Whether it’s solving the world’s biggest problems or investigating the potential of novel discoveries, researchers at UCF are on the edge scientific breakthroughs that aim to make an impact. Through the Research in 60 Seconds series, student and faculty researchers condense their complex studies into bite-sized summaries so you can know how and why Knights plan to improve our world.

Name: Ladda Thiamwong
Position: Florida Blue Endowed Professor for Healthy Communities

Why are you interested in this research?
I believe strongly in the human ability to change and grow. I love to see this and be able to measure and share information on how best to enhance our longevity and quality of life. Ultimately, I want to prevent falls and enhance healthy aging.

Who inspires you to conduct your research?
I have had numerous friends and family members who are older adults and they and their families were negatively impacted by falls.

How does UCF empower you to do your research?
UCF has provided and encouraged me with such a wonderful atmosphere of collaboration and support. I am grateful to be able to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary colleagues, a huge support team of staff and wonderful students. It’s such a blessing to be in the Central Florida area with all the resources and community partnerships that are available and focused on improving life for older adults.

Are you a faculty member or student conducting research at UCF? We want to hear from you! Tell us about your research at bit.ly/ucf-research-60-form.

What major grants and honors have you earned to support your research?
My work has earned recognition from several prestigious organizations. I am a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (2023) and a distinguished fellow in the Nursing Academy of the National Academies of Practice (2024).

I, in collaboration with other researchers at UCF, have received National Institutes of Health grants to optimize a technology-based body and mind intervention to prevent falls and reduce health disparities in low-income populations. This interdisciplinary project includes Jeff Stout, founding director for the School of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Sciences; Joon-Hyuk Park, assistant professor of mechanical engineering; Rui Xie, associate professor of statistics and data science; Nichole Lighthall, associate professor of psychology; and Vicki Loerzel, the Beat M. and Jill L. Kahli Endowed Professor in Oncology. Our team has also won a Healthy Longevity Global Competition Award from the U.S. National Academy of Medicine.

Why is conducting research important to you?
Working at an R1 research university in the U.S. is a great honor. As an immigrant, a first-generation college graduate who grew up in a rural area and relocated from Thailand, I have experienced extraordinary personal and professional challenges in achieving and maintaining academic and scientific success. I commit to teaching, sharing my experience and securing external funding to support students and sustain my research and mentorship.