Dr. Mariana Dangiolo is a founding faculty member at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine and Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine. She is board-certified in Family Medicine with added qualifications in Geriatric Medicine and has more than two decades of experience spanning clinical care, academic leadership, and aging-related research.

At UCF COM, Dr. Dangiolo directs the Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine Longitudinal Curriculum and has led the development of several innovative programs, including the Geriatrics Elective, Home Visit Program, and interdisciplinary “Geri-Anatomy” course. She is actively involved in mentoring medical and MD-PhD students and advancing community-based geriatric care models.

Her research contributions include serving as Co-Investigator on multiple NIH- and Florida Department of Health–funded studies focusing on cognitive aging, sarcopenia, wearable EEG biomarkers, and the role of the microbiome in Alzheimer’s disease. She reviews for the American Geriatrics Society and holds active membership in the European Geriatric Medicine Society’s Special Interest Groups in Dementia, Sarcopenia, and Medical Education.

Clinically, she provides comprehensive geriatric care at UCF Health’s Lake Nona clinic, with a focus on dementia care, frailty prevention, chronic disease management, and caregiver support.

Publications

1. Arikawa AY, Waterman A, Mishra SP, et al. Cognitive impairment is associated with alterations in diet quality and inflammatory biomarkers in older adults: A cross-sectional analysis of data collected from the microbiome in aging gut and brain (MiaGB) consortium cohort. J Nutr. doi: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2025.06.026.
2. James AS, Adil NA, Goltz D, et al. Abnormalities in gut virome signatures linked with cognitive impairment in older adults. Gut Microbes. 2024;16(1):2431648. doi: 10.1080/19490976.2024.2431648.
3. Dyer AH, Dolphin H, Shenkin SD, et al. Emerging disease modifying therapies for older adults with alzheimer disease: Perspectives from the EuGMS special interest group in dementia. Eur Geriatr Med. 2023;14(5):919-923. doi: 10.1007/s41999-023-00846-2.
4. Chaudhari DS, Jain S, Yata VK, et al. Unique trans-kingdom microbiome structural and functional signatures predict cognitive decline in older adults. 2023;45(5):2819-2834. doi: 10.1007/s11357-023-00799-1.
5. Gorman L, Berry A, Dangiolo M. Virtual self-learning modules integrating pharmacology concepts into a geriatric elective. Med Sci Educ. 2021;31(6):1767-1772. doi: 10.1007/s40670-021-01438-0.
6. Nagle BJ, Berry A, Gorman L, Dangiolo M. A preliminary qualitative evaluation of an in-home geriatric care elective experience for third-year medical students. 2018;10(4):e2415. doi: 10.7759/cureus.2415.
7. Dangiolo MB. The dangers of labeling. Acad Med. 2016;91(6):760. doi: 10.1097/acm.0000000000001191.
8. Noblin A, Cortelyou-Ward K, Cantiello J, et al. EHR implementation in a new clinic: A case study of clinician perceptions. J Med Syst. 2013;37(4):9955. doi: 10.1007/s10916-013-9955-2.
9. Dangiolo MB. Teaching and learning moments: The inner invisible. Acad Med. 2010;85(7):1209. doi: 10.1097/ACM.0b013e3181e1a3a8.
10. Brummel-Smith K, Dangiolo M. Assistive technologies in the home. Clin Geriatr Med. 2009;25(1):61-77, vi. doi: 10.1016/j.cger.2008.11.003.
11. Bravata DM, McDonald K, Owens DK, et al. Bioterrorism preparedness and response: Use of information technologies and decision support systems. Evid Rep Technol Assess (Summ). 2002(59):1-8.

Honors

2024-2025 – Clinical Excellence Award. University of Central Florida.

2023-2024 – Excellence in Graduate Teaching. University of Central Florida

2014-2025 – Orlando Top Doctor. Orlando Life Magazine

2018-2025 – Exceptional Woman in Medicine.  Castle Connolly

2021 – Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching. University of Central Florida

2016 – Service Award. University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL

2016 – Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Award. University of Central Florida

2015-2020 – Patients’ Choice Award, Vitals.

2014 – Clinical Achievement Award. University of Central Florida, College of Medicine.

2014-2025 – America’s Top Doctor. Geriatric Medicine. Castle Connolly

2014 – Richard Tucker Competitive Gerontology Research Award. University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL

2013 – Meaningful Use Vanguard Award. University of Central Florida, College of Medicine, Orlando, FL

2012 – Richard Tucker Competitive Gerontology Research Award. University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL