Florida faculty conducted a record $1.25 billion in research in fiscal year 2023, a nearly 15% increase over 2022. UF’s College of Health & Human Performance’s contribution was a record $12.6 million, a nearly 25% increase over 2022.

Read more >


Welcome Home: Celebrating Homecoming

The college hosted more than 300 alumni and friends for a homecoming tailgate ahead of the football game on Saturday, October 7.

Thank you to all of the HHP Gators who were able to join us. 

View photos >


HHP Celebrates Endowed Faculty Appointments

This year, the University of Florida College of Health & Human Performance will host four celebrations recognizing senior faculty and their endowed appointments, three of which will be conferred to faculty during the ceremony.

The ceremonies are rooted in academe and mark a significant milestone in the career of the accomplished scholar. All are invited to attend.

Learn more and RSVP >


Kyriaki Kaplanidou Named National Academy of Kinesiology Fellow

Kyriaki Kaplanidou, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Sport Management, has been honored as a Fellow in the National Academy of Kinesiology. The academy honors individuals who have contributed significantly to the study of and application of the art and science of human movement and physical activity.

Read more >


Alumni, Teacher, Adviser and Community Award Nominations Open

Nominations are open for Teacher of the Year, Adviser of the Year, Outstanding Young Alumni, Alumni Hall of Fame and the B.K. Stevens Award. Consider nominating a member of the UFHHP community today!

Read more >


Rules are needed for human research in commercial spaceflight

A global, multidisciplinary team of bioethicists, health policy experts, commercial spaceflight professionals and space health researchers, including Rachael Seidler, Ph.D., professor in applied physiology and kinesiology, has developed guiding principles and best practices to help ensure human research conducted in space is safe and inclusive.

Read more at news.ufl.edu >


Welcome Back: HHP Hits Enrollment Milestone

This fall, the University of Florida College of Health & Human Performance celebrated a record enrollment of 3,000 students – a 20 percent increase from five years ago. Additionally, the college welcomed four new faculty bringing the total number of faculty to 77.

Read more >


Space Hazards: Scientists Mitigate Risks for Mars Missions

From muscle loss to radiation exposure, space can take a toll on astronauts. Researchers like Rachael Seidler, Ph.D., professor in applied physiology and kinesiology, are on a mission to protect our space pioneers before they journey to Mars.

Read the article at TheConversation.com >


New grant studies heat stroke susceptibility in females

Orlando Laitano, Ph.D., (pictured left) assistant professor in applied physiology and kinesiology, and Gemma Casadesus, Ph.D., professor from the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, have been awarded a substantial 3-year research grant of $1.8 million by the Department of Defense (DoD). This grant will support their groundbreaking research focused on unraveling the intricate interplay of ovarian hormones in exertional heat stroke pathophysiology.

Read more at scirc.med.ufl.edu >


2023 Performance Magazine

Momentum builds here: Learn about exciting research and news in the 2023 issue of Performance magazine, online and in the mail now. 

Read more >


Join HHP for the Internship and Job Fair Sept. 27

On Sept. 27, students and employers will take to the courts to discover and discuss internship and career opportunities. HHP’s Internship and Job Fair will be held in the Florida Gym from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Read more >


Meet Barbie Pressly Tilman (BSR '00)

Barbie Pressly Tilman (BSR '00) is the president of the University of Florida Alumni Association (UFAA), fostering alumni connections and inspiring current and future students.

Read more >


Demetra Christou receives grant to study exercise regimens after breast cancer treatment

Demetra Christou, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Applied Physiology & Kinesiology, has received a two-year $419,000 grant from the National Institute on Aging to investigate the effectiveness of two exercise regimens in reducing the risk for cardiovascular disease in breast cancer survivors.

Read more at cancer.ufl.edu >


Amy Mobley Receives SNEB's Mid-Career Professional Achievement Award

Amy Mobley, Ph,D., a nutrition educator and registered dietitian, has been honored with the 2023 Mid-Career Professional Achievement Award by the Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior (SNEB). This prestigious recognition celebrates her contributions to nutrition education and behavior change, positively impacting public health globally.

Read more >


Zheng Wang Wins UF Excellence Award for Assistant Professors

Congratulations to Zheng Wang, Ph.D., assistant professor in applied physiology & kinesiology, for being recognized with the 2023 Excellence Award for Assistant Professors — one of the university’s top awards for tenure-track faculty members.

Read more >


12 FACULTY EARN PROMOTIONS

This summer, 12 faculty members earned promotions.

Congratulations to JeeWon Cheong, Ph.D., Leonardo Ferreira, Ph.D., Kristina Garcia-Guettler, Ph.D., Jinwon Kim, Ph.D., Diba Mani, Ph.D., Megan McVay, Ph.D., Terence Ryan, Ph.D., Svetlana Stepchenkova, Ph.D., Alyssa Tavormina, Ph.D., Brady Tripp, Ph.D., Patricia Tripp, Ph.D., and Christine Wegner, Ph.D.

Read more >


Think being a NASCAR driver isn’t as physically demanding as other sports? Think again

Imagine an NBA game played outdoors. In August. In Phoenix. Tip-off is at noon. There are no timeouts. There is no halftime. There are no substitutions. And players must wear snowsuits, gloves, and ski masks. Sounds ridiculous, right?

Yet race car drivers routinely compete under similar conditions.

Read the article at TheConversation.com >


HHP News Archive

Discover what our faculty, staff, students and alumni were up to in recent years: