Department of Behavioral Sciences and Social Medicine

What is BSSM?

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.
BSSM Fall 2025 Newsletter

Highlights impactful research, community partnerships, faculty achievements, and innovative approaches to improving health and well-being through Behavioral Sciences and Social Medicine.

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Expanding the Florida Behavioral Health Impact Program

The FSU Center for Behavioral Health Integration has received $1 million to expand the Florida BH Impact Program (Improving Maternal and Pediatric Access, Care and Treatment for Behavioral Health) statewide. The program provides training and provider-to-provider psychiatric consultation for obstetricians, as well as technical assistance to build and sustain integration of behavioral health in prenatal and postpartum care.

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ACTS2 Fall 2025 Newsletter

Serving as a caregiver for a loved one with dementia can bring deep fulfillment, but it can also be emotionally and physically demanding. The ACTS2 Project supports caregivers through faith-integrated, skills-building services designed to help those caring for family members with Alzheimer’s disease and related conditions manage stress, strengthen coping skills, and find renewed hope.

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Highlighting Postdoc Research Day

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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Navigating Florida’s Health Care Landscape

BSSM was honored to host Mary Mayhew, President and CEO of the Florida Hospital Association, for her insightful lecture to our medical students on “Navigating Florida's Health Care Landscape: Challenges, Innovations, and Strategic Opportunities.” Her data-driven presentation examined workforce development, payer models, behavioral health, innovative care solutions, recent legislative changes, and key hospital investments. Attendees gained a comprehensive understanding of these critical issues, as well as valuable strategic insights into the future of Florida's evolving health care system.
ADvancing interRAI: Using Better Data, Better

BSSM faculty members Jeffrey Harman, Ph.D., Samantha Goldfarb, Dr.PH., M.P.H., Katelyn Graves, Ph.D. and Jon Mills, Ph.D., M.B.A. introduce ADvancing interRAI. This new initiative is building shared infrastructure that supports state efforts to improve how they assess people and provide them Home and Community Based Services using the interRAI Home Care system, to assign resources and use data for policy and program improvement.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PROJECT, CLICK HERE

DEPARTMENT SPOTLIGHT

Carter Joins the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT)

(Nov. 4, 2025) We’re thrilled to share that Rebecca Carter, LCSW, CTTS, was accepted into the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers and recently completed the Training…
New Framework Aims to Strengthen Adult Asthma Self-Management

(Oct. 30, 2025) In a new article, lead investigator Karen MacDonell, Ph.D., and podtdoctoral scholar Amy Hall describe how the Theory of Asthma Self-Management was developed,…
Ennis Nominated to Serve on Statewide Medical Marijuana Research Board

(Oct. 28, 2025) President McCullough praised Ennis’s “leadership, expertise, and commitment to outcomes research on marijuana use,” noting that her appointment would help…
Spring Awarded $1.6 Million NIH Grant to Advance Smarter Weight-Loss Strategies

(Oct. 24, 2025) The study is paving the way for a more efficient and accessible approach to weight-loss treatment. Supported by a $1.6 million NIH grant, the SMARTer Weight…
Exploring the Life Cycle of a Patient-Centered Journal

(Oct. 21, 2025) Editors Martin Wood, Roxann Mouratidis and Mark Bauer share lessons for those interested in creating, managing and eventually concluding a library-run, peer-…
Rust Discusses Healing America’s Health Disparities

(Oct. 15, 2025) More than 83,000 Americans die each year from preventable causes because they lack access to health care. For more than four decades, George Rust, M.D., has…
Flynn Presents on Perinatal Behavioral Health at Healthy Start Conference

(Oct. 14, 2025) Healthy Start leads statewide efforts to improve the lives of pregnant and postpartum women, fathers, infants, and young children up to age three through…
Hou Receives the University Teaching Award for Inclusive Teaching and Mentoring

(Oct. 9, 2025) Yang Hou, Ph.D., was recognized for her exceptionally inclusive mentorship, supporting undergraduate, graduate, medical students, and postdoctoral scholars from…
Bailey Explores the Impact of Choline Intake and Genetics on Liver Health

