Public Health News

Student Spotlight: Nicole Petersen

15/07/22

Rising Junior Completes Public Health Internship in South Africa

Student stands on South African dirt road — During one of her morning walks through Marloth Park in South Africa, Nicole Petersen walked past a giraffe that was using the trees as camouflage. You’ll see the giraffe’s long legs in the trees to the left of Petersen.

Why Syracuse University?

I’ve always wanted to pursue a career in medicine and when I found out about the public health major at Syracuse, I decided it was the perfect opportunity to see healthcare from a different perspective.

Favorite class (so far): Human Health and Disease (Professor Lisa Olson-Gugerty).

The Orange Experience: In my time at Syracuse, I’ve involved myself in various groups with some of my best memories involving Phi Sigma Sigma and Syracuse University Ambulance.

The Future: When I graduate from Syracuse, I hope to attend further schooling to get my master’s in public health and become a physician assistant.

A view from Table Mountain in South Africa — A view from the top of Table Mountain in Cape Town, overlooking Camps Bay.

Studying in South Africa

As part of Syracuse Abroad, Petersen spent the 2022 Spring Semester in South Africa with the SIT (School for International Training) South Africa program. Here are Petersen’s thoughts on her abroad experience:

“The majority of my time was spent on the eastern coast in the city of Durban, but I also had the opportunity to spend time in Johannesburg, Nzinga, Cape Town, and the Kruger National Park, to name a few. This program, “SIT South Africa: Community Health and Social Policy,” focused on health at the community level in South Africa and it’s the reason that I now want to pursue a master’s in public health.

A view of the city of Durban, which is located on the East Coast of South Africa and features beaches lining the length of the city along the Indian Ocean.

An Unbelievable Experience

“With the high prevalence of HIV and tuberculosis that spans nationwide, I got to see firsthand the public health initiatives that are being implemented and working. I also had the opportunity to complete my public health internship at a state-run hospital, where I worked with low-income families and saw the work that is done in the public hospital system, which was an unbelievable experience.

“I will always be able to hold onto the memories I made in South Africa, such as living with my amazing host family in Durban and seeing lions, leopards, and elephants up close in the wild.”

Public health students may elect to complete the internship requirement while studying abroad. For more information, visit Syracuse Abroad: SIT Kenya – Global Health and Human Rights, SIT South Africa – Community Health and Social Policy, and SIT India – Public Health, Gender, and Community Action.

Congratulations Class of 2022

25/05/22

aerial photo of 2022 Falk College convocation ceremony

Along with Dean Murphy, the entire Falk College community of students, faculty, staff, alumni, community partners and friends, congratulates the Class of 2022! Falk College’s 484 degree candidates represent seven academic departments and schools, including:

325 undergraduates;
131 masters candidates;
24 students earning certificates of advanced study, and;
4 Ph.D. students.

Through the month of May, departments across Falk College honored student achievements and celebrated the graduating Class of 2022, which are detailed on individual department websites.

Falk College Convocation was held Saturday, May 14 at Manley Field House. Falk College Convocation, other college convocations, and the May 15 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 14 | 4:30 p.m. ET

Falk College Convocation Photos

Class of 2022 Honored with Public Health Awards

09/05/22

The Department of Public Health in Falk College is pleased to recognize the outstanding work of its undergraduate and graduate students for excellence. Students are nominated for these awards by the Public Health faculty.

Academic Excellence in Public Health

Quinn Tobias, BS Public Health

Quinn is recognized for her outstanding academic record, earning a cumulative GPA of 3.978 and Dean’s List status during each year of undergraduate study. In addition to the public health major, Quinn completed a minor in business. Quinn will be continuing her studies at the University of Pennsylvania in their Accelerated BSN/MSN program in the neonatal nurse practitioner specialty.

Excellence in Public Health Practice

Cathryn Willing, BS Public Health and Policy Studies

Cathryn (Cate) is recognized for her outstanding public health practice across all four years of her undergraduate study. Cate served as the managing editor for the Healthy You publication and completed summer internships with the Food Industry Association and the Well Being Trust. In addition, she completed her senior internship at the Environmental Protection Agency while participating in the Maxwell-in-Washington undergraduate program. Cate has been accepted to New York University’s Steinhardt Master in Food Studies but may defer her acceptance to work first in health, data analytics, and communications.

Madison Humphry, BS Public Health and Environment, Sustainability, and Policy

Madison is recognized for her public health surveillance work with the COVID-19 Saliva Testing Lab. Madison has been a resolute member of the laboratory team since September 2000 and is an integral member of the lab collaborating with others to problem solve and maintain efficiency in the lab. Following graduation, Madison will pursue an MPH degree with a focus on Health Policy and Management.

Public Health Leadership

Haley Tomasso, BS Public Health

Haley is recognized for community service work and projects outside of her academic requirements. Haley has been an active member of the Syracuse University Camp Kesem chapter, an organization that supports the needs of children impacted by a parent’s cancer diagnosis. Haley initially served as a camp counselor, then as the Make the Magic Coordinator raising $70,000 to support the camp’s work, and currently as Director where she oversees the activities of the Executive Board and coordinates the weeklong summer camp. Haley currently serves as Vice President of Syracuse University Ambulance (SUA). Following graduation, Haley plans to take a gap year to work in clinical services while applying to physician assistant programs.

