Kivanc Avrenli, professor of practice in finance in the Martin J. Whitman School of Management, has been named one of , a distinction recognizing exceptional teaching, mentorship and impact on students.

The honor is based on Poets&Quants’ comprehensive evaluation of nominations from schools worldwide. Professors are scored on both research (30%) and teaching (70%), with reviewers considering scholarly influence, media visibility, teaching awards, innovations in the classroom and the depth of student impact.

A Transformative Teacher

Avrenli was nominated by David Weinbaum, chair of the school’s Department of Finance, who highlighted the extraordinary reach and quality of Avrenli’s teaching. “Between Fall 2021 and Fall 2025, Dr. Avrenli has taught 65 in-person, 3-credit courses, reaching approximately 2,700 students,” Weinbaum wrote. “He consistently earns near-perfect ratings from students, and he is the highest-rated professor at Syracuse University on Rate My Professor.”

Poets&Quants noted this quote from a student evaluation, “Dr. Avrenli is hands-down the best professor I’ve had. He walks into class with a contagious smile, turns stats into something you actually look forward to, and makes you feel like you can tackle anything. He’s the gold standard for what a professor should be—clear, hilarious and always in your corner.”

When asked what sets him apart as an educator, Avrenli joked: “My energy level, which is the human equivalent of a quad-shot espresso, and the lively animated visuals I deploy to demystify complex concepts.”

A Record of Excellence

At Whitman, Avrenli teaches managerial statistics and specializes in applied statistical methods, probability theory, statistical modeling and experimental design. He received the Faculty of the Year Award in both 2021 and 2022, was named Undergraduate Faculty of the Year in 2020 and has been selected six times as Best Faculty and Class Marshal by U.S. Army students in Syracuse’s Defense Comptrollership Program. He has received the universitywide Laura J. and L. Douglas Meredith Teaching Recognition Award, the Whitman School Teaching Fellow Award and a Faculty Recognition Award from the Office of Disability Services.

Before joining Whitman, he taught at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, where he was named to the List of Teachers Ranked as Excellent by Their Students seven consecutive times and received the Alumni Award in Teaching Excellence.

Academic and Industry Impact

Avrenli holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in civil engineering from Bogaziçi University in Istanbul—formerly Robert College, the first American college established outside the United States. He later completed a second M.S. in statistics and a Ph.D. in civil engineering with a specialization in commercial aviation safety at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign. His expertise in commercial aviation safety and statistical modeling has made him a frequent media commentator in outlets including Newsweek, Law360 and The Washington Post.

Well-Deserved Global Recognition

Poets&Quants received more than 1,200 nominations representing nearly 200 individual professors from more than 60 of the best undergraduate business programs worldwide. The recognition spotlights educators who shape the next generation of business leaders through extraordinary dedication and impact.

When asked what he is most grateful for, Avrenli says “my students, my colleagues and any student who watches my lecture and homework solution videos before asking me the question the video already answers.�� Also, the cloudy, cold and snowy Syracuse winters.”

To read Avrenli’s full profile and interview, visit

Snapping photos with just a smartphone, ��spent four months traveling across southeastern Europe to create a powerful collection of images that capture life in a region still shaped by its history of conflict and resilience.

The results from Strong’s overseas endeavor are now on display. The new “Call to Me, Balkans” photo exhibition is open on campus in the Schine Student Center’s Panasci Lounge. The exhibition, also simultaneously on display in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, features black-and-white images from Strong’s travels to the region during his 2023 sabbatical and two subsequent trips.

The timing is significant: “Call to Me, Balkans” commemorates the 30th anniversary of the��Dayton Peace Accords, the agreement that ended the Bosnian war of the 1990s.

“‘Call to Me, Balkans’ captures the rich, diverse and interconnected cultures of the region,” says Strong, an associate professor of visual communications who teaches photo and video storytelling at the . “It celebrates the resilience and beauty of an area heavily impacted by such a devastating conflict.”

Strong has said he hopes the exhibition also fosters connections with Central New York’s Bosnian immigrant community.

Strong is The Alexia Endowed Chair at the Newhouse School. Through grants, scholarships and special projects for photographers, filmmakers and other visual creatives,����promotes the power of visual storytelling to shed light on significant issues around the world.

The November opening of the exhibition at Schine featured remarks from , dean of the Newhouse School; , senior associate dean for academic affairs in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs; , professor and undergraduate director of Maxwell’s anthropology department; and Imam , assistant dean for religious and spiritual life at Hendricks Chapel.

The exhibition is curated and designed by his wife, , the curator of communications, design and exhibitions for The Alexia, who also teaches graphic design and writing courses at Newhouse. Strong’s travels took him through Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Serbia and Slovenia.

Strong developed the Schine exhibition with support from the Newhouse School’s , which funds faculty and student research. The National Gallery exhibition in Sarajevo was funded by the University’s .

Strong said he challenged himself on this project to work exclusively with a smartphone in order to push creative boundaries and prove that powerful storytelling doesn’t always require expensive equipment.

This project has already received international acclaim, with work from the exhibition awarded by the Sarajevo Photography Festival and featured in China as a solo exhibition at the Pingyao International Photo Festival in 2024.

In continuation of the University’s commitment to providing comprehensive benefits and in appreciation of the contributions of faculty and staff, the University will operate under its holiday schedule and Orange Appreciation Days format for the winter break period from 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025, through Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. Normal business hours will resume on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026.

In addition to the regular University holidays of Dec. 25 and Jan. 1 and bonus days Dec. 26 and 31, the following days have been designated as paid Orange Appreciation Days: Dec. 29 and 30 and Jan. 2.

Units providing essential services that will remain fully operational during the Winter Break include the Department of Public Safety and Facilities Services.

Services During Orange Appreciation Days/Winter Break

Admissions and Enrollment Processing

The office will be closed for the holidays and Orange Appreciation Days and will reopen on Monday, Jan. 5, 2025, at 8:30 a.m.

Advancement and External Affairs

Advancement Services staff will maintain business hours at the 640 Skytop Office Building Dec. 29, 30 and 31, 2025, to receive and process fundraising gifts.

Building Occupancy

During the Holiday/Orange Appreciation Days period:

Request for Building Access (locking):
If you require your building to be open over the holidays/Orange Appreciation Days period, please submit a request to your building coordinator, noting the specific dates and times. Requests should be made by 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 12. (Note that faculty and staff will be able to access the buildings you work in, as usual, by using their SU I.D. cards, even when the buildings are locked.)

Building temperatures will be lowered to 60 degrees unless prior arrangements have been made.

Deans, directors and department heads may submit a detailed request for adjustments to temperature and lighting during the holidays/Orange Appreciation Days period. Please review the University’s temperature guidelines. We ask that requests be made using the Maximo Maintenance system by 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 12. Requests will be reviewed and approved by either the vice president and chief facilities officer or the provost.

