Florida State University announces new director for the Institute for Successful Longevity, focusing on aging research and health data innovation
Florida – Florida State University has announced that Zhe He, a respected expert in health informatics and biomedical data science, will be the new director of the Institute for Successful Longevity (ISL). He takes over the leadership of the institute following the retirement of Neil Charness, a psychology professor who previously held the position.
Since joining Florida State University in 2015, He has been an integral part of ISL, actively collaborating with faculty across various disciplines to advance research focused on aging and technology. Now, as the newly appointed director, he is eager to build upon the institute’s strong foundation and expand its impact in the field of longevity research.
“I am honored to step into the role of Director of the Institute for Successful Longevity and to continue building upon ISL’s strong foundation of research and collaboration,” He said. “Aging research is at a pivotal moment, with advancements in data science, artificial intelligence and digital health offering transformative opportunities to enhance the lives of older adults. My vision for ISL is to foster an innovative, interdisciplinary environment where researchers, students, and community partners come together to develop impactful solutions that promote longevity, health and well-being.”
The Institute for Successful Longevity is a multidisciplinary research center dedicated to exploring the many facets of aging. Its work covers areas such as health, cognition, recreation, mobility, financial security, and other aspects of life that impact older individuals. With more than 100 faculty affiliates spanning 11 colleges, ISL also collaborates closely with several research groups at FSU, including the Pepper Institute for Aging and Public Policy, the Pepper Center, and the Center for Brain Repair.
He brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications before continuing his studies at Columbia University, where he obtained a master’s degree. He later earned a doctorate from the New Jersey Institute of Technology and conducted postdoctoral research at Columbia University’s Department of Biomedical Informatics. His expertise spans biomedical informatics, artificial intelligence in medicine, and aging research, with a focus on improving health outcomes and quality of life for older adults.
Throughout his career, He has worked extensively with data science techniques, using electronic health records, machine learning, and natural language processing to tackle significant aging-related challenges. His research has examined key topics such as the generalizability of clinical trials for conditions like cancer and Alzheimer’s disease, the seasonal fluctuations of lab results, and the prevalence of multiple chronic conditions in older adults.
His research efforts have been widely recognized and supported by prestigious institutions, including the National Institute on Aging, the National Library of Medicine, the National Institute of Mental Health, and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Additionally, He has partnered with industry leaders such as Eli Lilly and Company to drive innovation in health informatics.
FSU Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Jim Clark expressed strong support for He’s appointment, emphasizing his dedication to translating complex data-driven research into real-world healthcare improvements.
“These projects reflect Dr. He’s commitment to translating data-driven research into real-world solutions,” Clark said. “Dr. He is a tenacious researcher who is constantly examining how we can utilize technology and faculty expertise from across campus to deliver health care solutions to older adults and help them live happier, healthier lives. We are excited for him to take the reins at ISL and advance the university’s important work on aging.”
Before being named as the permanent director, He served as ISL’s interim director for seven months. During that time, he implemented several initiatives aimed at strengthening research collaborations and expanding the institute’s engagement with both the academic community and the public. One of his key contributions was the creation of three working groups—Advanced Technology, Basic Science, and Clinical Research—designed to enhance ISL’s research synergy and increase faculty and student participation. He also prioritized expanding ISL’s outreach efforts, working to ensure that the institute’s research findings have a direct impact on the wider community.
ISL’s work extends beyond the academic realm, as faculty members actively partner with community organizations dedicated to aging-related issues. These partnerships include collaborations with groups such as the Alzheimer’s Project and Big Bend Hospice, which provide crucial support and resources to older adults and their families.
“Our research can really drive care and policy at the center of aging,” He said. “It is pivotal that we work with our community partners to disseminate this knowledge and move it beyond the lab into the world. I’m looking forward to working with more groups and individuals moving forward so we can share the impact of our work more broadly and help people who are facing the challenges and opportunities that accompany aging.”
As He steps into his new leadership role, he is poised to lead ISL into a new era of discovery and impact. With advancements in artificial intelligence, data analytics, and digital health offering unprecedented opportunities, the future of aging research at FSU looks promising under his guidance.
