USF Health was front and center during the university’s weeklong series of ResearchOne activities, Oct. 11-15, 2010.  ResearchOne, the University of South Florida’s annual celebraton of science, innovation and creativity, highlighted the lastest advances in some of the world’s biggest challenges — from progress in fighting Alzheimer’s disease to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. 

David Morgan, (left) PhD, CEO of the USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute, led tours at the of the facility, where researchers are working toward better diagnosis, treatment and, ultimately a cure, for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia.

Jaya Padmanabhan was among the research scientists who welcomed visitors touring the Byrd Institute’s laboratories.

Tara Lukasik, a USF freshman majoring in pre-med, tries out the split-belt treadmill during a tour of the Human Functional Performance Laboratory, School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences. USF physical therapist Jeannie Stephenson (right), PT, MS, NCS, keeps an eye on her gait.

John Mayer, DC, PhD, the Lincoln College Endowed Chair of Biomechanical & Chiropractic Research in the School of Physical Therapy, describes one the machines used to assess back muscles.

Nursing instructor Marisa Belote, RN, MBA, prepares to demonstrate inhalation therapy on a pediatric simulator during a tour of the College of Nursing’s George and Marian Miller Center for Virtual Learning.

Nicole Williams, MS, biological scientist, talks about state-of-the-art studies conducted in the College of Nursing’s Biobehavioral Laboratory.

Photos by Eric Younghans, USF Health Communications, and Luis Battistini, USF College of Nursing