Research Award for Public Health

Megan Willkens, BS Public Health and Policy Studies

Megan, a participant in the Renee Crown University Honor’s Program, is recognized for her participation in a number of research projects. In 2020, Megan was awarded an Honor’s Program Crown award to support her research on the impact of insecticides on the cognitive development of pre-school aged children living in sub-Saharan Africa. This research project was named as the winner of the 2021 Falk Student Research Celebration Undergraduate Poster Award. Megan will be joining Cornell University Weill School of Medicine as a research fellow.

Social Justice in Public Health

Renee Verdi, BS Public Health and Policy Studies

Renee is recognized for her social justice related work in research, academics, and public health practice. As a participant in the Maxwell-in-Washington program, Renee interned with the Truth Initiative where she worked on tobacco and e-cigarette policies, particularly to reduce the targeting of populations at elevated risk of using these products. Renee has participated in two social justice related research projects, one in which she examined immigrant and refugee satisfaction with COVID-19 relief programs and another in which she studied newspaper reporting on vaccine hesitancy among people of color. After graduation, Renee plans to work in the public health policy sector.

Excellence in the Public Health Graduate Program

Nicole Carter, MPH

Nicole is recognized for her academic excellence and internship work with the Joslin Diabetes Center at Upstate Medical University where she is working with their Transition Program. This program aims to provide a smooth move from pediatric to adult diabetes care. Nicole will be using interview, chart review, and survey data to prepare an analysis of current Center and program practices. Following graduation, Nicole will be joining the Cortland Area Communities that Care (CACTC) organization as an epidemiologist.

Falk Scholars

Falk College awards the Falk Scholar designation to students recognized for their academic excellence, exceptional campus and community engagement, independent research and creative work, evidence of intellectual growth and/or innovation in their disciplinary field, and personal integrity. Cathryn (Cate) Willing and Megan Willkens were named 2022 Falk Scholars.

Class Marshalls

Class Marshalls lead the undergraduate and graduate degree candidates into the Falk College Convocation event. The selection of class marshals is made by faculty and peers and is based on academic strength, academic honors, student organization involvement, campus and community service and loyalty to Syracuse University; including activities to support the public health programs.

Graduate Class Marshall: Gursimar Singh, MPH

Gursimar was chosen for her strong research record and service to Syracuse University. She has completed research projects with Professor Appiah and Professor Walia. In addition, she is Co-Director of Orange Seeds and has served as a Residence Hall Advisor. After graduation, Gursimar plans to pursue a career as a community health educator, promoting a more inclusive healthcare system.

Undergraduate Class Marshall: Lily Esteghamati, BS Public Health and minor in Business

Lily was chosen for her service to support our undergraduate program. She has served as a Peer Advisor, was selected as a teaching assistant for HSH 101 Freshman Gateway Seminar, and has worked with the Falk College Admissions Office to recruit high school seniors to the major. Lily is also the Special Events Chair of the SU OttoTHON student organization. Lily is seeking public health related employment and plans to pursue a joint MPH/MBA degree in the future to further her aim of making a difference in the health care system.

Finding community in public health

03/05/22

A chance meeting on the other side of the world in Bali, Indonesia, proved to be a pivotal step in the journey Emily Graham ’22 took to Syracuse. It prompted her to see what the University offers for veterans, and she would not be disappointed.

As a Navy Corpsman, Emily trained in San Antonio, Texas, before assignments at Walter Reed in Bethesda, Maryland, and the Naval Medical Center in San Diego, California, during her six-year Navy career. Her husband Nicholas came with her to every post and completed his undergraduate education fully online. When he was admitted to Syracuse Law School, Emily had one year left in her military commitment. Nicholas deferred entry for a year while Emily finished her service and considered options in higher education. She had started her nursing degree and was planning to become a public health nurse but didn’t have a great passion for the nursing part so much as the public health part. That’s when she and Nicholas went on their trip to Bali.

“We saw a man with a Syracuse shirt on, which is unusual to see in that part of the world,” she says. “When we talked to him, it turns out he was on the board of directors for the IVMF [D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families]. He said I have to check out Syracuse. I was pretty dead-set on going to nursing school to become a public health nurse, but I looked into Syracuse’s public health program because of him. I’m glad I made the decision to switch.”

Emily and Nicholas are both natives of Watertown, New York, and Emily says she never really considered attending Syracuse as an option. Emily’s older sister is a nurse who also started her career as a Navy corpsman. Emily became interested in joining the Navy at a young age after attending her sister’s boot camp graduation.

“I was so inspired. That was all I wanted to do,” she says. “I never even considered college. I thought I would be a Navy corpsman and become a nurse, but it’s been nice to do my own thing.”

