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L to R: Professor Helen Wood, Annika Allen and Nadia Afiari (Image: Simon Roberts Photography) Aston University’s Professor Helen Wood led the research for Black Leaders in TV, a company championing Black TV professionals Black in Focus is the first report of its kind and highlights the prevalence, with 92% of respondents reporting prejudicial or discriminatory experiences Recommendations for improvements include mid-career support, changing how Black stories are commissioned and tackling racism and bullying. Black television professionals in the UK’s television industry continue to face persistent barriers to career progression, with progress towards equity and inclusion very slow, according to new research led by Aston University academics. The report, Black in Focus, was produced in partnership with Black Leaders in TV, a company set up to champion Black professionals in the UK television and content creation industry, committed to bridging the representation gap and creating a more inclusive and innovative industry. The research group was led by Professor Helen Wood, a professor of media and cultural studies at Aston University. It also included Aston University’s Dr Killian Mullen and Dr Priya Sharma, alongside Dr Jack Newsinger, associate professor in cultural industries and media at the University of Nottingham. The researchers surveyed 164 Black mid-career television professionals to learn about their experiences. While entry-level diversity efforts have sparked positive change, the researchers say that respondents generally see this as performative, with little genuine progress at mid and senior levels. Of those surveyed, 92% reported experienced microaggressions at work, defined as subtle, often unintentional, comments or actions that express prejudice or discrimination towards them, such as being mistaken for a taxi driver or colleagues continually mispronouncing a name. 80% stated that their careers in television have negatively impacted wellbeing. Almost three-quarters (74%) of respondents said they had been ignored or excluded at work One of the biggest problems highlighted is a persistent ‘club’ culture with career progression often based on informal networks and hires. 91% of the survey respondents reported having no friends or family in the industry, blocking wider access and opportunity. Many Black television professionals still report being labelled as ‘diversity hires’, which negatively impacts their confidence and feeling of belonging in the industry. Black-Caribbean respondents and those from working-class backgrounds report heightened feelings of exclusion. Another major problem found by the report is in programme commissioning, with Black stories often viewed as commercially risky, leading to missed opportunities for richer, more authentic storytelling. The recommendations for improvement are grouped into four categories - breaking the mid-career bottleneck, commission, diversity initiatives, and racism, bullying and inclusion failures. To help with career bottlenecks, the authors’ suggestions include developing a national fellowship scheme to offer structured leadership training, shadowing, and commissioning exposure for Black professionals, setting up a centralised database for Black talent and supporting Black creatives though industry showcases. The television industry could tackle the problems with commissioning for example by incentivising Black-led narratives and requiring commissioning teams to complete anti-bias training. Diversity initiatives should move away from entry-level programmes towards structural change. This includes moving away from informal, network-based recruitment to structured, clear processes, and formalising promotion pathways. The television industry can tackle racism and bullying through zero-tolerance harassment policies, independent reporting mechanisms and sanctions, inclusive leadership training and developing mental health resources specifically tailored to Black professionals. Professor Wood said: “We can hear the voices of frustration in this survey and the data is clear about the problems. It’s time for the industry to use this evidence to take the next steps to deliver real, systemic change.” Black Leaders in TV founders Nadia Afiari and Annika Allen Gray said: “The findings make clear that, for UK television to truly reflect its diverse audiences and unlock creative innovation, the industry must move beyond surface-level diversity efforts. There needs to be support in place for Black professionals, greater transparency in recruitment and progression, and a fundamental shift towards inclusive, equitable workplace cultures.” Visit https://www.aston.ac.uk/sites/default/files/2025-07/Black_in_Focus_report.pdf to read Black in Focus in full.