Important: Buildings Not Included in the Reduced Occupancy Schedule

The following buildings will be excluded from the temperature setback and will remain on normal access, temperature and lighting settings:

• 640 Skytop Road
• Heroy Geology Laboratory
• Bowne Hall Fourth Floor
• Lyman Hall Fourth Floor
• Sims Hall, Department of Public Safety
• Center for Science and Technology
• Bird Library
• Life Sciences Complex
• Link Hall
• Physics Building
• Ensley Athletic Center
• South Campus Library Facility
• Lally Complex
• Carmelo Anthony Center
• Tennity Ice Rink
• Crouse Hinds Hall

Questions on building occupancy can be directed to the Department of Energy Systems and Sustainability Management, 315.443.1535 or��energy@syr.edu.

Bursar’s Office

The Bursar’s Office will be closed from Thursday, Dec. 25, through Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026,��and will reopen on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, at 9 a.m. Student account payments can be made through MySlice under the billing/payments tile. Questions may be directed to the Bursar’s Office online form. The Bursar’s Office will monitor incoming questions sent through this form and will respond as quickly as possible during this time.

Campus Bus Shuttle

The campus shuttle service will operate on a reduced schedule until the conclusion of Winter Break. For schedule updates, visit . Please note that there will be no regular campus shuttle service from Dec. 25 through Jan. 3, 2026. During this period, transportation will operate under the 24-hour Safety Escort Service, and all ride requests must be submitted through the Orange Safe app. For urgent matters, on-call staff can be reached through the Department of Public Safety at 315.443.2224.

Campus Dining

Hours of operation for campus cafes and other dining facilities can be found on the����or on the OrangeNow app.

Campus Planning, Design and Construction

Campus Planning, Design and Construction (CPDC) will close on Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025, at 5 p.m. and reopen on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. If you have project-specific questions, please reach out to the assigned project manager. For general information, email cpdc@syr.edu.

Campus Store

The Campus Store will be closed Saturday, Dec. 20, through Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. During this time, the online store will be available for customer orders. Orders received on or after Friday, Dec. 20, will be processed beginning Friday, Jan. 2, 2026. Staff will be available beginning Friday, Jan. 2, at 8:30 a.m. Please contact��sm8551@bncollege.com��with questions or for assistance.

Cash Operations (Bowne Hall)

The offices at Bowne Hall will be closed. For questions, email cashops@syr.edu. Email will be monitored daily.

Counseling

Counseling will be closed from Thursday, Dec. 25, through Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, as well as Monday, Jan. 19. However, in the event of a mental health emergency, or if there is a need to contact a member of the Sexual and Relationship Violence Response Team, 24-hour services remain available. These services can be accessed by calling 315.443.8000.

Custodial Services��

Custodial Services will be provided, on a reduced basis, in academic and administrative buildings. All residence halls close on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2025, and no custodial services will be provided. If assistance is needed, call 315.443.1234.

�ٱ����������������

Materials Distribution and Mail Services delivery and pick up will be provided to departments requesting service. Arrangements for service can be requested by contacting Materials Distribution at e-materials@syr.edu or mailsrvc@syr.edu.

Deliveries (UPS and FedEx)

Materials Distribution will be delivering UPS and Fed Ex deliveries during the holiday/Orange Appreciation Days period from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with the exception of Thursday, Dec. 25, and Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. If your department has a specific request pertaining to deliveries over Orange Days, please email e-materials@syr.edu.

Disability Benefits and Workers’ Compensation Benefit Payments

Disability benefits checks will be on regular payroll schedule. For those who don’t use the direct deposit option, checks will be mailed to the employee’s home address by the payroll department during the week of Dec. 23. For assistance with workers’ compensation checks, please contact our third-party administrator, PMA, at 1.888.476.2669. For assistance during Orange Appreciation Days, contact Sheera Buckley at slbuck01@syr.edu��or 315.416.9066.

Drumlins

The Tennis Club will operate as follows:

• Tuesday, Dec. 23: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Wednesday, Dec. 24: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Thursday, Dec. 25: closed
• Friday, Dec. 26: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Saturday, Dec. 27: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Sunday, Dec. 28: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Monday, Dec. 29: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Tuesday, Dec. 30: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Wednesday, Dec. 31: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Friday, Jan. 2: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Saturday, Jan. 3: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Sunday, Jan. 4: USTA Gold Tri-Level Regionals; no public access to courts on this day

Normal hours of operation will resume on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025. Call 315.446.2323 for court times and reservations

Bistro 1926 will be closed Dec. 24 to Jan. 1, 2026, reopening Friday, Jan. 2.

The banquets office, Pro Shop and management office will be closed Dec. 24 to Jan. 4, reopening Monday, Jan. 5.

Energy Systems and Sustainability Management��

The Energy Management Operations Center is staffed 24/7. For building systems scheduling questions or concerns, call 315.443.1535. For building access issues, contact the Department of Public Safety at 315.443.2224.

Enrollment Management

The office will be closed during the holiday/Orange Appreciation Days period and will reopen on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, at 8:30 a.m.

Environmental Health and Safety Services

Environmental Health and Safety Services will have on-call staff available to assist in the event of a hazardous materials spill or emergency during the holiday/Orange Appreciation Days period. Environmental Health’s on-call staff can be contacted through the Department of Public Safety at 315.443.2224.

Equal Opportunity, Inclusion and Resolution Services

The office will be closed on Thursday, Dec. 25, and Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, and bonus days on Dec. 26 and Dec. 31. On Dec. 29, Dec. 30, and Jan. 2, this year’s designated Orange Appreciation Days, the office will be available to employees by email at��equalopp@syr.edu.��Email will be checked once a day on Orange Appreciation Days and emergencies will be addressed within 24 hours. The office will return to normal business hours on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, at 8:30 a.m.

Financial Aid and Scholarship Programs

The office will be closed for the holiday/Orange Appreciation Days period and will reopen on Monday, Jan. 5, 2025, at 8:30 a.m.

Fire and Life Safety Services

Fire and Life Safety Services will be staffed on Orange Appreciation Days from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. If assistance is needed, call 315.443.5474 or the Department of Public Safety at 315.443.2224. On Thursday, Dec. 25, and Thursday, Jan. 1, 2025, contact the Department of Public Safety at 315.443.2224.

Health Care at the Barnes Center at The Arch

Health Care at the Barnes Center will be closed from Thursday, Dec. 25, through Friday, Jan. 2, 2026; 24-hour on-call service is available at 315.443.8000.

Hendricks Chapel

The Coach Mac Food Pantry will be available upon request (chapel@syr.edu) for those in need, and will fully reopen on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026.��For additional information please visit the chapel����or call 315.443.2901.

Housing, Meal Plan and I.D. Card Service Centers

The offices at 111 Waverly Ave. and 210 Goldstein Student Center will be closed beginning at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 24. Both location centers will resume regular business hours on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. If you have an emergency that requires immediate attention, please contact the Department of Public Safety at 315.443.2224.

Human Resources

The office will be closed for the holiday/Orange Appreciation Days period, However, employees can reach HR Shared Services by emailing��hrservice@syr.edu��or leaving a message at 315.443.4042. Emails and voice messages will be checked daily on Orange Appreciation Days, and urgent requests will be addressed promptly. All other matters will be addressed when the University returns to regular business hours, 8:30 to 5 p.m., on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026.

