Students at the University of Florida's College of Health & Human Performance are preparing to lead in a future where artificial intelligence and innovation are transforming Florida's key industries – health care, tourism and sports. Through groundbreaking research, interdisciplinary collaboration and real-world application, the college is shaping the next generation of professionals to improve how we live, work and play.
Home to more than 23,000 alumni, 3,000 students and 80 faculty, the college explores nearly every aspect of daily life. Its four departments – applied physiology and kinesiology, sport management, health education and behavior, and tourism, hospitality and event management – offer programs that blend science, innovation and human-centered inquiry.
With $12.9 million in research awards and more than five collaborative centers, institutes and labs, the college is uniquely positioned to enrich lives, influence healthy living and enhance human performance through AI-powered solutions.
Detecting Brain Disorders Early
UF researcher Diego L. Guarín, Ph.D., is harnessing VisionMD, an AI-powered analysis tool, to spot subtle movement changes linked to brain disorders like Parkinson's disease. The tool analyzes hand and body movements from videos to identify slower, smaller movements in individuals who appear healthy but may exhibit early-stage signs not visible to clinicians. The tool offers potential for an early, noninvasive diagnosis.
Customizing Guest Experiences
To prepare students for careers in tourism, hospitality and event management that deliver memorable experiences, UF's Nico Rose teaches students how innovations like augmented reality, virtual reality and digital twin technology – virtual replicas of real-world operations – can be used to design customized guest interactions. Through AI-driven coursework, students learn to enhance both front-of-house experiences and back-of-house operations, including menu creation, staff scheduling and supply management.
Advancing Sports Strategy
At the UF Sports Analytics Lab, students use data science and AI tools to solve performance and decision-making challenges. Led by Scott Nestler, Ph.D., the lab collaborates across colleges to support UF sport teams with analytics for strategy, recruitment and scouting. Students gain hands-on experience using technologies like UF's state-of-the-art HiPerGator supercomputer to process large datasets and generate insights.
Optimizing Health Interventions
To address obesity, a cross-college team is developing an AI-powered app that serves as a health coach for families, promoting physical activity and preventing weight gain. Spearheaded by Danielle Jake-Schoffman, Ph.D., and Kristy Boyer, Ph.D., the app uses smartwatch data to support personalized fitness plans and shared goal setting between parents and children.
Visit hhp.ufl.edu/innovate to explore opportunities to collaborate and partner with the college.