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 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.
2019-2020 Falk Tenure-Track Assistant Professor Seed Grant AwardAssessing the Social-Emotional Pathways between Organized Sports and Young Adult Outcomes
This study investigates the social-emotional mechanisms through which organized sports participation is associated with long-term educational and health outcomes. Large numbers of young people engage in sports through organized activities outside of school hours. Organized sports – which include athletic activities that are supervised and/or facilitated by adults in the contexts of sports teams, athletic lessons, or community athletics centers – offer young people important opportunities to develop social-emotional skills and prosocial beliefs that foster healthy development.
Learn more about this research.
2019-2020 Falk Tenure-Track Assistant Professor Seed Grant AwardEstimating the Causal Effects of Organized Activities: Testing the Efficiency of Propensity
This study tests the utility of propensity score matching to study the effect of organized activity participation in adolescence on long-term outcomes. The potential of organized activities has taken on new importance in recent years as content that can help support the healthy development of youth. Organized activities – including after-school programs, extracurricular activities, and summer programs – receive substantial federal, state and private investments, and rigorous methods are needed to assess their impact on young people’s educational and labor market outcomes.
Learn more about this research.