Emily got the Navy corpsman part done, heading out for boot camp only 10 days after high school graduation. Her job was to support nurses and strongly aligned with health education. She realized public health was a better fit for her and took the opportunity to reconsider her path when she discovered new options at Syracuse.

“My advisor Maureen Thompson is incredible. She’s always been really communicative and such a great contact,” Emily says. “She sat down with me and found how I could utilize credits from my military experience, and we created a whole schedule from when I started through graduation.”

Emily graduates this May from the Falk College with a degree in public health with a concentration in health education. She has one year left in her 4+1 program and plans to finish her master’s degree next year. She and Nicholas have embraced life on campus as military-connected students. One interesting aspect of their post-service lives is they have taken up beekeeping. Emily says she appreciates how inclusive Syracuse has been for military spouses like Nicholas, as well as for older, non-traditional students, because she realizes spouses give up a lot to follow their service members. Importantly, Emily also has found meaningful connections through the veteran and public health communities on campus.

“I’m all about community, which is interesting to see, because when I got out of the military, I really felt like the transition is harder than people let you know,” she says. “After six years, every day you’re surrounded by people who completely understand this niche aspect of the world. You get out, and it no longer becomes your whole identity. It becomes a piece of you, and you have to figure out the other part. I really miss that connection, so public health has given me the opportunity to create community. I feel like I’ve found my place again after being a little disheveled after leaving the military.”

Emily works as a Barnes Center at The Arch peer educator on campus and tries to keep the veteran community engaged and involved with as many resources as she can. For example, she helps to educate her peers on college-specific behaviors, nutrition, healthy relationships, sexual health, mental health and harm reduction strategies for substance use. She chaired the Take Back The Night planning committee, which empowers survivors to stand up against sexual relationship violence. She also runs the Orange Recovery program, for students in recovery from substance use disorder.

“I love outreach and creating a community on campus, whether it’s for recovery or sexual/relationship violence survivors. I know the veteran community is at higher risk for these issues, which is why I try to always send the resources over to the veteran’s community,” she says. “It’s really incredible to see how I’ve fallen into public health. I’ve always felt like I’m making an impact. It’s giving people tools and resources to use when they need it most, and I hope to keep making a difference.”

~ A Syracuse University News story by Stephanie Salanger originally published on Monday, May 2, 2022.

Class of 2022 Falk Scholars

28/04/22

‘Syracuse University Helped Me Grow as a Person and as a Leader’

Thirteen members of the Class of 2022 have been named Falk College Scholars. 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. Designation as a Falk Scholar is the highest academic award conferred by Falk College on graduating seniors.

We asked the Class of 2022 Falk Scholars to describe their most meaningful experiences at Syracuse University and here’s what they wrote:

Drew Disanto portrait

Drew Disanto, Sport Analytics

Syracuse has brought me numerous opportunities, memories, and experiences that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. My most important experience was through the Syracuse Soccer Analytics Club. My peers and I started the club during my freshman year, despite knowing very little about analytics or programming. As its vice president, this club was extremely helpful in giving me first-hand experience with data, programming, and data analysis.

Even more memorable was the aftermath of the club. Submitting our club work to various conferences and competitions was exhilarating enough. When our paper started to win and place at these competitions, I was ecstatic. It was validating to see our hard work being recognized and praised by several industry professionals. This club was exceedingly beneficial to my career here at Syracuse, and I do not think I’d be where I am today without everything I learned through it.

Samantha Jezak portrait

Samantha Jezak, Nutrition Science and Dietetics

Falk College has been a close community for me over the past exciting, rigorous, and innovative 4 years of my life. I quickly became involved in nutrition research my freshman year. It wasn’t necessarily what I had formulated in my head (white lab coat, goggles, combustion); it was literature review, consisting of PubMed readings after readings and discussions with my research advisor, Dr. (Jessica) Garay. Little did I know these readings would lead to the research project that has ultimately defined my career path.

It sounds glamorous to be a “scientist,” but nobody tells you about the tedious work that must be done behind the scenes to bring a project to life. As demanding as it was, I am so fortunate to have the experience of writing, applying, and conducting my own research project, especially alongside one of my most well-respected peers, Olivia Templeton. This research experience has taught me things that can’t be taught in the classroom. I am honored to say that Falk College has molded me into a well-prepared individual for pursuing a career I am truly passionate about. I look forward to continuing to explore nutrition research through a graduate program in Biochemical and Molecular Nutrition at Tufts University.

Preston Klaus portrait

Preston Klaus, Sport Analytics

Syracuse University has provided me with a multitude of experiences including, but not limited to, a negotiation class in the law school and the first ever Name, Image, and Likeness course in the country (in the Department of Sport Management). However, my most rewarding one has come this year leading the Basketball Analytics Club.

The club introduces basketball analytics in a fun way to a new audience and connects people through sport. I have seen the club transform from a small group of students without structure to a true university community that can carry the club forward. It has been incredibly rewarding to give back to the younger students who want to follow a similar path. Leading this club has transformed my presentational skills and Syracuse University has helped me mature into the person I am today.

