MICHAEL MARCIANO, research assistant professor and director for research in the National Security Sciences Institute (FNSSI) at Syracuse University’s College of Arts and Sciences, was recently appointed to New York State’s Commission on Forensic Sciences by Gov. Andrew Cuomo. The 14-member committee of crime experts develops standards and oversees accreditation for the 20 public forensic laboratories operating within the state. This is the first time a forensic scientist from Syracuse University has been appointed. Marciano received a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Rochester, a master’s degree in forensic biology from SUNY Albany, and a Ph.D. in structural biology, biochemistry, and biophysics from Syracuse University.

MAHMOUD SHAABAN, M.D. has joined Rome Health as a primary-care doctor at Rome Medical Group, located at 1801 Black River Blvd. in Rome. He has 28 years of experience in internal medicine, with a special interest in coordinating and managing the care of patients with multiple chronic conditions and complex medical needs. As a primary-care provider, he takes a holistic approach to his patients’ overall health to help them prevent disease and better manage their conditions. Shaaban earned his medical degree from Alexandria University Faculty of Medicine in Egypt. He completed his internal-medicine residency at Temple University, at the Memorial Medical Center in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and received his pain-management diploma from the American Academy of Pain Management.

SUE SPINA has joined Nascentia Health in Syracuse as a licensed clinical social worker in its home health-care practice. She has more than 25 years of experience in social work and previously worked as the program director for the Mohawk Valley Health System’s adult day health care and as a social-work consultant for several providers in Oneida County. Spina continues to also operate a clinical mental-health private practice in Whitesboro. At Nascentia, Spina is responsible for expanding upon and developing clinical social-work programs that contribute to enhanced patient care across the organizational service line and insurance programs. She received a master’s degree in social work from Syracuse University.

WHITTNEY REED has joined Nascentia Health as a retention and recruitment specialist in the company’s human resources department. She has a background in hiring/onboarding, training and development, HRIS data maintenance, and employee engagement for several companies. Reed most recently worked in project management for the Redhouse Arts Center. She is the former VP of the United Way Corporate Volunteer Council and provided virtual-learning support for young students from her home this past year throughout the pandemic. At Nascentia Health, she supports full life-cycle recruiting, screening, placement, and retention of quality staff to support the vision and goals of the organization. Reed holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from University at Buffalo, and a master’s degree in human resources management. 

RACHEL MOORE has joined Microscope — a health-care consultancy headquartered in Syracuse — as a senior consultant in its reimbursement service line. She previously worked for a consulting firm, where she provided numerous health-care reimbursement services to clients. Moore received her bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of North Texas. 

SUSAN LAPLACA has been named development director at Helio Health and the Helio Health Foundation, which supports the work of Helio Health. Her focus is on fundraising, event planning, and relationship building, with the goal of using compelling stories to communicate the agency’s mission. LaPlaca’s philosophy of service to others has led her to pursue employment in human services throughout her career. Previously, she was the marketing and outreach director for Central New York Services and the executive director of The Drug Quiz Show. 

BEN GROULX has agreed to a new contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning and Syracuse Crunch. Groulx, 53, has served as Crunch head coach since the 2016-17 season. In five seasons, Groulx has led the Crunch to a 179-100-21-21 record in 321 games and has had a winning season in each of his campaigns. His 179 wins currently ranks Groulx second in Crunch history. The Crunch noted that he has guided Syracuse to two 100-plus point seasons in 2017-18 and 2018-19 and posted the best record in franchise history during those consecutive seasons. Under Groulx, Syracuse has made the postseason in all three seasons with AHL playoffs. He led the Crunch to the franchise’s second Calder Cup Finals in 2017 and helped the organization claim the 2017 Eastern Conference Championship along with the 2017 and 2019 North Division titles. Since 2016-17, a total of 28 players have earned a call up from the Crunch and played for the Lightning. Prior to joining the Crunch, Groulx worked 13 total seasons as a head coach in the QMJHL with the Hull/Gatineau Olympiques. He led his teams to league championships in 2003, 2004, and 2008, earning QMJHL Coach of the Year honors for the 2003-04 season while coaching the Olympiques. The Hull, Quebec native also served on the coaching staffs for Team Canada at the 2004 Under 18 World Championships, as well as the 2014 and 2015 IIHF World Junior Championships. Groulx was an assistant coach for the gold-medal winning Team Canada at the Under 18 World Championships in 2004. He was also an assistant coach for Team Canada at the World Junior Championships in 2014 as Canada was defeated in the bronze-medal game by Russia. The following year, Groulx was the head coach for Team Canada, winning the gold medal and earning a perfect 7-0 record during the tournament.