Sarah L. Karalunas has been appointed as the Cobb-Jones Clinical Psychology Endowed Professor and will also serve as chair of the Department of Psychology at Syracuse University, according to an announcement by Behzad Mortazavi, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.
Karalunas is recognized for her research on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), emotion regulation, and neurodevelopmental disorders. She previously worked at Purdue University as an associate professor and director of graduate studies in the Department of Psychological Sciences.
A native of Syracuse, Karalunas returns to her hometown with experience in both scholarship and leadership. She holds a Ph.D. in child clinical psychology from Pennsylvania State University and completed a pre-doctoral internship at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Her research has received support from organizations such as the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. She has authored several peer-reviewed publications that focus on cognitive and emotional development in children.
“It is such a privilege to get to continue the work I love in the city I grew up in,” Karalunas says. “I’m looking forward to working with other mental health advocates and scientists in psychology and across the University to contribute to projects that can improve well-being and belonging in our community.”
The Cobb-Jones Clinical Psychology Endowed Professorship was created through a $2 million gift as part of Syracuse University’s Forever Orange campaign in 2020. It honors Faith “Chris” Maltby Cobb ’51, G’66, G’74, and Janet G. Jones for their commitment to advancing mental health care and social justice by supporting faculty dedicated to scientific research aimed at improving human welfare.
At Purdue, Karalunas led efforts to improve graduate training, served on advisory boards, participated in national research consortia, helped found the ADHD Early Risk Consortium, and contributed to discussions about mental health through media engagement.
“I am delighted that Sarah Karalunas has joined the College of Arts and Sciences,” says Dean Mortazavi. “Her expertise in clinical psychology and neurodevelopmental disorders addresses a timely and pressing public health issue that affects so many individuals and families. Through her work, she brings to life the legacy of Dr. Chris Cobb and Janet Jones, advancing their shared commitment to mental health care and social justice.”
