Human Development & Family Science  News

Jeremy S. Jordan, a seasoned academic with extensive experience in sport and recreation management, has been named the next dean of the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics. The announcement was made today by Vice Chancellor, Provost and Chief Academic Officer Gretchen Ritter. His appointment, effective September 1, was approved by the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees.

“Jeremy Jordan brings a combination of academic leadership experience and hands-on industry knowledge that will be a boon to Falk College and its professional programs—from food studies to marriage and family therapy to social work,” Provost Ritter says. “I look forward to working with him, especially on important initiatives like the launch of the esports degree and the expansion of the sport management program.”

Jordan is currently the vice provost for faculty affairs at Temple University in Philadelphia, where he is also a professor and Ed Rosen Senior Research Fellow in the School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management’s Department of Sport and Recreation Management. He is the NCAA Faculty Athletics Representative, and has also been the director of the Sport Industry Research Center and the Millard E. Gladfelter Research Fellow.

Jordan’s research focuses on the impact of sport participation and events on individuals and communities, as well as the social, environmental and financial impact of sport events and organizations. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, and has participated in more than 65 funded research projects.

Before joining Temple in 2008, Jordan held faculty positions at the University of Miami, Mississippi State University and the University of Memphis, and served as the athletic director at La Sierra University in Riverside, California. He earned a Ph.D. in sport management from The Ohio State University, a master’s degree in exercise and sport science from the University of Utah and a bachelor’s degree in physical education from La Sierra.

“I am honored to have been selected as the next dean of Falk College and look forward to becoming a member of the Syracuse community,” Jordan says. “The college is known for its academic excellence, impactful research and commitment to community engagement. I admire the culture and rigor of the college and Syracuse University, and I look forward to contributing to the success of both with the support of the students, staff, faculty and alumni.”

The dean search committee, convened by Provost Ritter in February, was co-chaired by Falk College faculty members Mary Graham, professor of sport management and faculty athletic representative, and Katherine McDonald, associate dean of research and professor of public health.

“I am grateful to the committee members for their hard work in recruiting a talented leader like Jeremy Jordan to join our campus community,” Provost Ritter says.

Jordan succeeds Diane Lyden Murphy, who is concluding her tenure as dean of the Falk College, a position she has held since 2005. She has served 45 years at Syracuse University. “Diane has truly left her mark on Falk College, shepherding it from its early days and overseeing multiple successful initiatives,” Provost Ritter says. “I thank her for her service and her incredible contributions to the college and the University.”

Thalía Henao found her voice through writing. As a freelance beauty and culture writer, she advocates for equity by celebrating and empowering diverse identities and cultures. “In my writing I am able to add elements of advocacy for marginalized communities because of my educational background and I am extremely grateful and recognize how much more impactful it makes my writing,” Henao says. She is published in Allure, WMagazine, and Latina Magazine.

Before her career in writing, she started her journey at Falk College—a first generation student—majoring in child and family studies, now known as human development and family science. During her time at Syracuse, Thalia traveled to Trinidad and Tobago with Professor Jaipaul Roopnarine and to South Africa. “I went to Falk College because I wanted to have a deep understanding of both my community and the global community we are a part of,” she says. “I majored in Child and Family Studies because I knew that getting a degree in this field would provide me the educational background to advocate for marginalized communities, and I can confidently say that this is true today.”

After graduating from Syracuse University in 2016, she went to Harvard University, where she completed a master’s degree in prevention science and practice with a minor in community engagement. While at Harvard, she traveled to India.

Today, Henao uses her global education and experiences to fuel her writing. We recently had the opportunity to speak with Thalia and hear more about her personal journey:

Q: Can you tell me a little bit about where you are from, where you grew up, or where you consider “home”?

A: I’m from Cambridge, Massachusetts, but my parents are from Medellin, Colombia. Growing up in Cambridge was kind of like a dichotomy because the city is home to some of the biggest universities in the world like Harvard and MIT, but it also has small pockets of low-income communities that exist within public housing buildings.

I grew up in Newtowne Court, a project development across the street from MIT and in the 90’s there was a lot of violence in this part of the city. I think this gave the area a really bad rep even though it was mostly targeted crime. Despite this, I’m really grateful to have been raised there. I was exposed to so many different cultures and backgrounds. My neighbors were from all parts of the world like Haiti, India, and Puerto Rico.

At home, my parents were really intentional about passing on Colombian traditions and making sure it was a part of my identity. I’m grateful to have grown up very well-rounded and connected to my culture.

Q: What are one or two of your favorite memories from your time at Syracuse?

A: Two of my favorite memories of Syracuse University were being a part of the TRIO program, Student Support Services (SSS), and working with my guidance counselor Robert Wilson. After being accepted to Syracuse, SSS reached out to me about applying for the program since I had been a part of another TRIO program, Upward Bound. Deciding to go to Syracuse was made easy by SSS, because it meant that I had support while being at SU, both financially and academically.

