Research at UNF
Research is the cornerstone of our academic excellence, empowering students and faculty to push the boundaries of knowledge and pursue groundbreaking discoveries. This commitment to inquiry extends far beyond our campus, creating meaningful solutions that uplift our community and spark innovation across industries. Through dedicated research at UNF, we can forge new paths, answer critical questions and build a world of endless possibility. Our researchers are helping build a more vibrant and resilient tomorrow, ensuring every discovery serves as a catalyst for growth and every breakthrough inspires the next generation of leaders to soar!
UNF Research: Powering Innovation, Creating Impact
100% experiential learning
All incoming students participate in at least one immersive, hands-on learning experience – including internships, research, leadership experiences and more.
Experiental Learning >>>
R2 Designation
One of only 139 institutions to receive the designation indicating a heightened emphasis on, and budget for, research projects and doctoral level programs.
UNF's Strategic Plan >>>
400 Presentations
400 presentations were given at our student research symposia series in 2025, representing all academic colleges and the Hicks Honors College.
Office of Undergraduate Research >>>
Reaching Higher: Madison Funk's Journey in Nurse Anesthesiology
Madison Funk’s journey to becoming a nurse anesthetist began with a childhood passion for healthcare, shaped by early volunteer experiences and strengthened by her frontline ICU work during the COVID-19 pandemic. That dedication has grown into a career as she prepares to graduate with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in nurse anesthesiology from UNF. Her advanced research, including a two-year study on “The Effectiveness of Ondansetron Prior to Administration of Spinal Anesthetic to Reduce Hypotension,” was presented at the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) Annual Congress, demonstrating how student research contributes to innovation in patient care.
Funk’s achievements earned her a spot in the inaugural class of UNF Student Registered Nurse Anesthetist (SRNA) Fellows at the Mayo Clinic, where she gained hands-on experience with complex anesthesia cases and honed her skills in critical care. As she transitions into a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) role at Mayo Clinic, she credits UNF’s supportive environment for helping her thrive and plans to give back by mentoring future SRNAs.
Stitching Equations: Where Math Meets Artistry
Dr. Beyza Aslan, UNF associate professor of mathematics and statistics, is transforming how math is experienced by blending her expertise with the art of crochet. Her recent exhibit at the Jessie Ball duPont Center showcased how complex concepts like 3D topology and geometry can be visualized through loops and stitches, turning abstract equations into vibrant, tangible art. Rediscovering her childhood love for crochet during the pandemic, Aslan found a unique way to merge analytical thinking with creativity, designing intricate patterns where each stitch represents angles and shapes, making challenging mathematical theories approachable and engaging.
Committed to making math more accessible, Aslan is developing an innovative curriculum set to launch in 2027 that integrates fiber arts with mathematical exploration for UNF students of all majors. Beyond the University, she plans to bring her exhibit to local middle and high schools, inspiring the next generation to see the beauty in numbers. Her work highlights the power of interdisciplinary creativity, showing that math is not only functional but also a living, expressive art form that fosters curiosity and innovation.
Soar to New Heights:
Lead the Future of Discovery at UNF!
Expert-led Research, Real-World Results.
Our faculty and students are focused on solving problems facing the world today. With groundbreaking medical innovations, impactful environmental research along the coast, advancements in artificial intelligence and more, we’re shaping a brighter future for all.
Expert-led Research, Real-World Results.
Our faculty and students are focused on solving problems facing the world today. With groundbreaking medical innovations, impactful environmental research along the coast, advancements in artificial intelligence and more, we’re shaping a brighter future for all.
Researchers at UNF Working to "Turn Off" Cancer
Researchers at UNF Working to "Turn Off" Cancer
Three UNF researchers received a second patent for their compound that can essentially "turn off" cancer.
Using Data Science to Help Northeast Florida Residents
Using Data Science to Help Northeast Florida Residents
UNF students use data science to tackle issues related to generational wealth transfer, arts education and more.
UNF Team Selected by NASA to Investigate Sun Radiation
UNF Team Selected by NASA to Investigate Sun Radiation
Led by UNF Physics faculty, students work together to measure radiation from the sun’s coronal mass ejections.
Researchers at UNF Working to "Turn Off" Cancer
Researchers at UNF Working to "Turn Off" Cancer
Three UNF researchers received a second patent for their compound that can essentially "turn off" cancer.
Using Data Science to Help Northeast Florida Residents
Using Data Science to Help Northeast Florida Residents
UNF students use data science to tackle issues related to generational wealth transfer, arts education and more.
UNF Team Selected by NASA to Investigate Sun Radiation
UNF Team Selected by NASA to Investigate Sun Radiation
Led by UNF Physics faculty, students work together to measure radiation from the sun’s coronal mass ejections.
Research and Inquiry Areas of Focus
UNF is committed to inspiring relevant research and impactful innovation in these key research areas of focus.
Transportation and Logistics
Northeast Florida is an international transportation hub, providing access to rail, air, maritime and highway transportation while serving as a gateway to the eastern U.S. Supporting industries. UNF, being in the heart of Jacksonville, is uniquely positioned at the forefront of next-generation innovation where our researchers are collaborating with industry partners to fuel breakthroughs in autonomous systems, data‑driven logistics, and the intelligent, hyper‑connected infrastructure of the future.
Advanced Manufacturing
With the only advanced manufacturing degree offered in the state of Florida, UNF is preparing students to take on new leadership roles in this fast-growing field. Our faculty, students and partners are conducting innovative research that leverages standard/traditional as well as cutting-edge approaches like 3-D printing, AI-driven automation, digital twins, robotics and smart factory systems that will enable advances in production efficiency, precision, customization, sustainability and flexibility throughout the industry.
Coastal Resilience
Through interdisciplinary research, UNF's Institute of Environmental Research and Education is advancing coastal resilience and water stewardship. Surrounded by coastlines and waterways, North Florida provides a rich learning lab for UNF students and extensive opportunities for faculty to conduct collaborative research to strengthen our understanding of existing challenges and develop nature-based, engineered solutions aimed at reducing risk, sustaining ecological function and supporting long‑term adaptability of our coasts.
Data Science, Cybersecurity and Information Technologies
UNF students and faculty are working with industry leaders in data science, cybersecurity, fintech, and other fields to address needs and respond to technology trends that require innovative, adaptable solutions. UNF marked a major institutional milestone in 2024, launching a research-focused Ph.D. in Computing with concentrations in Intelligent Systems and Cybersecurity. Faculty and students in this program – the first Ph.D. offered at UNF – conduct advanced research in AI, machine learning, data mining, computer security and algorithms.
Healthcare and Health Sciences
Jacksonville’s world-class healthcare environment offers UNF students and faculty extraordinary opportunities to collaborate with industry experts and clinicians on research intended to drive innovative solutions to current and future healthcare challenges. Recognizing our unique capabilities and strong partnerships, UNF has prioritized filling the talent pipeline in nursing and other high-demand healthcare professions with students who have hands-on knowledge from their participation in our experiential learning programs and research projects.