Syracuse University is home to more than a dozen registered dietitians spread across the , , , and the . Recently, they started meeting as a cross-campus coalition.

The group came together through Molly Morgan, associate director of in Human Resources, who joined the University last year and quickly realized that dietitian colleagues were embedded across a range of schools, colleges and units.

She floated the idea of regular meetups, and the response was unanimous. The coalition’s goal: foster collaboration, align on best practices and amplify the collective impact of their work across the campus community.

As we celebrate in March, six dietitians with wide-ranging expertise share the myths they spend the most time correcting—and the tips they wish more people would actually try.

Myths Worth Busting

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The word “natural” on a label feels reassuring, but it’s an overgeneralization. Plenty of natural substances—lead and arsenic among them—are anything but good for you (remember the apple juice scare of 2024?). Meanwhile, some artificial additives serve real purposes: extending shelf life, improving texture or boosting a food’s nutritional profile. The takeaway? Read the full label, not just the buzzword. — Nikki Beckwith, M.A., RD, CDN, director of the master of arts in nutrition science program, Falk College

Carbs Are the Enemy

A lot of people think that carbohydrates make you gain weight, but in reality they are the body’s main energy source. Whole carbs like fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains deliver fiber, vitamins and sustained energy. The real issue isn’t carbs themselves; it’s the type and quantity people reach for. — Ashley Russo-Leone, M.A., RD, CDN, CNSC, assistant director of nutrition management, Campus Dining

Your Body Needs an Annual Detox or Cleanse

A common myth is that you need to detox or do a “cleanse” at least once per year. The human body has its own detoxification crew working around the clock: the liver, kidneys, lungs, lymphatic system, colon and skin. Most healthy bodies do not need help eliminating toxins and harmful substances. They need consistent, balanced nutrition. — Ashley Russo-Leone, M.A., RD, CDN, CNSC, assistant director of nutrition management, Campus Dining

A ‘Nutritionist’ and a ‘Registered Dietitian’ Are the Same Thing

In most states, anyone can call themselves a nutritionist—no degree, no exam, no oversight required. Becoming a registered dietitian (RD) or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), on the other hand, requires rigorous education, supervised practice hours, a credentialing exam and ongoing continuing education. If you’re managing a health condition, navigating food allergies or fine-tuning athletic performance, that distinction matters. — Molly Morgan, RDN, CDN, CSSD, associate director of health and wellness for faculty and staff

Tips Worth Trying

Think 80/20, Not All-or-Nothing

Dietitians are not the food police. A more sustainable framework: about 80% of the foods you choose should align with your health goals and nutritional needs, leaving 20% for flexibility. Perfection isn’t the point, consistency is. — Jessica Garay, Ph.D., RDN, CSSD, CSCS, FAND, assistant professor of nutrition and food studies, Falk College

Push Back on the Protein Hype

From protein coffee foams to meat add-ons at every counter, today’s marketing makes it seem like more protein is always better. It’s important, sure, but excess calories from protein can lead to weight gain just like excess calories from anything else. Most people can meet their daily needs without the extras, and over-focusing on protein can crowd out variety and other essential nutrients. Unsure how much you actually need? A registered dietitian can help. — Nikki Beckwith, M.A., RD, CDN, director of the master of arts in nutrition science program, Falk College

Breakfast Breaks the Fast—Literally

After a full night of sleep, your body’s energy tank is running on empty. Skipping breakfast extends that deficit and can leave you dragging well into the afternoon. It doesn’t have to be elaborate. Even a small meal with protein and complex carbs can make a noticeable difference. — Jessica Garay, Ph.D., RDN, CSSD, CSCS, FAND, assistant professor of nutrition and food studies, Falk College

Feeding Kids? Stock Smart and Let Them Play

When it comes to young eaters, two strategies go a long way. First, focus less on curating a perfect diet and more on what’s visible and convenient in the house. Kids tend to grab what they see, so keeping fruit, yogurt, nuts and whole-grain snacks at eye level—while limiting ultra-processed options—quietly shapes better habits without mealtime battles.

Second, let little ones explore. Touching, smelling, squishing, and yes, making a mess with food are legitimate steps toward acceptance. Food play is food learning, and pressuring a child to “just take a bite” often backfires. — Maryam Yuhas, Ph.D., RD, assistant professor of nutrition and food studies, and Lynn S. Brann, Ph.D., RDN, FAND, associate professor of food and nutrition studies, Falk College

Hungry at Night? Eat. (Just Eat Smart.)

Hunger is hunger, regardless of what time the clock reads. If you’re genuinely hungry at night, eat something, ideally a reasonable portion with both carbohydrates and protein. Protein promotes fullness and helps slow the rate at which carbs hit your bloodstream, which beats the alternative of raiding the chips bag on autopilot. — Jessica Garay, Ph.D., RDN, CSSD, CSCS, FAND, assistant professor of nutrition and food studies, Falk College

The way society talks about autism is changing — and for Syracuse University researcher , that shift carries real consequences for science, diagnosis and daily life.

“The move from awareness to acceptance has been welcome,” says Russo, an associate professor of psychology in the and director of the . “It has led to a bigger focus on accepting differences and working with people’s strengths, rather than expecting everyone to learn or function in the same ways.”