I have many favorite memories with Mr. Wilson, but my ultimate favorite one was during the accepted students’ weekend when my family and I met him. It’s a memory that’s ingrained in my, and my family’s, mind forever.

We were walking into the Schine Student Center as Mr. Wilson was walking out and he immediately recognized me and said “Thalia!” At this point, I hadn’t met him in person yet and I had no clue who he was. He introduced himself to my family and I and it was such a warm welcome.

I’m a first-generation college student who didn’t get to visit any schools and this moment was comforting to me since at this point Mr. Wilson was really the only person I knew. Being a first-generation college student was very hard. Nobody in my family had navigated the college education system, much less even lived on a campus, but Mr. Wilson was there for me the entire four years. I am very, very grateful for that.

Q: When did you decide to pursue writing and what was it that drove that decision?

A: I think writing was always in me, but I really stepped into it last year. During high school, my best friends and I had blogs where we would share poetry, fun images, and random stuff. I also took photography throughout my four years of high school and I unknowingly, but definitely, was telling stories about beauty and culture through my photography. I even won a gold key for my photography portfolio for the 2012 Boston Globe Scholastic Art Awards.

I also did some community service in a small rural town in the Dominican Republic that ultimately inspired me to pursue a degree in youth and family development. But even throughout college, I would write here and there about beauty and culture in my free time, and of course many research papers on human development and cross-cultural contexts for my classes at Falk.

After my master’s program at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, I moved to Los Angeles to work on an early childhood research study at UCLA and at one point even took an internship with a fashion stylist. But by this time, I felt pretty lost, like I wasn’t fulfilling my purpose. I thought maybe I could pivot into the corporate world and figure out my path there, so I moved back to my hometown and took a role in human resources at a youth sports company.

Unfortunately, the youth sports company went bankrupt during the pandemic, but my then-manager had been communicating with us that this would likely happen. So, a week before the company went down, I saw a position in HR at a company where a friend was working and she referred me. I applied on Monday and had two interviews that same week. On Friday, my current company went bankrupt and by the following Monday I had an offer for my new position.

When I accepted the offer and got my new hire package I realized the company, Condé Nast, was a big media powerhouse that is home to some of the brands that I grew up with like Vogue, Allure, and Vanity Fair. I joined the board of the Latin Employee Resource Group and for a year worked on programming for employees and advocating for Latin representation within the company.

There was a voice that kept calling me to explore writing more, but for a while I was too afraid to listen to it until I finally gave in and pitched my first published story focused on the intersection of beauty and culture to Allure, which went live last year, and things have been pretty organic since then. It feels very full circle for me. I think it’s a testament to the fact that you can’t outrun your purpose.

Q: Who or what are some of your sources of inspiration for your writing?

A: My mom is my biggest source of inspiration in my writing. She inspired my first article for Allure about the 90’s dark lip liner-light lipstick look. Unfortunately, I grew up with a lot of shame around brown aesthetics. I really wanted to assimilate into “American” culture when I was younger and often asked myself why my family couldn’t be “more American.” I know I wasn’t the only one who felt this way while growing up.

As an adult however, Latin culture is my biggest source of pride and inspiration, and through my writing I reclaim that power and am driven by what once felt like shame. Belonging to a “minoritized” community has meant that our aesthetics have been made fun of, called “cheap,” and been discarded. In the last decade, we have seen these aesthetics become mainstream, but unfortunately, with no credit to the communities that inspired these trends. My work is centered around reclaiming and celebrating the contributions of Black and brown communities and individuals.

Q: Why is writing about beauty and culture important?

A: Writing about beauty and culture through an intersectional lens is so important because it acknowledges the people who have succumbed to erasure within mainstream media. I think about young generations who are growing up and seeing trends in mainstream media and they should know that their moms, grandmothers, aunties, tias, etc., took so much pride in and were incredibly brave to wear their natural hair, line their lips, and wear big hoops.

The people in these marginalized communities unknowingly created a legacy that challenged Eurocentric standards of beauty and have ultimately laid the foundation for the more inclusive beauty culture we enjoy today.

Q: What impact do you want to have through your writing? What is your goal?

A: My goal is that people feel seen in the work that I do that goes beyond just writing. I want marginalized communities to feel empowered, find comfort, and heal from the impact of racism and discrimination. That’s a really big goal, but even if one person can see their beauty and feel empowered in the work that I do, that’s enough for me.

You can find Thalía Henao’s work in Allure, WMagazine, and Latina Magazine. Learn more about the Department of Human Development and Family Science.

Along with Dean Murphy, the entire Falk College community of students, faculty, staff, alumni, community partners and friends, congratulates to the Class of 2023! Falk College’s seven academic departments and schools represented 529 degree candidates, including:

• 321 undergraduates;
• 155 masters candidates;
• 50 students earning certificates of advanced study, and;
• 3 Ph.D. students.

Through the month of May, departments across Falk College honored student achievements and celebrated the graduating Class of 2023, which are detailed on individual department websites.

Falk College Convocation was held Saturday, May 13 at Lally Athletic Complex. Falk College Convocation, other college convocations, and the May 14 Syracuse University Commencement ceremony, were recorded and are available to view on the Syracuse University commencement website and is also included below.

Falk College Convocation | Saturday, May 13 | 5:30 p.m. ET

Syracuse University Commencement | Sunday, May 14 | 9:30 a.m. ET

Diane Lyden Murphy, dean of the Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, received Syracuse University’s highest honor–the Chancellor’s Medal–at the One University Awards Ceremony April 21 at Hendricks Chapel.

The Chancellor’s Medal is awarded to individuals in honor of their trailblazing and extraordinary contributions to the University, to an academic body of knowledge, or to society. Dean Murphy, who was appointed Dean of the College of Human Services and Health Professions (now Falk) in May 2005, checks all three boxes.

“This medal is given for the very things Diane has always done here: extraordinary contributions to the University, to the community, to academic knowledge,” Chancellor Kent Syverud said before presenting the Chancellor’s Medal to Dean Murphy. “She’s done those things, but she’s also done one thing that’s even rarer and worth celebrating and I can say this from experience, she has consistently and faithfully had the courage to speak up.

“She’s had the courage to speak up, including to chancellors, when things are not right, when they could be better, and even more rare is that after speaking up she has the integrity to roll up her sleeves and actually work to make them better,” Chancellor Syverud added.

Dean Murphy was one of several 2022-23 award recipients who were honored at the April 21 ceremony. Watch the video of the Chancellor’s Medal presentation here:

Dean Murphy received four degrees at the University and joined the faculty in the School of Social Work in 1978. Prior to her appointment at Falk, Dean Murphy served 17 years as director of the Women’s Studies program in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Dean Murphy’s many contributions to the University include co-authoring the University’s sexual harassment policy; initiating studies of gender pay equity; developing adoption and domestic partner benefits; and creating a family-friendly environment for students, faculty, and staff.

Chancellor Syverud started his remarks by reading a news release from January 1973 about Dean Murphy’s appointment as a personnel intern in the Office of Student Affairs who would “specialize in the problem of married students.” She served as a liaison between married students and the administration and from that work arose the first childcare center on campus.

“There have been a lot of initiatives in the last 50 years at Syracuse University to help people and populations in our community,” Chancellor Syverud said. “There have been precious few where Diane Lyden Murphy has not been present and accounted for in support of doing the hard work and listening and doing the problem-solving and speaking up to make things better.

“We talk about diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and support for survivors, Diane was there often before most of the world had developed the vocabulary to describe the problem and the opportunity,” Chancellor Syverud added. “Going back to that first press release, Diane never regarded married students as a problem, she never regarded these things as problems, she regarded them as opportunities. And boy, she’s made an impact on this University! I can’t imagine what this place would be like today without her work, but I’m certain it would be a less accomplished and a colder and less just and less human place.”

The Chancellor’s Medal is the latest in an extensive list of awards Dean Murphy has received while at the University, including the Excellence in Graduate Education Award from the Graduate School, the Francis McMillan Parks Women of Influence Award, and a Chancellor’s Citation. In 2005, the Women’s Studies Program established the Diane Lyden Murphy Women’s Studies Activism Award in her honor.

The Falk College Department of Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) would like to congratulate its Class of 2023 award winners! Here’s a list of the winners, a description of the award, and comments about the awardees from HDFS faculty:

Undergraduate Student Awards

Falk College Scholar – Madison Roberts

“Madison is completing two minors in Nutrition and Public Health and is part of the Renée Crown Honors Program. On top of her impressive academic performance in the classroom and participation in student activities (such as serving as a peer educator and being the president of the HDFS Honor Society), Madison has demonstrated a unique degree of accomplishment in the field of scholarship. She has participated in several research projects through SOURCE and Honors. In February, she presented at the Society for Personality and Social Psychology conference, a national poster presentation event that examined developmental and personality predictors of engagement with diverse viewpoints. She is currently completing an honors thesis on parental communication styles regarding marijuana usage across rural and urban contexts. She will start a speech pathology master’s program at the University of Buffalo in the fall.”

Falk College Marshal – Kyra Schlanger Birenbaum
Department Marshal – Catalina Maria Mac Laughlin

Senior class marshals have excelled during their time on campus and exemplify the spirit of the senior class. The selection committee assesses the nominees on scholarship, academic honors, student organization involvement, and campus/community service.

