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The race for the White House is on - and Georgia Southern experts are here to help
The upcoming election has been dominating headlines for months. With the recent change at the top of the Democratic ticket from Joe Biden to Kamala Harris has reenergized the campaign and put several states like Georgia and North Carolina back 'in-play' for the Democrats. Georgia has been identified as a key battle ground state for any candidate looking to win in November and it's why both Democrats and Republicans are frequent fliers to the Peach State with rallies and visits already. Those visits are also getting a lot of media attention and Georgia Southern University's experts are front and center assisting with the coverage. Joshua Kennedy, Ph.D. Associate Professor Department of Political Science and International Studies Areas of Expertise : Political Institutions, Congress, Presidential Power, Federal Bureaucracy, American Politics, American Presidency, Inter-Branch Relations, State Politics. The principal area of study and teaching for Joshua Kennedy, Ph.D., is in American politics, with a more particular focus on the presidency and the federal bureaucracy. Kennedy has presented his work at numerous conferences, including the Annual Meeting of the American Political Science Association and the Annual Meeting of the Midwest Political Science Association. His research has appeared in such outlets as American Politics Research, Research and Politics and Presidential Studies Quarterly. View profile and connect here Recent media: Joshua Kennedy has recently been interviewed by media such as WTOC 11, ABC News and Fox 28 in Savannah, Georgia, as well as various other local and regional media outlets when covering politics in Georgia. *** Kimberly Martin Tecklenberg, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Department of Political Science and International Studies Areas of Expertise: American Politics, Research Methods, Leadership, Public Policy, Education Policy, State Politics, LGBTQ+ Policy. Kimberly Martin Tecklenberg, Ph.D., teaches courses in American politics, research methods, leadership and public policy. Before pursuing her graduate degree, she worked as the Special Assistant for Secretary of Education Belle Wheelan and former Gov. Mark Warner of Virginia. While at the University of Florida, she worked with former Senator and Gov. Bob Graham to establish the Bob Graham Center for Public Service. After graduation, she moved to Tennessee where she served as Assistant Director of Research at the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. Her past experiences have influenced her current research interests, which focus on education policy, political leadership, state politics and LGBTQ+ policy. View profile and connect here Recent media: Kimberly Martin Tecklenberg has recently been interviewed by media such as NBC, FOX, Al- Jazeera and Courthouse News Service, in addition to various other local, regional and national outlets when covering politics in Georgia. If you're covering the election - our experts are here to help all the way to Nov. 5 and beyond. Visit our Expert Center for a full directory of Georgia Southern experts. Simply click on any expert's icon now to arrange an interview today.
NarrA.I.tive empowers storytellers by merging AI and traditional artistic crafts
Irvine, Calif., Aug. 26, 2024 — Beall Applied Innovation at the University of California, Irvine has announced the launch of NarrA.I.tive, a groundbreaking initiative that blends the university’s academic strengths with the global entertainment industry and the innovative spirit of Orange County to harness artificial intelligence as a force for good across creative industries. “As AI’s influence expands, the opportunity and responsibility to steer it in positive directions is crucial,” said Errol Arkilic, UC Irvine’s chief innovation officer. “Through NarrA.I.tive, we redirect doom-and-gloom scripts to scripts of inspiration, education and enthusiastic support for creators as artificial intelligence increasingly influences the industry.” NarrA.I.tive’s action plan includes establishing UC Irvine and Orange County as global leaders in reshaping the artistic and technological ecosystem surrounding storytelling, attracting partners and collaborators to support the state-of-the-art initiative, creating revenue-generating content and tools, unifying academic excellence with emerging content production methods, and developing a structure for efficient project execution and student involvement. Supporting NarrA.I.tive’s impact, Beall Applied Innovation has established a strategic collaboration with Apples and Oranges Arts, an Orange County-based nonprofit entertainment and education studio co-founded by UC Irvine alumnus Tim Kashani ’86, MBA ’88, and his wife, actress Pamela Winslow Kashani. Started in 2008, Apples and Oranges Arts empowers storytellers to become creative entrepreneurs by combining educational platforms, technological integration, and a thriving community of new and existing voices. “Through NarrA.I.tive, we blend the magic of storytelling with the power of technologies such as artificial intelligence and extended reality, creating narratives that touch hearts and minds in ways previously unimaginable,” Tim Kashani said. “This collaboration marks a new era of creativity and technology alignment that requires ethical