UF HHP News

Subscribe to Performance News ] [ Submit News ]

Follow HHP: FACEBOOK  INSTAGRAM  LINKEDIN  TWITTER  YOUTUBE


Health challenges facing astronauts Wilmore and Williams from months in space

Rachael Seidler, Ph.D., professor of applied physiology and kinesiology and deputy director of the Astraeus Space Institute at UF, studies the impacts of extended periods of time in space. By following astronauts like Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams before, during and after their missions, Seidler says scientists can track how the human body responds to the extreme conditions of space.

Read more >


Heat can age you as much as smoking, a new study finds

Thomas Clanton, Ph.D., UF researcher and professor in applied physiology & kinesiology, weighs in and helps understand a recent study showing that prolonged heat exposure can modify how people's genes behave, speeding up aging at the molecular level and potentially impacting people's long-term health — similar to the effect of smoking and drinking.

Read more >


New Sport Management Department Chair

Kyriaki “Kiki” Kaplanidou, Ph.D., professor in the UF College of Health & Human Performance’s Department of Sport Management, has been announced as chair of the Department of Sport Management. Beginning July 1, Kaplanidou will lead the department to even greater academic excellence and industry influence.  

Read more >


Florida Tourism: From Crisis to Comeback

Dr. Rachel J.C. Fu, Chair & Professor in the Department of Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management discusses the current state of tourism in Florida after impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read more >


Sport Tourism: From Good to Gold

Dr. Rachel J.C. Fu, Chair & Professor in the Department of Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management discusses the current state of sport tourism including broad impacts, challenges and the near future.

Read more >


Here’s what going to Mars will do to your body

Rachael Seidler, Ph.D., professor of applied physiology and kinesiology and deputy director of the Astraeus Space Institute at UF, studies the impacts of extended periods of time in space. Follow along as she explores the possible physiological effects of space travel to Mars.

Read more >


One AI-based advancement at a time, UF leaders are transforming the sports industry

As emerging technologies like AI reshape sport industries and professional demands evolve, it is essential for students to graduate with the expertise to thrive in their future careers. To ensure that these students are set up for success, the UF College of Health & Human Performance has launched a new sports analytics program led by Scott Nestler, Ph.D., CAP, PStat, a professor of practice in the Department of Sport Management and a national analytics and data science expert.

Read more >


Debate over college athletes’ right to profit from their name, image and likeness

The debate over college athletes’ right to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL) continues to fuel a nationwide debate. However, little research has been done about the messaging from these hearings and how they may influence media reporting and public perception. HHP researcher Molly Harry, Ph.D., is getting to the bottom of it. 

Harry, an assistant professor in the UF College of Health & Human Performance’s Department of Sport Management, recently published a study in Communication & Sport on NIL and agenda-setting theory – the interplay between communication, power and decision-making. 

Read more >


HHP Educators of the Year

The UF College of Health & Human Performance is honored to share the 2024-2025 Doctoral Dissertation Mentor of the Year, Teacher of the Year and Advisor of the Year awards. These individuals will progress to consideration for the university-wide level, which will be announced later in the spring. Additionally, these individuals will be recognized at the college’s Spring Awards ceremony on Friday, April 11, at Sweetwater Branch Inn.

Read more >


The Impacts of California Wildfires on Hospitality, Real Estate, Travel, Health, and Safety

Dr. Rachel J.C. Fu, Chair & Professor in the Department of Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management spells out the many ways the wildfires in California will impact the state and offers some tips for residents and visitors to navigate these challenges.

Read more >


Heatstroke leads to chronic heart disease, obesity in mice

Thomas Clanton, Ph.D., UF researcher and professor in applied physiology & kinesiology, has found that a single exposure to heatstroke can lead to lasting, multi-organ damage and obesity in mice for months afterward — equivalent to many years in a human lifespan. While the effects in mice may not translate directly to humans, Clanton and his colleagues are planning to follow people who have suffered heatstroke to further understand the factors that cause the long term problems. 

Read more >


Should Sports be a College Major?

Molly Harry, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in the Department of Sport Management, has studied how people perceive an athletics major and weighs in on the concept.

Read more >


Life-changing study abroad experiences help students find themselves

Heather Gibson, Ph.D., a professor in the UF College of Health & Human Performance’s Department of Tourism, Hospitality & Event Management, co-authored a study that looks at the long-term positive impacts of study abroad programs on students who participate. 

Read more >


HHP Student Selected for Inaugural National Youth Service Summit Hosted by The Allstate Foundation

Julian Castillo (BSAPK’25), a student in the Department of Applied Physiology & Kinesiology at the University of Florida College of Health & Human Performance, or HHP, recently participated in The Allstate Foundation’s inaugural National Youth Service Summit in Chicago.

Read more >


No Time for Exercise? Just Minutes a Day Can Boost Heart Health

Benjamin Gordon, Ph.D., instructional assistant professor in applied physiology and kinesiology, shares advice and tips on how to break up sedentary activity and be more active throughout your day.

Read more >


How to make robots more lifelike

Better, faster artificial intelligence is fueling a rise in human-like robots for customer service at places like hotels and airports, especially in areas outside the U.S. But many robots still fail to connect with people, instead creeping us out with fake smiles and jittery movements.

Now, a new measurement scale created by a team of hospitality researchers led by Hengxuan “Oscar” Chi, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management, reveals the four qualities that robots must exhibit to seem lifelike. The scale can help companies and engineers quantify how lifelike their robots are in a way that can guide the development of better, more approachable robots for the service industry.

Learn more at UF News >


HHP Students Share Experiences from IAVM Venue Management School

Out of eight students selected from across the country to attend Venue Management School, three were HHP students. The weeklong event was hosted by the International Association of Venue Managers — an international organization with 7,800+ members, including managers and senior executives from a multitude of venues. Follow the link below to read about our students' experiences.

Read more >


Positive Impacts of Winning Football Games on Local Communities

Dr. Rachel J.C. Fu, Chair & Professor in the Department of Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management discusses the multifaceted positive effects that athletic success can have on local communities. The victories not only inspire unity but also stimulate economic activity, lower crime rates, and enhance the community's overall sense of well-being.

Read more >


HHP News Archive

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