Social Work  News

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.

As director of The Camden Life Center in Camden, New York, Jessica Perusse, LCSW-R, CSSW, has several ties to the students and faculty in the School of Social Work in the Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics.

That connection grew even stronger on March 27, when Perusse received the School of Social Work’s prestigious Social Justice Award. Perusse also served as the keynote speaker of the annual Dan and Mary Lou Rubenstein Social Justice Award program that was held before a standing-room-only audience in Room 200 White Hall in Falk College.

Presented for more than 30 years during National Social Work Month in March, the Rubenstein Social Justice Award is given in honor of the late professor Dan Rubenstein, a former faculty member in the School of Social Work, and his late wife, Mary Lou, a former school social worker. Recipients of this award are role models whose courage and strength inspire others to stand up—and step up—to advocate and be a voice in their local community. The values of social justice are integral to honorees’ daily lives, and their work represents the true spirit of the Rubenstein Social Justice Award.

The theme of this year’s program was “United for Change: Honoring Collective Impact and Collaboration in Rural Communities,” and Perusse’s impact in Camden and collaboration with Syracuse University is second-to-none in Central New York.

“This year’s theme invites us to think deeply about what it means to stand together in solidarity, especially with communities that have too often been overlooked or underserved,” said School of Social Work Chair and Professor Carrie Jefferson Smith.

“Jessica reminds us that collective impact begins with one person saying, ‘Yes, this matters.’ With one person having the courage to care,” Smith added. “She reminds us that justice is not a destination, it is a daily practice.”

The Camden Life Center, a partnership between the Come to the Table Counseling and Center for Family Life and Recovery (CFLR), is a center for multiple agencies to come together and act in their areas of strength for the maximum impact and overall benefit of their community. The primary goal is to inspire hope, provide help, promote wellness, and transform lives with a focus of being “in Camden, of Camden, for Camden.” Camden is located less than an hour’s drive northeast of Syracuse.

During her keynote address, Perusse described the evolution of The Camden Life Center and how she wanted to tailor its services to the needs of the rural community.

“We don’t need mega, multiple agencies providing tons of services,” Perusse said. “We need partnerships with agencies that are willing to understand our rural culture without changing our values and beliefs.

“It wasn’t easy; we had to earn the trust of our residents,” she continued. “It took time, consistency, and showing up time and time again to show that I’m not just a provider, I’m your neighbor.”

Perusse noted that the national shortage of mental health providers is even worse in rural communities, where “the work can be very lonely.” She said the challenges in Camden were intensified this winter, when 30 feet of snow fell in the area and caused the collapse of several homes and businesses.

“I was struck by the magnitude of destruction in our community, and it hurts my social worker heart to think how we’re going to recover from this,” Perusse said.

Perusse regularly supervises Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) students as interns at The Camden Life Center and plays an integral role in connecting students to research and practice. Perusse and Ken Marfilius, Assistant Dean of Online Education in Falk College and Associate Teaching Professor of Social Work, were colleagues on the Healthcare for Homeless Veterans team in the Syracuse VA Medical Center and that work helped inform ongoing collaborations between Perusse and Syracuse University.

Marfilius, who introduced Perusse at Social Justice Award event, and Assistant Professor of Social Work Xiafei Wang, worked on one grant project with The Camden Life Center and recently started a second one. The first project in 2023-24 involved a $350,000 grant from the CFLR/Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties. That project utilized the lens of social determinants of health and trauma-informed behavioral health approaches to identify and address the unmet service needs of rural residents in Camden, aiming to enhance the quality of care provided by The Camden Life Center.

For the current project, which received an $839,000 grant from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, Marfilius and Wang are serving as the research team for the Camden Life Center’s launch of the Community Café Initiative. This partnership between CFLR and The Camden Life Center is designed to foster connection, resilience, and well-being for families and individuals in Camden and its surrounding communities.

Perusse said for this latest initiative to be successful, she and her team will need continued support so they can support those in need in Camden.

“If you know a social worker who works in a rural community, check on them and offer support and encouragement and help them be seen,” Perusse said. “Thank you for this time and the attention you brought to this very important theme.”

