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Immediate and long-term recovery in post-earthquake Morocco
Sunday's earthquake in Morocco – the strongest to hit the center of the country in more than a century – has taken the lives of more than 2,500 people so far and leveled countless homes and businesses. Experts from the University of Delaware's Disaster Research Center can discuss various topics related to the tragedy. Tricia Wachtendorf: Disaster relief and donations, and alignment post-disaster – i.e., making sure donations that aren't needed don't flood the supply chain. Wachtendorf can also discuss evacuation decision-making, volunteer efforts, disaster response and coordination. Rachel Davidson: Can discuss building damage, and conducts research on natural disaster risk modeling and civil infrastructure systems. Davidson looks at lifelines (e.g., electric power, water supply) and risk from a regional perspective during and after earthquakes and other disasters. Jennifer Horney: Environmental impacts of disasters and potential public health impacts for chronic and infectious diseases. Sarah DeYoung: Dealing with unsolicited infant formula donations, and infant and maternal health. Can also discuss pets in emergencies, infant feeding in disasters and decision-making in evacuation. Jennifer Trivedi: Long-term recovery and challenges for people with disabilities during disaster. Click on the profiles below to contact any of these experts and set up an interview.
Back to School: Expert Tips for a Smooth Transition in the New Academic Year
With the start of school now upon us, Gary Henry, dean of the University of Delaware’s College of Education and Human Development and professor in the School of Education and the Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy & Administration, is here to answer some common questions educators and parents may have. What are your three biggest concerns about K-12 education going into this academic year? I think the overarching concern for many K-12 teachers and administrators is creating a sense of continuity as children and young adults go back to school. The three big concerns that contribute to this issue are teacher turnover, school leader turnover and the number of long-term substitutes who are not fully prepared to teach in classrooms. These trends were already in place before the pandemic, but the pandemic heightened this crisis. For the last 20 years, we’ve seen a crisis in the enrollment in traditional teacher preparation programs. Between 2010 and 2018, we saw about a 35% reduction in the number of undergraduates who enroll in education majors across the U.S., but in Delaware, that reduction was 60%. Teacher shortages are affecting every state around the country right now. What is the best way to address these chronic teacher shortages? Chronic teacher shortages are a systemic problem, which means it’s largely a result of the system in which we educate and support teachers. We know, for example, that many alternative teacher preparation programs — where students come in with a bachelor’s degree outside of the field of education and take only a few courses in preparation for teaching — actually contribute to teacher shortages. So part of the answer is investing in traditional teacher preparation programs and in financial aid. Our team at CEHD’s Center for Excellence and Equity in Teacher Preparation is working directly with Delaware students from motivation to pursue teaching, through recruitment into UD teacher preparation programs, through graduation from those degree programs and into schools within Delaware, whenever possible. For example, our Teachers of Tomorrow program introduces underrepresented high schoolers to the field of education through an immersive, two-week summer institute at UD where they can learn about our programs, meet current students and talk with educators. In partnership with high-needs Delaware school districts and the Delaware Department of Education, our Teacher Residency program allows early childhood education, elementary teacher education and secondary STEM education students to pursue yearlong, paid teaching placements in Delaware schools. Overall, we find that 80% of the students we recruit from Delaware stay in our schools to teach. What recommendations do you have for school leaders who are struggling with turnover challenges? The first thing to do is to have a human resources professional conduct exit interviews with teachers who are leaving and for building leaders to pay attention to their responses so they can really understand the key causes of turnover in their school. In my research, I have analyzed exit interview data and I’ve found that teachers are often very straightforward about why they are leaving. The second step is to act on those reasons. And the third step is to constantly check in with the teachers. Ask, “how are things going? What can we do to help you address your instructional needs?” Developing relationships around instructional issues and the teachers’ work with students is fundamental to diagnosing and addressing issues before they lead to teacher turnover. What advice would you give a brand-new teacher about to start their first year in charge of a classroom? I believe that all educators should view students and their families for their assets and recognize that a student’s culture at home is an asset. A relationship with parents and students that recognizes and values the family’s culture allows you to unite with the family, unite with the student and give the student the confidence to take risks, to work hard and to want to come to school because that’s where they feel welcomed and honored. If parents are interested in supporting their child's education, how can they do so? I think the key ingredient for parents is working with teachers and principals to articulate the outcomes that they’re seeking for their children. It’s much easier to get everyone on the same page if you start from a position of common ground. I would also encourage parents to seek the person in the school system that’s closest to the issue. So if your child is struggling in math, reach out to your child’s math teacher first. If the teacher identifies other resources that may be helpful, then seek out additional support from the school principal. Gary T. Henry has much more to talk about as the school year gets underway. He is available for interviews. Click the "View Profile" button to get in touch with him.