ITS Support

ITS support staff is available by calling 315.443.2677, by emailing help@syr.edu or by chatting with the support staff on ���ǰ�����during regular business hours through Friday, Dec. 19, and at the following dates and times:

• Dec. 20 to 24, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Dec. 26 to 30, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For ITS support during days and times outside those listed above, email��help@syr.edu��or call 315.443.2677. If you choose to call, follow the automated prompts and leave a message for the on-call ITS staff. On-call support is available outside the hours listed above and on the following dates: Dec. 25 and 31 and Jan. 1, 2026.

The ITS Help Desk will��resume regular business��hours on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026.

ITS��Service Center In-Person Support Hours����������������������

The ITS Service Center in the first-floor lobby of the Women’s Building will be closed starting Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, and will reopen on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026. Users needing assistance can call 315.443.2677 or��help@syr.edu��before we reopen.

Updates and hours of operation will be available on the��.

Libraries

All libraries will be closed beginning Wednesday, Dec. 24, through Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, with the following exception of the following: Bird Library, floors LL-5, will be open from noon to 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 29, Tuesday, Dec. 30 and Friday, Jan 2. Special Collections, located on the sixth floor of Bird Library, will not be open on these days. All library hours can be found on the .

Maintenance Requests

Maintenance requests for academic and administrative buildings, residence halls, dining facilities or South Campus apartments may be requested by contacting Facilities Services immediately at 315.443.1234.

Materials Distribution

Materials Distribution deliveries and pick up will be provided to departments requesting service. Arrangements for service can be requested by contacting Materials Distribution at 315.443.1940 or using a list of forms provided on their website. Service requests should be emailed to e-materials@syr.edu.

Media Inquiries/University Communications

The University’s media relations team’s email, , is monitored regularly over Orange Appreciation Days/Winter Break. Urgent media inquiries should be directed to Sarah Scalese, vice president for University communications, at sescales@syr.edu.

Paycheck Distribution��

All paper paychecks are delivered to the employee’s home department on payday. As a reminder, anyone with a NetID and password is able to set up direct deposit through MySlice.

Weekly and Semi-Monthly Pay During Winter Break

Pay for the work week ending Wednesday, Dec. 24, will be paid on Wednesday, Dec. 31. This is the last paycheck of the calendar year 2025 Form W-2 reporting period.

The semi-monthly pay period ending Wednesday, Dec. 31, will be paid on Wednesday, Dec. 31. This is the last paycheck of the calendar year 2025 Form W-2 reporting period.

Employees who have not signed up for direct deposit, and will therefore receive a paper paycheck, should ensure their permanent address is accurate by going to MySlice and clicking on the personal profile tile on the employee home page. Weekly paper paychecks dated Wednesday, Dec. 31, and semi paper paychecks dated Wednesday, Dec. 31, will be mailed via the U.S. Postal Service to the employee’s permanent address on file.

Direct deposit for the weekly payroll will be available in individuals’ accounts on Wednesday, Dec 31. Direct deposit for the semi-monthly payroll will be available to individuals’ accounts on Wednesday, Dec. 31. Payments by direct deposit can be viewed anytime on MySlice by clicking on the payroll tile on the employee home page.

Weekly Pay Immediately After Winter Break

Pay for the work week ending Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, will be paid on Wednesday Jan. 7.

Payroll Deadlines

Weekly Payroll Deadlines Immediately Prior to Winter Break

• The week ending Wednesday, Dec. 17, paid on Wednesday, Dec. 24:
• Time approval is due by 3 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 18.
• Online RAP approval is due by 5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 18.

Semi Payroll Deadlines for Winter Break

• Semi Online RAPs for the pay period ending Wednesday, Dec. 31, are due by 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 22.

Weekly Payroll Deadlines During Winter Break

The week ending Wednesday, Dec. 24, paid on Wednesday, Dec. 31:

• Time approval is due by 10 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 29.
• Online RAP approval is due by 10 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 29.
• Employees will be paid (or not paid) based upon the time that has or has not been approved in the system. Any adjustments or corrections will have to be submitted for payment in the following pay period. There will be no special checks processed.

Payroll Frequently Asked Questions

If I do not have direct deposit, how will I get my paychecks on Wednesday, Dec. 24, and Wednesday Dec. 31?

Paychecks will be mailed to your permanent address. You can verify your permanent address is accurate by going to MySlice and clicking on the personal profile tile on the employee home page.

Where can I sign up for direct deposit?

Log onto MySlice and click on the payroll tile on the employee home page.

Why might I not receive a paycheck at my home by Wednesday, Dec. 31?

Several reasons could result in you not receiving your paper paycheck on or before Wednesday, Dec. 31. Your permanent address in MySlice has to be correct. For example, if you have moved and did not change your address, the paper paycheck will be delivered to the address per MySlice and either forwarded to your new address (if you have filed a change of address form with the U.S. Postal Service) or it will be returned to Payroll. Either case will result in potentially significant delays in your receipt of your paper paycheck.

What happens if my permanent address is incorrect in MySlice?

Since paper paychecks will be delivered by the U.S. Postal Service, Syracuse University cannot control, track or locate your paycheck once mailed. If you have filed a change of address form with the U.S. Postal Service to forward your mail, delivery of your paycheck will be delayed. If no such form has been filed, the paper paycheck will be returned to Payroll. Either case will result in potentially significant delays in your receipt of your paper paycheck.

How do I change my permanent address?

Log in to MySlice and click on the personal profile tile on the employee home page.

If I receive my weekly paper paycheck before Wednesday Dec. 31, or my semi-monthly paper paycheck before Wednesday, Dec. 31, can I cash/deposit it?

No. Paychecks dated Wednesday, Dec. 31, are not valid prior to that date.

What happens if I don’t receive my paper paycheck?

If you have not received your paycheck by Friday, Dec. 26, you can call Payroll at 315.443.4042, option 2, and leave a message with the following information:

• Indicate that you did not receive your paycheck.
• Give your name and SU I.D. number.
• Give the name of the University department that you were expecting pay from.
• Provide a telephone number where you can be reached.

Messages will be reviewed at various times during the day and calls will be returned as soon as possible.

No special checks will be issued during Winter Break.

Public Safety

The Department of Public Safety will remain open 24/7 during the holiday/Orange Appreciation Days period. For emergencies or assistance, call 315.443.2224, connect with us via the Orange Safe app, or text or email 711@syr.edu.

Procurement and Supplier Payment Updates

Procurement��(formerly Purchasing)

With Orange Appreciation Days approaching, the Procurement Department wishes to make you aware that any eProcurement requisition received��after Monday, Dec. 8,��may not be sent out until after Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. If your purchase requires an RFQ (Request for Quote) to be completed, the requisition should be received by��Monday, Dec. 8,��to ensure processing it will be completed prior to Winter Break.

All JPMC credit card transactions, for activity through Nov. 30, should be submitted in the My Slice Travel and Expense Center on or��before 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19.

