university Experts

Does International Law Still Matter? UMass Amherst Expert Weighs In on Doha Debates

As wars, geopolitical tensions and questions about international accountability challenge the global order, an important debate is emerging: Does international law still matter when powerful countries can choose to ignore it? That question was at the center of a recent episode of Doha Debates, which brought together international experts to examine the effectiveness, legitimacy and future of international law. Among the featured panelists was Charli Carpenter, Professor of Political Science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, who offered a perspective on why international law remains important, even when its rules are violated. The discussion also featured Balakrishnan Rajagopal of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Victor Gao of the Center for China and Globalization and political philosopher Curtis Yarvin. Carpenter challenged the notion that violations of international law necessarily demonstrate its failure. She pointed to the international agreements that make everyday global cooperation possible, from aviation safety to diplomacy, and argued that international legal frameworks have helped establish expectations for how countries conduct themselves. Charli Carpenter is a scholar of international relations whose research examines international law, human security, global norms and the role of advocacy networks in shaping international policy. View her profile She also emphasized that violations can sometimes strengthen international norms by prompting other countries and institutions to reaffirm their importance. "And I think it is a common myth that if an actor breaks a rule that necessarily weakens the rule. Sometimes that can be an impetus for others to defend and reaffirm the rule. And it's often the case that rule breakers don't undermine rules, they undermine themselves and their social standing in a community." The debate explored the role of the United Nations, the Geneva Conventions, the International Criminal Court and the challenges of holding powerful countries accountable. Carpenter also discussed research into international treaties and public attitudes toward nuclear weapons, explaining how international agreements can influence expectations and behavior even when major powers are not parties to them. As global conflicts continue to test international institutions, the discussion offers a timely examination of whether the international legal system needs reform, stronger enforcement or renewed political commitment. Watch the full Doha Debates discussion on YouTube to hear Carpenter and her fellow panelists explore the future of international law and the consequences of weakening global institutions. If you're interested in speaking with Charli Carpenter about international law, global governance, international security, human rights and the future of international institutions, simply click on her profile to arrange an interview today.