The Social Justice Award ceremony was moderated by social work graduate students from the Social Workers United student organization. The students who participated in the event included Gideon Casper, Mary Claytor, Madeline Heintz, Taylor Koennecke, and Allan Zheng.

The School of Social Work was founded in 1955 and opened in 1956 after Syracuse University received a major grant from the Rosamond Gifford Charitable Corporation. In 2024, the School of Social Work was ranked by U.S. News and World Report as among the “Best Schools of Social Work” in the country, and its national profile will continue to rise with the start of the prestigious Genovese Scholars Program that was created recently through a $300,000 gift to the school.

The School of Social Work is known for its long history of community impact and outreach, including annual donation drives organized by Social Workers United. On July 1, the School of Social Work will move to Syracuse University’s School of Education to enhance the academic and community impact of the program, grow enrollment, drive research excellence, and strengthen the University’s long-standing commitment to preparing professionals to thrive in human, health and social services.

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

Syracuse University has entered a partnership with the Caring Gene® Career Pathways Training Program (CPT) to address healthcare workforce shortages in the hardest-hit areas of New York State, reduce barriers to career advancement, and support individuals seeking to become compassionate professionals in the healthcare industry.

Through this partnership, eligible New York State residents and residents of certain bordering states receive full coverage of tuition, books, and academic fees while pursuing education in 13 healthcare fields, including the Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling program in the School of Education and the Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) and Advanced Standing M.S.W. programs in the School of Social Work.

The program, administered by the Iroquois Healthcare Association and funded by the New York State Department of Health, supports both new healthcare workers and current professionals seeking career advancement.

To qualify for the program, students must commit to a three-year service commitment with a healthcare, behavioral health, or social care network provider in New York State that serves a patient population of at least 30% Medicaid-reliant or uninsured individuals. Additionally, students must complete their degree by spring 2027 and fulfill the service requirement by March 31, 2031.

Visit the Caring Gene webpages for the School of Education and School of Social Work for more information and to apply.

Application assistance is available, and career specialists are available to help students navigate their educational options, identify the healthcare field that aligns with their strengths and interests, secure the financial support they need, and assist students with their job search upon completion of their degree.

“Human services providers–including mental health counselors and social workers–are needed more than ever to respond to the growing demand for human services and mental health professionals,” says School of Social Work Chair and Professor Carrie Jefferson Smith. “This program provides a unique opportunity for students to fulfill their passion for helping others while alleviating part of the financial burden.”

“We deeply value this opportunity to partner with CPT to prepare high-quality emerging social workers and clinical mental health counselors to meet critical workforce needs,” says School of Education Counseling and Counselor Education Professor Yanhong Liu. “Our award-winning faculty brings diverse research expertise and clinical experiences. Incoming students will engage in highly experiential learning and rigorous clinical training in a supportive and welcoming community.”

The School of Social Work was founded in 1955 and opened in 1956 after Syracuse University received a major grant from the Rosamond Gifford Charitable Corporation. In 2024, the School of Social Work was ranked by U.S. News and World Report as among the “Best Schools of Social Work” in the country, and its national profile will continue to rise with the start of the prestigious Genovese Scholars Program that was created recently through a $300,000 gift to the school.

The School of Social Work is known for its long history of community impact and outreach, including annual donation drives organized by the Social Workers United student group.

Here are the eligibility requirements for the Caring Gene Career Pathways Training Program:

• Residency: A student must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen residing in New York State. Applications are accepted by a student’s county of residence.
• Enrollment:Students must be enrolled or planning to enroll in an education program in one of the 13 health, behavioral health, or social care titles approved by the Caring Gene® Career Pathways Training Program.
• Other Financial Assistance: A student must complete FAFSA and TAP applications and accept all grants offered through these programs.
• Service Commitment: A student must commit to a three-year service requirement working for a healthcare, behavioral health, or social care network provider in New York State that serves a patient population that is at least 30% Medicaid-reliant or uninsured.
• Completion Commitment: Support through the program will be provided until Spring 2027, and all participants must fulfill their service commitment by March 31, 2031.