Other Procurement and Sourcing considerations to take into account as we approach the break:

• Should your purchase request require additional approvals such as those for sponsored or restricted funds, please build in additional time to your planning process.
• If your purchase request is over $50,000, please allow additional time, as the Office of Budget and Planning must review and approve those orders before they are released. Contact��procurement@syr.edu with any questions.

Supplier Payment (formerly Disbursements)

Supplier Payment will not be processing payments after Tuesday, Dec. 23. The last payment run will be on the night of Tuesday, Dec. 23, for distribution and handling on Wednesday, Dec. 24. After Tuesday,��normal processing will resume on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026.

To ensure timeliness of payments your department may have, please make appropriate arrangements to have requests received in the Supplier Payment email��disburse@syr.edu, in the��Automated Payment Request module or in the��MySlice Travel and Expense Center��on or before 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8,��for the following:

• Supplier invoices on a PO
• Requisitions with invoices attached off PO
• Consultant forms
• Stipend payments
• Wire transfers: foreign and domestic
• Out-of-pocket travel submissions for employee or non-employee guests
• Travel advances for travel scheduled during the end of December 2025
• Clearing any outstanding travel advances for travel that occurred prior to December 2025

Other considerations: Should your time sensitive payment requests require additional approvals such as Sponsored or Restricted Fund approvals, please allow additional time to your planning process.

All��JPMC credit card transactions, for activity through Nov. 30 should be submitted in the MySlice Travel and Expense Center��on or before 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19.

• If you have any questions on supplier payments, please contact��disburse@syr.edu.
• If you have any questions on��travel and expense reimbursements and credit card deadlines, please contact��travelandexpense@syr.edu.

Recreation and Fitness

The recreation and fitness areas at the Barnes Center at The Arch, Ernie Davis Hall and the Tennity Ice Skating Pavilion are closed from Thursday, Dec. 25, through Friday, Jan. 2, 2026. For updates on operating status, visit the��.

Registrar’s Office

The office will be closed for holiday/Orange Appreciation Days period. If you need to reach our office during the closure, please email��registrar@syr.edu.

Research Integrity and Protections

Facilities Services will have staff on campus throughout Orange Appreciation Days/Winter Break to monitor and maintain building systems for research spaces. For emergencies or assistance, please call the Department of Public Safety at 315.443.2224.

Residential Living

Residential Living’s main offices will be closed Thursday, Dec. 25, through Friday, Jan. 2, 2026. On-call staff will be available in the event of emergencies. If issues arise during this time, please contact the Department of Public Safety at 315.443.2224 for assistance.

Snow Clearing

Normal snow clearing activities will take place. If assistance is needed, call 315.443.1234.

Sponsored Programs

The Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) will have limited staff checking email during the Orange Appreciation Days/Winter Break period. OSP can be contacted at ospoff@syr.edu��or Stuart Taub can be contacted directly at��staub@syr.edu.

Submission of applications with deadlines during the Orange Appreciation Days/Winter Break period should be coordinated with OSP staff in advance of the break to ensure timely review and authorization.

Student Box Office

The Student Box Office is now virtual. Please email any questions to��boxoffice@syr.edu.

Student Engagement

The Hildegarde and J. Myer Schine Student Center and the Ann and Alfred Goldstein Student Center will be open during the following times:

• Dec. 10 to 12: Schine: 7:30 a.m. to 2 a.m., Goldstein: 7:30 a.m. to midnight
• Dec. 13 and 14: Schine: 9 a.m. to 2 a.m., Goldstein: 9 a.m. to midnight
• Dec. 15: Schine: 7:30 a.m. to midnight, Goldstein: 7:30 a.m. to midnight
• Dec. 16: Schine: 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Goldstein: 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Dec. 17 and 18: Schine: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Goldstein: 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Dec. 19: Schine and Goldstein: 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Dec. 20: Schine: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Goldstein: closed
• Dec. 21: Schine: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Goldstein: closed
• Dec. 22 and 23: Schine and Goldstein: 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Dec. 24: Schine and Goldstein: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Dec. 25 to Jan. 4, 2026: Schine and Goldstein: closed
• Jan. 5 to 8: Schine and Goldstein: 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Jan. 9: Schine: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Goldstein: 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Jan. 10: Schine: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Goldstein: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Jan. 11: Schine and Goldstein: 9 a.m. to midnight

Student Experience

Career Services, Greek Life, Health Promotion (Barnes Center), Student Employment and the Office of Community Standards will all be closed from Thursday, Dec. 25, through Friday, Jan. 2, 2026. If issues arise during this time, please contact the Department of Public Safety at 315.443.2224 for assistance. New Student Programs will be closed Monday, Dec. 22, through Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. To support the arrival of our new and returning first-year and transfer students, staff members will respond to voicemails and emails during this time.

Student Outreach and Support

The office will be closed for the holiday/Orange Appreciation Days period; however, the Division of the Student Experience staff is on call during this time in the event of a student emergency; please contact the Department of Public Safety at 315.443.2224 for assistance. For 24/7 health and wellness support, contact the Barnes Center at The Arch at 315.443.8000

Student Title IX Case Management

The office will be closed for holiday/Orange Appreciation Days period; however, on-call staff will be available to respond if issues arise. To file a report, email��titleix@syr.edu.��In the event of a student emergency, please contact the Department of Public Safety at 315.443.2224. For 24/7 health and wellness support, contact the Barnes Center at The Arch at 315.443.8000.

��Syracuse Abroad

Syracuse Abroad will be closed 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025, through Friday, Jan. 2, 2026. Normal business hours will resume on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026.��The general voicemail (800.235.3472 or 315.443.3471) and email (suabroad@syr.edu) will be checked daily. In case of an emergency, please call the Department of Public Safety at 315.443.2224. For more information, visit the .

Technology Transfer

Staff will be checking email during the holiday/Orange Appreciation Days period and will respond to urgent matters as needed. Invention disclosures with imminent publication (conference presentation/poster session, grant application, paper submission) deadlines prior to Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, should be coordinated with the Office of Technology Transfer staff well in advance of Friday, Dec. 19, to ensure timely review and filing for protection.

Treasurer’s Office

The Treasurer’s Office at 621 Skytop Rd. will be closed starting Thursday, Dec. 25, through Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. Only critical functions will continue to be performed during this time, including secure gift processing, bank transfers and electronic payments. For any requests for the Treasurer’s Office of an urgent nature, please e-mail treasoff@syr.edu��with the subject heading URGENT or call Scott Kemp at 315.443.6204.

University Credit Card

Please contact J.P. Morgan directly at 1.800.316.6056 for any issues related to lost or stolen cards, fraud charges or declined transactions. Please be aware that the digits 6 through 9 of your SU I.D. number is the pin number on file. University staff will also be available to handle credit issues relating to University procurement or credit cards by email to��JPMCSUCC@syr.edu��or by calling 315.443.1957.

Additional information regarding Orange Appreciation Days/Winter Break services and resources may be found at:

Jill Nelsen L’27 playing soccer and loving sports. She was recruited to California State-East Bay with a four-year athletic scholarship to play women’s varsity soccer, while also earning a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology. When she later decided to pursue law school, she hoped to stay connected to the world of sports and entertainment—but she never imagined that would open doors to opportunities like Miami Swim Week and New York Fashion Week.

