The SENSES Project: 2022 - 2023 Review

THE SENSES PROJECT

A Student Focused Recording Studio and Podcasting Program for HEOP and SSS Students & Friends at Syracuse University

Greetings from Craig, Amy, and Nick!

Hi everyone!

It's been an exciting year of creativity and community at our new home in Steele Hall. Because of our centralized location on campus, we've seen a large increase in the amount of students (+ staff and faculty) visiting the lab. It's been amazing to see this model, a community space that utilizes multi-modal creation as a way to increase sense of belonging and build bridges on campus, be successful in this way. We look forward to all the future songs, podcasts, and connections that are sure to develop here.

In this magazine, you'll learn about how The SENSES Project came to be, what we do, and why we do it. You'll see (and hear!) examples of student work - from podcasts that detail the first gen experience on campus to collaborative albums and everything in between. If you're curious about the space or have an idea for a project, class, or event, feel free to visit us in Steele Hall (or send us a message). Have a great summer and we look forward to seeing you in the coming semester!

CraigTucker

Craig Tucker Director, HEOP and Trio SSS Center for Academic Achievement and Student Development Syracuse University School of Education Amy Messersmith

Amy Messersmith Associate Director, HEOP and Trio SSS

Center for Academic Achievement and Student Development Syracuse University School of Education

Nick Piato

Nick Piato SENSES Project Program Coordinator Center for Academic Achievement and Student Development Syracuse University School of Education

Craig Tucker in the SENSES Podcast Room located on the 3rd floor of Steele Hall.

Nick Piato and Amy Messersmith at Syracuse University's Undergraduate Academic Advising Conference in May 2023 where they presented "Building SENSES of Belonging: Creative Ways to Support First Generation College Students."

The SENSES Project 101: "Just the facts, ma'am."

SENSES stands for "Studying an Environment that Nurtures Self Exploration in Students."

We are housed under the Office of Supportive Services (OSS). OSS consists of two opportunity programs:

The Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) from New York State.

TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) from the US Department of Education.

Both programs serve primarily first generation college students and many come from underrepresented populations. The project was launched in summer 2021 and was inspired by the work of Dr. Raphael Travis (top) and Ray Cordero (bottom) at Texas State University. They have a recording studio where they team up every summer to conduct research with TRIO Upward Bound students in summer MixTape Camps.

The SENSES Project features an Audio Lab (left) and Podcasting Room (right) which are both housed in Steele Hall. SENSES provides the equipment, instruction, and space for HEOP and SSS students and friends to learn podcasting and music creation.

The project was funded by a CUSE Grant in 2021 and was written in collaboration with our two Syracuse University faculty partners: Prof. Joanna Spitzner in the School of Art (top) and Prof. David Knapp in the Music Ed Department (bottom).

Students from ARI 200:Creating Community Through Sound taught by Prof. Joanna Spitzner and Nick Piato (August 2022).

Students and staff recording "First Gen Voices at Syracuse University" podcast (September 2022). Clockwise from left to right: Anthony Hernandez (Kessler), Samantha Vallejos (SSS), Amy Friers (HEOP Counselor), Genesis Alvarez (HEOP), Raul Rosique Jr. (Student Veteran), and Mauricio Luna (SSS).

The SENSES Project: It's good to have goals.

Visitors sometimes ask us, "What's the purpose of SENSES?" Great question! Below is our Project's goals and objectives.

SENSES Goals/Objectives:

1. Create a unique campus community to increase sense of belonging.

2. Positively impact retention and graduation rates.

3. Positively impact retention by providing opportunities for students interested in sound recording, regardless of major.

4. Provide students the opportunity to build marketable skills in sound recording, multi-modal creation, editing, teamwork, and collaboration.

5. Provide new mechanisms for faculty-led research to explore areas ranging from education to social work, music industry, sound recording, and writing and rhetoric.

6. Create a space where faculty can collaborate on interdisciplinary research. Future research topics could include: community formation, identity development, storytelling, dialogue, performance, poetry, learning and memorization, and other interdisciplinary investigations.

7. Situate Syracuse University as a model for other universities to follow by implementing a creative, cutting-edge, solution-focused intervention that improves campus climate by practicing the values of diversity and inclusion.

