Augusta University is Georgia's health sciences university and a national center for cyber security education. Home to the state’s only public academic medical center, Augusta’s world-class clinicians are bringing the medicine of tomorrow to patient care today. The university is comprised of nine colleges, including one of the nation's oldest medical schools, the Medical College of Georgia; the Hull College of Business; and the state's only dental school, the Dental College of Georgia.

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Artificial intelligence is advancing at a rapid pace, but with great power comes great responsibility. In this episode of In the Wild, we dive into the latest AI innovations and their ethical implications with Craig Albert, PhD,  program director for Augusta University’s new Intelligence, Defense, and Cybersecurity Policy PhD program. We also chat with Candis Bond, PhD, interim director for the English and World Languages department, about the evolving role of AI in communication, education and beyond.

Learn more about the Intelligence, Defense, and Cybersecurity Policy program: https://www.augusta.edu/programs/intelligence-defense-cybersecurity-policy-phd

This video was produced and created by Communications & Marketing at Augusta University.

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Augusta University is a premier public research university located in Augusta, Georgia. We are committed to providing exceptional education, groundbreaking research, and transformative health care services. Our dedicated faculty, innovative programs, and state-of-the-art facilities make Augusta University the ideal place to pursue your academic and professional goals.

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beyond-the-chair-how-ai-is-transforming-modern-dentistry

Beyond the Chair: How AI Is Transforming Modern Dentistry

A recently published article from Augusta University’s Jagwire is highlighting how artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the future of dentistry not only in patient care, but also in education, research and clinical decision-making.

The article features insights from Theodore Ravenel and third-year dental student Reid Loveless, who discuss both the opportunities and risks associated with AI integration in the profession.

 Ravenel explains how AI-powered tools are already assisting dentists with cavity detection, orthodontic planning, bone-loss analysis, and treatment forecasting, while also helping researchers process enormous amounts of clinical data more efficiently. He also emphasizes the importance of ethical safeguards, patient privacy and ensuring that AI tools are trained using diverse and accurate datasets.

“It is really reshaping dentistry and how we practice dentistry.” Theodore Ravenel, DMD  Loveless offers the perspective of a future clinician learning in an increasingly technology-driven environment. He describes how AI-supported educational tools developed by faculty such as Rafael Pacheco are helping students navigate complex patient scenarios, receive immediate feedback, and strengthen clinical reasoning skills.

 The article also highlights emerging technologies being used at the Dental College of Georgia, including virtual reality simulators and AI chatbots that provide students with real-time evaluations of dental procedures. Researchers such as Zoya Kurago are also leveraging AI to analyze large-scale datasets tied to cancer and oral disease research.

Despite the excitement surrounding these advances, the article stresses that AI is intended to support, not replace, human clinicians. Empathy, communication and patient trust remain essential components of quality care.

To learn more about how Augusta University is preparing future dental professionals for an AI-driven healthcare landscape,  contact Rafael Pacheco at rapacheco@augusta.edu.





covering-cuba-augusta-has-one-of-the-leading-experts-ready-to-help-with-your-coverage

Covering Cuba? Augusta has one of the leading  experts ready to help with your coverage

Associate Professor of Political Science

Cuba

U.S.-Cuba Relations

Latin America

International Relations

Costa Rica

Cuba is facing one of its most severe crises in decades, as compounding economic and energy challenges continue to strain everyday life on the island. Persistent fuel shortages have led to rolling blackouts, transportation disruptions, and reduced industrial output, while inflation and shortages of basic goods have eroded purchasing power for ordinary Cubans. Tourism, once a critical source of foreign exchange, has struggled to fully recover, and the country continues to grapple with declining productivity and limited access to international capital. These pressures have contributed to rising public frustration, increased migration, and a government response that blends cautious economic reforms with efforts to maintain stability.