Taming "The Bear": Villanova Professor Examines Workplace Toxicity in FX's Acclaimed Series
In the latest season of FX’s award-winning series “The Bear,” lead character and chef Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto finds himself at a crossroads. A culinary genius, Carmy has successfully overseen the reinvention of his family’s Italian beef shop as a high-end restaurant—shepherding a dedicated, if unpolished, crew of sandwich makers into a world of haute cuisine, fine wine and elevated service. However, over the course of this transition, his exacting standards have contributed to a culture of anxiety, dysfunction and resentment in the workplace. Despite staff members’ professional and personal growth, tempers still flare like burners on a range, with Carmy’s obsessive attention to detail and single-minded pursuit of perfection spurring conflict. By season’s end, grappling with the fallout from a mixed review seemingly influenced by the back-of-house “chaos,” the chef is forced to confront a complicated and thorny question: Am I getting in the way of my own restaurant’s success? Carmy’s dilemma, while fictional, reflects the very real challenges many modern businesses face when excellence is prioritized at the expense of psychological safety and workplace harmony. Per Manuela Priesemuth, PhD, who researches toxic work climates, aggression on the job and organizational fairness, the warning signs are all too frequently overlooked in high-pressure environments like restaurants. “Some high-stakes industries have a characteristic of having toxic behavior more accepted,” says Dr. Priesemuth. “When it’s more accepted or normed, it’s a real problem.” As she explains, workers in the food service industry, much like medical professionals in an operating room or military personnel in a combat zone, have a tendency to view measured communication and thoughtful interaction as a luxury or even, in some cases, a hindrance. Essentially, there’s a common misconception that working with an edge—yelling orders, avoiding dialogue and berating “underperformers”—gets the job done. “In all of these high-stakes environments where it’s thought there’s leeway to talk negatively or disparagingly, people are mistaken in the productivity result,” Dr. Priesemuth says. “It actually changes for the better in positive climates, because people who are treated with dignity and respect are better performers than those who are mistreated.” To Dr. Priesemuth’s point, research increasingly shows that workplace culture, not just talent or technical ability, is an essential driver of organizational success. In an environment like Carmy’s kitchen, where pride and passion often give way to personal attacks and shouting matches, the on-the-job dynamic can effectively undermine productivity. What may begin as an intended push for excellence can instead result in burnout, high turnover and weakened trust—outcomes that are especially problematic in collaborative, fast-paced industries like hospitality. “There’s even evidence that abusive behavior in restaurant settings can lead to food loss,” shares Dr. Priesemuth. “So, there is a sort of retaliation from the employees who are going through this experience, whether it’s measured [in profit margins] or impact on the customer.” In order to prevent these less-than-ideal outcomes, businesses should take steps proactively, says Dr. Priesemuth. More specifically, they should clearly articulate their values and expectations, considerately engage with their staff’s opinions and concerns and consistently invest in their employees’ growth and development. In the world of “The Bear,” a few of Carmy’s managerial decisions in the second season could be seen as moves in the right direction. At that juncture, he was leveraging his industry connections to provide his restaurant’s staff with the tools and training necessary to thrive in Chicago’s fine dining scene, building skills, confidence and goodwill. “If you give people voice—such as input on the menu, for example, or more autonomy in completing a certain task—it boosts morale,” says Dr. Priesemuth. “It helps people feel that they have input and that they are valued members of the team; it’s this sort of collaborative, positive relationship that increases commitment and performance.” Establishing this type of work culture, grounded in open communication, mutual respect and a shared sense of mission, takes concerted effort and constant maintenance. In situations in which toxicity has already become an issue, as it has in Carmy’s kitchen, the task becomes decidedly more difficult. Typically, it demands a long-term commitment to organizational change at the business’ highest levels. “Adjusting the tone at the top really matters,” says Dr. Priesemuth. “So, if the owner were to treat their chefs and waiters with the dignity and respect that they deserve as workers, that also trickles down to, for example, the customer.” A leader’s influence on workplace morale, she contends, is nuanced and far-reaching. When those in charge model a lack of empathy or emotional distance, for instance, a sort of toxicity can take root. Likewise, when they repeatedly show anger, animosity or frustration, those same feelings and attitudes can have an ingrained effect—regardless of a staff’s talent or ability. Given the outsized role owners, supervisors and managers play in shaping organizational culture, Dr. Priesemuth further notes, “Leaders must also feel that they’re being supported. You can’t have someone who’s exhausted, works 80 hours a week and has relationship and money issues and expect them to say, ‘What are your problems? What do you need?’” In many ways, her insights speak directly to the struggles Carmy faces and prompts throughout “The Bear’s” run. At every turn, he’s dogged by family and relationship troubles, mounting financial pressures and unresolved trauma from a past role. Ultimately, as would happen in real life, his difficulty in healthily processing and addressing these issues doesn’t just harm him; it affects his staff, manifesting itself as a need for control and a crusade for perfection. “There are spillover effects from your own personal life into your job role. In the management field, that has become increasingly clear,” says Dr. Priesemuth. “Whatever you’re going through, whether it’s from an old job or something personal, it will automatically spill over into your current work life and your interactions. And, vice versa, what’s happening to you at work will [impact you off the clock].” In dramatic fashion, the fourth season of “The Bear” concludes with Carmy acknowledging as much. Determining that there are other aspects of his life desperately in need of attention, he surrenders the reins of his business to chef de cuisine Sydney “Syd” Adamu and maître d’hôtel Richard “Richie” Jerimovich, appointing them part-owners. While the soundness of this decision remains a subject for the show’s next season, Carmy justifies the move with a blunt admission: “It’s the best thing for the restaurant. We have to put the restaurant first… I don’t have anything to pull from.” In the end, in both “The Bear” and management studies, there’s an understanding that building healthy and productive work environments requires active engagement and positive reinforcement on the part of leadership. In a sense, creating a strong work culture is shown to be a lot like preparing a phenomenal meal; it’s a matter of attentiveness, patience and care. Without those ingredients, the result could very well be a recipe for disaster.