In order to be assigned a career specialist, applicants should apply to the Caring Gene Program to be considered for funding, and either the M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through the School of Education or the M.S.W. programs through the School of Social Work.

For assistance and additional information, contact Breana Nieves Vergara, Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions, School of Education at bknieves@syr.edu, or 315.443.2505, or Adrienne Renfroe, Coordinator of Graduate Admissions, School of Social Work, at alrenfro@syr.edu or 315.443.1443.

Maria Brown, Ph.D., associate research professor in the School of Social Work in the Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, was one of the expert panelists who appeared recently on “Live with Greg,” a streaming program hosted by Syracuse University alum and New York State Director of the Office for the Aging Greg Olsen.

The topic of the program was “Alzheimer’s: New Science/Early Detection” and you can watch by visiting the Office for the Aging YouTube channel.

Brown’s research focuses on long-term care experiences of cognitively disabled older adults, and she’s an integral part of a collaboration between Upstate Medical University and Syracuse University that’s allowing residents over the age of 60 in seven Central New York counties to receive free memory screenings from their local Office for the Aging.

To evaluate the merits of this screening approach in community settings, Brown is analyzing screening information over the yearlong project to identify the number of clients screened, number of clients with scores indicating memory changes, number of clients who receive follow-up comprehensive assessments, and their diagnostic results.

On “Live with Greg,” Olsen and guests discuss aging innovations and issues facing older New Yorkers, and connect families with resources to help their loved ones. Visit the YouTube channel to watch previous programs.

A new partnership between Syracuse University and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) will create academic pathways for current and former players. Under this agreement, Syracuse University will offer market-relevant and industry-specific online degrees, certificates and credentials, as well as a range of non-credit professional development and executive education training programs, courses and workshops.

Responsive to the MLBPA’s desire to expand opportunities for career growth to its thousands of players, the new cross-campus collaboration taps into the expertise of several of the University’s schools and colleges, including the new David B. Falk College of Sport, the Newhouse School of Public Communications, the Whitman School of Management and the College of Professional Studies (CPS).

“My fellow deans and I are excited to partner with the Major League Baseball Players Association to provide the Syracuse University experience to those interested in pursuing our vast academic offerings,” says Falk College Dean Jeremy Jordan, whose initial discussions with the MLBPA inspired the creation of this new initiative. “This partnership reflects our collectively held value that higher education should be achievable for everyone, regardless of the demands of their profession or personal circumstances. For athletes and professionals with unpredictable schedules, our online programs offer the perfect balance of flexibility, robust academic support and real-world applicability—all without compromising their careers.”

“The Major League Baseball Players Association is thrilled to partner with Syracuse University to provide our members with exceptional educational opportunities,” says Chris Singleton, MLBPA special assistant for player resource programs and a former major league outfielder. “This collaboration underscores our commitment to supporting players both on and off the field, ensuring they have access to world-class academic resources that empower their personal and professional growth.”

The MLBPA represents the 1,200 players on major league 40-man rosters, as well as approximately 5,500 minor league players. This new partnership creates opportunities for these players to pursue several noteworthy objectives, including the following:

• Skill Development and Post-Career Readiness: The partnership will align market-relevant curricula and programming with players’ post-career aspirations and needs, ensuring they acquire meaningful skills and knowledge.
• Research and Innovation: The MLBPA and Syracuse will collaborate on research projects that inform progressive and advanced programming for professional athletes. These efforts may lead to the development of new technologies, products or processes, benefiting the MLBPA and other professional athletic organizations.
• Practical Experience: The partnership will provide Syracuse students with opportunities for internships, co-op programs and hands-on projects with the MLBPA. This practical experience will enhance learning, make students more competitive and serve as a potential pipeline for talent to the MLBPA and other professional athlete associations.
• Networking Opportunities: Players will gain access to professional mentors associated with Syracuse in sports, broadcasting and business, to aid them in post-playing career development and job opportunities.

Dedicated admission specialists and academic advisors will tailor academic pathways in support of the unique needs of each participant. These educational opportunities will be accessible through a number of formats, including online, on campus and at Syracuse’s Study Away sites in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles. The University will also offer an online academic English program to prepare non-native English speakers for success in their non-credit programs, courses and workshops.

