This summer, Florida State University will welcome scholars from India’s top research institutions to Tallahassee through a new initiative designed to spark international collaboration, accelerate innovation and expand FSU’s global research partnerships. 

The inaugural Visiting Scholars Partnership Program (VSPP) is designed to strengthen high-impact, research-and innovation-centered partnerships with leading universities around the world. The pilot program, which takes place July 5-31, will bring scholars from four highly ranked international institutions to FSU’s Tallahassee campus for exploratory research collaborations.  

During their stay, each visiting scholar will be paired with FSU faculty aligned with their expertise and desire to build international partnerships. Visiting scholars will explore FSU’s world-class facilities, meet administrators across multiple departments and engage in rich, one-on-one collaboration with their faculty peers several times each week. 

Housed in the Office of the Provost, the initiative receives strategic oversight from the Office for Strategic Initiatives and Innovation and is implemented by the Learning Systems Institute (LSI), which conducts research and develops evidence-based interventions to improve individual and organizational performance. 

“Florida State University believes some of the most meaningful breakthroughs happen when scholars from different backgrounds and perspectives come together to exchange ideas,” said Jim Clark, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. “The Visiting Scholars Partnership Program creates opportunities for collaboration that strengthen research, expand global partnerships and enrich the academic experience for our entire university community.” 

“The Visiting Scholars Partnership Program creates opportunities for collaboration that strengthen research, expand global partnerships and enrich the academic experience for our entire university community.”

— Jim Clark, FSU provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs 

The initiative was spearheaded by Farrukh Alvi, senior associate provost for Strategic Initiatives and Innovation and the Don Fuqua Eminent Scholar and Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the FAMU–FSU College of Engineering.

“The program is designed to create opportunities for researchers to explore new ideas, identify complementary strengths and develop partnerships around shared areas of interest,” Alvi said. “We hope these collaborations will lead to impactful, lasting research relationships and new opportunities for innovation across disciplines.” 

The VSPP will provide a structured, immersive experience that supports collaborative research, innovation exchange and the development of long-term institutional partnerships. Collaborations will span fields including aerospace engineering, biomedical engineering, quantum optics, entrepreneurship and advanced materials research. 

“At Florida State University, we recognize that research and higher education are increasingly global in nature,” said Steve McDowell, assistant provost for International Initiatives. “The Visiting Scholars Partnership Program reflects FSU’s continued investment in international engagement and global research partnerships to serve the people of Florida.” 

“The Visiting Scholars Partnership Program reflects FSU’s continued investment in international engagement and global research partnerships to serve the people of Florida.”

— Steve McDowell, FSU assistant provost for International Initiatives

Vilma Fuentes, director of FSU’s Ukraine Task Force and a visiting associate in research at LSI, will serve as inaugural program director of the VSPP.  

“This program provides an exciting opportunity to connect scholars from some of the best universities in the world with faculty and departments across our great university,” Fuentes said. “We anticipate these exchanges will lead to new research partnerships, expanded academic engagement and future opportunities that benefit both FSU and our international partners.” 

India is home to some of the world’s fastest-growing research and technology institutions, making the partnerships especially valuable for future global collaboration. Participating partner institutions include the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur), Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi), and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc).  

The partner institutions rank among the world’s leading universities for engineering, science and technology research in the QS World University Rankings. The QS World University Rankings is one of the most comprehensive assessments of its kind, offering an independent comparison of top universities worldwide based on academic excellence, employability, research impact and internationalization. 

“At LSI, we believe innovation happens when people with different expertise and perspectives come together to solve complex challenges,” said Rabieh Razzouk, director of LSI. “The Visiting Scholars Partnership Program creates an environment where those collaborations can grow, benefiting not only our institutions, but also the broader communities and systems our work is intended to serve.” 

Summer 2026 VSPP pairings include:  

