Nutrition Science & Dietetics  News

Mary Kiernan, Colleen Cameron, and Fei Pei were honored with 2025 Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics Faculty of the Year awards for excellence in teaching, service, and research, respectively. The honorees were nominated by their peers for outstanding teaching, scholarship, and internal and professional service contributions and announced by the Falk College Faculty Council in late April.

Here’s a look at the 2025 honorees with comments from their award presenters:

Chef Mary Kiernan, M.B.A.

Undergraduate Director, Food Studies, and Teaching Professor, Nutrition and Food Studies
Evan Weissman Memorial Faculty of the Year Award for Teaching Excellence

“It’s hard to imagine a more fitting honoree for an award that bears Evan’s name. In so many ways, Mary embodies Evan’s philosophy—his passion for student mentorship, commitment to teaching, dedication to social consciousness, and, of course, his dedication to food studies.

“Mary is a Teaching Professor in the Department of Nutrition and Food Studies, where she is known for transforming her classrooms into dynamic, immersive spaces. Her courses—spanning food safety, systems management, and urban food systems—equip students with essential technical skills while also challenging them to explore the social, cultural, and ethical dimensions of food.

“What truly distinguishes Mary in the teaching kitchen is her ability to bridge theory and practice. Whether she’s redesigning core curricula, mentoring independent projects, or advising students, she brings clarity, creativity, and compassion to everything she does.

“Her leadership as Undergraduate Director for the Food Studies program, her engagement with professional networks, and her commitment to inclusive, culturally rich programming and hands-on culinary experiences enrich our campus and our community. Mary’s work exemplifies excellence in education—and the spirit of this award.”

Learn more about Evan Weissman, Ph.D., Associate Professor in Food Studies and Nutrition who passed away in 2020.

Colleen Cameron, CCLS, M.Ed.

Undergraduate Director and Professor of Practice, Human Development and Family Science
Faculty of the Year Award for Excellence in Service

From presenter Tracey Reichert Schimpff, M.A., Ph.D., LMFT, Graduate Director and
Associate Teaching Professor, Department of Marriage and Family Therapy:

“Colleen is a Professor of Practice in the Department of Human Development and Family Science (HDFS), and a certified Child Life Specialist and End of Life Doula. She has been with Syracuse University since 2009, serving students, her Department, and the field.

“Her nomination letter states, ‘Colleen has always exemplified the very best of student-focused work and a commitment to our students and program. She is uniquely and wholly committed to the success of our students and has always gone above and beyond. Overall, Professor Cameron’s service work has been exceptional both in its breadth and in its impact.’

“In the nomination materials, it was noted that Colleen’s signature service is heading the Child Life program. It is an endorsed program that leads graduates to become certified Child Life Specialists. This requires knowledge of requirements, oversight of curriculum, and guiding students through the process that leads to certification. Colleen single-handedly ensures that this program continues.

“This past year, Colleen also served as Undergraduate Director in HDFS, managing curriculum, working with admissions and marketing, and engaging directly with students (and sometimes families). In a year of transition, I imagine this has been quite an undertaking!

“In HDFS, Colleen also serves as faculty advisor and chair of the Student Engagement Committee, which was created to increase student voice and connection. From what I understand, this committee has grown, and students have benefited greatly from Colleen’s dedication. Colleen served as mentor for Renee Crown honors students and led the HDFS New York City Career Immersion Trip, a trip that is highly regarded by HDFS students.

“In addition to the significant roles she plays in HDFS, Colleen also served at college and university levels. In 2024, Colleen was selected to serve on the Human Development Task Force. She was very committed to the process, and worked diligently to gather information and advocate for her department.

“Collen serves on the Syracuse University Senate and its Research and Creative Scholarship Committee. Collen is also engaged in service to her profession, acting as Director of the Conference Committee and Co-Chair of the Clinical Experience Task Force for the Child Life Academic Society. Finally, Colleen has even found time to volunteer at her school district and community council.

“It seems obvious that Colleen has made significant contributions to students, her department, and the larger University. She serves with commitment and leads with passion and professionalism. I am proud to call Colleen my colleague.”

Fei Pei, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, School of Social Work
Faculty of the Year Award for Excellence in Research

“Dr. Pei, who is in her fourth year in the School of Social Work, is a dedicated and productive researcher. Her advanced quantitative work demonstrates a clear research focus and trajectory and contributes to a crucial discourse in our field on the effects of neighborhood conditions, including violence, on children’s development.

“Fei has published 37 peer-reviewed articles in top-ranking interdisciplinary journals, including “Child Abuse and Neglect,” “Development and Psychopathology,” and “Children and Youth Services Review.” In 2024, she published four articles–three of which are first-authored–and submitted four additional manuscripts that are currently under review.

“In 2024, Fei also submitted four external grant applications, including three NIH (National Institutes of Health) applications for which she is principal investigator. Three of these applications are still under review and could use our collective good vibes!”