AU designated APLU Innovation and Economic Prosperity Institution

Augusta University has earned national recognition for work that has been taking shape across the university and the region for years: connecting education, research, innovation and workforce development to the needs of the community. After more than three years of collaboration with campus and community partners, AU has been designated an Innovation and Economic Prosperity (IEP) institution by the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities. This national designation recognizes public research universities that work with public and private sector partners to advance and support economic development in their states and regions. For AU, the IEP designation is both a celebration and a commitment. It recognizes significant work already underway while challenging the university to become even more connected, accessible, measurable and strategic in its economic and community engagement. It also marks an important milestone in its evolution as a public research university, workforce partner, innovation catalyst and community anchor. More than a recognition of programs already underway, the IEP process offered AU an opportunity to examine in depth how many areas of work intersect and how those connections can generate greater impact for students, partners and communities.  “I am grateful to our steering committee and the entire team of campus and community partners whose resolve and determination made this achievement possible,” said Augusta University President Russell T. Keen. “Their efforts truly epitomize our ‘It can be done’ mindset. At its heart, economic prosperity is about people. It means helping students build meaningful careers, preparing the workforce our state needs, turning discoveries into solutions and working alongside our neighbours to build healthier, stronger communities.” AU‘s IEP journey began in early 2023 with an expansive group of CSRA community partners. A steering committee and subcommittees brought together 42 participants representing the university and partners across economic development, K-12 education, local government, community foundations, health systems, the University System of Georgia, the Technical College System of Georgia, the Department of Energy, the Department of Defense, entrepreneurs and other regional stakeholders. This collaborative work continued through significant transitions, including the local impact of Hurricane Helene. The group explored a broad definition of economic prosperity – one that goes beyond traditional measures to include talent development, experiential learning, applied research, entrepreneurship, healthcare access, innovation and mutually beneficial partnerships.  “Augusta University has a unique opportunity, and responsibility, to help drive economic prosperity across the communities we serve,” said Tina Baggott, vice president of Corporate and Community Engagement. “Our work brings together innovation, workforce development and meaningful community partnerships to address the needs of today while helping to prepare our communities for the challenges of tomorrow. The APLU Innovation and Economic Prosperity designation affirms our commitment to working alongside industry, government and community partners to turn ideas into impact, talent into opportunity, and partnerships into lasting economic and community growth.”  Using APLU’s Commission on Economic and Community Engagement assessment tools, peer benchmarking, institutional data, surveys and more than 38 focus groups and individual conversations, the outcome represents the collective work of many in the region, with AU at the helm. “Receiving the IEP designation is a tremendous recognition of what is possible when we bring people together around a shared purpose,” said Lynsey Steinberg, director of Academic Entrepreneurship at AU. “Augusta University has incredible talent, innovative ideas, and strong community partners, and when we connect those strengths, we can make a real difference in supporting regional prosperity. Over the past three years, we have seen what can happen when people collaborate, elevate one another and work toward something bigger than themselves. This designation celebrates that work, but more importantly to keep building relationships, creating connections, and finding new ways to make a meaningful impact together.”  AU’s public mission is equally central to economic prosperity. The university extends healthcare, education, research and community engagement throughout Georgia, including rural and underserved communities. Through its health sciences enterprise, telehealth, clinical education, community partnerships and expansion of programs and campuses, AU is strengthening both access and the talent pipeline required to meet critical workforce needs. “Augusta University has a unique opportunity, and responsibility, to help drive economic prosperity across the communities we serve.” Tina Baggott, vice president of Corporate and Community Engagement. The IEP process reinforced the importance of innovation infrastructure – the systems and connections that help move ideas from discovery to real-world impact. From translational research and commercialization to makerspaces, entrepreneurship programming, interdisciplinary collaboration and the Regional Innovation Advisory Committee – which is focused on advancing AU’s strategic goals of community engagement, student success and research excellence by fostering cross-sector collaborations – AU is building pathways for innovation to move beyond campus into communities, industries and the economy.  “Augusta University’s APLU Innovation and Economic Prosperity designation underscores the university’s important role in strengthening the Augusta region as a place to live, work, invest, and visit,” said Jennifer Bowen, Chief Strategy Officer and Senior Vice President & Film Commissioner at Destination Augusta. “Through innovation, workforce development, research, and community partnerships, AU helps build the talent, opportunities, and economic vitality that make our community more competitive and enhance the region’s appeal as a destination.” The work does not end with this designation. Findings from the IEP self-study have been incorporated into AU’s Growth and Improvement Plan, with priorities focused on stronger coordination, clearer access for partners, improved measurement, increased visibility, workforce alignment and a more intentionally connected regional innovation economy. Economic engagement is also helping shape the university’s next long-term strategic plan, ensuring decisions about academic programs, research, partnerships, infrastructure and investment remain connected to the needs of the communities AU serves. Augusta University will be recognized for this achievement during the APLU Annual Meeting in November in San Antonio, Texas.

NBA stars and Achilles injuries: The road back to peak performance

A new NBA season brings plenty of storylines, from star players in new uniforms to the debut of promising rookies. But for players recovering from Achilles tendon injuries, returning to the court is just the beginning, says the University of Delaware's Karin Grävare Silbernagel. Regaining strength, explosiveness and consistent performance can take longer to achieve, said Silbernagel, a professor of physical therapy who studies tendon injuries and rehabilitation, with a focus on Achilles tendon ruptures, ankle function and long-term physical performance. Her research explores why recovery involves more than healing tissue or returning to competition. Strength, movement, tendon function and the ability to perform under the demands of sport all matter, she said. In a recent study, Silbernagel and colleagues examined single-leg jumping in people about two years after an Achilles tendon rupture. They found that fatigue affected ankle power differently on the injured and uninjured sides, highlighting how an injury can influence movement and the way the body distributes physical demands even well into recovery. Silbernagel can discuss: • Why returning to the court does not necessarily mean an NBA player has regained full strength, explosiveness or durability. • How clinicians assess recovery and readiness to return to sport after an Achilles tendon rupture. • How rehabilitation, progressive loading and return-to-sport testing can help guide recovery. • What research reveals about lingering changes in movement and function after tendon injuries. • What Achilles injuries can mean for athletic performance over time. Silbernagel leads the Delaware Tendon Research Group and consults with professional sports teams. Her research has helped inform clinical guidelines for treating tendon injuries. To reach Silbernagel directly and arrange and interview, visit her profile and click on the "contact" button. Interested reporters can also send an email to MediaRelations@udel.edu.

Could a Supreme Court Power Play Backfire on Republicans?

