Falk College strives to achieve excellence in education not only through good teaching but also through participation in active research. Our students benefit by learning from researchers who are working at the cutting-edge of knowledge, within well-equipped laboratories, and in projects that are both domestic and abroad. We encourage both undergraduates and graduate engagement to achieve not only a rewarding educational experience but also enhanced career opportunities upon graduation. Learn more about the different types of research awards.
Extramural AwardDevelopment and Evaluation of Community-based Approaches and Donor Care Intervention Models for Improving Availability and Safety of Blood for the Management of Severe Anemia in Ghana
This NHLBI-funded study aims to design, implement and evaluate community-based strategies for increasing the blood-donor pool in Ghana. It is one of three consortia funded under the NHLBI’s BLOODSAFE program to improve the availability and safety of blood in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Learn more about this research.
2021-2022 SU CUSE GrantMaternal Fish Oil Supplementation on Skeletal Muscle and Pancreas Function of Offspring
Obesity is a growing epidemic afflicting more than 42% of adults and 20% of the children and adolescents in the United States. Even more critical is that 60% of women are either obese or overweight at the time of conception]. Specifically, maternal programming through dietary intervention plays a key role in the prevention of childhood obesity and associated co-morbidities. Preventing obesity is vital as people suffering from obesity have three times higher risk of developing diabesity (obesity dependent T2D). Bioactives such as fish oil (FO) offer health benefits in terms of lowering risk of T2D and heart diseases.
Learn more about this research.
2021-2022 SU CUSE GrantA Comprehensive Assessment of Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Resettled Refugees
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is disproportionately higher among low socioeconomic status communities. It is significantly associated with adverse psychosocial factors, rendering it a particularly salient health outcome in refugees who have been exposed to stressful and life-threatening events pre-resettlement and may experience barriers to assimilating to an unfamiliar host country post resettlement. Currently there is limited information about CVD risk among refugees as they settle in the United States. The objectives of the proposed project are therefore to thoroughly assess CVD risk in refugees resettled in Syracuse, New York, who are active patients of the ambulatory adult clinic at SUNY Medical Center.
Learn more about this research.
2021-2022 SU CUSE GrantA Randomized Controlled Trial of a Sleep Intervention for Obesogenic Eating Patterns
Over two-thirds of adolescents are sleep deprived, and pediatric obesity rates continue to surge. Meta-analytic reviews reveal a connection between poor sleep and obesity, but the mechanisms of this relationship are poorly understood. Eating to regulate emotions may contribute to the relationship between poor sleep and obesity, but there is a need for experimental research using high quality measurement. The primary goal of the proposed project is to collect preliminary data examining the application of a sleep intervention on emotional eating in adolescents, in preparation for external funding proposals to support larger-scale studies in this area.
Learn more about this research.
2021-2022 SU CUSE GrantVitamin D Supplementation in a Model of Rett Syndrome to Improve Breathing Outcomes
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a developmental disorder caused by mutations to the MECP2 gene. The Mecp2-mutant mouse is an important model to investigate RTT. Improvement of breathing deficits in this model are considered a primary goal in the development and application of new therapies. Since Vitamin D improves cortical neuron morphology through the NF-κB pathway, and previous work identified NF-κB signaling changes in the brainstem, it is highly plausible that brainstem and spinal cord neurons are also improved with Vitamin D supplementation, which would influence the pattern of breathing in Mecp2-mutant mice. This proposal focuses on the first key breathing experiment that is essential to provide proof-of-concept for this novel project by forming the collaboration between a cardiorespiratory physiology laboratory (L. DeRuisseau) and a developmental neurobiology laboratory (J. MacDonald).
Learn more about this research.
2021-2022 SU CUSE GrantThe Association of the EGLN1 Gene with the High Aerobic Capacity (VO2max) of Nepali Sherpa at High-altitude
There is compelling evidence that highland-native populations in the Himalayas (Sherpa,Tibetans) and the South American Andes (Quechua) are genetically adapted to chronic hypobaric hypoxia. For example, both population groups are tolerant to extreme high-altitude and show impressive physical work capacity in hypoxia. In Peruvian Quechua, we have identified several high frequency genetic markers that are associated with a significantly higher aerobic capacity (VO2max) at high-altitude. These markers were found in a gene known as EGLN1 which is a central component of the Hypoxia Inducible Factor (HIF) pathway. The HIF-pathway regulates the cellular response to hypoxia. In this CUSE grant, we will seek to replicate our Peruvian findings by collecting DNA and measuring VO2max in n=70 Sherpa highlanders at 4,240 m altitude in Nepal.