Olympic gold medalist and visionary executive Benita Fitzgerald Mosley says it has been her lifelong mission to help people win gold medals in business–and in life.

“My gold medal is the gift that keeps on giving,” Fitzgerald Mosley says. “I am forever grateful, so I want to pay that gift forward.”

To get there, Fitzgerald Mosley highlights five “Olympic rings” to help people achieve their goals: Have a good start, set high goals, run your own race, power through hurdles, and have a strong finish.

“You have to ask yourself, why not me?’’ Fitzgerald Mosley says. “Why can’t I be the best in the world at what I do?”

From becoming the first African-American woman to win the 100-meter hurdles at the 1984 Olympics to her current role as chief executive officer of Multiplying Good, Fitzgerald Mosley has persistently broken barriers and advanced the idea that sport has the power to inspire and change the world.

Her enormous impact as a results-oriented leader in the Olympic, non-profit, and corporate worlds is why Falk College Dean Jeremy Jordan asked Fitzgerald Mosley to be the keynote speaker at the Falk Convocation at 12:30 p.m. May 10 in the Lally Athletic Complex.

“Benita’s ‘why not me?’ message encourages us to challenge societal expectations and embrace our potential, while Multiplying Good is helping people bring about positive change and inspiring them to do more,” Jordan says. “The life lessons and insights that Benita will share May 10 will provide valuable inspiration to our graduates and all of us.”

Using Fitzgerald Mosley’s five Olympic rings, here is her remarkable story:

Have A Good Start

Fitzgerald Mosley often uses a quote from former American politician and motivational speaker Les Brown, who said, “You don’t have to be great to get started, but you have to get started to be great.”

Fitzgerald Mosley’s parents, Fannie and Rodger Fitzgerald, were both educators and they encouraged Fitzgerald Mosley to get started in as many extracurricular activities as possible in their hometown of Dale City, Virginia. By participating in gymnastics, softball, majorettes, and track, and learning the piano, violin, flute and piccolo, Fitzgerald Mosley discovered what she loved and was good at and where to focus her attention.

“They were very supportive and stood by me in every aspect of my life,” Fitzgerald Mosley says of her parents. “They celebrated my every achievement, large and small, and I loved to make them proud.”

While she became the first chair flute for the Gar-Field High School symphonic band, Fitzgerald Mosley says she wasn’t very good at softball and grew too tall to be a gymnast. But middle school physical education teacher, family friend, and gymnastics coach Gwen Washington was also the coach of the track team and when it became obvious that Fitzgerald Mosley had outgrown gymnastics, Washington suggested she join the track team because she had seen Fitzgerald Mosley outrun the boys in gym classes.

“So I went out for the track team and started winning races from the very beginning,” Fitzgerald Mosley says. “It wasn’t until I was 12 years old and in the seventh grade that I even discovered my athletic prowess.”

Set High Goals

As a high school freshman sprinter and hurdler, Fitzgerald Mosley helped the track team win its fourth consecutive Virginia state championship. She was a teammate of senior Paula Girven, who represented the United States in the high jump in the 1976 Olympics and qualified for the team in 1980. Their high school track coach, Anne Locket, also led the girl’s gymnastics and basketball teams to state championships.

“Coach Locket said to me, ‘You know, you can be an Olympian someday just like Paula,’ and I looked at her like she was from Mars,” Fitzgerald Mosley says, smiling. “But having a coach believe in you and say that to a youngster at 14 years old, it set me up for great things to come.”

By 1980, Fitzgerald Mosley was 18 and already a track star–and an industrial engineering major–at the University of Tennessee, where she would become a 14-time All-American and four-time NCAA hurdles champion. Like Girven, she made the 1980 Olympic team but didn’t participate because the United States led a boycott of the 1980 Summer Games in Moscow to protest the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.

Fortunately for Fitzgerald Mosley, she was still in college and had the benefit of having access to coaching, training equipment, and the highest level of competition in college. This was a time when Olympic athletes were strictly amateurs who couldn’t make money off their athletic achievements, and many athletes who qualified for the 1980 Games, like Girven, weren’t able to return for the 1984 Games.

“At that point, people didn’t have these long careers spanning three- and four- and five-Olympic Games that started with my generation because they started to allow us to make money while we were competing,” Fitzgerald Mosley says. “The two other hurdlers that were on the Olympic team with me in 1980 didn’t make it again in 1984, so that was their one and only chance to be an Olympian.”

Run Your Own Race

For Fitzgerald Mosley, the last decade of her professional career has been similar to her Olympic performance where she kicked it into an even higher gear to beat the favorite, Great Britain’s Shirley Strong, and win the gold medal.

In 2016, she was named CEO of Laureus, a nonprofit organization that believes sport has the power to change the world. After stints as a senior advisor for Airbnb and president of the FundPlay Foundation, Fitzgerald Mosley was hired for her current position as CEO of Multiplying Good in July 2023. The mission of Multiplying Good is to help people reach their full potential and discover their power to deliver impact and bring about meaningful change.