But Russo cautions that the “autism as superpower” narrative, while helpful in reducing stigma, can create a skewed public image that doesn’t reflect the full range of autistic experiences—particularly for those who require significant daily support. As the diagnostic criteria have broadened over time to include more individuals with subtler presentations, she notes that research attention has drifted toward those with lower support needs, leaving a gap for autistic people whose daily lives require more intensive care.

The CARE Lab studies how autistic individuals process and integrate sensory information—work that has identified distinct brain signatures underlying those differences. Autistic people consistently show earlier and sometimes stronger neural responses to what they hear and see, responses that are linked to a range of sensory and behavioral characteristics.

Sensory differences are now part of autism’s official diagnostic criteria, and they vary widely: some individuals are hypersensitive to sound or touch, while others actively seek out sensory experiences. Russo encourages those wanting to understand the day-to-day reality of autistic life to seek out first-person accounts written by autistic people themselves.

The diagnostic picture is also more complicated than many realize. “If you have met one person with autism, you have met one person with autism,” Russo says—a reminder that variability between autistic individuals is vast. Autism presents differently across age, gender and cognitive ability, and co-occurring conditions like ADHD, anxiety and depression are common. Researchers found that girls and women are often diagnosed later, and that clinicians may need to look for different behavioral patterns within the same diagnostic categories when evaluating female patients.

On a broader level, Russo urges the public to be mindful of the unconscious biases that can shape how autistic people are perceived and treated.

“Autism is a disability, but part of that has to do with social and systemic barriers that make it hard for autistic people to flourish,” she says. “Be aware of your biases. How you treat people has an impact.”

World Autism Awareness Day is observed annually on April 2.

February marks , a time to spotlight cardiovascular health and heart disease prevention. University faculty and staff answered the call, with an estimated 500-plus employees submitting photos of themselves wearing red on , Friday, Feb. 6.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, affecting both men and women. National Wear Red Day serves as a reminder to prioritize heart health through regular exercise, healthy eating, stress management and preventive care.

Below are just some of the photo submissions that were received. Participants were also asked to offer perspectives on what heart health means to them—read on for some of their responses.

Participation from schools, colleges and business units across campus demonstrated that heart health means different things to different community members—but all perspectives emphasize care, connection and well-being.

“Heart health to our team means being there for each other to help manage stress at work,” shared the School of Architecture. “We celebrate when we succeed and we are there with support when we face challenges. We are a small school with a big heart.”

For Art Museum staff, heart health connects directly to family. “Heart health means making sure I’m healthy enough and live long enough to enjoy time with my loved ones,” one employee shared. “My heart is full when we’re together, and heart health keeps us together.”

Barnes Center at The Arch Counseling emphasized their commitment to integrated health, including heart disease awareness and prevention. Meanwhile, Advancement and External Affairs emphasized its focus on investing in physical health to strengthen meaningful connections within the Orange family.

Participants now await the results of a friendly competition: the unit with the highest percentage of employee participation will win a dark chocolate party for their entire team. Winners will be announced on the and in its , which faculty and staff can join by request.

After successfully accomplishing a thorough assessment process, the Barnes Center at The Arch has achieved renewal accreditation by the (AAAHC). As a repeat recipient, this continued benchmark of success further distinguishes the health and wellness team through its adherence to rigorous standards of student-focused care and safety.

“This AAAHC reaccreditation marks a significant milestone in the continued growth and success of the Barnes Center at The Arch,”  says Cory Wallack, associate vice president of student health and wellness. “Guided by the leadership of Lisa GreenPope, director of operations, and Kathleen Coughlin, director of health care, this recognition reflects the high level of excellence the Barnes Center consistently demonstrates and its unwavering pursuit of continued improvement.”

Status as an organization that has earned accreditation means the Barnes Center at The Arch has met the highest level of nationally recognized standards for the provision of quality health care set by AAAHC. Highlights that supported the team’s reaccreditation include evidence-based clinical practice guidelines, ongoing performance improvement strategies and an effective organizational infrastructure aimed at providing safe and effective care.

For more information or questions, please  or call 315.443.8000.

The Barnes Center at The Arch, a national pioneer of student-focused holistic health and wellness, has been named to the . The Barnes Center is one of only 30 recipients of this prestigious nationwide award.

“Our starting catalysts of success began in 2019 with the grand opening of the Barnes Center alongside Syracuse University’s commitment to being a national leader in integrated wellness,” says Cory Wallack, Ph.D., associate vice president of student health and wellness.

“The Princeton Review naming us to the Mental Health Services Honor Roll and more importantly, doing so for our work in student-focused holistic wellness, proactive and preventative skill-building, in addition to cultivating a campus culture fueled to support wellness, is a wonderful recognition of the hard work everyone has contributed to support student wellness.”

The 2026 Mental Health Services Honor Roll is a celebration of undergraduate institutions for their exceptional dedication and commitment to their students’ mental health and well-being. Through intentionally empowering students by placing them into the driver’s seat of their uniquely defined wellness journeys, coast-to-coast the Barnes Center has been established as a student experience success leader.

Uniting Wellness for Individualized Student Success

At the forefront of this honor is the recognition of the Barnes Center’s intentional and trailblazing work to implement an Integrated Wellness Model. This model intentionally weaves together Health Care, Counseling, Health Promotion and Recreation teams, services and programs, yielding countless student support success outcomes it continues to see accomplished.

