We are excited to share some of the accomplishments of our faculty that have been featured by major media outlets. Accomplishments are listed by date of achievement in reverse chronological order with the most recent first.
Casey Jakubowski
Unleash Your Inner Leader
Knack 4 Business
May 28, 2025
Adjunct Lecturer Dr. Casey Jakubowski, author of seven books, consultant and speaker, and founder of CTJ Solutions, was interviewed on the Knack 4 Business podcast on the topic of “unleashing your inner leader.”
Sheena Mason
Chancellor King Announces the Inaugural Horizon Award for Faculty Research and Scholarship Honorees
SUNY News
April 29, 2025
Assistant Professor of English Dr. Sheena Mason received the inaugural Chancellor’s Horizon Award for Faculty Research and Scholarship, announced by SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr.
SUNY Oneonta Professor Wins Horizon Award
The Daily Star
May 1, 2025
Assistant Professor of English Dr. Sheena Mason was among five SUNY Oneonta faculty and staff members honored with the 2025 Chancellor’s Award for Excellence. Dr. Mason was recognized for the inaugural Chancellor’s Horizon Award for Faculty Research and Scholarship.
Crafting Justice Across the Globe – Meet Our 2024 Fellows
Atlantic Fellows for Racial Equity
July 25, 2024
Assistant Professor of English Dr. Sheena Mason was selected to be part of the Atlantic Fellows for Racial Equity (AFRE) 2024 cohort. As 1 of 20 changemakers with roots and ties across five continents, this group of thinkers, doers and dreamers make up AFRE’s sixth, and first-ever global, cohort. Each Fellow stood out among the more than 300 applicants for the 2024 program for their courage, persistence and curiosity about possibilities for liberated worlds.
Cooperstown Celebrates Juneteenth
The Daily Star
June 19, 2024
Assistant Professor of English Dr. Sheena Mason addressed a group at the First Presbyterian Church in Cooperstown, NY. She spoke about how we must look to history, today, and the future to bring into fruition the type of future that formerly enslaved African Americans envisioned for themselves, their descendants and the broader nation.
Are DEI programs really the problem?
The Hill
May 31, 2024
Assistant Professor of English Dr. Sheena Mason wrote an op-ed for The Hill titled “Are DEI programs really the problem?” discussing the purpose and future of diversity, equity and inclusion programs, highlighting the importance for individuals to humanize and connect to create a culture centered in justice and equity.
New Rule: Identity Crisis | Real Time with Bill Maher
HBO
March 22, 2024
Assistant Professor of English Dr. Sheena Mason was mentioned on “Real Time with Bill Maher” by Bill Maher in the context of identity politics and the need for alternative perspectives and a path forward.
‘You don’t realise you’re ‘black’ until you come to Europe.’ The argument for ‘raceless antiracism’
Irish Independent
Feb. 11, 2024
Assistant Professor of English Dr. Sheena Mason was featured in Irish Independent’s post “You don’t realise you’re ‘black’ until you come to Europe.” The Irish Independent cites her evolving work discussing the argument for ‘raceless antiracism’ and her theory of “racelessness”—also known as “raceless antirace/ism.”
Census should reflect that race isn’t real, advocates say
The Washington Post
Oct. 16, 2023
Assistant Professor of English Dr. Sheena Mason was featured in The Washington Post’s “Census should reflect that race isn’t real, advocates say,” discussing her theory of “racelessness”—also known as “raceless antirace/ism.” She explained how, on an individual level, new terms of how one sees oneself and other people can create a much needed psychological buffer against the assault of racist assumptions and stereotypes and feelings of unbelonging that get recapitulated through the centuries-old practice of racialization (i.e., assignment of “race”).
Dr. Sheena Mason Discusses ‘Theory of Racelessness’
BNC News
Feb. 14, 2022
A recent NPR article on the subject of being racially neutral is stirring up lots of conversation. In response to NPR’s tweet about the story, many on Twitter went to Assistant Professor of English Sheena Mason in the hope that she would chime in on the debate.
Undoing Racism Means Undoing Race | Opinion
Newsweek
Dec. 6, 2021
Assistant Professor of English Sheena Mason gives her opinion on ending racism.
Alex Thomas
Conversations: Coffee with Alex Thomas
The Daily Star
April 21, 2025
Professor of Sociology Dr. Alex Thomas sat down with Gary Herzig, a former mayor of the city of Oneonta, for a conversation about the PLACES (Program for Local Area Community and Environmental Science) research center of SUNY Oneonta and community and planning trends for Oneonta and the greater area.