During her first year year, Nelsen joined the Entertainment & Sports Law Society, often attending networking events with alumni thriving in this space. At one such event, she met Riley Christian L’16, now an entertainment and sports attorney with , a firm he founded in 2022.

Nelsen and Christian had a lot in common; she had been a collegiate soccer player and he a collegiate baseball player. At the time, Christian was rebranding his boutique law firm in New York City to focus more on the areas of sports and entertainment that dealt with navigating the NCAA’s new Name Image and Likeness (NIL) rules for college athletes and handling legal issues related to artificial intelligence in the entertainment and music business.

Nelsen later reached out to Christian, asking if he might need an intern, and he agreed to bring her onboard.

At first, she helped navigate the logo development for the firm’s rebranding, later moving on to legal research for defamation cases, statute of limitations issues, trademark infringements and intellectual property, while learning as much as she could about the ever-evolving NIL rules.

Piecing Together Sports, Fashion and the Law

While her whole internship experience was exciting, Nelsen says two highlights were attending Miami Swim Week and New York Fashion Week.

“Riley knew these big events would be good networking experiences for me, and he also knew I liked to talk to people and that would be a good way to spread the word about the rebranding of Artifex Athleta,” she says.

The annual Miami Swim Week is the world’s largest swimwear and resort wear event that includes runway fashion shows, trade shows and pop-up shops, as well as the chance to meet and network with all kinds of people connected to this area of fashion— from designers and buyers to athletes, agents and the media.

“Yes, it was focused on swimwear, but there are so many aspects of the law attached to the fashion space, including trademarks, sponsorships, negotiating and closing NIL and more,” Nelsen says. “It was a fascinating experience to see it in action.”

She also attended New York Fashion Week, one of the “big four” fashion events in the world, showcasing what’s going to be “in” for the upcoming season. The biannual event includes exclusive runway shows by world-class designers that are attended by celebrities, influencers, fashion buyers and the media.

This, too, gave Nelsen an opportunity to network with a host of agents, attorneys and other business leaders in the fashion space.

“The experience of not only attending these fabulous events but also having the chance to work with Riley helped me begin to make a name for myself as more than just an athlete,” she says. “The younger version of me would be emotional to see all the things I’ve accomplished both in my course work, as well as internship opportunities. My takeaway from this entire experience is that I can do it, and there are people who truly believe in me and see my potential.”

Uplifting Women Is the Ultimate Win

After completing her education at the College of Law, Nelsen’s dream is to one day work as general counsel for a NBA or NFL team and negotiate from the team’s side with players and their agents. But her ultimate goal is to one day be a general manager or even owner of a WNBA team.

“Sports, and now working in sports—has always been the dream,” she says.

Her older sister has been a role model, she says, “moving mountains” as director of services and retention for the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers.

“I’ve also learned a lot about creating space for people like me, particularly as a first-generation Latina woman,” Nelsen says. “I’ve been told I’m too much, too blunt, too Californian, but I’ve also been told ‘don’t dim your light to fit into a box that’s been predefined for you.’ I am proud to be a Syracuse law student with the opportunity to contribute to uplifting women in the sports and entertainment business and also within the legal field. That is a real win for me.”

Nine faculty members in the (VPA) and five Universitywide organizations are among more than 2,400 nonprofit arts and culture organizations and individuals receiving (NYSCA) funding for 2026. NYSCA recently.

The following organizations received Support for Organizations awards totaling $110,000 to assist with general operations:

• , $10,000
• , $25,000
• , $10,000
• , $40,000
• , $25,000

Support for Artist awards of $10,000 each were also announced for these faculty members:

• , professor, Department of Film and Media Arts, for the project “Aphrodite’s Conception”
• , assistant professor, Department of Film and Media Arts, supporting the Light Work project “By the Skin of Her Teeth”
• , associate professor, Department of Film and Media Arts, for “By All Your Memories”
• , associate professor, Department of Film and Media Arts, for “Mid-Film Crisis,” presented with New York Women in Film & Television
• , assistant professor, School of Art, for “Demigoddess Comic Series”
• , associate professor, Setnor School of Music (in VPA) and School of Education, for “We Hold These Truths: Commemorating the 250th Birthday of The United States of America”
• , assistant professor, Department of Drama, for the project “Wolf Women”
• , instructor in the School of Art, for the work “Night Field,” presented at Stone Quarry Hill Art Park.

In addition, , associate professor in the School of Art, in collaboration with Columbia University faculty members Lynnette Widder and Wendy Walters, received a for the book initiative, “Seeds of Diaspora: Plants, Migrations, Settlements, Cities.” The grant program, a partnership between NYSCA and The Architecture League of New York, recognizes work in architecture, historic preservation and various fields of design.

��was founded on a powerful premise: self-expression through writing holds transformative potential.

This year, the honored Project Mend with its 2025 Outstanding College-Community Partnership Award, the initiative’s efforts to empower justice-impacted individuals through writing and publishing.

The project, developed by , associate professor of writing and rhetoric in the College of Arts and Sciences, is a multimodal, grassroots-level, open-access national archive centered on the scholarly and creative work of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals and their communities. It is grounded in a digital storytelling and publishing apprenticeship for justice-impacted people, providing practical skills and professional opportunities.

Complementing the effort is “,” a print and digital journal that publishes works by anyone impacted by mass incarceration, amplifying voices that are often marginalized or silenced.

“Both components concern the power of writing to bring about change, exploring how individuals learn to write themselves into new identities and new lives,” Berry says.

The��‘s Outstanding College-Community Partnership Award specifically honors initiatives that embody collaboration and reciprocity between universities and communities. The Coalition’s array of programs and member projects help catalyze community-based writing for the public good.

Berry’s work exemplifies the spirit of the award through meaningful partnerships that center the voices of justice-impacted individuals.

David Todd talked about Project Mend’s transformative role at a�� in the spring.

“Writing is one of the factors that boosted my confidence,” he said during the dialogue facilitated by the . “I was able to express myself, and when I’m able to express myself, people start to listen to me.”

The success of Project Mend has been made possible through partnerships with the Center for Community Alternatives and support from the Humanities New York Post-Incarceration Humanities Partnership, funded by the Mellon Foundation and the CNY Humanities Corridor.

At the University, Project Mend is supported by the Engaged Humanities Network, CODE^SHIFT (Collaboratory for Data Equity, Social Healing, Inclusive Futures and Transformation), the Humanities Center, the SOURCE, Syracuse University Libraries and the Department of Writing Studies, Rhetoric and Composition. Berry also received an award from the Office of Research’s Good to Great (G2G) Grant Program, designed to help faculty secure major external funding by supporting the revision of promising grant proposals.

The multifaceted support has helped Berry strengthen the initiative as it prepares for its next phase of growth. Its new work includes a series of animated films that highlight selections from the pages of “Mend.” On Thursday, Nov. 13, Wade and animator Evan Bode will premiered “Prison and Time,” adapted from a piece in the 2025 issue of the journal.

In January, Project Mend will also launch “Mend Fences,” a podcast series of recorded conversations inspired by contributions to the journal.