“I really believe in– and care about–coming to work every day leading an organization that’s ultimately impacting people’s lives in a positive way,” she says. “That’s the utmost kind of thrill for me.”

Over time, Fitzgerald Mosley says all her experiences led to this moment of clarity where she realized she can help people and organizations win gold medals in life and business. That’s her daily focus, whether she’s leading Multiplying Good, serving on the Board of Directors for the Special Olympics, or speaking to a stellar group of graduates from Falk College.

“Where I can show up in the world is to truly help young people derive the benefits of sport participation in communities that otherwise wouldn’t have those opportunities, by funding those organizations, by helping them build their capacity so they could serve more young people, not just in the United States, but around the world,” Fitzgerald Mosley says.

Power Through Hurdles

Like one of Fitzgerald Mosley’s races, the line from Olympic gold medalist to influential executive may have been a relatively straight one, but not without its hurdles.

Fitzgerald Mosley’s bid for the 1988 Olympics was slowed by an ankle injury that required surgery in 1987. Still, she qualified for the Olympic trials and was leading in the finals before she tripped over the last hurdle and missed making the team by 1/100th of a second.

“The hardest team to make in the world is a U.S. team, particularly in swimming and track and field, where you pick yourself, no one picks you,” Fitzgerald Mosley says. “You have strep throat, you hit a hurdle, you fall in a race, you’re injured, sorry, you don’t get to go.”

Fitzgerald Mosley wasn’t able to capitalize financially on her Olympic success the way athletes can today, so she didn’t have a lot of money when she retired from running. But she did have her industrial engineering degree from Tennessee and found a job with a defense contractor, where she was working on projects such as conducting time and motion studies for the M1 Abrams tank or creating software design documents for the Seawolf submarine.

“Don’t get me wrong, these are all important things. And of course, I have the utmost admiration for the people who serve in our military,” Fitzgerald Mosley says. “But I just wasn’t the person to do that kind of work, and I think it was because it wasn’t aligned with my passion.”

After working as president and CEO of Women in Cable Telecommunications (now called The WICT Network), an organization dedicated to empowering women leaders, Fitzgerald Mosley started to hit her professional stride with jobs as Chief of Sport Performance for USA Track and Field and COO of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee.

“My career in both sport management and nonprofits was born at that point in time, when I realized I didn’t have to train three to six hours a day to participate in sport,” she says. “That was the big light-bulb moment for me to get that opportunity to work first for Special Olympics International and then with the Olympic and Paralympic Committee and have my heartstrings pulled by the mission of the organization.”

Have a ‘Strong’ Finish (a.k.a. Not Today Shirley)

Fitzgerald Mosley took full advantage of her second chance at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, where she needed to beat Strong. At the 1983 World Championships, Strong had defeated Fitzgerald Mosley, a fitness fanatic who noticed that Strong was smoking cigarettes following their race.

“She’s smoking and she just beat me? She will never beat me again,” Fitzgerald Mosley told herself. “The next year (at the Olympics), I saw her smoking a cigarette between the semifinals and finals, and that reminded me of my vow.

“In the finals when we were racing, I saw her out of the corner of my eye, and I said to myself, ‘Not today Shirley,’’’ she says.

Fitzgerald Mosley ran the race in 12.84 seconds, beating Strong by 4/100th of a second to become the second U.S. woman and the first African-American woman to win a gold medal in the 100-meter hurdles. The 1984 track and field events were held in the Los Angeles Coliseum, where Babe Didrikson became the first U.S. woman to win what was then the 80-meter hurdles in 1932.

“It was magical,” Fitzgerald Mosley says. “To be on your home soil and walk into a stadium with 90,000 people screaming ‘U-S-A’ and cheering for you once you win, there’s nothing better.”

Fitzgerald Mosley has been inducted into several halls of fame, but she says perhaps her greatest honor occurred when she was selected as one of eight U.S Olympians to carry the Olympic flag into the stadium during the opening ceremony of the Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta. Legendary boxer Muhammad Ali capped the ceremony by lighting the Olympic cauldron.

“We had practiced the night before under the cloak of darkness because no one knew who the eight of us were going to be that were walking in,” Fitzgerald Mosley says. “And we didn’t know Muhammed Ali was going to be the one who lit the torch.

“It had a mission impossible-type of feel to it, and that was pretty cool to be in on the inside of that little secret as well,” she adds.

Fitzgerald Mosley says she owes everything to her sport experiences, from winning the gold medal to her college education to meeting her husband, former Brown University football player Ron Mosley, with whom she has two grown children; a son, Isaiah, and a daughter, Maya, who runs track at the University of Maryland. She is most grateful to her parents, who encouraged her to get out there and keep trying until she found her passion.

“I would just say to young people in particular, don’t let your fear of failure get in your way of pursuing your dreams,” Fitzgerald Mosley says. “Because even if you fall somewhat short of the ultimate dream, you’re going to be so much further along toward that dream and that goal than you ever would have been if you didn’t start in the first place.”