Paolo Spadoni is an ideal expert for journalists covering this evolving situation. As a specialist in Cuba’s political economy, his work focuses on the island’s external sector, including foreign investment, remittances, tourism and the impact of international sanctions. He brings a rare ability to connect on-the-ground developments – such as energy shortages or policy changes, to the broader structural realities shaping Cuba’s economy. With deep academic research and ongoing analysis of current reforms, Spadoni offers clear, credible insight into whether Cuba’s latest measures signal meaningful transformation or simply short-term responses to a prolonged crisis.

 Paolo Spadoni, PhD, is a widely recognized expert on Cuba and its international relations. He is a tri-lingual political economist with a specialization in international relations and a focus on Latin America’s political and business environments. His research focuses on international relations theories, Cuba's economy and business market, foreign investment in Cuba and U.S.-Cuba relations. View his profile Since this crisis escalated, Spadoni has been the 'go-to' expert for reporters with media from across North America like Reuters, Bloomberg and The New York Times connecting with him for his expertise, input and perspective on the situation.
 

LA TERCERA: “The Cuban tourism sector was already struggling before the Covid pandemic. The best year for international tourism in Cuba was 2017 in terms of foreign exchange earnings. That was the year in which $3.3 billion was collected, and tourism represented 10% of Cuba's GDP at that time. In terms of employment, it provided 120,000 direct jobs and roughly 500,000 indirect jobs. So it played a significant role. That was the best year for international tourism in Cuba, which coincidentally ended in November of that year with the sanctions imposed by the first Trump administration. From then on, tourism from North American visitors began to decline, but European and Canadian visitors were already decreasing,” Spadoni explained to La Tercera.   CBC NEWS: "Most of those investments are real estate investments more than tourism investments, meaning the Cuban military has taken possession of prime locations in the best tourism areas of Cuba," said Paolo Spadoni, an associate professor at Augusta University in Augusta, Ga., and co-author of the 2025 book The Cuban Tourism Industry: Evolution, Challenges and Prospects.   Columbia Law School: "While seeking to finalize an economic agreement with Cuba, the Trump administration could secure deals across various sectors of the economy. However, tourism holds the most promising opportunities in the short term."   Global News (Canada):  

target-market-who-are-they-what-do-they-value-and-where-are-they

Target Market: Who Are They, What Do They Value, and Where Are They?

Dr. Rick Franza, AU Hull College of Business in Augusta Business Daily

Faculty, James M. Hull College of Business

Management

Operations Research

Entreprenuership

Intentional Leadership

Higher Education Leadership

Business

 In last week’s column on Super Bowl ads, I stressed the importance of providing a value proposition when you are advertising or marketing your goods and services.  

As a reminder, a value proposition is a promise that you make to potential customers that provides them a compelling reason why they should buy your product rather than a product from one of your competitors.  

Prior to developing a value proposition, you first need to understand who you are trying to sell to and what product characteristics they value. This will ensure that your value proposition will be more likely convince these buyers (your target market) to buy from you. The most effective Super Bowl ads from last week did this important work well. Once the company has a good, valuable proposition, it then needs to communicate that valuable proposition to its target market. Fortunately for companies with Super Bowl ads, just about all target markets are watching the game. However, for pretty much all other advertising and marketing, it must communicate where the target market will see or hear it. In today’s column, I will walk you through how to determine who your target market is, what they value, and finally, where to distribute your marketing messages.

You are probably asking yourself, why is a guy who teaches Operations and Supply Chain Management (O&SCM) writing about Marketing? The answer is simple, really. It is the job of the O&SCM function of the company to deliver on the value proposition. So, as marketing develops its value proposition, it must confer with O&SCM to determine if the firm can deliver on that value proposition. If marketing communicates a value proposition it cannot meet, the company will likely be unsuccessful. With that in mind, let us examine the target market/value proposition development process.

As a firm begins to identify its target market for a particular product, it must first determine the various potential customers who might buy that product and attempt to partition those customers into groups who value similar things.  

