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Hurricane Melissa: Preparation, decision making and recovery from potentially 'catastrophic' storm
Hurricane Melissa, now a Category 5 storm, is projected to cause “catastrophic” flooding and inflict severe damage in Jamaica. The University of Delaware’s Disaster Research Center has several experts who can talk about preparations, evacuations, health impacts, decision making and recovery. The following experts in the DRC – which has a few contacts in Jamaica – are available for comment. Jennifer Horney: Health impacts of disasters as well as how cuts to aid and emergency assistance will factor into recovery after the storm. Sarah DeYoung: Pets in emergencies, infant feeding in disasters and decision-making in evacuation. Tricia Wachtendorf: Evacuation decision-making, disaster response and coordination, disaster relief (donations) and logistics, volunteer and emergent efforts, social vulnerability. Jennifer Trivedi: Can talk about preparedness steps and recovery as well as challenges for people with disabilities during disaster, cultural issues and long-term recovery. Shanjia Dong: Research looks at infrastructure systems, critical infrastructure protection, effective disaster preparedness and response, and equitable resilience planning and climate change adaptation. A.R. Siders: Expert on sea level rise and managed retreat – the concept of planned community movement away from coastlines and flood-prone areas. To contact these experts directly and arrange an interview, visit their profiles and click on the "contact" button. Interested reporters can also email MediaRelations@udel.edu.
Understanding and predicting extreme weather in a changing climate
Kelsey Malloy is an assistant professor of climatology in the University of Delaware’s Department of Geography and Spatial Sciences, where she leads the Malloy Climate Research Group. Her research seeks to understand predictable climate variability and how large-scale climate patterns shape local weather and drive extreme events such as tornado outbreaks, floods and severe storms. Malloy’s research advances the predictability and understanding of severe weather in the United States and beyond. Her studies, published in Monthly Weather Review, Weather and Forecasting and Earth’s Future, have shed light on the climate signals influencing tornado activity and Great Plains rainfall. A member of the U.S. CLIVAR Predictability, Predictions, and Applications Interface Panel, Malloy also teaches courses in meteorological analysis and climatology, preparing the next generation of atmospheric scientists. In November 2025, Malloy will share her passion for climate science at TEDxUniversityofDelaware, using storytelling to illustrate climate’s enduring fingerprint on human history and experience. To speak with Malloy about the weather, email mediarelations@ude.edu.
In a September article featured in Forbes, Marshall Shepherd reports on a new tool launched by Project Drawdown that aims to deliver personalized climate-action strategies to different users—including policymakers, businesses, and individuals. In the piece, he explains that the tool helps match context-specific emissions reduction or resilience options to the particular needs, geography, and capacities of the user, rather than prescribing one-size-fits-all solutions. Shepherd also emphasizes that tools like this can help bridge the gap between climate science and real-world decision-making. He argues that equipping stakeholders with tailored pathways could accelerate uptake of effective interventions by making them more relevant, feasible, and compelling. Ultimately, Shepherd presents the new Drawdown resource as a promising model for democratizing access to climate solutions, enabling individuals and organizations to engage in strategies best suited to their specific circumstances. Dr. J. Marshall Shepherd is a leading international weather-climate expert and is the Georgia Athletic Association Distinguished Professor of Geography and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Georgia. Dr. Shepherd was the 2013 President of American Meteorological Society (AMS), the nation’s largest and oldest professional/science society in the atmospheric and related sciences. View his profile here Dr. J. Marshall Shepherd is a leading international weather-climate expert and is the Georgia Athletic Association Distinguished Professor of Geography and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Georgia. He's available to speak with the media about this topic - simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.