Thirty-five students have been chosen as the 2025-26 Syracuse University Remembrance Scholars.

The scholarships, now in their 36th year, were founded as a tribute to—and means of remembering—the students studying in London and Florence through Syracuse University who were killed in the Dec. 21, 1988, bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland. Those students were among the 270 people who perished in the bombing. The scholarships are funded through an endowment supported by gifts from alumni, friends, parents and corporations.

Significant support for the Remembrance Scholarships has been provided by Jean Thompson ’66 and Syracuse University Life Trustee Richard L. Thompson G’67 in memory of Jean Taylor Phelan Terry ’43 and John F. Phelan, Jean Thompson’s parents; by Board of Trustees Chairman Emeritus Steven Barnes ’82 and Deborah Barnes; by The Syracuse Association of Zeta Psi in memory of Alexander Lowenstein; and by the Fred L. Emerson Foundation.

Selection Process

Remembrance Scholars are chosen in their junior year through a competitive selection process. Applicants submitted an essay and a reflective response in multimedia, artistic, musical or written format as part of a comprehensive application. The application evaluation committee is composed of University faculty and staff and current Remembrance Scholars. The $5,000 scholarships are awarded on the basis of community impact, leadership, creativity and thoughtful academic inquiry.

“Remembrance Scholars, through their academic achievements, leadership and contributions to the campus and local communities, exemplify what a Syracuse University education has to offer and represent the promise of the students for whom these scholarships are named,” says Lois Agnew, vice chancellor, provost and chief academic officer. “We are proud to recognize their accomplishments.”

The Remembrance Scholars plan the Remembrance activities held at the University each year, and the cohort will be recognized during a convocation in the fall.

The 2025-26 Remembrance Scholars, their hometowns, majors and schools and colleges are the following:

• Ellie Allen of Newton, Massachusetts, a citizenship and civic engagement major in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, a policy studies major in the Maxwell School and College of Arts and Sciences (A&S), and a member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program;
• Jacqueline Arbogast of Warwick, New York, a television, radio and film major in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications;
• Rohan Bangalore of Sterling, Virginia, a policy studies major in the Maxwell School and A&S and a law, society and policy major in the Maxwell School;
• Caiyan Bass of Aurora, Colorado, a communication sciences and disorders major in A&S;
• Michael Capous of Wantagh, New York, a nutrition science major (pre-med track) in the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics;
• Belinda Chan of Brooklyn, New York, a social work major in the Falk College;
• Tommy DaSilva of Newark, Delaware, a public health major in the Falk College; a policy studies major in the Maxwell School and A&S, and a citizenship and civic engagement major in the Maxwell School;
• Nick Dekaney of Syracuse, New York, a broadcast and digital journalism major in the Newhouse School;
• Ava Downey of Newport Beach, California, a linguistics major in A&S, an international relations major in the Maxwell School and A&S, and a member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program;
• Leah Farrell of New Milford, Connecticut, a citizenship and civic engagement major in the Maxwell School and policy studies major in the Maxwell School and A&S and a member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program;
• Abbey Fitzpatrick of Pacific Grove, California, a history and political science major in the Maxwell School and A&S;
• Olivia Fried of Clinton Corners, New York, an international relations major in the Maxwell School and A&S and magazine, news and digital journalism major in the Newhouse School;
• Tanishka Gajula of Chicago, Illinois, a biology major (pre-med track) in A&S;
• Olutoyin Green, of Long Island, New York, a health humanities and political philosophy major in A&S, a law, society and policy major in the Maxwell School, and a member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program;
• Alani Henderson of Syracuse, New York, a political science major in the Maxwell School and A&S and a law, society and policy major the Maxwell School;
• Nico Horning of El Dorado Hills, California, a broadcast and digital journalism major in the Newhouse School;
• Wafiq Khondkar of New Hyde Park, New York, a biotechnology and philosophy major in A&S and member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program;
• Edward Lu of Robbinsville, New Jersey, a music composition major in the College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA);
• Joy Mao, of Cary, North Carolina, a policy studies major in the Maxwell School and A&S, a television, radio and film major in the Newhouse School, and a member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program;
• Martinez-Gutierrez of Laredo, Texas, a geography and sociology major in the Maxwell School and A&S; an environment, sustainability and policy major in the Maxwell School, and a member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program;
• German Nolivos of Miami, Florida, a political science major in the Maxwell School and A&S and a public relations major in the Newhouse School;
• Luiza Owour of Kisumu, Kenya, a biomedical engineering major in the College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS);
• Marc Pantano of Newington, Connecticut, a marketing and supply chain management major in the Martin J. Whitman School of Management;
• Annaliese Pillitteri of Babylon, New York, a film major in VPA;
• Savion Pollard of Queens, New York, an electrical engineering major in ECS and a U.S. Navy veteran;
• Zachary Setzkorn of Overland Park, Kansas, a geography and history major in the Maxwell School and A&S, a social studies education major in the Maxwell School and School of Education, and member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program;
• Ethan Shavelson of Parkland, Florida, an acting major in VPA;
• Taylor Stubitsch of Arlington Heights, Illinois, a biochemistry and forensic science major in A&S and member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program;
• Candace Tabb of Rocky Hill, Connecticut, a civil engineering major in ECS;
• Nathan Torabi, of Visalia, California, a political science major in the Maxwell School and A&S; a citizenship and civic engagement and law, society and policy major in the Maxwell School, and a member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program;
• Jacquelyn Trotman of Edison, New Jersey, a retail management major in the Whitman School, an advertising major (creative track) in the Newhouse School, and a member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program;
• Anya Von Wolff of San Francisco, California, a fashion design major in VPA;
• Logan Wagner of Great Falls, Virginia, a political science major in the Maxwell School and A&S, an environmental sustainability and policy major in the Maxwell School and a history of music and cultures major in A&S;
• Gillian Weltman of Rochester, New York, a communications sciences and disorders and neuroscience major in A&S; and
• Ethan Yankey of Roseau, Dominica, a design studies major in VPA.

