My major research focus is to better understand the molecular mechanisms of mitochondrial (Mt) dysfunction, iron transport deregulation, autophagy, and oxidative damage to Mt DNA (mutations/deletions) in advanced age in animal models, as well as in humans. I have investigated basic biological mechanism of aging and age-related diseases (i.e., cardiovascular disease, peripheral artery disease (PAD), cancer) for almost 30 years. In the past 12 years, I have made a new mark in translating my basic science research findings into clinical trials. These recent studies aim to improve human health span by targeting genes and molecular pathways with nutritional and pharmacological compounds. This has been a profound career trajectory change for me since being promoted to full professor in 2007 at the University of Florida (UF). Hence, my research is not only published in highly regarded basic science journals (i.e., Science, Cell, Aging Cell, and The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences) but also in the top clinical journals, such as JAMA, JAMA Cardiology, Critical Care, Circulation Research and Nature Communications (2024). Of exceptional note has been the involvement in four major National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded Center grants (two P30, one P50, and one R33) and a very prestigious American Heart Association (AHA) Strategically Focused Research Networks (SFRN) Center grant. The majority of my current and past funding has been provided by the NIH and the AHA. Most of my 330-plus publications are my original research; they have an overall h-index of over 100. I am nationally and internationally recognized for my research and scholarship and have multiple active national and international collaborations outside of UF.