Four people stand outdoors with metal detectors searching for Fort Kirkland

UWF students investigate Fort Kirkland to preserve a vital part of Northwest Florida history

The University of West Florida Archaeology Institute is leading the search for Fort Kirkland in Okaloosa County, Florida, thanks to a $250,000 grant from the Department of State. UWF students, faculty, archaeologists, local families and veterans with Task Force Dagger Special Operations Foundation are working together to study and memorialize the fort. Following Florida’s transition […]

Two people holding hands and smiling while dancing.

UWF studies positive impacts of dance for individuals with dementia

A study by a team of University of West Florida researchers, conducted with Council on Aging of West Florida’s adult day care, The Retreat, uncovered insights into the positive impact of dance on individuals living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias. The study concluded that 12 weeks of adapted dance is feasible and enjoyable for persons […]

Three people look at a life-size robot in a lab

UWF-IHMC Research Team awarded $478,000 Office of Naval Research grant

A University of West Florida-Institute for Human Machine & Cognition research team received a $478,000 grant for the acquisition of advanced robotic platforms and equipment from the Defense University Research Instrumentation Program of the Office of Naval Research. The grant was one of only 64 grants awarded in the nation. Dr. Robert Griffin and Dr. […]

Scientist looks down into a microscope in a lab setting.

UWF earns high research activity designation from Carnegie Foundation

The University of West Florida was designated a Research 2:  High Spending and Doctorate Production institution by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. This is the first time the University has received this reputable classification.  “This recognition highlights the outstanding contributions of our faculty, demonstrating that those engaged in research activities are not […]

Professional headshot of Dr. Jerry Lin

University of West Florida welcomes new associate vice president of research administration and engagement

The University of West Florida announces Dr. Jerry Lin as the new associate vice president of research administration and engagement, effective January 6, 2025. In this position, Lin will lead the department’s work with faculty, students and staff to cultivate, develop and preserve the highest quality research, scholarship and creative activities, affirming UWF’s place as […]

Four UWF professors stand side by side inside a building

Four UWF faculty members ranked among world’s Top 2% of Scientists

Four University of West Florida researchers earned a place on Stanford/Elsevier’s Top 2% Scientist Rankings lists in 2024 and 2023. The prestigious list identifies the world’s leading researchers, representing approximately 2% of all scientists worldwide.  Dr. Jim Spain, research professor in the Center for Environmental Diagnostics and Bioremediation, Dr. Frank Gilliam, professor in the Department […]

Dr. Vanessa Rainey, an associate professor in the Department of Psychology, and Elizabeth Black, a psychology major in her senior year, use an EEG cap to help research sensory information processing

UWF student studies brain signals in individuals with ADHD and autism

A UWF Usha Kundu, MD College of Health student is taking a look at how people with autism or ADHD process sensory information compared to neurotypical people, or individuals without ADHD or autism, to get a better understanding of their sensitivities to stimuli. “Some people with ADHD or Autism tend to experience sensory issues where […]

Dr. Rodney Guttmann, a biology professor in UWF’s Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering

UWF faculty member awarded prestigious NIH grant to further Alzheimer’s research

Dr. Rodney Guttmann, a biology professor in UWF’s Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering, has been awarded his second major National Institute of Health R15 grant, marking a significant milestone in his ongoing research on early detection of Alzheimer’s disease. The three-year, $420,000 renewal grant awarded earlier this fall brings the total funding to […]

Aerial view of Pensacola Beach and the Gulf of Mexico

UWF selected to join Gulf Scholars Program

The Gulf Scholars Program of The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine has selected the University of West Florida to join the program’s fourth cohort. UWF will receive $525,000 over the course of five years from the Gulf Research Program to prepare undergraduate students to address pressing environmental, health, energy and infrastructure challenges in […]

UWF awarded $895,905.60 for innovative research and to improve access to early breast cancer screenings

The University of West Florida was awarded $895,905.60 by Gov. Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis to support innovative cancer research. The award was part of $20 million awarded to researchers around the state as part of the Cancer Innovation Research Fund. UWF will use its portion of the funds to improve access to […]

Divers documenting findings underwater at the Emanuel Point III shipwreck.

UWF students explore the Luna settlement and the Emanuel Point III shipwreck

The University of West Florida’s Archaeology Institute recently wrapped up its summer field schools. Thirty-nine undergraduate and graduate students participated in either a maritime field school or terrestrial field school, with unmatched opportunities to conduct archaeological investigations. The terrestrial field school was led by Dr. Ramie Gougeon, director of the Archaeology Institute, chair and professor, […]

UWF and three other State University System of Florida institutions partner to test a model for oyster metabolites and Vibrio bacteria

A research team composed of faculty from the University of West Florida, the Florida Institute of Technology, Florida Gulf Coast University and New College of Florida were recently awarded $200,000 from the Gulf of Mexico Alliance for their project, “An AI-Directed Tool Development for Pathogenic ‘Flesh-eating’ Vibrio Bacteria Prediction and Control.” Starting this summer, Dr. […]