Mackenzie Mangos Portrait

Mackenzie Mangos, Sport Analytics

The most influential experience has been my founding/serving as president of the Sport Analytics Women (SAW) Club. After my freshman year, I saw a need for this club – we only had three females in the entire major! Not only is this a problem in the program, but in the industry as well.

The club serves as a positive advocate for women in sport analytics. It is very rewarding to see the club making a difference and it allows the female underclassmen to have supportive upperclassmen to look up to, something I wish I had when I was a freshman. Syracuse University has helped me to grow as a person and as a leader.

Nathan Redmond Portait

Nathan Redmond, Exercise Science

One of the most important experiences I have had at Syracuse University is the time I have spent with Syracuse University Ambulance (SUA). I became a member of SUA my freshman year and since then I have been responsible for providing emergency medical care to the Syracuse University campus and the surrounding communities. Within SUA I have held many positions, including mentor to the incoming members. I am responsible for teaching and training new members in the basic skills and assessment strategies necessary for their role on the ambulance.

SUA has been a place of support, community, family, loyalty, and genuine care during my tenure at Syracuse University. Additionally, I have worked as a crew chief, driver, trainer, and special event supervisor, which has been extremely impactful on my development as an EMS provider but more importantly helped to develop my leadership, teaching, personal growth, and public speaking skills. In general, SUA has reinforced my commitment and passion to becoming a physician.

Dominic Samangy Portrait

Dominic Samangy, Sport Analytics

Over the past four years at Syracuse, I’ve had the amazing opportunity to spend each one with the men’s basketball team as a student manager. Being able to work closely with Coach (Jim) Boeheim and his accomplished coaching staff has been an eye-opening experience and has certainly guided me in my development as a basketball professional.

I’ve also spent the past few years collaborating with my classmates and professors on research studies covering basketball and soccer topics. Through such efforts, I’ve had to opportunity to present work at prestigious conferences such as the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference and Carnegie Mellon Sports Analytics Conference, and I’ll travel to London this May to represent SU and Falk College at the 8th Western Conference on Football and Finance. Outside of my time on campus, I’ve also utilized my Falk-driven skillset to serve as a consultant for NBA agencies over the past two NBA Draft classes. All in all, my time at Falk College at Syracuse University has not only prepared me for my future in sports but has provided a family and support system that I am truly grateful for.

Cooper Shawver Portrait

Cooper Shawver, Sport Analytics

The most important experience I had during my time at Syracuse University and Falk College was joining the Baseball Sabermetrics Club. The club inspired my desire to pursue both baseball competitions and research. For example, myself and four other students won the Arizona Sabermetrics Case Competition for our work researching pitchers’ effectiveness for the third time through a batting order.

Also, I am currently finishing my senior thesis on Major League Baseball player valuation. Despite all my experiences at Falk being memorable, the Baseball Sabermetrics Club had the greatest influence on my career at Syracuse University.

Choyang Lorane Sherpa portrait

Choyang Lorane Sherpa, Social Work

Throughout my four years at Syracuse University, one of the most influential experiences was becoming involved in Kesem. Kesem is a student-led, nonprofit organization that provides a week-long, free summer camp, in addition to a year-long support system, for children affected by a parent or guardian’s cancer.

Joining this organization my freshman year has granted me the opportunity to grow and develop my skills as a leader. It has undoubtedly influenced who I am as a person, my career goals, friendships, and connections I have made with the community and the families in the Syracuse area.

Dorbor Tarley Portrait

Dorbor Tarley, Human Development and Family Science

In my sophomore year, I began an independent research study under Dr. Matthew Mulvaney that explored bias against Black maternal patients. My research focused on investigating the interpersonal factors that might underlie the insensitivity toward Black women in medical spaces. My research experience has led to my involvement with SOURCE (Syracuse Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Engagement) as a student research mentor, my involvement as a McNair scholar, and my current role as a peer health advocate at Planned Parenthood.

Given the significance of my research findings, I worked with the McNair Scholars Program and SOURCE to present my research locally and nationally. With my research, I was able to funnel my passions into a critically engaged study that might impact medicine’s understanding of the Black maternal health crisis. Overall, my experiences at Syracuse engaging in research and civic engagement developed into a passion for health equity. This passion catalyzed my desire to study public health and get my Master of Science in Public Health at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Olivia Templeton portrait

Olivia Templeton, Nutrition Science and Dietetics

The most important experience I have gained at Syracuse University was piloting my own research study analyzing how diet quality changes when converting from an omnivore (meat-eating) diet to a vegetarian diet. Through SOURCE (Syracuse Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Engagement), I was able to receive grants to fund the research, which allowed participants to visit the ACE Center (Nutrition Assessment, Consultation and Education) within Falk College for lab visits. Participating in research was one of the reasons I chose to attend Syracuse University, and I am grateful this came to fruition.

Cathryn Willing portrait

Cathryn Willing, Public Health

As a first-year public health student, I enrolled in the Healthy You Practicum course taught by Dr. Luvenia Cowart. I quickly came to love writing and talking about health issues and found the formula and publication process extremely interesting. After my first semester, in which I was published twice, I reached out to Dr. Cowart to see if I could continue writing for the magazine and the following summer, Dr. Cowart reached out to me asking if I would be interested in a copy editor position.

