BMINDS Research Assistant
Binghamton University
Sarah Livshits, B.S. Biological Sciences and Minor in Health and Wellness Studies, is a Research Assistant and first author on this year's research manuscript with the BMINDS Research Team mentored by Dr. Lina Begdache of the Health and Wellness Department at Binghamton University's Decker College. Livshits was awarded the Heidi & Joel Thrier Award for Leadership and Community Service, given to 1 of 3 senior students nominated by the Health and Wellness Studies Department.
This year's research focused on the relationship between food insecurity among college and non-college students and its impact on health-promoting behaviors. The team made its second appearance at the 2024 American Physiology Summit in Long Beach, California. Meanwhile, Livshits created the idea for BMINDS' semesterly cooking workshop and presented findings at Binghamton University's annual Research Days. Within the University, BMINDS held a cooking workshop teaching nutritious, budget-friendly Mediterranean meals. They also collaborated at the Matters of the Mind mental health event presenting on food insecurity impacts with the Eating Awareness Committee and University Counseling Center. BMINDS extended outreach by presenting healthy food recommendations to parents at Benjamin Franklin Elementary and providing food access resources at the Chenango Valley Community Night. Additionally, they participated in the "B-EAT Hunger" food drive, collecting over 95 lbs for the local community, and hosted a yoga de-stress event for students. Through research and outreach, Livshits aims to expand knowledge, disseminate findings, provide health promotion materials, and create educational spaces linking nutrition and mental well-being.