stewardship placing the human front and center.” In July, Apples and Oranges Arts and Beall Applied Innovation finalized plans for the NarrA.I.tive Story Studio, to be located at the Cove@UCI in the campus’s Research Park. Apples and Oranges Arts will lead the studio’s charge through training in new technologies that drive the entertainment industry’s future and through collaboration with UC Irvine schools, involving students and faculty in tool development and content production. “We invite storytellers, technologists, philanthropists, investors and the global community to join us in reshaping the future of storytelling,” said Stuart Mathews, director of industry alliances at Beall Applied Innovation. “Together, we will explore the expanding possibilities that AI and technology bring to the narrative arts, redefining how stories inspire, entertain and elevate the human experience.” About the University of California, Irvine: Founded in 1965, UC Irvine is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation’s top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UC Irvine has more than 36,000 students and offers 224 degree programs. It’s located in one of the world’s safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County’s second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide. For more on UC Irvine, visit www.uci.edu. Media access: Radio programs/stations may, for a fee, use an on-campus studio with a Comrex IP audio codec to interview UC Irvine faculty and experts, subject to availability and university approval. For more UC Irvine news, visit news.uci.edu. Additional resources for journalists may be found at https://news.uci.edu/media-resources.
If You Hate University Rankings Here’s One You Might Like
If your university cares about fostering research and innovation and you haven’t heard of the PitchBook Startup Index, you might want to pay closer attention to this data. While it doesn't look like the PitchBook folks are aiming to be a big player in the world of academic rankings, their detailed tracking activity of startup investments, which includes deal size, school affiliation, and employees, gives us a window into how each institution is performing on startup activity. Why This Is a University Ranking We Can Trust It's Objective: These rankings are based on detailed startup data that PitchBook dutifully tracks as part of many paid services it provides for clients that include VC's, Private Equity Funds and government agencies. The investors who pay for access to the underlying data expect accuracy and there is a considerable amount of meta information available for tracking as startups raise money and hire employees. It's Simple: The PitchBook rankings are free of the typical complexity found in other rankings such as the US News & World Report. They simply use a few key metrics including the number of startup founders affiliated with new ventures created at each institution and how much investment capital they have raised. It's Revealing: Ranking this data as a Top 100 Index gives us a good comparative view of which Universities are doing a good job of creating an entrepreneurial environment that stimulates learning and research while attracting investment capital and creating high-value jobs. Universities Need to Tell the Story Behind this Data to Build Support for Their Research & Startups This data is followed closely by University Research and Tech Transfer Offices. However, it should also be actively used by other departments, such as University Marketing and Communications, Government Affairs, Enrolment and Fundraising/Development which need to build support with legislators, policymakers, funding agencies, donors, and corporate partners - and yes, new student prospects. The relevance and accuracy of these rankings make this an important opportunity for you to tell your story and engage these audiences. "Promoting stories about your startups provides the perfect opportunity to demonstrate the relevance of your programs and narrow the gap between "town and gown." It's an opportunity to show how your faculty experts and researchers are nurturing innovation through startups to improve the lives of people in your local community and beyond." Did Your University Make the List? If the answer is yes, congrats! We would be remiss if I didn't recognize our clients who made the Top 100. Take a bow University of Florida, Vanderbilt University, University of Massachusetts, Michigan State University, University of California, Irvine and Rensselaer Polytechnic. Now it's time to get to work. As someone who has worked closely with startups and Universities over the past two decades, I see the immense value they create. That's why I'm surprised whenever I see university marketing teams missing valuable opportunities for promoting their faculty and research through the lens of startup activities. The Benefits of Celebrating Startups Research on startups (Shenkoya, 2023) shows that key factors such as access to research funds, dedicated faculty, size of dedicated staff (academic and non-academic), access to practical entrepreneurship courses, and non-regular curriculum startup activities are key factors responsible for success of University startups. However, proper funding for these programs in a challenging environment requires that Universities more effectively communicate the value they are delivering. Here's where you can shine: Media: This