Looking back at challenges pet owners faced after Maui's devastating wildfires
The deadly wildfires that ravaged Maui in August left thousands of people homeless. Many of them had companion animals – in fact, an estimated 3,000 pets were still missing more than a week later. Sarah DeYoung, associate professor of sociology and criminal justice and core faculty with the Disaster Research Center at the University of Delaware, is an expert on evacuation decision-making for people with companion animals and what happens to pets after disasters. DeYoung, who conducted research in Hawaii after the 2018 lava flows on Big Island, can discuss various aspects related to evacuation and care of pets after last month's wildfires. In a piece published by The Conversation last month, she discussed: What happens to pets after a catastrophic fire: Time is always a major factor in an owner's ability to save their pet when disaster strikes. The rush might also cause owners to forget carriers or leashes. Extra challenges with disasters on an island: Islands have limited space for the boarding and care of displaced animals. Nearly all of Hawaii’s animal shelters were already at full capacity due to the state’s pet overpopulation. Long-term problems for animal recovery: People sometimes surrender their pets after disasters because they can’t find temporary housing that allows dogs or cats, or due to breed restrictions. A wave of animal surrenders causes already full shelters to become overcrowded. DeYoung is available for interviews. To contact her, simply click on the contact button on her profile.
A recent survey conducted on behalf of CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) found that 82 per cent of parents in Ontario have witnessed dangerous driving behaviours in school zones – that’s a four per cent increase compared to last year. More than half (55 per cent) consider the roads around their child’s school to be unsafe. “Our children deserve to travel to and from school safely,” says Tracy Marshall, manager of community relations at CAA SCO. “As another school year begins, drivers should prepare for higher traffic periods in school zones and drive with extra vigilance.” According to the survey, some of the most common dangerous driving behaviours parents have witnessed include speeding, double parking and stopping in undesignated areas. Of those surveyed, the car remains the primary mode of transportation to and from school. Because of this, more than 80 per cent of parents report experiencing congestion around their child’s school. In fact, survey respondents believe that parents in a hurry (38 per cent), too much congestion (33 per cent) and parents not following the drop off or pick up procedures contribute the most to unsafe driving behaviours in school zones. Majority of parents say more can be done to help drivers slow down in school zones. Ninety-one per cent of parents in Ontario support lowering the speed limit in school zones with 83 per cent that say speed limits should be 30km/h or lower. When it comes to Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE): Seventy-seven per cent – an 11 per cent jump compared to last year – strongly support the use of it in school zones. Eighty-one per cent believe its presence would deter speeding around schools. Seventy-five per cent say that it should remain permanent in school zones. Drivers reminded to follow the rules of the road in school zones, especially near school buses. “It is dangerous and illegal to pass a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended,” says Marshall. According to the survey, 11 per cent of parents report having ever been charged with failure to stop for a school bus. “Not only do you risk facing a fine of up to $2,000 and six demerit points for a first offense, but you are also putting the lives of others at risk,” adds Marshall. How drivers can help keep school zones safe. Drivers can also use the following CAA tips to ensure they are staying safe in school zones: Help reduce traffic with active school travel: Encourage your kids to walk or wheel to school to ease traffic congestion. If your school is a further distance, CAA encourages parents and guardians to park a block away and walk to school to reduce traffic and make school zones safer. Slow down: Know the speed limit in your neighbourhood’s school zones and respect them. Ensure you give yourself plenty of time to drop off your kids at school to avoid rushing. Choose a safe spot to drop off and pick up your children from school: Follow your school’s rules and avoid double parking or stopping on crosswalks, dropping off or picking up your kids on the opposite side of the street, and stopping in moving traffic as kids rush out. Instead, use the designated drop off areas or consider a spot a bit farther away from school that is easily accessible and safe. Make eye contact with pedestrians: With the excitement of going back to school, anticipate that children may not easily see or hear your moving vehicle, so ensure to make eye contact with pedestrians crossing the road. Watch for CAA School Safety Patrollers: When travelling to and from school, watch for CAA School Safety Patrollers in their lime green safety vests, as they play an important role in ensuring the roadway is safe before kids cross on their own. CAA supports safety in school zones through the CAA School Safety Patrol® program, developed to protect and educate elementary school children on safe road-crossing practices. CAA’s Ontario Road Safety Resource is a toolkit with valuable lesson plans for teachers to help educate students about road safety. To learn more please visit www.caasco.com/schoolzone. About the survey. The study, commissioned by CCG conducted by Dig Insights in May 2023 surveyed 1,560 Ontario parents/guardians between the ages of 18 and 74 with children attending school from kindergarten to grade 8. The margin of error for a sample of this size is plus or minus 2% at the 95% confidence level.
