Maxwell Faculty Scholarship Takes the Spotlight on The Academic Minute

Daryl Lovell

August 21, 2026

Syracuse University Today

Ryan Griffiths

Colleen Heflin

Political Science Department

Public Administration & International Affairs Department

Center for Policy Research

International and Intra-State Conflict

Aging

Food Security

Government

Political Parties

U.S. Health Policy

United States

Syracuse University Today

Portrait of a person smiling outdoors with a brick building in the background.

Ryan Griffiths

Colleen Heflin

For the second year running, Syracuse University is claiming an entire week on “The Academic Minute,” the nationally syndicated program that brings university research to NPR stations across North America and to international listeners worldwide.

Two Maxwell School scholars took a turn during “Syracuse Week,” Aug. 17–21, sharing work that spans food policy and political science:

Ryan Griffiths, professor of political science, draws on his book The Disunited States to argue that American secession, however appealing to the polarized, would almost certainly turn violent.

“The Case Against Breaking Up America Why Secession Would Make Things Worse, Not Better”

Colleen Heflin, professor of public administration and international affairs, examines how new SNAP work requirements will restrict benefits for adults ages 60–64, increasing food insecurity and ultimately costing taxpayers more through Medicare and Medicaid.

“New SNAP Rules Threaten the Ability of Older Adults to Retire and Live With Dignity”