On Three Different Continents, Rural Health Strains under the Weight of the Coronavirus
Scientific American
June 10, 2022
Sparsely populated regions like central New York, which have smaller health departments and hospitals, are easily overwhelmed during surges, says Alex Thomas, a sociologist at SUNY Oneonta who studies rural health care.
Two years in, pandemic's impact on college students continues to evolve
Spectrum News
May 4, 2022
Being isolated from society during the pandemic has been a challenge for a lot of people, with the transition back into society being, in some cases, even more difficult.
Kaedan O’Brien
German University Awards SUNY Oneonta Prof’s Doctoral Thesis
All Otsego
April 17, 2025
In February, Assistant Professor of Anthropology Dr. Kaedan O’Brien was awarded the 2024 Early Prehistory and Quaternary Ecology Prize for his doctoral thesis on animal migration in prehistory.
SUNY professor is honored by German university
The Daily Star
March 4, 2025
Assistant Professor of Anthropology Dr. Kaedan O’Brien received the 2025 Early Prehistory and Quaternary Ecology Prize from University of Tübingen in Germany for his study of prehistoric animal migrations.
Mark Ferrara
Marking the bicentennial of the Erie Canal
WXXXI News NPR
April 11, 2025
World literature and composition Professor Mark S. Ferrara, Ph.D., was a guest featured on the WXXXI News podcast, “Connections with Evan Dawson” where he discussed his new book, “The Raging Erie: Life and Labor Along the Erie Canal,” and overlooked history of the Erie Canal.
SUNY Prof to Discuss Unseen History of Erie Canal
The Reporter (Catskills Today)
March 31, 2025
The Lost Bookshop welcomed SUNY Oneonta Professor Mark S. Ferrara to the shop to discuss the history of the Erie Canal and his new book, The Raging Erie: Life and Labor Along the Erie Canal.
Melissa Godek
Tug Hill Commission Releases New Issue Paper on How Winter is Changing in the Tug Hill Region
LinkingLewisCounty.com
April 10, 2025
Associate Professor of Meteorology and Climatology Melissa Godek, Ph.D. and Department Chair, contributed to a new issue paper, titled “How Winter is Changing in the Tug Hill Region,” that aims to inform readers about changes in Tug Hill winters by presenting data analysis from four stations located around the Tug Hill region.
William Walker
The Smithsonian could be the beginning of Trump's plan to edit history. Or the end.
The Washington Post
April 10, 2025
Associate Professor of History William Walker notes that when S. Dillon Ripley took over the Smithsonian in 1964, he recognized the institution's failure to fully represent Native Americans and other marginalized groups, initiating a transformative shift toward telling a more inclusive and honest American story.
"It's sickening": Trump order censoring Black history displays a "fundamental misunderstanding"
Salon
April 8, 2025
Associate Professor of History William Walker warns that unprecedented top-down political pressure and funding cuts threaten the Smithsonian and other museums with self-censorship, but remains hopeful that public historians will uphold their principles and continue producing inclusive, community-engaged work.
Kiyoko Yokota
NSF grant to support SUNY Oneonta professor's work
Yahoo News
Jan. 23, 2025
The work of Associate Professor of Biology Dr. Kiyoko Yokota was recently selected for a National Science Foundation Research Opportunity Award.
Before and After Harmful Algal Blooms: Long-Term Monitoring and Modeling in Otsego Lake
Environmental Monitor
August 28, 2023
Associate Professor of Biology Dr. Kiyoko Yokota was featured in Environmental Monitor’s “Before and after Harmful Algal Blooms: Long-Term Monitoring and Modeling in Otsego Lake,” discussing her and her team’s research on harmful algal blooms in Otsego Lake.
RIT's remote sensing experts help scientists keep an eye on the Earth
WICZ-TV
July 28, 2022
NASA leverages data collected from unique temperature-sensing buoys developed by SUNY Oneonta Associate Professor Kiyoko Yokota.
Why You Should Still Care About Microplastics
The Academic Minute
May 20, 2022
Associate Professor of Biology Kiyoko Yokota explains why microplastics are a modern environmental threat.
Brian Haley
The Fight Over Sacheen Littlefeather’s Heritage Takes a New Twist
The Daily Beast
March 5, 2024
Professor of Cultural Anthropology Dr. Brian Haley, who has expertise with historical records, was interviewed by The Daily Beast discussing the Yaqui ancestry records of Sacheen Littlefeather.