Gig worker protection law boosted overall earnings but dropped hourly pay
A 2020 California law designed to protect gig workers by classifying them as regular employees, rather than contractors, ended up increasing their earnings by about 8%. However, their hourly pay dropped by 1.6% as companies offset the higher costs of benefits. Workers’ increased earnings came from working longer hours in order to qualify for and reap benefits like employer tax sharing. These findings come from a study led by Liangfei Qiu, Ph.D., a professor in the University of Florida’s Warrington College of Business, which examined nearly 400,000 monthly work records from about 41,000 freelancers on Upwork, one of the world’s largest online labor platforms. That trove of data let the researchers ask what actually happened when the law, known as AB5, took effect. Qiu’s is the first study to reveal how AB5 affected workers’ income and comes as other states consider passing similar laws. Liangfei Qiu is an expert in social technology, including social media and social networks, as well as artificial intelligence. View his profile here “It highlights some unintended consequences,” Qiu said. “If the labor market competition is similar to what we observe in California, then you might get lower hourly rates for gig economy workers and longer working hours.” “But it’s nuanced. In surveys, gig workers said they were willing to work longer hours because they had better benefits. The outcome depends on how involved someone is in the gig economy,” Qiu added. AB5 was designed to correct what labor advocates saw as widespread misclassification of a company’s essential employees as independent contractors, who don’t typically earn any benefits. This classification gives companies a cheaper workforce, and provides maximum flexibility for workers, but doesn’t allow workers to earn any sick leave, vacation or health insurance. Self-employed contractors must also pay the full share of Social Security and Medicare taxes, which works out to about 15% of gross income. Gig economy companies fought back against the AB5 regulations. A company-sponsored ballot referendum, Prop 22, exempted well-known giants like Uber, Lyft and DoorDash from the law later in 2020. And the California legislature provided further carve outs for professions like doctors, lawyers and photographers. The law still applies to contractors used by delivery companies like FedEx, UPS or Amazon, home-service companies like Angi or Rover as well as online freelance platforms like TaskRabbit. The study is forthcoming in the journal Information Systems Research. Qiu collaborated on the analysis with researchers at Baylor University, Santa Clara University and Stony Brook University. Looking to know more about the 'gig economy' and how it impacts the workforce? Connect with Liangfei Qiu today and click is icon now to arrange a time to talk.
Everyone from farmers to Fortune 500 companies are now feeling the impact of Trump administration tariffs aimed primarily at reducing the trade deficit and reviving domestic manufacturing. University of Delaware experts offer insight into the economic, political and social impacts of these tariffs and what the future of U.S. trade policy may hold. Experts available: Alice Ba, associate professor, International Relations and Comparative Politics – Topic: Economic implications of tariffs on domestic industries and global supply chains. Dan Green, associate professor, International Relations and Political Theory – Topic: Political dynamics of U.S. trade policy and congressional responses. Dan Kinderman, professor, Comparative Politics and International Relations – Topic: Impacts on international business relationships and corporate strategy. Robert Denemark, professor, International Relations – Global geopolitical implications and international relations perspectives. Stuart Kaufman, professor, Political Science and International Relations – Historical context and comparative analysis of past U.S. trade policies. Journalists who would like to speak with these experts can click on their profiles or email mediarelations@udel.edu.
3 Things A Climate Scientist Learned From Jane Goodall
In a recent Forbes article, Marshall Shepherd reflects on three key lessons he has drawn from the life and work of Dr. Jane Goodall. Shepherd frames Goodall’s legacy—spanning primatology, conservation, and public engagement—as deeply instructive for climate scientists and environmental advocates. He argues that her methods and mindset have more to teach than simply how to observe nature; they speak to how we engage with the world. First, Shepherd highlights immersion: Goodall’s decades of patient observation in the Tanzanian forests demonstrates the power of being physically—and emotionally—present to truly learn from ecosystems. For Shepherd, climate science must go beyond remote data collection: getting into the field and understanding local realities matters. Second, he emphasizes patience. Goodall’s willingness to wait, sometimes for years, for breakthroughs in understanding primate behavior offers a lesson for climate researchers, whose progress may unfold over decades. Third, he admires her tenacity—a commitment sustained over a lifetime, even under adversity. Shepherd suggests that tackling climate change requires that same kind of enduring resolve, especially when public attention or funding waxes and wanes. Through these reflections, Shepherd presents Goodall not just as an icon of conservation but as a model for scientific humility and perseverance. He invites readers to see the parallels between animal behavior research and climate work—and to adopt practices of listening, patience, and resolve in confronting our planet’s changing trajectory. Dr. J. Marshall Shepherd is a leading international weather-climate expert and is the Georgia Athletic Association Distinguished Professor of Geography and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Georgia. Dr. Shepherd was the 2013 President of American Meteorological Society (AMS), the nation’s largest and oldest professional/science society in the atmospheric and related sciences. View his profile here Dr. J. Marshall Shepherd is a leading international weather-climate expert and is the Georgia Athletic Association Distinguished Professor of Geography and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Georgia. He's available to speak with the media about this topic - simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.
