The University of Florida will hold three graduation ceremonies at Exactech Arena on August 7 and 8, conferring degrees on more than 3,100 students. This summer’s graduating class spans 72 countries and 48 states and includes 109 first-generation students, with graduates ranging in age from 18 to 79. Matthew David Disney, a UF Scripps Institute chemistry professor recognized for advances in RNA-targeted drug discovery, will speak at all three ceremonies.
Sources: UF News · Mainstreet Daily News
Brian Hoh, M.D., has been selected as the next dean of the University of Florida College of Medicine following a national search, with the appointment taking effect August 7. Hoh has spent two decades at UF, most recently leading the neurosurgery department and serving as chief of medical staff at UF Health Shands Hospital.
Sources: Mainstreet Daily News · UF News
A small preliminary study led by a University of Florida orthopedic surgeon found that traumatic injury patients who took fluoxetine for nine months reported significantly fewer post-traumatic stress symptoms and less pain over the following year compared to those who took calcium. The unblinded trial, conducted at UF Health Shands Level I Trauma Center, enrolled 68 participants with serious injuries such as fractures, though only 29 contributed to the final data. Researchers caution that larger, placebo-controlled studies are needed to confirm the findings, and a double-blind follow-up trial is now underway.
Sources: UF News
UF Health Cancer Institute researchers submitted a report to Florida state officials this summer detailing recommendations to better support cancer survivors and caregivers, including peer buddy systems and more structured transitions from oncology to primary care. The findings were gathered through community events held across Alachua, Duval, and Seminole counties at churches and community centers in May and June. The report identifies gaps such as emotional isolation, lack of practical post-treatment guidance, and the abrupt handoff from specialized cancer care to primary care physicians.
Sources: UF News
The University of Florida’s incoming president is prohibited under his employment contract from directing university funds toward diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Reporting indicates his track record at previous institutions presents a more nuanced picture than the contract’s explicit prohibition suggests.
Sources: The Independent Florida Alligator
A study from the University of Florida College of Pharmacy found that commercially available kratom products frequently contain chemical compositions that do not match what their labels claim. The research, published in the journal Drug Testing and Analysis, examined both traditional and kratom-derived products — such as gummies, tablets, and concentrated liquid shots — and found significant gaps in product transparency. Lead author Abhisheak Sharma, an assistant professor of pharmaceutics, called for stronger manufacturing standards, more comprehensive testing, and clearer labeling requirements.
Sources: UF News