With November's midterm elections approaching, Republicans may face a consequential decision: whether to confirm another conservative Supreme Court justice before potentially losing control of the Senate. In a new piece published October 14 in The Conversation, Paul M. Collins Jr., professor of legal studies and political science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, examines how such a move could reshape the Supreme Court and intensify political divisions over the judiciary. Collins explains that if Democrats win control of the Senate, a retirement by conservative Justices Clarence Thomas or Samuel Alito before the new Congress takes office in January could give President Donald Trump an opportunity to appoint a fourth Supreme Court justice. While Republicans could potentially secure another conservative appointment, Collins argues the political consequences could extend well beyond the immediate confirmation battle. As Collins writes in The Conversation: If Alito or Thomas announced their retirement after the midterms, Republicans would have enough time to confirm a successor. The Senate has four and a half work weeks scheduled between Election Day and Jan. 3. Justice Amy Coney Barrett was confirmed less than a month after her nomination, making the timeline tight but doable. His analysis draws parallels to the contentious Supreme Court confirmation battles of 2016 and 2020, when Republicans blocked Merrick Garland's nomination before subsequently confirming Amy Coney Barrett shortly before a presidential election. Collins suggests another controversial confirmation could further undermine public confidence in the Supreme Court and strengthen calls for judicial reform, including expanding the number of justices. The stakes are significant. With lifetime appointments shaping constitutional interpretation for decades, the outcome could influence not only the Court's ideological direction but also the future of judicial independence and the relationship between Congress and the judiciary. Paul M. Collins, Jr. is a professor of legal studies and political science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. His research focuses on understanding bias and inequality in the legal system, the selection and work of judges and social movement litigation. View his profile  An established authority on Supreme Court nominations, Collins has researched judicial appointments, political influences on the courts and the confirmation process. He is co-author of Supreme Court Confirmation Hearings and Constitutional Change and Supreme Bias: Gender and Race in U.S. Supreme Court Confirmation Hearings. As the midterm elections approach, Collins can provide journalists with expert analysis of Supreme Court vacancies, Senate confirmation procedures, judicial politics and the potential long-term consequences of another contentious appointment. If you're interested in speaking with Paul M. Collins Jr. about Supreme Court nominations, judicial independence, Senate confirmation battles and the future of the U.S. judiciary, simply click on his profile to arrange an interview today.

Georgia Governor's Race Draws National Attention as Obama Endorses Keisha Lance Bottoms

Former President Barack Obama's endorsement of Keisha Lance Bottoms in Georgia's gubernatorial race has brought renewed national attention to one of the state's closely watched political contests. In recent coverage by Newsweek, the endorsement was examined alongside polling showing a competitive race between Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms and Republican Rick Jackson. Among the experts providing perspective was William Hatcher, PhD, chair and professor of social sciences at Augusta University, who discussed the differences between polling results and election forecasting models. Hatcher's analysis highlights the importance of understanding what polls can reveal about voter preferences, how forecasting models interpret available information and why election outcomes remain uncertain. Augusta's experts are regulars – when it comes to national media. Hatcher's inclusion in Newsweek reinforces the role university experts can play in helping national media audiences understand the political forces shaping important elections. William Hatcher, chair and professor of social sciences at Augusta University, told Newsweek the race is a “statistical tie” based on limited polling, but noted there have not been many high quality surveys so far. “The few polls that have been conducted show a statistical tie, as noted, but often do have Jackson with a small lead. On the other hand, the predictive models are showing that Bottoms may have a slight edge,” he said.  Oct. 8 – Newsweek With Georgia voters preparing for the Nov. 3 election, Hatcher can help journalists explore polling, voter turnout, political endorsements and the broader implications of the state's gubernatorial contest. If you're interested in speaking with Dr. William Hatcher about Georgia politics, the governor's race, election polling and public policy, simply click on his profile to arrange an interview today.