Visit the Syracuse University College of Professional Studies website to learn more about this innovative partnership.

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private research university that advances knowledge across disciplines to drive breakthrough discoveries and breakout leadership. Our collection of 13 schools and colleges with over 200 customizable majors closes the gap between education and action, so students can take on the world. In and beyond the classroom, we connect people, perspectives, and practices to solve interconnected challenges with interdisciplinary approaches. Together, we’re a powerful community that moves ideas, individuals, and impact beyond what’s possible.

In addition to her roles as Graduate Director and associate teaching professor in the School of Social Work at Syracuse University, Jennifer C. Genovese, Ph.D., is a New York State Licensed Certified Social Worker who has served the Syracuse community and worked in private practice as a psychotherapist for over 40 years.

In appreciation of Genovese’s contributions to the field of social work, an anonymous donor made a historic gift of $300,000 to the School of Social Work to create the Genovese Scholars Program designed to attract and support exceptional residential Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) students.

The $300,000 gift for this year will be divided among multiple high-achieving students, says School of Social Work Chair and Professor Carrie Jefferson Smith.

“The Genovese Scholars Program represents a transformative opportunity for high-achieving individuals to pursue their academic and professional aspirations in social work, regardless of their financial situation,” Smith says. “The program will seek candidates who exemplify academic excellence, human service experience, and a deep passion for social work.”

The School of Social Work was founded in 1955 and opened in 1956 after Syracuse University received a major grant from the Rosamond Gifford Charitable Corporation. In 2024, the School of Social Work was ranked by U.S. News and World Report as among the “Best Schools of Social Work” in the country, and its national profile will continue to rise with the prestigious scholars program created by the $300,000 gift.

The benefits to students of the Genovese Scholars Program include: a substantial scholarship covering a significant portion of tuition throughout the M.S.W. program; membership in a distinguished cohort of scholars, offering networking, mentorship, and professional development opportunities; and individualized guidance from dedicated Genovese Scholar advisors.

As part of the program, Genovese Scholars will engage in at least one community service activity each semester, with advisors helping to identify opportunities aligned with their interests and goals.

“This extraordinary generosity has given us the ability to recruit and support top-tier students who are dedicated to becoming agents of change during a critical time of need,” Smith says. “We are confident that the future social workers nurtured through this program will embody the values of compassion, resilience, and leadership, making a meaningful difference in countless lives.”

M.S.W. candidates can express their interest in participating in the program through an online form available on the Genovese Scholars Program webpage.

Here are more details about the Genovese Scholars Program:

Eligibility: The Genovese Scholars Program is open to all residential M.S.W. applicants pursuing either the traditional or advanced standing tracks. Candidates must apply through the standard Syracuse School of Social Work admissions process and express their interest in the Genovese Scholars Program through the online form or by contacting Adrienne Renfroe, LMSW, Coordinator of Graduate Admissions, Recruitment, and Student Services, School of Social Work, Office of Admissions, 268 White Hall, Syracuse, NY 13244, or email alrenfro@syr.edu.

Ideal Candidate Profile: The admissions committee seeks candidates who embody the following qualities:

• Academic Excellence: Demonstrated by a strong undergraduate GPA.
• Human Service Experience: Proven commitment to social work or related fields through internships, volunteer work, or professional experience.
• Passion for Social Work: Evident through a compelling personal statement highlighting the applicant’s dedication to the field.
• Strong Recommendations: Letters from mentors, supervisors, or educators attesting to the applicant’s character and potential.

Selection Process: Genovese Scholars are selected through the standard admissions committee process, ensuring a fair and comprehensive evaluation of all applicants. This rigorous selection process ensures that only the most qualified and committed candidates are chosen.

Program Requirements: To maintain their status in the program, Genovese Scholars must:

▪ Participate in at least one community service activity per semester. The Genovese Scholar Advisor will assist in identifying suitable opportunities that align with the scholar’s interests and goals.

▪ Maintain a high level of academic performance and uphold the values of the social work profession.