ChristianaCare and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) today announce a new strategic affiliation to expand access to world-class pediatric care in Delaware and surrounding communities. The collaboration, which is expected to begin in spring 2026, will enhance access to specialized pediatric care by bringing CHOP’s renowned expertise closer to home for families in the communities ChristianaCare serves in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. By integrating CHOP’s services with ChristianaCare’s established network, the collaboration will improve care delivery, making advanced pediatric treatments more accessible and reducing the need for families to travel long distances for care. A Bold Step Forward in Pediatric Care “This collaboration brings together two amazing organizations that are already nationally recognized for clinical excellence—and we’re going to be even better together,” said Janice E. Nevin, M.D., MPH, president and CEO of ChristianaCare. “Our affiliation with CHOP marks a bold step forward in our mission to provide the highest quality care to children and families across the communities we serve. These are uncertain times for many parents with young children in need of routine or complex medical care. ChristianaCare and CHOP are joining forces to provide world-class care, close to home, at a time when it’s needed most.” “Bringing seamless, family-centered care to our patients is a priority at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia,” said Madeline Bell, CEO at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. “As one of the region’s most dynamic health systems, ChristianaCare has earned a national reputation for its bold approaches to both clinical care and innovation. Our new affiliation is driven by a shared vision: redefining what is possible in health care and ensuring that every patient — at every stage of life — receives the highest standards of care, from infancy through adulthood.” “Our team at ChristianaCare is excited to work closely with Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia to bring even more specialized care to our community,” said Megan Mickley, M.D., chair of Pediatrics at ChristianaCare. “CHOP’s leadership in pediatric medicine will complement the outstanding care already provided at ChristianaCare, ensuring that our youngest patients receive the most advanced treatments in a compassionate and supportive environment.” Initial Focus and Future Growth This affiliation between ChristianaCare and CHOP represents a significant increase in access to world-class pediatric care for communities in Delaware, Maryland, southeast Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey. CHOP, a global leader in pediatric care and research for over 165 years, is consistently ranked among the top children’s hospitals in the country, known for pioneering breakthroughs across a breadth of pediatric care areas. The affiliation will include all ChristianaCare hospitals and locations where pediatric emergency and inpatients are cared for. The collaboration will initially focus on pediatric and neonatal services. Patients at ChristianaCare will have access to CHOP’s expertise in rare and complex diseases and a wide range of newborn and pediatric services, including surgery, cardiology, neurology, radiology, ophthalmology and genetics, as well as educational and research opportunities. As the collaboration grows, it will explore further opportunities to expand pediatric care and improve health care delivery in the region.
Picture this: a group of women in their 50s and 60s who've collectively decided to stop caring about chin hairs, laundry schedules, and everyone else's opinions. Sound liberating? It should. The New York Times recently profiled Melani Sanders, founder of the "We Do Not Care Club"—a crew of perimenopausal and menopausal women living by one fabulous rule: NO RULES! Their motto might as well be "Chin Hair, Laundry, Your Opinion: We Don't Care." While targeted at a younger demographic, the spirit of this movement resonates loudly among retirees, especially those dancing into their 70s and 80s, with less concern for public opinion and a greater commitment to living life to the fullest. But here's the thing—this "liberation" isn't just about attitude. There's actual neuroscience behind why we become more authentic versions of ourselves (and sometimes more blunt) as we age. Brain Aging & Inhibitory Control Let’s start with the science before we move into sass. Frontal lobe shrinkage: Researchers, including Stephanie Wong, a Research Fellow and Clinical Neuropsychologist, are studying how changes in the brain impact inhibitory control and social cognition as we age. Research shows that as we age, the prefrontal cortex—the brain’s internal social bouncer—begins to shrink. That means less inhibition, more "Oops, did I say that out loud?" moments. Inhibition deficits: Research published in the APA Journal of Neuropsychology shows that older adults find it more challenging to ignore distractions or hold back their impulses. Tasks like "stop-signal" tests reveal a clear decline in impulse control. Disinhibition causes behaviour shifts. Sometimes charming, sometimes awkward. If it's just being unusually honest, that’s one thing. If it's full-on undressing in the produce aisle, it might be time to see a doctor. Particularly with frontotemporal dementia, disinhibition can be a serious warning sign. Emotional Wisdom: Who Cares? Here’s the upgrade part of aging: • Less shame, more self-acceptance. Turns out, as you get older, you care less if Karen from yoga thinks you talk too much. • Socioemotional selectivity theory. As we become aware that time is limited, we stop pretending. Why waste valuable hours pretending to enjoy kale chips or dull book clubs? When to Be Concerned • Normal aging: Some verbal slips, occasional public flatulence, and quirky jokes. • Red flags: Rude