When Seeing Is No Longer Believing: AI Deepfakes Are Changing Political Advertising

As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly sophisticated, distinguishing authentic political messages from fabricated content is becoming a growing challenge for voters, journalists and election officials. AI-generated videos, images and audio can now convincingly portray political candidates saying or doing things that never happened. With the November midterm elections approaching, the technology is raising important questions about misinformation, political persuasion and public trust. The issue was recently highlighted in an Oct. 13 WRDW News report, Real or Fake? Deepfakes Flood Georgia Political Ads, featuring Augusta University's Lance Hunter, PhD. The report examined the growing presence of AI-generated political advertising, including a fabricated video involving Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff, and the challenges associated with identifying and regulating this material. A New Challenge for Political Communication Hunter explained how artificial intelligence is fundamentally changing the way political content can be created and distributed. "Artificial intelligence can really increase the persuasiveness, the amount of content it can create." Unlike traditional political advertising, AI-generated content can create seemingly authentic footage of events that never occurred. "What makes this different is the ability to actually show someone doing something that they did not do." The technology raises important questions about how voters evaluate political information, whether existing regulations provide adequate protections and how campaigns may use artificial intelligence in future elections. Lance Hunter, PhD, is a political science professor at Augusta University whose expertise in political behaviour, elections and political communication makes him a valuable resource for journalists covering the growing influence of artificial intelligence on American politics. View his profile An Emerging Story With National Implications While the WRDW report focused on Georgia, the implications extend well beyond one state or election. As AI-generated political content becomes more accessible and convincing, journalists are increasingly examining several important questions: How can voters distinguish authentic political content from AI-generated misinformation? What influence could deepfakes have on public opinion and voter confidence? Should political campaigns be required to disclose their use of artificial intelligence? How can election officials and policymakers respond as the technology evolves? These are emerging issues at the intersection of political science, technology, public policy and democratic participation. As news organizations continue examining AI-generated campaign advertising, election misinformation and the future of political communication, Hunter can provide expert analysis of the challenges facing voters and the broader implications for democracy. If you're interested in speaking with Dr. Lance Hunter about AI deepfakes, political advertising, election misinformation, voter behaviour and the impact of emerging technologies on democracy, simply click on his profile to arrange an interview today.

People Likely to Turn to Influencers for Fitness and Nutrition Information

Martine Hackett, associate professor and chair of population health, spoke with Newsday about health and wellness advice disseminated by social media influencers. People looking to make a lifestyle change are likely to look at posts by influencers. Dr. Martine Hackett, chair of the population health department at Hofstra University, said posts from these influencers can be helpful to people looking for detailed wellness information that they might not be able to get at a routine office visit with their doctor. “You can go for your annual health checkup, but if you are younger and don’t have a chronic disease, you might be told to exercise, but they don’t have the time to tell you how,” she said. “And you may not be able to go to a nutritionist or a trainer.”

$787 a Month for a New Car? The Growing Cost of Getting Behind the Wheel

Buying a new car is becoming an increasingly expensive proposition for American consumers, with monthly loan payments now averaging a staggering $787. According to a recent DC News Now report, the average new-car loan is approaching $45,000, raising concerns about affordability, household debt and the long-term financial commitments consumers are making just to get behind the wheel. And the monthly loan payment is only part of the equation. Insurance premiums, maintenance, fuel and other ownership expenses can push the actual cost of driving considerably higher. For consumers already managing rising household expenses, the decision to purchase a vehicle has become increasingly complicated. Beyond the Sticker Price: What Consumers Need to Know Dr. Kashef Majid, Associate Professor of Marketing at the University of Mary Washington, has studied how consumers value hybrid and electric vehicles, including the financial and environmental motivations behind purchasing decisions. He was also named one of the 50 Best Undergraduate Business Professors of 2024 by Poets & Quants. View his profile Majid has also shared his expertise with WalletHub, offering first-pen perspective on car insurance costs, pricing fairness and the importance of making informed decisions when shopping for coverage. His insights are particularly relevant as Americans face record-high car payments, with insurance premiums adding another significant expense to the overall cost of vehicle ownership. As consumers grapple with rising costs, Majid can help explain what's driving vehicle affordability challenges, how purchasing decisions are changing and what motorists should consider before taking on substantial financial commitments. If you're interested in speaking with Dr. Kashef Majid about rising car payments, vehicle affordability, insurance costs and consumer behavior, simply click on his profile below to arrange an interview today.

