Florida State University has appointed a prolific scholar in health informatics as the leader of the Institute for Successful Longevity (ISL).

Zhe He, associate professor at the School of Information, takes over from Professor of Psychology Neil Charness, who retired last year. Since entering FSU in 2015, He has been actively involved with ISL, partnering with faculty members from various fields to promote research on aging and technology.

“I am privileged to assume the role of Director of the Institute for Successful Longevity and to further build on ISL’s solid foundation of research and collaboration,” He stated. “Research on aging is at a crucial juncture, with progress in data science, artificial intelligence, and digital health providing groundbreaking opportunities to improve the lives of older individuals. My vision for ISL is to cultivate a creative, interdisciplinary atmosphere where researchers, students, and community partners unite to create meaningful solutions that encourage longevity, health, and wellness.”

ISL is a diverse research center committed to investigating the intricacies of life in later years, with researchers addressing health, cognitive function, leisure activities, mobility, financial stability, and other issues. The institute comprises over 100 faculty affiliates spanning 11 colleges and collaborates closely with other research entities on campus, such as the Pepper Institute for Aging and Public Policy, the Pepper Center, and the Center for Brain Repair.

He obtained his undergraduate degree from Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, followed by a master’s degree from Columbia University and a doctorate from the New Jersey Institute of Technology. After completing his doctoral studies, he pursued postdoctoral research in Columbia University’s Department of Biomedical Informatics before joining FSU in 2015.

With an impressive research background at the crossroads of biomedical informatics, AI in healthcare, and aging studies, he focuses on improving health outcomes and elevating the quality of life for the elderly. His data science efforts have harnessed electronic health records, natural language processing, and machine learning to investigate critical aging-related matters, including the applicability of clinical trials regarding cancer and Alzheimer’s disease, the seasonality of laboratory results, and the occurrence of multiple chronic ailments in older adults.

His research initiatives have received backing from the National Institute on Aging, National Library of Medicine, National Institute of Mental Health, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the Institute for Successful Longevity, and corporate partners like Eli Lilly and Company.

“These projects showcase Dr. He’s dedication to converting data-centered research into practical solutions,” remarked FSU Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Jim Clark. “Dr. He is a persistent researcher who continuously explores how we can leverage technology and faculty expertise from across campus to provide healthcare solutions for elderly individuals and support them in leading more fulfilling, healthier lives. We are thrilled to have him at the helm of ISL and to propel the university’s significant work on aging.”

He acted as ISL interim director for seven months prior to being appointed as the permanent director. Throughout his time as interim, he established three working groups — Advanced Technology, Basic Science, and Clinical Research — aimed at enhancing ISL’s research collaboration and boosting faculty and student involvement. He has also strengthened the institute’s outreach efforts.

ISL faculty members also collaborate closely with community organizations focused on aging, such as the Alzheimer’s Project, Big Bend Hospice, and others.

“Our research has the potential to influence care and policy central to aging,” He remarked. “It is essential that we join forces with our community partners to distribute this knowledge and translate it from the laboratory to the real world. I am eager to engage with more groups and individuals moving forward to widely share the impact of our work and assist those confronting the challenges and opportunities associated with aging.”

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