Rachael Seidler, a professor of applied physiology and kinesiology who focuses on astronaut health, has been named director of the University of Florida Astraeus Space Institute.
“Dr. Seidler has proven her leadership abilities as a collaborator in her field and in the broader area of space research,” said David Norton, UF’s vice president for research. “We’re confident she will take the Astraeus Space Institute to the next level as director.”
The institute was founded in 2024 to bring together UF scholars from an extensive range of disciplines for collaborative research that supports humanity’s ability to explore the universe and creates new partnerships across various sectors essential to space exploration. Currently, over 150 faculty members are conducting more than $50 million in space-related research.