By: Grace Huff
David Vaillancourt, Ph.D., Orchid Chair and Professor in the Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology at the University of Florida, has been named a UF Distinguished Professor, one of the highest honors awarded to faculty for scholarly achievement, leadership, and service.
This distinction recognizes Vaillancourt’s pioneering research on how the brain regulates voluntary and involuntary movement, especially in individuals living with Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, tremor, and dementia. As the second faculty member in the College of Health and Human Performance to receive this honor, his work continues to push the boundaries of translational neuroscience.
“Being named a Distinguished Professor is both humbling and energizing,” said Dr. Vaillancourt. “It reflects not just my work, but the strength of the interdisciplinary teams I’ve had the privilege to collaborate with, from clinicians and engineers to trainees and patients.”
Through his Laboratory for Rehabilitation Neuroscience, Vaillancourt and his team are developing advanced neuroimaging techniques to track disease progression in movement disorders. His work has contributed to major breakthroughs in identifying early imaging markers for Parkinson’s and in exploring the brain circuitry behind dystonia and tremor.
His research has been continuously funded by the National Institutes of Health since 1999 and has been published in leading journals including Brain, Journal of Neuroscience, JAMA Neurology, Lancet Digital Health, and Science Translational Medicine. In addition to directing several NIH grants, he also contributes to the national scientific community as a reviewer for the Michael J. Fox Foundation and the National Parkinson Foundation and has chaired NIH study sections related to motor function and rehabilitation.
“Few researchers have had the kind of impact Dr. Vaillancourt has made in advancing our understanding of brain disorders,” said Michael S. Okun, MD, Director of the Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases. “His work is pushing the boundaries of modern imaging and offering hope to millions living with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions.”
Beyond the lab, Vaillancourt is known for his deep commitment to mentorship and education. He created the foundational “Movement Disorders” course at UF and co-leads a T32 NIH training program with Dr. Melissa Armstrong that prepares the next generation of neuroscientists in the field.
“Some of our most exciting work is happening right now,” said Vaillancourt. From imaging studies in genetic mouse models of dystonia to clinical trials tracking Parkinson’s progression, we’re closer than ever to translating these discoveries into real-world impact.”
As the Orchid Chair in the Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, Vaillancourt continues to lead innovative research that crosses disciplines and focuses on improving how people move and live. His recognition as a UF Distinguished Professor cements his legacy as a trailblazer in neuroscience and a tireless advocate for discovery.