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Threats loom in the wake of historic Kurdish vote
Iraq’s Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has demanded Kurdish authorities negate the results of Monday’s historic referendum. The move is the latest attempt by Iraqi officials to prevent Kurdish independence. Al-Abadi, who earlier this week called the Kurdish vote “unconstitional,” said his government was unwilling to discuss the results of Monday’s referendum with members of the Kurdistan Regional Government. Dr. Craig Albert, associate professor of political science at Augusta University, said a failure to recognize the vote could potentially be catastrophic for the region. “A worst-case scenario could see the beginnings of an Iraqi civil war, or a push by Turkish forces into the country,” Albert said. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has touted economic sanctions to protest the Kurdish vote. Albert said the use of military measures by the Turkish government against Iraqi Kurds was likely. Click “Contact” to schedule an interview with Dr. Craig Albert, or call 1-(706) 504-2724. Source:
Kurdish independence referendum could lead to chaos in region, expert says
A historic independence referendum in Iraqi Kurdistan could lead to civil unrest or war if successful, cautions Dr. Craig Albert, associate professor of Political Science at Augusta University. The Iraqi Parliament has already ordered troops to gather in the region under the guise of “protecting citizens. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has touted economic sanctions to protest the vote, and will likely use military measures. If Kurdistan overwhelmingly votes for independence—an event Albert says is likely—a worst-case scenario could see the beginnings of an Iraqi civil war or a Turkish push into Iraq to put down Iraqi Kurds. If the vote is not recognized, Albert said, the region will likely see an increase in Kurdish acts of terror or guerilla warfare. Click "Contact" to schedule an interview with Dr. Craig Albert or call 1-(706) 504-2724. Source:
Dr. Bryan Brooks, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor, Environmental Science and Biomedical Studies, examines water quality, environmental health & contaminants, and sustainability issues, particularly in rapidly urbanizing areas. He has published water-quality research specifically regarding the Dickinson and Buffalo bayous in the Houston area, as well as the Houston ship channel. He's available to speak on: * Status of surface water contamination * Associated risks to people and ecosystems in the Houston/Galveston area * What information is needed to prioritize interventions and restoration activities * Implications for system recovery and management Source:
Higher Education - A matter of national security?
With increasingly sophisticated and widespread cyberattacks in the news, what role must higher education play in developing the future cyber workforce? Located at the center of federal cybersecurity assets, the city of Augusta is already growing into a global cyber hub. Now, a new school at Augusta University will prepare the next generation of cyber professionals — right here in Augusta. Augusta University President Brooks Keel announced a new School for Computer and Cyber Sciences that will provide opportunities for students to work with the state cybersecurity professionals. The announcement comes just days after breaking ground on a new state-owned 168,000-square-foot, $60 million cyber innovation and training center at Augusta University's Riverfront Campus. "With hands-on research and internship opportunities not found anywhere else, we have the opportunity to revolutionize cybersecurity education in Georgia and make Augusta a leading hub for cybersecurity innovation," Keel said of the new statewide effort, dedicated to develop the workforce and infrastructure needed to protect our nation from cyberthreats. Augusta University's new school launches July 1, but will move into the Hull McKnight Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center upon completion in 2018. "The school will benefit more than 300 current computer science and information technology students, who will have the opportunity to work hand-in-hand with industry, the departments of industry and defense, and state cybersecurity professionals and tech startups," Keel said. How else is Augusta University responding to the need to develop highly skilled, technical workers? How can academia, government and industry partner to develop educational opportunities that are critical to enhancing the nation's cybersecurity? Dr. Brooks Keel is available for interviews on the future of cybersecurity education. Click on his icon to arrange an interview. Source:
On Thursday, President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. would abandon the Paris climate accord. During his speech, Trump cited disputed numbers showing that the accord would result in a minimal change in temperature over time. Daniel Peppe, Ph.D., associate professor of geosciences in Baylor University's College of Arts & Sciences, studies ancient terrestrial ecosystems and how they have been influenced by environmental perturbations, such as long- and short-term climate change events. He works to recreate those ecosystems. Peppe argues that one goal of the Paris accord -- developing a strategy to keep the average increase in global temperatures to less than 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels -- is integral to warding off future disaster. He said: "The Paris Agreement represents a really significant moment in history in which the countries of the world agreed that reducing greenhouse gas emissions was fundamentally important to help reduce the most significant effects of climate change around the world. The agreement developed a strategy to keep the average increase in global temperatures to less than 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Crossing that threshold of temperature increase is likely the point where warming will push the Earth to a climate state that last existed millions of years ago -- one that is fundamentally different from today. Reconstructions of climate, the Earth, and its biota from the last time Earth was in a similar climate state indicate that sea level was dramatically higher, which would mean that many major cities around the world would be flooded; and many places on Earth were hotter and drier and the distributions of plants and animals on the landscape were very significantly different, which would have catastrophic effects on modern agriculture, water use and society." Source:
Q&A: Baylor Professor and Author Talks about ‘Living with the Living Dead’