“Kyra is completing a minor in Disability Studies and is part of the Renée Crown Honors Program. On top of her excellence in the classroom, Kyra has been deeply involved in the Falk College and University communities. At the University level, she has served on the Chancellor’s Task Force on Sexual and Relationship Violence and served as a peer educator at the Barnes Center. At the college level, she has served as a Falk Ambassador and Honors Ambassador and mentor. She has participated in several research projects through Honors and SOURCE. In February, she presented at the Society for Personality and Social Psychology conference, a national poster presentation event that examined developmental and personality predictors of engagement with diverse viewpoints. She is currently completing an honors thesis examining perceptions of parenting in the disability community.”

“Catalina has excelled in the classroom and has made numerous contributions to the department and University. She has served as a team leader for peer education in the Barnes Center and on the COVID-19 task force. She has served in leadership positions with Camp Kesem and Ottothon, and she is a member of La L.U.C.H.A. (Latinx Undergraduates Creating History in America).”

Bernice M. Wright Memorial Award – Madison Roberts

Awarded to an outstanding undergraduate student in HDFS in memory of Bernice M. Wright, former Dean of the College for Human Development (1964-1973). The award criteria include GPA, co-curricular experiences related to the HDFS field, campus involvement, awards/recognitions received while at Syracuse University, research/scholarship activity, and leadership experience. (Madison Roberts’ bio information listed under the Falk College Scholar section).

Elizabeth Manwell Memorial Award – Catalina Maria Mac Laughlin, Kyra Schlanger Birenbaum

Awarded to the outstanding senior student(s) in HDFS with the highest academic average in the major. (Catalina Maria Mac Laughlin and Kyra Schlanger Birenbaum bio information listed under Falk College/Department marshals’ section).

Florence B. Potter Memorial Award – Samantha Anne Stahlbrodt

This award was established by the New York State Federation of Home Bureaus and presented to a student in HDFS who resides in New York State within a county of home bureaus. The award criteria include GPA, leadership experience, co-curricular experiences related to the HDFS field, campus involvement, awards/recognitions received while at Syracuse University, and articulated potential in the field of HDFS.

“Samantha has a perfect 4.0 GPA and is excelling in her work to become a child life specialist. She is currently working at a competitive practicum at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital in Syracuse and will soon be doing a practicum at Golisano in Rochester. She does all of this while also managing the demands of being a student-athlete on the cheerleading team.”

Ruth Tolley Award – Jacqueline Grace Autorino

This award honors Ruth Tolley from the Women of the University Community and is presented to a woman who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement. The award criteria include GPA, clearly stated career goals consistent with the HDFS field, and co-curricular experiences related to the HDFS field.

“Jacqueline is doing excellent in the classroom. On top of her HDFS major, she is minoring in psychology. She is actively involved in several important co-curricular activities, including The Women’s Network, HDFS Honor Society, and Active Minds, where she works to promote mental health across campus. She is also working at the Wish Charity, where she helps women with mental health needs establish lifestyle changes.”

Selleck Award – Anna Katherine Kim Waters

Awarded to the senior student in HDFS with the highest cumulative GPA.

“On top of her excellent work in the classroom, Anna Kate has been involved with several important initiatives at the University, including serving as vice president of Alpha Phi Omega, the co-education national service fraternity. She has worked closely on research that develops curriculum to help promote mindful eating in preschoolers and has been a co-author on research presentations that came from that work. She has also served as a parent educator in the Children’s Consortium, where she visited homes of Head Start families to provide resources for parents.”

Shannon Davis Memorial Award – Halimeh Abdel-Aziz

Awarded to an undergraduate senior student in HDFS with a demonstrated interest in child development whose academic, aesthetic, and professional interests most closely embodies that of Shannon Davis, a student who died in the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland. The award criteria include GPA, co-curricular experiences related to child and family development, articulated career goals in the field of early childhood education or related setting, and career interest in providing services for young children.

“Halimeh has excelled in the classroom. Her interests directly align with early childhood education as she runs the Discovery Learning childcare center in Clay, New York. She has also served as a volunteer at Elmcrest Children’s Center in Syracuse.”

Graduate Student Awards

All-University Doctoral Prize – Dickson Mukara Matsantsa Ong’ayi, Ph.D.

Awarded to doctoral students in each of Syracuse University’s 11 schools and colleges who have demonstrated originality, contribution to the field, creativity, methodology, soundness, and quality of writing in their dissertation.

“Dickson was honored for his dissertation focusing on whether paternal depressive symptoms were associated with children’s internalizing and externalizing symptoms through intimate partner violence and paternal rejection. This study, which focused on families in Kenya, is important in providing information that can be useful in developing parenting interventions in this context. The research was funded by a prestigious Patricia L. Engle Dissertation Award from the Society for Research in Child Development.”

