UCF Physical Therapy

You’re Invited! 📢 Save the date for the Institute of Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation Science's sixth annual conference! This two-day conference will showcase cutting-edge scientific innovations in kinesiology, physical therapy and athletic training.

Highlights for this year’s event include:
✅Lectures and roundtable discussions from internationally recognized investigators
✅Pre-conference add-on, “IEPRS Lab Crawl: Learn in our Labs!”
✅Networking opportunities

Mark your calendars, registration opens in August! More information, including discounted rates, this year’s speakers, and CEUs, coming soon!

Jennifer Tucker, clinical associate professor of physical therapy and director of UCF Go Baby Go!, recently appeared on FOX 35 to highlight the incredible impact the program has had on the Orlando community over the past decade. Alongside Damianna Quinones, a proud parent of a Go Baby Go! car recipient, they shared how the program not only unlocks new possibilities for children with mobility challenges but also inspires both UCF and K-12 students through hands-on innovation and teamwork. Watch their interview https://www.fox35orlando.com/video/fmc-l2mk9ulr7bnk5rid

Congratulations to University of Central Florida - Go Baby Go for being recognized as this month’s Community Champion by WESH 2 News!

Led by Clinical Associate Professor Jennifer Tucker, UCF Go Baby Go! helps children with mobility challenges experience movement through customized ride-on vehicles tailored to their unique needs. Recently, Tucker and UCF physical therapy students partnered with high school students from Cristo Rey Orlando to modify vehicles for Melody and Keller, two children who require additional mobility support.

With an impressive 220 cars provided in the 10 years this program has been in place, we’re so proud to be a part of helping so many children and families move toward greater independence. 💛🖤

UCF Go Baby Go! helps children with mobility challenges Two young girls are gaining independence and smiles thanks to customized cars designed to help children with mobility challenges.

Once a year, we offer an Open House to give prospective students an inside look at UCF's top-ranked Doctor of Physical Therapy program and what sets us apart. This exclusive event includes tours of our learning spaces, Q&A sessions with faculty, staff and current students, and insights into admissions, clinical experiences and student life.

If you're thinking about a career in physical therapy, you don't want to miss this opportunity! This year's Open House takes place on the UCF campus in Orlando on Wednesday, June 24 from 1–4 p.m. Space is limited, so RSVP by June 17 at this link: https://applynow.graduate.ucf.edu/register/DPT26

How do you know a resident with dementia is in pain if they can’t speak? Associate Professor Nicole Dawson Loughran made a guest appearance on the Nursing Home Abuse Podcast to explain assessing pain in nonverbal dementia patients.

Listen to the full episode here:
https://www.schenkfirm.com/podcast/assessing-pain-in-nonverbal-dementia-patients/

SIX of our CHPS alumni have been recognized in the 2026 Class of 30 Under 30! 😎 Congratulations to:

⭐Cassandra Allen ’18 from the Department of Health Sciences

⭐Chloe Artrip ’19 ’23DPT from the School of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Sciences

⭐Brenden Brown ’20 ’23MHA from the Department of Health Sciences

⭐Michele Guillard ’20 from the Department of Health Sciences

⭐Jaquesha Jefferson ’22 from the Department of Health Sciences

⭐Jillian Pirozzi ’22 ’25MHA from the Department of Health Sciences

The 30 Under 30 Awards highlight 30 alumni with remarkable professional achievements and contributions to the community. Read more about these outstanding alumni here:
https://ucfalumni.exposure.co/30-under-30-class-of-2026

After 10 years and more than 200 Go Baby Go! cars, Clinical Associate Professor of Physical Therapy Jennifer Tucker, hasn’t stopped for a moment since bringing the national program to UCF and families in the local community. From organizing dozens of volunteers to engaging local schools in retrofitting the toy cars, her unwavering commitment has empowered countless children with mobility challenges while inspiring a new generation of students to give back through innovation and compassion.

She's aided in the program by alumna Cami Osier who volunteered at a car-building event during her first semester in UCF DPT's program 10 years ago, setting her on a career path in pediatric physical therapy and ultimately a second role as associate director of UCF Go Baby Go!

The UCF program, supported by a small fleet of community and philanthropic partners, is changing lives one custom car at a time.

Read more https://www.ucf.edu/pegasus/on-the-move/

This year's DPT honored faculty and alumni of the program with two new awards:

Clinical Instructor of the Year - Dylan DeFeo
Outstanding Alumni Award - Catherine Allbritton

Congratulations to all, and cheers to the DPT Class of 2026!

Next chapter: Transforming lives through motion. Congrats to the DPT on this accomplishment!