College of Health & Human Performance

The University of Florida’s Astraeus Space Institute has opened a new Mission Operations Center, creating a dedicated hub for interdisciplinary space research, education and collaboration. Led by Rachael Seidler, Ph.D., a professor in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology and Neurology, the institute brings together researchers, students and partners from across UF to advance space science and technology. The new center will support upcoming missions, student engagement and cross-campus partnerships, strengthening UF’s role in space innovation while helping prepare the next generation of scientists, engineers and space professionals.

A new multi-university study, co-led by University of Florida researchers, aims to improve the diagnosis and treatment of dementia with Lewy bodies, one of the most commonly misdiagnosed forms of dementia. Supported by a $2.5 million grant from the Lewy Body Dementia Association, the project will evaluate promising new biomarker tests designed to detect the disease earlier and more accurately. By comparing multiple diagnostic approaches and linking them to patient symptoms, researchers hope to improve clinical decision-making, guide future treatments and provide faster answers for patients and families.

A new University of Florida study highlights how supportive leadership can improve employee well-being and encourage innovation across the sports industry. Surveying employees from major professional leagues and Division I athletic departments, researchers found that approachable, open-minded supervisors help create psychological safety — an environment where employees feel comfortable speaking up, taking risks and sharing ideas. That sense of trust was linked to greater well-being and fulfillment at work. The findings suggest that inclusive leadership can help sports organizations address persistent challenges like burnout and turnover while fostering the creativity needed to remain competitive.