“As a national leader our Integrated Wellness Model continues to be unique. While other campuses have integrated parts of these systems, Syracuse University is one of the only universities in the United States that has integrated services to the extent that we have,” Wallack says.

The Barnes Center is centrally located on campus and physically hosts the wellness team (Health Care, Counseling, Health Promotion and Recreation) under one sprawling roof. This shared location naturally creates and strengthens integration of student wellness experiences. At the Barnes Center, all are encouraged and empowered to “be well” in their own unique, ever-evolving wellness journey. In addition to integrating teams, this holistic wellness approach also intentionally encompasses mind, body, spirit and community.

The Princeton Review Names Barnes Center on 2026 Mental Health Services Honor Roll

The Princeton Review and partners selected honorees based on data from its 2025 Campus Mental Health Survey and those that have shown a strong commitment to their students’ mental health and well-being. Recipients, such as the Barnes Center, scored highly in campus quality of life, overall well-being, student empowerment and education, offerings (e.g., services, programs and resources) and administrative support (e.g., policies, staffing).

“One of the key strengths of our campus is the intentional way we foster a quality of life that supports students’ overall well-being,” says .

Among the other criteria that supported the Barnes Center’s honor roll placement are:

• Authentic Holistic Wellness Approach: Demonstrated through a broad range of services integrating mental and physical health, emotional resilience, identity development and community connection.
• Proactive and Preventative Skill-Building: A strong emphasis on equipping students to navigate stress, conflict and transitions.
• Campus Culture Prioritizing Holistic Wellness: A united campus in the pursuit of student well-being and a community of care, supported by data-driven presentations and trainings for faculty, staff and students.

Shaping Tomorrow’s Wellness with the Data of Today

“To ensure that the Barnes Center remains responsive to students’ evolving needs, we pursue continuous assessment comprised of collaboration and adaptation. Ultimately, we strive to remain curious and connected to the student experience, adapting our approach as new needs emerge and ensuring that wellness remains welcoming and a shared community-wide responsibility,” Brown says.

For the dedicated Barnes Center health and wellness team, this honor is just one of many milestones to come in the evolving pursuit of defining student wellness on a national level. Fueling a future of success is the ongoing commitment to data-informed decision-making.

“Our ongoing commitment to utilizing data to inform integrated health and wellness programs and services is a priority,” says Veronica Whalen Jones, director of health promotion.

“In addition to tracking utilization, we are committed to assessing impact through program assessment and focus groups to ensure we are meeting the needs of the student community now and into the future.”

Before becoming a doctor, students go through approximately 11 years of rigorous education, from earning a bachelor’s degree to attending medical school and completing their residency.

Beyond medical knowledge and technical training, today’s most effective physicians know that explaining symptoms and diagnoses clearly is just as important. When patients understand their health, they receive better care.

Through a collaboration between the and , the Targeted Rural Health Education (TRHE) program is training aspiring rural doctors to clearly communicate complex medical issues to patients.

Working with , a former health reporter and current Newhouse School faculty member, student doctors in (RMSP) research a story idea, think about the appeal of the topic and create an op-ed piece that transforms their medical opinions into an easy-to-understand, informative public health article.

“We’re helping these medical school students understand the needs of their patients, and we’re equipping them with the skills to explain complex medical diagnoses in easy-to-understand ways so their patients feel like they can trust them,” says Bavis, professor of magazine, news and digital journalism in the Newhouse School.

Gaining Skills to Last a Lifetime

TRHE has become an important part of director Lauren Meyer’s RMSP curriculum at SUNY Upstate. Third- and fourth-year medical students training in rural hospitals and doctor’s offices learn the importance of using local newspapers to share vital public health information.

“We tie this to their clinical experience because we want those students to see what’s going on in that community,” Meyer says. “Through hands-on experiences, they’re able to identify possible topics that are timely and relevant to that population.”

Last spring, three enrolled students completed the virtual class and published news articles that live on the as a reminder of the positive impact effective communication plays in rural medicine. Five more aspiring rural doctors took the class during the Fall 2025 semester and are working on publishing their articles.

“In medical school, they’re used to scientific writing for journals and papers and clinical notes in patient charts. But now, they’re learning how to communicate with their patients,” Meyer says. “These students will carry this experience with them through the rest of their medical careers.”

The Trouble With Chainsaws

Over the course of three virtual sessions, aspiring doctors like fourth-year medical student Nate Barott brainstorm their story idea, devise a pitch for their op-ed and then produce a finished story to run in local publications, whether online or in print.

Translating complex scientific writing into clear, accessible language helped Barott become a more effective communicator. It also highlighted the importance of informing rural communities about key public health issues.

During his 10-week rotation in Glens Falls, New York, Barott saw numerous instances where individuals came to the emergency room after injuring themselves operating a chainsaw. Those interactions changed his perspective on the practice of medicine in the community he was serving, and were the inspiration for his op-ed: .

“I drew on my own experiences with chainsaws growing up in Canandaigua, New York, and what I saw while in Glens Falls, and came up with some easy-to-understand advice that the audience could take away from the article,” Barott says.

