Diversity Statement: The Health Aging and Functional Ability Lab is committed to maintaining and promoting a diverse and inclusive environment. We welcome people from all backgrounds. We support an open communication of diverse perspectives because we believe that diversity breeds innovation. We are better thinkers and we produce better science when we include and listen to different perspectives.
Dr. Chiung-ju (CJ) Liu
Dr. Liu is the principal investigator of the Healthy Aging and Functional Ability Research Lab. As an occupational therapist and gerontologist, her research passion is to help older adults ageing in place. Dr. Liu’s work has contributed to two practice guidelines published by the American Occupational Therapy Association: Occupational Therapy Practice Guidelines for Older Adults with Low Vision and Occupational Therapy Practice Guideline for Productive Aging for Community-dwelling Older Adults. She was invited by the World Health Organization to develop the Guidelines on Integrated Care for Older People.
View Dr. Liu’s faculty profile
Allie Armstrong
Allie is an undergraduate student in the College of Public Health and Health Professions at the University of Florida. She is majoring in Health Science and is on the Pre-Occupational Therapy track. She plans to pursue a clinical doctorate degree in occupational therapy and to become a pediatric occupational therapist. Allie currently serves as the Provisional Membership Director at Phi Mu, and the Assistant Director of Programming for Solace. She is excited to work alongside Dr. CJ Liu through the Active Learning Program.
Brooke Bonkowski
Brooke is a first-year OTD student at the University of Florida. She graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Health Science degree and a minor in Disabilities in Society in 2022. Brooke joined the lab in fall 2021 and currently works on a functional exercise systematic review project. In addition, she also works for the Institutional Review Board for research conducted at UF. Brooke is excited to continue furthering her understanding of research with Dr. Liu and learning another side of research from the IRB perspective.
Angela Cao
Angela is a first-year OTD student at the University of Florida. She graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Health Science degree and a minor in Health Disparities in Society in 2022. She joined the lab in 2020 as an undergraduate student working alongside Dr. Liu and other lab members on the adaptations of the 3-Step Workout for Life Program and a systematic review project of functional exercise. Angela is excited to continue her participation in the lab by working on new projects and furthering her understanding of research.
Caroline Cox
Caroline is a first-year OTD student at the University of Florida. She graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Science and a minor in Psychology and Sociology in 2022. She joined the lab in the Fall 2022 with a passion for learning more about research and healthy aging within the geriatric population. Caroline is eager to continue participating in the lab by working on new projects and furthering her understanding of research.
Muntaha Islam
Muntaha is an undergraduate student in the College of Public Health and Health Professions at the University of Florida. She is majoring in Health Science on the Pre-Occupational Therapy Track and minoring in International Development & Humanitarian Assistance and Disabilities in Society. Muntaha is involved with organizations on campus such as Partners In Health Engage at UF, Student Occupational Therapy Association, Students Organise for Syria UF, and the Gator Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity. She is also the Editor-In-Chief at Pre-Health Shadowing, a non-profit organization educating pre-health students. She is delighted to work alongside Dr. Liu in the Healthy Aging and Functional Ability Lab.
Zach Jones
Zach graduated from Florida State University with dual degrees in Political Science and Communications. He is currently a student in the University of Florida’s Master of Public Health program. Zach plans to graduate from this program in the Spring of 2023 and hopes to begin a career in public health policy. In addition to his role as Research Coordinator for the Healthy Aging and Functional Ability Lab, Zach is an intern with the VA’s Department of Emergency Medicine and is a Citizen Scientist with UF’s Clinical and Translational Science Institute.
Yun Chan Shin
Yun Chan Shin received both BA and MS in occupational therapy from Yonsei University. His prior research experience includes examining cognitive rehabilitation and the lifestyle intervention program in older adults. Yun Chan is the awardee of the 2021 Grinter Fellowship. His research interest is in old adults’ health and aging in the community.