(Oct. 8, 2025) Choline is an essential nutrient that supports liver function while helping the brain and nervous system regulate memory, mood, muscle control, and other key…
Hou Lab Publishes First Systematic Review on Biopsychosocial Factors in ADHD for Youth with NF1

(Oct. 3, 2025) The review, which analyzed 68 studies, found that informant-reported executive functioning difficulties were consistently associated with ADHD outcomes in NF1…
Spring Studies Lifestyle Habits in Breast Cancer Survivorship

(Oct. 1, 2025) Studies show how lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise and stress management affect long-term outcomes for breast cancer survivors. Her research shows that…
Nair-Collins Explores Biological Reality vs. Social Constructions of Death

(Sept. 25, 2025) Nair-Collins highlights the importance of policies that both recognize the scientific reality that brain-dead bodies remain living organisms and respect the…
Healing in a Changing America (Doctoring in a Nation of Needless Suffering)

(Sept. 16, 2025) George Rust, M.D. reflects on decades in primary care, health research, and leadership at majority-minority institutions. From building trust and amplifying…
Sheffler Discusses Alzheimer's Prevention on Voices of Longevity Podcast

(Sept. 5, 2025) As director of the Integrative Science for Healthy Aging Lab, Sheffler shared her insights on Alzheimer’s prevention, brain health, and how scalable community…
From One Caregiver’s Heart to Many: Haq Foundation Supports ACTS2

(Sept. 3, 2025) Before her passing in 2018, lifelong caregiver Karen Haq created a foundation to honor her parents and support those who care for others. Today, the Haq Family…
Spring Highlights Effects of a Physical Activity Intervention for Breast Cancer Survivors

(Aug. 28, 2025) Breast cancer survivors often face long-term health challenges, and lifestyle factors like physical activity and diet can play a key role in improving outcomes…
Expanding the Florida Behavioral Health Impact Program

(Aug. 26, 2025) The goal of this evidence-based program is to support obstetricians and other obstetrics clinicians to detect, treat and monitor outcomes for behavioral health…
Bell Addresses Multidimensional Aspects of Trauma in Emergency Department Boarding for Neurodiverse Youth

(Aug. 19, 2025) The growing demand for pediatric mental health services has outpaced available psychiatric resources, resulting in a marked increase in “boarding” of children…
APA Honors Marks for Outstanding Contributions to Psychology

(Aug. 12, 2025) Through her leadership of the GROWTH Research Lab, she continues to drive innovation in the discipline and advance the APA’s mission to promote, communicate,…
Hou Lab Meta-Analysis Links NF1 to Reduced Visuospatial and Visuomotor Abilities

(Aug. 8, 2025) Drawing from 70 studies and data on more than 6,600 participants, the research showed that these deficits are especially pronounced in children, emphasizing the…
Meet Bonnie Spring, Ph.D., ABPP, New Director for the Florida Blue Center for Rural Health Research and Practice

(Aug. 6, 2025) With a career spanning over 30 years, Spring brings extensive expertise, a passion for public health, and a strong commitment to mentoring and community…
Ennis Appointed to Editorial Board for Healthcare Journal

(Aug. 4, 2025) The journal publishes original theoretical and empirical studies from an interdisciplinary perspective, addressing topics across the full spectrum of health…
Drury Achieves ABPP Board Certification

(Jul. 30, 2025) The ABPP serves the public by promoting the provision of quality psychological services through the examination and certification of professional psychologists…
Gerend Lab Explores Weight Stigma and Mental Health Across U.S. Adults

(Jul. 28, 2025) This study addresses research gaps in examining how weight stigma affects mental health and whether those effects differ by race, ethnicity, or coping…
Sutin named to Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine of Florida

(Jul. 25, 2025) FSU College of Medicine professor Angelina Sutin, Ph.D., has been named to the Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine of Florida, joining five other FSU…
COM Collaboration Presents First of its Kind Cost Analysis of Health for Hearts United Program

