Featured Post from Hofstra University

Rallies Held to Protest Trump Policies and Gov’t Downsizing

Apr 14, 2025

1 min

Mary Anne Trasciatti

Mary Anne Trasciatti, Hofstra University’s director of the Labor Studies Program and professor of rhetoric, talked to Newsday about rallies on Long Island and across the country to protest the Trump administration’s policies and downsizing of federal government workers.


She said the country “can’t afford to lose the services” provided by thousands of recently fired government workers.



Connect with:
Mary Anne Trasciatti

Mary Anne Trasciatti

Professor of Writing Studies and Rhetoric

Dr. Trasciatti is a Professor of Writing Studies and Rhetoric

Public Memory/Commemoration Public ProtestTriangle Shirt Factory FirePublic Space and Public ExpressionWomen's Studies
Powered by

You might also like...

Check out some other posts from Hofstra University

Professor James Sample Provides Legal Analysis for ABC News, CNN featured image

1 min

Professor James Sample Provides Legal Analysis for ABC News, CNN

Professor James Sample of the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University continued to provide legal analysis for national and regional media this month, appearing on ABC News, MSNBC’s MS Now, CNN, Sirius XM and Newsday to discuss developments involving executive power, federal investigations, election law, and high-profile litigation. Across these appearances, Professor Sample examined legal disputes surrounding President Trump’s proposed anti-weaponization fund, Department of Justice investigations and enforcement actions, election administration and redistricting battles, and questions involving government ethics and accountability. He also provided analysis of major court proceedings, including litigation involving OpenAI and Elon Musk, as well as broader issues at the intersection of law, politics, and democratic governance. Full story: https://lawnews.hofstra.edu/2026/06/10/professor-james-sample-provides-legal-analysis-for-abc-news-cnn/

Science Says Rainy Weekends are Simply Bad Luck featured image

1 min

Science Says Rainy Weekends are Simply Bad Luck

Beyond bad luck, could there be a reason why recent weekends have been more rainy than the rest of the week? From the start of spring to the end of May, it rained on half, or 10, of 20 weekend days. By comparison, it rained one-third of the 46 workweek days. Newsday interviewed Jase Bernhardt, associate professor of geology, environment, and sustainability, to see if there is a scientific explanation for the frequently soggy Saturdays and Sundays. According to the National Weather Service, data collected over five, 10 and 40 years found that rain was not any more frequent on weekends than weekdays. It also found no statistically significant change in the overall occurrence of rain events. “You try to slice up these data sets in all these different ways, and inevitably, you will find random patterns that at first seem like something meaningful.” But often, he said, “when you peel back the data, look at an appropriate sample size, you realize it goes away, there wasn’t anything actually meaningful here.”

Caught in a Rip Current? Virtual Reality May Help Save Your Life featured image

2 min

Caught in a Rip Current? Virtual Reality May Help Save Your Life

A recent USA Today article highlighted a new rip current simulator in Florida designed to help beachgoers experience the power of these dangerous currents in a safe, controlled environment. The initiative reflects a growing focus on innovative approaches to water safety education as rip currents continue to account for the majority of surf rescues and numerous drowning deaths each year. Jase Bernhardt is an associate professor in the Department of the Geology, Environment and Sustainability at Hofstra University and also director of the department's MA Sustainability program. View his profile For years, Hofstra University researcher Dr. Jase Bernhardt has been exploring how technology can improve public understanding of coastal hazards. His work has led to the development of a virtual reality experience that places users in a simulated rip current, allowing them to experience the situation firsthand while learning the techniques needed to escape safely. The immersive training helps participants understand why fighting directly against a rip current can be dangerous and teaches the recommended strategies for reaching safety. Bernhardt's research focuses on weather hazards, risk communication, and public safety, with a particular emphasis on how emerging technologies can help people better understand and respond to real-world threats. His work offers valuable insight into the challenges of educating the public about rip currents and how innovative tools can improve preparedness and potentially save lives. As beaches across North America enter peak summer season, journalists covering beach safety, drowning prevention, coastal hazards, public education, or emerging safety technologies can connect with Dr. Jase Bernhardt for expert commentary on rip currents and the role virtual reality may play in helping people stay safe in the water.

View all posts
Powered by