CHB and the IVMF Veteran & Military Behavioral Health Collaborative have launched the Syracuse University Veteran and Military Learning Scholars Program (SU-VMLSP), a new high impact learning initiative designed to expand meaningful research, experiential learning, and academic enrichment opportunities for student veterans, military-connected students, and students with strong academic or professional interests in veteran and military populations.
The inaugural cohort includes 8 Scholars who are engaged in hands on research training, structured mentorship, and collaborative learning experiences. The program emphasizes key elements shown to improve student success, including relationship-rich learning environments, sense of belonging, and guided skill development. These components align closely with Syracuse University’s broader commitment to supporting the academic success and well-being of veteran and military-connected students.
Scholars are currently contributing to three active research and training initiatives:
- Veteran and Military Behavioral Health Systematic Review Team, where students build evidence synthesis skills while contributing to a comprehensive systematic review.
- Veteran Behavioral Health National Survey Initiative, which provides hands-on experience in survey design, measure selection, and analytic planning.
- National College Health Data Initiative, where students receive training in large dataset analysis focused on behavioral health among active duty and military-connected undergraduates.
Collectively, these initiatives give students early exposure to research, inquiry, and applied learning experiences that the SU-VMLSP will continue to formalize and grow.
The program is coordinated by CHB/IVMF postdoctoral researcher, Dr. Emily Rabinowitz, who oversees program implementation and works directly with Scholars across the three initiatives. Dr. Rabinowitz has been central to designing the program’s learning structure, mentoring model, and research components.
The SU-VMLSP leadership team also includes CHB Director, Dr. Joseph Ditre (Professor of Psychology, College of Arts & Sciences); CHB Associate Director, Dr. Ken Marfilius (Faculty Director of Online Education & Strategic Initiatives, School of Education); and CHB Research Assistant Professor, Dr. Dezarie Moskal (Clinical Research Program Director, VA Center for Integrated Healthcare). Together, the team brings deep expertise in behavioral health, military and veteran education, and high impact learning design.
The SU-VMLSP is also informing a broader trajectory of externally supported research and program development, including an active foundation proposal focused on understanding how tailored high impact learning practices can strengthen academic outcomes, belonging, and research skill development for veteran and military-connected students.
This collaborative effort positions Syracuse University as a leader in expanding high quality, evidence-informed, high impact learning experiences for students who have served or are connected to military service.