By Jill Pease
Barbara Smith, Ph.D., P.T., an assistant professor in the University of Florida College of Public Health and Health Professions Department of Physical Therapy, is one of 22 early career scholars and industry professionals named to the Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine of Florida, or ASEMFL, 2025 list of Rising Stars.
The distinction recognizes individuals whose innovation and scholarly achievements demonstrate exceptional promise in addressing critical scientific, engineering and/or medical challenges.
“We are proud to recognize these Florida scholars for their early career innovations, accomplishments and significant impacts in sciences, engineering and medicine,” said ASEMFL President Hortensia Amaro, Ph.D., NAM, in a news release. “We look forward to hearing them speak at the ASEMFL annual meeting, which offers valuable networking opportunities between Rising Stars and members of ASEMFL and the National Academies.”
The selection committee cited Smith’s achievements in developing innovative respiratory evaluation and rehabilitation approaches to preserve independent breathing in vulnerable patient populations.
In particular, Smith’s research has focused on breathing rehabilitation in people at risk for mechanical ventilator dependence.
“Mechanical ventilation is lifesaving, but far too often it can leave patients tethered to a machine with eroded quality of life,” said Smith, a member of the UF Breathing Research and Therapeutics, or BREATHE, Center.
Smith’s studies have examined physiological evaluations of respiratory neuromuscular control in pediatric and adult patients, including the first human study of gene therapy to the diaphragm, and the effects of mechanical ventilation on diaphragm contractile dysfunction.
In a current study funded by the National Institute on Aging, Smith is exploring whether a brief breathing exercise program can help patients undergoing a total joint replacement avoid breathing problems following surgery. If found to be effective, the intervention could “transform clinical approaches to surgical readiness,” Smith said.
Rising Stars will be honored at the academy’s annual meeting November 7 and 8 in Orlando, where they are invited to give rapid-fire presentations on their impactful contributions to science.