As Project Mend applies for new grants and reconfigures as a comprehensive national archive, it continues to demonstrate how writing can be a powerful tool for transformation. By giving formerly incarcerated individuals and their families platforms to share their narratives, Berry’s initiative creates opportunities for justice-impacted people to reimagine themselves, their communities and their futures.

The University the recipients of the Fall 2025 Orange Innovation Fund, a competitive grant program that fuels early-stage ideas developed by student entrepreneurs. The fund supports innovative projects across campus that demonstrate strong potential to commercialize research.

The fund, administered through the University Libraries, is designed to help student founders move their ventures from concept to prototype on the path to commercialization. The grants range up to $5,000 and enable recipients to build MVPs (minimum viable products), test ideas with real users and validate market potential. Since its inception, the fund has helped dozens of student teams advance toward competitive accelerators, patent filings and commercial launches.

Winners were selected by reviewers from across the campus innovation ecosystem, along with alumni who are successful founders and industry experts.

The Fall 2025 recipients are the following:

• Gabi Josefson ’28 (Martin J. Whitman School of Management and S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications) and Mitchell Breakstone ’28 (Whitman School ) received funding for EXCHKR, a platform that simplifies how clubs, sports teams and Greek organizations manage payments and track budgets. EXCHKR’s team will use this grant to develop the platform’s full MVP, integrating Stripe and Plaid for secure payments and real-time dashboards.
• Jack Venerus ’27 (School of Information Studies) received support for WingStat, a software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform that makes aircraft sales data more accessible for brokers. The Orange Innovation Fund will help WingStat build its MVP and launch a beta test with aircraft brokers nationwide.
• Trey Augliano ’27 (Whitman School) was selected for Utopia Beauty, a retail startup exclusively curating science-backed beauty products. Funding will support the creation of a proprietary tool that grades beauty products using the company’s Lab Protocol, integrating AI and customer testing to refine results before launch.
• Haley Greene ’26 (Newhouse School) received support for Miirror, a nonprofit digital platform addressing the urgent gap in accessible support for the 30 million Americans who struggle with eating disorders. Greene’s grant will fund backend development, accessibility certification and an 8- to 12-week campus pilot to assess user engagement and mental health outcomes.
• Ronan Hussar ’26 (Whitman School) was awarded funding for MacroFlow, which allows users to automate Excel tasks using simple language instead of code. The grant will support secure software development and beta testing with 25 early users.
• Jacob Kaplan ’28 (School of Information Studies) was awarded funding for The OtherGlasses, the world’s first adaptive eyewear that automatically adjusts to users’ changing vision throughout the day. Grant funds will help build a functional prototype using liquid crystal lenses and develop a companion app for real-time adjustment testing.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the continued support of Syracuse’s entrepreneurship ecosystem and excited to receive this grant as we prepare to launch EXCHKR,” Josefson says. “This funding will help us accelerate development and bring a much-needed financial management solution to student organizations nationwide.”

“Being selected for this award could not have come at a better time,” says Hussar. “The grant will take MacroFlow from an MVP to a market-ready product at a point where every dollar truly matters. Being selected also means that judges believe in my idea. That support motivates me to keep building.”

“Winning the Orange Innovation Fund award is incredibly meaningful,” says Venerus. “It gives us the momentum to finish our MVP and get WingStat market-ready, and it’s validating to know others see the impact and potential in what we’re building.”

“I’m very grateful to receive this award,” says Augliano. “I want to thank Orange Innovation team for recognizing the value that Utopia brings to the beauty industry. With this award, I will be able to build out the infrastructure for our product grading tool.”

“Being selected for the Orange Innovation Award tells me that people believe not only in Miirror, but in the future we’re trying to build, one where access to help is a right, not a luxury,” says Greene. “This grant, and every bit of support, moves us closer to turning something painful into something that gives others access to care and helps them feel less alone, which is all I’ve ever wanted to do.”

“These students represent the creativity, technical skill and drive that define Syracuse’s innovation community,” says David Seaman, dean of University Libraries. “The Orange Innovation Fund helps student founders take the important steps to move from idea to reality and achieve important milestones along their product development roadmap.”

The Orange Innovation Fund was supported through a leadership gift from University trustee Raj-Ann Gill. Through programs like the Orange Innovation Fund, the University continues to strengthen its reputation as a leading national hub for student innovation, supporting entrepreneurs who blend creativity, technology and purpose to make real-world impact.

The Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Engagements (SOURCE) six different research experiences for undergraduate first- and second-year students on Fridays from January through February 2026 called SOURCE Explore.

SOURCE Explore programs are hands-on, interactive workshops designed to introduce students to research through short-term research activities led by a faculty member or research staff member. SOURCE Explore programs are for students in their first or second year with no prior research experience but who are curious to learn more. Students from all majors (or undeclared) are encouraged to apply, and participants will receive a $250 stipend upon completion of the program.

The program takes place on Jan. 23, Jan. 30, Feb. 6, Feb. 13 and Feb. 20, with the final presentation on Feb. 27 from 2–4 p.m.

Space is limited to 8-12 participants per cohort.

Cohorts this year represent the fields of nutrition, fashion design, communications and more. The six SOURCE Explore programs being offered are:

• How Our Lives Became Plastic: Researching Material Culture in the Archives, offered through the Special Collections Research Center at the University Libraries
• Analyzing Media & Popular Culture through a Social Justice Lens with Newhouse’s CODE^SHIFT Lab
• Material as Method: Research through Textile Experimentation
• Capturing Veteran Stories: Oral History Planning for the Modern Tenth Mountain Division Resource Center
• The Impact of Hydration Status on Body Composition
• InferredMe: Data-driven Self-Reflection on AI Interactions

Interested students .

The ‘ recently appointed Cramer Family Foundation Professor of Practice in Community Impact brings a rare combination of community-based civic engagement and expertise in cultivating changemakers across a range of fields.

joined the Maxwell School in August as part of the newly formed Civic and Community Engagement office. She is teaching undergraduates from a range of University degree programs with a focus on experiential learning, leadership development and problem-solving.

This semester, Arnold is teaching a capstone course in which students are tasked with turning their social science research into an action plan in partnership with a local government or community organization. One project focuses on using social media strategies to help nonprofits expand engagement and impact. Another aims to help families facing hardship to keep their pets while relieving pressure on local shelters.

Arnold plans to develop additional courses focusing on public narrative and civic leadership as well as applied social innovation and partnership building.

“These classes provide students with the analytical tools and practical skills needed to identify social problems, develop evidence-based responses and lead effective community engagement efforts through hands-on research and real-world partnerships,” she says. “By connecting rigorous analysis with practical implementation, students develop the civic leadership skills essential for creating lasting change and strengthening democratic institutions.”

The Cramer Family Professor of Practice in Community Impact was established through a generous gift by the Gerald and Daphna Cramer Foundation to provide support to students across a range of community engagement efforts that develop capabilities and skills in entrepreneurship, civic engagement, philanthropy, systems change, social innovation and impact.

