Dr. Zheng Wang joined the department as an assistant professor this May. Wang received a bachelor’s in medical science from Capital Medical University (China) in 2005, a master’s in sport psychology from the Capital Institute of Physical Education (China) in 2008, and a PhD in kinesiology from Pennsylvania State University in 2013. Her current research interest focuses on identifying neurobiological and neurophysiological mechanisms underlying sensorimotor issues in children with neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., Autism Spectrum Disorder, Phelan McDermid Syndrome, and Fragile X) and adults who are at risk in developing atypical neurodegeneration (e.g., Fragile X associated tremor and ataxia syndrome). Wang’s research employs system neuroscience approaches including functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), structural neuroimaging, kinetic, and kinematic movement analyses to identify biobehavioral markers for neurodevelopmental disabilities to facilitate early diagnosis, predict disease risk, and monitor disease progression.
Dr. Sandra Winter joined the department as a research assistant scientist. She received a PhD in rehabilitation science from the University of Florida in 2009. Winter also serves as the associate director of the UF Institute for Mobility, Activity, and Participation (I-MAP), and is a health science specialist at the Department of Veterans Affairs, Center of Innovation on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (CINDRR) – North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System. Winter studies driver screening and simulator-based driving interventions and coordinates a FDOT project to catalog and promote alternative transportation for aging road users. Her research interests include qualitative research, health promotion and wellness, community mobility, and caregiving. Her clinical expertise includes work with older adults addressing driving safety, dementia, and caregiving; and pediatric work with children who have multiple disabilities and sensory processing disorders. She mentors undergraduate and graduate students at the UF College of Public Health and Health Professions.
The department warmly welcomes Dr. Wang and Dr. Winter.