A Syracuse University News story by Kelly Homan Rodoski originally published on April 17, 2025. Here’s a video and story featuring Falk College’s 2024-25 Remembrance Scholars, Alyssa Sutherland and Tabitha Hulme.

For many college students balancing classes, work, and workouts, protein bars and powders seem like an easy nutritional fix. They’re convenient, quick, and often marketed as the “healthy” choice–something you can grab on your way to the Barnes Center or toss in your bag between lectures. But when you take a closer look at the nutrition labels, the reality is much more complicated.

As a nutrition student and someone who has walked past the protein bar displays at almost every campus store, I’ve noticed how much we, as students, rely on these products and often without fully understanding what’s in them.

One of the biggest misconceptions I’ve noticed is that people primarily look at the sugar content when deciding if a protein bar is “healthy.” While monitoring added sugar is important, it’s not the only thing that matters. Many popular protein bars–even those labeled “low sugar”–contain surprisingly high amounts of saturated fats. Excess saturated fat intake has long been associated with increased cholesterol levels and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. For students reaching for these bars thinking they’re doing something good for their bodies, that can be a hidden nutritional pitfall.

A quick walk through a convenience store will reveal bars that contain 4-6 grams of saturated fat–almost one third of the recommended daily limit in just one snack. It’s easy to see how this can add up, especially if you’re eating them regularly.

The Right Whey?

Similarly, protein powders have become a staple for many students, particularly those who frequent the Barnes Center gym. It’s common to see students adding a scoop of protein powder to their smoothies at Otto’s Juicebox, or shaking up a protein drink immediately after a workout.

However, it’s important to recognize that most protein powders, including whey, are highly processed products. Whey protein is a byproduct of cheese production and undergoes multiple industrial steps–filtration, drying, and the addition of flavorings, emulsifiers, and stabilizers–to create the powdered product you see on store shelves. These powders are categorized as “ultra-processed” foods, meaning they contain ingredients that have been significantly altered from their original form.

While whey protein is a complete protein source and rich in essential amino acids, it isn’t always the best option. Because it is derived from milk, students with lactose intolerance or milk allergies may experience digestive discomfort or adverse reactions. Even for those without sensitivities, the ultra-processed nature of these powders often means they are paired with added sugars, artificial sweeteners, and thickeners–ingredients that may not support long-term health when consumed in excess.

Beyond the nutritional profile, relying heavily on these processed supplements can distance students from whole food protein sources, which offer not only protein but also fiber, vitamins, and minerals that work synergistically to support health.

High Sodium, Low Fiber

Another sneaky culprit? Sodium. Some protein bars and shakes contain 200–300 mg of sodium per serving, which can quietly build up throughout the day, especially when combined with dining hall meals or packaged snacks.

High sodium intake is associated with elevated blood pressure and increased cardiovascular risk, especially in individuals sensitive to salt. While sodium isn’t inherently bad (our bodies need it!), many students don’t realize just how much they’re consuming from seemingly “healthy” snacks. When choosing bars or powders, aim for options that have less than 200 mg of sodium per serving, particularly if you’re consuming more than one a day.

Astonishingly, many protein bars are low in fiber, which is a key nutrient for digestive health and satiety. Choosing a bar with at least three grams of fiber can help keep you fuller for longer, regulate digestion, and even maintain stable blood sugar levels. Fiber is especially important if you’re eating a protein bar as a meal replacement or on-the-go snack between classes.

In a campus environment where schedules are packed and dining options can sometimes feel limited, it’s easy to default to prepackaged, processed products without much thought. But it’s important to remember that nutrition is obviously nuanced. Choosing a protein bar or powder isn’t just about how much protein it has, it’s about the whole nutritional profile and how it fits into your overall dietary needs.

