Syracuse Sun

Securing the necessary funding to conduct quality research is among the challenges when working towards a doctoral degree. Syracuse University students engaged in research to support the military-connected community have found that challenge eased by the generosity of Bernard Rostker G’66, G’70, and Louise Rostker G’68 through the Forever Orange Campaign.

Managed by the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), the Bernard D. and Louise C. Rostker IVMF Dissertation Research Fund recently provided more than $40,000 to four students at varying stages of their dissertation pursuits. The fund operates annually for five years, marking this as the second cycle of funding dedicated to supporting Ph.D. candidates conducting dissertation research on topics related to veterans and military families.

The Rostkers have spent years supporting military families. Bernard is a U.S. Army veteran, and Louise has a history of supporting education for military children and expanding employment opportunities for military spouses. The pair met while pursuing their own advanced degrees at Syracuse University and make the funding available to support students who may face barriers in their pursuit of higher education.

“We both are so pleased with the program Syracuse University has established in our name,” says Bernard Rostker. “We know how demanding individual research can be, and we hoped that the support we could provide at a critical moment would have a positive impact.”

The four 2024 recipients are:

Mariah Brennan – Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs

Brennan is a Ph.D. candidate in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and a research associate with the IVMF. Her dissertation examines health outcomes, reintegration stressors, and social capital among veterans who recently separated from the military.

“Being a Rostker Fellow has given me the opportunity to focus on my research in ways that would not be possible without this funding,” she says.

Rachel Linsner—David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics

Linsner received her Ph.D. from Falk College's Department of Human Development and Family Science. Her dissertation explored differences in individual, family, and military-related outcomes based on employment fit among female active-duty spouses with children.

“I am so thankful to the Rostkers," says Linsner. "My progress in my dissertation and degree is a direct result of their generosity.”

Paul Sagoe – College of Engineering and Computer Science

Sagoe is a Ph.D. candidate in biomedical engineering whose research aims to develop a drug delivery system for treating post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA).

“As a Rostker Fellow, I am thrilled by the honor of being supported financially to pursue my research goals,” says Sagoe.

Kyle White–College of Arts and Sciences

White is a graduate student in psychology whose dissertation examines chronic pain acceptance as it relates to pain intensity and alcohol use behavior among veterans with chronic pain.

“This fellowship will be instrumental in advancing my research goal," says White.

Brennan, Linsner, Sagoe, and White join other Rostker Fellows who collectively have received over $90,000 in funding for military-connected research. Applications are currently open for next year's round of funding from the Bernard D. and Louise C. Rostker IVMF Dissertation Research Fund until Sept 30, 2024.

Those interested in supporting research on the military-connected community are encouraged to consider donating to the Forever Orange campaign.