About University of Florida

Adam Shniderman serves as Assistant Professor at the University of Florida, bringing expertise in both criminal justice and medical device security. His interdisciplinary background combines law enforcement studies with technological security, leading to his development of the innovative course "TECH MeD: Transdisciplinary Education for Critical Hacks of Medical Devices" on Coursera. His research focuses on the intersection of criminal justice, technology, and healthcare security, particularly examining vulnerabilities in medical devices and developing strategies to protect against potential exploitation. His teaching approach integrates practical security measures with theoretical frameworks, preparing students to address emerging challenges in medical device security. Through his work, he bridges the gap between criminal justice perspectives and technological security concerns in healthcare settings, contributing to the growing field of medical device cybersecurity education.

Brittany Bachmann serves as an instructor at the University of Florida, contributing to the "TECH MeD: Transdisciplinary Education for Critical Hacks of Medical Devices" course on Coursera. This innovative course, which has enrolled over 3,535 students, focuses on the technical, medical, legal, and ethical issues associated with implantable medical devices. Her expertise helps students understand the complex intersection of healthcare technology, cybersecurity, and patient safety. The course maintains a strong 4.5/5 rating from learners and includes comprehensive modules covering medical issues, technical challenges, and ethical considerations in medical device security. Through her teaching, she helps create an informed public aware of the challenges and opportunities in medical device technology, particularly focusing on security vulnerabilities and patient safety considerations. Her work contributes to the broader understanding of how technological advances in medical devices impact healthcare delivery and patient care.

Chad Carr serves as Associate Professor and State Meat Extension Specialist at the University of Florida, where he has established himself as a leader in meat science education and research since 2007. His academic credentials include a Ph.D. in Animal Science with emphasis in Meat Science from the University of Missouri, following degrees from Oklahoma State University. His work focuses on ensuring food safety and improving the production, utilization, and sustainability of muscle foods. His teaching portfolio includes comprehensive courses such as "The Meat We Eat" and "Live Animal and Carcass Evaluation," while also coordinating multiple intercollegiate judging teams. His research program emphasizes practical industry applications, particularly studying the impact of by-product feedstuffs on animal growth and developing pre-harvest management strategies. His extension work includes developing educational materials for both industry professionals and youth programs in meat-animal agriculture. As an active member of multiple professional organizations including the American Meat Science Association and National Cattlemen's Beef Association, he continues to bridge the gap between academic research and industry practices while mentoring the next generation of meat science professionals

Chris J. Mortensen serves as Professor at the University of Florida, where he leads groundbreaking research in equine reproduction and innovative teaching methods. His academic journey includes degrees from California Polytechnic State University, California State University, and a Ph.D. from Texas A&M University. His research laboratory focuses on reproductive function in horses and other mammals, particularly studying exercise effects on mare fertility and nutritive influences on reproduction. His work has significantly impacted the field, with his research on flipped classrooms receiving over 231 citations

Chris Brooks brings extensive experience in innovative education and sports science to her role at the University of Florida. Her distinguished career includes serving as Associate Professor at the University of Michigan's School of Kinesiology, where she made significant contributions to exercise behavior research and sports marketing. Her groundbreaking sports marketing textbook was translated into Japanese and Korean, demonstrating its global impact. As an early pioneer of online education, her innovative use of technology in science teaching earned her a prestigious Smithsonian Award, with her work preserved in the institution's time capsule. After retiring from the University of Michigan, she joined the University of Florida, where she continues to develop innovative approaches to teaching anatomy and physiology. Her latest contribution includes developing "The Science of Athlete Development" MOOC for HHP Coursera. As coordinator of coaching science education for USA Track and Field, she bridges academic knowledge with practical athletic development. Her teaching methods combine cutting-edge technology with engaging content delivery, making complex scientific concepts accessible to diverse audiences.