I attribute much of my successes to the magazine and Dr. Cowart. She trusted me to lead the program, which naturally helped me grow as writer and editor. In my last few semesters working with the magazine, we expanded the magazine’s production team and I was promoted to managing editor. I wrote an article about a new–at the time–faculty member, Dr. Bernard Appiah, and we later became colleagues on a research project funded by SOURCE (Syracuse Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Engagement). I truly think of Falk College and my public health experience in terms of the magazine and the five publications I was able to oversee from an editorial position. Given the freedom to expand my creativity through writing, editing, and leading is something I will forever be grateful for.

Megan Willkens Portrait

Megan Willkens, Public Health

The most rewarding experience throughout my time at Falk College was becoming involved with undergraduate research. In collaboration with Dr. David Larsen, I completed a project assessing the association between indoor residual spray for malaria control and child cognitive development in sub-Saharan Africa.

This research led to other opportunities, including my contribution to conduct a survey that assessed the capacity of New York State wastewater treatment plants to support wastewater surveillance for COVID-19, and data analysis with the New York State Health Department to expand the NYS wastewater surveillance program. In combination, these experiences have allowed me to develop skills in research and grow personally and professionally.

Sewina Yu portrait

Sewina Yu, Exercise Science

It is difficult to choose just one experience that has been the most important or impactful on me. However, being in Dr. Joon Young Kim’s Clinical Research Lab in the Department of Exercise Science has taught me invaluable analytical and research skills. I was able to present two research critiques at an international conference, submit a proposal for an undergraduate SOURCE (Syracuse Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Engagement) grant, learn about IRB (Institutional Review Board) approval, and submit a poster for Falk Research Day.

I am so grateful to have had these opportunities and experiences in Dr. Kim’s lab. Along with this experience, working at the Barnes Center as a personal trainer has also helped me apply what I have learned in my exercise science classes to guide clients toward their fitness and health goals. These two experiences taught me skills that will undoubtedly help me succeed at physical therapy school.

Public Health Week 2022

04/04/22

The Department of Public Health invites the community to celebrate National Public Health Week (NPHW). This year’s theme is “Public Health is Where You Are.” Celebrates what we know is true: The places where we are, physically, mentally and societally, affect our health and our lives. As we celebrate the 27th NPHW, April 4-10, we want everyone to know they can make their communities healthier and safer for all. And as we move slowly back toward gathering in person, we’re focusing not just on what we can do as individuals, but what we can do as communities to protect and prioritize public health.

Follow Falk College social media: Insta, FB, and Twitter.

Weeklong Word Find

Public Health Game Board and Word Find is available in Public Health Suite White/Falk 444 or pick up at one of our tabling events see below for date, time, and location. Enter drawing for free prizes by dropping off your completed Game Board and/or Word Find at Public Health Suite White/Falk 444. Daily drawing winners will be notified by email.
Monday – Word Find start
Tuesday – Answer the Question: What does Public Health mean to you? In one word
Wednesday – Name five community health organizations
Thursday – Health is a Human Right because . . . .in one sentence.
Friday – Cross Word Puzzle

April 4, 12pm-4pm

Promoting Blood Drive

Outside Falk Café

Students from PHP 221 will have a table in the second floor hallway outside the Falk Café. Stop by to learn more about the importance of blood drives.

April 5th

Virtual Event: Public Health Book Talk

3-4pm, Join us on Zoom

Join the authors of “The SAGE Handbook of Social Studies in Health and Medicine” on April 5th, 2022 as they discuss the interdisciplinary and collaborative process of writing an academic book focused on health, health policy, and the sociology of health.

Promoting YWCA “Stand Against Racism”

2-5pm, outside Falk Café

Students from PHP 221 will have a table in the second floor hallway outside the Falk Café. Stop by to learn more about combating racism.

April 6th, 9am-4pm

SOPHE and MPM GSO Student Joint Service Project – Donation Drive

Outside of Falk Café

In a joint service project, students of SOPHE and the Public Health Graduate Student Organization will be collecting donations for the south campus food pantry. Donations may come in the form of physical goods or purchased directly from a virtual wish list. Stop by to participate in fun activities and giveaways.

April 7th

Promoting Blood Drive

9am-12pm, outside Falk Café

Students from PHP 221 will have a table in the second floor hallway outside the Falk Café. Stop by to learn more about the importance of blood drives.

Global Medical Brigades

3:30-Evening, 2nd Floor Falk, outside of Café
Stop by our table for fun activities and to learn more about Global Medical Brigades. Global Medical Brigades is an international movement of students and medical professionals working alongside local communities and staff to implement sustainable health systems. They work in remote, rural, and under resourced communities in Honduras, Panama, Nicaragua and Ghana.

April 8th, 4-9pm

Public Health Game Night

Wildhack Lounge

Join the public health department for a fun, relaxing game night with games like “The Cure”, “Pandemic” and more. Complete with refreshments and prizes.