The late Gerald B. Cramer earned a degree in accounting from the in 1952 and went on to become one of the Maxwell School’s most generous and dedicated supporters. He and his wife, Daphna, funded professorships and graduate assistantships and supported the creation of the Global Affairs Institute at Maxwell (now the ) as well as the University’s Institute for National Security and Counterterrorism (now the ).

Arnold says her work across fields and sectors has given her a unique lens and ability to connect with and mentor students with wide-ranging interests.

Most recently, she served as director of leadership engagement and impact at the Truman National Security Project, where she developed training programs and oversaw national policy and impact networks. At Google, she led national Ph.D. outreach strategies and helped launch diversity initiatives that continue to shape the company’s talent pipeline.

Her approach at Maxwell also draws on two decades of experience at top academic institutions. At Cornell University’s Johnson Graduate School of Management, she redesigned the technology career curriculum, advised MBA students and grew the school’s High Tech Club into its largest professional organization.

At MIT’s School of Engineering, she managed the Undergraduate Practice Opportunities Program, helping engineering students integrate professional skills with technical expertise. And, at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Center for Public Leadership, she coordinated interdisciplinary fellowship programs that immersed graduate students in dialogue with influential leaders.

Across roles, Arnold says she has focused on three core principles: applied learning that connects classroom theory with real-world practice, cross-sector relationship-building and leadership development that empowers diverse voices. “Whether I was working with engineering students at Google, MBA candidates at Cornell or community members, the approach has been the same—give people the tools, connections and confidence to create change,” she says.

G’05, G’08, assistant teaching professor in the , a National Science Foundation (NSF) Experiential Learning for Emerging and Novel Technologies (ExLENT) award for quantum and semiconductor upskilling. Hasanovic will develop an education program to give adult learners hands-on preparation for semiconductor, optics and quantum technology careers.

NSF’s ExLENT program is designed to support experiential learning opportunities in emerging technology fields. The program is especially focused on eliminating barriers to STEM education for adult learners by providing training programs that lead to new career pathways.

Professor Hasanovic’s program, Quantum and Semiconductor Upskilling for Career Change through Experiential Education Deployment in Central New York (Q-SUCCEED-CNY), will span six semesters and offer training on specific technologies, interactive demonstrations, industry talks and mentorship. Workshops will take place in the evenings and on weekends to accommodate working adults. Each semester-long cohort program will conclude with a five-day immersive bootcamp covering topics like clean room protocols, semiconductor processes, optical measurements and laser applications.

“This was truly a collaborative effort, and I express my deepest gratitude to all the internal and external partners who contributed to this proposal,” says Hasanovic. “I look forward to working with them—not only on this project, but on future efforts that aim to build a stronger regional tech workforce. By connecting adult learners with emerging technologies and real industry pathways, we’re not just preparing individuals for new careers—we’re investing in the long-term economic strength and innovation potential of Central New York.”

“This award strengthens Syracuse University’s growing leadership in semiconductor and quantum education and research,” says Alex Jones, Klaus Schroder Endowed Professor and the chair of electrical engineering and computer science. “Alongside our increasingly recognized activities in areas such as artificial intelligence and wireless communications, Professor Hasanovic’s program further positions the University at the forefront of innovation in the nation’s most critical technologies.”

Hasanovic has extensive experience in teaching and program development for quantum-enabled technologies, as well as a long career in radio-frequency engineering and design. Q-SUCCEED-CNY builds on the success of EdQuantum, an NSF-funded curriculum Hasanovic created for photonics technicians, and other Syracuse University programs for semiconductor workforce training.

In addition to creating the EdQuantum program, Hasanovic has authored several electrical engineering textbooks and manuals. With both a Ph.D. in electrical engineering and an MBA from Syracuse University, he is uniquely equipped to develop collaborations between industry and academia.

Hasanovic will lead Q-SUCCEED-CNY as Principal Investigator (PI), with support from Jones and Professor Prasanta K. Ghosh as Co-PIs. The program is an interdisciplinary effort, integrating career coaching through the College of Professional Studies, and will also leverage partnerships with Onondaga Community College, the Manufacturers Association of Central New York, Jubilee Homes, Westcott Community Center and other regional businesses and community-based organizations.

On April 28, 2025, a major power outage affected millions across Spain, Portugal and parts of southern France due to what authorities described as a “.” Although the exact cause was not immediately confirmed, concerns quickly arose about the possibility of a cyberattack. Such trepidation highlights how in today’s interconnected world, something as simple as a phishing email can trigger a chain reaction that jeopardizes the safety and well-being of millions.

Recognizing the exponentially growing importance of cybersecurity, the College of Arts and Sciences’ (A&S’)����(Forensics Institute) offers a ��in partnership with the����(iSchool). This program is designed to equip future professionals with the critical skills needed to safeguard sensitive information and infrastructure while holding malicious actors accountable. The M.S. blends courses in digital forensics, cybersecurity and data analytics with advanced forensic science and crime scene investigation.

What Are Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics?

While closely interconnected, these disciplines represent proactive and reactive approaches to managing digital threats. Whereas cybersecurity focuses on preventing attacks and protecting digital infrastructure, digital forensics is concerned with investigating breaches in established cybersecurity and identifying the cause, scope and perpetrators of the attack.

With digital evidence now central to over 90% of criminal cases, as reported in the��, the program equips students for careers in cybersecurity, digital investigations and intelligence analysis. They also gain hands-on experience through fieldwork at top-tier facilities, including federal agencies like the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Justice and the Department of Defense, along with various crime laboratories and prosecutor’s offices.

Learning from Leaders in Cybersecurity

A key strength of the program is the access students have to faculty who are actively engaged in cutting-edge, practical research. A prime example is��, courtesy research professor and adjunct professor of forensics who also received a master’s degree in forensic science from A&S and a Ph.D. in cybersecurity from the Federal University of Technology Paraná in Brazil. When not teaching courses at Syracuse, he is conducting international research with organizations like the Brazilian Army at the Military Institute of Engineering.

“We focus on developing advanced simulated environments that can replicate everything from energy substations to entire distribution systems,” says Lemos about his current work. “These environments allow us to simulate cyberattacks and study system and device behavior, including the integration of physical equipment.”

Over the past decade, Lemos says the significant rise in attacks on critical infrastructure, such as the����in 2015 and the����in 2021, which significantly affected fuel supply to the U.S. East Coast, emphasize the growing need for highly trained professionals to work in both prevention and incident response.

Ensuring Grid Resilience

Lemos’ work in Brazil involves safeguarding that country’s power supply by exploring how systems react before, during and after an incident—without the risks or costs associated with testing real infrastructure.

“These simulations help uncover vulnerabilities, assess system resilience and evaluate the effectiveness of various detection and defense mechanisms. They also support the development of robust incident response plans and recovery protocols,” Lemos says. In turn, he brings this expertise and a deeper, more practical understanding of how to protect critical systems into the classroom at Syracuse, enriching the learning experience for students.

In his course, Computational Forensics, students are introduced to cutting-edge technologies such as machine learning and artificial intelligence. These tools are vital in the field of cybersecurity to sift through vast amounts of network traffic data to detect unusual patterns. By tackling practical forensic problems, students develop both the technical expertise and an analytical mindset essential for careers in cybersecurity and digital investigations.