• Wei Guo, Professor, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, FAMU–FSU College of Engineering, with Bhaskar Kanseri, Professor, Quantum Optics Physics, IIT Delhi
• Bill Lickson, Professor, Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, and Pradeep Bhide, Professor, FSU College of Medicine, with Amit Mehndiratta, Professor, Biomedical Engineering, IIT Delhi  
• Farrukh Alvi, Professor, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, FAMU–FSU College of Engineering, with Tufan Kumar Guha, Assistant Professor, Aerospace Engineering, IIT Kanpur, and Debopam Das, Professor, Aerospace Engineering, IIT Kanpur  
• Unnikrishnan Nair, Associate Professor, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, FAMU–FSU College of Engineering, with Rajesh Ranjan, Associate Professor, Aerospace Engineering, IIT Kanpur  
• Rajan Kumar, Professor, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, FAMU–FSU College of Engineering, with Mohammed Ibrahim Sugarno, Associate Professor, Aerospace Engineering, IIT Kanpur  
• William Oates, Professor, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, FAMU–FSU College of Engineering, with Nidish Narayanaa Balaji, Assistant Professor, Aerospace Engineering, IIT Madras  
• Tristan Driscoll, Assistant Professor, Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU–FSU College of Engineering, with Namrata Gundiah, Professor, Mechanical Engineering, IISc  
• Zhiyong (Richard) Liang, Professor, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, FAMU–FSU College of Engineering; Tarik Dickens, Professor and Interim Associate Chair, Materials Science and Engineering Department, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering; and Raghav Gnanasambandam, Assistant Professor, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, with Prosenjit Das, Assistant Professor, Materials Engineering, IISc

Cultural activities will also be arranged to give participants a deeper understanding of American culture, society and the surrounding environment. In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, activities will include locations listed on the America250FL Road Trip Map. 

In addition to advancing scientific understanding and knowledge exchange, these partnerships are expected to lead to joint research proposals, co-authored publications, shared data, complementary use of resources and new interdisciplinary initiatives. Organizers hope the program will serve as a foundation for sustained international collaboration and future faculty and student exchange opportunities at scale. 

Visit the Visiting Scholars Partnership Program website to learn more about VSPP. For more information about LSI, visit lsi.fsu.edu. To learn more about FSU’s global footprint, visit global.fsu.edu.

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Florida State University, through FSU Health, has awarded $250,000 to the five inaugural recipients of its Clinical Catalyst Grant Program, an initiative that brings together FSU researchers and local clinical providers to address healthcare challenges through collaborative projects. 

“Clinical Catalyst creates an exciting opportunity for our research teams to join forces with local clinical providers and accelerate progress on some of the most urgent issues affecting patient care in our community,” said Vice President for Research Stacey S. Patterson.  

FSU launched Clinical Catalyst to give clinicians an opportunity to share ideas for addressing healthcare needs identified through their daily work. The program also supports the broader goals of FSU Health by bringing additional resources and opportunities to healthcare in the region. 

The 2025-2026 Clinical Catalyst awardees are: 

• Accessible and Engaging Non-Pharmacologic Management of Chronic Pain Combining Music Therapy and Brain Stimulation: Kevin Johnson from the FSU College of Medicine and his team are partnering with Dr. Gilbert Chandler from Tallahassee Orthopedic Clinic to explore a promising, non-drug approach to chronic musculoskeletal pain by combining music therapy with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. 

• Building a New Care Pathway: ICAN-Guided Nutrition Support for Aging Adults in Clinical Settings: Julia Sheffler at the FSU College of Medicine and a multidisciplinary team of nutrition and exercise experts are collaborating with Dr. Cielo Rose from Capital Health Plan’s Nancy Van Vessem Center for Healthy Aging to build a structured nutrition and lifestyle program designed to better support older adults in clinical settings. 

• Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Efficacy of Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Stroke Aphasia: Sladjana Lukic from the FSU School of Communication Science and Disorders, in partnership with Dr. Narlin Beaty at Tallahassee Neurological Clinic, is exploring an innovative approach that could help stroke survivors regain language abilities by reactivating critical neural networks. 

• Redesigning Post-Mastectomy Bras: Investigating Design Innovations to Reduce Seroma and Hematoma Formation and Enhance Patient Satisfaction: Jessica Ridgway Clayton from the FSU Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship is working with Dr. Shlermine Everidge from TMH Physician Partners, to develop improved bras for mastectomy patients to support recovery, improve comfort and enhance patient satisfaction. 

• Increasing the Uptake of Advanced Care Directives in Hospital and Clinical Settings: Miles Taylor from the FSU Pepper Institute on Aging and Public Policy, in collaboration with Dr. R. Kelley Myers from the Tallahassee Memorial Family Medicine Residency Program, aims to make end-of-life planning easier and more accessible for patients and families while helping reduce unnecessary medical treatments and costs. 

“These projects reflect the strength of interdisciplinary collaboration at FSU and our shared commitment to delivering innovative ideas that can make a meaningful difference in clinical practice and patient outcomes,” Patterson said.  

