The Florida State University College of Nursing celebrated its fourth-annual Nole Nurse Shining Stars Gala on Saturday, April 11, held at the Dunlap Champions Club in Doak Campbell Stadium, honoring the achievements of alumni, faculty, students and community partners while recognizing the college’s continued impact in health care. 

“The Shining Stars Gala is a powerful reflection of the strength and legacy of our Nole Nurse community,” said Jing Wang, dean of the FSU College of Nursing. “Each year, we are proud to recognize individuals who exemplify excellence in nursing and who continue to move our mission forward. Their work inspires the next generation of nurses to lead with compassion and purpose.” 

The Nole Nurse Shining Stars Gala highlighted achievements across nursing education, practice, leadership, research and philanthropy, reinforcing the college’s commitment to advancing health care and improving lives. 

The event also celebrated five years of significant momentum for the FSU College of Nursing, marked by significant growth, innovation and national recognition. In the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings, the Doctor of Nursing Practice program climbed seven spots to No. 21 overall and No. 12 among public institutions, while continuing to rank No. 1 among all public and private institutions in Florida. 

This progress reflects a broader trajectory of advancement across the college. Over the past year, the College of Nursing secured a historic $10 million gift to expand health care education and innovation in Northwest Florida and has made significant investments in its continued growth, including unveiling a new 5,000-square-foot simulation training lab, launching the nation’s first Master of Science in Nursing program focused on artificial intelligence applications in health care and achieving a 62% increase in faculty over the past five years, among more. 

Awards presented during the evening included the Distinguished Graduate Award, recognizing alumni for their outstanding contributions to the nursing profession; the Dean’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to Nursing, honoring individuals and organizations whose leadership and partnership advance the college; and the Dean’s 3T Award, celebrating those who give generously of their time, talent and treasure to support the future of nursing education. 

Distinguished Graduate Awards: 

Sara Barber, a triple alumna of the FSU College of Nursing recognized for more than two decades of dedicated practice and service. A longtime pediatric nurse practitioner in Tallahassee, Barber has also served as an FSU instructor and contributed to the field through published research and textbooks. Her commitment to the community extends beyond clinical care through mentoring students as a clinical preceptor and volunteering with the Tallahassee Memorial Animal Therapy Program. 

Angie McDonald, recognized for a 35-year career dedicated to excellence in bedside critical care nursing. Known for combining advanced clinical expertise with compassionate patient advocacy, McDonald has made a lasting impact both at the bedside and as a mentor to fellow nurses. Her leadership and commitment to her patients, colleagues and alma mater reflect the enduring influence of frontline nursing care. 

Peter Preziosi, recognized for a distinguished career marked by global leadership and innovation in health care. A Florida State University alumnus, Preziosi has held senior roles with the World Health Organization in Geneva and currently serves as president and CEO of TruMerit, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting foreign-educated health care professionals. His work advancing health workforce mobility and driving innovation reflects a lasting impact on health systems worldwide. 

Toni Sanchez, a double alumna of FSU, was recognized for a distinguished career defined by leadership, service and excellence in nursing. A retired U.S. Air Force colonel, Sanchez led a team of 33 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, overseeing more than 200 air evacuation missions for 3,100 wounded service members. She now serves as specialty nurse manager at the VA Tallahassee Outpatient Clinic, where she has played a key role in restoring critical specialty services for local veterans. 

Martin Schiavenato, a triple alumnus of Florida State University, was recognized for his contributions as a nurse-scientist, educator and innovator. A former NICU nurse at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, he has become an international leader in nursing research, particularly in neonatal pain, and was named a finalist for the 2024 Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award. Schiavenato continues to mentor the next generation of nurses through his work in academia, digital education and emerging areas such as artificial intelligence in nursing education. 

Kyrie Thomas, an alumna of FSU, was recognized for a career defined by transformational leadership and service in health care. With more than 15 years of experience, she has served as chief nursing officer at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, providing strategic leadership for more than 2,300 nursing professionals. Throughout her career, Thomas has led major clinical initiatives, including the development of advanced oncology and neuroscience programs, while fostering a culture of mentorship, collaboration and excellence. 