Contact Information: For more information about the Genovese Scholars Program and application details, contact Adrienne Renfroe, LMSW, Coordinator of Graduate Admissions, Recruitment, and Student Services, School of Social Work, Office of Admissions 268 White Hall, Syracuse, NY 13244, or email alrenfro@syr.edu.

About the Genovese Scholars Program

The Genovese Scholars Program represents a significant investment in the next generation of social work leaders. By fostering academic excellence, community engagement, and professional development, the program aligns with the Syracuse University School of Social Work’s mission to prepare innovative, compassionate, and skilled social workers dedicated to serving diverse communities.

Innovative research from the School of Social Work in the Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics was at the forefront of the recent Society for Social Work and Research Annual Conference in Seattle, Washington.

The theme of this year’s conference was “Strengthening Social Impact through Collaborative Research,” and School of Social Work Chair and Professor Carrie Smith says the faculty members, research assistants, and students from Syracuse University presented an “outstanding level of work” at what has become social work’s flagship research conference.

“We are so proud of the outstanding contributions and the meaningful impact that of our social work faculty, research assistants, and students are making on the ways we facilitate positive change in the lives of individuals, families, groups, and communities,” Smith says. “We thank our faculty for their dedication to advancing social work research and inspiring others in the field.

Here’s a list of the School of Social Work representatives who presented at the 2025 Society for Social Work and Research Annual Conference:

Where the Horses Are Buried: An Autoethnographic Account of Topophilia, Solastalgia, and Exurbanization

Yvonne Smith, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Syracuse University

How Do Longitudinal Classes of ACEs Exposure Predict Sexual Behavior: A Longitudinal Latent Class Analysis

Xiafei Wang, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Syracuse University
Qingyang Liu, MS, Research Assistant, Syracuse University
Corinne Blake, MSW, Research Assistant, Syracuse University
Sara Vasilenko, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Syracuse University

Unveiling the Interconnections between Adverse Childhood Experiences, Adult Attachment, and Adult Children’s Relationships with Parents: Insights from a Longitudinal Study in China

Lixia Zhang, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, University of Louisville
Xiafei Wang, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Syracuse University
Camie Tomlinson, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, University of Louisville

Role Confusion and Administrative Control: The Challenges of Community Schools Coordinators Working to Advance Student Health

Ripley Hoffman, MSW, Community Schools Project Manager, Syracuse University
Mackenzie St. John, Research Assistant, Syracuse University
Ryan D. Heath, Ph.D., LCSW, Associate Professor, Syracuse University

Patterns of Adverse Childhood Experiences and Differences in Mental Health and Social Support in Young Adulthood

Ryan D. Heath, Ph.D., LCSW, Associate Professor, Syracuse University
Xiafei Wang, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Syracuse University
Nayla Khoury, MD, MPH, Child Psychiatrist and Associate Professor, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse

Examining E-Cigarette Use and Mental Health Among BIPOC Sexual and Gender Minority Young Adults

Lance Keene, Ph.D., MSW, Assistant Professor, New York University
Ryan D. Heath, Ph.D., LCSW, Associate Professor, Syracuse University
Dale Maglalang, Ph.D., MA, MSW, MPH, Assistant Professor, New York University

Exploring the Relationship between Community Violence Perception and Parental Stress from Early Childhood to Adolescence: A Parallel Growth Analysis

Fei Pei, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Syracuse University
Nicole Pangelinan, MSW student, Syracuse University
Xiaomei Li, Ph.D., Postdoc Fellow, Queen’s University, Canada
Kathryn Maguire-Jack, Ph.D., Associate Professor, University of Michigan

Grandfamilies’ Resilience Profiles: A Latent Profile Analysis

Yanfeng Xu, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, University of South Carolina
Fei Pei, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Syracuse University
Nancy Mendoza, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, The Ohio State University
Theresa Harrison, Ph.D., Carolina Family Engagement Center Project

A Comprehensive Investigation of the Links between Exposure to Gun Violence and Adolescent Delinquency

Fei Pei, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Syracuse University
Xiaomei Li, Ph.D., Postdoc Fellow, Queen’s University, Canada

Enhancing Patient Outcomes Through Collaborative and Integrated Care: The Evolving Role of Social Workers in Healthcare

Moderator: Ting Guan, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Syracuse University