outbursts, memory lapses, risky behaviour, and dramatic personality shifts. That might signal more than "aging into your truth." • Impulsivity warning: High impulsivity in older adults can sometimes be associated with early-stage cognitive decline. When uncertain, discuss it—preferably with a professional. TL;DR • Physical: Brain shrinkage leads to fewer filters. • Emotional: Less time means less pretending. • Caution: Disinhibition and cognitive issues suggest it's time for a check-up. Crafting Your Identity After 60 (Before Someone Else Does It for You) Let’s be honest: You already have a brand. Even if you never wrote a tagline or hired a designer, your brand is what people whisper (or shout) about you when you leave the room. It’s how you show up, how you age, and whether you become known as: "The Cranky Codger Complaining About the Price of Lettuce" or "The Glamorous Grandma with a TikTok Following." If you don’t brand yourself, trust me—someone else will. And they might not be as flattering. The Branding Trap of Aging Aging often loosens the filter and tightens the waistband. That’s just biology. But if we’re going to become more blunt, forgetful, and comfortable saying whatever pops into our head, shouldn’t we decide who we want to be first? Instead of becoming The Know-It-All, The Debbie Downer, or The Hovering Grandparent, why not become: • The Mentor • The Lifelong Learner • The Sexy Sensei with Killer Dance Moves And let’s not forget: most of us swore we’d never become our parents. Spoiler alert: unless you act intentionally, you’re heading in that direction, with even worse tech skills. Timing Is Everything (And Also Totally Forgiving) The best time to plant a tree? 30 years ago. The second best? Right after you finish this blog, brush Dorito dust off your fingers, and take action. It’s never too early or too late to develop your personal brand. Think of it as building compound interest, but for your character. Start now before you need a doctor’s note for skinny jeans. Build a Brand That Outlasts Your Wi-Fi Password The goal? Shape a brand that becomes your legacy. Something grandkids remember, communities admire, and mirrors reflect with pride. I’m aiming for Hip, Fit & Financially Free. That means: • Eating like I care • Moving daily • Sleeping like it’s my side hustle • Managing money like I want it to stick around • And fiercely guarding my energy from sugar crashes and toxic people Avoid These Unintentional "Elder Brands" • The Cranky Codger: Complains constantly, hates oat milk, gives paper cuts with sarcasm. • The Sweet Old Lady: Harmless and charming—and almost invisible. So sweet, she could give you cavities. Stands for nothing, falls for everything. • The Know-It-All: Believes Google exists solely to confirm their opinions. • The Nona/Nono: Helicopter grandparenting, over-involved, uses spit to clean your face in public. Attract These Brands Instead: 1. Glammy or Glampa 2. Wise Old Owl 3. Sexy Sensei 4. Unstoppable Opa Tips for Maintaining Youth in Mind, Body & Spirit 1. Hang out with younger people—use their slang, apps, and playlists. 2. Volunteer—Gratitude is more effective than Botox. 3. Mentor—your wisdom is not meant for hoarding. 4. Move every day—your joints might protest now, but they'll thank you later. 5. Protect your energy—eat healthy, sleep well, say no to nonsense. 6. Be mindful of your screen time—doomscrolling drains your spirit. 7. Keep learning—new languages, new tech, and new ways to be awesome. Legacy is the Long Game You don’t need to run marathons at 85 (though if you do, I’ll cheer wildly). But you should ask: "How do I want to be remembered?" Learn Italian at age 70. Take a gap year at 65. Get an MBA at 69 (worked for me!). Write your eulogy and then live it. Age isn’t a liability. It’s your proof of resilience. Now’s your opportunity to demonstrate that to the world. So, what’s your brand, Boomer? Because like it or not, you’ve got one. It’s showing up in every family dinner, work Zoom, golf game, and passive-aggressive Facebook post. The only question is — did you choose it… or did you just inherit the ‘We Do Not Care Club’ starter pack? Maybe we don't care about chin hair, laundry, or your opinion — but we do care about how we’re remembered. That’s your real brand, Boomer. So, you can either define it — or let your grandkids do it for you… and trust me, they’ve already got the group chat ready! So go ahead. Print those business cards that say something fabulous. Brand Strategy at Any Age: Intend it. Live it. Leave it behind. Stay hip. Stay fit. Stay financially free. And stay tuned. There’s more coming next week. Spoiler: There will be laugh lines and a squat rack. Don’t Retire … Re-Wire! Sue
DARPA awards VCU $4.875 million for development of modular drug manufacturing platform
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is funding a $13M grant for a Rutgers University and Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) partnership through the EQUIP-A-Pharma program, with $4.175 million to James Ferri, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Chemical and Life Science Engineering at VCU, to develop a modular manufacturing platform for sterile liquid drug products. The 24-month grant supports Ferri’s project, “Modular Manufacturing of Sterile Liquid Drug Products,” which develops a continuous manufacturing platform capable of producing highly potent drug substances such as albuterol sulfate and bupivacaine hydrochloride. These drug substances are for use in sterile liquid products, where compliance with purity of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and impurity profiles are characterized and controlled in real time throughout the manufacturing process. “This work enables agile continuous manufacturing of drug substance and end-to-end drug product manufacturing of several highly potent drug substances with real time quality control,” Ferri said. “The combination of