Jeann Michael Edodoleon, recognized for his commitment to excellence in critical care nursing and his inspiring professional growth. Beginning his career as a volunteer at Baptist Health, he advanced to become a registered nurse in the medical-surgical intensive care unit, where he is known for his strong clinical judgment and calm leadership in high-acuity settings. Edodoleon is also a dedicated mentor to new nurses and a compassionate patient advocate, exemplifying the integrity and commitment of the nursing profession. 

Leslie Webber, recognized for a 25-year career dedicated to pediatric nursing and clinical leadership. At Wolfson Children’s Hospital, she advanced from a pediatric ICU staff nurse to nurse director of Children’s Emergency Services, leading key programs including pediatric cardiovascular care, ECMO and trauma services. Known for her integrity and commitment to excellence, Webber has earned honors such as the DAISY Nurse Leader Award, the Great 100 Nurses of Northeast Florida and the FSU Alumni Association’s Grads Made Good award. 

Dean’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to Nursing: 

The Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation was recognized for its longstanding support of the Florida State University College of Nursing. Through its investment, the foundation has helped generations of Nole Nurses complete their degrees and enter the workforce, creating a lasting impact on nursing education and the health care community. Since 1993, the Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation has provided over $3 million in scholarship support to FSU Nursing students.  

Dean’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to Nursing: 

Mark Hillis, a graduate of the FSU College of Business, was honored for his role in establishing a lasting partnership between the Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation and the College of Nursing. During his 33-year career at SunTrust Bank, Hillis connected the foundation to the college, creating opportunities that have supported nursing students for generations. A dedicated supporter of Florida State University, Hillis’ commitment to service and philanthropy has helped strengthen the future of the College of Nursing and its students. 

Dean’s Award for Outstanding Service: 

Pam Turner, recognized for a pioneering career and longstanding service to the nursing profession and the FSU College of Nursing. She broke barriers in 1977 as the first female firefighter and paramedic for the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department and went on to lead in pediatric nursing and advance health care quality and safety. Turner has also served as adjunct faculty at both Florida State University and the University of Florida. A former chair of the College of Nursing Advancement Council, Turner has played a key role in guiding the college through periods of growth and transition. Her leadership and philanthropy, including her early commitment to an endowed professorship, reflect a lasting dedication to advancing the mission of the college. 

Dean’s 3T Award: 

Laura Levine, recognized for her exceptional contributions of time, talent and treasure to the FSU College of Nursing. Through the establishment of the Laura and Alan Levine Endowed Professorship in Innovation Applications in Nursing, Levine has made a lasting investment in the college’s future, supporting faculty leaders who will advance nursing education and innovation for years to come. Levine’s career has spanned hospital and public health settings, including leadership roles as a nursing director and contributions to national public health initiatives. She continues to serve as a bedside nurse and mentor in the ICU. A dedicated member of the Nole Nurse Advancement Council, Levine’s philanthropy and leadership reflect a deep commitment to strengthening the college and inspiring future generations of nurses. 

The 2026 Nole Nurse Shining Stars Gala was made possible through the generous support of presenting sponsor, BayCare, garnet sponsors Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare and Mayo Clinic in Florida, and dessert reception sponsor Big Bend Hospice. 

For more information on award nominations and upcoming events, visit nursing.fsu.edu. 

The post FSU College of Nursing honors alumni excellence at 2026 Nole Nurse Shining Stars Gala appeared first on Florida State University News.

Florida State University and the City of Tallahassee on Friday completed the legal transfer of city-owned hospital assets, marking a historic milestone for FSU Health, the university’s academic health system.  

The action allows Florida State and Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare to continue their work toward establishing an academic health center in Florida’s capital city. 

The transfer follows approvals by the Tallahassee City Commission on March 11, the Florida State University Board of Trustees and the Florida Board of Governors. 

“This milestone reflects years of partnership and a shared vision for the future of health care in our region,” said FSU President Richard McCullough. “This is a major step forward for FSU Health and for expanding clinical care, research and medical education in North Florida.” 

Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey added: “Tallahassee is known across the nation for its high quality of life, and with the future of FSU Health now solidified, our community is poised to play a leading role in advancing medicine while elevating the care available to our residents and the broader region. We have successfully strengthened the heartbeat of our city by uniting research, education and patient care.” 

Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare will continue its long‑standing role of operating the hospital and remains responsible for patient care, employees and daily operations.  