(Jul. 23, 2025) A collaboration with the FSU College of Nursing presents one of the first detailed cost analyses of a church-based cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention…
Luchetti & Sutin Examine Impact of Loneliness on Perceived Cognitive Health

(Jul. 17, 2025) Researchers found that individuals who felt lonelier, whether consistently or just on a given day, were more likely to report trouble concentrating, memory…
Bobo Study Finds No Added Mental Health Risk for Children Exposed to Antidepressants in Pregnancy

(Jul. 14, 2025) The findings show that children born to mothers who used common antidepressants during pregnancy did not have an increased risk of developing depression or…
2025 Recipient of the Melissa L. Knabe Community Impact Award Revealed

(Jul. 7, 2025) The award honors individuals that are making significant contributions to their community through time, actions, talents, dedication, and resources. These…
Spring Highlights Gaps in Risk Behavior Conversations with Cancer Survivors

(Jul. 2, 2025) Many oncologists struggle to clearly communicate with adult cancer survivors about poor diet, smoking, obesity, and insufficient physical activity. All increase…
DEaR Lab Researchers Win Top Prize for Research at 2025 NF Conference

(Jun. 27, 2025) A highlight of the conference was Matt Jamnik’s poster which won first place in the poster competition. As part of the honor, Jamnik was invited to deliver a…
Harman Named to Board of Directors of interRAI Worldwide

(Jun. 25, 2025) As a board member, Harman will contribute to interRAI’s continued efforts to enhance care delivery and support informed decision-making for health…
Bailey & Stover on Evaluating Education Programs to Safeguard Nutrition Security

(Jun. 12, 2025) These programs play a vital role in improving diet quality and reducing chronic disease among low-income populations. However, inconsistent evaluation methods…
Flynn and Naar Join Global Leaders at 2025 Motivational Interviewing Summit

(Jun. 11, 2025) The MI Summit was a high-impact with interactive roundtables, panel discussions, and collaborative exploration around the next frontiers of MI practice and…
FSU Neuromodulation Awarded $3M DoD Grant to Revolutionize PTSD Treatment

(Jun. 26, 2025) The study explores whether intensive TMS, administered five times daily over five days, can offer long-lasting relief for PTSD. All participants will receive…
Naar and Spring Shape National Training Effort as ORBIT Institute Enters Third Year

(Jun. 3, 2025) This NIH-funded program is designed to enhance researchers’ ability to develop and test behavioral interventions that improve health outcomes, using the ORBIT…
Impact of Secondhand Vape Exposure on Adolescents' Willingness to Try E-Cigarettes

(May 27, 2025) This study reveals that adolescents exposed to secondhand aerosol (SHA) from e-cigarettes are significantly more likely to consider trying vaping products, even…
Ennis and Classen Awarded NIDA-Funded Study to Explore Impact of Medical Marijuana and Opioid Use on Driving in Older Adults

(May 23, 2025) This is currently the only study on medical marijuana and aging in the U.S. using an open-road driving performance task. As medical marijuana use in this…
Ennis Appointed to CAN Community of Health Board of Directors

(May 20, 2025) She will serve on the Quality Care Committee, where her expertise in behavioral science, public health, and research translation will help advance CAN’s mission…
Nagpal and Sheffler Awarded Grant for Gut-Brain Axis Research in Older Adults

(May 15, 2025) By leveraging advanced multi-omics methods (genomics, transcriptomics, etc.), the team aims to uncover new insights into the biological pathways connecting the…
Celebrating Flynn Lab Student Jasmine Max for Leadership and Service Awards

(May 14, 2025) BSSM proudly recognizes Jasmine Max, a student in Heather Flynn’s lab, for receiving two distinguished awards this year. Each award reflects her meaningful…
Naar Awarded Digital Health LaunchPad Funding for AI-Driven Mental Health Project

(May 9, 2025) This one-year pilot project will explore how large language models can be used to enhance both privacy and data quality in mental health records. Naar will…
Rust Provides Reliable Information about Measles Outbreaks

