Impacting big data for health
Sonya Heinz White helps lead team growth at Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics
Sonya Heinz White has been a staff member in the Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics since 2016.
Photo by Jim Harper
Oct. 2, 2024 — For Sonya Heinz White, being a Gator is part of her family’s legacy. She moved to Gainesville in 1988, when both her parents started working for the University of Florida, later going on to graduate from the UF Warrington College of Business in 2000 with a bachelor’s in business administration.
What she didn’t know at the time was that she would also follow in her parents’ footsteps to join UF as a staff member 14 years later. After bolstering her professional portfolio in project management and leadership for information systems, she was connected with an opportunity to join the UF Health IT team, with a focus on building databases and custom web applications for the College of Medicine.
By 2016, she transitioned to the Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, or HOBI, where her ability to tap into years of experience, leadership, and knowledge has helped her foster a culture of information-sharing and improved data management procedures among her colleagues.
Meeting the challenge
White joined HOBI to manage diverse data management initiatives, from concept to implementation, as the IT project manager at the inception of the OneFlorida+ Clinical Research Network and its Data Trust in 2016. The network, which has expanded beyond Florida to several other states, innovatively unites researchers, clinicians, patients, and stakeholders to use data to tackle some of the nation’s biggest health challenges and serves as a vital resource for enhancing health, health care, and health policy.
Only three days into her new role and adapting to IT management in the context of health research, White was faced with a crucial data acquisition milestone — just four months away. Without missing a beat, she collaborated with her team to meet the milestone, not only solidifying her place in the department but also setting the tone for her future contributions.
“Without any prior research experience, I jumped in headfirst,” she said. “Research is complex and diverse, and I learn something new every day.”
Since then, White has proven a pivotal force behind the success of the OneFlorida+ Clinical Research Network, onboarding more than a dozen health system partners while building up her team of colleagues to manage a wide portfolio of research projects.
Her exceptional work has not gone unnoticed, as she was recently recognized by UF with a divisional 2024 Superior Accomplishment Award in the category of sustained excellence. With an unwavering focus on team development and an ability to navigate the intricacies of research, White exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose and passion in the pursuit of meaningful impact.
Bringing the team together
White with colleague Donny Weinbrenner after she received the Superior Accomplishment Award in 2024.
White’s dedication to providing exceptional support means both internal and external stakeholders have access to the resources and knowledge necessary to fulfill their roles and advance research.
A key aspect of that has been White bringing her team of research coordinators and project managers under a centralized umbrella. According to her colleague Donny Weinbrenner, it’s not always an easy task.
“Most of her team members each work for particular faculty members who have their own styles of engaging coordinators and managers to move research projects forward,” Weinbrenner said, adding that White’s communication with her team keeps everyone connected despite diverse roles and expectations across their portfolios.
Over the years, White has intentionally built a strong team, emphasizing a “work hard, play hard” philosophy. Under her leadership, team bonding and relationship-building have become central to their culture.
Encouraging growth
Her focus on professional development is another hallmark of her leadership. By empowering team members, White has cultivated an atmosphere where colleagues can thrive and take on advanced roles.
“Sonya has encouraged several of us to take project management courses and register for the Project Management Professional exam to obtain our certification,” said Weinbrenner, noting how the certification greatly impacts him and his colleagues.
As the OneFlorida+ Data Trust continues to expand, White’s contributions are crucial in navigating the evolving landscape of research. Her commitment to building impactful relationships ensures her team remains agile and prepared to tackle complex challenges.
“It’s about connecting with others and finding ways to collaborate effectively,” she said. “Every challenge presents an opportunity for growth.”
A Gator at heart
White’s deep connection to the University of Florida extends beyond her professional life. Since moving to Gainesville 1988, she has woven herself into the fabric of the Gator community.
White has been married to her husband and fellow Gator, Joe, for 27 years. Together, they are excited to see their son, Sam, graduate in the spring as a third-generation Gator. Their daughter, Elizabeth, is a junior in high school, and the family also shares their home with three beloved dogs, Banjo, Otis, and Milo, and an adventurous hermit crab named Hank, who has been known to escape and wander the house.
Outside of work, White cherishes quiet time but also values family gatherings. Sharing a weekly dinner with her family and friends is a highlight, whether they are cooking together or dining out. Cooking and baking are her passions; she challenges herself each Christmas to recreate the cake featured on the December cover of Southern Living magazine. During football season, she loves tailgating with friends to cheer on the Gators.
Her dedication to the community extends to her volunteer work, which includes assisting in the nursery at her church, where she enjoys snuggling and feeding toddlers. Additionally, she serves as an assistant coach for The Rock School girls varsity soccer team, managing logistics and providing support to the athletes. She also volunteers at local organizations such as The Ronald McDonald House, St. Francis House, and Bread of the Mighty Food Bank, preparing and serving food for families in need.