dynamic modular operation and real-time quality control will increase the supply of critical medicines in the United States.” Drug shortages continue to receive national attention, with albuterol sulfate and bupivacaine hydrochloride both appearing on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration drug shortage list within the past year. The project develops technologies that enable distributed manufacturing approaches to essential medicines currently in shortage in the United States. The platform incorporates several innovative features including continuous flow synthesis for improved process performance, online spectroscopy for real-time quality control, and modular unit operations that can be rapidly configured for different drug products. Key technologies include heterogeneous catalytic flow reactors, in-line purification systems and advanced process analytical technologies. The continuous manufacturing approach offers significant advantages over traditional batch manufacturing, including improved process control, reduced waste and the ability to produce medicines closer to the point of care. The modular design enables rapid deployment and flexible manufacturing of multiple drug products using the same platform. Ferri is collaborating with researchers from Rutgers University on the project, which began in August 2024. The platform is designed to fit within a standard shipping container, enabling distributed manufacturing capabilities. The research directly addresses national security concerns about pharmaceutical supply chain vulnerabilities while advancing the field of continuous pharmaceutical manufacturing. Students involved in the project gain experience in cutting-edge manufacturing technologies that are increasingly important in addressing global health challenges.
Dr Katie Edwards studied the feeding practices of parents of children with ‘avid’ eating traits, which can lead to obesity Focusing on health or deciding when it is time for a meal or snack helps parents to use supportive feeding practices. Supportive feeding practices could include involving children in decisions about food, or sitting together for mealtimes New research from Aston University has shone a light on the best ways for parents to encourage healthy eating in their children. The team of academics from Aston University’s School of Psychology, led by Professor Jacqueline Blissett, with Dr Katie Edwards as the lead researcher, looked at the meal- and snack-time practices of parents of children with ‘avid’ eating behaviours. ‘Avid’ eaters, who make up around 20% of children, particularly love food, are often hungry and will eat in response to food cues in the environment and their emotions, not just when they are hungry. They are the most susceptible to obesity and therefore encouraging a healthy, balanced diet is vital. Feeding children with avid eating behaviours can be challenging and the researchers wanted to understand how factors in everyday life, such as parent mood or eating situations, influence the feeding practices that parents use. Understanding this can help to create better support for families around meal and snack times and reduce the risk of children developing obesity. Dr Edwards says that the research shows that when parents prioritise children’s health or decide when it is time for a meal or snack, parents are more likely to use supportive feeding practices which create structure around meal or snack times or encourage children to be independent with their food choices. For example, parents could sit and eat with their children, choose what food is available for their children, or involve children in decisions about what food to eat. She adds that there are three main things that parents can do to help encourage healthy eating behaviour. The first is to focus on health, by providing nutritious and balanced meals. The second is to ensure a calm and positive atmosphere during eating occasions. The final recommendation is that parents should take the lead on setting meal- and snack-times, with a good structure being three meals and two snacks a day. These recommendations are linked to parents’ use of supportive feeding practices which are known to encourage children’s healthy eating. To carry out the research, the team recruited parents of children aged 3-5 with avid eating behaviour and asked them to download an app to their smartphones. The app sent four semi-random reminders per day for a 10-day period, asking them to complete a survey with information about mood and stress levels. Every time a child had a meal or a snack, or asked for food, parents completed another survey to give information about feeding practices (including those which give children structure, or independence, around food), mealtime goals (such as prioritising healthy eating), and information about the mealtime setting (such as the atmosphere). Previous research from this team at Aston University identified four main eating traits in children. As well as ‘avid’, the other traits, not studied here, are ‘typical’ eaters, who have no extreme behaviours, ‘avoidant’ eaters, who are extremely fussy, and ‘emotional’ eaters, who eat in response to emotions but do not necessarily enjoy food in the way that avid eaters do. Dr Edwards was also involved in the team’s research at Aston University that showed that parents’ eating behaviour influences that of their children. Dr Edwards said: “Given the challenges that parents may face and the risk of childhood obesity, we will use these findings to develop feeding support for families. Encouraging parents to use feeding practices which provide structure around meal and snack times, or promote children’s independence with food, could be helpful for supporting children’s healthy eating. Read the full paper in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity at https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-025-01768-x.