This partnership will expand medical education, strengthen clinical care, and grow research in Tallahassee and across North Florida. Together, the organizations are building an integrated academic health system designed to better serve patients while advancing discovery and training the next generation of health care professionals. 

“This is an exciting day for TMH, FSU and our community. This brings us one step closer to our vision of an academic health model — one that will strengthen our ability to recruit physicians, expand specialty services, and continue delivering exceptional care close to home,” said Mark O’Bryant, CEO of Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare. 

Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare becomes the clinical anchor of FSU Health and builds on years of collaboration between the two institutions, including construction of the FSU Health Research Center on the TMH campus, which is expected to open later this year. 

Leaders have emphasized that TMH’s longstanding mission remains unchanged, including its commitment to serve all patients. Deed restrictions approved by the city require the continuation of charity care and ensure the property remains a hospital. 

“FSU Health places our community at the forefront of innovation, expanding access to high quality healthcare, creating jobs and improving lives across every corner of our community and North Florida,” City Manager Reese Goad said. I’m proud that we have charted a course toward ensuring a healthier, more resilient future for Tallahassee.” 

The post Florida State University, City of Tallahassee complete hospital asset transfer, advancing FSU Health appeared first on Florida State University News.

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.

The post FSU expert available for interviews on Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month appeared first on Florida State University News.

Last Friday, the Anne’s College Research Showcase at the Augustus B. Turnbull III Florida State Conference Center brought together FSU faculty and staff to discuss research opportunities, grants and promote departmental collaboration.

Featuring more than 300 students and faculty from the renowned Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (Anne’s College), the event was an opportunity for participants to present their work that places an emphasis on real-world impact.

Damon Andrew, dean of Anne’s College, provided remarks at the showcase ceremony that summed up the everyday ambitions of the college’s research.

“Every year I look forward to this conference, which showcases the very best research activities being undertaken by our college’s faculty and students,” Andrew said. “While we come from various scientific disciplines and utilize a broad range of methodological conventions and techniques, we all share the common goal of using our research to maximize human potential.”

With approximately 233 PowerPoint and poster presentations, and more than 300 students and faculty presenting current research, the showcase covered endless topics that impact day-to-day life and span across several disciplines. Presenters tackled issues related to ultra-processed foods, artificial intelligence in the classrooms, workplace accommodations, mental health in schools and much more.

Joshua Newman, associate dean for research at Anne’s College, asserts that the caliber of work being conducted offers valuable solutions for both Floridians and a broader audience.

“Research is at its core is about value proposition, because we’re really trying to answer tough questions but provide solutions to problems that face families across Florida and the region even beyond,” Newman said. “In our college, we have a very strong commitment to making sure that we’re doing research that doesn’t just get published in journals but is making an impact in people’s lives.”

The post Research with purpose: Anne’s College highlights FSU faculty and student innovation appeared first on Florida State University News.

The Florida State University Board of Trustees and the Florida Board of Governors on Thursday approved the transfer of City of Tallahassee-owned hospital assets to Florida State University. 

The votes follow a March 11 decision by the Tallahassee City Commission to transfer ownership of the city-owned hospital assets to the university. 

“This is the first major step in building FSU Health and taking a big step toward improving healthcare, but also building clinical, biological and biomedical research for Florida State University,” FSU President Richard McCullough said during the Board of Trustees meeting. “It’s a big deal, and we appreciate all the help we’ve gotten from everybody in the leadership of Florida State University as well as support from the board.” 

With approvals now in place from the city, university trustees and the state system’s governing board, the transfer is fully authorized. 

The agreement clears the way for Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare to serve as the clinical anchor of FSU Health, the university’s academic health system. Under the plan, FSU will own the hospital property, while TMH will continue to operate the hospital under a long-term lease and remain responsible for patient care, employees and daily operations. 

University and hospital leaders have said the partnership will expand medical education, strengthen clinical care and grow research in Tallahassee and across North Florida. 

The move builds upon years of collaboration between the two institutions, including construction of the FSU Health Research Center on the TMH campus, a facility designed to bring together clinicians, researchers and students. The facility is expected to open later this year. 

University and hospital leaders have also emphasized that TMH’s longstanding mission will remain unchanged, including its commitment to serve all patients. Deed restrictions approved by the city require the continuation of charity care and ensure the property remains a hospital. 