Learn more about this research.
2021-2022 SU CUSE GrantCultivating Self-regulation and Healthy Food Intake: A Novel Mindful Eating Intervention for Children and Their Caregivers
Early self-regulatory skills, including self-regulation around food and appetite, serve as the foundation for children’s behavioral competence, and thus represent an important target of intervention for behavioral health. One intervention strategy that is particularly promising for promoting self-regulation among young children is mindfulness. The primary aim of this study is to develop a family- and caregiver-based mindfulness and mindful eating curriculum that can be used in a future intervention targeted toward preschool age children and their caregivers that focuses on enhancing general self-regulation and appetite self-regulation.
Learn more about this research.
2021-2022 SU CUSE GrantObjectively Determined Sleep Estimates of the US Population
This project will utilize the wrist-worn accelerometer data from 2 cycles (2011-12, 2013-14) of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) that was recently released (Feb 2021). We have 3 main objects: (1) Refine an automated algorithm to process NHANES data to obtain sleep estimates as well as more granular information like sleep efficiency, wake after sleep, and other sleep variables to determine sleep architecture; (2)Complete exploratory analysis investigating the relationship between sleep measures to several behaviors and health outcomes, and; (3) Use results from exploratory analysis to apply for NIH funding.
Learn more about this research.
2021-2022 SU CUSE GrantExploring Music Interventions and Mechanisms for Addressing Alcohol Use Disorder
College drinking remains a serious public health concern, with college students more likely to drink frequently, drink heavily, and meet criteria for an alcohol use disorder than their non-college peers. Around 9% of full-time, US college students ages 18 to 22 suffer from alcohol use disorder (AUD), which is defined as an impaired ability to stop or limit alcohol use despite adverse consequences. Risky college drinking is associated with substantial negative consequences, including academic and cognitive impairment, assault, injury, and death. Thus, interventions are needed to address risky college drinking.
Learn more about this research.
2021-2022 Falk Tenure-Track Assistant Professor Seed Grant AwardInvestigating the Role of Fish Oil in Preventing Paternal Obesity, and Improving Metabolic Health of the Offspring
Impact of early-life nutrition on offspring health had traditionally focused on maternal (mostly intrauterine) obesity leaving paternal obesity out of the picture. Currently in the United States, about 2 in 3 males of reproductive age are either overweight or suffer from obesity. Moreover, obesity in fathers appears to initiate changes in sperm genetics, including alterations in gene regulators called miRNAs. Fish oil (FO) derived from fatty fish is beneficial in regulating body weight and lowering inflammation. FO reduces adverse effects of maternal obesity and improves offspring health.
Learn more about this research.
2021-2022 Falk Tenure-Track Assistant Professor Seed Grant AwardNarrative Intervention to Reduce Caregiver Stress and Aid Schizophrenia Medication Adherence via WhatsApp (NIRC-SASMAW)
Schizophrenia, a severe form of mental illness, is a global health challenge, with about 1.3 million patients in Sub-Saharan Africa having this disease. Adhering to medications for controlling schizophrenia is a challenge. Patients and caregivers suffer schizophrenia-induced psychological burden (stress and anxiety), which negatively impacts adherence. Thus, efforts to improve adherence among patients would need to tackle the psychological well-being of patients and their caregivers.
Learn more about this research.
Extramural AwardUnderstanding and Supporting Pregnancy Decision-Making among Women with Developmental Disabilities that Affect Cognition
Pregnancies among women with developmental disabilities that affect cognition are often unplanned, which may contribute to their elevated rates of adverse outcomes. These women have limited reproductive knowledge, face substantial barriers to preconception care, are rarely engaged as active participants in reproductive decision-making, and are frequently discouraged from considering pregnancy or motherhood. This combination of disadvantages leaves them ill-prepared to make informed decisions about pregnancy planning and places them at risk of unintended pregnancies and adverse outcomes. Interactive web-based decision aids can help individuals with healthcare and health behavior choices.