Exploring the role of social media in fomenting hatred and prejudice in society
Each day, it feels like there's a new social media platform to join, the latest one being Threads. While social media like Threads, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and Facebook can be a space to bring people from different corners of the world together, it has also become a way to spread hatred and prejudice. Kassra Oskooii, associate professor of political science and international relations at the University of Delaware, studies the interplay between contextual and psychological determinants of political opinions on minority groups. He recently published work examining at how social media news consumption over the last two presidential cycles has heightened anti-Muslim views. He noted that social media works by creating information bubbles that echo and amplify views, and when political information is left unregulated, individuals can be exposed to false and prejudicial content that can shape their views toward marginalized groups. Oskooii's research was recently cited in the 2023 Economic Report of the President. He can speak about the role that social media continues to play on politics and everyday society. To arrange an interview, simply click on Professor Oskooii's profile and press the contact button.
ChristianaCare has received a $100,000 grant from JPMorgan Chase & Co. to launch a youth employment program to build a more diverse and inclusive health care workforce. “At ChristianaCare, we embrace diversity and show respect to everyone,” said Dia Williams Adams, MPA, vice president of philanthropy at ChristianaCare. “Providing exposure to health care careers at an early age and building pipelines to employment are key components to building strong and healthy communities. We are deeply grateful to JPMorgan Chase for its generosity and commitment to inclusion and diversity.” The program, Health Impacts, is a year-long pilot program designed to connect youth ages 16 to 18 from low-to-moderate income households within the Greater Wilmington area to career opportunities in health care. Health Impacts will include an intensive training program, during which the teens will learn from ChristianaCare health professionals about workforce development skills and the characteristics essential for career success. The training program will be followed by a nine-month paid internship that culminates with employment opportunities at ChristianaCare. During the internship the teens will receive additional career coaching and participate in work-based learning assignments to help them develop skills, such as effective interviewing, relationship building and a strong work ethic. “There are fantastic opportunities in health care today that can match up with a wide variety of interests and provide young people with a career path that offers financial stability and growth – plus the personal rewards of doing work that helps others,” said Kamela Smith, M.Ed., manager of Community Education and Engagement at ChristianaCare. “This program is an exciting opportunity to expand our local health care workforce while inspiring young people in our community to be the next generation of caregivers.” JPMorgan Chase’s support of Health Impacts is part of a $30 billion Racial Equity Commitment by the global financial services provider to help close the racial wealth gap and advance economic inclusion among communities that are underserved in the United States. “As one of Delaware’s largest employers, we are incredibly focused on creating a more equitable and inclusive economy for more residents across the region,” said Jac Rivers, Vice President, Global Philanthropy Program Officer Eastern Region, JPMorgan Chase. “Building a skilled workforce and ensuring that all people, regardless of background, have access to the support they need is critical to these efforts. Together with a dynamic community partner like ChristianaCare, and the launch of their new Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) in Wilmington, we can truly help unlock opportunity for more Delaware residents to access meaningful jobs and lasting economic growth.” To learn more about ways to give to ChristianaCare, visit https://www.christianacare.org/donors.