NSF Grant Enables Research to Combat Addiction, Ease Recovery

25/03/22

Researchers at Syracuse University’s Falk College and College of Engineering and Computer Science are teaming up to provide hope and help to those in need. It comes in the form of scientific study and expert knowledge with the goal of ending addiction.

Opioid use disorder is one of the leading public health problems in the United States. Dessa Bergen-Cico has spent her career working to combat addiction and find solutions that work.

“Trauma, stress and addiction are all related. To have sustainable recovery from addiction, we have to help people understand what they are feeling, what contributes to their stress and learn healthy ways of regulating emotions,” she says.

Bergen-Cico is a professor in the department of public health at Falk College. There, she coordinates the addiction studies program. She is also a faculty member in the Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program.

The rate and cost of relapse for people in recovery is high, with a large risk of fatal overdose. Opioids create physical dependency and change people’s brains in terms of how they process reward and motivation, self-regulation and how people react to stress. Even years after discontinuing drug use, stress and anxiety can trigger the urge to use opioids and other drugs.

Research has found that mindfulness-based strategies can prevent relapse and foster sustainable recovery. “We are trying to demonstrate how and why it works. Our preliminary research, which was funded by two CUSE (Collaboration for Unprecedented Success and Excellence) grants, measured changes in neural correlates associated with stress addiction and trauma,” says Bergen-Cico. “We found significant changes with a relatively short period of practice for key areas of the brain related to attention, working memory and emotional regulation.” Neural correlates are brain activity that corresponds with specific regions of the brain and are associated with similar brain functions.

“The findings from both CUSE grants helped pinpoint how and why mindfulness can help change the stress reactions that can lead to the development of an addiction as well as increased risk of relapse. We used fNIRS (functional near infrared spectroscopy) sensors to measure areas of the brain that regulate the ‘stop’ and ‘go’ signals that contribute to addiction. Using data from the fNIRS sensors, we were able to identify patterns of change in regions of the brain associated with the stress response. The data from the fNIRS sensors enabled us to measure significant changes in the mindfulness intervention study participants that were present before changes in self report measures,” says Bergen-Cico.

Bergen-Cico is working with Asif Salekin, assistant professor in the College of Engineering and Computer science and a larger team at Syracuse University and the University of Massachusetts-Amherst to validate whether they can reliably predict the stress response in a larger group of participants. “By comparing results across three cohorts and interventions, we’re hoping to determine if making participants aware of the physiological stress response can cue them to interrupt the stress cycle using mindfulness and other cognitive behavioral techniques,” says Bergen-Cico. “The National Science Foundation award will fund this stage of the research.” The grant itself was awarded to Prof. Salekin, who serves as the principal investigator.

“In partnership with Professor Asif Salekin in the College of Engineering and Computer Science and his ongoing NSF-supported research, Professor Bergen-Cico’s investigation in addiction recovery demonstrates both the need for research in areas such as addiction, trauma and mindfulness, as well as the vast potential impact research has to inform policy and practice and improve our broader health as a population” says Falk College Dean Diane Lyden Murphy. “In addition, our faculty integrate new research and theory into the classroom, preparing students for successful careers as allied health workers, social service managers, policymakers and advocates.”

“Our ultimate hope is that we can provide a sustainable recovery tool that gives people insight into their own physiological and psychological reactivity to stress and life outside of a structured rehabilitation setting,” Bergen-Cico says. “We know that applying these techniques consistently, over time can help sustain people’s abstinence. If we can create a wearable or in-home monitoring device that predictably detects the stress responses that lead to cravings and then cues the use of cognitive and mindfulness techniques, it could be an important tool for sustainable recovery from addiction.”

A Syracuse University News story by Ellen de Graffenreid originally published on January 10, 2022.

A More Sustainable Campus

23/03/22

Internships Helps Falk Students Explore a More Sustainable Campus – and World

three students are sitting in an office

Tucker, Claire & Caroline: Falk College students, from left to right, Tucker Kopp, Claire Rein and Caroline King worked this past fall as interns for the Office of Sustainability Management, where they “gained both a professional network and some great friendships,” Rein says.

Before they graduate and make an impact in the world, Falk College seniors Claire Rein, Tucker Kopp and Caroline King made their impact on the Syracuse University campus as interns with the University’s Sustainability Management team.

Rein, Kopp and King interned in the Fall 2021 semester through Sustainability Management’s for-credit internship program that allows students to pursue projects that complement their major and explore their interest in sustainability.

“Our internship program is designed to allow students to explore their passions outside of the classroom environment while recognizing the broad impact sustainability has on all majors,” says sustainability coordinator Meg Lowe G’18, who manages the internship program. “At the same time, each project a student works on helps us achieve our goals with a current program or develop a new initiative on campus.”

Rein’s internship project focused on reducing plastic consumption, Kopp explored food insecurity, and King drafted a plan to implement more renewable energy on campus. Rein, who transferred to Syracuse in the fall of 2019, says her internship has so far been the highlight of her Syracuse experience.