Learn more about this research.
Extramural AwardThe Role of Peanut Intake and Nutritional Status on Pediatric Inflammation via DNA Methylation
Children living in poverty experience chronic stress from the instability of basic needs such as housing, food, and safety. In particular, food insecurity can lead to consumption of affordable, available foods, which are often ultra-processed. Exposure to chronic stress during childhood contributes to a higher risk of developing inflammation and oxidative stress. This can lead to other physical and mental health consequences such as increased likelihood of asthma, depression, and obesity. The goal of this study is to identify the nutritional effects on inflammation and oxidative stress in 4-year-old children living in poverty in New York state.
Learn more about this research.
Extramural AwardNYS Wastewater Surveillance Network
Wastewater surveillance is a useful tool for ensuring health security via confirmation that COVID-19 is at low levels of transmission and alerting to increasing levels of transmission. Dr. Larsen is leading efforts to develop a wastewater surveillance network for the state of New York, including building the surveillance system infrastructure, training local health departments regarding wastewater surveillance, and informing the public. Initially this network will serve in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the future, this network will support the public health response to the opioid crisis, monitor trends in antimicrobial resistance, and potentially surveil other infectious diseases such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus as well as environmental toxins such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Numerous research opportunities are available for students.
Learn more about this research.
Extramural AwardHepatitis E Vaccine Roadmap
This project aims to leverage experts from across the international Hepatitis E virus community to build global consensus around the knowledge and research gaps surrounding this important, yet neglected cause, of maternal mortality. We are working to identify an optimal country context and vaccine trial strategy to maximize the policy impact of an HEV vaccine at WHO and country levels. We are also engaging with vaccine manufacturers to ensure capacity, readiness, and interest in securing WHO prequalification for use in routine and emergency situations.
Learn more about this research.
Extramural AwardCollaborative Research: SCH: Psychophysiological Sensing to Enhance Mindfulness-based Interventions for Self-Regulation of Opioid Cravings
Dessa Bergen-Cico, professor Public Health is the co-principal investigator along with principal investigator Asif Salekin, assistant professor Electrical Engineering and Computer Science on a novel grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) titled Psychophysiological Sensing to Enhance Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Self-Regulation of Opioid Cravings. This study aims to support recovery from opioid use disorder (OUD), a leading public health problem in the U.S. Dr Bergen-Cico and Dr. Salekin will lead the development of wearable physiological sensing technologies that will help identify individual predictors of craving and relapse risk while also teaching participants how to use mindfulness-based practices to manage cravings and reduce neurophysiological responses associated with stress and relapse risks.
Learn more about this research.
Extramural AwardAccess to Healthcare for People with Disability: Physical Accessibility of Primary Care Providers
This project, with Mary Lou Breslin of DREDF, seeks to learn the frequency and geographic distribution of disability-accessible medical examination equipment (MDE) in primary care offices, and match location of MDE to potential need. With audit data from Medicaid managed care participating practices in Los Angeles County, the number of practices with MDE within a zip code is mapped against the Census zip code count of persons with mobility impairments. Regression analysis is used to assess zip code population demographics as predictors of the presence/absence of MDE. The sparse number and distribution of MDE suggest that few patients with mobility impairments will receive healthcare using accessible MDE. This disability-related access barrier affects equity of care and is an essential social determinant of health disparities of people with disabilities.
Learn more about this research.
Extramural AwardCommunity Schools Optimal Health Initiative
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is investing $3 million in the Community Schools Optimal Health Initiative, a partnership between Wayne County Community Schools and Peaceful Schools in Syracuse. Assistant Professor Ryan D. Heath in the School of Social Work will help implement and study the initiative, which aims to expand a system of supports that fosters healthy development for students across nine public school districts. The project will utilize community school systems and multitiered systems of support to identify existing assets, coordinate resources between schools and community agencies, and expand both school-based interventions and out-of-school programs.
Learn more about this research.