is an obvious opportunity, especially with local outlets. It provides the perfect opportunity to demonstrate the relevance of your programs and narrow the gap between "town and gown." Show how these startups are looking to improve the lives of people in the community. Corporate Partners: Startups are a natural focal point for conversations with industry partners, especially when you can speak to key market sectors and breakthrough research that faculty are focused on. Speak to how you are giving them more direct access to a pool of talented graduates. Also, don't forget to speak to programs you may be running in the areas of internships, mentorship programs, sponsored research, and curriculum development. Don't forget that engaging in educational partnerships helps companies improve their CSR profile, which can enhance their public image and brand. Also, explore how partners can financially support needed infrastructure improvements on the campus with funding for new facilities or new equipment. Students: Giving startups an opportunity to tell their stories and celebrate their achievements is one of the best ways to demonstrate how you are aligning your educational and entrepreneurship programs with industry needs. And don't forget to include your corporate partners. As employers, they are in the best position to show how you are preparing students for next-generation jobs. Show students how they will get direct exposure to the industry through programs you may be running, such as co-op terms, internships, and mentorships, and startup events such as boot camps and pitch competitions. Government: The data clearly shows that startups create high-value jobs and contribute to GDP growth. But governments today need constant reassurance that the funds they put into education and research are generating impact. You have to show the relevance of your startups by outlining how they are solving big societal problems that matter to voters. How are your startups leading socio-economic transformation for local communities and competing effectively on a global stage? Tips for Telling Your Startup Stories Focus on People Humanize your story by speaking directly to how founders and their teams are approaching key market and societal challenges. Focus on important "origin story" elements such as their personal challenges or insights that led them to their first discovery. Focus on notable collaborations they formed. How were faculty members or alumni involved in helping with research and market development or industry relationships? Create a story arc. Give your audience an appreciation for how hard startups are and the amount of uncertainty and risk they face in developing new innovations. Startups are not an overnight success. People are even more inspired by non-linear journeys that show the grit and determination that founders need to bring to their startups. Focus on Programs Always be thinking about how founders and their stories can help boost student enrolment by connecting their origin stories to specific experiences they had on the campus. Ask them how specific courses and programs prepared them for their entrepreneurial journey. Also ask them what other experiences such as campus mentorship programs, hackathons or pitch competitions helped them achieve specific breakthroughs and milestones. Focus on Photos & Videos Startups provide a great opportunity to engage your audience visually. Go beyond boring headshots, monolithic campus buildings, and staged stock images. Instead, use imagery that shows people creating new and exciting things together. This is not a time to be shy about asking founders, faculty, and funders to get in the shot and be recognized for their contributions. While you may think photo ops are overly promotional, they often help your partners communicate back to their constituency the importance of supporting your work. Walk the campus to get behind the scenes and show lab facilities, technology prototypes, and in-field work. Partners Profile notable investors, faculty, foundations, government agencies, alumni and corporate partners who may have invested time, money and other resources that help validate the quality of the startups you are helping build. Remember, startups are like a barn-raising, that involves a larger community. Give these partners an opportunity to be visible part of the story and they will celebrate with you and amplify your message to reach a bigger, more engaged audience. Proof Show evidence that the startups you are supporting are making a difference. Use your startups as an opportunity to speak to the bigger picture of why your institution matters. Speak to how they are tackling bigger challenges in areas such as environment, healthcare, social justice, the economy, physical infrastructure, security, election integrity and social innovation. Also make sure to demonstrate measurable impact in key areas such as: Total Addressable Market Job creation Investment activities Industry Awards Partnerships Patents Customer /Revenue Milestones It's Your Time to Shine In an era where impact is increasingly measured by the ability to translate research into real-world applications, universities have a unique opportunity to show the value of their startup ecosystems. But you need to get the stories out beyond the campus. Use your momentum to build a compelling narrative that makes your startups the heroes of your institution's story.
