Public Health News
Amelia Dome, Gursimar Singh named 2020-21 Remembrance Scholars
Singh, who is studying public health, is inspired by who the Remembrance Scholars represent. She feels it’s an honor and a responsibility to build on the legacy of the Remembrance Scholars who came before her.
“They personify the type of role model who cares about the greater good and less about their own personal interests,” Singh says. “Over the years, I’ve had the great pleasure to know many of them on a deeper level, and have seen the impact they have made on the student body, including myself, as well as others in need.”
Singh is involved in OrangeSeeds, an organization on campus that focuses on uplifting the surrounding Syracuse community through service work. Her experiences with OrangeSeeds led her to intern for a local non-profit, Refugee and Immigrant Self-Empowerment (RISE), where she worked with children after their school day fostering their emotional intellectual and physical development.
“This journey has allowed me to implement the principles of my faith, helping others and putting their needs before my own,” Singh notes. “As a cohort, my hope is that we can shine the light on those whose lives were taken, rather than on our own personal achievements. Being a Remembrance Scholar is less about us as individuals, but more about acting forward in the memory of those lost.”
Amelia Dome is studying public health in Falk College and policy studies in the College of Arts and Sciences and the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. Dome recalls her freshman year at Syracuse University when she became aware of the incredible role of a Remembrance Scholar and knew she wanted to become one. She is extremely honored to be selected and attributes her public health education from Falk College as inspiration to improve the health of those who have had traumatic experiences.
“As a Remembrance Scholar, I would like to raise awareness about the impacts of trauma on health. I believe that I was selected as a Remembrance Scholar because of my commitment to community service in the Syracuse area over the past three years,” Dome said. “My experiences at Syracuse have led me to pursue a career as a nurse practitioner and clinical nurse leader to further dedicate my life to improving the health of others.”
Dome said she is looking forward to working with the other Remembrance Scholars during the 2020-2021 academic year.
“I hope that we can work together to give back to communities and continue to educate Syracuse University students about the Pan Am Flight 103 attack,” Dome said. “I would like to thank all of my professors and specifically, Dr. Maureen Thompson who has always encouraged and helped me to achieve my goals.”
The scholarships were founded as a tribute to—and means of remembering—the 35 students who were killed in the Dec. 21, 1988, bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland. Those students, who were returning from a semester of study in London and Florence, 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.
Learn more about the Remembrance Scholarship
Why coronavirus appears tied to fewer heart attacks
Falk faculty members Brooks Gump, Falk Family Endowed Professor of Public Health and Kevin Heffernan, Professor of Exercise Science and director of the Human Performance Laboratory, co-authored an op-ed that appears in U.S. News & World Report that explores a new anomaly with the rise in COVID-19 cases – namely, a concurrent decline in the number of hospital admissions for heart attacks and other cardiac events. They cite a number of possible explanations for this drop while helping readers understand the etiology of both cardiovascular disease and, separately, cardiac events.
Congratulations 2020 Falk Student Research Celebration Winners
The Falk Student Research Celebration is an annual event that takes place to highlight undergraduate and graduate student research projects Students submit posters for display and are judged by a committee of faculty, staff, and peers. Participants compete for educational funds to present their posters on a larger stage, to attend a conference to gain further insights into their respective fields, or for other educational endeavors. This year’s celebration took place virtually.
