Behzad Mortazavi, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, recently named Sarah L. Karalunas as the Cobb-Jones Clinical Psychology Endowed Professor. She will also serve as chair of the Department of Psychology.

Karalunas is a nationally recognized clinical psychologist and researcher whose work focuses on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), emotion regulation and neurodevelopmental disorders. She joins A&S from Purdue University, where she served as associate professor and director of graduate studies in the Department of Psychological Sciences.

A Syracuse native, Karalunas returns home with a distinguished record of scholarship and leadership. She earned her Ph.D. in child clinical psychology from Pennsylvania State University and completed her pre-doctoral internship at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Her research received frequent support from the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. Karalunas has additionally authored numerous peer-reviewed publications advancing the understanding of 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 established in 2020 through a $2 million gift to the Forever Orange campaign. It honors the legacy of Faith “Chris” Maltby Cobb ’51, G’66, Ph.D. ’74, and her wife, Janet G. Jones, both of whom were deeply committed to advancing mental health care and social justice. The professorship supports faculty whose work exemplifies the mission of using scientific research to improve the human condition.

Karalunas’ appointment reflects her commitment to evidence-based clinical science, mentorship and community engagement. At Purdue, she led initiatives to enhance graduate training and served on multiple advisory boards and national research consortia. She is also a founding member of the ADHD Early Risk Consortium and has contributed to national conversations on mental health through media and public scholarship.

“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.”