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FSU Health brings together researchers, clinicians and local clinical partners under one umbrella to transform health and healthcare in Florida. To learn more about FSU Health, visit  fsuhealth.fsu.edu. 

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June marks Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, an opportunity to foster public understanding for the most proactive brain health habits. A Florida State University Behavioral Sciences and Social Medicine professor is reframing the way we look at brain health, helping individuals form a whole-body approach to reduce dementia risk.

Julia Sheffler is the director of the Integrative Science for Healthy Aging research program in the FSU College of Medicine. Her research focuses on improving scientific understanding of risk and resiliency factors related to late-life health and cognitive functioning.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 55 million people live with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias worldwide. In the United States, approximately 7.4 million people aged 65 and older live with Alzheimer’s — an irreversible brain disorder that erodes memory and thinking skills.

Sheffler helps people build the knowledge, skills and confidence to make changes that are scientifically supported in combatting cognitive decline; while also paying attention to their own health, preferences, values and daily life to find an approach they can maintain over time.

“The best lifestyle change is often the one a person can realistically sustain,” Sheffler said of how individuals can best prevent cognitive decline through changes of their own. “For some people, improving diet may be the most impactful starting point. For others, it may be quitting tobacco, reducing alcohol use, increasing movement, improving sleep, or spending more time with friends and family. The reality is that even very healthy dietary patterns may not work the same way for everyone, in part because individuals differ in how their bodies metabolize and respond to nutrients.”

Sheffler’s research allows her to develop personalized strategies for individuals that integrate important factors such as nutrition, movement, mental health and social connection. By forming healthy habits that benefit the whole body, individuals are supporting their own brain health.

“The message I most want people to know is that brain health is not something we should only think about after memory problems begin,” Sheffler added. “Many of the same behaviors that support the heart, blood vessels, metabolism, mood, and sleep also support the brain. Even small, sustainable changes can be meaningful when they become part of a person’s everyday life.”

Media interested in understanding Julia Sheffler’s critical research and practical habits for promoting brain health may reach out to her via email at julia.sheffler@med.fsu.edu.

Julia Sheffler, assistant professor, Department of Behavioral Sciences and Social Medicine

Based on your research and understanding, how much does a person’s background dictate their lifetime risk for dementia?

A person’s background can play a meaningful role in dementia risk, but I would not say it “dictates” their future. Dementia risk is shaped by a combination of factors, including genetics, medical history, education, socioeconomic context, neighborhood resources, access to healthcare, stress exposure and lifestyle factors. Some of these begin very early in life and can accumulate over time. For example, opportunities for high-quality education, access to nutritious foods, safe places to be physically active and good preventive healthcare can all influence brain health across the lifespan.

At the same time, one of the most important messages is that dementia risk is not fixed. Even for individuals who may be at higher risk because of family history, vascular risk factors, or social and environmental barriers, there are still meaningful opportunities to support brain health. My work focuses on identifying realistic, accessible ways to help people make and sustain changes that may reduce risk, especially in communities where those resources have not always been easy to access.

You’ve done a lot of research on nutrition as it relates to Alzheimer’s and dementia. Would you consider nutrition the single-most important lifestyle change someone can make to help prevent cognitive decline in the future?

I would say nutrition is one of the most important lifestyle factors for brain health, but I would be cautious about calling it the single most important one for everyone. Brain health is influenced by many interconnected behaviors and health conditions, including diet, physical activity, sleep, stress, social connection, blood pressure, diabetes, heart health, and mental health. Nutrition is powerful because it touches many of those systems at once. What we eat can affect inflammation, vascular health, metabolism, gut health, and other biological pathways that are highly relevant to cognitive aging. We are not yet at the point where we can provide precise, individualized nutrition recommendations for brain health on a large scale.

Since establishing the Integrative Science for Healthy Aging Program, has there been an “a-ha” moment in your research? Something you’ve stumbled upon that you feel is most important for people to know when it comes to dementia and brain health?

One of the biggest “a-ha” moments for me has been appreciating just how closely brain health is connected to the rest of the body, especially metabolism. We often think about memory and thinking abilities as being separate from physical health, but the brain is an extremely energy-demanding organ. It depends on healthy blood vessels, stable metabolic function, and a steady supply of fuel to work well. When systems like blood sugar regulation, cardiovascular health, inflammation, or lipid metabolism are disrupted, those changes can also affect the brain over time.