LSU AgCenter Research Enables Better Flood Protection for Homes
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) recently released its new standard for flood-resistant design and construction, ASCE/SEI 24-24, which provides new minimum requirements that can be adopted for all structures subject to building codes and floodplain management regulations. The new elevation standard was directly supported by LSU research and should help reduce flood risk and make flood insurance more affordable. “Without the research by the LSU AgCenter, the advancements made to the elevation requirements would not have been possible,” said Manny Perotin, co-chair of the Association of State Floodplain Managers’ Nonstructural Floodproofing Committee, who helped update the standard. “Dr. Carol Friedland’s research shows there are better ways to protect communities from flooding than adding one foot of additional freeboard.” The research team, led by Friedland, an engineer, professor, and director of LSU AgCenter’s LaHouse, showed how previous standards were failing to protect some homeowners. They mapped the impact of moving from a standard based on a fixed freeboard amount to being based on real risk in every census tract in the U.S. In response to these findings, they developed a free online tool to help builders, planners, managers, and engineers calculate the elevation required under the new standards. “Many on the committee said it would be too hard to do these complex calculations,” said Adam Reeder, principal at the engineering and construction firm CDMSmith, who helped lead the elevation working group for the new ASCE 24 elevation standards. “But the LSU AgCenter’s years of research in this area and the development of the tool makes calculations and implementation simple. This allowed the new elevation standard to get passed.” Flooding, the biggest risk to homes in Louisiana, continues to threaten investments and opportunities to build generational wealth. On top of flood losses, residents see insurance premiums increase without resources to help them make informed decisions and potentially lower costs. In response to this problem, Friedland is working on developing a whole suite of tools together with more than 130 partners as part of a statewide Disaster Resilience Initiative. When presenting to policy makers and various organizations, Friedland often starts by asking what percentage of buildings they want to flood in their community in the next 50 years. “Of course, we all want this number to be zero,” Friedland said. “But we have been building and designing so 40% will flood. People have a hard time believing this, but it’s the reality of how past standards did not adequately address flood risk.” Designing to the 100-year elevation means a building has a 0.99 chance of not flooding in any given year. But when you run that probability over a period of 50 years (0.99 x 0.99 x 0.99… 50 times, or 0.99 ^ 50), the number you end up with is a 60.5% chance of not flooding in 50 years. This means a 39.5% chance of flooding at least once. “We’ve been building to the 100-year elevation while wanting the protection of building to the 500-year elevation, which is a 10% chance of flooding in 50 years,” Friedland said. “Now, with the higher ASCE standard, we can finally get to 10% instead of 40%.” As the AgCenter’s research led to guidelines, then to this new standard, Friedland has also been providing testimony to the International Code Council to turn the stronger standard into code. In May, Friedland helped lead a workshop at the Association of State Floodplain Managers’ national conference, held in New Orleans. There, she educated floodplain managers about the new standard while demonstrating LSU’s web-based calculation tool, which was designed for professionals, while her team also develops personalized decision-making tools such as Flood Safe Home for residents. At the conference, Friedland received the 2025 John R. Sheaffer Award for Excellence in Floodproofing. More than two-thirds of the cost of natural hazards in Louisiana comes from flooding, according to LSU AgCenter research in partnership with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness for the State Hazard Mitigation Plan. That cost was recently estimated to rise to $3.6 billion by 2050. “Historically, we have lived with almost a 40% chance of flooding over 50 years, which in most people’s opinion is too high—and the number could be even higher,” Reeder said. “Most building owners don’t understand the risk they are living with, and it only becomes apparent after a flood. The work done by the LSU AgCenter is critical in improving resilience in communities that can’t afford to be devastated by flooding.” “This may be the most significant upgrade in the nation’s flood loss reduction standards since the creation of the National Flood Insurance Program minimums in 1973, and it could not come at a better time as annual flood losses in the country now average more than $45 billion per year,” said Chad Berginnis, executive director of the Association of State Floodplain Managers. In addition to LaHouse’s work to prevent flooding, Friedland’s team is also working to increase energy efficiency in homes to help residents save money on utility bills. Their HEROES program, an acronym for home energy resilience outreach, education, and support, is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and has already reached 140,000 people in Louisiana. Article originally posted here.
Food is medicine, and this professor has the research to prove it
For more than 20 years, Dr. Allison Karpyn has worked to understand and address food insecurity in America and beyond — studying how communities access healthy food, how policy shapes those opportunities and how local partnerships can make meaningful change. A professor in the University of Delaware’s College of Education and Human Development and co-director of its Center for Research in Education and Social Policy, Karpyn has published extensively on topics including food deserts, healthy corner store initiatives, school nutrition programs and strategies to bring farmer’s markets to underserved areas. Her work, which blends rigorous research with community-based implementation, has appeared in leading journals such as Pediatrics, Preventive Medicine and Health Affairs. Karpyn has also worked directly with nonprofit organizations, government agencies and retailers to pilot and evaluate programs designed to increase access to high-quality food in low-income neighborhoods. Her focus is on actionable, data-informed solutions to persistent challenges — from childhood hunger to structural barriers in the food supply system. Now, Karpyn’s expertise is being tapped as part of Delaware’s new Food is Medicine Committee, a statewide initiative under the Delaware Council on Farm and Food Policy. The committee seeks to connect nutrition and health care to improve outcomes, lower costs and strengthen local food systems — goals that align closely with Karpyn’s career-spanning mission. For journalists exploring food policy, hunger, public health and the future of food access, Karpyn is a key source of insight, research and real-world perspective. She can be contacted by clicking her profile.
