When I think about public health I think of untapped possibilities—possibilities that can improve the health of communities in our neighborhoods and beyond.
Here at FIU’s Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work, we are driven to explore these possibilities to help build a healthier, equitable world. It’s this drive that has led us to bring in $33 million in research award actions this fiscal year—the highest amount in our college’s history.
I am honored to share we now rank No. 15 in NIH research funding among public universities, according to the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research. Every day, our researchers are diving into areas spanning brain health to climate change, remaining steadfast in their commitment to advancing public health and providing a supportive space for our students to flourish.
This year, we’ve also made great strides toward building our university’s PET/Cyclotron Center, bringing in an
additional $3 million from the Health Resources and Services Administration, secured by Congressman Carlos Gimenez (FL-26). The establishment of this center would allow us to develop imaging studies on neurodegenerative diseases, cancer and many other diseases affecting our community. Not to mention, it would open opportunities for our faculty, staff and students to collaborate across disciplines to protect public health.
I invite you to explore this year’s Impact report, which holds the latest news from our college, and shines a light on some of our wonderful Stempel College students and alumni. Seeing the successes of these students, and the great places they end up is truly what inspires us at Stempel College to do what we do.
At Stempel College, we truly are building the next generation of leaders in public health, social work, dietetics and nutrition, and disaster preparedness.
Thank you, as always, for your support.
With gratitude,
Tomás R. Guilarte, Ph.D.
Dean, Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work
Professor, Department of Environmental Health Sciences
Professor, Cognitive Neuroscience & Imaging
Director, Brain, Behavior & the Environment