As nutrition students at Falk College, we are encouraged to think critically about the foods we consume and the information we’re given. That same mindset is something all students can benefit from when reaching for a quick source of protein. Taking an extra moment to read a label can help you make better choices–choices that support not just your workouts, but your long-term health.

Sudiksha Khemka ’28 is a nutrition major in the Department of Nutrition Science and Dietetics in the Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics. She will be a regular contributor to the Falk College website, and she also writes a regular column in the Daily Orange.

For nutrition science graduate student Isabelle Haeberly, a seven-week rotation at a long-term care facility provided her with insight that will last a lifetime.

Haeberly worked at the facility in the Syracuse area as part of her “supervised experiential learning” (SEL) requirement needed to receive her master’s degree. Haeberly emerged from her long-term care experience recognizing that the lessons she learned there will translate to any work environment she chooses.

“This rotation emphasized learning agility–the ability to take knowledge from one setting and apply it to another,” Haeberly says. “While long-term care may not be my ideal work environment, the critical thinking, attention to detail, individualization of interventions, and interdisciplinary collaboration I developed will translate into any area of dietetics.”

In SEL settings, students work under the supervision of a preceptor, who is generally a registered dietitian. In a reflection that Haeberly wrote following her long-term care facility SEL, it was clear how deeply Haeberly was impacted by her preceptor and other healthcare professionals at the facility.

“The language of passion is universal regardless of profession with the commonality of wanting to get better at your craft,” Haeberly wrote.

We asked Haeberly, who received her bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Falk College in 2023, to share her reflection with us and here’s what she wrote about her experience this winter:

“During my seven-week rotation at the long-term care facility, I gained valuable insight into the complexities of geriatric nutrition. This experience greatly deepened my appreciation for life in a way I don’t think any other experience could have. It brought to light the fact that health can decline rapidly. In this setting in particular, it highlighted how social isolation plays a major role in the health of residents and how family support makes a huge difference. I also observed firsthand how chronic pain contributes to behavioral changes, often mistaken for personality traits such as the stereotypical ‘old people are cranky.’ Overall, this rotation added a new perspective to how I view the world, and it made me realize just how short life is.

“Working with my preceptor, I strengthened my nutrition assessment skills and competence in reading medical records, and learned to apply my medical nutrition therapy coursework in a clinical setting. I also witnessed how dietitians function as detectives, collaborating with speech-language pathologists, nurses, and social workers to piece together accurate information and develop appropriate individualized interventions.

“One exceptional nurse manager’s attention to detail and passion for her profession set a high standard for patient care–one which everyone should strive for regardless of which healthcare profession they are in. This was one of my main takeaways. The qualities this nurse manager demonstrated showed me how much you can learn from professions other than your own.

“This experience provided me with valuable skills that will benefit me in my future as a dietitian, regardless of the setting I choose. It helped me gain confidence in my ability to learn quickly through hands-on experience and in my ability to adapt and even excel when thrown into a situation or position. It also greatly improved my confidence in my skills writing nutrition assessments and I got to see how my attention to detail helped me do well with the responsibilities in this type of dietetic role. This is a skill that will serve me in any area of dietetics.”

Isabelle Haeberly earned her bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Falk College in 2023. This academic year, Haeberly, Greta Smith, and Cassidy Mosher were recipients of the Ann Selkowitz Litt Memorial Scholarship from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation. The annual Ann Selkowitz Litt Distinguished Speaker Series was held April 1 in Falk College.

The Path to RD/RDN

As of January 2024, dietitians are required to hold a master’s degree, so the Department of Nutrition and Science and Dietetics in Falk College modified its program into a two-year graduate level program in which students complete the requirements for their degree in nutrition science and all of the SEL requirements in a comprehensive program.

The program’s accreditation standards require that students gain experience with patients/clients who require certain medical nutrition therapy, range across the lifespan, and are from diverse backgrounds. The program provides students with four rotations in different settings: acute care, long-term care, community education and counseling, and food service management.

Nicole Beckwith, director of the Master of Arts in Nutrition Science program, served as a preceptor for the program for 13 years and says the support the program receives from preceptors–many of whom are Syracuse University and Falk College alumni–is integral to its success. April is National Preceptor Month, and in Falk’s program Beckwith says preceptors provide 8,000 hours of mentorship during an academic year for a fully enrolled class of 12 students.

“The importance of preceptors who are willing to welcome students into their workspace to provide mentorship is critical to our profession,” Beckwith says. “We seek to build strong relationships with our preceptors and support them through training opportunities, frequent communication, and appreciation gestures. Without preceptors, we have no programs and no profession.”

Once master’s students meet their SEL requirements, they are eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian/registered dietitian nutritionist (RD/RDN). They must pass the exam to become an RD/RDN, which can be used interchangeably. Visit the Nutrition Science and Dietetics website to learn more about academic programs and career opportunities.

