Fourteen members of the Class of 2023 have been named Falk College Scholars—the highest academic award conferred by the Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics on graduating seniors. Falk Scholars represent undergraduate students who display academic excellence, exceptional campus and community engagement, independent research and creative work, innovation in their disciplinary field, and personal integrity. Read more about the Class of 2023 Falk Scholars as they describe, in their own words, their most meaningful experiences at Syracuse University.
Borelli
“Throughout my four years, my most influential and memorable experiences have come from within the Falk College. Starting the Fantasy Sports Club in 2021 and serving as vice president was an incredibly fulfilling experience that allowed me to bring together many like-minded individuals. It has been amazing to see an idea I started with one of my peers develop into a hub for students to attend weekly and discuss their fantasy football leagues.
“Being a recruiting intern for the football team during the 2021-22 season was also a memorable experience that taught me about the player operations side of a football organization. Syracuse University, and the various experiences in my time here, has helped me develop into a better person and leader.”
In the News: Borelli competed for the Syracuse team that finished first in the game analytics division in the AXS National Collegiate Sports Analytics Championship.
Dedrick
“Syracuse has provided me with memories, experiences and friends that will stick with me for years to come. One of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had was joining the Sport Analytics Women (SAW) club. I was involved with other clubs but SAW truly gave me a tight-knit community of women to go through this program with as there are not too many of us. The club gave me the opportunity to grow as a person and take on more responsibility.
“I’ve also been able to participate in multiple case competitions, attend the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference and connect with some amazing people in the sport industry. Coming to Syracuse University is truly one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”
In the News: Dedrick competed for the team that finished second in the business analytics division in the AXS National Collegiate Sports Analytics Championship.
Edwards
“While my classes and clubs at Syracuse have always provided security in their routine, it’s really the people and the adventures you embark on with those people that make the difference. Nothing has been more meaningful to me than the nights I spent with friends staying awake far too late, or the in-depth conversations with faculty beyond school—those that dove into my dreams, my sorrows and our collective hope for what the world could be someday. I am so grateful for the friends I made, the faculty mentorship received and the future Syracuse has helped provide for me!”
In the News: Edwards is also a 2023 Syracuse University Scholar and through public health, she found the path to improving the lives of others.
Fein
“I’ve had many meaningful experiences at Syracuse but volunteering for the Shaw Center’s Books and Cooks program each semester is one that stands out. We visit a local elementary school every Friday to teach students a lesson about nutrition and food from different countries. I have built connections with the students and witnessed how much joy it brings to their day, and am grateful to have been part of a program that makes a difference.
“Another experience I am thankful for is conducting my own research. In my Sleep and Hydration study I was able to conduct hands-on research with human participants. I am now looking forward to pursuing a Ph.D. in physiology and continuing this path of academic discovery through research.”
In the News: Fein received the 2021 Ruth Tolley Award from the Department of Nutrition Science and Dietetics.
Halpin
“The sport analytics program has provided me with countless rewarding opportunities to cultivate and demonstrate my analytical skills as they relate to the world of sports. My most meaningful experiences have been representing Syracuse through the SABR [Society for American Baseball Research] Diamond Dollars Case Competitions.
“As part of these events, I collaborated with peers formulating responses to complex prompts relevant to current issues in baseball. These experiences have required me to think outside the box and find precise and unique answers. Being selected as captain of my teams in the last two competitions has been a gratifying experience, allowing me to reflect on my growth as a student and leader.”
In the News: Halpin competed for the Syracuse team that finished second in the business analytics division in the AXS National Collegiate Sports Analytics Championship.
Lechner
“In my time at Syracuse, I’ve had the opportunity to meet some amazing, bright-minded people. Working closely under the guidance and mentorship of Professor Brittany Kmush and other public health faculty members has been a defining experience. The pilot study was made possible through SOURCE [Syracuse Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Engagement], through which I received research funding to further analyze new methods for the detection of opioids in wastewater.
“Syracuse University Ambulance (SUA) has been another place of support during my time here. Being able to serve as a personnel supervisor has had a meaningful impact on my growth as a leader, teacher and person, and I’m forever grateful to all of those who have made these last four years so special.”
In the News: In addition to SUA, Lechner was a member of the Goon Squad, Syracuse University’s official welcoming committee for new students.
Miller
“Being part of the Falk College provided me with a unique learning experience that I could not have received anywhere else. The coursework was not only challenging but also very practical, giving me real-life experience that will undoubtedly come in handy in my future career.
“The University’s robust internship program allowed me to apply my knowledge in real-world settings, giving me hands-on experience and the opportunity to network with industry professionals. The faculty and staff were also incredibly supportive, providing me with guidance and resources to succeed both academically and personally. I feel confident my experiences at Syracuse have given me a strong foundation for success and I’m excited to see what the future holds.”
In the News: Miller competed for the Syracuse team that finished second in the business analytics division in the AXS National Collegiate Sports Analytics Championship.