Graduate Department Marshal – Dickson Mukara Matsantsa Ong’ayi, Ph.D.

Selection of the Graduate School marshal is based on a review of nominees’ research and other academic accomplishments, as well consideration of the student’s past service to the department and University.

“Dickson has a distinguished record of research accomplishment focusing on family processes, particularly among families in Africa. In addition to his dissertation work, Dickson has authored or co-authored several papers and book chapters. He has also taught The Developing Infant course and served as a teaching assistant for several classes.”

All Graduate School Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award – Sanum Shafi

This award recognizes teaching assistants who have made distinguished contributions to Syracuse University by demonstrating excellence in significant instructional capacities.

“Sanum received this award due to her extensive experience as a teaching assistant (TA) and course instructor. In addition to serving as a TA for numerous courses, she has taught courses on human sexuality, children, and media. In these courses, she received positive feedback for encouraging participation, facilitating discussion, and providing helpful feedback to students. She also infused diversity, equity, and inclusion topics into the readings, and challenged students in their thinking about difficult topics.”

Dean Edith Smith Endowed Dissertation Grant – Sanum Shafi

The Dean Edith Smith Endowed Dissertation Grant was established to provide financial support to facilitate the scholarship of doctoral students in HDFS. The grant is designed to increase the flow of talented graduate students into academic careers and support HDFS students who show potential for excellence.

“Sanum received this award to fund her dissertation focusing on parental determinants of Islamophobic attitudes in offspring, which fits into her broader research interests on the development of prejudice.”

HDFS Doctorate Award for Research Excellence – Qingyang Liu

The HDFS Doctorate Award for Research Excellence is presented to a doctoral student who has excelled in academic achievement, research practice, and leadership activities.

“Qingyang Liu has an impressive research record for a third-year doctoral student. She is co-author on eight publications, and has several more under review, including three as first author. She has also presented her work at several professional conferences. Her research broadly focuses on how early life experiences impact children’s self-regulation and adolescent health outcomes, and she demonstrates a high degree of methodological skill.”

Alice Sterling Honig Award – Kristen Davis

The Alice Sterling Honig Award is presented to a graduate student who has demonstrated outstanding scholarship in child development and family studies. The award recognizes the legacy of the late Alice Sterling Honig, Professor Emerita in HDFS.

“Kristen Davis has excelled in her first year as a doctoral student. She has been involved in two interdisciplinary research projects, one with Associate Professor Kamala Ramadoss (HDFS) and Assistant Professor Bhavneet Walia (Public Health), and another with Department Chair and Associate Professor Rachel Razza (HDFS) and Department Chair and Associate Professor Lynn Brann (Nutrition and Food Studies). She also serves as an editorial assistant to Pearl S. Falk Endowed Professor Jaipaul Roopnarine for the ‘Caribbean Journal of Psychology.’ Her research interests include the development of health-related behaviors in children from a socioecological perspective.”

HDFS Master’s Award for Research Excellence – Chloe Ludden

Awarded to a master’s student who has excelled in academic achievement, research practice, and leadership qualities.

“Chloe Ludden recently defended her dissertation, which focuses on the impact of parental separation during adolescence on young adult relationship satisfaction. This work is novel, as there are relatively few studies that use longitudinal data to examine childhood or adolescent predictors of adult relationship satisfaction.”

HDFS Outstanding Graduate Teaching Award – Xiaoyu Fu

Awarded to a graduate student who demonstrates a strong commitment to teaching and learning.

“Xiaoyu Fu has served as a teaching assistant for many courses and taught a class on midlife and gerontology. In this class, she created an innovative assignment that required students to think about how to apply theoretical principles to real-world situations. She also used multiple methods to promote class discussion.”

Interested in a career in human development? Learn more about its academic programs, research, experiential learning, and career opportunities.

Fourteen members of the Class of 2023 have been named Falk College Scholars–the highest academic award conferred by Falk College on graduating seniors. Falk Scholars represent undergraduate students who display academic excellence, exceptional campus and community engagement, independent research and creative work, innovation in their disciplinary field, and personal integrity.

We asked the Class of 2023 Falk Scholars to describe their most meaningful experiences at Syracuse University. Here’s what they wrote:

Alexander Borelli, Sport Analytics

Throughout my four years at Syracuse University, my most influential and memorable experiences have come from within Falk College. Starting the Fantasy Sports Club in 2021 and serving as its vice president was an incredibly fulfilling experience that allowed me to bring together many like-minded individuals. It has been amazing to see an idea I started with one of my peers develop into a hub for students to attend weekly and discuss their fantasy football leagues.

Being a recruiting intern for the Syracuse University football team during the 2021-22 season was also a memorable experience that taught me a lot about the player operations side of a football organization. I was able to tie my love for sports and my background in player evaluation to a position that granted me the opportunity to make an impact on the team. Syracuse University, and the various experiences in my time here, has helped me develop into a better person and leader.