School will soon be out for the summer, and many young families are opting to explore the beauty of their own country, travelling to top destinations like Toronto, Vancouver, and Halifax rather than heading south. While many travellers prioritize insurance for international trips, a recent CAA survey found that many people overlook the necessity of travel insurance for domestic travel, often assuming provincial healthcare will have them covered. "Exploring Canada’s breathtaking landscapes is an adventure worth taking, but unexpected travel hiccups don’t stop at the border,” says Susan Postma, regional manager, CAA Manitoba. “Whether it’s a sudden medical emergency or trip disruptions, having the right travel insurance ensures you can focus on making memories." A new national travel survey conducted for CAA reveals that nearly four in ten Canadians (39 per cent) travelled outside their home province without any form of travel insurance during their last trip. Some believed it was unnecessary (45 per cent), others worried about the cost (22 per cent), and 19 per cent took their chances, hoping nothing would go wrong. The reality? Provincial health insurance programs typically cover only basic emergency medical services when travelling in another province. “Many Canadians assume they’re fully protected when travelling within the country, but that’s simply not the case,” says Postma “A minor mishap can become a major expense, whether a broken ankle on a hike or a last-minute interruption.” Here are two unexpected ways travel insurance can help: You break your ankle while hiking on one of Canada’s beautiful nature trails and now need an ambulance or an airlift, crutches, and medication. You’re on vacation but must return unexpectedly because someone at home gets seriously ill. In stressful situations, like when a family member falls ill, it helps to have support when you need it. Trip Cancellation Insurance would cover the flight change fee and help get you back home. According to Orion Travel Insurance, part of the CAA family, the average medical claim cost has risen by 15 per cent annually since 2019, with everything from ear infections to air ambulance services becoming significantly more expensive. Here are ten additional tips to help your trip go smoothly, no matter where you travel. Know the cancellation policies and check limits or restrictions for everything you booked. Make sure you understand any key dates related to cancellations or changes. This includes accommodation, flights, car rentals, tours, and cruises. Check limits or restrictions on credit cards, employee benefits, and pensions to determine if you need additional travel insurance coverage. Make sure all your documentation is in order before you book. It is recommended that passport renewals be completed six months before your planned trip. Your passport should still be valid six months after your travel date, as this is required in several countries. There are varying documentation requirements, so make sure you fully understand what information you need to have ready and in what format. Read up on Government of Canada travel advisories for your destination. Understand the risk level associated with travel to a particular destination by checking the Government of Canada Travel Advice and Advisories website. Individual travel advisories remain on a country-by-country basis. It is important that Ontarians/Manitobans understand the ongoing uncertainty associated with international travel. Speak with your physician to discuss your travel plans. It is important that you speak to your physician to ensure you are up to date with needed travel vaccines and have them prescribe enough medication for the length of your trip. Ensure all the medication you take is packed in your carry-on and in its original bottles with labels intact. Consider purchasing travel insurance at the time of booking your trip. To lock in the best protection, book your travel insurance at the same time you book your trip. Booking Trip Cancellation or Interruption insurance will give you peace of mind that you and your investment are protected. Insurance must be in place before things go wrong for you to benefit from coverage. Get to the airport early. The old standby of being at the airport one hour before takeoff for domestic flights and two hours before international flights no longer apply. CAA recommends arriving at the airport at least two hours before domestic flight departures and at least three for international flights. Stay connected. It is important to have access to trusted, up-to-date information while travelling so you can monitor changing conditions and requirements and adapt accordingly. Bookmark the Global Affairs Canada website before departure and check it regularly while abroad. It is also a good idea to sign up for Registration of Canadians Abroad and stay in touch with a family or friend who knows your travel plans. Find these and more information at caamanitoba.com/travelwise Note emergency contact numbers. Provide your travel agent with contact details while travelling abroad and keep all important phone numbers handy; this includes how to call for help and your travel insurance assistance phone number. It is also a good idea to keep a physical copy of all their reservation information and leave those details with a friend or family member. Protect your ID. Ensure you have a digital and paper version of your Travel insurance wallet card, tickets to various events and attractions, and even your passport. You may also want to leave a copy of the necessary paperwork with family members or friends. Pack your carry-on wisely. Include the most important items, such as your passport/ID, boarding pass, travel itinerary, wallet, phone, charger, medications, toiletries, glasses/contacts, noise-canceling headphones, book/e-reader, snacks, empty water bottle, travel pillow, change of clothes, sweater, socks, pen, and reusable bags, in your carry-on bag. For more information on travel insurance and how to stay protected, visit caamanitoba.com/travelwise Based on the sample size of n=2,005 and with a confidence level of 95%, the margin of error for this research is +/- 2%.)