What can students do at The SENSES Project?

Learn how to DJ. SENSES has two turntables (and a microphone).

Make beats. We have Logic, Ableton, FL Studio, Soundtrap, and GarageBand.

Bang on our new electronic drum set.

Learn how to play guitar.

Record a live show.

Car Shapiro (Whitman) and Dhruv Goyal (Whitman) at the turntable.

Nick Piato (SENSES) teaches Rayan Mohamed (VPA) guitar.

Bera Felouz (VPA) creates a beat in Logic during SummerStart 2022.

Isaac Riyu (Newhouse) records "Gen C" podcast that focuses on college experiences during the COVID pandemic.

Eddie Etienne (Maxwell) works on drum fills in the SENSES Audio Lab.

Music students Luke Brady, BRI. and Owen Wernow perform a Tiny Desk inspired concert.

What else can students do at The SENSES Project?

Record a song (or a full album!).

Learn how to play keyboards.

Learn how to play the ukulele.

Take a class.

ARI 200: Creating Community Through Sound is offered regularly during the summer and academic year.

Just hang out.

Do random cool stuff.

Anand Benegal (SOM Doctoral Student) volunteers to teach piano to SENSES students during the academic year.

"The Senior Year" EP by Rolando Cabral (Whitman) was released in 2022.

SummerStart 2022 ARI 200 final Share-out with Prof. Joanna Spitzner (VPA) and Nick Piato (SENSES).

Prof. Joanna Spitzner (VPA) is the founder of Syrauke, "An occasional anti-virtuosic come-one-come-all Syracuse ukulele conflagration extravaganza!"

From left to right: Kiki Charles (A&S), Jonathan Bermeo (ED/A&S), Kelvin Zorrilla (IST), and Caleb Aguiree-Leon (ECS).

Prof. Joanna Spitzner teaches musical coding to Brianna Breska and grace otten.

The SENSES Project: What makes us tick?

Central to the day to day function of SENSES is our values. Values play an important role in guiding our actions and creating a inclusive and supportive campus community. Our Values/Philosophy:

1. Although we have different backgrounds and experiences, we connect based on shared humanity.

2. By learning about others’ paths and stories, we can learn about ourselves.

3. We value and encourage nuanced discussion. We support the development and articulation of critical thinking and complex thoughts and opinions.

4. We are inclusive and welcoming. We value social justice. We respect all who step into our space.

5. We ascribe to a growth mindset. We all start somewhere. Lower your expectations if necessary and be gentle to yourself. We support trying and effort. We applaud progress, no matter where you start.

6. We are process driven, not product driven. We don't expect you to create a "radio ready" piece of music. We value the benefits of the creative process - sometimes that's enough!

7. We support each other’s work. We have each other’s backs and elevate one another. We strive to be a healthy, vibrant, and supportive student community.

8. We not only respect each other, but the studio equipment as well. We preserve resources. We treat equipment with care and accountability with the goal of making it last as long as it can.

9. We are good neighbors. We maintain appropriate volume levels during work hours (and then crank it after 5pm!).

10. Any production or project should try to have an HEOP or SSS student or staff member on the team. HEOP and SSS build bridges by collaborating across campus on common goals.

The SENSES Project: Aligned with the University's Shared Competencies

Starting in 2019, Syracuse University adopted six Shared Competencies or learning goals to promote an "integrated learning approach" for all undergraduate students. The SENSES Project provides the opportunity for students to build competencies in all six areas.

Syracuse University's Shared Competencies include:

1. Ethics, Integrity, and Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

We are a diverse and dynamic campus community made up of students, staff, and faculty that is rooted in two of Syracuse University's largest opportunity programs: HEOP & SSS. HEOP & SSS serve primarily first generation college students, many from underrepresented populations. SENSES welcomes members of the campus community to collaborate on workshops, music, podcasting, and events. We embody and reflect the university's commitment to diversity and inclusion.

2. Critical and Creative Thinking

At SENSES, students engage in critical and creative thinking as they engage in beat making, song writing, lyric writing, podcasting, and other creative endeavors.