(May 2, 2025) Professor George Rust, M.D., offers expert insights on measles outbreaks, emphasizing the serious risks of measles and the critical importance of maintaining…
Bailey & Stanwood Join the Emerging Leaders in Health and Medicine Forum

(Apr. 29, 2025) Professor Regan Bailey, Ph.D., nominated Associate Professor Gregg Stanwood, Ph.D., for the esteemed 2025 Richard and Hinda Rosenthal Emerging Leaders in…
Bailey Study Compares Accuracy of Dietary Supplement Assessment Tools

(Apr. 16, 2025) A new study highlights key differences in how dietary supplement (DS) intake is measured using a 24-hour recall and a food frequency questionnaire (two common…
Dementia Caregiving and Family Estate Planning: Strategies to Prepare Effectively for the Future

(Apr. 13, 2025) The workshop offers practical information about developing a well-rounded estate plan to arrange and protect your family assets. Key topics of the workshop…
Highlighting Postdoc Research Day

(Apr. 11, 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…
Rosado Receives the FSU 2025 Hispanic Heritage Month Distinguished Service Award

(Apr. 6, 2025) This award recognizes and celebrates a faculty or staff member who enhances cultural awareness and fosters a deeper understanding of the contributions of the…
Flynn Emphasizes Targeted Solutions to Addressing Homelessness in Tallahassee

(Apr. 4, 2025) In a recent article from WFSU, Department Chair Heather Flynn, Ph.D., addresses the effects of trauma and mental health on the lives of unhoused people…
Mouratidis Elected to Serve as President of the Florida Health Sciences Library Association

(Mar. 27, 2025) The FHSLA works to foster the development of medical libraries in Florida in accordance with professional standards, to inspire and educate medical library…
Luchetti and Sutin Meta-Analysis of Loneliness and Cognition in Older Adults

(Mar. 18, 2025) A study led by faculty members Martina Luchetti, Ph.D., and Angelina Sutin, Ph.D., has shed new light on the global relationship between loneliness and…
Rust Emphasizes Vaccination’s Role in Combating Measles Resurgence

(Mar. 13, 2025) Professor George Rust, M.D., director of the FSU-College of Medicine Center for Medicine and Public Health Policy and Practice, appeared on WCTV recently to…
Bobo Appointed Section Editor for Pharmacoepidemiology in JCAP

(Mar. 10, 2025) William Bobo, M.D., MPH, has been appointed Section Editor for Pharmacoepidemiology in the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology (JCAP). JCAP is…
Blackburn Chapter on Strengthening Public Health-Academia Partnerships

(Mar. 6, 2025) This book provides valuable insights into creating and sustaining partnerships between public health agencies and academic institutions, offering practical…
CTBS Study Evaluates Tailored Motivational Interviewing to Improve HIV Care for Youth

(Feb. 27, 2025) The Center for Translational Behavioral Science attended the HIV Implementation Science Symposium, where Director Sylvie Naar, Ph.D., presented on “Tailored…
Hou Lab Publications Explore ADHD, and Internalizing & Externalizing Symptoms in Individuals with Neurofibromatosis Type 1

(Feb. 13, 2025) Yang Hou, Ph.D., and her lab team have co-authored two new publications that explore ADHD, Internalizing, and Externalizing symptoms in individuals with…
Flynn & Naar Co-author Chapter on Motivational Interviewing in the Treatment of Depresssion

(Feb. 7, 2025) Department Chair Heather Flynn, Ph.D., and CTBScience Director Sylvie Naar, Ph.D., co-authored “Chapter 6: Motivational Interviewing in the Treatment of…
Importance of Safety and Mental Health in the Workplace

(Feb. 5, 2025) The Florida Chamber Leadership Cabinet on Safety, Health and Sustainability hosted its 2025 Corporate Leadership Workshop on Safety & Mental Health in the…
Sutin Quoted in NY Times, Cited by Surgeon General

(Jan. 30, 2025) Research by Professor Angelina Sutin, Ph.D., has recently garnered attention in major media outlets. Sutin’s study on “Changes in Personality Before and During…
Rust Highlights Safety Amid Georgia's Bird Flu Outbreak