Cesar Dominguez, a fourth-year chemistry and physics double major at the University of Florida, may be on track to finding alternatives to plastic that could benefit the planet. His impactful work has helped him earn the title of Michelin Science Scholar, and he is now one of a select group of undergraduates connecting scientific research to real-world challenges at Michelin – a global leader in materials science and sustainability. “There’s always this misconception that academic research is completely separate from industry research,” Dominguez said. “Michelin has shown me it’s all one science. You can push discovery forward in both spaces.” Dominguez embarked this fall on a two-semester program of faculty-mentored research, with a $2,000 student stipend and $500 in support funding for his faculty mentor, UF chemistry professor Austin Evans, Ph.D. The program also invites students to present their findings at a spring symposium and tour a Michelin facility in South Carolina. Austin Evans' research aims to control macromolecular structure at all length scales concurrently and deploy materials in the real world. View his profile here Dominguez is furthering his study of how to process ultra-high molecular weight polymers – materials he compares to the scale of “an entire city” rather than a football stadium, through powerful electric fields. By adjusting electrospinning techniques, Dominguez and his team examine how polymers form fibers with different thermal and mechanical properties. These findings could lead to stronger, more sustainable materials, including alternatives to plastics like the major pollutant polyethylene. “All my life, I’ve been told chemistry and physics are separate fields,” Dominguez said. “But I’ve learned they come together in really elegant ways. Being able to unite concepts from both gives me a deeper understanding of how things work.” Dominguez attributes much of his development as a researcher to his work with Evans, who he describes as incredibly supportive, always accessible, and consistently encouraging him to focus on precision and detail. Dominguez also sees UF’s resources as pivotal to his journey. “I feel like what makes the research I'm doing really exciting is the fact that this can only be done at the University of Florida, because we're working with materials that have been developed by scientists here, using equipment that we're very fortunate to have access to here,” Dominguez said. As he prepares to apply to graduate school in analytical chemistry, Dominguez said the Michelin program has expanded his view of what is possible after his degree. “I used to think research only happened in academia,” he said. “Now I know industry is just as vital. It’s opened my mind to different paths for my future.” For now, he offers one piece of advice to other students considering the program: “Do it for the love of the game. If you put passion into your work, everything else will follow.” For more information on the Michelin Science Scholars Program, click here: To learn more about the research happening at UF and to connect with Austin Evans - simply click his icon now to arrange an interview today.
Pumpkins have become a ubiquitous part of the autumn landscape. How exactly did that happen? Cindy Ott, associate professor of history at the University of Delaware and author of Pumpkin: The Curious History of an American Icon, has been featured twice on NPR this fall to discuss just that. On Morning Edition, she explored the evolution of the jack-o’-lantern – from Celtic folklore to the playful, child-friendly Halloween decorations of today – highlighting how pumpkins became symbols of rural life and harvest traditions. On All Things Considered, Ott traced the word “pumpkin” and the plant itself from Indigenous cultivation in the Americas to its status as a beloved autumn icon, showing how pumpkin imagery and nostalgia help sustain small family farms. Journalists covering food history, cultural traditions, seasonal trends or rural life will find Ott’s insights compelling, blending rigorous research with engaging storytelling. She can speak on pumpkins, jack-o’-lanterns, the cultural power of seasonal foods and how historical symbolism continues to shape modern American practices. Ott can be reached by emailing mediarelations@udel.edu.