3. Scientific Inquiry and Research Skills

SENSES was funded by an Innovative and Interdisciplinary CUSE Research Grant that studied ways to increase marginalized students' sense of belonging. We provide the opportunity for undergraduate, graduate, and faculty researchers to collaborate on the many activities and phenomenon happening at SENSES. SENSES is worth studying!

4. Civic and Global Responsibility

In the Podcast Room, students, staff, and faculty sit down regularly to discuss and reflect on the impact of our ever-changing global landscape. SENSES also contributes to conversations across local, regional, and global sectors through podcast distribution.

5. Communication Skills

Podcasting is an effective tool to build and strengthen listening, public speaking, interviewing, and other communication skills. Students build communication skills in the Audio Lab through collaboration on creative projects and offering feedback.

6. Information Literacy and Technological Agility

Creating podcasting content challenges students to discern between the various sources of information available. Students also build hands-on technical skills in music production and podcast editing by learning how to operate equipment as well as gain proficiency in the various software options available at SENSES.

Kiki Charles: President

"The SENSES Lab has become a second home to me on campus where I can express myself and be surrounded by support."

SENSES Student Organization

Jonathon Bermeo: Vice President

"The SENSES Lab is one of the few places on campus I can truly express myself and be creative with anything musically."

"Why go to Schine when you come to SENSES and be your authentic creative self?"

The SENSES Project, as an Recognized Student Organization [RSO], will work to create events that facilitate creating community around the arts and fundraise for the space.

Bre'Yona Montalvo: Secretary

Caleb Aguirre-Leon: Treasurer

"The SENSES Project is a

Megan Noboa: Event Planning

"The SENSES Lab is a safe space to kick back and meet new people."

General Body Chat

Do you want to become a part of a welcoming, creative environment on campus? Join our General Body GroupMe to keep up with all of our meetings and events!

Samantha Vallejos: Social Media

"The SENSES Sound Lab is such an encouraging and safe space to explore any and all creative interests."

Hannah Gonzalez: Community Chair

"The SENSES Project has grown to a space of inclusivity, creativity, community, and support.”

Senior Spotlight Meet LAFromNewYork

SSS student and vocalist reflects on his time at SU and his future plans

SSS senior Lloyd Ansah, also known as LAFromNewYork, is a vocalist and psychology major from Queens. After transferring from SUNY Fredonia during his sophomore year, Lloyd was able to find a place at Syracuse University, both academically and creatively.

Lloyd has released numerous songs on streaming platforms , with styles ranging from chilled out RnB to mid-tempo afrobeats.

Lloyd has been a constant presence in the SENSES lab ever since last year, creating music and helping out as a work study student in the space.

Lloyd has been a mentor as well to a number of younger students, offering advice on singing, songwriting, academics, and campus life. Always willing to collaborate, he has hopped on a number of other songs students have been creating in the lab.

Listen to the full podcast here:

Student Spotlight

LAFromNewYork

In May, Lloyd sat down with SENSES Program Coordinator Nick Piato on the second installment of the SENSES Artist Spotlight podcast, a show that highlights creators that frequent the SENSES Lab.

In this episode, Lloyd speaks on how he got into singing, his influences (both musical and nonmusical), his experience at Syracuse, how he balanced academic life with his art, and where he's going from here.

Yesterday"

Performing Boyz II Men's "It's So Hard to Say Goodbye To

at SU's CAASD Baccalaureate.

Music Recent Releases

A SENSES Summer The SENSES Project

This is SENSES' spring collaborative album release, which contains 19 tracks from students, staff, faculty, and even some community partners! The vibe is summer, and these tracks cover the range of moods and situations one might experience once the weather gets warm. Tracks range from uptempo hip-hop to chilled out indie to frantic drum and bass and everything in between. Kick your feet up, grab a lemonade, and enjoy!

A SENSES Holiday The SENSES Project

In this holiday album, people in the SENSES community came together to write 13 songs, 9 originals, 3 covers, and 1 remix of a Christmas classic. Within this album you'll experience a wide range of vibes, from the warm of love in Home for Christmas by Kiki, to the loneliness that many experience with Christmas with Clementine by Caleb AguirreLeon.