“My internship made up for many of the things that I missed out on (because of pandemic restrictions),” Rein says. “I have incredibly supportive and friendly supervisors, as well as other amazing student interns that have made my experience so amazing! While I have learned a lot by doing my research project, I have also gained both a professional network and some great friendships.”

Sustainability Management works with each student’s advisor to ensure the internship aligns with the student’s academic goals, and a single internship can offer the chance to become immersed in several aspects of sustainability.

“We work closely with academic advisors to ensure we’re meeting the needs of every program,” Lowe says. “We hope each student walks away with a thorough understanding of sustainability in a way they can carry it throughout their life.”

As the three Falk College students concluded their internships, they shared more about their projects and experiences with us. Here are their stories:

Claire stands outside a red wooden building

Claire Rein: Set Up for Success

Growing up in Syracuse just a few miles from the University, Rein enjoyed singing, dancing, playing musical instruments and, of course, attending Syracuse Orange sporting events. She was attracted to Falk College’s Department of Public Health because of its experiential learning–the “the real-life application of knowledge” that she says has prepared her for a successful career in medicine.

“In my studies of public health, I have gained significant knowledge about the American healthcare system, healthcare disparities and social determinants of health, and how to do scientific research,” says Rein, who currently works as a patient care technician at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse. “I have been able to work with a high school equivalency class, participate in PTSD research, work at the Office of Sustainability Management for my internship, and much more.”

For her internship project on reducing plastic consumption on campus, Rein researched microplastics and their connection to public health, the issues with plastic recycling, and the social justice issues surrounding the plastic industry. She determined that aluminum cans are the best alternative and created a proposal for the University to transition to aluminum packaging for its vending machines.

“While the goals of recycling are great, the actual implementation does not match up,” Rein says. “Oftentimes, recyclables get contaminated and never end up being recycled, meaning they are either put in a landfill, incinerated, or end up polluting the natural environment.

“The industry was never designed to support such a large volume of recyclables,” Rein adds, “so our lack of recycling infrastructure in America has made it so that it’s sometimes not worth it economically to recycle.”

As she looks forward to graduation, Rein says she wants to positively influence the healthcare sphere by improving the experience for patients who are often overlooked and vulnerable.

“This could be, for example, implementing policies within my practice to better educate care plans to people with low healthcare literacy or language/cultural barriers; focusing care plans on the individual needs, perspectives and abilities of the patient; or finding ways to prevent socio-economic status from hindering the ability to receive excellent long-term care,” Rein says. “I believe being a public health major at Syracuse has really set me up for success when it comes to achieving these goals.”

Tucker stands in a food pantry

Tucker Kopp: Ending Food Insecurity

Kopp grew up about 20 miles southeast of Syracuse in Cazenovia, where he started to ride horses when he was just 3. He also enjoyed baking and would spend hours baking with a friend, who sadly passed away last year.

Kopp enrolled at Syracuse University through InclusiveU, which provides opportunities for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities who want to experience college life in a fully inclusive setting. Kopp is a Food Studies major at Falk College, where his passion for baking and food is matched only by his enthusiasm for making friends.

“I’m a people person,” Kopp says, “I love to meet new people and make friends.”

Kopp is in his internship year at InclusiveU, and with Sustainability Management he studied food insecurity on college campuses. As Kopp points out, the Hendricks Chapel food pantry at Syracuse is stocked with food and personal care items that are available at no cost to all students with a valid Syracuse University or SUNY ESF ID.

“The most important thing I wish people knew about food insecurity on a college campus is how to use a food pantry if you don’t have enough money to buy food for yourself,” Kopp says.

InclusiveU Director Brianna Shults says Kopp grew “personally and professionally” from his internship, which was a valuable piece of his experience at the University and tied together his certificate in Culinary Arts with his career goals.

“After working alongside Meg (Lowe) and his other colleagues, Tucker better understands where food comes from and how hard it can be for some to access it,” Shults says. “Tucker valued his opportunities to participate in other projects, such as the virtual cooking class. His work at Sustainability Management really allowed him a new view on how food is experienced and accessed outside of traditional food services.”

Kopp’s education at Falk and his internship with Sustainability Management has given him options as his looks forward to his life and career after graduation.

“I want to do something with horses,” Kopp says. “But if that doesn’t work out, I want to do something culinary-related!”

Caroline stands outside a red wooden building

Caroline King: Quality Healthcare for All

King grew up in the mountains of central Pennsylvania, where hiking and backpacking trips became her favorite hobby (she and her father still go on multiple backpacking trips every year). She entered Syracuse as a nutrition student but switched to a dual major in public health at Falk and policy studies at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.

“As I aged, I began learning more about health disparities and the adversities faced in the healthcare system by minority communities,” King says. “I quickly developed a passion to be a part of the shift to providing equitable, affordable access to quality healthcare for all.

“Additionally, public health includes the health of the environment, which was an added attraction as my connection to the earth is strong,” King says.

For her internship, King researched renewable energy (RE) from a public health perspective. She looked at the sustainability of RE throughout its entire life cycle, from sourcing precious metals to the disposing of end-of-life RE systems.