Lemos sees sharing the professional knowledge he’s gained as a meaningful way to give back, recognizing the pivotal role his A&S education played in shaping his career.

“My education at Syracuse University was foundational to the work I do today,” he says. “The combination of strong theoretical grounding and hands-on experience—guided by professors who are both researchers and practitioners—gave me the tools to engage with real-world cybersecurity challenges. I’m grateful for the opportunity to support students as they prepare for impactful careers in high-stakes fields like military operations and critical infrastructure systems.”

By combining rigorous academic instruction with applied learning and direct engagement with faculty leading global initiatives, the Forensics Institute equips students to confront today’s complex digital threats. This integrated approach aligns with the University’s and A&S’s priorities of preparing students for careers in emerging and innovative technologies.

The new Phanstiel Chair in Leadership brings expertise from top roles in the military, government and private sectors. He also brings enthusiasm for technology that’s rapidly transforming the workforce.

served as a U.S. Army colonel, chief talent management officer for the U.S. Department of Defense and senior director and head of military and veteran affairs for Walmart. His background also includes entrepreneurial roles and service on national and regional boards.

Parmeter’s role is situated in the public administration and international affairs department, where he is also a professor of practice. “He has a wealth of experience and has been incredibly innovative with technology use in his leadership roles in the private and public sectors,” says , chair and associate dean of the department. “And, he is highly engaging. I really think our students are going to enjoy his classes and learn how he takes ideas and puts them into practice.”

Parmeter will teach undergraduate and graduate students and engage with national and international security policy courses and participants in Maxwell’s executive education program. He has joined executive education courses in recent years as a guest speaker on the invitation of Director Steven Lux.

Parmeter is interested in the study and application of emerging technology, most especially artificial intelligence (AI). At the Defense Department, he used AI to streamline work, simplify processes and provide insight.

“It gave me a clear view of both the potential and the pitfalls,” he says. “AI can reduce barriers and speed up decision-making, but it also raises real governance, ethics and implementation questions. My experiences convinced me that understanding AI isn’t optional for public leaders, it’s essential.”

Since joining Maxwell in August, Parmeter has been developing a course called AI, Innovation and Public Institutions that he says will challenge students to think about how AI and other emerging technologies can strengthen public institutions. The course will be offered in the winter session to students across the University.

“I want them to leave with both a healthy skepticism and a sense of possibility and, ultimately be able to ask the right questions, connect policy and technology, and design solutions that actually work,” says Parmeter.

Additionally—as a senior research associate in the —Parmeter will help conceive panel discussions and guest speakers to expose students to a range of perspectives on timely issues. “The Campbell Public Affairs Institute is thrilled to welcome Brynt to our organization,” says Director . “His background will be invaluable in developing our expertise in AI and governance, while also helping our members reach audiences in important communities beyond the academy.”

Parmeter will also serve as a liaison to the Volcker Alliance on the that seeks to expand and create career pathways and public service roles for military veterans. Dean is chair of the deans summit, a collaborative network behind the effort.

“We’re delighted to welcome Brynt to Maxwell and excited for the many ways his expertise complements scholarship by faculty and students in our centers and institutes and in externally funded studies,” says Van Slyke. “His strategic insight, public service record and entrepreneurial spirit will greatly benefit our students and the wider University community.”

.

National Science Foundation (NSF) funding for Syracuse University faculty research projects totaled $19.7 million in fiscal year 2025, an increase of $5.8 million over last year’s total, according to the .

NSF also recognized four faculty members with prestigious.

Duncan Brown, vice president for research, says expanded NSF funding and the selection of four faculty for CAREER recognition is a testament to the strength, quality and innovativeness of research taking place across campus. “Such positive outcomes show how important it is that our researchers continue to apply for federal grants. Doing so helps assure that continuing projects can maintain their momentum without interruption and that new research ideas have the support they need to realize societal impact,” says Brown.

CAREER Awards

CAREER Awards are NSF’s highest recognition for early-career academic professionals. The awards are designed to help recipients build the foundation for a lifetime of leadership and integration of education and research. Receiving the awards this year are:

• , assistant professor of chemistry in the
• , assistant professor of electrical engineering in the
• , assistant professor of physics in the
• , Maxwell Dean Associate Professor of the Politics of AI��in the

Hu works on that are super sensitive to mechanical forces and that can show visible signs, like changing color, when they are deformed or damaged. This helps materials report damage on their own and makes it possible to study how subtle force moves through complex systems, such as synthetic plastics and biological materials. He also designs smart materials that adapt their behavior or properties in response to other triggers, such as ultrasound, light or chemicals.

Kim aims to bridge the information gap between software systems and hardware devices by embedding implicit hints between systems and devices. The research helps��improve data storage performance and data retrieval reliability while maintaining compatibility. It supports complex, large-scale computing needs of modern businesses and technologies such as artificial intelligence and big-data analytics.

Mansell builds and fine tunes , the tools that detect the tiny ripples in space caused by cosmic events such as black hole mergers. She also works with a special kind of light called “squeezed light” that helps make the detectors more precise.

Zhang uses quantitative methods to study how the interests of citizens and technical experts could shape the. She explores the politics of digital technologies regarding AI governance; the international political economy in the age of advanced automation and quantitative social science methods.

Record Year for NSF Funding

The $19.7 million in awards is the highest amount since 2022, according to Chetna Chianese, senior director in the (ORD). She says the success highlights the faculty’s continued striving for research success regardless of a shifting federal funding landscape.

The NSF funding supports dozens of projects across five schools and colleges in multiple research areas, including:

• An for doctoral students in emergent intelligence biological and bio-inspired systems for the
• A cluster of three projects to support the Center for Gravitational Wave Astronomy and Astrophysics
• One new and two renewed Research Experiences for Undergraduates projects
• A project to further explore new physics at the LHCb experiment at , the European center for nuclear research
• A training program for upskilling photonics technicians in advanced optics and quantum research-enabled technologies
• A project to explore the science of social-psychological processes and AI companionship

Support for Proposals

The Office of Research offers broad support for faculty pursuing sponsored funding, including through , departmental research administrators and ORD. Faculty beginning to pursue external funding and resources to support their research and creative activities can start by working with , who bring deep knowledge of external funders and stakeholders to provide strategic consultations.��The Office of Research additionally supports faculty through the , which helps them plan, draft and complete their proposals. That program will resume in the spring semester ahead of the summer 2026 deadline.

ORD also provides guidance regarding the ongoing changes to federal funding, the changing federal funding landscape, updates on new executive orders and adjusted administrative policies and regulatory requirements. “We are keeping faculty updated via email and an internal SharePoint, but our team can also provide project-specific guidance to principal investigators who reach out to us,” Chianese says.

Faculty��interested in applying for NSF and other grants can contact the ORD staff at resdev@syr.edu.

The advanced media management master’s program in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications has received STEM designation, placing it among a select group of graduate programs nationwide that blend media, technology and business strategy under the federal classification for science, technology, engineering and mathematics.