Patrick Wilson, Ph.D., RDN, as the featured speaker of the Ninth Annual Ann Selkowitz Litt Distinguished Speaker Series. His lecture, “The Athlete’s Gut: A Scientist’s Perspective on Translating Research into Practice to Manage Gastrointestinal Issue in Athletes,’’ will be held at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 1, in 200 White Hall, Falk College. The event is free and open to the public.

Wilson is an associate professor of exercise science at Old Dominion University, where he directs the Human Performance Laboratory and conducts research. Wilson has published 80 peer-reviewed scientific articles related to nutrition, exercise performance, and health.

In 2020, Wilson published “The Athlete’s Gut: The Inside Science of Digestion, Nutrition, and Stomach Distress,” a book that garnered national and international attention. The Athlete’s Gut offers athletes and practitioners a window into gut functioning and provides tips to help them prevent and manage gastrointestinal problems, ultimately allowing athletes to feel and perform at their best.

“We are excited to have Dr. Wilson share his expertise in gut health and athlete performance, which is a novel topic for the Ann Selkowitz Litt Distinguished Speaker Series,” says Lynn Brann, chair of the Department of Nutrition and Food Studies in Falk College. “His background in both nutrition and exercise science highlights the important connections between these two disciplines.”

Wilson’s work has focused on the causes of gut troubles in athletes, as well as interventions aimed at alleviating such problems. In addition, his research has explored the utility of common hydration biomarkers used in sport and the impact that various factors can have on their validity.

A national thought leader in sport nutrition, Wilson has served as a featured interviewee for numerous news outlets, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, Runner’s World, and The Globe and Mail (Canada).

Outside of his work, Wilson is a committed distance runner. He enjoys the process of applying what he’s learned over the years to optimize his own performance.

Wilson earned a Ph.D. in Kinesiology from the University of Minnesota in 2014, where he also took substantial coursework and received training in the areas of public health and epidemiology. Prior to earning his doctorate, he spent a year at the Mayo Clinic gaining expertise in the realms of clinical and community nutrition. He has a Bachelor’s degree in dietetics and is credentialed as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.

Register to attend Wilson’s lecture in person or virtually. For more information about the Ann Litt Lecture, accommodations and parking requests, please contact Amy Edmond-Drapas at aledmond@syr.edu or 315.443.8989.

About the Ann Selkowitz Litt Distinguished Speaker Series

Ann Selkowitz Litt ’75 (1953-2007) was a nationally known nutritionist who helped children and adolescents with eating disorders and assisted developing athletes in reaching their full potential. The nutrition consultant to CosmoGirl magazine, Litt was the author of “The College Students’ Guide to Eating Well on Campus,” “Fuel for Young Athletes,” and the “American Dietetic Association Guide to Private Practice.” She was the nutritionist for the NFL’s Washington Commanders and served as spokesperson for several media campaigns during her career, including the “Got Milk” campaign. After her death, the Ann S. Litt Foundation, Inc., was created to support nutrition education. Through a generous gift from this foundation to Falk College, the Ann Selkowitz Litt Distinguished Speaker Series was created at Syracuse University in 2015.

Learning didn’t stop during spring break for dozens of Falk College students who took part in immersive travel opportunities. Falk College offers a wide array of travel programs for students, with study abroad and study away being pillars of the Syracuse University experience.

Three immersion travel programs this spring provided Falk students with unique opportunities for hands-on learning from leading industry professionals, while also discovering and embracing different cultures.

Ireland

Students enrolled in the SPM/EXE 300 “Sport Culture in Ireland” class spent nine days in Ireland over spring break. The group of 13 students, comprised of sport management and exercise science majors, traveled to iconic Irish spots such as the Cliffs of Moher, Temple Bar, and Kilmainham Gaol to experience the culture of Ireland.

The students visited the Na Fienna Gaelic Athletic Association club, where they participated in Gaelic football, hurling, and handball games with classmates while learning about the sports’ history and impact in Ireland. At University College Dublin’s Institute for Sport and Health, experts in the fields of sports medicine and exercise science gave insightful presentations about injury and rehabilitation research. At a visit to the Leinster Rugby Club, students learned from team officials about the role of technology in athlete development and what it takes to manage a winning sport organization.

Visit the Ireland 2025 blog to learn more about the students’ experiences in Ireland.

Italy

The sport analytics students on this year’s trip met with representatives from Soccerment, an Italy-based artificial intelligence platform seeking to accelerate the adoption of data analytics into soccer; networked with front office officials from Bologna FC; and toured Viola Park, home of ACF Fiorentina. Students experienced exciting Serie A matchups at Stadio G. Sinigaglia, home of the Como 1907 football club, and Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, home of Inter Milan. Aside from soccer, students toured historic locations such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Milan Cathedral. On the final day of the trip, students learned how to make authentic Italian pasta from scratch.

