Three people stand in front of a tv screen with a webpage pulled up that reads, "Leading the Revolution: HIPAA Certification Technology"

UWF faculty and students develop software that analyzes security and privacy levels of mobile applications

Dr. Hossain Shahriar, associate director and professor for the University of West Florida Center for Cybersecurity, and his graduate students have developed a platform that evaluates how well thousands of mobile applications are securing users’ personal information. “Many times now, before a doctor’s appointment, you will be told to go fill out your information on […]

Black cat with white on its underside walks in front of a brick wall

UWF faculty member receives national attention for insights on the earliest US domestic cats

Dr. John Bratten, a University of West Florida professor of anthropology, has received national attention for a recently published article, titled “Exploring the Arrival of Domestic Cats in the Americas,” that suggests the earliest cats may have been treated as pets. The article, published in “American Antiquity,” a peer-reviewed quarterly journal published on behalf of […]

UWF President Martha Saunders smiles with a UWF pin on her jacket in front of greenery

A Legacy of Growth, Excellence and Innovation: UWF President Martha D. Saunders Announces Departure

After nearly a decade of transformative leadership, University of West Florida President Dr. Martha D. Saunders announced she is leaving her post, marking the end of a chapter defined by growth, innovation and unwavering commitment to student success. “When I returned to the University of West Florida as president, it felt like coming home,” Saunders […]

Two students walk down the steps to the right of the UWF entrance sign that is colored blue, while three other students stand to the left of the sign chatting amongst themselves and three more sit on the concrete steps in front of the sign.

UWF celebrates seventh annual Founders Week beginning April 12

The University of West Florida will honor traditions, engage in the community and celebrate the future of the University during its seventh annual Founders Week, which will be held April 12-17. Founders Week is a weeklong celebration that serves as an opportunity to bring the UWF family together, welcome alumni and visitors to campus and […]

Students sit in a classroom smiling with a Here for Good graphic overlaid

A $500,000 gift establishes the John W. Merting Family Office of Research and Intellectual Growth at UWF

A $500,000 gift from the Merting Family has established the Merting Family Fellowship Support Endowment, which will fund the John W. Merting Family Office of Research and Intellectual Growth at the University of West Florida. The program will be based in the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities and recruit and prepare students and […]

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 […]