UF College of Public Health and Health Professions

Two PHHP alumni were recently recognized in the University of Florida Alumni Association's 40 Under 40 list. Matthew Garner (M.H.A. '14), C.E.O of Broward Health North, and Taylor Kuhn (Ph.D. '14), assistant research neuroscientist at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), both received the honor for their contributions to their fields and communities. https://phhp.ufl.edu/2026/06/09/two-phhp-alumni-named-to-2026-40-gators-under-40-list/

Pet Appreciation Week presents us with an opportunity to reflect on how much joy our pets add to our lives. But pet owners know how expensive it is to own any animal and often prioritize their pet's needs above their own. Jennifer Applebaum, assistant professor in the Department of Environmental and Global Health, is examining an unexpected barrier for people living with HIV to accessing the critical healthcare they need. Ultimately, increased support and access to free or reduced pet services could result in better health outcomes. https://phhp.ufl.edu/2026/06/12/researchers-investigate-cost-of-pet-care-as-a-barrier-to-hiv-care/

The first confirmed New World screwworm case in the United States has sparked an urgent call: how can we stop its spread through our food supply chain?

A team of researchers led by Zhoumeng Lin, associate professor in the Department of Environmental and Global Health, is building fast, computer‑driven models that predict safe drug withdrawal times for livestock. This approach will safeguard the food chain, enabling veterinarians to tailor treatments while protecting public health. https://phhp.ufl.edu/2026/05/28/new-uf-project-aims-to-keep-food-supplies-safe-in-the-event-of-a-screwworm-outbreak/

Clearing the path for new rehabilitation research 💪

The University of Florida and the University of Southern California have launched the K12 Career Advancement and Development in Rehabilitation Research (CADRRE) program, a nationwide pipeline that prepares early‑career scholars to become leaders in the field. It offers intensive training for grant writing, AI‑enabled research and a focus on rehabilitation neuroscience, pediatric neuromuscular disorders, musculoskeletal health and aging. Find out more about the program and its application requirements: https://phhp.ufl.edu/2026/05/27/new-training-program-aims-to-develop-future-leaders-in-rehabilitation-research/

USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
UF Department of Physical Therapy

UF adds Early Decision admissions option starting Fall '27 UF announced Thursday it will add Early Decision as an admission application option, providing first-time students with the opportunity to secure their spot in the Gator Nation at an earlier stage of the admissions cycle. 

While pursuing her Doctorate of UF Occupational Therapy, Samia Alamgir was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Refusing to be sidelined, she created a virtual fatigue management program that employs adaptive equipment to ease one of MS’s worst symptoms. Before tomorrow's World MS Day, we honor her work for the profession and for others with MS. https://news.ufl.edu/2026/05/multiple-sclerosis/

A bachelor's and master's in five years? Sign us up. ✍️

There's still time to apply for the Combination Bachelor/Master of Public Health program. Any undergraduate majors are welcome to work toward an M.P.H. during their undergraduate junior and senior years, saving time and tuition. Choose from concentrations in Biostatistics, Environmental Health, Epidemiology, Population Health Management or Social and Behavioral Sciences.

"What I love most about PHHP’s combination degree program is that it allows me to engage in the public health sphere and take advantage of the resources and opportunities offered to graduate students sooner than I would as a traditional student." — Justine Torres, Bachelor of Health Science/Master of Public Health graduate

Here's what you need to meet the June 1 deadline: https://phhp.ufl.edu/academics/masters-programs/mph/program-options/combined-bachelors-mph/