Los Angeles

This year’s trip included stops at the NFL Network, FOX Sports, Los Angeles Chargers, Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles Kings, Los Angeles Clippers, the Rose Bowl and more. Students met and networked with with Falk’s extensive alumni network based in southern California to set themselves up for successful careers in the industry.

Dear Falk College Family,

Happy Syracuse University Giving Day! March 27 is the day when Syracuse’s global community unites for 24 hours of impact, friendly competition, and plenty of Orange pride!

Here in Falk College, we’re promoting giving that provides Falk students with transformative learning experiences from the classroom to the community and around the globe.

You have several giving options. Visit our campaign page to give directly to the Falk College Dean’s Fund, or visit our giving page if you’d like to give to a different fund that will support students in a specific program. For our friends in the human dynamics’ programs, please know that gifts to your programs will follow you to your new homes in Arts and Sciences, the Maxwell School, and the School of Education.

Please consider making a gift today to help our students reach their full potential!

Sincerely,

Jeremy S. Jordan, PhD
Dean and Professor
Falk College

Dear Falk College Students,

Welcome back to Syracuse University! I hope you had a joyous holiday season and an opportunity to relax, spend time with family and friends, and enjoy the football team’s convincing win over Washington State in the Holiday Bowl!

I’m excited about the new semester and I look forward to watching all you will accomplish as you pursue your academic and professional goals this spring. As classes begin, I want to remind you of resources at Falk College and on campus that will help you succeed:

Official Syracuse University Communications

Syracuse University email is the primary communication method at the University. Your professors and University offices will contact you with important information using your Syracuse University email address (ending in “@syr.edu”), not your personal email address. It’s important to read your University email at least once every day so you’re aware of the latest information that’s essential to you.

Student Support Services

Falk College Student Services is an important resource in your support system at Syracuse University. Student Services counselors are here to provide you with academic advising and help you meet your requirements and goals. They are also your resource for private consultation related to student social and emotional concerns. If you have any concerns this semester, please contact Student Services or visit Falk 330, Barclay Suite, in the Falk Complex.

I encourage you to connect with the staff at Falk Career Services who can help you prepare for life after college through career exploration, internship and job searching, professional networking, and more. They are also located in Falk 330, or you can search for opportunities through Handshake, the University’s job search and professional events portal.

In addition, you can connect to spiritual life on campus at Hendricks Chapel, and health and counseling services in the Barnes Center at the Arch.

Student Spaces in Falk College

The Student Lounge, located in Falk 216, is available to you anytime the Falk Complex is open. The lounge has a microwave, refrigerator, and vending machines for student use. Across the hall from the Student Lounge is Falk Café, which is open from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday starting Jan. 13. Visit the Food Services website for up-to-date operating hours for cafés and dining centers across campus.

There are several computer labs in the Falk Complex. Falk 113 is a PC lab, and Falk 229 is a quiet study area that has both PCs and Macs available for your use. Both spaces are available to students at any time. Falk 400 and 407 are PC labs that are also used as teaching classrooms. When class is not in session, they are open for student use. You may check their schedule of availability using the 25Live website. You may also use the quick-print stations in Falk 216 and 229 for printing and email. These stations log out automatically after 10 minutes of use.

Ways to Get Involved

There are more than 300 student organizations at Syracuse University. Be sure to explore organizations that might be outside your usual interests, too. Remember, this is a great way to meet new people and discover something new about yourself!

There are many exciting events planned for Spring 2025, starting with the historic 40th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Jan. 26 at the JMA Wireless Dome and leading to Commencement Weekend May 10-11. You can find more activities and events on campus by visiting the Syracuse University Calendar. For more resources and opportunities to make the most of your Syracuse experience, I encourage you to visit syracuse.edu/life/students.

I wish you the best this semester and please reach out to us if you’re in need of services and support. On behalf of the Falk faculty and staff, I wish you continued success on your journey here at Falk College and the wider Syracuse University community.

Go Orange!

Jeremy S. Jordan, Ph.D.
Dean
Falk College

In November and early December, Nutrition Science and Dietetics students from Teaching Professor Mary Kiernan’s NSD 216 class hosted lunches for members of the campus and Syracuse communities in the Susan R. Klenk Learning Café in Falk College.

The students planned, prepared, and served the lunches under the supervision of Chef Kiernan. As an example of the delicious lunches that were served, here’s the menu for the Nov. 19 lunch:

Escarole & Romaine Salad with Pears & Apples in Lemon Vinaigrette
Louisiana Gumbo with Celery Root
Vegetable Lasagna with Garlic Baguette
Roast Cornish Game Hen with Carrots, Apples, Onions on Chive Mashed Potatoes
Pumpkin Ice Cream with Caramel Drizzle
Asian Snow Fungus Pear Herbal Soup
Apple Cider “Sangria”

The lunches will resume next fall. For more information about the lunches or to reserve a spot for next fall, contact Nutrition Science and Dietetics Administrative Assistant Roxanne Tupper at rmtupper@syr.edu.