As he works to become a doctor, Barott says this experience will help him establish trust and become a better communicator with his patients, and form relationships with the local media in his community to promote public health initiatives. And he hasn’t ruled out writing additional informative news articles.

“This experience helped me relate to what my patients were going through. I learned new ways to communicate with patients and gained more empathy for what patients are dealing with after being injured by a chainsaw,” Barott says. “It’s so important to establish trust with our patients, and this will definitely help me in my future career as a physician.”

As Americans prepare New Year’s resolutions focused on healthier eating, grocery store aisles are undergoing a major transformation—and understanding what’s in your food has never been more important.

Synthetic food dyes, petroleum-based colorings like Red Dye 40, Yellow 5 and 6, and Red Dye 3, have been added to foods for visual appeal. Now major companies have until 2027-28 to phase them out following FDA guidance.

“Food dyes are not toxic to your body immediately,” explains Falk College of Sport nutrition professor , a registered dietitian whose research focuses on childhood obesity and nutrition interventions in underserved communities. “What we’re concerned about with food dyes is neurodevelopment effects and behavioral effects in children.”

The science shows a genetic component—not all children react, but enough do that other countries have banned these ingredients.

However, Yuhas cautions that reformulations may bring tradeoffs. “While food dye doesn’t really affect taste, companies may use this as an opportunity to add more sugars and fats to foods to make them taste more appealing.”

She’s particularly concerned about equity: ultra-processed foods with dyes cluster in low-income communities because they’re cheaper and more shelf-stable.

Yuhas’s advice? Focus on overall diet quality—watching not just dyes, but sugar, saturated fats, protein and fiber content too.

A significant expansion in structure, programming and community outreach  is paving the way for the (CHB) to help position Syracuse University as a national leader in research, education and practice.

An initiative of the (A&S), the and the (IVMF), CHB has a particular focus on the study and promotion of health, well-being and resilience among veterans and military-connected individuals.

Since launching its website and affiliate portal this past summer, have joined CHB—researchers, educators and clinical practitioners from across the University and from area health institutions. have been launched and the student research cohort has been formed.

CHB has hired a dedicated to support affiliate projects. It has also established a for staff who coordinate research initiatives and plans to implement student awards. Additional workshops and research showcases are scheduled for spring.

Building an Ecosystem

CHB is designed to advance translational health behavior research, education and training and provide a collaborative ecosystem for professionals working in the health behavior field, says , A&S professor of psychology, licensed clinical psychologist and CHB director.

Health behavior is a broad, interdisciplinary area that examines the many factors, choices and conditions that influence physical and mental health across the lifespan. The center’s purposeful cross-campus, cross-institutional structure makes it a hub for affiliates to share interests, findings and treatments and engage in academic and professional collaborations. Affiliates conduct basic laboratory studies, field research, clinical trials, digital health intervention work, qualitative studies and implement projects.

Veteran Focus

While CHB operates across a wide range of health behavior fields, a specialized focus on veterans and military-connected individuals complements the University’s commitment to that population, according to Ditre.

“Syracuse University has a national reputation as the best university for veterans and military-connected students. The University has worked with the Syracuse VA for about 30 years, beginning with faculty research collaborations and later expanding to co-mentored training and student placements. Building on that reputation and three decades of partnership, we should also strive to be the best place to learn how to serve veterans,” he says.

Veterans experience higher rates of suicide risk, trauma-related concerns, sleep problems, chronic health conditions and substance use compared to civilian peers. Many also face barriers tied to geography, stigma and complex transitions between military and civilian systems.

“These gaps have real consequences for individuals, families and communities. The University and this center, in collaboration with the IVMF, are uniquely positioned to address them,” Ditre says.

Digital Innovation

Digital innovation is a high priority because technologies like mobile devices, biometric monitoring and virtual reality help researchers collect real-time data from participants and capture their moment-to-moment experiences as well as indicators of health and behavior.

Affiliates have built mobile tools, tested them in trials and worked with community partners to implement check-in platforms and digital interventions that deliver guided exercises or personalized feedback.

“These tools let us reach people who may not engage with traditional services and connect with participants as they go about their daily routines or in settings where traditional care is harder to access. These technologies also help us understand behavior, tailor information to individual needs and deliver support in ways that fit people’s circumstances. For many of the populations we serve, this kind of flexibility is essential,” Ditre says.

Assuring health equity is another key focal point. That means designing studies and programs that are flexible, accessible and attentive to actual conditions and making sure that research benefits and outcomes reach the communities that need them most.

Grant and Award Applications

Application portals for the new pilot grant programs open Jan. 20, 2026, and close Feb. 12, 2026.

The supports cross-departmental and cross-campus projects with external institutional partners. The supports new or expanded Syracuse University and Veterans Affairs collaborations.

The grants range from $500 to $10,000 and the total pool of $50,000 is funded by A&S.

The funds give teams a way to test ideas, build a partnership or generate early data for larger external grant submissions. They also lower the barrier for new investigators who want to connect their work with campus priorities, according to Ditre.

Nominations for the , which cites excellence in research coordination work, are ongoing.

Future Activities

Future plans include more workshops with VA partners and collaboration with University Academic Affairs and the IVMF on a “Voices of Service” showcase where faculty, staff, students and community partners share veteran-focused research, courses and applied programs.