Concerns Persist Over the State of Ecuadorian Democracy
On August 9, 2023, Ecuadorian presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio was ambushed and killed following a campaign rally in Quito. The Alausí-born journalist-turned-assemblyman had long been a proponent of social and governmental reform, framing his election bid as a crusade against the drug traffickers, corrupt corporate interests and “political mafia” besetting his country. His assassination has, in turn, sparked concerns and discussion over the current state of democracy in Ecuador. Lowell Gustafson, PhD, is an expert on Latin American affairs and a professor of political science in Villanova University’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. From his perspective, Villavicencio’s murder stands as the latest chapter in a saga of malfeasance, intimidation and violence in the region. “This is not new in Latin American political history,” said Dr. Gustafson. “The role of private armies funded by economic sectors beyond state control has been an issue often for the national period. It has taken a stark turn with the riches pouring in from illegal drugs.” In Ecuador, “narco-capitalism” has emerged as a particularly corrosive force. According to Dr. Gustafson, Albanian, Mexican and South American criminal outfits established themselves within the nation by the early 2010s, drawn by the country’s vast network of ports and its proximity to coca-rich Colombia and Peru. “That became a problem for stability in 2016, when the government of Colombia signed a peace agreement with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia [or FARC],” he stated. “FARC had long controlled cocaine trafficking routes from southern Colombia to Ecuador’s ports on the Pacific Ocean. With their dominance gone, other cartels began to compete for control.” Since the opening of this power vacuum, the situation in Ecuador has grown increasingly volatile, with the governmental response ham-fisted at best and faciliatory at worst. Under the presidential administrations of Rafael Correa, Lenín Moreno and Guillermo Lasso, the cartels succeeded in infiltrating the country’s privatized ports and airports, seizing control of the nation’s prison system and contributing to an ever-growing wave of crime. “Violence against public officials and by vigilante groups have steadily increased since 2018,” Dr. Gustafson said. “With the familiar choice between bribes and cooperation or violence, it is no wonder that cartel influence throughout the Ecuadorian state and military is widely discussed.” While Dr. Gustafson acknowledges the Ecuadorian government’s culpability for this disastrous situation and its escalation, he also cites another factor: the United States’ “war on drugs.” According to the professor, the longstanding U.S. policy has only served to prop up criminal enterprises south of the border, fueling a market for illicit substances. “After a half-century of the war and over a trillion dollars spent on it, coca cultivation in Colombia in 2020 was at an all-time high,” he shared. “The war on drugs has led to the continued power of illegal drug cartels in many countries, now including Ecuador.” In Dr. Gustafson’s estimation, the recent murder of Villavicencio only brings greater attention to this unfortunate state of affairs—a state of affairs common throughout Latin America. “With his consistent and outspoken critique of the cartels’ influence in Ecuador, Villavicencio courageously knew he faced the threat of violence,” he concluded. “The assassination of a presidential candidate brings all of this to a higher level within Ecuador, but the likely reason for [his murder] plagues Mexico, El Salvador and other Latin American nations.”
Georgia Southern University’s Institute for Health Logistics and Analytics (IHLA) and the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) have once again joined forces to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in confinement facilities across the state. DPH has awarded the IHLA a contract worth $10 million to complete a second year of work. “Throughout the pandemic, COVID-19 was a significant cause of illness and death among confinement facility residents and employees,” said Jessica Schwind, Ph.D., director of IHLA. “SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is still circulating and we need to continue to support these facilities in reducing viral transmission.” With the funding, the IHLA assists with the purchase and coordination of allowable COVID-19 mitigation items for enrolled facilities across the state of Georgia. The focus in year two of the project is to improve air quality and offer a seamless process for confinement facilities. Recipients do not incur any direct costs and the paperwork and the procurement process is handled entirely by Georgia Southern. “We work with each facility to determine what they need,” said Kathryn Stewart, budget manager at IHLA. “We then handle the ordering, payment and delivery. For facilities that need fairly standard supplies, we have an easy order form process. For those with complex requests, we work with them individually to make sure they receive the best solution for their particular needs.” Facilities in Georgia are eligible to receive $25,000 to $250,000 of COVID-19 mitigation supplies. The amount awarded is determined by the number of detainees each facility is licensed to hold. Eligible items include portable HEPA filter units to improve air quality, personal protective equipment and cleaning and disinfecting supplies. “We are really proud of the work this institute has accomplished,” said Carl Reiber, Ph.D., Georgia Southern’s provost and vice president for academic affairs. “Not only has the IHLA maintained a focus on public impact research, it is a shining example of the significant role Georgia Southern is taking on improving health across the state.” All eligible correctional confinement facilities, which includes adult prisons and jails, youth detention centers and holding cells in the state of Georgia, are encouraged to enroll, even if they received funding in the previous cycle. This project is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Detection and Mitigation of COVID-19 in Confinement Facilities Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity Grant Program, which provided a financial assistance award to the Georgia Department of Public Health. For more information and to enroll in the program visit the project's website: The IHLA at Georgia Southern provides comprehensive solutions to improve and advance the health of populations around the world. The institute specializes in planning, evaluation, capacity building and research services to enhance the health infrastructure in organizations and communities. To learn more or to speak with Jessica Schwind, Ph.D., director of IHLA - simply contact Georgia Southern's Director of Communications Jennifer Wise at jwise@georgiasouthern.edu to arrange an interview today.