In the News: Borelli competed for the Syracuse University team that finished first in the game analytics division in the AXS National Collegiate Sports Analytics Championship.

Kylie Dedrick, Sport Analytics

Syracuse has provided me with memories, experiences, and friends that will stick with me for many years to come. One of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had at Syracuse would be joining the Sport Analytics Women (SAW) Club. I was involved with other clubs but SAW truly gave me a tight-knit community of women to go through this program with as there are not too many of us.

The club gave me the opportunity to grow as a person and take on more responsibility. Coming into college, I never thought I would be the president of a club, but here I am in my senior year serving as president. I’ve been able to participate in multiple case competitions, attend the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference, and connect with some amazing people in the sport industry. Coming to Syracuse University is truly one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

In the News: Dedrick competed for the Syracuse University team that finished second in the business analytics division in the AXS National Collegiate Sports Analytics Championship.

Kiersten Edwards, Public Health, Neuroscience

My time at Syracuse University has been full of ups and downs. While my classes and clubs have always provided security in their routine, it’s really the people and the adventures you embark on with those people that make the difference.

Nothing has been more meaningful to me than the nights I spent with friends staying awake far too late, or the in-depth conversations with faculty beyond school–the ones that dove into my dreams, my sorrows, and our collective hope for what the world could be someday. I am so grateful for the friends I made here, for the faculty mentorship I have received, and for the future that Syracuse has helped provide for me!

In the News: Edwards is also a 2023 Syracuse University Scholar and through public health, she found the path to improving the lives of others.

Taylor Fein, Nutrition Science and Dietetics

I have had many meaningful experiences at Syracuse but volunteering for the Shaw Center program “Books and Cooks” each semester is one that stands out the most. During this program, we visit a local elementary school every Friday to teach students a lesson about nutrition and food from different countries. I have built connections with the students and witnessed how much joy it brings to their day. I am grateful to have been part of a program that makes a difference in students’ lives.

Another experience that I am thankful for is conducting my own research. In my “Sleep and Hydration” study I was able to conduct hands-on research with human participants. I learned how important it is to improve and learn from each encounter along the way. I am now looking forward to pursuing a Ph.D. in physiology and continuing this path of academic discovery through research.

In the News: Fein received the 2021 Ruth Tolley Award from the Department of Nutrition Science and Dietetics.

Shane Halpin, Sport Analytics

The Sport Analytics program at Syracuse University has provided me with countless rewarding opportunities to cultivate and demonstrate my analytical skills as they relate to the world of sports. My most meaningful experiences have been representing Syracuse through SABR Diamond Dollars Case Competitions.

As part of these events, I have collaborated with peers formulating responses to complex prompts relevant to current issues in baseball. These experiences have required me to think outside the box and find as precise and unique answers as possible. Being selected as captain of my teams in the last two competitions has been a gratifying experience for me, allowing me to reflect on my growth as a student and as a leader. Additionally, I have been inspired to pursue further research related to baseball with my professors, igniting my passion to continue working in the sport industry upon graduation.

In the News: Halpin competed for the Syracuse University team that finished second in the business analytics division in the AXS National Collegiate Sports Analytics Championship.

Aric Lechner, Public Health, Neuroscience

In my time at Syracuse University, I’ve had the opportunity to meet some amazing, bright-minded people. Working closely under the guidance and mentorship of Professor Brittany Kmush and other faculty members in the Department of Public Health has been a defining experience and certainly helped shape my career goals. The pilot study was made possible through SOURCE (Syracuse Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Engagement), where I was able to receive funding for research to further analyze new methods for the detection of opioids in wastewater.

In addition to research and experiences in the Department of Public Health, Syracuse University Ambulance (SUA) has been another place of support during my time here. Being able to serve as a personnel supervisor has had a meaningful impact on my growth as a leader, teacher, and person, and I am forever grateful to all of those who have made these last four years so special.

In the News: In addition to SUA, Lechner was a member of the “Goon Squad,” Syracuse University’s official welcoming committee for new students.

Eli Miller, Sport Analytics

Being part of the Falk College provided me with a unique learning experience that I could not have received anywhere else. The coursework was not only challenging but also very practical, giving me real-life experience that will undoubtedly come in handy in my future career.

Furthermore, the university’s robust internship program allowed me to apply my knowledge in real-world settings, giving me hands-on experience and the opportunity to network with professionals in the sports industry. The faculty and staff were also incredibly supportive, providing me with guidance and resources to succeed both academically and personally. I feel confident that my experiences at Syracuse University have given me a strong foundation for success in the sports industry, and I’m excited to see what the future holds.

