A professor of human development and family science discusses the importance of socialization, particularly among ethnic-racial minority families. How parents talk to their kids about racial inequality and trauma has taken on a sense of urgency, states Jaipaul L. Roopnarine, a researcher in Syracuse University’s Falk College. “Ethnic-racial socialization is positively linked to better academic out…

For more than 90 years, the work of the Department of Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) faculty, staff, students, and alumni has transformed communities locally, nationally, and globally. The HDFS department prepares students by offering the scientific study of human development, from infancy to end of life, through cultures and contexts. The program continues to flourish and has been co…

In the 1920s, the study of human development and family science at Syracuse University emerged from the intersection of home economics, early childhood education and care, and child psychology. Today, it is a dynamic, interdisciplinary field that studies the processes of human social, physical, and emotional growth and development throughout the lifespan and across cross-cultural contexts, utilizi…

Syracuse University’s Falk College is pleased to welcome four new staff members who have joined Falk College in the past academic year: Donna Fecteau, Administrative Assistant in the Department of Exercise Science; Julia Fuqua, Office Coordinator in the Department of Exercise Science; Heather Mauro, Internship Placement Coordinator in the School of Social Work, and; Melissa Tobin, Counselor, Acade…

Sarah Kamya is working to put stories about and by people of color in Little Free Libraries all over the country. Sarah Kamya ’17 says the Little Free Diverse Libraries project has included placing books for every age group.When in-person instruction at her school was canceled for the rest of the year because of the pandemic, school guidance counselor Sarah Kamya ’17 decided to work from her homet…

The Falk Student Research Celebration is an annual event that takes place to highlight undergraduate and graduate student research projects Students submit posters for display and are judged by a committee of faculty, staff, and peers. Participants compete for educational funds to present their posters on a larger stage, to attend a conference to gain further insights into their respective fields,…

Congratulations and best wishes to the Class of 2020 from the students, faculty, staff, advisory boards, alumni and friends of Falk College! The courage and resiliency you have demonstrated in these challenging times prove you are prepared to respond to society’s greatest needs. Now more than ever, our world needs all you have to offer. We look forward to hearing about your achievements as our new…

On Wednesday, April 29, 2020, the Department of Human Development and Family Science gathered virtually to present awards to its undergraduate and graduate students, to induct new members into its academic honor society, and to celebrate all of the accomplishments of its students over the past academic year. This meeting was a modification to the usual in-person end of the year ceremony that was converted to a virtual ceremony this year in order to manage the circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic.

When Shaylah Nichols ’18 reflects on experiences that set her on her path, she recalls a childhood friend who was curious and bright but ended up dropping out of high school. Nichols attributes their divergent trajectories to the differing support received from their families and communities.

On May 1, Falk College held its annual recognition of academic excellence with its Faculty of the Year Awards. These awards, selected by members of Falk Faculty Council based upon peer nominations and documentary evidence, recognize faculty excellence in the academic year.