That connection has shaped much of my work. I have become increasingly interested in how nutrition and other lifestyle behaviors may support brain health by influencing multiple systems at once, including vascular and metabolic health, inflammation, sleep, mood, and daily functioning. It has also made me think about dementia prevention as something that needs to be practical and whole-person focused. It is not enough to tell people that a certain diet or exercise routine may be good for the brain; we need to help them understand why these changes matter and support them in making changes they can actually sustain. The “best” intervention for one person may actually be very different for someone else. 

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Conference brings together researchers, clinicians, industry leaders and families to discuss advances in genomic screening and gene therapy

For families affected by rare diseases, unexplained developmental delays or medical symptoms often mark the beginning of a “diagnostic odyssey,” a frustrating search for answers and treatment options.

The longer the search continues, the greater the emotional toll on families. Without a diagnosis, effective treatment may be delayed. Millions of families worldwide face this challenge each year.

The Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Disease (Florida IPRD) at the Florida State University College of Medicine is working to shorten that journey.

Through a newborn whole-genome sequencing pilot program, family counseling, care management, rare disease research initiatives and professional training, FSU faculty and scientists are helping families better care for their loved ones with a rare disease.

With support from the state legislature, Florida IPRD is helping to expand access to genomic medicine and accelerate research into rare diseases to transform lives. The institute is partnering with the A.J. Anderson Foundation on its shared mission to improve pediatric rare disease healthcare.

Transforming personal tragedy into a movement to help Florida families

Rep. Adam Anderson (R-Palm Harbor) and his wife, Brianne, started the A.J. Anderson Foundation in 2018 after their son Andrew was diagnosed with Tay-Sachs disease, a rare genetic disorder that destroys nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Their own diagnostic odyssey followed as they sought care for their son. The experience prompted them to look for a way to support other families seeking rare disease treatment.

The foundation’s goals are to advocate for improved research and treatment to put an end to pediatric rare diseases and to increase access to genetic testing.

“The partnership between the A.J. Anderson Foundation and the Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases demonstrates what can be accomplished when advocacy, science, medicine, industry and public policy come together to accelerate diagnosis, expand treatment opportunities, and improve outcomes for children with rare diseases,” said Pradeep Bhide, director of Florida IPRD. “Representative Anderson and Brianne Anderson have been extraordinary champions for children with rare diseases, and their leadership has helped create programs such as ours that are positioning Florida as a national leader in genomic medicine and early diagnosis.”

Rare Disease Conference: Bringing together research and industry leaders

On Wednesday, the A.J. Anderson Foundation and Florida IPRD cohosted a rare disease conference in Pinellas County, bringing together researchers, healthcare professionals, industry partners and families to learn about ongoing work and provide a look into the future of treatment.

Dr. David Bick, the principal clinician for the Newborn Genomes Programme at Genomics England, delivered the keynote address. Attendees also heard from two panels, one focused on genomic newborn screening and the other focused on advances in gene therapy. Panelists from GeneDx, Nest Genomics, Alexion Pharmaceuticals and Amazon Web Services shared their insight in the first session. Panelists from UMass Chan Medical School, Florida IPRD and the University of Florida spoke during the second session.

Together, the panels represented two major, complementary goals: Diagnosing children with rare disease at birth and offering them an opportunity for early intervention and rapid treatment.

“The promise that these gene and cell therapies offer is that if you can detect a condition at birth, before symptoms occur, you can prevent those symptoms from ever showing themselves, and that child can live a perfectly healthy life,” Anderson said.

The Sunshine Genetics Program

Genomics medicine in Florida received a major boost last year with the passage of the Sunshine Genetics Act. With the support of the state legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis, the act established the Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases and provided additional funding for research and a genetic screening pilot program.

For the Floridians who now have the opportunity to screen their children for a rare disease and for the millions more people who can be helped through research breakthroughs, the work is urgent and crucial.

“Rare diseases test our healthcare systems, our scientific capabilities and our collective compassion. At the same time, they inspire determination, collaboration and hope,” said Dr. Alma Littles, dean of the FSU College of Medicine. “At Florida State University, we are proud to support the Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases and the Sunshine Genetics initiative as part of our broader commitment to expanding precision medicine, expanding access to care, and bringing together clinicians, scientists, educators, policymakers, industry leaders and patient advocates around a shared mission.”

Visit the Florida IPRD website for more information about the institute. Visit the A.J. Anderson Foundation website to learn more about the organization’s mission.