Extramural AwardEmpowering Black Pastors to Amplify Colorectal Cancer Prevention Messages in Underserved Communities
Empowering Black Pastors to Amplify Colorectal Cancer Prevention Messages to Underserved Communities is a culturally sensitive, faith-based health education intervention. The purpose of this project is to increase awareness of colorectal cancer, risk factors and the importance of prevention and early detection among African Americans in the city of Syracuse, New York. Project activities include structured Pastoral education, provision of a Pastoral toolkit, and development and distribution of a culturally competent brochure. These activities will lead to greater awareness and understanding about colorectal cancer, and increased participation in screening activities in underserved communities. Project partners include: Onondaga County Health Department, American Cancer Society, Inter-denominational Ministerial Alliance and Pastors’ Health Council of Central New York -Genesis Health Project Network.
Learn more about this research.
Extramural AwardInterdisciplinary Collaborative Training for Integrated Behavioral Health Care, Health Resources & Services Administration
Xiafei Wang | Kenneth James Marfilius | Tracy Walker | Kristin Esposito | Matthew C. Spitzmueller | Nancy R. Mudrick | Kendra DeLoach McCutcheon | Carrie J. Smith |Like communities across the United States, Central New York faces an acute shortage of mental health professionals, particularly those who work with children and families. The stigma of mental health issues, combined with long waits to see psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors and social workers, often means that families don’t seek help until they face a significant crisis. That’s why the School of Social Work in the Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, the School of Education’s Department of Counseling and Human Services, the Department of Psychology in the College of Arts and Sciences, and Upstate University’s Psychiatry Faculty Practice have joined forces to create a collaborative training program to serve high-need and high-demand populations in urban and rural areas in the Central New York region.
Learn more about this research.
Extramural AwardDean’s Consortium of Schools of Social Work Evidence-based Practice in Mental Health
The Schools of Social Work Project for Evidence Based Practice (SW EBP Project) is a partnership between the New York State Office of Mental Health (NYSOMH) and university schools/departments of Social Work in New York State. Second-year master’s in social work (MSW) students receive training and education in recovery oriented, evidence-based practices for adults diagnosed with Serious Mental Illness (SMI).
Learn more about this research.
2020-2021 SU CUSE GrantRace/Ethnic Variation in Vascular Aging Trajectories and Mortality Risk: Insight from the Health and Retirement Study
Disparities in overall life expectancy in the U.S. prevail with non-Hispanic Black individuals living four to five years less than non-Hispanic White and Hispanic individuals. Racial differences in life expectancy may be driven by cardiovascular disease (CVD). Arterial stiffness is an independent predictor of and antecedent to CVD.
Learn more about this research.
2020-2021 SU CUSE GrantAssessing Pyrethroid Exposure and Risk of Cardiovascular and Neurocognitive Disease in a Sample of Syracuse Children
Pyrethroids are the most commonly used insecticides in the world today. Exposure above the level of detection is common, and the potential health impacts of pyrethroid exposure are severe. We will utilize funding from the CUSE Grant to test 300 urine samples from the Environmental Exposures and Child Health Outcomes (EECHO) for pyrethroid metabolites.
Learn more about this research.
2020-2021 SU CUSE GrantIntergenerational Transmission of Cognitive Impairment in Later Life
Alzheimer’s Disease and related forms of dementia are considered one of the nation’s greatest social, medical and fiscal challenges because of the toll it takes on families, the individuals afflicted, and the health care system. Since dementia has a strong basis in biological (including genetic), socio-economic, behavioral, and psychological traits that are shared by family members, it is important to understand the familial etiology of dementia-related impairments, not only to determine the strength of transmission, but also to establish whether family risk factors are remediable through behavioral change and other interventions.
Learn more about this research.
2021-2022 Fellowship or HonorJessica Garay 2021-2022 American Society of Nutrition (ASN) Science Policy Fellow
Over the next year, Professor Garay will engage in meetings with various stakeholders involved in federal legislation, including representatives from various federal agencies as well as individuals who have worked on Capitol Hill. Professor Garay will have opportunities to advocate for health related legislative issues, and will serve as an ex officio member of the ASN Committee on Advocacy and Science Policy.
Learn more about this research.