Music

Not All Love Is Worth Fighting For Caleb Aguirre-Leon

For his debut album, Aguirre-Leon listened to lots of bedroom pop, indie, Elliot Smith, and The Smiths, as these influences are quite apparent in his work. Aguirre-Leon describes himself as an indie rock/folk artist with a love of blues and jazz. He believes that if you enjoy sad songs and moody vibes, then you'll probably enjoy his music. He is very proud of this album and is excited for everyone to give it a listen. Finesse

From the artist: "My name is Praise, and I’m an artist from Brooklyn New York. Creating music is more than a hobby to me rather a passion. My goal is create timeless music that speaks to generations far beyond mine—though this is an ambitious goal I am truly in love with it and believe that as long as I use my music to communicate my truth I cannot go wrong. As of short term goals, I’m looking to drop an EP by the end of the summer and perform at various venues."

Music

CHASING A DREAM LAFROMNEWYORK 05

About this song from the artist: "Chasing A Dream" is one of my most vulnerable songs. It's the first song of a new chapter in my life. I felt like I wanted to make music with more meaning and transparency while being vulnerable with my fans. This is an olive branch to them: to step into my world and let them know that I'm supporting them in their world as well. This song represents confidence, faith, being true to who you are, and elevation.

A Harlem native who didn’t find his passion for music until his freshman year of college. Edwich Etienne, who goes by Eddie, has a strong connection to the R&B genre. ÉTN wants to be able to create a unique sound in the R&B industry where he’s able to express his emotions and creativity, and be able to talk about certain topics that aren’t really spoken about in todays society.

Talking about this song, Young Roley says: "Feels is a song about me just talk about my past experiences and how I was able to overcome it. I also talk about what I learned in the process. It’s my favorite song I’ve made so far. I would say the music I make is wide ranging, I try to explore different sounds and styles. As an artist I’m very expressive, I love talking about my feelings and thoughts and experiences. I’m able to get them out and process them, through a fire medium.

19 year old singer/songwriter Kii, speaking about this song, says: "Vanity is a song that you just have to sit down and experience. Once I heard the sample for the first time, I was immediately drawn into a feeling of love, but the instruments also had some uneasiness to it. I wanted to write a song that matched the music's vibe, but also gave affirmations of comfort. It’s lyrics aren’t deep, but it’s melodies are made so that you can just be immersed in a sound that glides through your ears."

Music

Life On Lancaster

NA.V.O is a Syracuse native who started off his music journey as a music producer doing tracks for various artist around the country. Tapping into the artistry of music in 2023 has changed his approach to music as a whole. He is inspired by Nipsey Hussle, Drake, and Babyface Ray, ect. The “Life On Lancaster” album is about the everyday life, struggle, and grind coming from Syracuse all the up to living life on the university and the experiences along the way.

A Part Of Me

The SENSES Project

This track was shared with OSS Associate Director Amy Messersmith when she returned to work in October 2022 from a medical leave due to appendicitis. This is an original song written by SENSES Program Coordinator Nick Piato and was performed in collaboration with students in the SENSES Audio Lab. It's reminiscent of an 80s power ballad that is equal parts hilarious and heartwarming. Needless to say this song holds a very special place in Amy's heart (as well as other essential internal organs).

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Listen to Rolando's Artist Spotlight

Podcast available now!

Alumni Spotlight Young Roley Class

of 2022 (SSS)

Rolando Cabral aka Young Roley was one of the first students to join the SENSES community in 2021 when we were down in the basement of 804 University Avenue. Since then, Rolando has become an established artist. He's released singles, an EP, a full-length album, and several music videos. He's also performed professionally in New York City. We are excited to see what Rolando sets his sights on next. Anything is possible!