Industry and researchers call for action to tackle climate impact of organic, carbon-based chemicals
Call led by members of Supergen Bioenergy Hub, based at Aston University They highlight that carbon-based chemicals cannot be decarbonised but can be defossilised They want a transition to renewable carbon sources such as biomass, recycled carbon, and carbon dioxide. Director of Supergen Bioenergy Hub, Professor Patricia Thornley Industry experts and university researchers have joined together to ask the government to address the climate impact of organic, carbon-based chemicals. While demand for fossil fuels as energy is expected to fall in the coming decades, the petrochemicals sector is set to grow significantly according to experts and is set out in a 2018 report by the International Energy Agency. Members of the Supergen Bioenergy Hub which is based at Aston University and the Biomass Biorefinery Network believe the issue has yet to receive proper attention and is calling for a strategy that addresses this key component of our greenhouse gas emissions. They want a move to a more circular economy, managing supply and demand levels and transitioning away from fossil feedstocks which are raw materials required for some industrial processes. In their paper Carbon for chemicals How can biomass contribute to the defossilisation of the chemicals sector? they highlight that carbon-based chemicals cannot be decarbonised but can be defossilised through a transition to renewable carbon sources such as biomass, recycled carbon and carbon dioxide. Many products in modern society contain carbon such as pharmaceuticals, plastics, textiles, food additives, cosmetics, and cleaning products. These chemicals are derived from fossil feedstocks, so they are classed as petrochemicals. As a result, they contribute to global greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Carbon is embedded in organic chemical products and released when they break down at end-of-life, for example through incineration. To address the emissions from carbon in chemicals and accelerate the development of bio-based chemicals, the group want a cross-party consensus to support a sustainable chemical system. Director of Supergen Bioenergy Hub, Professor Patricia Thornley, said: “We need to consider the UK’s future feedstock and chemicals production and use, and how it relates to net zero, agriculture, environment, economy, trade, and just transition policy objectives. There are opportunities here for the UK to lead the way on sustainable chemical production, but we need to carefully plan a roadmap for the transition, that delivers opportunities around jobs and the economy as well as sustainable greenhouse gas reductions. “There is a definite role for biomass here. But it is essential that any future use of biomass in the chemicals sector is underpinned by rigorous, trusted, and enforceable sustainability governance to build confidence, deliver sustainability benefits, and minimise negative impacts. That requires improvements in sustainability governance and regulation. “We think there are real economic and trade opportunities by the UK accelerating sustainable chemicals. At the moment bio-based chemicals, and chemicals derived from other renewable carbon sources, are not being expanded in the UK because there are no explicit incentives that prioritise them over fossil-based production.” The group argues that the UK has significant academic and industrial research expertise to underpin the development of sustainable bio-based products and could be a global leader in bio-based products and sustainability governance. They believe that to date little of this has manifested as UK-based scale-up and manufacturing, whilst there are numerous examples of UK-led research being scaled up elsewhere. The paper was delivered at a webinar on 7 August. Notes to Editors Carbon for chemicals How can biomass contribute to the defossilisation of the chemicals sector? https://www.supergen-bioenergy.net/output/carbon-for-chemicals-how-can-biomass-contribute-to-the-defossilisation-of-the-chemicals-sector-policy-briefing/ Author: Joanna Sparks (formerly Aston University) With contributions from: Cristiane Scaldaferri (formerly Aston University), Andrew Welfle (University of Manchester), Patricia Thornley (Aston University), Ashley Victoria (University of Leeds), Caspar Donnison (Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory), Jason Hallett (Imperial College London), Nilay Shah (Imperial College London), Mirjam Rӧder (Aston University), Paul Mines (Biome Bioplastics), David Bott (Society of Chemical Industry), Adrian Higson (NNFCC), Neil Bruce (University of York) 2018 International Energy Agency report https://www.iea.org/reports/the-future-of-petrochemicals https://www.supergen-bioenergy.net/ The Supergen Bioenergy Hub works with academia, industry, government, and societal stakeholders to develop sustainable bioenergy systems that support the UK’s transition to an affordable, resilient, low-carbon energy future. The Hub is funded jointly by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) under grant EP/Y016300/1 and is part of the wider Supergen Programme. www.bbnet-nibb.co.uk The Biomass Biorefinery Network (BBNet), a phase II Network in Industrial Biotechnology & Bioenergy funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC-NIBB) under grant BB/S009779/1. The aim of the Biomass Biorefinery Network is to act as a focal point to build and sustain a dynamic community of industrial and academic practitioners who work together to develop new and improved processes for the conversion of non-food biomass into sustainable fuels, chemicals and materials. About Aston University For over a century, Aston University’s enduring purpose has been to make our world a better place through education, research and innovation, by enabling our students to succeed in work and life, and by supporting our communities to thrive economically, socially and culturally. Aston University’s history has been intertwined with the history of Birmingham, a remarkable city that once was the heartland of the Industrial Revolution and the manufacturing powerhouse of the world. Born out of the First Industrial Revolution, Aston University has a proud and distinct heritage dating back to our formation as the School of Metallurgy in 1875, the first UK College of Technology in 1951, gaining university status by Royal Charter in 1966, and becoming the Guardian University of the Year in 2020. Building on our outstanding past, we are now defining our place and role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (and beyond) within a rapidly changing world. For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Nicola Jones, Press and Communications Manager, on (+44) 7825 342091 or email: n.jones6@aston.ac.uk
As the new school year kicks off, CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) is reminding motorists to remain attentive when driving through school zones as more children are present in these areas. A recent survey conducted by CAA SCO found that 60 per cent of parents surveyed are concerned about the driving behaviours witnessed in their child’s school zone and consider their child’s school zone unsafe – a five per cent increase from last year. “It is no surprise that parents are concerned for the safety of their children; they have the right to get to and from school safely,” says Tracy Marshall, manager community relations CAA SCO, “speeding, double parking and stopping in school bus zones are all commonly reported unsafe driving behaviours parents see in their child’s school zones.” As a result, a majority of parents (85 per cent) support reducing speed limits in school zones, with over 77 per cent of these parents agreeing that 30km/h or less is the most appropriate speed limit. Of those surveyed, 68 per cent of parents strongly support the use of Automatic Speed Enforcement (ASE) in school zones, and 79 per cent believe its presence would deter speeding around schools. Additionally, 3 in 4 (73 per cent) consider that ASE should remain permanent in school zones. “Automated Speed Enforcement, along with the presence of police officers and speed bumps, continue to be identified as the primary measures to deter speeding in these zones,” adds Marshall, “through education, we hope to help motorists to make more responsible decisions behind the wheel to protect themselves and those around them.” Tips for responsible driving behaviours in school zone areas: • Help reduce traffic with active school travel: Encourage your kids to walk or wheel to school to ease traffic congestion. If your school is a further distance, CAA SCO encourages parents and guardians to park a block away and walk to school to reduce traffic and make school zones safer. • Put away distractions: Pedestrian safety begins with drivers. It’s important to put away distractions such as phones and be extra attentive in school zones, whether a parent is driving, or a child is walking to school. • Slow down: Know and respect