The post FSU trustees, Board of Governors approve Tallahassee hospital transfer in major step for FSU Health  appeared first on Florida State University News.

Florida State University and Apalachee Center have established a new partnership to improve mental health care across the state, with a particular focus on Northwest Florida.

The Memorandum of Understanding signed by the two institutions unites Apalachee Center’s more than 80 years of hands-on experience serving individuals living with mental illness and substance use disorder with Florida State University’s 175-year legacy of academic and research excellence. It also complements the university’s work through FSU Health to expand access and quality care across the state.

Together, the organizations will collaborate on large-scale research initiatives – leveraging Apalachee Center’s role as the region’s largest provider of mental health care and the internationally recognized expertise of FSU’s behavioral health researchers – with one shared goal: to deepen the understanding of mental illness and behavioral health challenges and advance the development of more effective treatments.

Through the agreement, Apalachee Center and FSU will:

• Collaborate on research to better understand the causes and effective treatments for behavioral health issues and mental illness
• Share insights and information in a safe and secure way to better understand community needs
• Develop joint initiatives that bring academic expertise and community care together

“Without question, the people of Florida will benefit from this partnership through the development of effective and innovative mental health services that improve lives,” said Dr. Alma Littles, dean of the FSU College of Medicine. “Working together, we will build upon the positive impact of FSU Health to create healthy, resilient communities.”

FSU’s behavioral health researchers span multiple units across the university including the College of Medicine, College of Arts and Sciences and College of Social Work, bringing a wide research perspective to the issue.

The partnership will support new initiatives in Leon and Bay counties, as well as across Florida, to expand access to and delivery of high-quality mental health services.

“This strategic endeavor will use de-identified anonymous data to study behavioral health trends and outcomes” said Dr. Jay Reeve, President and CEO of Apalachee Center. “For decades, behavioral health clinicians and researchers everywhere have been focused on ensuring that behavioral health treatments have replicable, positive outcomes that follow the science. This partnership is a crucial step in that direction for university researchers, providers and most importantly the residents of North Florida who rely on access to quality behavioral healthcare.”

###

About Florida State University

Florida State University is a top public research university that is recognized nationally for its academic excellence, student success and robust research enterprise. Niche ranked FSU No. 11 on its list of America’s top public universities, and U.S. News & World Report has ranked FSU among the Top 25 public universities for seven consecutive years, driven by student retention and graduation rates that are among the best in the country. Celebrated for its entrepreneurial culture and forward-thinking approach, FSU is also ranked as one of the nation’s Most Innovative Schools.

About Apalachee Center

Since 1948, Apalachee Center, a private, not-for-profit organization, has been dedicated to supporting the mental health and recovery of individuals and families across Leon, Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson, Liberty, Madison, Taylor, and Wakulla Counties succeed in recovering from emotional, psychiatric and substance use disorder crises. For more information, visit ApalacheeCenter.org.

The post Florida State University and Apalachee Center enter partnership to advance behavioral health research appeared first on Florida State University News.

Alzheimer’s disease affects millions of people around the world. To study this condition, researchers must peer inside the distinctive environment of the human brain.

For scientists to get the most accurate picture of the proteins that drive this disease, they must extract them without altering their environment.

In a study published in Protein Science, researchers at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering demonstrated a new method for studying Alzheimer’s disease that keeps disease-causing proteins intact in a near-native environment, helping scientists get a more accurate picture of how they function.

“Alzheimer’s disease is devastating,” said Professor Ayyalusamy Ramamoorthy, a co-author of the study. “More people are living longer, and that means more people are going to be living with Alzheimer’s disease, so we need to find a cure for it and other aging-related amyloid diseases, like Parkinson’s and Type 2 diabetes. Attempts to develop drugs for Alzheimer’s disease have failed, so we started to work on the C99 protein, which is the origin for everything.”

What they did

Researchers developed a method to extract a key protein involved in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease called C99.

Previously, C99 was difficult to study, as samples had to be removed from cells and prepared for analysis using detergents. The harsh, soap-like chemicals break down lipids, or fats, that surround C99 in the brain and influence how it behaves. Without lipids, C99’s behavior changes, and scientists were unable to study how it acts in its natural environment in the brain.

By using a non-detergent-based polymer to capture C99, the natural environment of the brain cells where the protein is found was preserved, providing researchers with a new way to study it.