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Allison Justice is a doctoral student in the Florida State University Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences and an assistant professor in the FSU School of Physician Assistant Practice whose career is built on a foundation of service to others. Long before guiding future clinicians or pursuing her doctorate at FSU, Justice served her country as a flight medic with the Florida Army National Guard, completing two deployments to Iraq in OIF 06-08 and OND 2011. Her military background forged a deep resilience and a mission-first mindset she carries into both her doctoral studies and her civilian career. 

This veteran spirit anchors her roles in education, clinical practice and advocacy. In the classroom, she shapes the next generation of medical professionals as an assistant professor, a responsibility that pairs with her leadership as president-elect of the Florida Academy of PAs. She also serves as the founding faculty adviser for the HOME (Homeless Outreach Medicine and Education) Street Medicine Program, managing the logistics and performing outreach that allow FSU students to support essential healthcare in Tallahassee’s encampments. Across all these responsibilities, she connects tactical military medicine, advanced instructional design and hands-on community advocacy.

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Bracketed by the musical works of Sir Edward Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance,” the 121-member Florida State University College of Medicine Class of 2026 marched into Ruby Diamond Concert Hall Saturday as students and marched out as doctors.

Joining them in the recessional line were seven newly minted Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences – Bridge to Clinical Medicine graduates, who in 10 days will begin their own march to becoming doctors as members of the M.D. Class of 2030.

Dr. Anthony Speights, senior associate dean for medical education and academic affairs, broke from the ceremonial as he donned a wireless microphone and delivered the commencement address facing the class.

“On to the life lesson of the day.  Your last, and hopefully best, lesson from me,” Speights said, his back to the audience and eyes locked on the students before him on stage.

Speights’ address ranged widely from playful to poignant; focused on his observations of how students had changed since he and his Generation X peers “believe we were just built different” than the students he addressed.

For illustration he referred to his generation as latchkey kids, the MTV generation that never used seatbelts and the first generation with cell phones; as residents who worked 100-hour weeks without time restrictions, slept in the hospital call room and, in many instances became physicians who were absent from home, grumpy, placed patients and career before everything, and burned out.

“Now that I’ve spent so much time over the years telling you how different your generation is than mine as if it’s a bad thing, let me tell you why your generation is different than mine, in all the ways I admire.

“You’ve learned to support each other in ways our generation never did.  You’ve come to understand the need for balance in work and life.

“You’ve heard me say many times, often in what sounded like a critical way, that your generation doesn’t want to work as hard as the ones before you. But in all honesty, after all these years I can let you in on a little secret. That wasn’t criticism. It was jealousy.”

Speights praised the class — and its generation — for how it has found ways to be efficient and work hard, but find time to “smell the roses, watch some Netflix and hang out.” How it had taught his generation of physicians the importance of mental self-care.

And he reminded the class of a message delivered to them by the late Dr. Daniel Van Derme on their first day as medical students.

”Dan said something like this: Each of us is filled with a reservoir of compassion and caring.  It’s like a river, flowing from you to your patients.  Guard against becoming jaded, because it will dam that river up, but also keep in mind that if your reservoir is constantly flowing, it has to be refilled or it will run dry.

“Find and do things that refill that reservoir of compassion and caring. Caring is integral. Patients don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.”

There is no shortage of physicians from the class who heeded that advice; many of whom were honored on the eve of commencement at the Class of 2026 Presentation of Awards ceremony.

Ben Linkus, who completed his final two years at the Pensacola Regional Campus near his hometown of Gulf Breeze, received the Mission Award. Linkus is headed to Newark, Delaware, for a general surgery residency; a departure from the family medicine route he initially envisioned for himself. His third-year rotation through the Marinna Rural Program at the 100-bed Jackson Hospital, changed his trajectory, thanks to the influence of doctors Vechai Arunakul and John Brunner.

“I fell in love with rural healthcare and what the general surgeon can do in those types of communities,” Linkus said. “[Arunakal and Brunner] were huge role models for me, being able to see how they impacted the community. Eventually, the plan is to come back to the Panhandle and be the rural general surgeon in a community along I-10.

Befitting of her strong faith, Katelyn Cornelius was selected to deliver the invocation Saturday.

“My faith has always been a big part of my life,” said Cornelius, who completed her clinical education at the Orlando Regional Campus, near her hometown of Winter Park. “Before I stated medical school, I got to work at a clinic for patients without insurance that’s faith-based in Orlando. I really saw how these people’s desire to serve was so driven by their faith. And I worked with a pediatrician who used to talk about how, you know, we’re called to be loving in anything that we do.

