SUNY Empire Spotlight: March 2026

The latest news on research efforts, awards, grants, and media appearances from Empire State University faculty, staff, and leadership.       

Lauren Allen, assistant professor and assistant director of CAARES, appeared on the 1 in 31: Autism Today podcast. 

Veronica Barrios, associate professor, delivered the keynote address for the Latinas en Acción annual conference at Montclair State University. 

Kjrsten Keane, lecturer, gave a presentation at the annual Early Childhood Symposium, held at the Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester. Twenty-one students and faculty—including lecturer Kim Avery, professor Tracy Galuski, assistant professor Lynn Lubecki, assistant professor Chris Closson, associate professor Melissa Wells, visiting assistant professor Charles Infurna, and College of Education Dean Kjersti VanSlyke‑Briggs—attended the event, held on March 14. 

Lynn Lubecki, assistant professor, was named one of Rochester Business Journal’s 2026 Women of Excellence honorees. 

Andrea Piazza, assistant director of accessibility resources and services, attended a rally event hosted by the New York State Disability Services Council in Albany to show support for increased funding for students with disabilities in higher education. 

Dianne Ramdeholl, professor, received the Outstanding Faculty Member in Adult and Higher Education Award from the Adult Higher Education Alliance.  

Ian Reifowitz, SUNY distinguished professor, appeared on France 24 to discuss Bill and Hillary Clinton, the Epstein files, and the political strategy behind having the Clintons testify to Congress. He also spoke with ARC Rochester about the history of relations between the U.S. and Iran and President Trump’s threat to seize Cuba. 

Erica Sharpe, assistant professor, was featured on the Age Better with Barbara Hannah Grufferman podcast. 

Carrie Steinman, assistant professor, assistant professor Cailyn Green, and professor Thalia MacMillan co-authored a new book titled “Guide to Career Planning for the Addictions Field.” 

Gayle Stever, professor, was quoted in an article by Rolling Stone about GoFundMe campaigns for celebrities.  

Noor Syed, associate professor and director of CAARES, was the keynote speaker at the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts convention. She was also recently selected for the Hudson Valley’s Top Forty Under 40 Mover & Shaker Award. 

Cathryn Thurston, associate professor, spoke with Political Pulse about the war in Iran.