Undergraduate Winners
Sentiment Analysis and Video Assistance Referees (VAR) in Professional Soccer
Name: Dylan Blechner
Program/Major: Sport Analytics
Faculty Research Mentor: Rodney Paul
Insecticide Treated Nets and Insecticide Resistance on Malaria Prevention in sub-Saharan Africa
Name: Rachael Church and Dr. David Larsen
Program/Major: Biology Major with a Public Health Minor and Environment & Society Minor
Faculty Research Mentor: David Larsen
Examining Wealth Trends in Kombewa, Kenya
Name: Alizée McLorg, Dr. David Larsen, Dr. Andrea Shaw, Dr. Bhavneet Walia, Kennedy Omolo, and Peter Sifuna
Program/Major: Public Health
Faculty Research Mentor: David Larsen
Energy Availability in Female Collegiate Athletes: A Pilot Study
Name: Jessica Neidel and Dr. Jessica L. Garay
Program/Major: Nutrition Science
Faculty Research Mentor: Jessica L. Garay
Graduate Winners
The Role of Diet Quality and Micronutrient Content on Sleep Parameters in Children Aged 9-11
Name: Nicholas Marino and Dr. Margaret Voss
Program/Major: Nutrition Science
Faculty Research Mentor: Margaret Voss, Lynn Brann, and Brooks Gump
Father Involvement, Couple Relationship Quality, and Maternal Postpartum Depression: The Role of Ethnicity among Low-income Families
Name: Ying Zhang and Dr. Rachel Razza
Program/Major: Human Development and Family Science
Faculty Research Mentor: Rachel Razza
Public health professor shares insights on economic recovery
In a recently published op-ed by assistant professor of public health, Bhavneet Walia share insights on economic recovery in light of the coronavirus pandemic. “As we are doing our part and following public health guidelines to protect not only our families but also our neighbors and fellow world citizens at a global level, there is also a need to understand and do our part toward economic recovery. As we all fight this battle against a mostly unknown virus, we are wondering how and when the economic recovery will start.” Fortunately, Walia says, past economic struggles and challenging times have taught us lessons that can possibly bring us some relief. Professor Walia’s areas of specialization include health economics and health econometrics.
In our current health crisis, consumers are staying at home and not spending as much money as they normally do in a non-pandemic and expanding economy. Either they do not have a lot of money, or they are uncertain about their future financial situation and hence are saving at a higher rate. Producers are not producing at regular levels for two reasons: their shops are shut down, and consumers have gone into saving mode.
The government is still buying and selling, but at a slower rate in many respects because of the shutdown. The government is delivering policies that it hopes will make the economic recovery smoother and faster once the public health crisis slows down. The highest-impact policy as of now made by the government is the stimulus checks sent to a large swath of the population. When consumers are worried about their future financial situations, they save at a higher rate and do not spend money. Stimulus checks are a way for the government to encourage individuals to spend money in the economy without dipping into their savings.
If individuals spend their stimulus check to buy necessities and put money back into the economy, this will lead to more production and higher employment. Thus, the stimulus funds will promote economic recovery. However, if the beneficiaries of the stimulus money do not spend and instead save it, economic recovery will be slower.
Read the full commentary at Syracuse.com
Masking the Problem
Based on a Syracuse University Story by Rob Enslin originally published on May 8, 2020.
Dr. David Larsen, a professor in Falk College’s Department of Public Health, studies patterns of sickness and disease in human populations. He is particularly interested in the outbreak of a novel strain of coronavirus because of its personal relevance. “I’ve never worked on a disease system that directly impacts my community,” says Larsen, an expert in malaria research. “I see a lot of parallels between the response to COVID-19 in the United States and to malaria in Zambia.” Experts predict that until an effective vaccine is created and populations develop immunity to COVID-19, stopping or controlling the spread of the disease will be difficult.
Syracuse University’s Rob Enslin recently caught up with Larsen to discuss myths and misconceptions about public masking and why do-it-yourself masks are “better than nothing.”
What kinds of masks are used for COVID-19 protection?
There are three kinds: surgical masks, N95 respirators and cloth masks.
Surgical masks are disposable and loose-fitting, and should be discarded after use. They’re mostly fluid-resistant.
N95 respirators are oval-shaped and form a seal around your face. Because they’re tight-fitting, they filter out about 95 percent of all particles, including viruses and bacteria. It’s important to fit-test a respirator before using or reusing it.
Cloth masks are what most of us wear and should fit snugly against the side of the face. It’s important not to touch your nose, eyes or mouth after removing a cloth mask. It can be washed and reused many times.