Social Workers in Palliative Cancer Care: A Qualitative Study of Their Roles, Barriers, and Facilitators

Ting Guan, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Syracuse University
Karlynn BrintzenhofeSzoc, Ph.D., Professor and Dr. Renato LaRocca Endowed Chair in Oncology Social Work, University of Louisville
Sadaf Sedaghatshoar, Doctoral student, University of Louisville
Shameem Varikkodan, Doctoral student, University of Louisville
Ava Henderson, MSW student, Syracuse University

Dyadic Health Research: Promise, Pitfalls, and Emerging Directions

Tess Thompson, Ph.D., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Katrina Ellis, Ph.D., MPH, MSW, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Ting Guan, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Syracuse University,
Chiara Acquati, Ph.D., LMSW, FAOSW, University of Houston
Joy Noel Baumgartner, Ph.D., MSSW, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

U.S. News and World Report ranked the Syracuse University School of Social Work among the “Best Schools of Social Work” in the country. To learn more about the School of Social Work’s academic programs, experiential learning, and career opportunities, visit the Falk College website.

Chandice Haste-Jackson, Ph.D., Associate Dean of Student Services and interim Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility in Syracuse University’s Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, has been selected by the Executive Leadership Institute at Clark Atlanta University (HBCU ELI) as one of 46 outstanding candidates for its 2025 Community of Fellows.

This milestone celebrates individual achievements and underscores the critical importance of nurturing the next generation of executive leaders within Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Now in its fifth year, HBCU ELI is noted as one of the most prestigious executive leadership programs for HBCUs in the United States.

“I am honored to have been selected for the 2025 HBCU ELI Community of Fellows,” Haste-Jackson says. “Given the climate of higher education today, it is imperative that leaders are prepared to navigate through uncertainty and crisis and embody the skills and dispositions necessary to address contemporary and emerging issues.

“Participating in the HBCU ELI provides the opportunity to expand my skills and knowledge of higher education administration, and engage and learn from esteemed Legacy Leaders who have led institutions through the social, economic, racial, and historical contexts of higher education in this country,” she says.

Haste-Jackson, an associate teaching professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Science, has held a variety of leadership positions, including: Interim Director of First Year Seminar (FYS 101), Director of the Syracuse University School of Education Liberty Partnerships Program; Executive Director of a transitional housing homeless shelter for women and children; Executive Director of an historical African American settlement house; and Assistant Director of an inner-city community center.

Haste-Jackson received her bachelor’s degree in cultural anthropology from Syracuse University, her master’s degree in behavioral sciences-psychology from Cameron University, and her Ph.D. in child and family studies from Syracuse (now Human Development and Family Science). She currently serves on several nonprofit boards and is a consultant for the My Brother’s Keeper Syracuse initiative founded by President Barack Obama.

The Community of Fellows are proven executive leaders and change agents who participate in a series of virtual and residency seminars providing knowledge and hands-on skills. HBCU ELI offers a transformative learning experience that empowers participants to address the complex challenges facing HBCUs today. Through academic excellence, practical experience, and mentorship, graduates emerge as visionary leaders who are prepared to drive positive change and advance the legacy of HBCUs.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, HBCUs were established prior to 1964 with the principal mission of educating Black Americans. Although these institutions were developed in an environment of legal segregation, they contributed substantially to the progress of Black Americans by providing access to higher education. The HBCUs of today welcomes students from all ethnic and international backgrounds and lead the way in creating inclusive and transformative cultures of belonging.

About HBCU ELI at Clark Atlanta University

The HBCU Executive Leadership Institute at Clark Atlanta University (HBCU ELI) is a groundbreaking incubator for recruiting and developing the future presidents of America’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities. ELI equips high-potential leaders with tools and strategies that support the education and business goals of more than 100 HBCUs. Through ELI, the ability of HBCUs to survive and thrive is improved. In addition to granting thousands of degrees each year, HBCUs boast illustrious alumni like Martin Luther King, Jr., Oprah Winfrey, and former Vice President Kamala Harris, among others. Visit hbcueli.com for more information and join the conversation on social media @hbcueli; #hbcueli.

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