Two faculty members from the Department of Public Health Sciences were named 2025 Rising Stars by the Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine of Florida (ASEMFL), a distinction that highlights early-career investigators advancing research, practice, and policy across the state.

 Patricia I. Moreno, Ph.D., assistant professor and lead of Evidence-Based Survivorship and Supportive Care at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Tyler Bartholomew, Ph.D., associate professor and principal investigator of the IDEA Lab, were selected from among 168 nominations statewide.

Advancing Quality of Life and Supportive Care for Cancer Survivors

Dr. Moreno’s Rising Star recognition highlights her work to improve the quality of life and supportive care for people living with and beyond cancer. Her presentation, Addressing Quality of Life and Supportive Care among People with Cancer, focused on the growing number of cancer survivors in the United States, nearly 19 million in 2025, and the need for approaches that enhance emotional well-being and long-term health.

Through the CARES Lab, Dr. Moreno leads research aimed at ensuring individuals live as well as possible after a cancer diagnosis. Her work spans evidence-based psychosocial interventions and survivorship care models supported by the National Cancer Institute, the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, the American Cancer Society, the V Foundation, and the John Templeton Foundation.

“I am honored to be selected as a Rising Star by the Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine of Florida. Above all, I am deeply grateful to my wonderful mentors, colleagues, students, and post-doctoral fellows who inspire me and made this recognition possible,” said Dr. Moreno.

She noted her hope that attendees recognized her commitment to supporting individuals and families affected by cancer.

Driving Community-Engaged Research to Address HIV, Substance Use, and Overdose

Dr. Bartholomew was recognized for his work addressing HIV, substance use, and overdose through community-engaged implementation research and policy translation. His Rising Star presentation, From Community Up: Developing Equitable HIV Testing, Prevention, and Treatment Strategies for People Who Use Drugs, reflected on nearly a decade of efforts to improve health outcomes for people who use drugs and other marginalized communities.

“Being selected is not merely a personal distinction, but also an affirmation of the collective efforts and unwavering dedication of our community,” Dr. Bartholomew said.

His work spans the development and statewide expansion of the IDEA Exchange, Florida’s first authorized syringe services program, along with multiple NIH-funded studies focused on improving access to care for populations disproportionately affected by HIV and overdose. Across research, education, and policy, the IDEA Lab continues to advance approaches that inform practice and strengthen community health.

Dr. Bartholomew added that the work is driven by the lives lost to overdose. “Their memories and the enduring impact of their absence fuel our mission and passion for creating new systems of care.”

Advancing Public Health Through Research and Community Engagement

The ASEMFL Rising Star distinction recognizes early-career investigators whose work advances scientific discovery and improves the health of communities across Florida. Drs. Moreno and Bartholomew exemplify this mission through research programs that strengthen survivorship care, inform policy, and address urgent public health challenges through evidence-based interventions.

Written by Deycha Torres Hernández, published on December 9, 2025.