December 2025 SUNY Orange graduate Sydney Newsome’s fascination with biology began early, but in recent years it has taken on a deeply personal dimension. Motivated by her own experience living with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and a later diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, Newsome has turned her curiosity into meaningful scientific research.

On June 5, Newsome presented her paper, “Saffman-Taylor Instability as a Biomimetic Model for Synaptic Pruning,” at the 34th Annual Beacon Conference, held annually to recognize, celebrate, and showcase the academic achievements of outstanding students at community colleges in the mid-Atlantic region. Newsome’s work was selected as the top presentation in the Biological and Health Sciences category. In addition, her paper (an excerpt of her SUNY Orange Honors Program capstone research) will be posted in the Beacon Conference’s annual proceedings journal and on its website.

Newsome graduated as valedictorian of Chester Academy's Class of 2015 with a 99.3 grade-point average. She then enrolled at SUNY New Paltz on a Presidential Scholarship and New York State Scholarship for Academic Excellence. After completing two years, however, she was forced to leave school.

“I came to SUNY Orange as an adult because it was convenient and affordable,” Newsome said. “More importantly, I found the environment incredibly welcoming, and it allowed me to find my footing very quickly. I completed my degree in December, but I continued this Spring in Capstone II with Professor Nicole Rodstrom as my mentor. She also happened to be my first professor here in Biology 101, and I am so grateful we connected.”

Rodstrom praised Newsome's determination and academic achievement.

“Throughout her time at SUNY Orange, Sydney consistently demonstrated an exceptional work ethic, dedication and passion for scientific research and inquiry,” Rodstrom said. “She developed and successfully carried out a novel experiment that applied a physics principle to a biological question. Sydney exhibits a level of scholarship that is truly inspiring. It has been my privilege to serve as her faculty mentor and watch her earn top honors at the Beacon Conference. I look forward to seeing all she accomplishes in the future.”

Newsome credits Rodstrom and other faculty members for helping her build confidence.

“Professor Rodstrom told me to believe in myself and have faith in myself,” Newsome said. “A lot of professors had that same mindset and encouraged me along the way.”

Discussing her research, Newsome’s enthusiasm was evident.

“Individuals with autism spectrum disorder may experience atypical synaptic pruning,” she explained. “I was inspired to pursue this topic after being diagnosed with ASD during the same Summer I was volunteering at Winslow Therapeutic Center, which provides equine-assisted services for children with disabilities. I felt an unspoken connection with those children, and it motivated me to learn more about autism and related conditions.”

A recipient of the Herbert M. Sussman Biology Scholarship and the Dr. Corland R. Mapes Scholarship, Newsome is now majoring in bioinformatics at Ramapo College. She hopes to pursue a career in university-based research and development focused on synaptic plasticity and autism.

For prospective students considering SUNY Orange, Newsome offered simple advice.

“It's okay to be scared,” she said. “Don't let that keep you from doing the things you want to do. I found my footing. Remember, it doesn't matter how many times you fall, what matters is how many times you get back up.”

Beyond her academic accomplishments, Newsome was active in campus life. In addition to being a member of the Biology Club, she founded “Birds of a Feather,” a new Audubon club at the College. Under the guidance of faculty advisor Professor Walter Jahn, members participated in campus activities and field trips while learning how to manage the organization's budget.

Reflecting on her journey, Newsome expressed gratitude for those who supported her along the way.

“I would like to thank my friends and family for their amazing support, especially my grandfather, Joseph Dondiego, who passed away from cancer during my first semester back at school in Spring 2024,” Newsome said. “He was my best friend and always believed in me.”

To learn more about SUNY Orange, feel free to visit www.sunyorange.edu, call the Admissions Office at (845) 341-4030 or email apply@sunyorange.edu.