The FSU Department of Behavioral Sciences & Social Medicine logo features the large, garnet-and-gold "FSU" acronym above the department name in bold garnet text, with "College of Medicine" written in a smaller garnet font at the bottom.The Department of Behavioral Sciences and Social Medicine focuses on research, scholarship, teaching, training, clinical care and service that emphasize behavioral, physical, social, and lifestyle factors in health and health outcomes. With our community partners, our work prioritizes impacts on lifespan health from childhood to aging and aims to develop and deploy effective solutions to improve health for all.

 

A banner image for the Summer 2025 Newsletter shows a courtyard with a stone water feature, lush greenery, and pink tropical plants.
A banner image features the word "Publications" in bold white text centered against a solid garnet background.

 

An informational graphic titled "Motivational Interviewing in the Treatment of Depression" features an illustration of a person sitting in a chair with thought bubbles containing a scribble and question marks. To the right, two circular headshots depict Heather Flynn, Ph.D., Department Chair, and Sylvie Naar, Ph.D., CTBScience Director, set against a garnet background that also includes the FSU Department of Behavioral Sciences & Social Medicine logo.

Flynn & Naar Publish on Motivational Interviewing for Depression

Heather Flynn, Ph.D., and Sylvie Naar, Ph.D., co-authored Chapter 6 in Motivational Interviewing in the Treatment of Psychological Problems, focusing on using Motivational Interviewing to treat depression. They describe how Motivational Interviewing builds empathy, collaboration, and motivation to boost mood and improve outcomes in drug treatment.

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The informational graphic titled "Loneliness and Cognition in Older Adults" includes an illustration of an older adult viewed from behind, standing alone against a pale blue background. To the right, circular headshots feature Martina Luchetti, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, and Angelina Sutin, Ph.D., Professor, set against a garnet backdrop that includes the FSU Department of Behavioral Sciences & Social Medicine logo.

Luchetti and Sutin Conduct Meta-Analysis on Loneliness and Cognition in Older Adults

A global study led by Martina Luchetti, Ph.D., and Angelina Sutin, Ph.D., found that loneliness is linked to cognitive decline across various cultures. Analyzing data from 20,000+ people in seven countries, their research shows how loneliness affects brain health worldwide.

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The informational graphic titled "Interventions for Pediatric Adverse Childhood Experiences" features an illustration of three children, one of whom has a sad face in a thought bubble above them. To the right, circular headshots depict Javier Rosado, Ph.D., Immokalee Regional Director, and Alicia Fernandez-Garcia, M.D., Clerkship Faculty, set against a garnet background that includes the FSU Department of Behavioral Sciences & Social Medicine logo.

Immokalee Examines Interventions for Pediatric Adverse Childhood Experiences

Javier Rosado, Ph.D., and Alicia Fernandez-Garcia, M.D., co-authored an article on interventions for Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in pediatric primary care. The study shows how integrated behavioral health services can reduce psychosocial issues and adolescent depression through timely support like psychoeducaion, therapy, and case management.

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The informational graphic titled "Youth E-Cigarette Screening: Advice, Impact, & Perception" features an illustration of three young people surrounded by clouds of vapor. To the right, circular headshots depict John Acosta-Peñazola, M.S., 2023 Bridge Graduate, M.D. Class of 2027; Karen Geletko, MPH, Research Faculty; and Jon Mills, Ph.D., Research Faculty II. These elements are set against a garnet background that includes the FSU Department of Behavioral Sciences & Social Medicine logo.

Youth E-Cigarette Screening: Advice, Impact, & Perception

2023 Bridge Graduate John Acosta-Peñaloza, with mentors Karen Geletko, MPH, and Jon Mills, Ph.D., published research on provider e-cigarette screening and advice for adolescents. The study found that screening was more common among youth aged 13–18, males, White and/or non-Hispanic teens, and that provider advice was linked to greater perception of e-cigarette harm. These findings highlight opportunities to strengthen provider influence in preventing youth e-cigarette use.

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The informational graphic titled "Academic Health Department Partnerships: Bridging the Gap Between Town and Gown" features an abstract geometric mountain illustration on the left. To the right, a circular headshot depicts Claudia Blackburn, MPH, Researcher, set against a garnet background that includes the FSU Department of Behavioral Sciences & Social Medicine logo. A dark teal bar at the bottom contains the text "BUILDING AN ACADEMIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT MODEL".