(Jan. 27, 2025) Georgia has confirmed its first case of bird flu in a commercial poultry flock in Elberton, raising concerns about public safety and the state's $30 billion…
Youth E-Cigarette Screening: Advice, Impact, & Perception

(Jan. 16, 2025) 2023 Bridge Graduate John Acosta-Peñaloza partnered with faculty mentors, Karen Geletko, MPH, and Jon Mills, Ph.D., on his Bridge research project titled “…
Examining Interventions for Pediatric Adverse Childhood Experiences at Immokalee

(Jan. 15, 2025) Immokalee Regional Director Javier Rosado, Ph.D., and Clerkship Faculty Alicia Fernandez-Garcia, M.D., have co-authored an article published in the Journal of…
Power of Music in Caring for Loved Ones with Dementia: Gateway to Connection and Well-Being

(Jan. 10, 2025) This workshop offered practical information on engaging the power of music to improve the well-being of loved ones with dementia and family caregivers. The…
FSU COM Names Hou as 2024 Outstanding Junior Faculty Researcher

(Dec. 18, 2024) At this year’s All Faculty Meeting, The FSU College of Medicine announced Yang Hou as the recipient of the 2024 Outstanding Junior Faculty Researcher Award.…
A trifecta: clinical practice, research and teaching attract top professor to FSU

(Dec. 15, 2024) It’s competitive — recruiting top-notch educators, clinicians and researchers to a university, particularly those whose field of expertise is in high demand.…
Rust Awarded 2024 Faculty Advisor of the Year Award

(Dec. 10, 2024) George Rust, M.D., has been recognized with the Faculty Advisor of the Year Award by the Medical Student Council for his exceptional leadership and mentorship…
Marks Honored with 2024-2025 William R. Jones Outstanding Mentor Award

(Nov. 26, 2024) We are proud to announce that Associate Professor Laura Reid Marks, Ph.D., has been selected as the recipient of a 2024-2025 William R. Jones Outstanding…
Goldfarb Awarded Research Fellowship Funded by NIDA

(Nov. 15, 2024) Assistant Professor Samantha Goldfarb, DPH, has been awarded a research fellowship funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) to attend the MIT…
Hou Presents at Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Conference

(Nov. 8, 2024) Yang Hou, Ph.D., Principal Investigator of the Development, Equity, and Resilience (DEaR) Lab, was honored to take part in the “Cognition and Behavior in…
Naar Team Receives R21/33 Award for Precision HIV Prevention Program

(Nov. 5, 2024) Congratulations to CTBS Director Sylvie Naar, Ph.D., Associate Professor Zhe He, Ph.D., Department Vice Chair Nicole Ennis, Ph.D., and CTBS Assistant Director…
Epstein’s Strategies and Tips for Troubleshooting Library Resource Access

(Oct. 31, 2024) Susan Epstein, Head of Library Access Systems, co-presented a webinar titled “Strategies and Tips for Resolving Access Issues with Vendors.” This engaging…
Rosado, Mesidor, and Wang Link Adverse Childhood Experiences to Mental Health

(Oct. 24, 2024) Immokalee Regional Director Javier Rosado, Ph.D., Associate Professor Jean Kesnold Mesidor, Ph.D., and Data Manager Yuxia (O ha) Wang, MPH co-authored a new…
Published in Nature: Luchetti Links Loneliness to Higher Risk of Dementia

(Oct. 23, 2024) Assistant Professor Martina Luchetti, Ph.D., and Professor Angelina Sutin, Ph.D., co-authored an article published by Nature Mental Health titled “A Meta-…
ACTS2 Promotes Dementia Awareness at FSU Health Expo

(Oct. 15, 2024) The ACTS2 Caregiver Project recently attended the FSU Health Expo held at the Tallahassee Senior Center. This event provided seniors with the opportunity to…
Porter elected as Member-At-Large for AAMC

