Category: Spotlight

UF professor helps lead conversation on AI in higher education

When ChatGPT was released, Sid Dobrin, Ph.D., became a sought-after voice, urging institutions to focus on transparency, documentation and preparing students.

Michael Okun’s bold vision for a Parkinson’s-free future

When Michael Okun, MD, began treating people with Parkinson’s disease, he realized medicine too often focused on symptoms instead of stories. He wanted to understand not just what patients were losing, but what they hoped to keep.

Cup o’ Joe: Cafecito

Energize yourselves with a “Cafe Cuban-Joe” as Interim Provost Joe Glover, Ph.D., makes a bold request of Faculty Senate Chair Amelia Dempere, Ph.D. — then gets called out for drifting off at meetings.

Forthun to lead FYCS department as chair

Larry Forthun, Ph.D., who began his time with UF/IFAS in 2008 as an assistant professor, was recently named permanent chair, effective Oct. 24.

Practice like you play

Inspired by personal experiences, Jennifer Zimmerman, M.S.N., teaches the next generation of health providers how to safely care for all patients.

Nelly Nelson wins APLU award for transformative community work

UF/IFAS FCS Extension Agent Nelly Nelson won the 2025 Association of Southern Region Extension Directors’ Excellence in Extension award.

A Q&A with the senior associate dean for graduate medical education

Martina Murphy, M.D., was appointed senior associate dean for graduate medical education and designated institutional official for the UF College of Medicine.

HEO opens opportunities to a college degree

Created in 2003, the HEO provides tuition assistance in the form of a scholarship. It covers the in-state matriculation fees for a maximum of 132 credit hours toward an undergraduate degree. To date, 1,813 UF employees have been awarded the HEO scholarship for their child.

Planting the seeds for a greener community

UF/IFAS Urban Horticulture Extension Agent Sara Salgado MacDonald is helping St. Lucie County residents grow greener, healthier landscapes.

UF Trustees unanimously appoint Dr. Donald W. Landry interim president

Landry is an internationally renowned physician-scientist, president of the AASL and a recipient of the Presidential Citizens Medal.