“We have been developing these synthetic polymers that can extract proteins present in the cell membrane directly without using detergents,” Ramamoorthy said. “This work was about using synthetically prepared polymers in my lab to isolate a precursor protein along with the lipids present in the cell membrane and reconstituting them together in the form of disc-shaped particles called nanodiscs for a deeper medical investigation.”

How it works

C99 is a byproduct of the amyloid precursor protein, or APP, which is found in the brain.

When enzymes known as secretases cut APP, they produce fragments of C99 called Aβ isomers. The accumulation of Aβ and lipids causes plaque buildup, which is responsible for memory loss in Alzheimer’s patients by killing neuronal cells.

In this study, researchers isolated the C99 protein from a bacterial cell membrane then extracted it along with lipids surrounding C99 using their newly designed polymer. After extraction, researchers conducted further tests to confirm that the protein’s shape and lipids were still intact and preserved exactly as they are in cells.

Why it matters

This study represents a revolutionary advancement in Alzheimer’s research by keeping a key disease-causing protein intact for more accurate study.

“This work provides a toolkit for studying Alzheimer’s disease at the molecular level and it lets scientists observe C99 in its ‘natural habitat,’ which is something that had not been possible in more than 30 years of research,” Ramamoorthy said. “It creates a biomedically relevant and more accurate method for preparing proteins used in therapeutic discovery and Alzheimer’s disease modeling.”

The research could improve outcomes for pharmaceutical development, medical diagnostic and imaging tools or biotechnology manufacturing. The new method provides a foundation for further research that could one day lead to a cure.

“Drug development has so far not been able to solve the problems posed by Alzheimer’s disease,” Ramamoorthy said. “Our hope is that this new method will give researchers a clearer picture of how the C99 protein works and contributes to this disease, so that we can develop ways to stop its progression. Ultimately, we can find a cure.”

Researchers from the University of Michigan contributed to this study. This research was supported by the National Institutes of Health.

###

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

The post Advancing Alzheimer’s research: FAMU-FSU College of Engineering professor creates more accurate method to study disease appeared first on Florida State University News.

The Tallahassee City Commission voted Wednesday to approve the transfer of city-owned Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare assets from the City of Tallahassee to Florida State University, a historic step that clears the way for the creation of an integrated academic health center in the state’s capital city. 

Under the City’s action, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare will continue operating the hospital, and FSU and TMH will continue collaborating as they work toward expanded educational, research and clinical opportunities in Tallahassee and North Florida. 

University leaders thanked the Tallahassee City Commission for its leadership and expressed appreciation to the City of Tallahassee for its decades of stewardship of the hospital and its vision in supporting the next chapter of healthcare in the community. FSU also recognized Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare’s decades of service to the community and the longstanding relationship between the two institutions. 

“This is an important moment for our community and for the future of healthcare in our region,” said Florida State University President Richard McCullough, noting the opportunities created by the City’s decision. “We are grateful to the City Commission for its leadership and vision for Tallahassee. Working together with Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, we can strengthen care for patients while expanding medical education and research here in our capital city.” 

“This is an important moment for our community and for the future of healthcare in our region. We are grateful to the City Commission for its leadership and vision for Tallahassee. Working together with Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, we can strengthen care for patients while expanding medical education and research here in our capital city.” —  FSU President Richard McCullough

This step supports the ongoing work between FSU and TMH that envisions Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare serving as the clinical anchor of FSU Health, Florida State’s academic health ecosystem that integrates clinical care, medical education and research. 

“TMH and Florida State University are continuing to work together to reach consensus as we carefully finalize the agreements that will guide our long-term partnership. These negotiations are being approached with a shared commitment to the future of healthcare in our community,” said Mark O’Bryant, CEO of Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare. “Once the agreements are complete, we look forward to working alongside FSU to build on our strong foundation of care and further improve healthcare for the people of North Florida.”  

The collaboration builds on years of work between the two institutions. As an example, construction is underway on the FSU Health Research Center on the Tallahassee Memorial campus, a 140,000-square-foot facility designed to bring clinicians, researchers and students together to advance medical research and patient care.  

Once the closing occurs, Florida State University would own the hospital property, while Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare would continue to operate the hospital under a long-term lease and maintain responsibility for hospital operations, employees and patient care. 

