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Andreas Keil has dedicated his career to unraveling the mysteries of the human mind. The psychology professor, recently named a University of Florida Distinguished Professor, has spent the past two decades studying how the human brain and body adapt when confronted with adversity. His research not only expands our understanding of human psychology and neuroscience but also shapes the future of these fields.

Being designated a Distinguished Professor is an exceedingly rare accolade, reserved for those who have left an indelible mark on their field of study. Only two other faculty members from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, history professor Jack Davis and English professor David Leavitt, received the prestigious title this year. Keil’s new title represents an illustrious career highlighted by accomplishments in the domains of teaching, research, and publication.

“What is notable about Dr. Keil is his collaborative spirit and commitment to training the next generation of psychological scientists,” said Julia Graber, professor and chair of the Department of Psychology. “His interdisciplinary work integrates AI methods to understand brain functioning with collaborators across UF and beyond, and he engages trainees at every level, from postdoctoral to undergraduate. This makes his lab one of the most popular and one of the most successful at launching student careers.”

Keil joined the UF community in 2007, where he established himself in the Department of Psychology and found a research home at the Center for the Study of Emotion and Attention. There, his research centers on human neuroscience, shedding light on how the human brain and body adapt when confronting adversity.

Keil’s fascination lies in the dual nature of these adaptative processes, where they can aid healthy individuals in coping with challenges but can also become dysfunctional, even causing or exacerbating psychiatric or neurological conditions. Over the past twenty years, he has diligently explored adaptive and harmful change, examining diverse populations. Along the way, he has pioneered essential research methods and garnered numerous accolades for his efforts. His contributions extend to editorial roles in esteemed academic journals and involvement on multiple scientific boards.

Keil has embraced an interdisciplinary approach fostered by UF’s collaborative environment. He often works with colleagues from various UF colleges, including Engineering, Education, and Medicine.

“The honor of being named Distinguished Professor means that a large group of people has worked well together, including students and post-docs in my laboratory, as well as my colleagues in the department,” he said. “Crucially, it’s essential to note the people who keep UF running — shout out to the Physical Plant Division and those who have kept our lab space clean for decades.”

Keil has also garnered a campus-wide reputation as a passionate instructor and enthusiastic advisor to his students. He holds a deep appreciation for the UF students who enroll in his courses on the neurophysiology of mental health and fundamental human neuroscience.

“I believe that research in and teaching of human neurosciences are inherently team sports,” said Keil. “Having my peers recognize my part in this team is humbling and encouraging.”

Read more about Keil’s work here.