Measles Makes a Dangerous Comeback as Pennsylvania Outbreak Tops 1,000 Cases

Measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000. More than 25 years later, the highly contagious disease is making a troubling comeback, with Pennsylvania now confronting an outbreak that has surpassed 1,000 confirmed cases. According to an October 7 update from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the state has recorded 1,078 confirmed cases across 41 counties, including 207 hospitalizations and five measles-associated deaths. The figures underscore the serious public health consequences of a disease that can largely be prevented through vaccination. The outbreak is also raising important questions about declining vaccination rates, community immunity and whether other states could experience similar outbreaks. Measles spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. Early symptoms include fever, coughing, a runny nose and red, watery eyes, followed by a distinctive rash that typically begins on the face and spreads downward. While many people recover, measles can cause serious complications, including pneumonia, brain swelling and, in rare cases, death. Two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine are approximately 97% effective at preventing the disease. Understanding the Outbreak and What Comes Next Dr. Lynn O. Lewis, a Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of Mary Washington, brings extensive expertise in microbiology, virology and infectious diseases. Lewis also directs the university's Irene Piscopo Rodgers School of Science and helped provide scientific guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic. View her profile With measles cases continuing to mount, Lewis can provide valuable perspective on how the virus spreads, why vaccination remains critical and what public health officials can do to contain outbreaks. She is available to help journalists explore several important questions: Why is a disease once eliminated in the United States returning? What makes measles so contagious? How do vaccination gaps contribute to outbreaks? And what lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic can help communities respond more effectively? As Pennsylvania continues its response, the outbreak is a reminder that infectious diseases once considered under control can re-emerge when the conditions that prevented their spread begin to change. If you're interested in speaking with Dr. Lynn Lewis about the Pennsylvania measles outbreak, infectious disease transmission, vaccination and public health preparedness, simply click on her profile below to arrange an interview today.

Why Polls Are a Snapshot, Not a Forecast

The poll numbers will keep coming between now and Election Day. Keith Gaddie wants you to ask a different question: not who's ahead, but why. Gaddie is the Hoffman Chair of the American Ideal and a professor at Texas Christian University. He says the biggest mistake people make is treating polls like a horse race. A poll is a photo, not a prediction "A poll is just a snapshot of a sample of reality at a particular point in time, and they age out really quickly." The numbers show what one group of people thinks right now. The real work, Gaddie says, is figuring out why they think that way and how it shapes the choices they make. And those opinions are often shallow. Gaddie says that "most of the time, when polling, people haven't thought about a question until you ask them, so their opinions are immediate. It is a knee-jerk reaction to the question." Noise vs. a real trend Poll movement comes from two places. One is the sample itself. Gaddie explains that "any oscillation within 4 or 5 points, if it's happening all the time, that's just from the sample. That's just noise." A real shift looks different: numbers that keep moving in the same direction over time. Don't expect many minds to change. "There are very few true undecideds. Most people are out there actually seeking information to verify prejudice that they have or preference that they have." What does move an election is a true crisis. The 2008 financial meltdown helped lock in Barack Obama's first win, and Gaddie says crises like that tend to work against the party in power. October surprises, on the other hand, are rare. Gaddie says, "They can't be engineered or manufactured." Today's fragmented media makes it harder still. He says, "You can't create a singular story that moves in one direction." Why turnout is the real story Hardcore partisans always vote. The voters in the middle turn out when something gives them a reason, and you can't predict which party they'll back. This year, Gaddie sees a signal in Texas, where more people voted in the Democratic primary than the Republican one. He says, "Primary turnout was at a record level." And in his view, high turnout usually means one thing: "When you get high turnout, you're usually voting for change." The reason, he says, is that "anger and disappointment and desire are much more powerful motives." Presidential years pull more voters because the race is national and the choices feel simple. Midterms are harder because, as Gaddie puts it, "life gets in the way." He adds: "Once you get registered, you have to work really hard to not be able to vote, even in Texas." What to watch instead of the numbers Look at how each candidate presents themselves for the job they're running for. Then compare the reality each candidate describes with the one you see. Gaddie's reminder: "only you know what that is, and we don't all see the same reality." The election isn't over when the votes are counted Gaddie also has a warning about what comes after Election Day. He says, "This election will not be over until the last lawsuit." He believes there are "procedural concerns that everyone ought to have." He points to a line from political scientist V.O. Key that he thinks captures what's at stake: "If a democratic regime is to work successfully, it must be generally agreed that contestants for power will not shoot each other and that ballots will be counted as cast." The takeaway A poll number is where the story starts, not where it ends. Turnout, timing, trust in the process and the candidates themselves will tell you far more about how this midterm plays out. Covering the midterms? Click on Keith's icon below to connect with him. He can speak to: Polling and public opinion Midterm turnout Texas and Southern politics Voting rights and redistricting Democracy and trust in elections