the speed limit in your neighbourhood’s school zones. Give yourself plenty of time to drop off your kids at school to avoid rushing. • Choose a safe spot to drop off and pick up your children from school: Follow your school’s rules and avoid double parking or stopping on crosswalks, dropping off or picking up your kids on the opposite side of the street, and stopping in moving traffic as kids rush out. Instead, use the designated drop-off areas or consider a spot a bit farther away from school that is easily accessible and safe. • Make eye contact with pedestrians: With the excitement of going back to school, anticipate that children may not easily see or hear your moving vehicle, so ensure to make eye contact with pedestrians crossing the road. • Stop for school buses: Never pass a stopped school bus with an activated stop arm and flashing red lights as children get on and off the bus. Passing a school bus as it loads and unloads children – not only is this dangerous, but it’s also illegal. • Watch for CAA School Safety Patrollers: When travelling to and from school, watch for CAA School Safety Patrollers in their lime green safety vests, as they play an important role in ensuring the roadway is safe before kids cross on their own. CAA supports safety in school zones through the CAA School Safety Patrol® program, developed to protect and educate elementary school children on safe road-crossing practices. CAA’s Ontario Road Safety Resource is a toolkit with valuable lesson plans for teachers to help educate students about road safety. To learn more, please visit www.caasco.com/schoolzone. The online survey was conducted by DIG Insights in May 2024, with 1,520 Ontario parents/guardians with children attending school from kindergarten to grade 8. Based on the sample size of n=1,520 and with a confidence level of 95 per cent, the margin of error for this research is +/- 2%.)
The project is a collaboration between Aston University, the University of Sheffield and The Resolution Foundation The project aims to leverage new, big data to help understand regional economic disparities It is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). Aston University, in collaboration with the University of Sheffield and The Resolution Foundation, has launched a significant research project to understand regional productivity and wage disparities in the UK. The project has received £300,000 in funding from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) to uncover the factors driving economic imbalances using recent, big data. The research will analyse how various factors such as workers' education, location choices, business types and sizes and regional infrastructure contribute to wage and productivity differences over the past 20 years. The aim is to understand these differences and suggest practical solutions for national and local governments. Researchers will explore potential drivers of regional productivity gaps, including the clustering of highly skilled workers, regional industrial structures, and local endowments like transport links and housing availability. The findings will help identify effective policy measures to reduce these imbalances. This project also aims to demonstrate how data analysis can help understand regional economic disparities. By reducing start-up costs for future research, it will build a community focused on tackling spatial economic imbalances. Dr Anastasios Kitsos, a senior lecturer in economics at Aston Business School and principal investigator (PI) on the project, said: “This project will analyse the relative importance of productivity drivers using novel, granular data from linked administrative datasets covering workers, firms and localities in England since the 2000s. “This analysis will shed light into how much spatial productivity gaps can be explained by the characteristics of people, firms and places over time, and identify intrinsically more productive locations. “Understanding and addressing the root causes of the UK's severe spatial disparities in economic performance is crucial for fostering inclusive, regionally balanced growth and enhancing national productivity. This project aims to provide actionable insights and build a foundation for future research and policy development in this critical area. “The results will be shared in a comprehensive report detailing these influences over the past 20 years and offering policy recommendations for governments on skills, innovation, infrastructure, and local development strategies.”
Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams '95 M.S. took the trip of a lifetime in June, traveling to the International Space Station (ISS) on Boeing's Starliner spacecraft. Not long after their arrival to the ISS, however, the spacecraft began having mechanical issues. Since then, the pair have been left stranded in space with no return flight booked to come home. As the scientific world, public and international media watch, experts like Don Platt from Florida Tech are supporting ongoing media coverage until the two astronauts return to Earth. To return Starliner to Earth, the thrusters need to fire correctly at the right time to get the crew safely out of orbit. "Clearly, you need to have thrusters to be able to position your spacecraft, to move away from the space station, to get into the position to safely reenter the Earth's atmosphere," said Don Platt, associate professor of space systems at Florida Tech. "They claim just doing a rocket burn, they can probably make it home, but they don't know where'd they land," said Platt. The problem lies with the propulsion system inside the service module. "It sounds as if they've experienced a different amount of heating than expected with some of these thrusters, and had some affected things like valves that control the flow of propellant to the thrusters. So sometimes those valves will leak or not open all the way based on the amount of heat they are experiencing," said Platt. Platt explained that the valves for these thrusters are comparable to fuel injectors in a car. They simply open and close to feed the propellant into the combustion chamber − the end result being thrust (power). Part of the challenge for Boeing teams is that they can't exactly replicate what the spacecraft is experiencing in space. Platt said that heat is not just created from the thruster itself, but from the Sun. August 11 - Florida Today Don Platt, the director of Florida Tech’s Spaceport Education Center in Titusville and an associate professor of space systems, explained that Boeing is currently trying to figure out what went wrong with Starliner and to see if there is still a chance to use the thrusters. "There's probably very little they can do to fix them at this point," Platt said. "What they can do is they can look at what thrusters are working properly, and how can we then use those thrusters to efficiently get the vehicle back into the atmosphere and then to the surface of the Earth." While Starliner has been having extensive issues and now Boeing has some tough decisions to make about what's next, Platt said we need to remember that this was a test mission. "I think that we've had a lot of success in space over the last decade or so, and we've probably gotten used to things going perfectly," Platt said. "Although space is not that easy, and we can see problems, problems do pop up from time to time. Even back in the days of the shuttle program, there used to be issues with the orbiter, even on orbit, and they'd have to think about, 'can we keep flying this mission, or do we need to return to the Earth?'" August 13 - Central Florida Public Media For now, all we can do is watch and wait. But if you're a journalist following this ongoing story, then let us help with your coverage. Dr. Don Platt's work has involved developing, testing and flying different types of avionics, communications, rocket propulsion systems as well as astrobiology/biotechnology systems and human deep space exploration tools. Don is available to speak with media anytime. Simply click on the icon below to arrange an interview today.
#ExpertSpotlight: What is a Blue Moon?
The phenomenon of a Blue Moon, though rare, captures the imagination and curiosity of the public, making it a prime topic for media coverage. A Blue Moon typically refers to the occurrence of an additional full moon within a specific time frame, usually two full moons in a single calendar month or an extra full moon in a season. This celestial event is not just an astronomical curiosity but also a cultural and symbolic event that resonates deeply with people around the world. The significance of a Blue Moon extends beyond its scientific rarity, touching on themes of folklore, human understanding of time, and the natural world's rhythms. Journalists can explore several angles to connect this event with broader societal interests, including: Astronomical Significance: Explaining the science behind what causes a Blue Moon, how often they occur, and the different types of Blue Moons. Cultural and Historical Context: Delving into the myths, legends, and folklore associated with the Blue Moon across various cultures and how these stories have shaped human perception of time and nature. Impact on Astrology and Horoscopes: Investigating the Blue Moon's influence in astrology, including predictions and interpretations tied to this rare event. Environmental and Ecological Implications: Exploring how lunar cycles, including Blue Moons, affect wildlife, tides, and natural phenomena, contributing to broader discussions on the environment. Art and Literature: Highlighting references to Blue Moons in art, literature, and music, and how this natural phenomenon has inspired creativity throughout history. Public Engagement and Education: Covering events, public viewings, and educational opportunities that allow people to learn more about the moon and other astronomical phenomena. By covering these angles, journalists can provide their audiences with a comprehensive look at the Blue Moon, connecting this celestial event to a wide range of cultural, scientific, and environmental topics that resonate with the public's interests. Connect with an expert about Blue Moons: To search our full list of experts visit www.expertfile.com Photo Credit: Kym MacKinnon
