A new study led by Bonnie Spring, Ph.D. , finds that oncologists often avoid directly discussing lifestyle risks such as smoking, poor diet and inactivity with cancer survivors, which may lead patients to downplay the need for change. To address this, the STELLAR trial helps survivors track their health, receive coaching and share progress reports with their doctors to support clearer follow-up conversations.
The Department of Behavioral Sciences and Social Medicine centers on research, scholarship, teaching, training, clinical care and service that emphasizes 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.
Ennis & Classen Receive NIDA Grant to Study Medical Marijuana, Opioid Use & Driving in Older Adults
Nicole Ennis, Ph.D., and Sherrilene Classen, Ph.D., received a $3.3 million NIDA grant to study how long-term medical marijuana and opioid use affects driving in adults 50 and older, using open-road testing. As marijuana use surges in this age group, the study aims to inform safety guidelines, policy, and care.
Naar Awarded Digital Health LaunchPad Funding for AI-Driven Mental Health Project
Congratulations to Sylvie Naar, Ph.D., on receiving a $24,800 Digital Health LaunchPad grant for her project on improving privacy and data utility in mental health records using large language models. This one-year pilot will explore innovative de-identification methods, with updates continuing for two years after the project.
Nagpal and Sheffler Receive ISL Grant for Gut-Brain Axis Research in Older Adults
The FSU Institute for Successful Longevity has awarded a $25,000 Planning Grant for a pioneering study on the gut-microbiome-brain axis in older adults with cognitive impairment, led by Ravinder Nagpal, Ph.D., and Julia Sheffler, Ph.D. The project aims to reveal key biological pathways linking gut health and brain function in aging.
FSU Neuromodulation Team Awarded $3M DoD Grant to Revolutionize PTSD Treatment
The U.S. Department of Defense has awarded FSU’s Neuromodulation team a $3 million grant to launch a clinical trial combining virtual reality mindfulness with accelerated TMS therapy for PTSD. Led by F. Andrew Kozel, Ph.D., and Kevin A. Johnson, Ph.D., the study aims to develop faster, longer-lasting treatments with follow-ups at one, three and six months.
Bailey & Stover Evaluate Education Programs to Support Nutrition Security
A new review by Regan Bailey, Ph.D., Patrick Stover, Ph.D., and colleagues calls for a unified evaluation framework for U.S. nutrition education programs such as SNAP-Ed, WIC and EFNEP. They recommend using the RE-AIM model to improve consistency, impact assessment, and policy support across states.
Study Examines Impact of Secondhand Vape Exposure on Adolescents' Willingness to Try E-Cigarettes
Undergraduate honors student Campbell Goff initiated a study with faculty mentors Karen Geletko, MPH, Jon Mills, Ph.D., and Jeff Harman, Ph.D., showing that adolescents exposed to secondhand aerosol (SHA) from e-cigarettes are significantly more likely to consider vaping. Using 2022 National Youth Tobacco Survey data, the team found SHA exposure greatly increased curiosity and willingness to try e-cigarettes, highlighting the need for stronger public health protections.
Spring Highlights Gaps in Risk Behavior Conversations with Cancer Survivors
Bobo Study Finds No Added Mental Health Risk for Children Exposed to Antidepressants During Pregnancy
A new study co-authored by Professor William Bobo, M.D., MPH , found that children born to mothers who used common serotonergic antidepressants during pregnancy were not at increased risk for depression or anxiety. The findings suggest that any elevated risk is more likely tied to the mother’s underlying mental health rather than the medication.
Luchetti & Sutin Study Loneliness and Perceived Cognitive Health
A study led by Martina Luchetti, Ph.D. , and Angelina Sutin, Ph.D. , found that even brief episodes of loneliness can make people feel more distracted, forgetful and frustrated with their memory. The findings suggest that loneliness, whether occasional or ongoing, may influence how people perceive their cognitive health and could signal early risk for future decline.
COM Collaboration Presents First-of-its-Kind Cost Analysis of Health for Hearts United Program
Research by Jon Mills, Ph.D. , and Jeffrey Harman, Ph.D. , in collaboration with Penny Ralston, Ph.D., provides one of the first in-depth cost analyses of a church-based cardiovascular disease prevention program in African American communities. The study found that labor accounted for 85% of implementation costs, prompting researchers to recommend streamlining efforts to boost cost efficiency without sacrificing community impact.
Gerend Lab Explores Weight Stigma and Mental Health Across U.S. Adults
A new study led by Mary Gerend, Ph.D. , with student collaborators Anna Lu, M.D., and Elizabeth Teets, M.D., found that weight stigma harms mental health regardless of race or ethnicity. Surveying more than 2,600 U.S. adults, the team found that internalized or experienced stigma was linked to higher depression and poorer mental health, underscoring the need for stigma reduction and supportive coping strategies.
Bailey & Stanwood Join the Emerging Leaders in Health and Medicine Forum
Regan Bailey, Ph.D., nominated Gregg Stanwood, Ph.D., for the 2025 Emerging Leaders in Health and Medicine Forum, hosted by the National Academy of Medicine. Both participated in the event, which explored critical issues such as mental health, AI in health care and access to care.
Naar and Spring Shape National Training Effort as ORBIT Institute Enters Third Year
The NIH-funded ORBIT Institute has launched its third-year cohort, selecting 25 fellows from a record number of applicants to advance behavioral intervention research. Led by Sylvie Naar, Ph.D. , and featuring expert talks by Bonnie Spring, Ph.D. , on intervention refinement, the program supports a growing network dedicated to improving public health.
Flynn and Naar Join Global Leaders at 2025 Motivational Interviewing Summit
Heather Flynn, Ph.D., and Sylvie Naar, Ph.D., participated in the 2025 Motivational Interviewing Summit, a global forum for advancing MI practice and research. Hosted by FSU’s Center for Behavioral Health Integration, the summit featured interactive roundtables, panels and collaborative discussions on the future of MI.
Rust Provides Reliable Information on Measles Outbreaks
George Rust, M.D., offers expert insights on measles outbreaks, emphasizing the serious risks of the disease and the critical importance of maintaining high community immunization levels through interviews and FAQs.
Flynn Lab Student Jasmine Max Recognized for Leadership and Service Awards
Max received FSU’s Women’s Student Union Heart of Service Award for her civic engagement and maternal mental health work and was named Executive Board Member of the Year by the AMWA Undergraduate Chapter for her leadership and dedication.
Ennis Appointed to CAN Community of Health Board of Directors
Ennis’ expertise in behavioral science and public health will support CAN’s mission to expand compassionate, stigma-free care across its six-state network.
Harman Named to Board of Directors of interRAI Worldwide
As a board member, Harman will contribute to interRAI’s ongoing efforts to enhance care delivery and support informed decision-making for health professionals, administrators and policymakers worldwide.
DEaR Lab Researchers Win Top Prize for Research at 2025 NF Conference
The DEaR Lab is proud to contribute to advancing research and clinical understanding of NF1 and to share findings that support individuals living with the condition.
Carter Receives 2025 Melissa L. Knabe Community Impact Award
As Associate Director of the FSU Area Health Education Center (AHEC) program, Rebecca has been a driving force behind the AHEC Behavioral Health Initiative.
Sutin named to Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine of Florida
Sutin studies the psychological and social factors that contribute to the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. She has secured more than $11 million in funding from the National Institutes of Health and is a fellow of the Association for Psychological Science, the Society for Personality and Social Psychology and the Gerontological Society of America.
Drury Earns ABPP Board Certification
The American Board of Professional Psychology serves the public by promoting quality psychological services through the examination and certification of professional psychologists in specialty practice.
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.