Miranda
“Since beginning my journey at Syracuse, I have had opportunities to grow professionally and personally. My experience participating in undergraduate research through SOURCE has been truly rewarding.
“Working with Professors Justin Ehrlich, Brittany Kmush and Shane Sanders on research involving head injuries, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), helmet policies and rule changes in the National Football League (NFL) has helped me bridge my love for sports with my passion for public health and medicine. Being a member of the Falk community granted me opportunities that I will hold for a lifetime.”
In the News: Miranda assisted with the research for a study on head injuries for NFL players that was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Penn
“Some of my most influential experiences at Syracuse have been in clubs. One of those clubs is the Baseball Statistics and Sabermetrics Club, for which I have served as vice president. Through the organization, I have been able to work on research and travel to Arizona to compete against other schools across the country in SABR Case Competitions.
“Another club that has been influential is the Sport Management Club and its Charity Sports Auction. As co-chair of the Analytics Committee for the auction, I helped raise money and give back to the Central New York community. These experiences have helped me grow both as a person and in my career.”
In the News: Penn and the Sport Management Club raised more than $50,000 for Vera House at the 2022 Charity Sports Auction.
Roberts
“Syracuse offered many extraordinary opportunities, but my time presenting at the Society for Personality and Social Psychology (SPSP) stands out as one of the most impactful. In the fall of my sophomore year, I began an independent study with Professor Matthew Mulvaney and another student, examining the developmental and personality variables that influenced students’ willingness to engage with diverse viewpoints on campus. This project was accepted for the SPSP National Conference in Atlanta.
“This opportunity reinforced my passion for research and contributed to my decision to pursue graduate school, including taking a position in a research lab. I look forward to taking these skills and applying them to my future academic career.”
In the News: Roberts received the 2021 Florence B. Potter Memorial Award from the Department of Human Development and Family Science.
Seidel
“Syracuse has been a place of true academic and personal growth for me. I have been able to explore my passion for the medical field and service by taking public health and addiction classes and engaging in meaningful campus organizations, including Syracuse University Ambulance and Camp Kesem. Additionally, I traveled abroad to Geneva, Switzerland, expanding my understanding of the world and addiction studies.
“Being a 2022-23 Remembrance Scholar has been one of the most meaningful experiences at Syracuse. I faced challenges and grief in honoring Luann Rogers and those who perished on Pan Am Flight 103. Through that experience, I was able to find the importance of promoting peace, connection and love—the qualities that build a better future.”
In the News: Seidel was one of the University’s 2022-23 Remembrance Scholars, whose mission was to honor and remember the students and others lost in the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, in 1988.
Vines
“During my freshman year, I determined that a double major in public health and policy studies would align with my interests and goals. This interdisciplinary path provided me with valuable opportunities and meaningful experiences and enabled me to make positive impacts over my years at Syracuse.
“I have engaged in experiential learning roles as a research consultant for the Onondaga County Health Department, an intern for Planned Parenthood and a laboratory assistant at the COVID-19 Program Management Office. Through these positions, I enhanced my skills and knowledge in public health practice and connected with influential public health community leaders. These experiences inspired the research content for my honors thesis, which addresses public health and educational disparities and inequities in New York state.”
In the News: This spring, Vines is working as an intern in the education and outreach department at Planned Parenthood of Syracuse.
Wachtel
“When I first learned of the sport analytics program at Syracuse, I knew it was the best choice for me. Now as I am completing my studies, I can reflect on how much I have grown both inside and outside the classroom.
“Out of all my experiences—whether competitions, research or other extracurricular projects—one of the most meaningful has been being a Berlin Scholar for sport management instructor Adrian Simion. In this role, I am participating in department research while also learning about this process. I have assisted with research pertaining to the NCAA transfer portal, providing input on project ideas and cleaning data.
growth as a student, researcher and future professional in the industry could not have been achieved without the opportunities the sport analytics program provided to me.”
In the News: Wachtel competed for the Syracuse team that finished first in the game analytics division in the AXS National Collegiate Sports Analytics Championship.
Yang
“As an undergraduate researcher and research assistant at Syracuse, I have been presented with numerous impressive opportunities and resources. During my sophomore year, I joined Professor Latha Ramalingam’s lab and worked on a study investigating the cross-generational effects of omega-3 fatty acids on improving obesity and chronic inflammation. Through this research project, I learned various skills in experimental operation, including testing gene expressions.
“Serving as a peer mentor in International Student Success and the Renée Crown Honors Program, and being a teaching assistant for Professor Jane Burrell, has provided me with meaningful opportunities to assist others. Additionally, I am honored to have been pre-selected by the Phi Beta Kappa Society New York Chapter at Syracuse University, the most prestigious academic honor society in America. The confidence and passion I have developed at Syracuse have propelled me toward pursuing my dream of becoming a physician-scientist.”
In the News: Yang’s research with Ramalingam involved examining obesity in male mice to explore the idea that a healthier father will produce a healthier child.