University of Delaware experts share insights and strategies for navigating the upcoming school year
The College of Education and Human Development in the University of Delaware has a number of stories and experts for the upcoming school year. Stories Bridging the language gap: How AWE software fosters inclusivity for English Language Learners and Non-English Language Learners alike Creating a mindful classroom: Tips for teachers on how to have a peaceful transition into the 2024-2025 school year Empowering Black and Latinx Boys in Their Postsecondary Journeys: The Role of School Communities UD assistant professor Eric Layland shares new research on LGBTQ+ developmental milestones and supporting LGBTQ+ youth University of Delaware assistant professor explores the tensions between hopes and expectations in vocational planning for autistic young adults Experts Allison Karpyn – an associate professor who can speak to topics related to hunger, obesity, school food, supermarket access, and food insecurity. She has spoken extensively about food in schools and can offer context to those subjects. Roderick Carey – an assistant professor whose current interdisciplinary research serves to make sense of the school experiences of black and Latino adolescent boys and young men in urban contexts. He can also talk about teacher education as it relates to men in the field/the impact of male teachers. To contact Karpyn or Carey, click their profiles. More experts... If you would like to pursue any of these stories or speak to any of the following experts, they are all willing and excited to chat. Contact mediarelations@udel.edu to speak to them. Eric Layland – an assistant professor who can speak about LGBTQ+ student experiences from a research perspective. His work bridges LGBTQ+ developmental research to community impact through developmentally-informed, affirmative interventions. Sarah Mallory – an assistant professor who specializes in special education with a special focus on autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. She also works within the Center for Disabilities Studies. Sarah Curtiss – an assistant professor who specializes in special education with a special focus on autistic youth. Brittany Zakszeski – an assistant professor and nationally certified school psychologist, licensed psychologist and behavior analyst. She focuses on student and teacher mental health and can comment on what concealed weapons carried by teachers can do for the mental wellbeing of both students and teachers. Lauren Bailes – an associate professor who focuses on the ways in which organizational, social-cognitive, and leadership theory unite to promote the success of school leaders and K-12 students. Bryan VanGronigen – an assistant professor who specializes in organizational resilience and change management in K-12 schools with specific interest areas in efforts to improve schools, the preparation and professional development of educational leaders and educational policy analyses. Lynsey Gibbons – an associate professor specializing in mathematics education, in teacher professional learning and school partnerships across content areas. Contact mediarelations@udel.edu to speak to these experts or for more information on the stories above.
With tremors in Japan - are we ready if an earthquake hits?
In an era where natural disasters are increasingly becoming a focal point of global concern, earthquake preparedness stands as a critical topic for public safety and resilience. With millions of lives and billions of dollars in infrastructure at risk, the importance of readiness cannot be overstated. This topic is not only timely due to recent seismic activities around the world but also due to its broader implications for disaster response, urban planning, and community resilience. Understanding and implementing effective earthquake preparedness measures can mitigate the devastating impact of these natural disasters, making it an essential subject for public discourse. Key story angles include: Advances in early warning systems: Explore how technology is improving early detection of earthquakes, potentially saving lives by giving communities crucial time to take protective actions. Urban planning and infrastructure resilience: Investigate how cities are adapting their infrastructure to withstand earthquakes, including the retrofitting of buildings and the development of earthquake-resistant structures. Community education and public awareness: Discuss the importance of community-based education programs in promoting earthquake preparedness, including drills, emergency kits, and public information campaigns. Government policies and disaster response: Analyze the role of government policies in disaster preparedness, focusing on how local, state, and federal agencies coordinate to prepare for and respond to earthquakes. The economic impact of earthquake preparedness: Examine the cost-benefit analysis of investing in earthquake preparedness, including the potential savings in terms of reduced damage and faster recovery. Global lessons and best practices: Compare earthquake preparedness strategies from different parts of the world, highlighting best practices that could be implemented in earthquake-prone regions globally. By delving into these angles, journalists can provide comprehensive coverage of earthquake preparedness, offering valuable insights that can help communities better protect themselves against the inevitable threat of seismic events. Connect with an expert about earthquake preparedness: To search our full list of experts visit www.expertfile.com Photo Credit: Chandler Cruttenden