College of Health & Human Performance

During National Travel and Tourism Week, University of Florida students are connecting with industry leaders to explore careers in Florida’s booming tourism economy. Through the Eric Friedheim Tourism Institute, alumni like CEO Scott Taylor mentor students, offering real-world insights into hospitality leadership and career growth. With more than 150 internship opportunities at major organizations, the program prepares students for a rapidly evolving, experience-driven industry. As tourism continues to expand, UF’s hands-on approach — combining mentorship, coursework and industry access — helps students build the skills and connections needed for long-term success.

As artificial intelligence advances, a new frontier is emerging: systems that design and build other machines. In a thought-provoking perspective, University of Florida researcher Dr. Rachel J.C. Fu explores what this “recursive automation” could mean for society. The future holds promise — from safer workplaces and personalized healthcare to faster infrastructure and environmental restoration. But it also raises serious concerns around job displacement, power concentration and loss of oversight. Ultimately, Fu argues the outcome depends not on technology itself, but on governance, ethics and how humans choose to guide these rapidly evolving systems.

The University of Florida Research Foundation has named 34 faculty members as 2026 UFRF Professors, recognizing their outstanding contributions to research, innovation and scholarship. Selected through a peer-driven process, recipients represent a wide range of disciplines and are honored for sustained excellence and leadership in advancing knowledge. The three-year professorship includes funding support to further research efforts and impact. Among this year’s honorees is a faculty member from the College of Health and Human Performance, highlighting the college’s role in driving meaningful, interdisciplinary discovery that benefits society.