Gretchen Sorin
Chenango Co. Historical Society exhibit showcases impact of auto industry for Black Americans
WBNG
Feb. 14, 2024
Dr. Gretchen Sorin, SUNY distinguished service professor at the Cooperstown Graduate Program, discusses the historical impact of the automobile industry on Black Americans.
Driving while Black
The Academic Minute
Nov. 23, 2020
Gretchen Sorin, SUNY distinguished service professor at the Cooperstown Graduate Program, explores how Black Americans have had a different experience with cars.
Valerie Rapson
Eclipse and disco ball
Hudson Mohawk Magazine
Jan. 29, 2024
Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy Dr. Valerie Rapson was interviewed by Hudson Mohawk Magazine about the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8 and how people across New York state can safely view the event.
8 Amazing Things You Can See in the Night Sky Without a Telescope
Best Life Online
May 5, 2023
Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy Valerie Rapson was featured in Best Life Online’s “8 Amazing Things You Can See in the Night Sky Without a Telescope,” explaining where Venus and Mars can be seen shortly after sunset this spring and summer.
Where, When, How to See "Green Comet" in the Capital Region
Times Union
Jan. 27, 2023
Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy Valerie Rapson talks about Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF), which was discovered by astronomers in March 2022 and nicknamed “the green comet” because of its verdant glow.
Astronomy with Dr. Valerie Rapson
WAMC Northeast Public Radio
March 3, 2021
Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy Valerie Rapson answers radio listeners' questions about all things related to astronomy.
Astronomy with Dr. Valerie Rapson
WAMC Northeast Public Radio
Feb. 3, 2021
Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy Valerie Rapson answers radio listeners' questions about all things related to astronomy.
Theresa J. Russo
Financial Playbook for Married Couples
MoneyGeek
March 18, 2023
Professor of Human Development and Family Studies Theresa Russo was featured in MoneyGeek’s “Financial Playbook for Married Couples,” contributing expert tips on marriage and personal finance.
Insight From Experts on Teaching Your Children About Money
Money Geek
March 17, 2022
According to Professor of Human Development and Family Studies Theresa Russo, a goal of parenting is to raise children to become socially competent adults. Moving from being financially dependent on their parents or guardians to being financially self-sufficient is part of the transition to adulthood.
Best & Worst States to Raise a Family
Wallet Hub
Jan. 10, 2022
Families have a lot to consider when deciding where to live. Professor of Human Development and Family Studies Theresa Russo offers what should families consider when choosing a place to set down roots.
Andrew Bottomley
Pacifica Welcomes Oneonta’s WONY… How a New York State University’s 60-Year Commitment to a Student-Run Station Inspires Media Smart Citizens and Carries New Voices to its Local Community
Pacifica Network
Jan. 13, 2023
Associate Professor of Media Studies Andrew Bottomley talks about WONY 90.9 FM, SUNY Oneonta's student-run radio station, which recently marked its 60th anniversary.
Greg Fulkerson and Alex Thomas
Schoharie County Health Director Forced Out Following COVID-19 Conflicts
Albany Times-Union
Jan. 6, 2023
The article cites a 2021 survey on burnout among public health workouts conducted by Professor and Chair of Sociology Greg Fulkerson and Professor of Sociology Alex Thomas, in collaboration with the Bassett Healthcare Network Research Institute and the New York State Association of County Health officials, through their work with the PLACES Institute.
What does it mean for higher education to be rural located and rural serving?
Dr. Parton's Literacy In Place
Feb. 25, 2022
Four of the five metrics utilize a perspective that Professor and Chair of Sociology Greg Fulkerson and Professor of Sociology Alex Thomas describe as urbanormative, or the basing policy and research on urban environments as the norm.
William Wilkerson
A Record-Breaking Number of Women Were Elected Governor in 2022 – Here are 7 Things to Know About How That Happened
The Conversation
Jan. 3, 2023
Professor of Political Science William Wilkerson and research colleague Alana Jeydel, assistant professor of political science at Fresno City College, share insights on the November 2022 midterm election, during which 12 women won a governor’s office.
America Decides: Campaign ‘22
CBS News
Nov. 8, 2022
As the 2022 election results pour in, CBS News cites recent research by Bill Wilkerson and Alana S. Jeydel, assistant professor of political science at Fresno City College, indicating that this year’s female gubernatorial candidates had more political experience than their male counterparts. (Reference is at 5:00 in the news segment).
Will This Be a Banner Year for Women Running for Governor?
Governing
Aug. 24, 2022
William Wilkerson, professor of political science, weighs in on why women are overcoming barriers that few men face in politics.
Lambrianos Nikiforidis
Expert Advice For Finding the Right Card
MoneyGeek
Jan. 2, 2023
Assistant Professor of Marketing Lambrianos Nikiforidis answers FAQs about the pros and cons of getting a credit card that comes with a time-bound 0% APR offer.
Americans Averaged More Than $1,100 on Holiday Spending Last Year; Many Are Still Paying It Off
MoneyGeek
Dec. 1, 2022
Assistant Professor of Marketing Lambrianos Nikiforidis gives insights on the factors that led consumers to overspend during the holidays, and advice for paying off debt from holiday spending.
Geico Insurance Review 2023
WalletHub
April 28, 2022
Assistant Professor of Marketing Lambrianos Nikiforidis discusses how important Geico’s list of discounts should be for a car insurance shopper compared to its base premiums.
The Secret Reason Why Parents Play Favorites
Discover Magazine
April 8, 2022
Assistant Professor of Marketing Lambrianos Nikiforidis explains why parental favoritism may speak to an evolutionary perspective of carrying on the gene pool.
What does it say about car insurance companies that so many have celebrity endorsers?
Wallet Hub
March 23, 2022
Assistant Professor of Marketing Lambrianos Nikiforidis explains why having celebrity endorsers for car insurance makes sense, given the nature of the product/service.
Tips From The Pros: Finding the Right No Annual Fee Card
MoneyGeek.com
March 1, 2022
Is a no annual fee credit card right for you? Assistant Professor of Marketing Lambrianos Nikiforidis offers tips on finding the right “no annual fee” credit card.
Sarah Portway
2022’s Best Cities for Thrifting
Lawn Love
Sept. 12, 2022
Sarah Portway, assistant professor of fashion and textiles, explains the benefits of thrifting as well as tips and tricks on finding the best deals.
Evan Howard Ashford
Morning Show 2022-08-11 Historian Evan Howard Ashford
Morning Show
Aug. 11, 2022
Evan Howard Ashford, assistant professor of Africana and Latinx studies, has just recently published a new book.
Maria Montoya and Alejandra Escudero
SUNY Oneonta students do research in Colombia
The Daily Star
July 26, 2022
Under the tutelage of Maria Montoya, associate professor of Spanish, and Alejandra Escudero, Spanish lecturer, SUNY Oneonta students recently completed research in Colombia.
Sean Robinson
A wilderness pioneer
The Adirondack Almanack
July 10, 2022
Sean Robinson, professor of biology, shares with his botany students about Elizabeth Britton’s pioneering efforts in the High Peaks Wilderness area.
Renee Whitman
Field work: Warsaw native digs into the past on archeology project
The Daily News
July 9, 2022
Anthropology Professor Renee Whitman started a pre-historic field school in the region in 2003 and it remains as the only one of its kind. now.
Kate McGrath
Facial Asymmetry in Gorillas Can Be A Sign of Stress
The Academic Minute
May 19, 2022
According to Kate McGrath, Assistant Professor, Biological Anthropology, stress in childhood can alter the shape of your face.
Florian Reyda
Parasites Revisited
The Academic Minute
May 18, 2022
Florian Reyda, professor of biology, shares how parasites have a role to play in an ecosystem.
Dan Stich
Could We Bring Back Lost Species of Fish?
The Academic Minute
May 17, 2022
Dan Stich, assistant professor of biology, questions how we can help restore declining fish populations.
Casey Coomes
Songbirds and Climate Change
The Academic Minute
May 16, 2022
Visiting instructor and PRODiG fellow Casey Coomes discusses one small animal that is in great peril.
Achim Koeddermann
SUNY Oneonta Class Builds Lifeline With Ukrainian Class
WKTV
April 7, 2022
Associate Professor of Philosophy Achim Koeddermann shares details of a live, online panel discussion with four Ukrainian professors who have received support from Koeddermann and a network of faculty, friends and alumni. SUNY Oneonta and the National Pedagogical Dragomanov University established a partnership three years ago, and before the war broke out, Koedderman had been planning interactive, online sessions between his students and theirs.
Gina Solano
Expert advice on preparing to become a teacher.
study.com
Making the jump from student to teacher isn't always easy. Assistant Professor of Educational Technology Gina Solano gives tips and advice for prospective teachers.