School will soon be out for the summer, and many young families are opting to explore the beauty of their own country travelling to top destinations like Vancouver, Calgary and Halifax rather than heading south. While many travellers prioritize insurance for international trips, a recent CAA survey found that many people overlook the necessity of travel insurance for domestic travel, often assuming provincial healthcare will have them covered. "Exploring Canada’s breathtaking landscapes is an adventure worth taking, but unexpected travel hiccups don’t stop at the border,” says Kaitlynn Furse, Director Corporate Communications, CAA SCO. “Whether it’s a sudden medical emergency or trip disruptions, having the right travel insurance ensures you can focus on making memories." The national travel survey conducted for CAA reveals that four in ten Ontarians (41 per cent) travelled outside their home province without travel insurance during their last trip. Some believed it was unnecessary (43 per cent), others worried about the cost (24 per cent), and 20 per cent took their chances, hoping nothing would go wrong. “Many Canadians assume they’re fully protected when travelling within the country, but that’s simply not the case,” adds Furse. A minor mishap can become a major expense, whether a broken ankle on a hike or a last-minute interruption.” Here are two unexpected ways travel insurance can help: You break your ankle while hiking on one of Canada’s beautiful nature trails and now need an ambulance or an airlift, crutches, and medication. You’re on vacation but must return unexpectedly because someone at home gets seriously ill. In stressful situations, like when a family member falls ill, it helps to have support when you need it. Trip Cancellation Insurance would cover the flight change fee and help get you back home. According to Orion Travel Insurance, part of the CAA family, the average medical claim cost has risen by 15 per cent annually since 2019, with everything from ear infections to air ambulance services becoming significantly more expensive. Here are ten additional tips to help your trip go smoothly, no matter where you travel. Know the cancellation policies and check limits or restrictions for everything you booked. Make sure you understand any key dates related to cancellations or changes. This includes accommodation, flights, car rentals, tours, and cruises. Check limits or restrictions on credit cards, employee benefits, and pensions to determine if you need additional travel insurance coverage. Make sure all your documentation is in order before you book. It is recommended that passport renewals be completed six months before your planned trip. Your passport should still be valid six months after your travel date, as this is required in several countries. There are varying documentation requirements, so make sure you fully understand what information you need to have ready and in what format. Read up on Government of Canada travel advisories for your destination. Understand the risk level associated with travel to a particular destination by checking the Government of Canada Travel Advice and Advisories website. Individual travel advisories remain on a country-by-country basis. It is important that Ontarians/Manitobans understand the ongoing uncertainty associated with international travel. Speak with your physician to discuss your travel plans. It is important that you speak to your physician to ensure you are up to date with needed travel vaccines and have them prescribe enough medication for the length of your trip. Ensure all the medication you take is packed in your carry-on and in its original bottles with labels intact. Consider purchasing travel insurance at the time of booking your trip. To lock in the best protection, book your travel insurance at the same time you book your trip. Booking Trip Cancellation or Interruption insurance will give you peace of mind that you and your investment are protected. Insurance must be in place before things go wrong for you to benefit from coverage. Get to the airport early. The old standby of being at the airport one hour before takeoff for domestic flights and two hours before international flights no longer apply. CAA recommends arriving at the airport at least two hours before domestic flight departures and at least three for international flights. Stay connected. It is important to have access to trusted, up-to-date information while travelling so you can monitor changing conditions and requirements and adapt accordingly. Bookmark the Global Affairs Canada website prior to departure and check it regularly while abroad. It is also a good idea to sign up for Registration of Canadians Abroad and stay in touch with a family or friend who has knowledge of your travel plans. Find these and more information at caasco.com/travelwise Note emergency contact numbers. Provide your travel agent with contact details while travelling abroad and keep all important phone numbers handy; this includes how to call for help and your travel insurance assistance phone number. It is also a good idea to keep a physical copy of all their reservation information and leave those details with a friend or family. Protect your ID. Ensure you have a digital and paper version of your Travel insurance wallet card, tickets to various events and attractions, and even your passport. You may also want to leave a copy of important paperwork with family members or friends. Pack your carry-on wisely. Place the most important items like passport/ID, boarding pass, travel itinerary, wallet, phone, charger, medications, toiletries, glasses/contacts, noise-canceling headphones, book/e-reader, snacks, empty water bottle, travel pillow, change of clothes, sweater, socks, pen, and reusable bags in your carry-on bag. For more information on travel insurance and how to stay protected, visit caasco.com/travelwise Based on the sample size of n=2,005 and with a confidence level of 95%, the margin of error for this research is +/- 2%.)