With the information she gathered, King drafted a policy to propose to the University to use more RE on campus.

“I wish people would take the time to think about their energy consumption, where it’s coming from, and how big of an impact it’s causing on the planet,” King says. “It’s easy to put your consumption out of mind when the effects are out of sight, however, we need to be conscious of the impact that the things we do and purchase have on other people and the environment.”

King is a Renée Crown Honors Program student and member of the Phi Sigma Pi Gender-Inclusive National Honors Fraternity, where she has met students with various majors who share her vision of being part of a team that makes a difference in the lives of others.

“I wish people would understand the privilege they have to live the life they do so that they are able to empathize with people of all types around them,” King says. “As I move through jobs, careers and life, I hope to be in a position where I can be a part of a team that makes a large impact on a community, population or the environment.”

Alizée Mclorg ’20 Receives Rotary Global Scholar Grant

01/02/22

Alizée Mclorg, who earned a B.S. in Public Health and Neuroscience with a minor in Math in Spring 2020, has been selected as a 2021 Rotary Global Scholar for the 2021-2022 academic year. Alizée will receive financial support to earn her MSc in Demography and Health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM). Alizée is one of 32 other scholars from around the world participating in a master program that relates to one of Rotary’s areas of focus.

As an undergraduate, Alizée developed a passion for global health while participating in a study abroad in Nairobi, Kenya, where she took classes on public health, interned for a community-based organization, and learned Swahili. She returned to Kenya in summer 2019 to conduct public health research at the Walter Reed U.S. Army Medical Research Unit in Nairobi. This research ultimately led to her thesis for the Renée Crown University Honors Program, which measured wealth over time and created wealth indices using demographic health surveys for 130,000 individuals from Kombewa, Kenya.

Alizee McLorg is pictured outside Rodi Dispensary — Alizee McLorg (left) outside Rodi Dispensary in East Africa.

Alizée chose to attend graduate school at LSHTM because it is one of the only graduate schools in the world that focuses primarily on global health. While there, she will take courses in epidemiology and others that will help her learn to design disease control programs in developing countries. With the training provided by this master program, Alizée plans to join an NGO or government aid organization dedicated to developing quality public health programs in East Africa.

Source: Syracuse University Center for Fellowship and Scholarship Advising.

Dean’s Winter Welcome

25/01/22

Dear Falk Students,

Welcome back to Syracuse University! We hope you enjoyed your winter break and had the opportunity to relax and spend time with friends and family. We’re excited for all that lies ahead for you in Spring 2022. With that in mind, here are some important reminders as we start the new semester:

Public Health and University Communications:

Public health remains a critical priority for life on campus and in our wider Syracuse community. We fully expect all Falk College students to follow University public health guidelines and local public health mandates. By doing our part, we can keep each other safe and healthy. Please visit the Stay Safe website, the official source of public health information for Syracuse University, for guidance and updates.

Remember to check your Syracuse University email daily, as it 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.

Student Support Services:

Falk Student Services counselors are here to provide you with private academic advising and help you meet your requirements and goals. In addition, they are your resource for private consultation related to student social and emotional concerns. If you have any concerns throughout your academic career, please contact Student Services or visit Suite 330 Barclay Hall in the Falk Complex.

Falk Career Services advisors, also located in Suite 330 Barclay Hall, can help you prepare for life after college through career exploration, internship and job searching, professional networking, and more. You can also 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 Lounges, Computer Labs, and Cafés:

The Student Lounge, located in Falk 216, is available to you any time the Falk Complex is open. The lounge has a microwave, refrigerator, and vending machines for student use. Just down the hall is Falk 229. This quiet student lounge has both Windows and Mac computers that are available to students any time the Falk Complex is open.

Falk 113, 400, and 407 are Windows computer labs that are also used as teaching classrooms. They are available to students any time class is not in session. You may check the schedule of availability using the Orange Events website. You may also use the quick-print stations in Falk 216 and 229 for printing and email. These stations log out automatically after 15 minutes of use.

The Falk Café on 2 is expected to open Feb. 2 on a limited basis. Check the Food Services website for other campus cafés and operating hours, which are subject to change.

Ways to Get Involved:

Get to know many of the hundreds of Syracuse University student organizations at the Winter Student Involvement Fair 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 26, 2022, in Goldstein Auditorium, Schine Student Center.

You can also discover activities and events on campus by visiting the Syracuse University Calendar. Please note that events are subject to change according to public health guidelines. You can find the most up-to-date event information on the University Calendar. Once again, visit the Stay Safe website regularly for public health information and watch your University email for important announcements.

There are many other resources available to you at Syracuse University beyond these important highlights. Please visit the For Students page to review a more comprehensive listing of student resources to enhance your experience at Syracuse.

Thank you for being part of the wider Syracuse University community and our Falk College family. On behalf of the Falk faculty and staff, I wish you the best for Spring 2022.

Go Orange!

Diane Lyden Murphy, M.A., M.S.W., Ph.D.

Dean

Falk College

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