 For instance, looking at the automobile market, there are some customers who value low price most, some who value performance and aesthetics most, and others who value reliability, durability, and consistency. If we are either in the automobile market or thinking about entering the automobile market, we need to find a group that values some characteristics that we think we can provide better than other market entrants. As you can see, the identification of a target market and the development of a value proposition that will appeal to that target market are done concurrently and iteratively. As noted above, the O&SCM function of the company is also brought in during these iterations to determine if the physical good can be manufactured or a service can be delivered in such a way that it can meet the value proposition.

One important thing to remember is that in most cases, you are not your target market. What I mean by that is that you are often biased by your own knowledge and taste/preferences, and this may differ significantly from what your target market values.  Remember that you are a unique individual whose preferences for a price point and evaluation of other characteristics might differ from your target market. Be sure to develop a value proposition that reflects the buying habits of your target market customers. 

Once you have developed a strong value proposition that you know your O&SCM can deliver upon, it is time to message that value proposition in places where your target market is present. As noted above, this aspect of our process is like “shooting fish in a barrel” for Super Bowl advertisers because all target markets are typically watching the Super Bowl. It is not so trivial for the rest of us. We need to understand what forms of media our target markets consume (e.g., television, radio, social media), but also, with each of these media, which applications or types of shows do they frequent. While most think social media skews young, and that is true for the most part, Facebook skews older, while Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok skew much younger. On television, much of network television skew older, but there are shows like “Dancing with the Stars” and The “Bachelor” that do particularly well with younger women. Many mornings when I am getting ready for the day, I listen to “Augusta’s Morning News” on WGAC radio, and it is clear that my fellow listeners are primarily in my age demographic. My advice is to do your homework and find out where your target market is consuming media.

All the work above is not very easy, but doing it right will lead to big returns. If you can identify who you want to target, based on what they value, and then be sure they get the marketing message that you have what they value, your business will succeed!


augusta-university-public-health-experts-discuss-building-recovery-through-economic-stability

Augusta University public health experts discuss building recovery through economic stability

Building sustainable recovery through community and economic empowerment

Associate Professor, Department of Community and Behavioral Health Sciences, School of Public Health

Physical Activity

Childhood Obesity

Program Development

Program Evaluation

Public Health Research

Obesity Prevention

Body Composition

  In this candid conversation, Vahé Heboyan, PhD, and Marlo Vernon, PhD, talk about their work at the intersection of public health, economic stability and substance use disorder recovery. The interviews are centered on Augusta University's public health-driven small business training initiative and explore how recovery is strengthened when communities invest in people and provide practical paths to long-term stability.

Heboyan, a professor in AU's School of Public Health and a public health expert with a background as an economist, explains that economic vulnerability often hinders recovery, especially in rural areas with limited resources where risk-taking can be costly. He translates economic research into public health practice, emphasizing that small businesses and microenterprises are about providing a sustainable income for individuals and families, not creating large corporations. This stability, he notes, can have a ripple effect, supporting local economies, job opportunities and community resilience.

Vernon, whose research focuses on maternal and infant health, as well as substance use disorder recovery, highlights the human side of recovery and the importance of financial security for families. She notes that economic instability can increase the risk of relapse, especially for mothers in recovery who are supporting children. Her insights show that entrepreneurship can be a public health tool, addressing income, dignity, confidence and long-term wellbeing.

Both interviews emphasize the key role of community in recovery. Heboyan points out the power of peer support and shared experience, noting how participants use their past challenges as strengths. Vernon agrees, emphasizing that effective public health work requires building relationships and engaging with communities over time, rather than just conducting short-term research.

Together, the interviews show that recovery is part of a larger ecosystem that includes economic opportunity, mentorship and community trust. The video illustrates how combining economics, public health and lived experience can create lasting, meaningful impact for individuals in recovery and their communities.