A neuroscience and health behavior research day, new working groups regarding sleep, substance use, trauma and digital health issues, awards for student work and additional community engagement activities are also planned.

Benchmarking the highest academic and student experience standards, Counseling has achieved national accreditation from the through 2035. Driven by the mission to promote advancement, communication and application of psychological science and knowledge to benefit society and improve lives, APA is the nation’s leading scientific and professional psychology organization.

Recognizing the with APA accreditation signifies that the program has successfully completed a rigorous evaluation process. The evaluation process is inclusive of a comprehensive self-study, an extensive professional peer-reviewed site visit and a committee review.

Accreditation also demonstrates the Barnes Center at The Arch’s commitment to academic excellence and ethical practice, alongside evidence-based psychological training.

“The Barnes Center at The Arch’s commitment to high-quality, multidisciplinary supervision, training seminars and clinical experiences are only a few of the highlights that really resonated with the APA throughout the accreditation process,” shares . “This milestone reflects the time, dedication and effort the Barnes Center Counseling team has invested in the Doctoral Internship Program in Health Service Psychology and affirms our commitment to providing high-quality academic and professional development.”

The internship program not only prepares the next generation of mental health professionals but also strengthens daily student counseling care services. Through hands-on experience in delivering research-based, human-focused support, interns contribute to a positive ripple effect and to the Barnes Center’s high-standard of care. This dual impact—developing skilled practitioners while enhancing the student experience through wellbeing—is reflected in the program’s APA accreditation, a mark of excellence and commitment to the highest professional standards.

“We’re working to create well-rounded, culturally responsive and competent psychologists, capable of providing ethical and meaningful support to the people and communities they serve,” Brown says.

As interns strengthen skills, they bring fresh insight and dedication to the counseling services that students rely on. This shared growth strengthens both the learning experience and the quality of care on campus—a commitment recognized through the program’s APA accreditation for its outstanding training and human-centered approach.

Mentorship and experiential learning are also core values of the internship program.

“Our training program operates from a Developmental-Mentoring Model, emphasizing experiential learning, cultural competency, identity development and scholarly inquiry,” says . “Interns can expect to receive exposure to diverse professional role models, experience multiple supervisors and a variety of opportunities to work conjointly with staff through integration into mental health work. On a gradual integration and alongside intern’s training goals, offerings including individual and group counseling, on-call response, outreach programs, community building programs and more are offered.”

APA accreditation strengthens licensure eligibility and career opportunities for participants, showcasing to employers, peers and clients that graduates have achieved a level of training recognized nationally for making a meaningful impact on mental health and wellbeing.

Annually, the Barnes Center at The Arch Counseling recruits three doctoral interns. Interns are hosted from Aug. 1-July 31. Those interested in applying are invited to learn more on the .

“The most valuable part for me was supportiveness and flexibility in my clinical interests and career goals. I was able to fully immerse myself in various areas aligned with my interests and felt completely supported along the way,”  and graduate of the Barnes Center’s Doctoral Internship Program in Health Service Psychology, says. “I now have a clearer understanding of who I am as a clinician, greater confidence in working with complex cases and a deepened interest in training/supervision. The experience has truly prepared me for the next steps in my career.”

Don’t expect Cheryl Meany ’02, G’06 to take much of a step back when she is honored at two upcoming West Genesee High School volleyball meets during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. She will be on the sidelines as usual, serving as assistant coach of the Wildcats girls’ varsity team just as she was throughout her recent aggressive treatment for breast cancer.

Her tireless work as a mother, teacher and coach provided not only diversion and wellness during her fight, but inspiration for her students, colleagues, friends and community.

She will be honored at West Genesee’s Pink Ribbon Classic, which takes place at the high school on Saturday, Oct. 11. The tournament—featuring seven other teams—is fundraising for , a Syracuse-based nonprofit that provides wellness, mentoring, transportation and other supports for cancer patients.

West Genesee’s annual Dig Pink game follows on Oct. 14 against their Syracuse-area rival, Westhill High School. Both teams will hit the court wearing pink for breast cancer awareness and fundraising proceeds will again go to Cancer Connects.

Triple Responsibilities

Meany, an English teacher at Baldwinsville High School, was diagnosed with cancer in November 2024, a personal blow just before Thanksgiving. What followed was—to use a volleyball term—a multiple offense combination of chemotherapy, surgery and radiation, from late 2024 through July 2025.

“It’s been crazy,” Meany says.

Although she is still wearing her signature head wrap, as of her most recent scan, she is cancer free. Her hair is returning, and she has embarked on a new regimen of preventative medicine.

To say that Meany kept active throughout this tumult is an understatement. Apart from a few days to rest after each chemotherapy treatment, she took no significant time off from her triple responsibilities and continued to serve others, even “digging” herself out of a few more challenges along the way.

For instance, as a mother to three girls—a West Genesee sophomore and twin fifth graders—she  had to adjust her family’s schedule to accommodate her husband’s work. A , Jason Meany develops training materials for Scuba Divers International, a job that often takes him on the road.

Then, as the Wildcats assistant volleyball coach, she has helped manage the team’s step up to class AAA competition. The trainers must be doing something right because this promotion only seems to have propelled the blue-and-yellow forward. As of this writing, the team has a perfect 10-0 record and recently swept local AAA powerhouse Baldwinsville, Meany’s alma mater.

