Vandenborne named PHHP associate dean for research and planning

Krista Vandenborne, Ph.D., P.T., has been named the University of Florida College of Public Health and Health Professions’ associate dean for research and planning.

Vandenborne has served as a professor and chair of the college’s department of physical therapy since 2002. During her tenure, the department has achieved a dramatic increase in research funding and received support for clinical fellowships and National Institutes of Health-funded predoctoral and junior faculty training programs. The department has also expanded research collaborations and developed a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree program and successful research forums.

“Dr. Vandenborne is an outstanding scholar, teacher and academic leader who has an extraordinary record of success in attracting external support for research and training,” said Michael G. Perri, Ph.D., dean of the college.

Vandenborne studies muscle degeneration and regeneration and leads multisite studies funded by the NIH. She investigates noninvasive techniques, such as MRI, to evaluate muscle tissue, and the use of gene transfer, exercise training and hormonal supplements to enhance muscle function. She also examines the physiological processes involved in repair of skeletal muscle and return of functional ability. Several of Vandenborne’s studies have focused on Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the most common form of muscular dystrophy in children. The disease only occurs in boys and many do not live past their early 20s. The Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy organization recently recognized Vandenborne for her research contributions and advocacy for boys with Duchenne.

“Dr. Vandenborne’s energy, enthusiasm, creativity and wealth of experience as a researcher, teacher, clinician and administrator make her the ideal person to spearhead PHHP’s research activities and to contribute to the planning for the growth of our academic enterprise,” Perri said.