Quick, before it’s too late! May is Zombie Awareness Month — so it’s high time for people to prepare for a zombie pandemic. But that’s more than a heads-up for those who are passionate about zombies. Those who yawn at the notion of zombies also have reason to take notice, suggests pop culture critic Greg Garrett, Ph.D., of Baylor University. To answer the question of “Why should we care?” when it comes to zombies, he advises looking deep inside ourselves. Garrett is author of the new book “Living with the Living Dead: The Wisdom of the Zombie Apocalypse” — one of three trade books featured in the United States for 2017 by Oxford University Press, one of the world’s largest academic publishers. Garrett, professor of English in Baylor’s College of Arts & Science, shared some of his thoughts about zombies past, present and future in this Q&A Source:
Mission to Mars – Pack Light on Materials and Heavy on Innovation
On Tuesday May 09, the Humans to Mars Summit kicks off in Washington D.C. This will be a meeting of some of the most powerful, brilliant, creative, scientific and corporate minds on earth. Together they are working on a way that someday soon we will visit Mars. Since 2010 this expanding group is realizing that exploring the red planet is within their grasp and possible during our lifetime. To get there, it will take innovations in science, technology and engineering like we have not seen in generations. Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Engineering is part of a team that is making this trip a reality. The NASA-sponsored multidisciplinary Space Technology Research Institute (STRI) is working on new a composite material that makes use of engineered carbon nanotubes and will be much lighter—but much stronger—than what is currently available. Space craft need to exit and re-enter atmospheres. To do so, they need to be strong or the results are disastrous. Space travel and the concept of exploring other planets is high science and not easy for most earthly mortals to comprehend. That’s where the experts at VCU’s School of Engineering can help. Ibrahim Guven, Ph.D., assistant professor in the VCU School of Engineering Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, is an expert on peridynamics, a branch of mechanics that looks at the effect of deformities and fractures. Peridynamics is essential to planning for space travel and to understanding what it takes to get from Earth to Mars. He can explain these concepts in a simple manner and is available to speak with media. Simply click on his profile to arrange an interview. Source:
Cedar Crest Adds Advanced Degrees as Need for Nurses Grows
Cedar Crest College is celebrating National Nurses Week as it launches new advanced nursing degree programs. The new Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs will launch this August, with the Doctor in Nursing Practice (DNP) to follow. The decision to establish the DNP and add new MSN programs was based on both internal and external demand in the field. Internally, nearly 68 percent of the college’s nursing students indicated that they planned to pursue an advanced degree after earning their BSN. Externally, chief officers from major health care networks in the region encouraged Cedar Crest to pursue this program due to the high demand for nurse practitioners. In 2010, the Institute of Medicine issued a report calling on the country to double the number of nurses with doctorate degrees by 2020. Cedar Crest College’s nursing department prides itself in preparing students to make a difference for their patients, community and world. In 2017, the College’s Registered Nursing Program was ranked number two in the nation by the Community for Accredited Online Schools. Our experts can talk about the industry demand for nurses with advanced degrees and the career outlook for nurses. Source:
A Party Divided - Will Infighting Lead to a Government Shutdown in Washington Friday?
President Donald Trump will celebrate 100 days in office Saturday. But one day shy of that milestone, he may see Washington and the rest of America’s government grind to a halt. But with Republicans controlling Congress, the Senate and the Presidency – a standoff of this nature seems almost impossible. There is almost guaranteed to be negative consequences publicly and financially – and to follow it through just doesn’t make any political sense. So why? Is it President Trump’s demand for a funded wall that he promised to be built along the Mexican border? Are there left-over aspects to the Affordable Care Act that have some members of the GOP divided? Other issues that have the GOP at a boiling point? Or, is there a way out so each side can make a point but save face in the end? Politics is seldom simple and almost always confusing. That’s where the experts from Augusta University can help. Dr. William Hatcher is the director of the Master of Public Administration program and an associate professor of political science. He is an expert in politics, policy and the relationships between different levels of government. Dr. Craig Albert is an assistant professor of political science and an expert in American politics and political philosophy. Both are excellent speakers, have experience with all forms of national and local news organizations and are available to speak to media regarding this latest development in Washington. Click on Dr. Hatcher or Dr. Albert's icon to arrange an interview. Source:
One Child Dies Every Two Minutes from Malaria – VCU Experts Are Working to Stop Statistics Like This
Did you know 91 countries reported ongoing malaria transmission in 2015? In fact, in that year, according the World Health Organization there were 429,000 malaria deaths and 212 million new cases. While the numbers are astounding – some progress is being made. In fact, according to the World Malaria Report 2016, the rate of new malaria cases fell by 21% globally between 2010 and 2015. Malaria death rates fell by 29% in the same period. However, malaria still claims one child every two minutes. At the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Engineering, the Medicines for All Initiative is helping address the crisis of diseases like malaria by increasing global access to lifesaving medications. Medicines for All develops processes that reduce the cost of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) - a major cost driver in treating infectious diseases in the developing world. VCU is helping find solutions that utilize the lowest-cost raw materials and most efficient tools available. Medicines for All is bringing essential drugs to patients who need them most. VCU’s experts are available to speak regarding the devastating consequence of disease around the world and how VCU's Medicines for All Initiative is saving lives, promoting health and transforming pharmaceutical engineering. B. Frank Gupton, Ph.D., is a professor and the chair of the Department of Chemical and Life Science Engineering at the VCU School of Engineering. He leads the Medicines for All project and is an award-winning researcher and an expert in his field. Simply click on his icon to arrange an interview. Source:
