Summer is a vital time for professors at Syracuse University. It’s when they dive into research, refine courses, and get ready for the next academic year. Their hard work helps them return to campus inspired and ready to enrich student learning.
One standout project this summer comes from Associate Professor Anne Laver. She’s taken on the role of filmmaker, collaborating with Will Fraser to create a documentary called The Organ in America. The film highlights the rich history of pipe organs in New York, including the Holtkamp organ at Setnor Auditorium, which is 75 years old. “Each organ tells a story based on when and where it was made,” Laver explains. She has interviewed various organists and builders to help shed light on this unique instrument.
This documentary aims to broaden the narrative around the “King of Instruments” to include American perspectives. With a scheduled release in late 2026, it hopes to encourage a renewed appreciation for pipe organs. Laver plans to weave her findings into her music courses and is also exploring partnerships for the film’s distribution, considering platforms like PBS and the American Guild of Organists.
Meanwhile, in the Life Sciences Complex, Assistant Professor Chih Hung Lo is making strides in understanding neurodegenerative diseases. Fresh from a postdoctoral position in Singapore, he’s now studying lysosomes—tiny organelles in cells responsible for breaking down waste. “Not all lysosomes are created equal,” Lo says, revealing intriguing differences in their roles. With cutting-edge techniques, he and his students analyze how lysosomes affect brain health. “Unpacking these functions could lead to breakthroughs in treating Alzheimer’s and related disorders,” he adds. His work will also enhance the fall curriculum, keeping students engaged with real-world applications.
In the world of communications, Associate Professor Adam Peruta is integrating STEM into media education. Leading the Advanced Media Management program, the first STEM-designated degree at the Newhouse School, Peruta is adapting the curriculum to address current media challenges using advanced technologies. “Our goal is to equip students with skills that meet the evolving demands of the industry,” he notes. This reclassification signals to future employers that students are receiving rigorous training, which can even enhance opportunities for international students.
On the global stage, Assistant Professor Lauren Woodard is investigating migration trends influenced by the ongoing war in Ukraine. Her research spans various countries, examining how conflicts affect migration. “We’re seeing Russian citizens leave to escape conscription, and countries like South Korea are increasingly becoming host nations for these migrants,” Woodard explains. Her findings will inform courses on migration and cultural interaction, fostering a greater understanding of these pressing topics.
These faculty members are not only driving their fields forward; they are also deeply committed to enriching the academic experience for their students. As they embark on their summer projects, they bring fresh insights that will resonate in classrooms for years to come.