Even her current teaching assignment—Government, Economics and Literature—is not for the faint of heart. Introducing high schoolers to concepts of society and democracy through texts such as “1984” and “Lord of the Flies” is no mean feat during a contentious political moment.

Finding Balance

Meany says teaching high school seniors during her treatment was a “special situation” because they understood her diagnosis.

“I told the class when my chemotherapy started, and I said that if I’m here, I’m well enough to be here, so we can be normal and have our normal relationships,” she says.

“I was either going to be at home thinking about my diagnosis or out living my life,”  Meany adds.

She even found the strength for a school trip with 17 students to Portugal between her third and fourth chemotherapy sessions.

Staying active, she says, was a choice.

“Everyone was onboard with it,” Meany says. “I needed to stay busy. There were side effects, but I could manage them if I didn’t think about them.”

Meany says her students took care to recognize when she was having an off day. And when her body said to rest, she listened, even if that meant occasionally missing her eldest daughter’s evening wrestling matches.

A double alumna, Meany has kept in close touch with her literacy teacher and mentor, Dean . During the COVID-19 pandemic, the pair mentored student teachers, and she assisted with the research phase for Chandler-Olcott’s next book—a collaboration with Sarah Fleming G’16—on equitable assessment.

“Cheryl was an exceptional undergraduate who turned into one of SOE’s staunchest collaborators once she had her own classroom,” Chandler-Olcott says. “She’s mentored many teacher candidates who became strong practitioners in their own right, and she has modeled for all of them what it means to be a collegial professional committed to continuous learning. I’m so grateful for her continued commitment to all things Orange.”

So, in her 25th year of teaching and having bested breast cancer, what special advice does Meany have for young teachers embarking not only on their professional but life journeys?

“You are going to have challenges,” Meany says. “We teachers tend to put our students, families and others above ourselves, but my cancer diagnosis made me take a step back from giving of myself, to taking care of myself more. I needed that balance, and now I have found it.”

University faculty and staff can receive flu and COVID-19 vaccines at no cost this fall through the following options:

On-Campus Clinics

In partnership with Wegmans Pharmacy, flu vaccine clinics will run through November. Both flu and COVID-19 vaccines will be available and there is no cost to you. , though walk-ins will be accepted as space allows. For more information including dates, times and vaccine information, visit the ���ɱ���貹����.

Upcoming clinics:

• Friday, Sept. 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 003 College of Law (Dineen Hall)
• Thursday, Oct. 2, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Skybarn (South Campus)
• Wednesday, Oct. 22, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Milton Room, Whitman School of Management
• Thursday, Nov. 13, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 500 Hall of Languages

Coverage Through the University’s Health Plans

Benefits-eligible employees enrolled in the  can receive flu and COVID-19 vaccines at no cost when administered by an in-network provider or pharmacy using your Optum Rx or Excellus BCBS member cards.

Continued Access to COVID-19 Vaccines in New York State

On Sept. 5, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed an  authorizing pharmacies in New York State to administer COVID-19 vaccines without a prescription to individuals ages 3 and older. This ensures broad access across the state while providers await updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance. Employees outside of New York State should check with local providers for vaccine availability and requirements.

For questions, please contact HR Shared Services at 315.443.4042.

Lab THRIVE, short for The Health and Resilience Interdisciplinary collaboratiVE, is making significant strides in collegiate mental health research.

Launched by an interdisciplinary Syracuse University team in 2023, affecting college students’ adjustment to campus life, with an emphasis on both risk and protective factors that influence psychological well-being.

The lab combines quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods to analyze student mental health trends and to develop strategies to improve campus support systems. In just over a year, researchers have already published academic papers in competitive journals and launched several studies examining resilience, belonging, help-seeking behaviors and mental health outcomes among Syracuse students.

Born to THRIVE

The lab’s interdisciplinary approach brings together researchers from counseling, public affairs and policy.

It is co-led by , associate professor of counseling and counselor education in the School of Education; , associate director of health and wellness research at the ; and , associate professor of public administration and international affairs in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.

“It started when Dr. Yu invited me to join the Barnes Center’s research committee,” Liu says. The committee, formed in 2022, focused on Universitywide data related to student wellness and program effectiveness.

As Liu, Yu and Ueda-Ballmer examined the data, their overlapping research interests became clear. For instance, Liu’s expertise in positive psychology and the mental health of marginalized youth complemented Ueda-Ballmer’s work on social determinants of health and suicide prevention.

Liu saw an opportunity to create a structured research hub that would not only deepen their understanding of student mental health but also train doctoral students. “Our doctoral students were eager to engage in meaningful research,” Liu says. “We wanted to create a space where they could contribute to projects with real-world impact.”

Data-Driven Support

By 2023, Lab THRIVE was established as an interdisciplinary hub.

“Many research projects conducted within the lab aim to offer a holistic view of the integrated health and wellness of Syracuse University students,” Yu says. “The primary goal is to better understand the predictors and protective factors that influence students’ overall well-being, providing valuable insights into the areas that need the most attention for improving student health and wellness.”