Looking to know more? Click on Dr. Vernon's profile below. To connect with Dr. Heboyan, simply contact AU's Communications team via email (mediarelations@augusta.edu) to arrange an interview today.


a-snapshot-of-the-local-economy-simon-medcalfe-on-growth-risk-and-what-comes-next

A Snapshot of the Local Economy: Simon Medcalfe on Growth, Risk, and What Comes Next

Annual Economic Forecast Breakfast offers snapshot of the local economy

Professor

Community and Economic Development

Social Determinants of Health

Sports Economics

 At Augusta University’s annual Economic Forecast Breakfast hosted by the James M. Hull College of Business, Simon Medcalfe, PhD, offered a grounded, data-driven look at how the local economy is performing — and what lies ahead. Speaking to business leaders, students and community stakeholders, Medcalfe emphasized the importance of distinguishing real economic growth from inflation-driven gains, noting that while the Augusta region continues to grow, it does so at a measured pace compared to national averages. His presentation framed the local economy as stable and resilient, but not immune to broader forces shaping the U.S. outlook.

A key theme of Medcalfe’s remarks was the role of research, innovation and education in sustaining long-term economic health. He pointed to strong gains in research and development across Georgia and highlighted how university-based research directly contributes to regional economic output. According to Medcalfe, investment in knowledge creation remains one of the most reliable drivers of growth, reinforcing the value of higher education institutions as economic anchors.

  Simon Medcalfe, PhD, is an economist with an emphasis on sports economics, social determinants of health, and the local economy. View his profile At the same time, Medcalfe cautioned against complacency. While regional fundamentals remain solid, he stressed that uncertainty at the national level continues to pose risks.

“However, uncertainty abounds in national macroeconomic policy that could negatively impact growth next year,” Medcalfe said, underscoring how unresolved fiscal decisions and policy shifts can ripple down to local economies.  Still, his overall outlook balanced realism with optimism. Medcalfe concluded that the Augusta region — and Georgia more broadly — is positioned to weather uncertainty thanks to diversification, investment in early education, and continued research activity.

 “Overall, Augusta and Georgia are positioned well for economic growth in 2026 with a strong commitment to early childhood education, a diversified labor market and strong research and development,” he said.  View the full article 'Annual Economic Forecast Breakfast offers snapshot of the local economy' here:

 For journalists covering regional economics, workforce development, higher education, or policy-driven growth trends, Simon Medcalfe, PhD, offers clear-eyed analysis rooted in data — and an ability to translate complex economic signals into insight that matters locally.

Simon is available to speak with media - simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.



from-libraries-to-heart-health-marlo-vernon-takes-cardiovascular-care-into-rural-georgia

From Libraries to Heart Health: Marlo Vernon Takes Cardiovascular Care Into Rural Georgia

AU researchers use library check outs to check in on cardiovascular health

  Marlo Vernon, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Health Management, Economics, and Policy at Augusta University’s School of Public Health, is leading a creative public health initiative designed to improve cardiovascular monitoring in rural Georgia. Through the university’s Rural Obese At-Risk initiative, Vernon and her team are placing blood pressure monitors in local libraries, allowing residents to check them out just like books. The effort addresses a critical access gap in rural communities where preventive health tools are often limited or difficult to obtain.

 Vernon’s work focuses on the realities facing communities in the South’s so-called Stroke Belt, where overlapping health conditions significantly elevate cardiovascular risk.  View her profile “There are significant chronic disease risk factors in this so-called Stroke Belt. We’ve got high obesity rates. We have family history. We have high rates of diabetes and kidney disease and they all kind of feed into each other to really create this cardiovascular health need in our communities. And women, in general, are just at a higher risk for this,” said Marlo Vernon, PhD.  Beyond equipment access, Vernon’s research also examines how people understand and manage their health when traditional care options are limited. The library-based model helps normalize blood pressure monitoring while reducing barriers such as travel distance, cost, and limited clinic availability. It also creates opportunities to study how community-based solutions can improve awareness, engagement, and long-term cardiovascular outcomes.

For journalists covering rural health, women’s health, chronic disease prevention, or innovative public-health strategies, Vernon offers grounded, real-world insight into how trusted community spaces can play a vital role in addressing persistent health disparities.

A full article on this topic is available below.  To arrange an interview with Dr. Vernon simply click on her iconnow  to set up a time to talk today.
 

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