(Sep. 20, 2024) Cheryl Porter, Ph.D., Assistant Dean of Student Affairs and Associate Professor, was recently elected as Member-At-Large for the Association of American…
Neuromodulation Student Awarded 2024 Young Investigator Travel Award

(Sep. 18, 2024) Austin Spitz, MS, a medical student working with Kozel, won a 2024 Young Investigator Travel Award from the National Network of Depression Centers Conference…
Sheffler Highlights Impact of Dietary Changes on Dementia Risk

(Sep. 12, 2024) Assistant Professor Julia Sheffler, Ph.D., recently presented groundbreaking research at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, demonstrating…
Welcoming Laura Marks to BSSM!

(Sep. 10, 2024) We are excited to welcome Laura Reid Marks, Ph.D., Ed.S., MAE, to the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Social Medicine! Earning her Ed.S. & MAE from…
Diagnostic, Treatment and Support Services for Older Floridians with Memory Problems: What to Know and Ask

(Sep. 5, 2024) Workshop presenters, Justice Lewis and Stephanie Malally, social workers and clinic coordinators, will describe the procedures typically included in memory…
Sutin named Fellow of the Gerontological Society of America

(Aug. 27, 2024) GSA is the nation’s largest interdisciplinary organization devoted to the field of aging. Achieving fellow status is a prestigious recognition by peers for…
Welcoming William Bobo to BSSM!

(Aug. 21, 2024) Earning his M.D. from the University of Missouri-Columbia and an M.P.H. from Vanderbilt University, Bobo held key positions as professor and chair, Department…
Drury Discusses Transdiagnostic Treatment in Rural Primary Care

(Aug. 13, 2024) Assistant Professor Mike Drury, Psy.D., co-authored a journal article titled “The Promise of Transdiagnostic Treatment in Rural Primary Care: The Unified…
Interpersonal Psychotherapy: A Global Reach

(Aug. 6, 2024) Department Chair, and President of the International Society for Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Heather Flynn, Ph.D., co-authored a chapter in a new textbook…
Taylor, Thompson, and Drury Address Mental Health in Medical Training

(Jul. 24, 2024) Office of Student Counseling Services members published an eye-opening article in the Florida Psychologist titled “The Wellness Prescription: How Psychologists…
Nair-Collins Discusses the Unchanged Dilemma of Brain Death Misdiagnosis

(Jul. 19, 2024) Associate Professor Michael Nair-Collins, Ph.D., authored a new article discussing bioethics titled “The Uniform Determinations of Death Act is Not Changing.…
Geletko Team Examines Differing Cessation Treatment Based on Clinical Condition

(Jun. 21, 2024) BSSM researchers authored a journal article titled “Healthcare visits by smokers: Does cessation treatment differ based on clinical condition?” The study finds…
Flynn featured on WCTV News regarding Mental Healthcare Stigma & Provider Scarcity

(Jun. 12, 2024) Department Chair Heather Flynn, Ph.D., was interviewed by WCTV News regarding the challenges rural North Florida counties face in accessing mental healthcare.…
Sutin and Luchetti Co-Author Perception of Social Interactions in Adulthood

(Jun. 7, 2024) Professor Angelina Sutin, Ph.D., and Assistant Professor Martina Luchetti, Ph.D., co-authored a brand-new journal article titled “Are social interactions…
Effective Communication and Creative Problem Solving for Family Caregivers of Loved Ones with Dementia in Assisted Living Facilities

(May. 30, 2024) Professor Robert Glueckauf, Ph.D., and Tomeka Norton-Brown from the ACTS2 Caregiver Project recently held a workshop titled, “Effective Communication and…
Hou Receives 2024 FSU SEED Award

(May. 28, 2024) Assistant Professor Yang Hou, Ph.D., was given the 2024 FSU SEED Award for her research on “Psychosocial and Lifestyle Predictors of Neurobehavioral Function…
Flynn Links Antenatal Anxiety as Postpartum SI Predictor