Artist Facts*

Most streamed song: "Moment In Time" (64,353 streams)

Most Streamed Music Video: "Bad State Of Mind" (25,000 streams)

Favorite Song: "Feels"

New Album Name: "College Graduate" (Released date September-ish 2023)

Favorite college experience: Studying abroad in London

*As of 5.11.23

Rolando sat down with Dean Brian Konkol on April 14, 2023 to talk basketball, Hip-Hop, and spirituality. The conversation is out on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. Watch it here

Podcasts Recent Releases

Generation Podcast

Generation Podcast consist of multiple generations such as Gen Z, Boomer, Millennial, and Gen X. These generations gather around the table to discuss many topics, touching on generational differences, as well as similarities. The goal is to help people from different generations understand and educate one another. (Episode 2 featuring Prof. Rick Welsh of the Baby Boomer generation coming soon!)

SENSES Songshare

Students, faculty, and staff at Syracuse University come together to discuss some of their favorite songs and, in the process, touch on society and culture. On Side A, the two faculty/staff select two songs each. On Side B, the students each select two songs.

Raul Rosique Jr. is a Syracuse University student veteran who hosts a podcast that talks about modern obstacles. Raul speaks with other student veterans and discusses their paths on navigating the transition to civilian life.

Artist 101 -

Vampire Weekend

Syracuse University students, faculty, and staff sit down to talk about their favorite musical artists and groups. In our first episode, HEOP/SSS staff members (Amy Messersmith, Chris Davis, Sarah Wood, and Nick Piato) sit down with Syracuse student Shalamar Brown to talk about one of her favorite bands, Vampire Weekend.

Podcasts

First Gen Celebration 2022: A Conversation with Dr. Eve Hudson

To celebrate First Gen Day, Syracuse University invited Dr. Eve Hudson to campus. Dr. Eve is an "educator turned founder and president of Evinglerlean Worldwide - a leading social entity inspiring, empowering, and uplifting firstgeneration scholars and professionals across the globe." You can learn more about Dr. Eve at evehudsonphd.com .

While on campus, Dr. Eve took time out to meet with three students to talk about the first gen experience. At the table were Samantha Beltran (Kessler Scholars Program), Isabella Moranheras (SSS), Bre-Yona M ontalvo (SSS), and OSS Associate Director Amy Messersmith.

Living with Depression: A Conversation with Karen Hall

Karen Hall, assistant director of the Renee Crown Honors Program, and Amy Messersmith, associate director of the Office of Supportive Services, sit down to talk about Karen’s journey of living with depression. With openness and honesty, Karen shares how depression has impacted her experience in her younger years, through college, graduate school, and into her professional career. By listening to Karen’s experience, we learn one person’s story, and through that story, we learn about her struggles, compromise, resilience, and so much more.

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First Gen Voices at Syracuse University

The National First Gen College Celebration takes place every year on November 8th. Syracuse University's 2022 celebration was sponsored by the Kessler Scholars Program, HEOP, TRIO SSS, New Student and Family Programs, and SU Libraries. One of the ways we celebrated First Gen Day is by gathering first generation college students from across Syracuse University to hear their perspectives and learn from their experiences. This podcast features: Anthony Hernandez (Kessler Scholars Program), Genesis Alvarez (HEOP), Mauricio Luna (TRIO SSS), Samantha Vajellos (TRIO SSS), and Raul Rosique, Jr (Navy student veteran). Also at the table is HEOP Academic Counselor Amy Friers, who is a proud first gen graduate.

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Phil-osophy 101 Episode 1: Tales from the Ring

When SENSES moved into Steele Hall, Facilities Building Manager Phil Benedict was instrumental in helping us get settled in our new home. It turns out that Phil has many interesting life experiences, including teaching boxing, teaching women's self-defense, and gator hunting in Florida. Prof. Joanna Spitzner (VPA) and Amy Messersmith (OSS) sat down with Phil to learn more. In the course of recording this podcast, they discover that Phil and Prof. Spitzner had already crossed paths in the past through a mutual friend and artist, CASSILS. Phil also shares tales from his boxing career in the military and various significant matches he fondly recalls.

Podcast Series: Syracuse University Barnes Center's "Know Before You Go with Daniela Puente"

Daniela Puente is a graduate student in the Public Health Program and an intern at Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the Barnes Center.

Daniela produced the "Know Before You Go" podcast series in order to help familiarize listeners with the various services available at the Barnes Center and how to access them. She has interviewed staff from Health Services, the Counseling Center, and Recreation Services.

