Florida International University (FIU) researchers have made notable progress in several scientific fields throughout 2025. Their work spans health and medicine, environmental resilience, engineering, and technology.
In the area of Alzheimer’s disease, research led by Dean Tomás R. Guilarte has identified a new potential target to address this neurological condition. The findings may help develop strategies to slow or prevent the progression of the disease.
Associate Professor Diana Azzam has focused on personalized cancer treatment by testing hundreds of FDA-approved drugs directly on patient tumor samples. According to FIU, these efforts have resulted in life-saving outcomes for some patients.
Researcher Marcelo Bigliassi has explored how mental strategies during exercise can help individuals increase their tolerance for physical discomfort. His studies suggest that pushing through mild discomfort provides the brain with new reference points for endurance.
In energy storage technology, Associate Professor Bilal El-Zahab and his team have discovered a method to extend the lifespan of lithium-sulfur batteries. This advancement could contribute to electric vehicles traveling longer distances between charges.
Work by Associate Professor Joshua Hutcheson and Research Assistant Professor Valentina Dargam indicates that AI-enhanced stethoscopes may improve early detection of cardiac diseases.
Professor Giri Narasimhan has developed an artificial intelligence model that analyzes real-time data to predict flooding with greater accuracy. This tool is intended to help address dangerous situations more effectively.
Environmental research from Associate Professor Natalia Soares Quinete and her student team found that manmade chemicals known as PFAS are accumulating in the Everglades ecosystem.
The world’s only undersea research laboratory received upgrades this year, including enhanced sensor technology and AI-powered monitoring systems.
Dr. Makoto Hashimoto joined FIU in January and practices at Baptist Health. He performed over 100 robot-assisted cardiac surgeries in 2025, making it Florida’s busiest program for this procedure.
Dr. David Kalfa continues pioneering work in pediatric cardiac care as co-director of the Nicklaus Children’s Heart Institute and an FIU professor. He specializes in tissue-engineered cardiovascular devices and heart transplantation for infants.