In the News: Miller competed for the Syracuse University team that finished second in the business analytics division in the AXS National Collegiate Sports Analytics Championship.

Mara Miranda, Public Health

Since beginning my journey at Syracuse University, I have had opportunities that have helped me grow professionally and personally. As I reflect on the past four years, the experience that I’ve had participating in undergraduate research through the Syracuse Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Engagement (SOURCE) has been truly rewarding.

Working with Professor Justin Ehrlich, Professor Brittany Kmush, and Professor Shane Sanders on research involving head injuries, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), helmet policies, and rule changes in the NFL has helped me bridge my love for sports with my passion for public health and medicine. It has helped me to look at athletics from a different lens, and I have appreciated this experience. Being a member of the Falk community has granted me opportunities that I will hold for a lifetime.

In the News: Miranda assisted with the research for the study on head injuries for NFL players that was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).

Matthew Penn, Sport Analytics

Some of my most influential experiences at Syracuse have been in clubs. One of those clubs is the Baseball Statistics and Sabermetrics Club, for which I have served as the vice president. Through the organization, I have been able to work on research and travel to Arizona to compete against other schools across the country in SABR Case Competitions.

Another club that has been influential in my time at Falk is the Sport Management Club and its Charity Sports Auction. As co-chair of the Analytics Committee for the auction, I have been able to help raise money and give back to the Central New York community. These experiences have helped me grow both as a person and in my career.

In the News: Penn and the Sport Management Club raised more than $50,000 for Vera House at the 2022 Charity Sports Auction.

Madison Roberts, Human Development and Family Science

Syracuse University offered many extraordinary opportunities, but my time presenting at the Society for Personality and Social Psychology (SPSP) stands out as one of the most impactful. In the fall of my sophomore year, I began an independent study with Professor Matthew Mulvaney and another student. We examined the developmental and personality variables that influenced students’ willingness to engage with diverse viewpoints on campus. This project was accepted for the SPSP National Conference in Atlanta. In February, we flew to Georgia and presented our poster at a three-day conference.

This opportunity reinforced my passion for research. I have been able to conduct two projects across the human development and family science field. This contributed to my decision to pursue graduate school, including taking a position in a research lab. I look forward to taking these skills and applying them to my future academic career.

In the News: Roberts received the 2021 Florence B. Potter Memorial Award from the Department of Human Development and Family Science.

Brielle Seidel, Public Health

Syracuse University has been a place of true academic and personal growth for me. I have been able to explore my passion for the medical field and service by taking public health and addiction classes and engaging in meaningful campus organizations, including Syracuse University Ambulance and Camp Kesem. Additionally, I traveled abroad to Geneva, Switzerland, expanding my understanding of the world and addiction studies.

Syracuse University and its incredible staff have encouraged me to converge my personal and academic interests through their support of my thesis about psychedelic medicine. Their support for my passions has given me a deeper appreciation for my education at this University.

Finally, being a 2022-2023 Remembrance Scholar has been one of the most meaningful experiences at Syracuse. I faced challenges and grief in honoring Luann Rogers and those who perished on Pan Am Flight 103. Through that experience, I was able to find the importance of promoting peace, connection, and love–the qualities that build a better future.

In the News: Seidel was one of Syracuse University’s 2022-23 Remembrance Scholars, whose mission was to honor and remember the Syracuse students and others lost in the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103.

Joanna Vines, Public Health, Policy Studies

During my freshman year, I determined that a double major in public health and policy studies would align with my interests and goals. This interdisciplinary path of study created a trajectory that has provided me with valuable opportunities and meaningful experiences and enabled me to make positive impacts over my years at Syracuse.

I have engaged in experiential learning roles as a research consultant for the Onondaga County health department, an intern for Planned Parenthood, and a laboratory assistant at the COVID-19 Program Management Office. Through these positions, I enhanced my skills and knowledge in public health practice and connected with influential public health community leaders. These experiences inspired the research content for my honors thesis, which addresses public health and educational disparities and inequities in New York State.

In the News: This spring, Vines is working as an intern in the Education and Outreach department at Planned Parenthood of Syracuse.

Benjamin Wachtel, Sport Analytics

When I first learned of the Sport Analytics program at Syracuse University, I knew it was the best choice for me. Now as I am completing my studies, I can reflect on how much I have grown both inside and outside the classroom.

Out of all my experiences–whether it be competitions, research, or other extracurricular projects–one of the most meaningful has been being a Berlin Scholar for Sport Management Instructor Adrian Simion. In this role, I am participating in department research while also learning about this process. I have assisted with research pertaining to the NCAA transfer portal, providing input on project ideas and cleaning data.

Currently, I am aiding the initial stages of a Major League Baseball deep-learning project. My growth as a student and researcher, and my future professional in the industry, could not have been achieved without the opportunities the Sport Analytics program provided to me.