Blackburn Authors Chapter on Strengthening Public Health-Academia Partnerships

Claudia Blackburn, MPH, contributed to Chapter 7 of Academic Health Department Partnerships, detailing a tri-partite model in Leon County, Florida. The chapter highlights a collaboration between a public health department and two universities, offering strategies to strengthen public health through academic partnerships.

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An informational graphic titled "Comparing Dietary Supplement Assessment Tool Accuracy" features a close-up photo of hands holding various pills and capsules, with fresh fruits and vegetables in the blurred background. To the right, a circular headshot depicts Regan Bailey, Ph.D., Professor, set against a garnet background that includes the FSU Department of Behavioral Sciences & Social Medicine logo.

Bailey Compares Dietary Supplement Assessment Tool Accuracy

A study co-authored by Regan Bailey, Ph.D., finds major differences in dietary supplement intake estimates depending on the method used. The 24-hour recall and food frequency questionnaire produced varying results, especially for vitamin D and calcium. The study highlights the need to choose the right tool for accurate nutrient intake estimates.

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The informational graphic titled "Internalizing & Externalizing Symptoms of NF1" features an illustration of a head profile made of interlocking puzzle pieces. To the right, circular headshots depict Yang Hou, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, along with lab members Dan Liu, Liyan Yu, Julia Moreira, Benjamin Felipe Mujica, Elora Shelly Mukhopadhyay, and Angelena Novotney. These elements are set against a garnet background that includes the FSU Department of Behavioral Sciences & Social Medicine logo.

Hou Lab Publishes on ADHD, Academic Achievement, and Emotional Symptoms in Neurofibromatosis Type 1

Yang Hou, Ph.D., and her team co-authored three new studies on individuals with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1):

  • ADHD in NF1: A meta-analysis of 70 studies shows children with NF1 have more severe ADHD symptoms than peers, highlighting the need for early support. Read More

  • Academic Achievement in NF1: Children with NF1 show lower academic performance, with the gap widening over time. Read More

  • Emotional Symptoms in NF1: Individuals with NF1 face higher rates of depression, anxiety, and aggression, especially those with ADHD or low verbal IQ. Read More

The word "Events" in bold white text centered against a solid garnet background.

 

Six professionals stand in an office lobby before a digital sign promoting a 2025 Corporate Leadership Workshop on workplace safety and mental health.
Safety Leader Mark Morgan, Department Chair Heather Flynn, & attendees

Workplace Safety and Mental Health Emphasized in Recent Initiative

Jan. 30, 2025

The Florida Chamber Leadership Cabinet on Safety, Health and Sustainability hosted its 2025 Corporate Leadership Workshop on Safety & Mental Health in the Workplace. The workshop featured expert-led discussions by mental health care integration expert Heather Flynn and safety leader Mark Morgan, emphasizing the role leadership plays in fostering safer and healthier workplaces.

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A woman sits behind a table draped in a light blue tablecloth featuring the "ACTS 2" logo for African-American Alzheimer’s Caregiver Training & Support, which is stocked with informational flyers and hand fans.
Khori Howard, ACTS2 Assistant Outreach Coordinator

Alzheimer's Project Hosts Caregiver Conference

Feb. 15, 2025

The ACTS2 Caregiver Project joined the Alzheimer’s Project Caregiver Conference, connecting with dedicated caregivers and sharing vital resources on dementia care. This event provided practical strategies, emotional support, and essential training to help caregivers navigate their journey with strength and confidence.

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Three women stand and smile in front of an FSU College of Medicine research poster.
Postdoctoral Scholars Daisy Zavala, Dan Liu, & Dean Littles

Postdoctoral Research Featured at Annual Research Day

Apr. 2, 2025

We were honored to have Vice President for Research, Stacey Patterson, and Dean Littles join us in celebrating our Postdoc Research Day. It was an exciting opportunity to showcase the incredible research being conducted across our department.

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An informational flyer for a free Facebook Live workshop titled "Diagnostic, Treatment and Support Services for Older Floridians with Memory Problems," featuring photos of four speakers, a list of key topics regarding memory care and caregiver support, and contact details for the ACTS2 Project.