The lab’s pilot study used two years’ worth of data to examine the association between students’ engagement in wellness activities—such as physical exercise, the  and the —and their mental health outcomes. This research identified wellness activities as predictors of reducing depressive symptoms among students.

Another study explores international students’ help-seeking behaviors, identifying the importance of resilience in improving students’ mental health.

“All our studies provide data-driven support for strategic planning within the University’s health and wellness initiatives,” Yu says, “ensuring that resources are allocated effectively and addressing the most critical factors influencing students’ well-being.”

Clear Intentions

Sarah Litt, a second-year doctoral student in counseling and counselor education, says that her work with Lab THRIVE is a benefit of attending  Syracuse: “Opportunities for research like this are rare in counseling programs.”

Litt contributed to the project addressing international students’ help-seeking behaviors, which became one of Lab THRIVE’s .

The paper—narrowing on gender identity, sexual minority status and academic level—revealed that male-identifying international students were less likely to seek help, while students identifying as gender or sexual minorities were more likely to seek formal support, highlighting a need for targeted advocacy and outreach.

“I learned so much from Dr. Yu about refining research questions and statistical analysis,” Litt says. “I started with a clinical focus, but the project pushed me to think more critically about data and methodology.”

Lab THRIVE’s research pipeline also complements student support programming at Syracuse. “Our findings are helping the Barnes Center understand what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to supporting student well-being,” Liu says. “We may not see a whole lot of products now, but what is most important is the development of a solid pipeline and clear intentions about every project we initiate.”

Sense of Belonging

A key element of Lab THRIVE’s success is its wider cross-campus collaborations. The lab works closely with the Barnes Center at The Arch, Office of Diversity and Inclusion, TRIO Student Support Services (part of the School of Education’s ) and the to recruit participants for ongoing focus groups. Starting in fall 2025, these focus groups will explore how students experience campus life and seek mental health support.

“We want to understand not just the barriers to help-seeking but also what promotes a sense of belonging,” Ueda-Ballmer says. “We’ve learned that students who feel connected to their peers and the campus community report lower levels of loneliness and distress.”

Doctoral students such as Litt are actively involved as facilitators in these focus groups, gaining hands-on research experience while contributing to meaningful data collection. “It’s a unique learning opportunity,” Litt says. “I’m getting exposure to public health and data analysis alongside my counseling training.”

Yu adds, “These conversations provide rich qualitative data that helps us better understand how students find community and feel a sense of belonging at Syracuse University.”

Building a Legacy

Lab THRIVE’s work is offering insights to professionals beyond Syracuse. Last year, Liu, Yu and Ueda-Ballmer presented their findings at national conferences, including at the 2024 Association for Psychological Science Annual Convention.

“We were part of a panel on loneliness,” Ueda-Ballmer says. “The audience was surprised to learn that college students experience such high levels of loneliness despite being surrounded by peers. That reinforced how critical it is to promote belonging and support.”

Fittingly, given her research interests, Litt finds the lab experience supportive on a personal level: “It can be a really lonely journey at times with doctoral studies, but when collaborating, especially with people going through a similar process, it really creates a sense of community.”

When asked where she thinks the lab’s future lies, Liu points to expanding its research capacity and increasing student involvement: “We hope to publish more studies and attract more doctoral students to the lab. It takes time to build momentum, but we’re already seeing meaningful results.”

Yu says another exciting direction is expanding the lab’s interdisciplinary collaborations: “We are actively seeking partnerships with researchers from other fields to examine how emerging areas—such as artificial intelligence—can contribute to a deeper understanding of students’ mental health.”

Litt agrees with this outlook, concluding, “There’s so much crossover between psychology, counseling, sociology and public health. I hope Lab THRIVE continues to grow as a model for interdisciplinary research and training.”

Story by Ashley Kang ’04, G’11

The is pleased to announce that Rebekah Lewis is the new director of the Maxwell-based . She joined the Maxwell School as a faculty fellow in public health and Lerner Center affiliate in the fall of 2024.

“I am thrilled to begin the director position and look forward to collaborating with center staff and faculty affiliates to expand its crucial work,” says Lewis, who has more than 15 years of experience in health and higher education settings.

In her previous role at the Ottawa University Heart Institute, Lewis provided program evaluation and qualitative research expertise for a variety of women’s cardiovascular disease prevention projects at the Canadian Women’s Heart Health Centre. Her current evaluation research focuses on improving primary prevention of cardiovascular disease among high-risk women. She received a master of public health from Boston University School of Public Health in 2001.

“We are pleased to welcome Rebekah Lewis to the Lerner Center as its new director,” says , Lerner Chair in Public Health Promotion and Population Health, director of the and professor of sociology. “Rebekah brings a wealth of expertise in health education, program evaluation and research. Her forward-thinking orientation and ideas for program development align perfectly with the Lerner Center’s mission.”

The Lerner Center was established in 2011 with an endowment from Sidney Lerner ’53, a marketing executive and public health advocate, and his wife, Helaine. Its mission is to improve population and community health through research, education, advocacy and programming focused on the social and structural determinants of health and health disparities. It supports numerous programs, assistantships and training opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, including the popular DeStress for Success course, an undergraduate social impact competition and internships.