University and hospital leaders emphasized that Tallahassee Memorial’s longstanding mission of serving all members of the community will remain unchanged. 

The City’s deed restrictions will ensure the continuation of TMH’s longstanding charity-care commitments. FSU also must maintain the property as a hospital in perpetuity. 

Officials from both organizations said the partnership represents an important step toward building a fully integrated academic health center that will enhance clinical care, expand medical training and advance research for patients across Tallahassee and the Florida Panhandle. 

The post City Commission approves transfer of city-owned Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare assets, clearing the way for next steps with FSU appeared first on Florida State University News.

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.  

The post FSU College of Medicine recognized in D.C. as national leader in nutrition education appeared first on Florida State University News.

As National Nutrition Month shines a light on healthy eating, new research points to wild blueberries as a simple way to support cardiometabolic health.

Also referred to as lowbush, wild blueberries are primarily grown in Maine and Canada. Their short shelf life and seasonal availability mean they are often found in frozen packages sold in supermarkets across the country. Both wild blueberries and the traditional highbush blueberries – the ones sold fresh in supermarkets – offer excellent nutritional quality, delicious flavor and unique growing characteristics, and can be enjoyed throughout the year.

Florida State University’s Sarah A. Johnson, an associate professor in the Department of Health, Nutrition, and Food Sciences, was one of 12 researchers who conducted an extensive study on wild and highbush blueberries and their cardiometabolic effects. The findings detailed how wild blueberries can improve key nutritional areas including vascular function, the gut microbiome, blood pressure and blood sugar.

Johnson’s research reveals the nutritional benefits of wild blueberries.

“It’s remarkable to see measurable health impacts from a single food rather than a complete dietary overhaul,” Johnson said. “Fruit and vegetable consumption is generally low among consumers, and the research with blueberries demonstrates that even small daily changes consumers can make can have clinically relevant beneficial health impacts. Some of their demonstrated health benefits include those to cardiovascular and heart health and cognitive function.”

Media interested in interviewing Johnson on her latest research about wild blueberries and their cardiometabolic health benefits may reach out to her via email at sba07@fsu.edu.

Sarah A. Johnson, associate professor, Department of Health, Nutrition, and Food Sciences

One of the major health priorities that has sprouted in recent years is gut health. What did this study tell you about how blueberries can aid in this area?

Blueberries are rich in dietary fiber as well as polyphenols, which are naturally occurring phytochemicals (i.e., plant chemicals) that interact with and are metabolized by the gut microbiota. Through this interaction, health promoting metabolites are produced that can be absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, enter blood circulation and interact with cells, tissues and organs. These compounds also serve as a food source for beneficial gut microbes, functioning as prebiotics and supporting overall intestinal health. Research to date suggests that blueberry consumption may alleviate some gastrointestinal symptoms and improve markers of gut health, though more research is needed.

What would be your recommendation as to how individuals can incorporate blueberries into their daily diet?

Fresh blueberries are delicious on their own, but they’re also incredibly versatile. They can be added to yogurt, oatmeal, cereals and salads, blended into smoothies; incorporated into baked goods; or used in jams, preserves, juices, sauces; and incorporated into savory dishes such as a topping for pizza. There are numerous ways to enjoy them, and I encourage individuals to experiment and find the options that fit best into their daily routine.

The post National Nutrition Month: FSU dietary expert explains how wild blueberries benefit cardiometabolic health appeared first on Florida State University News.

Florida State University researchers have demonstrated that significantly increasing dietary folic acid in mice can prevent peripheral neuropathy, a condition commonly associated with diabetes and other health issues.

The research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, PNAS, not only provides additional evidence that certain nutrients can help manage chronic health conditions, but also underscores the importance of considering higher levels of certain dietary components, called “special nutritional requirements,” for people with chronic health problems, including diabetes and obesity.

Folic acid is a synthetic form of folate, vitamin B9, and is required for DNA synthesis, which promotes nerve protection throughout the life span as new cells are constantly produced. Lower levels of folate are related to the risk of birth defects as well as the severity and incidence of peripheral neuropathy – nerve damage causing numbness, tingling, burning sensations and weakness, typically starting in the hands and feet. This type of neuropathy is commonly linked with diabetes but is related to many diseases and disorders; it can also be caused by infections, injuries, vitamin deficiencies and toxins.