Frederick S. Southwick serves as Professor of Medicine at the University of Florida, bringing over four decades of expertise in infectious diseases and healthcare quality improvement. His impressive career includes serving as Chief of Infectious Diseases at UF and completing an Advanced Leadership Fellowship at Harvard Business School. His academic journey began at Yale College, followed by an MD from Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, with clinical training at Boston City Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital. His research contributions include groundbreaking work on proteins regulating white blood cell movement and infection fighting, earning him significant NIH funding and the University of Florida Research Foundation Award. He has authored multiple influential books, including "Critically Ill: A 5-point Plan to Cure Healthcare Delivery" and the widely-used "Infectious Diseases: A Clinical Short Course" (4th edition, 2020). His Coursera courses on healthcare delivery improvement have reached over 25,000 students from 150 countries. As a Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS) and practicing physician, he continues to bridge the gap between medical practice and healthcare system improvement, while maintaining an active teaching role and contributing to prestigious medical journals

George J. Hochmuth serves as Professor of Soil and Water Science at the University of Florida, where he has established himself as a prominent researcher in environmental science and nutrient management. His research, cited over 7,451 times, focuses on critical environmental challenges in water quality and nutrient management in urban and agricultural settings. His work addresses crucial questions about nutrient sources in groundwater, irrigation efficiency, and best management practices for sustainable agriculture. His publications include influential studies on nutrient impacts in urban watersheds, turfgrass fertilizer management, and innovative growing media for crop production. Through his Coursera courses, he shares expertise in environmental science and sustainable agricultural practices, particularly focusing on Florida's unique challenges in maintaining water quality while meeting increasing irrigation demands. His research employs various methodologies, from greenhouse studies to field-scale experiments, and has contributed significantly to understanding nitrogen and phosphorus management in agricultural systems. His work has earned him recognition as a leading expert in developing sustainable solutions for agricultural and urban landscape management, with particular emphasis on preventing nutrient losses to the environment while maintaining productive agricultural systems.

Jennifer Vogel serves as the Online Programs Coordinator at the University of Florida's School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences, where she has developed and leads a comprehensive suite of agroforestry courses on Coursera. Her expertise is demonstrated through five interconnected courses covering the principles, practices, and global systems of agroforestry, including climate impacts, carbon storage, ecosystem services, and sustainability. Her course series has become a cornerstone of online agroforestry education, providing students worldwide with in-depth knowledge of plant and soil management, major agroforestry systems, and their role in environmental conservation. As coordinator of online programs, she plays a crucial role in making advanced forestry education accessible to a global audience, maintaining high educational standards while ensuring content remains engaging and practical. Her work has significantly contributed to the understanding and implementation of sustainable agroforestry practices worldwide.

Lauren Solberg serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of Florida, where she has established herself as a leading educator in the intersection of healthcare technology, ethics, and law. She is primarily known for developing and teaching the innovative course "TECH MeD: Transdisciplinary Education for Critical Hacks of Medical Devices," which has reached over 3,500 students through Coursera's platform

Mary Rockwood Lane is a distinguished nurse educator, visual artist, and healthcare visionary who has profoundly influenced the integration of arts with healing practices. As an Associate Professor of Nursing at the University of Florida and co-founder of the groundbreaking Arts In Medicine program in 1991, she has dedicated her career to combining creativity with healthcare delivery. Her impressive credentials include being a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN), a Caritas Coach®, and the author of several influential books including "Healing with the Arts," "The Caritas Path to Peace," "Spirit Body Healing," and "Creative Healing." She teaches Creativity and Spirituality in Healthcare at the University of Florida, where she has spent over 15 years directing the Shands Arts in Medicine program before becoming its director emeritus. Lane's work, deeply rooted in Jean Watson's Caring Science theory, extends globally through her workshops, lectures, and a 6-week online program focusing on healing through artistic expression. Her contributions have been instrumental in establishing healing environments in hospitals across the United States, while her numerous articles and books on art, spirituality, and healing continue to influence healthcare professionals worldwide. Through her innovative approach to healthcare education and practice, she has created a lasting legacy that bridges the gap between traditional medical care and creative healing practices.

TECH MeD (Transdisciplinary Education for Critical Hacks of Medical Devices) represents a collaborative educational initiative at the University of Florida, developed through National Science Foundation funding and delivered via Coursera's platform. This comprehensive 8-hour online course, created through the combined expertise of Michael Bachmann and Lauren Solberg, addresses the crucial intersection of cybersecurity, medical technology, and healthcare ethics. The program has successfully reached over 3,500 learners, maintaining a strong 4.5/5 rating, and covers essential topics including medical device regulation, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, legal frameworks, and ethical considerations through expert interviews and in-depth discussions. The course structure incorporates flexible deadlines and offers a shareable certificate upon completion, making it accessible to healthcare professionals, technologists, and interested members of the public. With 50% of participants reporting career advancement benefits, the program demonstrates its practical value in preparing professionals to understand and address the complex challenges of medical device security, while serving as a vital component of a broader educational initiative that

