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Instructional Assistant Professor
Department of Applied Physiology & Kinesiology
FLG 106H
P.O. Box 118205
Gainesville, FL 32611-8205
(352) 294-1763 | akgardner@ufl.edu
A native of Vassar, Michigan, Dr. Gardner attended Saginaw Valley State University (Saginaw, MI) where she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Exercise Science. She then completed her M.S. in Exercise Physiology from Purdue University where her primary research focused on the effects of conjugated linoleic acid on resting metabolic rate. From there, Dr. Gardner transitioned to the University of Florida to complete her PhD in Health Education and Behavior. Initially, she focused on the relationship between alcohol consumption, physical activity, and disordered eating among college students, with specific interest in the phenomenon drunkorexia. Towards the end of her doctoral education, Dr. Gardner collaborated with career firefighters to assess overall health behaviors, as well as body composition and physical fitness. Following her collegiate studies, she served as a faculty member with the UF Division of Acute Care Surgery where her research focused on long-term health outcomes among sepsis survivors. Beginning in August 2019, Dr. Gardner joined the College of Health & Human Performance as a lecturer in Applied Physiology & Kinesiology. This career transition allowed her to fulfill her passion for teaching and mentoring university students. Outside of the classroom, Dr. Gardner enjoys spending time with her family, traveling to the beach, and watching NCAA sports.