Featured Post from University of Delaware

Olympics 2024: Expert details the danger of headings in soccer

One of the most exciting plays in the sport are are more common in the Summer Games

Jul 31, 2024

1 min

One of the most popular Olympic sports is soccer, and one of its most exciting plays – headers – is more commonly deployed by international teams.

Given the risk of concussions during that play, experts like the University of Delaware's Thomas Kaminski will be watching the event closely during the 2024 Summer Games.

Kaminski, professor of kinesiology and applied physiology in UD's College of Health Sciences, is a leading expert on concussions in soccer and serves as the sole U.S. representative on the FIFA Heading Expert Group.

“FIFA is concerned about the disparity in concussions between men and women,” Kaminski said. “Women are at a higher risk of concussion due to a variety of reasons, including neck strength and overall body strength.”

Concussions often occur during aerial challenges.

“When players compete for the ball at the same time, they need to use their body to protect their head space, taking the strain off the head,” Kaminski said.

Expect the ball to be in the air quite a bit in Olympic competition.

“Many international teams tend to play the ball in the air more, but the USA will be ready for that. They know what to do,” Kaminski said.

What to keep an eye out for:

“Anytime a ball is scored from a header, it’s a picture of beauty in the game,” Kaminski said.

Connect with:

Tom Kaminski

Professor, Kinesiology and Applied Physiology

Prof. Kaminski is a leading expert on issues related to purposeful headers in interscholastic and intercollegiate soccer.

Chronic Ankle InstabilityRepetitive Head ImpactsRecovery Assessment

Find Experts

Apr 10, 2026

1 min

Artemis II and why repeated missions are essential to lunar success

Getting to the moon wasn’t a one-and-done kind of effort. It took repeated missions, each one teaching scientists and engineers something new, and each one making the next attempt a little smarter and a lot safer. That’s a big reason lunar success eventually became possible: people kept going back, gathering more data, fixing problems, and building confidence step by step. With all eyes on the Artemis II mission's final hours, University of Delaware space professor Bennett Maruca can talk all things space exploration and the race to the moon. Have you ever wondered why Apollo 11 was named Apollo 11? It's because Apollo 1-10 were already taken! And mostly were fact-finding missions, with many barely leaving the ground, says Maruca. Space program launches can cost billions of dollars. In order to ensure that they are successful, trial runs need to take place. Space travel leaves very little room for guesswork, and even small mistakes can have serious consequences. By launching multiple missions, experts could spot weaknesses, improve hardware, and make sure astronauts were better protected before taking on even bigger risks. In a way, each mission was like a rehearsal that made the final performances much more reliable. Maruca can reveal facts like this and more. He has been featured in multiple publications. Click his profile to learn more.

Mar 30, 2026

2 min

Inside the Italian art heist: Experts explain the global fight to protect cultural heritage

A lightning-fast art heist in Italy has reignited global concerns about museum security and the protection of cultural heritage. As investigators search for stolen works by some of history’s most celebrated artists, University of Delaware experts are available to help journalists unpack the broader implications. Earlier this month, thieves executed a highly coordinated robbery at the Magnani-Rocca Foundation, stealing paintings by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Paul Cézanne and Henri Matisse in a matter of minutes. Authorities say the operation was swift, targeted and likely premeditated – highlighting the evolving sophistication of art crime. The theft adds to a growing pattern of high-value art crimes across Europe, raising urgent questions about how institutions safeguard collections and what happens when culturally significant works disappear into illicit markets. UD experts are available to provide context, analysis and on-the-record commentary: Debra Hess Norris Chair, Department of Art Conservation A globally recognized leader in art conservation, Norris specializes in the protection, preservation and recovery of cultural heritage. She can speak to: How museums assess and mitigate security risks What happens after a major art theft The challenges of recovering stolen works in international markets How conservation science supports authentication and repatriation Jessica Horton Associate Professor of Art History Horton’s research examines global art histories and the movement of cultural objects across borders. She can discuss: Why stolen artworks matter beyond their monetary value Cultural ownership, repatriation and ethical considerations How art theft disrupts historical narratives and public access The broader cultural consequences of illicit art trafficking While headlines focus on the dramatic nature of art heists, the deeper story is about the fragility of cultural heritage – and the global effort required to protect it. To speak with Norris or Horton, email mediarelations@udel.edu.

Apr 2, 2026

1 min

Robotics help solve deep Sea Mysteries

UD's College of Earth, Ocean and Environment uses robotics currently operated by the National Deep Submergence Facility (NDSF) to study the depths of the ocean. These expeditions ranged from the East Pacific Rise to the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The vehicles include the Human Occupied Vehicle (HOV) Alvin, the Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Jason and the Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) Sentry. What it is: A CTD (Conductivity, Temperature, Depth) instrument is a key oceanography tool that collects deep-water samples using remotely triggered Niskin bottles at specific depths. How it helps: These measurements help scientists understand ocean processes, including carbon cycling and life systems, which are essential to understanding Earth’s overall functioning. To find out more or to speak with speak associate professor Andrew Wozniak about this deep-sea technology, reach out to MediaRelations@udel.edu.

View all posts