Michael Samuels, M.D., stands as a pioneering figure in the integration of arts and medicine, with over 25 years of experience working with patients facing life-threatening illnesses. As a physician, artist, and guided imagery specialist at the University of Florida, he has authored numerous influential books that have shaped the field of holistic medicine, including the groundbreaking "Seeing With the Mind's Eye," which established foundational principles for guided imagery therapy. His early works - "The Well Body Book," "Well Baby Book," and "Well Pregnancy Book" - were among the first to introduce self-help concepts in holistic medicine. As the Director of Art As A Healing Force, he has created an extensive network connecting artists with healers, establishing himself as a leading authority in art-based healing practices. His most recent work includes co-authoring "Healing with the Arts," a comprehensive 12-week program that has been widely acclaimed by healthcare institutions worldwide for its innovative approach to using creative expression as a healing tool. Through his teaching, writing, and clinical work, Dr. Samuels continues to demonstrate the powerful connection between artistic expression and healing, making significant contributions to the field of body, mind, and spirit medicine

Michael S. Gutter, Ph.D., serves as an Associate Professor and Interim Family and Consumer Sciences State Program Leader at the University of Florida's Department of Family, Youth, and Community Sciences within the Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences. With a BS in Family Financial Management and a Ph.D. in Family Resource Management from The Ohio State University, he has established himself as a prominent expert in financial education and capability. His research focuses on understanding the relationships between financial education, socialization, and financial capability, leading to the development of several successful extension programs including the Florida Master Money Mentor Volunteer Program, Florida Saves, and Fresh$tart Florida. His academic excellence was recognized with the Outstanding Conference Paper Award at the 2010 Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education. As a member of the Editorial Board for the Journal of Financial Counseling and Planning, Dr. Gutter continues to shape the field of financial education while maintaining active involvement in the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education since his graduate school days.

Molly Weinburgh contributes to the TECH MeD (Transdisciplinary Education for Critical Hacks of Medical Devices) program at the University of Florida, which is a comprehensive educational initiative focused on medical device cybersecurity. As part of this program, which has reached over 3,500 learners through Coursera's platform, she helps deliver content covering the technical, medical, legal, and ethical implications of implantable medical devices. The course she participates in consists of five modules that include expert interviews, reading materials, and interactive discussions, designed to create awareness about cybersecurity challenges in medical technology. Her involvement supports the program's mission to educate healthcare professionals, students, and the general public about the critical aspects of medical device security, contributing to a curriculum that maintains a strong 4.5 out of 5 rating from learners

David E. Carlson is an internationally recognized pioneer in interactive news media who served as the Executive Director of the Center for Media Innovation + Research and Cox/Palm Beach Post Professor of New Media Journalism at the University of Florida. His 25-year career spans roles from newspaper journalist to digital media innovator, having worked in positions ranging from reporter to managing editor at newspapers with circulations from 7,200 to 430,000. In 1993, he joined UF's faculty and established the Interactive Media Lab, creating one of the world's first journalism servers and developing groundbreaking projects like Sun.One and the Newswall. His contributions to journalism include authoring "The Online Timeline," consulting for major tech companies like Apple, Microsoft, and AOL, and becoming the first educator to serve as national president of the Society of Professional Journalists (2005-06). Beyond his digital media expertise, Carlson's background includes experience as an FM radio DJ in the 1970s and extensive knowledge of rock 'n' roll history. His distinguished career culminated in receiving the Wells Memorial Key, SPJ's highest honor, and his work in preserving digital media history has made him a crucial figure in documenting the evolution of online journalism

Toni Ratliff serves as an Associate Director of Health/Admin at the University of Florida and has established herself as a prominent educator in professional development and personality assessment. She is the instructor of the highly successful Coursera course "Personality Types at Work," which has attracted over 83,000 enrollments worldwide. Her course provides comprehensive insights into understanding personality types in professional settings, covering crucial aspects such as self-awareness, team dynamics, and organizational behavior. The program, structured across five modules, helps professionals at various career stages - from job seekers to executives - understand how personality types influence workplace interactions and career advancement. Her teaching methodology combines practical applications with theoretical frameworks, including personality assessments, interview techniques, and leadership development strategies. The course's success is evident through its strong enrollment numbers and practical approach to applying personality type understanding in real-world professional scenarios, making it a valuable resource for career development and workplace effectiveness.