Cornelius carried that mindset throughout her time at the College of Medicine and others noticed. At Friday nights’ awards ceremony, the Alpha Omega Alpha and Gold Humanism Honor Society inductee was recognized as the Orlando Regional Campus Dean’s Award winner and one of eight American Medical Women’s Association’s Glasgow-Rubin Citation recipients for ranking in the top 10% of her class and demonstrating leadership, service and advocacy.

Dr. Alma Littles, dean of the College of Medicine, presented Cornelius the J. Ocie Harris Outstanding Student Award, which recognizes the student who has shown the best all-around promise of becoming a physician of the highest caliber.

“People ask me, ‘Why are you like this? Why are you so nice and kind and focused? Why do you know this information?” she explained. “For me, it is loving and caring, and that feels like my mission and my ministry to others; to learn this information well, to care for people well, to help them feel seen and heard and loved at the end of the day.”

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Long characterized as a disorder known for its physical symptoms, Parkinson’s disease (PD) is becoming more understood by the psychosocial traits that can also affect it.

April is Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month, spotlighting the progressive brain disorder that affects 10 million people worldwide according to the Parkinson’s Foundation. Recognition of loneliness as a potential root cause for PD was highlighted in an October 2023 groundbreaking study conducted by the Florida State University College of Medicine, which found that individuals experiencing subjective feelings of loneliness have a 37 percent increased risk of developing the disease.

Antonio Terracciano is a geriatrics professor in the FSU College of Medicine who led the study that first identified loneliness as an early warning predictor of PD. His overall research examines the interplay of psychological, cultural and genetic factors in shaping physical and mental health across the lifespan. Terracciano’s work as a researcher focuses on how personality evolves with age, varies across cultures, and contributes to longevity and resilience against neurodegenerative diseases.

While his study has gained substantial media attention since being released, Terracciano feels continuous publicity connecting loneliness and PD is necessary.

“Promoting this connection is vital, as it shifts the focus toward proactive mental and social health interventions that could potentially reduce the long-term risk of neurodegeneration,” Terracciano said of the effect of loneliness on PD.

Media interested in interviewing geriatrics professor Antonio Terracciano on the link between loneliness and PD as part of its annual awareness month may reach out to him via email at antonio.terracciano@med.fsu.edu.

Antonio Terracciano, professor, Florida State University College of Medicine Department of Geriatrics

In terms of raising awareness for Parkinson’s disease, do you believe it’s becoming common knowledge that loneliness is associated with PD?

 While awareness is growing, the link between loneliness and Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a relatively recent scientific discovery. Our 2023 study was the first to provide longitudinal evidence showing that individuals who feel lonely have a significantly higher risk of developing PD. Since its publication, the research has gained substantial media attention and is frequently cited, suggesting that the public and medical communities are increasingly recognizing loneliness as a critical psychosocial determinant of health. However, there is still work to be done to ensure this becomes common knowledge.

Since your research was published in 2023, have there been any other key findings you’ve made linking loneliness to PD?

Our 2023 study established a foundational link, showing that loneliness is associated with a 37% increased risk of incident PD, independent of genetic and clinical factors. Beyond loneliness, our broader research program explores how other psychological constructs influence neurodegenerative risk. For instance, we have investigated the roles of purpose and meaning in life, which can serve as protective factors, as well as the personality trait of neuroticism, which is associated with higher vulnerability to PD and other health conditions. These findings collectively suggest that our emotional well-being is critical for our long-term neurological health and resilience against diseases like Parkinson’s.

How can enhancing your social connection aid in preventing neurodegenerative diseases like PD?

It is important to distinguish between social isolation (the objective lack of interpersonal contact) and loneliness (the subjective distressing feeling of being disconnected from others); our research found that the subjective experience of loneliness was a predictor of PD risk. This is in part because loneliness is linked to systemic inflammation, metabolic stress, and neuroendocrine changes that can harm brain health. Furthermore, loneliness creates a state of heightened vulnerability, or a cognitive debt, where the brain is less equipped to withstand biological insults or the natural aging process, potentially accelerating the progression of neurodegeneration. These findings suggest that reducing loneliness by fostering meaningful connections (not just increasing the number of social contacts) can increase resilience against neurodegenerative diseases and promote overall brain health.

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From promoting the impact of cutting-edge research to celebrating student success, podcasts at Florida State University have become a staple for sharing information for the FSU community. They offer an accessible medium for digital storytelling, amplifying the voices of students, staff and faculty. 