The CDC considers surgical masks an “acceptable alternative” to N95 respirators. Do you agree?
It’s confusing, that’s for sure. Research indicates that surgical masks are less protective than N95 respirators. This may explain why front-line health care workers account for 11 percent of all COVID-19 infections. Shortages of N95s and other surgical masks affect the very people who need them most.
Initially, scientists thought COVID-19 was spread by large air droplets, making surgical masks viable. We now know that the virus can be spread by minuscule droplets that hang in the air for up to 16 hours. N95 respirators, if properly fitted, can block most of these air particles. Surgical masks cannot.
What are the public’s options?
I encourage people to make their own masks. They may not be perfect, but they’re better than nothing. I use a pre-quilted cotton fabric. T-shirts, bandanas and denim jeans also work.
There’s been a research breakthrough on the effectiveness of nylon material. Studies show that pantyhose, used in conjunction with a cloth mask, create a tight seal around the wearer’s face. An inner layer of nylon against the skin can match or exceed the filtering capacity of most surgical masks.
Are there any changes in masking guidelines?
The number one rule is to never touch the outside of your mask, only [touch] the straps or ear loops. If you wear glasses, make sure there’s a tight seal above the nose. Otherwise, they fog up.
Viral droplets are emitted from people coughing, sneezing or talking. These particles are very small, less than one-hundredth of a millimeter in size, but are quite resilient. Instead of dropping to the ground, they float or drift in the air before entering someone’s nose or mouth. Having a tight seal is imperative for protection against COVID-19.
Are you suggesting that we practice social distancing in addition to public masking?
I am. It’s not an either/or proposition.
One myth is that we don’t need social distancing if we’re wearing a mask. Masks may reduce transmission, but they’re not completely effective. That’s why we also practice social distancing and hand hygiene.
Many of us may walk through clouds of viral particles without even knowing. As a result, we might not be aware that we’re sick or carrying something. Public masking protects me from you. It shows me that you take my health—and the pandemic—seriously.
Congratulations Class of 2020
Congratulations and best wishes to the Class of 2020 from the students, faculty, staff, advisory boards, alumni and friends of Falk College! The courage and resiliency you have demonstrated in these challenging times prove you are prepared to respond to society’s greatest needs. Now more than ever, our world needs all you have to offer. We look forward to hearing about your achievements as our newest Falk alumni and eagerly await the future in-person celebration at Falk Convocation and Syracuse University Commencement.
The Dean’s video message to the Class of 2020 was recorded late last year when we were fully expecting our traditional campus celebrations to take place this spring. Since then, the global coronavirus pandemic has impacted all of us in many difficult ways. We recognize how hard this has been for all of our students, and particularly the Class of 2020. While we will celebrate with you at distance for now, we look forward to celebrating together in person when it is safe to do so.
Join the Syracuse University community for the Class of 2020 Virtual Degree Conferral.
Addiction Studies CAS prepares students for work in prevention, policy, and sustainable recovery
By Emma Henzes
Falk College offers a 12-credit Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) in Addiction Studies that examines the intersectionality of substance use and addictive behaviors with emphasis on prevention, policy, and sustainable recovery. Combining addiction studies with competencies in mental health counseling and public focused graduate programs prepares students to address this complex social problem while enhancing their marketability for employment.
Laura K. Thompson, Ph.D., LPC, CAC 1 completed her CAS in Addiction Studies while working on her Ph.D. in Counseling and Counselor Education at Syracuse University. Thompson says addiction touches so many lives and that understanding human nature is critical for proper care. “The CAS in Addiction Studies does a great job of exposing students to information about the root causes of addiction and ways to work with those who are struggling,” Thompson says. “This knowledge has been imperative in my work as a mental health counselor.” She currently works at Regis University in Denver, Colorado as a staff counselor with a substance abuse specialty. Thompson teaches as an affiliate faculty member in the graduate program of Counseling at Regis and as an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Applied Psychology at New York University.