Georgia Southern University to offer new executive master’s in criminal justice degree
Georgia Southern University is offering members of the law enforcement community a chance to boost their careers with a brand new executive master’s in criminal justice (EMCJ), a program specifically tailored for law enforcement professionals seeking career advancement. This program is certified by the Georgia Peace Officer Standards & Training Council (P.O.S.T.) and offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to accommodate the demanding work schedules of law enforcement agencies. Students in the program follow a unique schedule that features two, three-week modules per semester, requiring only one week of on-site attendance at the Armstrong Campus in Savannah, Georgia. Program participants can complete their degree in just two years. “I am excited about this new and innovative executive-style graduate program designed for law enforcement professionals across Georgia,” said Ryan Schroeder, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences. “Students in the program will be exposed to current research in criminology and criminal justice and develop research skills to advance their careers. Graduates are prepared to be leaders in law enforcement organizations across the state.” The EMCJ program is especially beneficial for officers in county and city law enforcement, sheriff’s department personnel, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Georgia FBI, University System of Georgia law enforcement agencies and more. Through the coursework, students will refine their analytical, research and critical thinking skills, foster a superior understanding of criminal justice and have the chance to network with fellow officers, build relationships and enhance connections nationwide. “We’re excited to offer this executive master’s program to all our law enforcement partners throughout the state,” said Laura Mcullough, director of Public Safety and Chief of Police for Georgia Southern. “This program is designed to work specifically with the agencies and for the upcoming leaders in law enforcement within Georgia. As an agency head, the ability to develop our future leaders while being able to provide for the demands of our communities is invaluable. This program will allow officers to develop into better officers and stronger leaders within their agencies and community without demanding large amounts of time away from work or home.” The program does not require a nomination, but candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and be a certified, registered or exempt peace officer currently employed with a Georgia law enforcement agency recognized by the Georgia P.O.S.T. Interested in learning more? Contact Georgia Southern's Director of Communications Jennifer Wise at jwise@georgiasouthern.edu to arrange an interview today.
Georgia Southern sets fundraising record for third year in a row
Total cash, pledges and in-kind gifts to Georgia Southern University amounted to $23,831,604 during Fiscal Year 2023, which ended on June 30, 2023. That surpasses the total from the previous year, which was also a record at $22.3 million. For the third straight year, Georgia Southern supporters have propelled the University to a record-breaking year of private fundraising. Total cash, pledges and in-kind gifts to Georgia Southern University amounted to $23,831,604 during Fiscal Year 2023, which ended on June 30, 2023. That surpasses the total from the previous year, which was also a record at $22.3 million. The record total was buoyed by another record-breaking fundraising year for the Georgia Southern Athletic Foundation, Inc., which raised a record $11.06 million in new pledges and outright gifts. “As we soar into a very bright future for this University, record-breaking fundraising is a sign that Georgia Southern is not only strong now, but poised for even greater heights,” said Georgia Southern President Kyle Marrero. “We are endlessly thankful for the supporters, friends, alumni and donors who endorse our path forward and are stepping up to ensure our success.” Donors helped with various projects and programs this past year, including: $1 million from Betty Foy Sanders for the Betty Foy Sanders School of Art with scholarships, travel and programmatic needs $750,000 deferred gift for the Department of Biology to be used for student scholarships 23 newly created endowments Anthony P. Tippins Family Training Facility for athletics “Through unwavering dedication and the overwhelming generosity of our community, we have demonstrated the boundless potential of Eagle Nation in support of our students’ dreams and the University’s future,” said Georgia Southern Foundation Chair Mike Sanders. Last year’s Athletic Foundation Chair Leonard Bevill added, “The impact of this achievement will ripple through generations, leaving an indelible mark on the trajectory of higher education and Georgia Southern. I am humbled and inspired by the collective spirit that has made this three-year milestone possible.” The Erk Russell Fund, the Athletic Foundation’s annual fund, continues to grow and saw donations of $3.2 million this fiscal year. Additionally, the Athletic Foundation received 58 major gift commitments this year, which are gift commitments of $25,000 or greater to support Eagle Athletics. Over the past three fiscal years, the Athletic Foundation has raised more than $27 million in support of Georgia Southern Athletics. This total is the largest three-year fundraising window in department history. “It’s clear that Georgia Southern University’s power to transform lives and communities is making a positive impression with our private supporters,” said Trip Addison, Vice President of Advancement, noting that more than 3,600 alumni were among the supporters this past year. “I am grateful for the welcome reception we are receiving when we ask people to join in our effort to help support our students and the work they and our faculty are doing.” Interested in knowing more about fundraising or to speak with Georgia Southern Foundation Chair Mike Sanders? To arrange an interview simply connect with Georgia Southern's Director of Communications Jennifer Wise at jwise@georgiasouthern.edu to arrange an interview today.