FSU colleges and departments host a variety of podcasts pulling stories and experts from across the university. The diverse range of podcasts means that there is something for every listener to tune into, whether they are a student, staff member or alumni. Here are a few examples of the FSU podcasts available:

Nole Edge  

The College of Arts and Sciences produces “Nole Edge,” connecting listeners with the stories of students, faculty, alumni and researchers whose work is changing the way we view the world. 

Host Amy Walden, the college’s assistant director of visual and social media, has explored topics such as what happens in the human brain during sleep and how that protects against Alzheimer’s disease, the ethics of moral injury, FSU’s immersive language houses and more. Now in its fourth season, episodes are available on the college’s YouTube channel. 

“Nole Edge” has created a unique space to share the stories and perspectives of the outstanding researchers, faculty, students and world-renowned lecturers that make Florida State such a special place,” Walden said. “Because the FSU College of Arts and Sciences is home to the natural sciences and humanities, every topic and conversation on the podcast is a new adventure. We strive for our listeners, no matter their area of interest or level of expertise, to walk away from each episode with fresh knowledge.” 

InNOLEvation® Mindset Podcast  

“The InNOLEvation® Mindset Podcast” with host Mark McNees from the FSU Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship highlights student and alumni entrepreneurs and innovators from FSU. 

Guests include the next generation of young business leaders sharing what they’re learning as they build companies from the ground up, FSU faculty with key insights into entrepreneurship, and alumni making their mark. “InNOLEvation Mindset” can be found on the website for FSU’s Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship and is also available on YouTube. 

 “InNOLEvation® Mindset started as a way to give FSU’s entrepreneurs a platform, but it has evolved into something bigger,” McNees said. “We’re now having conversations with energy finance leaders, sustainability innovators and business founders whose work is reshaping entire industries. The podcast gives the Jim Moran College a front-row seat to those conversations, and our listeners, whether they’re students, executives, or policymakers, walk away with insights they can actually use.” 

Coach Talk  

“Coach Talk” was created by Timothy Baghurst, director of the FSU Center for Athletic Coaching. Each episode connects the classroom with the field, featuring guests from the sports industry, including coaches, athletic directors, team owners and more. Episodes of “Coach Talk” can be found streaming online on platforms such as Spotify.   

 “Listeners gain a deeper understanding of coaching practices, decision-making and the realities of working in sports, drawing practical, evidence-based lessons from the show,” Baghurst said. “‘Coach Talk’ offers an inside perspective on the knowledge and experiences that shape sports today.” 

More FSU podcasts 

There is a podcast for every listener, each one exploring another facet of the FSU community. 

The College of Medicine produces “Faculty Forward” to provide insight, strategies and professional advice to medical school and health sciences faculty. Each episode features experts and educators from FSU, focusing on topics for faculty success in the classroom and the clinic. Episodes of “Faculty Forward” can be found on the website for FSU’s College of Medicine.   

“FSU COMMversation” is a student-run podcast highlighting students, professors and alumni from FSU’s School of Communication in the College of Communication and Information. Each episode highlights the accomplishments of its guests, which allows other students, professors, and alumni to stay informed and connected with the communications world. “FSU COMMversation” can be found on all streaming platforms online.   

“Seminole Sports” is hosted by Jeff Culhane, the director of broadcasting for the Seminole Sports Network. Culhane is joined by Seminole coaches and players as he breaks down current news and events in FSU sports. Listeners can tune into “Seminole Sports” from the Seminole Boosters website.  

“Connect with VP Amy Hecht” dives into new topics about programs and opportunities at FSU. Vice President for Student Affairs Amy Hecht highlights a new guest in each episode and discusses frequently asked questions from students, parents and future Seminoles. Listeners can find episodes of “Connect with VP Amy Hecht” on FSU’s website for the Division of Student Affairs.

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The spring allergy season affects approximately 100 million Americans annually, triggered by immune system responses to a variety of airborne pollens. While the symptoms can range from sneezing, fatigue or even worsening asthma, staying ahead is key to avoiding harsher effects.

Dr. Stephen Quintero, an associate professor and medical director of the School of Physician Assistant Practice at the Florida State University College of Medicine, says patients must be weary of the spring allergy season and take necessary steps in advance.

“We tell a lot of our patients if they know they have allergies, start treatment early,” Quintero said. “Don’t wait until you’re miserable. Start using steroids before the peak season. The good news is we have some treatments where if you start early and stay consistent, they seem to help most people.”