Addiction Studies coupled with Syracuse University graduate degree programs such as social work, marriage and family therapy, psychology, and mental health counseling provides valuable skills for clinical practice. Graduate students enrolled in programs such as public administration, public affairs, public health, education, human development and law will benefit from coursework emphasizing prevention or policy, taking knowledge and skills to the community and societal level, influencing change on a broader scale.
Bergen-Cico and Ijere note that pursuing a graduate degree and a CAS simultaneously can provide an employment advantage upon graduation. The Addiction Studies CAS is also available as a stand-alone certificate to provide professionals with advanced education or enhance a bachelor’s degree. Thompson shares that her Addiction Studies CAS helped her career significantly, providing her with a standout specialty area when applying for positions in University Counseling Centers nationwide.
Faculty who teach in the Addiction Studies CAS are actively engaged in diverse research areas such as; mindfulness-based prevention and recovery, drug policy, behavioral addictions, new psychoactive drugs, harm reduction, medical cannabis, and traumatic stress as a risk factor. Interested students have the opportunity to engage in faculty research or receive mentoring for their independent research interests. Thompson advises students to immerse themselves in their education experience. “Dig into the information and find ways to apply what you’re learning through internships or work experiences,” Thompson says. “As one of my professors used to say, ‘practice makes permanent!’” She continues to remain in contact with several of her professors at Falk. “They have served as mentors to me, and I am grateful for this.”
Falk’s Addiction Studies program also has longstanding collaborative relationships with leaders in global drug policy and the Council of Europe’s Pompidou Group to Combat Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. This partnership brings together scientists and practitioners from across the globe to examine emerging trends and innovative drug policies rooted in public health. Students have opportunities to participate in annual international executive education training offered by the Pompidou Group’s Drug Policy Academy. Recently these trainings have been conducted in the Netherlands, Spain, Poland, Norway, and Italy.
All courses are approved by the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) for credentialing and continuing education. Completion of the certificate, with the inclusion of prevention science and ethics elective courses, meets the education training requirement for OASAS Credentialed Prevention Professional (CPP); and partially meets the requirements for Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC).
Learn more about the Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) in Addiction Studies
Public Health helps to Develop COVID-19 Symptom Tracking App
From a SU News story by Alex Dunbar, originally published on April 28, 2020
Six students from the College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS) saw a problem they could help solve. As hospitals and the health care system work to handle the influx of COVID-19 cases, many people who are diagnosed with the virus are advised to quarantine at home and monitor their own symptoms. Health care professionals check-in with patients at home to determine if their condition is improving or getting worse. For some patients, this leads to anxiety and uncertainty if they should be taken to a hospital or continue isolating at home.
Lane and Rubinstein have been supporting interdisciplinary student research in the Syracuse community for 15 years through Lane’s Community Action Research and Education (CARE) program. Lane is also a research professor at Upstate Medical University and saw the potential of where a symptom tracking app could go.
“This project opens so many possibilities,” says Lane.
Knowing what doctors and nurses wanted to know about patients was just one part of building questions for the symptom tracking app. The team reached out to two friends of Lindgren who had been diagnosed with COVID-19 and were taking calls from health care workers while quarantined at home.
“I called both of them and asked what questions people had been asking them,” says Lindgren. “They gave us the questions health care workers had been asking them about shortness of breath and other issues.”
The conversations with actual patients guided the project’s direction as it moved forward.
“It helped a lot with unique symptoms, things we didn’t think about,” says Lindgren. “They also said they would prefer to use a web app than take a phone call.”
Lane and Rubinstein were also helpful in finding how to formulate questions to patients so the app being developed could be more effective.
Learn more by reading the full story.
Human development, addictions studies are the base for Falk senior’s social work career
In her hometown of New Haven, Connecticut, senior Rachel Brennan ’20 was encouraged to join the Orange family when she heard alumni talk about their time at Syracuse University. The academic disciplines in Falk College convinced Brennan that Syracuse University was the place for her. “I remember sitting at an informational meeting about the College and thinking that I was interested in every single major offered,” she adds.