Daniela graduated in May 2023 and we wish her the best on her Congressional Hispanic Caucus Fellowship in Washington, DC.

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The SENSES Project Other News

Congratulations to Raul Rosique Jr!

"Deep Dive" podcaster and student veteran Raul Rosique Jr. was awarded the "Best for Vets" Award at the Syracuse University Student Veterans Organization Awards Ball on April 1, 2023. Raul's podcast was mentioned during the ceremony as an effective way to highlight the student veteran experience and educate the campus community.

SENSES Nominated for 44 Stars Innovation Award

The SENSES Project student organization was nominated for this award, which is given to brand new registered student organizations who made a conscious effort to promote, plan, implement, and introduce innovative programs/initiatives that have not been addressed by previous planning or organizations.

Unfortunately SENSES didn't win but it was an honor to be nominated - especially when the nomination letter is such a strong endorsement for the work we're doing (see next page).

Congratulations to the Mexican Student Association who took home the award this year. We celebrate you!

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The SENSES Project Other News

Read our SENSES 44 Star RSO Nomination Letter!

Anand Benegal is a Whitman doctoral student, talented musician, and SENSES regular. Thank you for your kind words, Anand!

Dear SU community,

There are several student RSOs that operate within the Syracuse University community, but SENSES is truly unique in some critical ways. Namely, (1) communal integration; (2) skill development; (3) vision. In terms of (1), the university lists one of its key goals as the promotion of diversity, equity, and inclusion. While a commendable value orientation to profess, this is not easy to implement in practice. I have lived for long spans of my academic life (3 months+) in the US, UK, HK, and India. I've noticed that students seldom shift away from their intra-cultural/race-based cliques and form genuine intercultural bonds. (I'm quite certain you've noticed this as well in your anecdotal experience).

SENSES addresses this issue in two critical ways: a) it provides music as a superordinate platform to enable true intercultural connection to take place. There is an extensive body of research has documented that superordinate goals play a large role in erasing cultural barriers, enabling creativity, and enabling crosspollination of cultures (Chiu, Benegal, and Gries, 2022). Further to this is (b): students do not need to join a fraternity/sorority if they are uncomfortable with the concept of Greek life. (Or simply unable to do so).

In terms of (2), music production, piano lessons and guitar lessons are available for free at SENSES. I can give numerous examples, both abstract and concrete. For instance, I've - as a volunteer - taught 3 budding musicians music theory at SENSES. I have 19k views on my YouTube channel and that happened within the last 4 months due to the music production skills I learnt at SENSES. I volunteer to teach piano music part-time here. We have excellent upcoming rappers and musicians hanging out here in the lounge in a daily basis. Where else are we going to find this kind of communal learning environment? Furthermore (and this personally matters to me), this social space is highly creative and also substance-free.

In terms of (3), Amy Messersmith and Nick Piato have an outstanding vision for SENSES. While the decisionmaking is undertaken mostly by students, they stand by in their role in defining and executing the mission, as caretakers, coordinators, and cheerleaders, to enable the space to thrive as a space to inculcate creativity and provide solace to students. Having led an intercultural student community myself as a (former) undergraduate student, I know first-hand that vision without the capacity for execution doesn't mean much. Amy Messersmith and Nick Piato are two of the warmest, most inclusive people I've ever come across in all my years as an academic and a working musician. It is commendable how they have achieved being accessible, empathetic, and empowering student leaders within SENSES whilst providing effective direction and vision to enable the intercultural and creative goals at SENSES to succeed. I would highly recommend SENSES for the innovation award. I've never seen an RSO like this anywhere else.

That's a (w)rap! Nick Piato ends the year at Mercy Works with a Student Share-out.

SENSES Program Coordinator Nick Piato and SCSD educator Klass Jones facilitate a course for middle and high-school students in Syracuse called Vision Center Beats. The course takes place at the Mercy Works Vision Center, and supports students in learning how to produce music, write lyrics, and collaborate with others.

To conclude the spring session, students hosted an album release party for their mixtape. This project contained 17 tracks, with everything ranging from hype trap beats to lofi vibes to collaborative songs between students. You can hear the full mixtape here!