 

ACTS2 Workshop: Diagnostic, Treatment and Support Services for Older Floridians with Memory Problems: What to Know and Ask

This African-American Alzheimer's Caregiver Training (ACTS2) workshop provided practical information about Florida’s state supported network of memory disorder clinics. Persons with memory loss and their family members often had questions about these programs, wanted to learn more about them, and asked questions to those in the know. 

Watch Here

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A woman with wavy brown hair and a floral grey and black sleeveless top smiles against a solid maroon background.Angelina Sutin Named Fellow of the Gerontological Society of America (GSA)

Achieving fellow status is a prestigious recognition by peers for outstanding contributions to the field of gerontology and represents the highest category of GSA membership.

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A man in a suit and red tie stands next to a woman holding a glass award and wearing a black vest and glasses.Laura Marks Receives 2024-2025 William R. Jones Outstanding Mentor Award

Earned for her efforts at the FSU College of Education, Health, and Human Services, this prestigious honor recognizes exceptional mentors statewide who have made significant contributions to the McKnight Doctoral Fellowship Program.

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The FSU Medicine logo in white text centered on a grey background with a maroon border.

Cheryl Porter Elected AAMC Member-At-Large

The Members-at-Large manage the SGSA mentoring program, ensure that schools in the region have designated institutional voting representatives, and more.

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A close-up of a man with grey hair and a beard wearing a blue stethoscope around his neck, with a blurred background of trees and a blue sky.

George Rust Named 2024 Faculty Advisor of the Year

This student-driven service-learning organization makes a profound impact through initiatives like health screenings and community events.

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Two women standing together, with one woman in a tan blazer holding a Faculty Council Award plaque for "Outstanding Junior Faculty Researcher."

Yang Hou Recognized as 2024 Outstanding Junior Faculty Researcher by FSU COM

With 13 published articles, including four as first author, in prestigious journals like Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Pediatrics, Hou has advanced the understanding of cognitive and behavioral outcomes in individuals with NF1.

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Samantha Goldfarb Receives NIDA-Funded Research Fellowship

The program aims to support the development of innovative biomedical ventures to address substance-use disorders, a complex and critical area in healthcare.

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A man in a suit and tie stands smiling next to a research poster at a conference.

Neuromodulation Student Earns 2024 Young Investigator Travel Award

This award-winning study highlights the potential of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to rapidly treat mental health conditions that have been resistant to antidepressant treatment.

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William Bobo Appointed Section Editor for Pharmacoepidemiology in JCAP

JCAP is a leading international, peer-reviewed journal that focuses on the clinical and translational aspects of psychopharmacology and neurotherapeutic interventions for children, adolescents, young adults, and adults with neurodevelopmental disorders. 

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A woman with long dark hair and a green floral dress smiles while holding a wooden gavel.

Roxann Mouratidis Elected President of the Florida Health Sciences Library Association

The FHSLA works to foster the development of medical libraries in Florida in accordance with professional standards, to inspire and educate medical library personnel, and to implement the exchange of library materials and services.

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A man in a navy blazer and patterned shirt smiling while holding a glass FSU Hispanic Heritage Month Distinguished Service Award.

Javier Rosado Receives FSU 2025 Hispanic Heritage Month Distinguished Service Award

This award recognizes and celebrates a faculty or staff member who enhances cultural awareness and fosters a deeper understanding of the contributions of the Hispanic community’s contributions to the landscape of FSU.

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Take a moment to breathe and reflect as you enjoy these beautiful images, a gentle reminder to embrace the peace and tranquility that surrounds us.
 

A courtyard garden with vibrant pink plants, a large rock feature, and a brick building with arched walkways in the background.
Chapman Wellness Garden, FSU College of Medicine

 

A white lighthouse stands behind lush green trees on a sandy coastline at sunset, with the sun reflecting off the calm water.
St. Marks Lighthouse, Florida

 

A spring with clear, turquoise water is surrounded by trees and fallen branches, with submerged logs visible beneath the surface.
Leon Sinks Geological Area, Florida
The FSU Department of Behavioral Sciences & Social Medicine, College of Medicine logo in garnet and gold on a white background.