Patrick Stover, a professor in the College of Medicine, a founding director of FSU’s Institute for Connecting Nutrition and Health (ICON-Health) and a member of the National Academy of Sciences, was principal investigator on the project. He is an international research scholar in B-vitamins and their safe use in dietary fortification and supplements.

“Historically, the government’s Recommended Daily Allowances set the minimum amount of a nutrient you should have to maintain adequate nutrient status and function,” he said. “If the population is found to be deficient in a particular nutrient, then efforts are undertaken to fortify the food supply with that nutrient to avoid deficiencies.”

Common examples of food fortification are Vitamin D-fortified milk and yogurt, iodized salt and iron-fortified flour.

“Nutrient- and food-based dietary guidelines are derived with the assumption of a healthy population, and how much of each nutrient you need to stay healthy. The problem is that a lot of the population is not healthy,” Stover continued. “Many suffer from chronic diseases, often related to obesity, so guidance may need to be reconsidered in terms of impact on those who may have different requirements.”

This research, using a mouse model, indicates that a high-dose folic acid regimen prevented peripheral neuropathy among highly susceptible mice.

“This work is very exciting, and any nutritional strategies that can be leveraged to avoid disease risk and mitigate human suffering are critical,” said Regan Bailey, a co-author who is a professor in the college’s Department of Behavioral Sciences and Social Medicine, also a founding director of ICON-Health, and a member of the National Academy of Medicine.

Folic acid is an example of a fortification on an individual basis and is prescribed to prevent neural tube defects, called NTDs, in utero. NTDs are serious birth defects of the brain and spine that occur early in pregnancy, often before a pregnancy is known. Since folic acid is not necessarily needed by those who are not in early pregnancy, it’s recommended as a supplement and not added to the food supply.

The research also revealed that peripheral neuropathy and NTDs share a genetic etiology, a phenomenon where two or more conditions arise from the same underlying causes.

Robert J. Cousins, a University of Florida eminent scholar, Boston Family Professor Emeritus of Nutrition and founding director of the UF Center for Nutritional Sciences, said the connection between folic acid status and neurodevelopment was a major advance in nutrition science.

“Dr. Stover pioneered the development of mouse models that demonstrate, biochemically, the responsiveness of supplemental folate to correct developmental defects in the developing nervous system,” said Cousins, who was not involved in the research project.

The possibility of preventing and even curing peripheral neuropathy could be life-changing for millions of Americans.

In its National Diabetes Statistics Report issued in January, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that as of 2023, there were 40.1 million people in the United States with diabetes – more than a quarter of them undiagnosed.

Furthermore, the Cleveland Clinic reports that 50% of people with diabetes experience peripheral neuropathy to some degree. Being able to prevent it would improve the quality of life for people with diabetes, as well as those with cancer.

According to the MD Anderson Cancer Center, 30-40% of the thousands of cancer patients each year experience peripheral neuropathy, either from the cancer itself or the toxins used to treat it with chemotherapy. The neuropathy sometimes is reversible once cancer treatment is concluded, but people with diabetes have no such exit door. Neuropathy treatment is generally focused on treating the symptoms, managing the underlying causes, and relieving pain to improve quality of life.

“Disease can affect nutrient needs by altering nutrient absorption, transport, or utilization,” said Martha Field, Ph.D., an associate professor of nutritional sciences at Cornell University who also worked on the project. “It is exciting to see here that meeting those needs also alters disease-related physiological outcomes in diabetic peripheral neuropathy.”

Stover and Bailey moved to FSU from Texas A&M last year and founded the Institute for Connecting Nutrition and Health as part of FSU Health.

Joydeep Chakraborty, lead author of the article, also moved from Texas A&M to FSU and is biomedical sciences research faculty at the College of Medicine. Other authors were Adhideb Ghosh of the University of Zurich; Eunice B. Awuah. of Cornell; and Sally P. Stabler of the University of Colorado.

The team plans to conduct clinical trials in Tallahassee, Stover said.

“If we see the same results in humans, which we believe we will, based on the literature that’s out there and what we’ve shown in this paper, that will change the standard of care,” he said. “This is exciting stuff.”

The post FSU researchers show increased dietary folic acid can prevent peripheral neuropathy in models of type 2 diabetes appeared first on Florida State University News.