Research & Partnerships
School of Global Health Management and Informatics
Innovative Education That Reaches Far Beyond the Classroom
At UCF’s School of Global Health Management and Informatics, we empower ambitious students to redefine the future of healthcare administration and informatics. By combining cutting-edge research, real-world applications, and interdisciplinary collaboration, our programs shape versatile leaders ready to make an impact in a rapidly changing industry.
Learn from globally recognized faculty — top researchers and innovators with extensive professional experience — who will inspire and challenge you to reach your full potential.
Situated in downtown Orlando, our location offers unparalleled access to Central Florida’s largest hospital systems and healthcare organizations. Here, you’ll gain hands-on experience through internships and partnerships with industry leaders, positioning yourself at the forefront of healthcare transformation.
Take the next step toward becoming the healthcare and informatics leader you aspire to be. Your future starts here. Learn more about our areas of research.
Research Areas
Where Curiosity Meets Innovation
From management to policy and informatics to population health, the School of Global Health Management and Informatics conducts research to uncover drivers behind the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare systems. Through partnerships with hospitals, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, academics, and others, our faculty provides innovative solutions to improve the health and well-being of people around the world, and solve healthcare issues in the U.S. and abroad.
Our researchers are breaking new ground in understanding and addressing health issues that transcend national boundaries. From developing culturally competent healthcare leadership in diverse settings to analyzing health systems in conflict zones, our work is shaping the future of global health policy and practice.
Researchers
We are pioneering the integration of cutting-edge technology into healthcare. Our research spans from enhancing cybersecurity in health systems to developing AI-driven clinical decision support tools, ensuring that technological advancements translate into improved patient care and outcomes.
Researchers
Our comprehensive approach to population health places a special focus on the unique challenges of aging societies. We’re uncovering the intricate relationships between social determinants of health, chronic diseases, and quality of life across diverse populations, with a particular emphasis on vulnerable and aging communities.
Researchers
Our policy research is instrumental in shaping evidence-based healthcare reforms. From substance use disorder treatment policies to healthcare administration practices, our work directly informs decision-makers at local, national, and international levels.
Projects
Researchers
Centers
Advancing Healthcare Administration and Informatics Solutions
The School of Global Health Management and Informatics research centers further academic knowledge, contribute to the broader community and support student research opportunities. Focused on generating new innovations and discoveries, we welcome opportunities to work across disciplines and with external partners to address real-world problems, and provide evidence-based policy recommendations to industries and the public sector.
Center for Decision Support Systems and Informatics
Under the leadership of Associate Professor Varadraj Gurupur, the Center for Decision Support Systems and Informatics leverages technology and data to empower decision-makers in tackling complex healthcare challenges. From electronic health records to patient outcomes, the Center collaborates with local healthcare partners to provide high-quality research solutions to improve healthcare services throughout the community.
Partnerships
Partnerships That Drive Education and Innovation
At the School of Global Health Management and Informatics, partnerships are an important aspect of providing education and research excellence in healthcare administration and informatics. Through collaborations with a range of organizations, including internship providers, research partners, community organizations, and government agencies, our faculty address pressing challenges and deliver evidence-based solutions.
Our faculty researchers work alongside partners to use information and policy research to tackle complex healthcare issues. From preparing the next generation of leaders through hands-on internships to pioneering groundbreaking research, our partnerships help bridge the gap between academia and the real world.
We’re always looking to expand our network of collaborators. If you’re interested in exploring partnership opportunities, we’d love to hear from you.
Partnerships
- American Society for Addiction Medicine
- HCA Florida Healthcare
- Nemours Children’s Health
- Orlando Health
- Project Opioid
- VA Orlando Health Care
See Our Work in Action
Read the latest issue of LEAD Magazine to explore the School of Global Health Management and Informatics cutting-edge research and global partnerships.
Student Research
Discover Student Research Opportunities
Students who participate in research learn how to analyze data, work collaboratively and communicate findings–skills that you can apply as a leader in the health administration and informatics industries. SGHMI is proud to offer students opportunities to get involved in research projects in Florida and across the globe, led by world-renowned faculty.
Undergraduates can explore research through the Undergraduate Research Readiness organization, designed to prepare and connect students with impactful projects.
For graduate students and post-docs, we provide opportunities to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams of experts on innovative research that carries big impacts on the healthcare industry. No matter where you are on your academic journey, there’s a place for you to contribute and grow.
To learn more about available research opportunities, reach out to your program coordinator today!
Advisory Boards
Elevating Academic Excellence Through Industry Leaders
Comprised of experienced industry professionals and community leaders, our advisory boards provide a unique perspective that bridges the gap between academia and the healthcare and informatics industries, ensuring high-quality academic program delivery.