As a senior human development and family science major with a minor in addiction studies, Brennan’s time at Syracuse University has given her exciting experiences both far and near—from study abroad in Sydney, Australia at the University of New South Wales, to a summer internship at Yale University’s Program for Recovery and Community Health (PRCH).
Brennan, who plans to pursue a Master of Social Work degree and a career in social work, originally enrolled as a social work major. But she discovered a different path to graduate school. “After reading the courses offered in Human Development and Family Science (HDFS), I decided to switch my major. I believed the HDFS courses would give me a great foundation in understanding theory and practice when working with children and families that I could then apply to my social work graduate study and field placement,” explains Brennan.
Following her gut helped Brennan discover a passion for research, inspired by her coursework. “I was interested in researching the current opioid crisis after taking multiple courses focused on drug use,” she says. “I had gained a concrete understanding on the impact substances have on the brain through my rigorous courses, and I was drawn to learning more about the impact using opioids can have on an individual’s personal life and overall emotional wellbeing.”
As an intern in the PRCH, Brennan interviewed individuals recovering from opioid addictions. The study examined the effectiveness of different treatments for substance use disorders provided Connecticut Department of Mental Health. “The interview packet was extensive and asked personal questions about how their addiction took form, if they have co-occurring disorders, and if their substance use impacted relationships with their loved ones,” Brennan explains.
“Working hands-on with people struggling with substance use disorders was a powerful experience and I hope to continue researching the impact of addiction on children and families throughout my graduate studies and future career,” Brennan adds.
After graduation, Brennan plans to pursue a Master of Social Work following a clinical track. “I hope to work in out-patient mental health clinics while working towards my LCSW,” she says. “My end goal is to eventually have my own private therapy practice where I work with children and families impacted by addiction and other traumatic experiences.”
Public health senior studied abroad three times, worked with students in South Africa
By Emma Henzes ’20
Caitlin Mogan ’20 tailored her college experience to be colored with travel opportunities. Her three study abroad experiences included a semester abroad and two summer programs.
“It was out of the ordinary to study abroad three times, but it’s definitely doable,” Mogan says.
As a public health major, Mogan went to South Africa to fulfill her global health education experience credit. She previously had experiential learning from her classes and activities on the Syracuse University campus volunteering at St. Joseph’s hospital, working with refugee families with the Syracuse-area Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) and assistant teaching in an English as a Second Language course.
“The South Africa program was really great,” Mogan says. “It gave me a lot of leadership experience because we do a lot of experiential learning in public health.”
Falk students on the South Africa Immersion Trip participate in implementing a program benefitting local community groups in Makhanda, Eastern Cape of South Africa. Mogan loved this option because she personalized her experiential credit, mutually-designing a program with community experts. Her group chose to lead a drug awareness program due to the needs of the Makhanda community they were helping. She designed curriculum and educated Makhandan secondary students about drug issues their community faced.
Mogan’s time abroad in Makhanda provided insight into what she could potentially do in the future after graduation. After her rewarding experience teaching the South African students and seeing how they learned, Caitlin wants to work in an educational setting.
Mogan began her college experience at Syracuse’s campus in Madrid, Spain as a Discovery Program student. She then spent her summer going into her sophomore year at Syracuse’s Florence, Italy program. She loved the classes that the Florence campus offered, taking art history and photography classes.
“I have no idea what I want to do and the only way I’m going to figure it out is if I see everything I can see, so that’s why I want to go to as many places as I can,” she says. “That’s ultimately why I chose public health because of the experiential credit that allows you to try many different things.” Public health prepares students to pursue a wide range of careers that promote the health of communities all over the world, from clinical health and health care administration, to law and policy, to disaster prevention and response.
“I really like to see how other people live, the challenges other people face, and the successes they have because we can learn so much from that,” says Mogan.
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