Media inquiring about general information for the spring allergy season may reach out to Quintero via email at stephen.quintero@med.fsu.edu.

Dr. Stephen Quintero, associate professor and medical director, School of Physician Assistant Practice 

What are some of your recommendations to best avoid triggering allergies in the spring?

Some examples include using a daily internasal steroid like the spray or any antihistamines. The nasal saline spray and some irrigation help rinse the pollen away before it has time to activate the immune system. Daily sprays or multiple sprays a day usually work well. Know your surroundings and control your environment as best as you can, especially for people who work outdoors in the grass. It’s important to shower afterwards and change clothes if you’re doing yard work, and keeping your windows closed during the peak pollen season. Using HEPA filters indoors can help in small spaces.

If symptoms continue to worsen or if you have asthma, immunotherapy is an option and can be effective. Allergy shots can be effective in our North Florida region. We also have mold in North Florida because of the high humidity; that can be almost as important as pollen. While it might not be cost effective, dehumidification and HVAC maintenance are important. 

What are some of the most common symptoms you see in individuals with allergy issues?

You get a mix of things, but most people have persistent nasal congestion, they have postnasal drip and they have chronic cough. You have people that just feel sinus pressure or pressure in their face. People will have the issue of watery eyes. And fatigue — this has become chronic in patients. A lot of patients think they have repeated sinus infections, but most of the time it’s just uncontrolled allergic inflammation.

The post FSU medical expert provides advice on spring allergy season appeared first on Florida State University News.

Federal health officials lauded the Florida State University College of Medicine Thursday for championing the integration of nutrition education into medical training during an event hosted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).  

Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. commended FSU for its proactive approach to the burgeoning chronic disease crisis. Kennedy, along with Education Secretary Linda McMahon and National Institutes of Health Director Jay Bhattacharya, called on the nation’s medical schools to implement a minimum of 40 hours of nutrition education for medical students. 

“Chronic disease is overwhelming our country, and it is accelerating,” Kennedy said, specifically noting that FSU President Richard McCullough and College of Medicine Dean Alma Littles, M.D., were early champions of focusing on nutrition education. 

“Florida State University President Richard McCullough and Dean Alma Littles, along with Dr. Gold [from University of Nebraska], were the first to encourage and embrace this tremendous initiative,” Kennedy said.  

Poor diet directly correlates to a variety of health problems. A 2024 policy brief written for the journal Frontiers in Public Health noted that about 1 million people die annually from diet-related chronic diseases.  

The FSU College of Medicine has been at the vanguard of incorporating nutrition education into all four years of medical training with courses on how nutrition impacts immune, cardiovascular, renal and endocrine systems. This also includes an emphasis on using nutrition to prevent common chronic diseases, such as atherosclerosis, osteoporosis, diabetes, as well as a variety of metabolic disorders.  

The college currently requires 42 hours of nutrition education as part of its curriculum.  

“The Florida State University College of Medicine was created, in part, to expand access to health care across the wide variety of communities in our state, many of which are disproportionately vulnerable to the very chronic diseases that proper nutrition can help manage and even prevent,” Littles said in a statement after the event. “We are proud that for almost 20 years, we have been providing a robust, fully integrated program of nutrition education that exceeds the minimum standards this initiative sets, and we are committed to enhancing even further the role of nutrition in medical training. Proper diet, nutrition and metabolic health can improve health outcomes in every population.” 

Nutrition and human performance have been a major focus of not only the College of Medicine’s curriculum but also the university’s research enterprise.  

In 2025, the university launched the Institute for Connecting Nutrition and Health, led by National Academy members Regan Bailey and Patrick Stover. The institute serves as a hub for research aimed at using food-based solutions to solve complex health challenges.  

This built on years of work across the university in nutrition, exercise science and human health.  

Faculty at the Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences are investigating the benefits of functional foods on gut health, cardiovascular health and more. The Institute of Sports Sciences and Medicine, established more than 15 years ago, explores how nutrition and exercise affect longevity, health and performance. 

“Nutrition research has long been a major component of our research enterprise at FSU,” said Vice President for Research Stacey S. Patterson. “We have invested in our nutrition and human performance work because we believe that part of our role as a public research university is to use the best science available to find solutions for people facing complex health challenges.” 

For more on the FSU College of Medicine’s efforts on nutrition education in medical training, visit the college’s website at https://med.fsu.edu/nems/home.  

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