UNF’s 2025 research review

In 2025, University of North Florida faculty research ranged from collaborations with NASA to advancing cancer treatments, while students made headlines with innovations in brain injury detection and marine mammal conservation.  

UNF research didn’t just make headlines. It moved the needle across critical disciplines, including science, health, technology, logistics and coastal resilience. The addition of over 50 new faculty members this fall complements the university’s longstanding commitment to research excellence, positioning UNF as a hub for high-impact inquiry and interdisciplinary collaboration. 

Dr. Kimberly Mayer joined UNF this summer as chief research officer, drawn by the University’s commitment to advancing research with real-world impact. 

“UNF takes research from the laboratory to industry and to the community, locally and globally,” Mayer said. “Our faculty and students work directly with companies and stakeholders to advance knowledge and solve real problems.” 

In the process, students gain hands-on experience at both the undergraduate and graduate levels that leads directly to further research and career opportunities. 

“It’s an exciting time as the University builds strategically toward R1 status and continues changing lives through mentorship and meaningful research,” Mayer said. 

Hands-on research and community impact 

UNF’s innovative research is advancing critical technologies while changing students’ lives.  

Diana Antonella Soto, UNF senior studying biomedical sciences who will graduate this December, is working with Drs. Brian Knuckley, Fatima Reham and Corey Causey on groundbreaking cancer research and plans to continue her work as a master’s student at UNF this spring.  

“Being part of the research team has been a truly life-changing experience knowing we are playing a role in advancing cancer treatment,” she said. “It has solidified my desire to pursue a career in biomedical research and medicine and inspired me to approach science not just as a subject, but as a lifelong pursuit of discovery.”  

Those opportunities are possible because of the expertise and research skills of UNF’s faculty across disciplines.  

This year, Knuckley received the 2025 Distinguished Professor Award. 

Dr. Kerry Clark was awarded the Terry Professorship to continue research challenging the rarity of Lyme Disease. 

Also, Dr. Josh Gellers was named UNF’s first faculty fellow for artificial intelligence to work with campus partners to expand AI literacy, support interdisciplinary AI research and foster community and industry partnerships that position UNF as the hub for AI innovation in the region. This fall, he helped shepherd the UNF AI for Work and Life Certificate program, which has already seen more than 30,000 people register throughout Northeast Florida and from around the world. 

University-wide highlights 

• UNF names Dr. Kimberly Mayer as Chief Research Officer.  
• UNF chemistry chair earns prestigious Professor of the Year award.  
• UNF names Josh Gellers as first faculty fellow for artificial intelligence.  
• UNF awards Terry Professorship to Dr. Kerry Clark to continue research challenging rarity of Lyme Disease. 
• UNF first in U.S. to enter international consortium on AI and logistics solutions.  
• UNF celebrates grand opening of Allen Lastinger Center for Florida History.  
• UNF receives $2.1M Dept. of Education grant to strengthen civics education.  

Faculty highlights  

• After receiving second patent, UNF researchers closer to producing drug that can “turn off” cancer.  
• UNF receives $1.3M National Science Foundation grant to support STEM education.  
• UNF receives NIH grant to investigate a hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.  
• Sporting JAX and UNF forge national blueprint for sport innovation.  
• First UNF faculty member picked for Naval Research Laboratory summer program.  
• UNF team selected by NASA to investigate sun’s radiation impacts this summer.  

Student highlights  

• After UNF opens doors to a healthcare career, graduate student creates opportunities for others to conduct 3D materials science research.  
• UNF grad student conservationist dives deep into marine mammal research.  
• UNF engineering students develop groundbreaking technology to detect traumatic brain injuries in sports.  
• UNF archaeology and NPS digging deeper into curious shell formations at Timucuan Preserve. 
• Independent study leads to high-demand AI internship with NLP Logix for UNF senior.