The center recently announced that it will host national Healthy Monday programming, a signature public health campaign that aims to reduce the risk of chronic disease by offering prompts about healthier habits. Hosting the national Healthy Monday campaign was made possible by an organizational restructuring and a $2.52 million gift to the Lerner Center and Syracuse University’s Forever Orange Campaign by Helaine Lerner in 2023.

Story by Michael Kelly

Fluoride in drinking water has become a highly charged topic in recent weeks. In March, Utah became the first state to the addition of fluoride to the state’s public water systems, a move praised by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy. However, some health groups are raising the alarm. The American Dental Association for water fluoridation, saying a ban on the practice would hurt people, cost money and eventually harm the economy.

is an assistant professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences in Syracuse University’s College of Arts and Sciences.  His research specialities include water sustainability and the connection between energy, agriculture, urbanization and water quality. Professor Wen answered four questions about the use of fluoride in public drinking water, discussing how his research group studies water quality.

His responses can be quoted directly and he is available for interview.

Q: What are some general facts people should know about the use of fluoride in public water?

A: “In general, you don’t want too much or too little fluoride in drinking water including the water provided through the public water system. Too little fluoride in drinking water can cause tooth cavity. Fluoride is added to many public water systems in the U.S. to help prevent tooth decay. This practice, known as community water fluoridation, has been endorsed by numerous health organizations for its dental health benefits. Too much fluoride in drinking water can contribute to dental and skeletal fluorosis. It is important to note that not all drinking water systems are fluoridated. Fluoride in water can come from different sources. Generally, it can occur naturally, particularly in certain geological setting and/or originate from human sources.”

Q:What is considered a “safe” amount of fluoride? What are signs or indicators that there is an unsafe amount in a water source?

A: “The U.S. Public Health Service recommends an optimal fluoride concentration of 0.7 mg/L to balance the benefits of cavity prevention with the risk of dental fluorosis—a cosmetic condition caused by excessive fluoride exposure during tooth development. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets an enforceable Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 4.0 mg/L to protect against skeletal fluorosis, a bone disease that can result from prolonged exposure to high fluoride levels. In addition, the EPA has a secondary (non-enforceable) standard of 2.0 mg/L to reduce the risk of dental fluorosis in children. The only accurate way to determine fluoride levels in water is through laboratory testing. Individuals can have their private well water tested or consult their local public water supplier for current water quality reports. In some cases, signs of fluoride exposure may include cosmetic changes in teeth, such as white streaks or mottling. A recent study (McMahon et al., 2020) identified several key factors that influence fluoride concentrations in groundwater: pH, total dissolved solids, alkalinity, well depth, water temperature, Ca/Na ratio, mean annual precipitation, and aquifer lithology. Understanding these factors can help infer potential fluoride levels in groundwater, particularly in regions where direct testing is not readily available.”

Q: In your own research, what do you study or look for as it relates to fluoride in your water samples?

A: “My research group broadly studies water quality in groundwater and surface water across urban, rural, and natural settings. In one of our recent studies (Nesheim et al., 2024), we monitored surface water quality in an urban watershed in the City of Syracuse to assess the impact of various human infrastructures—including cemeteries—on solute concentrations. Fluoride was among several ions we tracked. Among the 286 stream water samples collected from February 2022 to January 2023, we did not observe any fluoride concentrations exceeding the EPA’s secondary standard of 2 mg/L. Although our primary focus was on nitrate, we found no significant increase in fluoride concentration downstream the cemetery. This suggests that burial decay products, which could potentially contribute fluoride, were not a dominant source in our study area. Instead, the data suggest that fluoride concentrations varied with river flow and may be influenced by natural (geogenic) sources among other possible sources.”

Q: In your academic opinion, why do you think there continues to be this focus on fluoride in drinking water?

A: “Fluoride remains a topic of public interest and debate for several reasons. First and foremost, it is one of the few substances intentionally added to drinking water for health benefits, which raises important discussions about informed consent and public health policy. Second, concerns about fluoride’s safety—especially at elevated levels in natural groundwater—persist in both rural areas that rely on unregulated private wells and urban regions served by public water systems. Third, as new research continues to emerge regarding fluoride’s sources and potential health effects, there is an ongoing need to reassess guidelines and educate the public. In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that the decision to add fluoride to drinking water should be region-specific and science-based. As highlighted in a recent study (McMahon et al., 2020), fluoride concentrations in groundwater vary significantly across the U.S. The study also found that, on a national scale, most groundwater has fluoride concentrations below 0.7 mg/L. Therefore, in many parts of the country, the greater public health concern—if fluoridation is not implemented—may be an increased risk of tooth decay.”

References:

1. Nesheim, S., Yu, Z., Tuttle, S., Klein, J., Wen, T., 2024. Assessing impacts of cemeteries on water quality in an urban headwater watershed with mixed human-built infrastructure. Hydrological Processes 38, e15128. https://doi.org/10.1002/hyp.15128
2. McMahon, P.B., Brown, C.J., Johnson, T.D., Belitz, K., Lindsey, B.D., 2020. Fluoride occurrence in United States groundwater. Science of The Total Environment 732, 139217. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139217

To get in touch with Professor Wen or to get more information, please contact:

Daryl Lovell
Associate Director of Media Relations
University Communications
M��315.380.0206
dalovell@syr.edu������