UF scientist studies muscle loss in space to benefit astronauts and patients on Earth
Astronauts traveling to Mars will face many challenges, but one of the most serious is muscle loss during long space missions. A new study led by University of Florida researcher Siobhan Malany, Ph.D., sheds light on how human biology changes in microgravity and could help protect astronaut health while also offering hope for patients with muscle-wasting diseases on Earth. Malany, an associate professor in the College of Pharmacy, a member of UF’s Astraeus Space Institute, and director of the in-space Biomanufacturing Innovation Hub, recently published findings showing how muscle cells adapt in space. Her team studied bioengineered three-dimensional muscle tissues derived from biopsy cells from both younger and older individuals and observed how they responded to electrical stimulation in microgravity. These micro-scale tissues called “tissue chips” were given nutrients and electric pulses autonomously in a miniature laboratory the size of a shoe box called a CubeLab.x. A camera system inside the box recorded the rate of muscle contraction. “This research is about more than just space,” Malany said. “By understanding how muscle tissue deteriorates much faster in microgravity, we can uncover new strategies to address muscle loss that occurs naturally with aging and with age-related diseases here on Earth.” Siobhan Malany studies the effects of microgravity on human muscle biology using an automated tissue chip system. View her profile here The study found that younger muscle tissue showed more pronounced changes in mitochondrial pathways — cellular systems that produce energy — than older tissue did when exposed to microgravity. Researchers also discovered that, on Earth, older muscle tissue responds less to electrical stimulation than younger tissue. But in space, the younger tissue showed a noticeable drop in its ability to contract, suggesting that younger muscle may experience a greater change when exposed to the space environment. These insights may help researchers design new treatments to protect muscles in astronauts during long missions, as well as develop therapies for people experiencing age-related muscle loss on Earth. The project was part of UF’s broader efforts to advance space biology. Through the Astraeus Space Institute, UF brings together experts across disciplines, from medicine and pharmacy to engineering and plant science, to address the unique challenges of space exploration. “UF researchers are helping lay the groundwork for humanity’s next giant leap,” Malany said. “It’s exciting to see our work contribute to both the health of astronauts and the lives of patients back home.” UF’s leadership in space biology is strengthened through collaboration with partners including the Kennedy Space Center Consortium and the Center for Science, Technology and Advanced Research in Space), both initiatives bringing together universities in Florida’s high-tech corridor, government agencies and industry leaders. Malany’s work also builds on long-term collaborations with AdventHealth, using donated tissue samples to model age-related muscle changes in space. Her team also works with SpaceTango, a NASA-certified aerospace company, to design the CubeLab that flew to the International Space Station on multiple SpaceX missions. Looking ahead, Malany and her team are developing new ways to study astronaut-derived cells, including both skeletal and heart muscle, generated from blood samples. These “avatars” could help researchers track changes before, during and after space missions, providing an unprecedented window into how microgravity affects the human body. “Now we can study cells from individual astronauts and see how they respond over time,” Malany said. “This helps us understand the risks of long-term spaceflight and also gives us a platform for testing potential treatments for muscle-wasting conditions on Earth.” By using tissue chips, small, bioengineered devices that mimic the structure and function of human organs, scientists in space can gather data more quickly and accurately than with traditional animal studies, potentially accelerating the discovery of therapies for aging-related muscle loss. Looking to know more about this amazing research or connect with Siobhan Malany - simply click on her icon now to arrange an interview today.
Experts in the Media: Hurricane Season Isn’t Shutdown. A Busy Week Looms For Meteorologists
When you think hurricane season is winding down, think again. Just as many people begin to relax after a stretch of calm weather, the atmosphere often has other plans. Meteorologists are warning that even as we head deeper into October, the tropics are far from done stirring. The “off-season,” as Dr. Marshall Shepherd puts it, can be one of the most deceptive times of year—when attention fades but nature remains restless. Dr. J. Marshall Shepherd is a leading international weather-climate expert and is the Georgia Athletic Association Distinguished Professor of Geography and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Georgia. Dr. Shepherd was the 2013 President of American Meteorological Society (AMS), the nation’s largest and oldest professional/science society in the atmospheric and related sciences. View his profile here In his recent Forbes article, Shepherd, a leading atmospheric scientist and former president of the American Meteorological Society, reminds readers that the Atlantic hurricane season doesn’t have an on-off switch. While it may appear to be slowing, meteorologists are bracing for a busy week ahead as multiple weather systems continue to develop. He explains that this year’s pattern demonstrates how tropical activity often ebbs and flows, and a lull in storms doesn’t mean the threat has passed. Shepherd highlights how experts are closely watching sea-surface temperatures, wind shear, and atmospheric moisture—factors that can quickly transform calm seas into cyclone breeding grounds. Despite the calendar inching toward November, he warns that conditions remain ripe for sudden storm formation. Ultimately, Shepherd’s message is one of preparedness and respect for nature’s unpredictability. Even when the radar looks clear, the tropics can still surprise us. His call to stay alert is a timely reminder that meteorology is not about predicting the past—it’s about anticipating the next twist in the weather’s unfolding story. Dr. J. Marshall Shepherd is a leading international weather-climate expert and is the Georgia Athletic Association Distinguished Professor of Geography and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Georgia. He's available to speak with the media about this topic - simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.