The University of North Florida officially opened the Perry Weather Heat Lab at UNF’s Korey Stringer Institute (KSI) on Monday. 

The heat lab will serve as a research hub dedicated to understanding how extreme heat affects the human body, aiming to inform real-world policies and protocols, according to UNF researcher Dr. Gabrielle Brewer. 

UNF interim president Dr. Angela Garcia Falconetti was in attendance alongside university leaders, researchers, and athletes. 

“This partnership reflects UNF’s commitment to research that improves lives,” said Falconetti.

Inside the Lab 

The Perry Weather Heat Lab utilizes advanced technology to simulate extreme heat conditions, according to a university press release. 

Located at Hicks Hall on UNF’s campus, this lab allows researchers to measure physiological and biochemical responses to physical activity under stress and translate these findings directly into safety recommendations, according to the press release. 

The lab’s founding industry partner, Perry Weather, provided the facility with critical instrumentation and weather-monitoring software to allow scientists to match environmental data, such as wet bulb globe temperature and heat index, with their physiological findings.

Colin Perry, CEO and Founder of Perry Weather, said that heat-related illness is one of the most preventable risks facing outdoor workers and athletes. 

“Perry Weather was founded on the belief that better data and better decisions can save lives,” said Perry. “We’re proud to partner with KSI and UNF on a lab that will help move heat safety research and education forward.” 

Opportunities for the UNF Community

Leading the research are UNF faculty members Dr. Michael Szymanski, an assistant professor of kinesiology, and Brewer, a post-doctoral associate. 

“Our lab can go all the way down to 32 degrees and up to 120 degrees,” said Brewer. “We can simulate any weather condition and study how particpaints respond.” 

Brewer said the institute’s research will study the effectivness heat interventions like cooling towels and vests as well as the microbiome of sweat.

“We’re hoping to study the sweat composition of workers in Jacksonville and it’s a huge area we’re interested in, trying to help us tolerate the heat,” said Brewer.

For UNF students, the lab offers hands-on learning opportunities with graduate and undergraduate students gaining experience in biological sample analysis, physiological data collection, and scientific communication, according to the press release.

As the facility prepares to open, Brewer said volunteers are welcome to visit.

“Any undergraduate who wants to help, we don’t say no to anyone,” said Brewer. “Its really hot and really sweaty, so if you can handle those stressful situations, please come volunteer.

According to the press release, the lab’s impact also stretches across the UNF campus through key collaborations with the university’s Department of Nutrition and Dietetics and Army ROTC.

The team is collaborating with UNF’s Department of Nutrition and Dietetics to provide body composition tracking and nutritional recommendations to professional athletes.

Brewer and Szymanski are also working with UNF Army ROTC cadets to provide physiological support and educational guidance ahead of demanding training events, helping cadets safely maintain their military readiness standards.

Brewer said that while the lab’s main focus pertains “workers, war fighters, and athletes” but all are welcome to come in for testing. 

“If someone is struggling with the heat, sweats a lot or not a lot, we have heat tolerance testing, and we bring in two physicians from Mayo to conduct heat tolerance testing and help them manage their heat stress,” said Brewer.

According to Brewer, KSI is putting the “final touches” on the heat chamber and working on securing funding for the facilities. 

Why Jacksonville and UNF? 

KSI was originally founded in 2010 at the University of Connecticut (UConn) following the death of NFL Pro Bowler Korey Stringer from exertional heat stroke, according to the press release.

Over the last 16 years, the institute has produced research and policies that have reshaped how the military, sports organizations, and employers manage heat risks, according to the press release.

The UNF location, which opened in the fall of 2025, represents KSI’s first expansion beyond UConn, according to Brewer. 

Jacksonville was chosen for this expansion due to its year-round heat, large military population, thriving professional sports ecosystem, and significant outdoor workforce, according to the CEO of the Korey Stringer Institute, Douglas Casa. 

“This expansion to the University of North Florida is a defining moment for the Korey Stringer Institute and for the future of heat safety,” said Casa in the press release. “We are deeply grateful to the University of North Florida for their partnership and shared commitment to protecting lives. Together, we are ensuring that no one suffers or dies from a preventable heat-related illness.”  

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