If you are a student or know someone who may be interested in the fall semester, please reach out to Nick Piato by email at nwpiato@syr.edu

Amy Messersmith was chosen as an inaugural Office of Diversity and Inclusion Administrative Fellow! 04

Office of Supportive Services Associate Director Amy Messersmith submitted a proposal for two podcast projects that leverage storytelling as a way to cultivate inclusion and belonging on campus. The first project is a podcast called "Lonely Campus," where students share how they initially struggled to find community and the steps they took to find their niche on campus. Project number two is a Pop-up Podcasting Studio that goes out into the campus community to collect stories from staff and faculty related to DEIA in some way. "I am so honored and thrilled for this opportunity. Thank you to VP of Diversity and Inclusion

Mary Grace Almandrez and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion for supporting this work. We are in the 'Golden Age' of podcasting thanks to the internet and advances in technology. Podcasting allows for nuanced discussion so that we might find our commonality and shared humanity by hearing ourselves in each other's stories. The Surgeon General recently declared loneliness an epidemic; the opposite of loneliness is connection. It's important to find new ways to connect across differences and I believe in the power of storytelling and podcasting to do so."

Mercy Works Programming Director Nati Cabrera, Prof. David Knapp, Nick Piato, and Klass aka Howard Jones, Jr. at the Mercy Works Share-out on May 2, 2023.

Students receive their certificates at the Mercy Works Share-out.

A Fond Farewell to Prof. David Knapp

The SENSES Project expresses its deepest gratitude to Dr. David Knapp, assistant professor of music education in the Setnor School of Music with a dual appointment in the School of Education. We wish him the best as he leaves Syracuse University for Florida State University this summer.

Dr. Knapp was instrumental in turning the idea of The SENSES Project into a reality; SENSES would not be where it is today without Dr. Knapp. He was the first faculty member to sign on to The SENSES Project in spring 2021 and volunteered countless hours to get the project up and running. Dr. Knapp was instrumental in setting up the Audio Lab and guided us on layout, hardware, and software. He also came in throughout the summer to help unpack boxes, move furniture, and set up equipment.

During the 2022-2023 academic year, Dr. Knapp spent quality time in the Audio Lab providing consulting, research mentorship, getting to know SENSES students, and joining creative projects like the SENSES Holiday Album. He dedicated his time because he is committed to the project’s ideals, which is using music to create a unique student community rooted in the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

David - We will miss you immensely! Best wishes to you and your family as you embark on this new chapter. Thank you for everything and please keep in touch!

Prof. Knapp helping SENSES map out our new Audio Lab in Steele Hall Rm. 001.

Prof. Knapp using AI to create the track "Jingle Bells, Rockin' All the Way" for the SENSES Holiday Album. can hear the track here

SENSES Faculty Partners Profs. Knapp and Spitzner - Our Unsung Heroes!

THE SENSES PROJECT A Year In Review...

Since we launched in the summer of 2021 in the basement of 804 University Avenue, it's been a whirlwind of creativity. Here are some of the highlights so far:

We moved to our new home in Steele Hall in May 2022.

I've got an EP dropping soon.

In spring 2023, we had over 900 Orange SUccess kiosk swipes (not bad for our first semester tracking student traffic in the Audio Lab!).

Student with the most swipes?

Caleb Aguirre-Leon (ECS)!

In August 2022, School of Education's Office of Professional Research and Development completed their evaluation of the initial SENSES CUSE grant research project.

We welcomed 8 sections of FYS 101 for Intro to SENSES Workshops as their Shared Experience.

Nick Piato was added as a fulltime staff member in Fall 2022.

We collaborated with the Barnes Center, LGBTQ+ Resource Center, Belfer Studio, Facilities, and SU Abroad this year!

We collaborated with faculty in Art, Drama, Higher Ed, Food Studies, Music Ed, Communication and Rhetorical Studies, and Women's and Gender Studies this year. We also supported undergraduate, graduate, and law students' podcast projects.

STAFF

Photos with SENSES

Aicha Sacko (HEOP) and Alexis Jerauld's daughter Maeve DJ together at the OSS "Young, Gifted, and