Faculty and Staff

Nicole Dawson, PT, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Division of Physical Therapy of the College of Health Professions and Sciences at the University of Central Florida and Director of the ALIVE™ (Aging & Longevity Initiatives for Vitality & Enrichment) Lab at UCF. Dr. Dawson is a Board Certified Geriatric Physical Therapist Emeritus with over 20 years of clinical experience along with a PhD in Adult Development & Aging Psychology from Cleveland State University. She has been recognized for excellence in her field by the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy through receipt of the Distinguished Educator Award, the American Physical Therapy Association being awarded the Margaret L. Moore Outstanding New Academic Faculty Award, and the University of Central Florida with the Teaching Incentive Program Award. Her current area of research includes developing non-pharmacological interventions to improve functional and psychosocial outcomes in older adults with chronic disease including those with dementia, gaining a better understanding of the disability experience as well as training and development of the eldercare workforce. Dr. Dawson has been published in peer-reviewed journals including The Gerontologist, Dementia, and the Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy. Her consulting company, Golden Age Consultants, aims to facilitate the successful aging of older adults. She trains allied health professionals through continuing education and has presented at numerous international and national conferences about aging and geriatric rehabilitation.