In the News: Wachtel competed for the Syracuse University team that finished first in the game analytics division in the AXS National Collegiate Sports Analytics Championship.

Junhui “Carol” Yang, Nutrition Science and Dietetics, Psychology

As an undergraduate researcher and research assistant at Syracuse University, I have been presented with numerous impressive opportunities and resources. During my sophomore year, I joined Professor Latha Ramalingam’s lab and worked on a study investigating the cross-generational effects of omega-3 fatty acids on improving obesity and chronic inflammation. Through this research project, I learned various skills in experimental operation, including testing gene expressions. This experience not only expanded my knowledge but allowed me to receive multiple scholarships, awards, and poster presentation opportunities, which have been incredibly encouraging.

Furthermore, serving as a peer mentor in International Student Success and the Renée Crown Honors Program, and being a teaching assistant for Professor Jane Burrell, has provided me with meaningful opportunities to assist others. Additionally, I am honored to have been pre-selected by the Phi Beta Kappa Society New York Chapter at Syracuse University, the most prestigious academic honor society in America. The confidence and passion I have developed at Syracuse have propelled me toward pursuing my dream of becoming a physician-scientist.

In the News: Yang’s research with Ramalingam involved examining obesity in male mice to explore the idea that a healthier father will produce a healthier child.

Linghua Jiang, Qingyang Liu, Sanum Shafi, Caitlin Smith, and Ying Xu presented at the conference in late March, with Smith attending through a fellowship provided by the National Science Foundation. Liu was also recently elected to the Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD) Student and Early Career Council and will serve on the council’s Science and Social Policy Committee.

“SRCD is the preeminent international conference for research in child development and it was wonderful to see our students well-represented in the program,” says Rachel Razza, Human Development and Family Science department chair and associate professor. “Their involvement reflects the quality of their scholarship, as proposals undergo a rigorous peer-review process that prioritizes leading-edge research and diversity, innovative methodology, and significant contribution to the field.

“The SRCD conference also offers graduate students a unique opportunity to connect with researchers from around the world, as there are ‘lunch with the leaders’ events and receptions dedicated to networking and professional development,” Razza adds.

Smith received the SRCD Early Career Transdisciplinary Fellowship, which supported her attendance at the SRCD Biennial Conference and the #HolisticDevScience Conference earlier this year. The fellowship is awarded to early career scholars who demonstrate a commitment to transdisciplinary, multi-sector, and translational research.

At the conference in Utah, Smith hosted a roundtable discussion on “Bridging the Divide Between Undergraduate Coursework and Research: A Synergistic and Scaffolded Approach” during the Teaching Institute pre-conference. We asked Smith to introduce herself and her research and discuss her experience at the conference and how it impacts her career path. Here’s what she wrote:

“I am a Ph.D. candidate in Human Development in Falk College, studying social and community influences on consumption behaviors, with a particular interest in how perceptions of health, self-efficacy, and environmental factors interact to affect food choice among children. I presented two posters and hosted a roundtable discussion at the 2023 SRCD Biennial Conference.

“During the SRCD Teaching Institute pre-conference, I hosted a roundtable discussion on bridging the gap between undergraduate coursework and research, building upon my own work integrating research methods into the introductory and elective courses I have taught. Alongside (Undergraduate Director and Associate Professor) Matthew Mulvaney, I also presented a poster on developing a career immersion trip for undergraduate students, based upon our experience with (Associate Professor) Eunjoo Jung on planning and effectively running a career immersion trip to New York City earlier this year.

“Finally, I presented a poster on my dissertation work during the SRCD Biennial Conference. The poster examines the intersecting influences of food availability, the family food environment, and self-efficacy on rates of produce consumption among children.

“At the SRCD Biennial Conference and the #HolisticDevScience Conference in the fall, I was able to connect with, and learn from, many other scholars who are committed to both translational and transdisciplinary scholarship, and innovative teaching. I look forward to continued collaboration with these scholars as I complete my dissertation and begin my job search, in which I hope to continue my community-engaged research while teaching.”

Liu Elected to Student and Early Career Council

Following a rigorous nomination process, Qingyang Liu was elected to the Student and Early Career Council (SECC) by SRCD members. The council represents student and early career interests on SRCD committees and fosters the development of student and early career scholars who are the future of interdisciplinary research on infant, child, and adolescent development in diverse contexts and across life-long trajectories.

Liu and the other SECC student representatives are listed on the SRCD website.

“Being selected to serve on the Science and Social Policy Committee is a wonderful honor for Qingyang and the HDFS graduate program,” Razza says. “We are excited to see how her enthusiasm for research helps shape the next generation of scholars!”

Interested in a career in human development? Visit the Department of Human Development and Family Science homepage to learn more about its academic programs, research and experiential learning, and career opportunities.