Activist Lab
In the Media
The College of Public Health’s Activist Lab helps bring solutions for those isolated and lonely
March 5, 2026
COPH News
The Activist Lab was featured in a USF College of Public Health news article highlighting its work to address loneliness and social isolation across Florida. Led by Dr. Karen Liller, the Activist Lab partnered with the Florida Public Health Association to develop a statewide task force, community resources, and advocacy tools aimed at strengthening social connections and improving public health outcomes.
Efforts to Address Loneliness and Social Isolation in Florida
January 29, 2026
Journal of Health Advocacy
Loneliness and social isolation have become epidemics in the United States leading to many negative health consequences. To address this important public health issue, the Activist Lab at the University of South Florida College of Public Health partnered with the Florida Public Health Association to develop a statewide task force focused on identifying and addressing the growing issues of loneliness and social isolation across the state of Florida.
COPH goes national: Shaping the conversation at APHA
September 19, 2025
COPH News
The Activist Lab attended the American Public Health Association’s Annual Meeting and Expo, where their documentary, Under the Florida Sun, was screened.
COPH's Activist Lab Boot Camp powers up workforce health advocates
February 24, 2025
COPH News
The Activist Lab hosted its 7th Annual Activist Lab Boot Camp, focusing on the theme, "Creating a Healthier and Safer Workforce: Be Voices for Change!" The two-day event, held in collaboration with SERC, explored occupational safety, health and wellbeing.
Under the Florida Sun
January 2025
USFHealth YouTube
Under the Florida Sun was developed through the Activist Lab and is focused on climate change in our society and how it affects farmworkers in Florida as they toil each day to meet production needs. Under the Florida Sun was provided funding from the American Public Health Association’s Center for Climate, Health and Equity’s Student Champions for Climate Justice Award.
Building leadership skills one school at a time
May 28, 2024
COPH News
To educate school-aged youth for future leadership roles, the Activist Lab conducted a study to examine the role of teaching advocacy and leadership skills to the population. The study, “Building Advocacy in the Younger Generation Through the Adopt a School Program of the University of South Florida College of Public Health Activist Lab-A Commentary," was published in the Florida Public Health Review.
Celebrating Contributions & Championing Change
March 17, 2024
Reboot Your Life! Podcast
The Activist Lab was featured on Reboot Your Life! by Riverside Recovery for an insightful discussion on pathways to advocacy. Dr. Karen Liller talked with hosts Cary Harrison and Ashley Neal about public health challenges including loneliness and social isolation and the importance of evidence-based advocacy.
Epidemic of Loneliness is a Public Health Problem
December 5, 2023
WMNF 88.5 FM
The Activist Lab was featured on 88.5 WMNF Midpoint with Shelley Reback to discuss social isolation and loneliness. Dr. Karen Liller and her students Amadeo Brandon and Truc (Jenny) Ho discussed their work on increasing social connections for better health outcomes.
Activist Lab receives APHA Student Champions Climate Justice Award
November 13, 2023
COPH News
The Activist Lab received the 2023-2024 APHA Student Champions Climate Justice Award.The APHA Center for Climate, Health and Equity presents the Student Champions for Climate Justice Awards each year to student groups across the country. Students receiving the award are tasked with creating an academic community experience on their campuses to raise awareness about climate justice.