(May. 15, 2024) Department Chair Heather Flynn, Ph.D., co-authored a journal article titled “Antenatal Anxiety Symptoms Outperform Antenatal Depression Symptoms and Suicidal…
Sheffler Co-Authors Enhancing Brain Function via Mediterranean Diet

(May. 9, 2024) Assistant Professor Julia Sheffler co-authored a newly published journal article titled “A modified Mediterranean-style diet enhances brain function via…
Nair-Collins Debates the Bioethical Issues of Organ Donation

(May. 3, 2024) Associate Professor Michael Nair-Collins, Ph.D., participated in a debate with Tracie Mahaffey, Ph.D., from the FSU Department of Philosophy on the topic “Organ…
2024 Recipient of the Melissa L. Knabe Community Impact Award Revealed

(May. 3, 2024) The Award honors individuals that are making significant contributions to their community through time, actions, talents, dedication, and resources. These…
Kozel Tackles Mental Health Challenges at Collab Collision

(May. 1, 2024) Professor and Mina Jo Powell Endowed Chair in Neurological Sciences, Andrew Kozel, M.D., gave a talk on mental and behavioral health at the FSU Office of…
Hou at Community Rounds on Pediatric Rare Diseases

(Apr. 5, 2024) Assistant Professor Yang Hou, Ph.D., recently delivered an informational lecture on rare diseases at BSSM's quarterly Community Rounds series with a panel on “…
Sheffler and Pickett Discuss Sleep Quality & Multimorbidity

(Mar. 28, 2024) Assistant Professor Julia Sheffler, Ph.D., and Associate Professor Scott Pickett, Ph.D., recently co-authored a journal article titled “Sleep Quality as a…
Challenges Sleeping While Caring for a Loved One with Dementia?

(Mar. 9, 2024) Professor Robert Glueckauf, Ph.D., & Tomeka Norton from the ACTS2 Caregiver Project recently held a workshop titled, "Managing Sleep Difficulties in Caring…
Nair-Collins urges adhering to legal definition of death in brain death diagnosis

(Feb. 23, 2024) Associate Professor Michael Nair-Collins, Ph.D., argues that the evaluation for brain death should require assessment for loss of hormonal secretion from…
Epstein’s Collaboration Enhances Cognitive Information Processing

(Feb. 20, 2024) Susan Epstein's collaborative endeavor seeks to enhance the integration of Cognitive Information Processing theory, research, and practice.
Gabriel discusses the Crisis of American Pharmacy during 1918-1942

(Feb. 16, 2024) Associate Professor Joseph Gabriel, Ph.D., talked on how the increased sale of proprietary medicines led to a professional crisis among pharmacists related to…
Florida Trend: Dr. Angelina Sutin - Detecting Dementia

(Jan. 16, 2024) FSU Professor Sutin is part of a team of researchers who have identified a potential low-cost method for predicting if a person is at risk of developing…

As one of two academic research departments in the College of Medicine, BSSM’s goal is to be a leader in the creation of new knowledge emphasizing multidisciplinary, applied research, partnered with community members, health care providers and patients.

BSSM has an interdisciplinary faculty representing fields of psychology (clinical, developmental, personality, social), public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, bioethics, health services and health policy, and medical history. Faculty research interests are all centered on work aimed to impact communities. BSSM includes four centers: the Center for Medicine and Public Health Policy and Practice (CMPHPP) , The Center for Behavioral Health Integration (CBHI) , Center for Translational Behavioral Science (CTBS) , and the Florida Blue Center for Rural Health Research and Policy . Members of BSSM conduct cutting-edge research and scholarship, much of which is driven by the Mission of the FSU College of Medicine .

Areas of research focus include social and behavioral aspects of chronic disease prevention and maintenance with a particular focus on HIV, psychological and medical aspects of healthy aging, mental health, substance use and addiction, health care service optimization and policy, and bioethical and historical conceptual foundations of science and medicine. BSSM draws on a wide variety of research methodologies, including intervention development and implementation science, policy and program evaluation, comparative effectiveness research, clinical trials, epidemiology and prevention science. BSSM also has a major focus on health care workforce development and clinical skill-building.