Their insights ensure our curriculum stays ahead of industry trends, fulfilling workforce needs and helping students develop the skills employers value most. Working with faculty leadership, their input contributes to curriculum updates, enhancing our academic offerings and ensuring the highest accreditation standards.
Aside from academics, advisory boards support our students by creating pathways for internships, fellowships, and career opportunities, while serving as ambassadors who champion our programs in the Central Florida community and beyond.
By integrating the expertise of our advisory boards, we continuously refine our programs to provide a dynamic, modern education that empowers our students to thrive in their chosen fields.
Cheryl Bowling, RHIT
SSC HIT Advisory Member
Craneware
Marisol Bridgemohan, RHIT
Southeast Administrative Manage
Sharecare Health Services
Vladimir Cherfere, MS
Service Line Manager
Orlando Health
Becky Dicus, MHSA
Parallon
Alexandra Hilliard
ePathways Facilitator for Health Programs
Seminole County Public Schools
Todd Husty, MD
President
MARSI
Jerry Jorgensen, RHIA
Account Executive, Business Development
Enjoin
Cynthia Leonhard, MJ
HIM Corporate Manager
Health First
Michael May, MBA
Release of Information Manager
Community Health System
Kelly McLendon, RHIA
Managing Partner
CompliancePro Solutions
William Millican, MBA
Manager, IT/CE Products, Epic HIM Applications
Orlando Health
Laura Monninger, MBA
HIIM Regulatory Manager, Physician Practices
Community Health System
Cathy Murphy, RHIT
HIM Manager
Nemours Children’s Health System
Julia Nasternak, MBA
Education Manager HIM
AdventHealth
Veronica Pak, RHIA
Health Informatics Coordinator
UCF Student Health Services
Lee Pearson III, RHIA
HIM Specialist
Orlando VA Medical Center
Annette Riley, RHIA
HIIM Director
Health First Inc.
Dean Ritchey, RHIA
Service Line Manager
Orlando Health
Pablo Romero, RHIT
VP of Administrative Services
STAT Informatic Solutions, LLC
Christina Rupinta, MS
Trauma Registry
Central Florida Regional
Gretchen Simmons, RHIA
Director of Operations
Verisma
Nicole Stanton, RHIA
Forms & Education Coordinator
AdventHealth
Jackie Stevens, RHIA
HIM Operations Manager
Parrish Health
Heather Sumrall, MBA
Manager, HIM Data Integrity
Orlando Health
Jennifer Vinson Schunke, MS
Manager, eHIM Systems
Health First Corporation
Sonya Waters, RHIA
Regional Coding Manager
Optum360
Yarid Wilburn, MSHS
Ast. Director of HIM
AdventHealth
Kelly Wilson, MBA
COO HIM
Parallon Business Performance Center
Holly Woemmel, MA
Senior Manager, Privacy Compliance
Nuance Hosted Infrastructure Division
William Blewitt, BA
Strategic Business Development Director
Change Healthcare
Jessica Camp, MSN
Executive Director, Strategic Resources Clinical & Ancillary Applications
AdventHealth
Kendall Cortelyou, PhD
School Director
UCF School of Global Health Management and Informatics
Michelle Crozier, PhD
Interim Program Director
UCF School of Global Health Management and Informatics
Caroline Johnson, MSHI
Senior Director, Market Access
Optinose
Summerpal Kahlon, MD
Chief Medical Officer
Edifecs
Gregory Sandford, MSHI
Cadence/Ambulatory Manager
Piedmont Healthcare
Michael Wiederhold, MD
Chief Physician Executive
Memorial Health System
Shannon Elswick, MSHA, FACHE
Executive in Residence, Associate Instructor
UCF School of Global Health Management and Informatics
Michael Howell, MD
Regional Medical Executive, Southeast Region
Cigna
Robert Karch, MD, MPH, FAAP
Health Officer and Director
Florida Department of Health in Orange County
Jacob Kirchner, FACHE, DVP
Planning and Development
HCA Healthcare North Florida Division
Alicia Labrecque
Chief Executive Officer
Orlando Senior Health
Kelley Moring, MHA
Director, Clinical Operations
AdventHealth
Greg Ohe, MHA
Senior Vice President, Ambulatory Services
Orlando Health
Ken Peach
Partner
MobileMedix Plus, LLC
Laurel Pickering
President & CEO
St. Louis Area Business Health Coalition
Jay Schaefer
Adjunct Faculty
UCF School of Global Health Management and Informatics
Karen van Caulil, Ph.D.
President & CEO
Florida Alliance for Healthcare Value
