Presidential Pillars Come into Focus

COLLEGE OF NATURAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES

Eduardo De Souza, associate professor in the Department of Health Sciences and Human Performance, published research in January in the Journal of Applied Physiology that shows how more training does not always result in stronger or bigger muscles. His team measured the number of reps their subjects could perform at a certain weight, and the muscle mass of their thighs, before and after they participated in a lower-body resistance training regimen (think squats). The men in the study were already regular lifters; some were asked to increase their routines by either 30% or 60%. After eight weeks, the control group showed the greatest increase in brute strength, and there was no difference between the groups when it came to muscle growth. So it appears there’s no need to overdo it in the gym — just keep showing up.

SYKES COLLEGE OF BUSINESS

Thomas G. Pittz, associate dean of international programs and associate professor of management and entrepreneurship, is one of five recipients of the 2025 Florida Entrepreneurship Research Paper of the Year award, which honors excellence, relevance and impact in entrepreneurship scholarship. The paper was published in the journal Technovation, and Pittz received his award at a ceremony on Feb. 20 in the State Senate chamber. His research explores the roles played by stakeholders, or “ballasts,” that represent the values, policies and culture within entrepreneurial ecosystems. The study identifies how ballasts, which include public institutions, businesses and individuals, vet ideas and bridge networks, advocate for entrepreneurs, and encourage knowledge spillover. His work also suggests ways for policymakers to catalyze entrepreneurial activity, which bolsters economies.

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND LETTERS

When it comes to working out, words matter. That’s what research from Chris Gurrie, associate professor in the Department of Communication, says about how fitness communication affects physical outcomes. Gurrie, a fitness fan himself, surveyed gym-goers about what makes them feel welcome at their workout and, therefore, more likely to show up. He found that regular exercisers self-selected into gyms where the communication is pleasant, thorough and professional — and where they felt like they fit in with other members. Those other members are key, he found, as is their vocal encouragement and the ways they talk about fellow gym-goers. Basically, keeping up the routine can boil down to feeling comfortable and accepted, qualities trainers and gym owners can work to foster and support to the benefit of client and patron health and wellness.

COLLEGE OF SOCIAL SCIENCES,  MATHEMATICS AND EDUCATION

Hannah Sundquist ’23, M.S. ’24, along with Nate Connealy, Tim Hart and Kayla Toohy, all faculty in the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, have advice for anyone who uses a credit card at the gas pump. The group published research in Security Journal in November that explored patterns and predictors for credit card skimming at gas stations. One key takeaway: If your gas station has a lot of advertisements or posters on its windows, or multiple entrances and exits, it’s more vulnerable to card skimmers, perhaps because it’s harder for workers inside to see what’s going on at the pumps. So next time you fill up, remember that if you can’t see in, they can’t see out, giving bad actors a better chance to mess with the pumps — and your credit card number.