Valerie Rapson and Josh Nollenberg
Lunar eclipse entices local astronomers
The Daily Star
Nov. 18, 2021
An almost total lunar eclipse will take place between 1 a.m. and 7 a.m. Friday, Nov. 19, and astronomy professors at SUNY Oneonta Valerie Rapson and Josh Nollenberg encourage everyone to take a look at the sky.
Karen Stewart
Local professor turns research into video game
The Daily Star
Oct. 28, 2021
Assistant Professor of Media Studies Karen Stewart created a historical story about a SUNY Oneonta student that ends up traveling back in time to the Revolutionary War.
Christine L. Storrie
Ask the Experts: Best Hotel Credit Cards
Wallet Hub
Oct. 21, 2021
Even the best hotel credit cards usually aren’t among the best or most popular cards overall. Assistant Professor of Economics Christine Storrie explains why and gives other details on hotel credit cards.
Chris Karmosky
Average Cost of Flood Insurance 2021
ValuePenguin
Sept. 9, 2021
With sea levels rising, the risk of flooding is becoming a more prominent worry for homeowners in the future. Chris Karmosky, assistant professor of Meteorology and Climatology, offers some measures people can take to mitigate the effects of flooding today.
Matt Hendley
What if the U.S. Followed the Westminster Parliamentary Model?
The Academic Minute
April 5, 2021
Matthew Hendley, professor of history at SUNY Oneonta, delves into the contrasting styles of governance. In his segment, Dr. Hendley considers what the U.S. government would be like if it was more like the United Kingdom's parliamentary system.
Jim Mills
The US has never had much of a pilgrimage tradition
The Conversation US
March 24, 2021
The pandemic has curtailed religious tourism for many. Jim Mills, associate professor of geography and environmental sustainability at SUNY Oneonta, suggests the U.S. has never had a tradition of pilgrimages, but that they could be an opportunity for healing.
Pilgrimages could save the environment
The Academic Minute
June 11, 2020
Pilgrimages could save the environment. James Mills, assistant professor of geography and environmental sustainability, explores how.
Brian Lowe
Conspiracy Theories
The Academic Minute
March 17, 2021
Conspiracy theories continue to run rampant in today’s public sphere. Brian Lowe, professor of sociology at SUNY Oneonta, looks into why.
Analyzing "Big Data"
WAMC Northeast Public Radio
Aug. 5, 2013
Dr. Brian Lowe of the State University of New York Oneonta explains why "Big Data" is becoming a focus of academic inquiry.
Richard Barberio
What Can Scandal Tell Us About Presidential Power
The Academic Minute
Jan. 19, 2021
U.S. Presidents have a long history of scandals. Richard Barberio, associate professor of political science at SUNY Oneonta, looks into these profligations to investigate presidential power.
Philip Sirianni
The result of taxing carbon emissions
The Academic Minute
June 12, 2020
What happens when carbon emissions are taxed? Philip Sirianni, associate professor of economics, explores how our neighbor has fared with this policy in place.
Trevor Fuller
What is environmental justice?
The Academic Minute
June 9, 2020
Trevor Fuller, associate professor of geography and environmental sustainability, explains what environmental justice is.
Greg Fulkerson
Urbanization, urban dependency and urbanormativity
The Academic Minute
June 8, 2020
The world is getting more and more urban. Greg Fulkerson, associate professor of sociology, explains why an urban world will still depend on rural areas.
Bharath Ramkumar
Fast Fashion: Food isn’t the only product treatable as disposable in our society
The Academic Minute
Oct. 28, 2019
Bharath Ramkumar, professor of human ecology at SUNY Oneonta, explores fast fashion.
Jacqueline Bruscella
Do you say Happy Holidays or Merry Christmas?
The Academic Minute
Dec. 25, 2018
Jacqueline Bruscella, assistant professor of communication at SUNY Oneonta, says your choice may depend on your speech community.
Tracy Betsinger
Vampires are more than just Dracula
The Academic Minute
Oct. 31, 2017
Tracy Betsinger, associate professor in the department of anthropology at SUNY Oneonta, looks into a different European vampire legend.
Sallie Han
Material Culture and Pregnancy
WAMC Northeast Public Radio
Jan. 31, 2014
Professor of Cultural Anthropology Sallie Han of the State University of New York Oneonta discusses what the items we accumulate during pregnancy say about our culture.
Jacqueline Bennett
Green Chemical Manufacturing
WAMC Northeast Public Radio
July 25, 2011
Associate Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry Jacqueline Bennett of SUNY Oneonta explains her discovery of a novel and greener process of chemical production.