Featured Post from University of Delaware

Covering the World Cup? University of Delaware Experts are Here to Help with Your Coverage

Trusted voices unpacking the science, business, culture, and human stories behind the tournament.

Jun 29, 2026

2 min

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup captures attention across North America and around the world, University of Delaware experts are available to help media examine the larger stories connected to the tournament, from player safety and youth soccer to tourism, sports analytics, playing surfaces and the shared experience of watching the game.

University of Delaware's World Cup Experts Hub brings together faculty and specialists who can provide timely commentary on the health, business, social and scientific issues shaping one of the world’s most watched sporting events.

World Cup Experts Hub

Featured Topics

The Business of Youth Soccer

Youth sports participation, community impact, the business of soccer and how a major global tournament can influence local programs, families and the next generation of players.

Player Safety and Concussions

Head injuries, concussion prevention, heading guidelines, athlete health and how evolving safety standards are changing the way soccer is played and taught.

Tourism and Global Impact

How mega-events drive tourism, economic activity, host-city visibility and broader cultural connection across countries, communities and fans.

Youth Development and Fan Engagement

How family traditions, school programs and shared sports experiences shape youth identity, social development and interest in physical activity.

Sports Analytics in Action

The rise of data-driven performance, real-time game analysis and how students and practitioners are applying analytics to elite global competition.

The Science of Playing Surfaces

Natural grass requirements, turfgrass systems, stadium preparation and the science behind maintaining world-class fields for international play.

Why Watching Together Matters

The psychology of shared experiences, happiness, social connection and why gathering for World Cup matches can be meaningful far beyond the final score.

Media can visit the University of Delaware’s World Cup Experts Hub to explore available experts and connect directly with the right source for their story.

World Cup Expert Hub

Connect with:

John Allgood II

Instructor of Sports Management

Expertise includes professional sport business strategic management, college athletics administration and strategy

College AthleticsSport and EntertainmentSport Management

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

Matthew Robinson

Professor, Sport Management

Prof. Robinson is an expert on international sport development.

CoachingSports as a Diplomatic ToolInternational Sports GovernanceU.S. Sports ModelOlympics

Amit Kumar

Assistant Professor of Marketing

Professor Kumar’s research focuses on the scientific study of happiness.

HappinessConsumer BehaviorSocial PsychologyBehavioral Decision MakingKindness

Find Experts

Aug 5, 2026

1 min

Mapping the ancient world with underwater robotics

As audiences flock to theaters for Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, University of Delaware professor Art Trembanis is leading a real-life expedition to uncover one of ancient Greece's most important maritime landscapes. Trembanis, a professor in UD's School of Marine Science and Policy and an expert in seafloor mapping, marine robotics and underwater sensing technologies, recently led a team of students and researchers to the ancient harbor of Kenchreai, where they deployed autonomous underwater vehicles, advanced sonar systems and other cutting-edge mapping technologies to document a harbor that has remained hidden beneath the Mediterranean Sea for centuries. The expedition collected geospatial data that will allow researchers to reconstruct the ancient port in remarkable detail and ultimately create a "digital twin" of the site. The virtual model will enable archaeologists, engineers, students and the public to explore the harbor as if the water had been removed, preserving an invaluable piece of cultural heritage while advancing the use of marine technology in archaeology. Trembanis can discuss: Marine robotics and autonomous underwater vehicles Seafloor mapping and underwater imaging technologies The use of digital twins and 3D modeling to study underwater environments Advances in marine geospatial technology and ocean exploration Underwater archaeology and documenting submerged cultural heritage How engineering and marine science are transforming the study of oceans and ancient landscapes The role of emerging technologies in scientific discovery and education To arrange an interview with Trembanis, click on his profile or email mediarelations@udel.edu.

Jul 28, 2026

1 min

How Wildfires Impact Vulnerable Communities, Pets and Public Health Systems

Wildfires burning across the world, now in parts of France and Spain, are forcing hundreds of thousands of people to evacuate. University of Delaware experts are available to discuss wildfire evacuations, vulnerable communities, animal rescue and the health effects of wildfire smoke exposure. Those experts, from UD’s Disaster Research Center, include: Sarah DeYoung Professor of sociology and criminal justice: • How people are forced to make split-second decisions involving horses, livestock and companion animals during fast-moving wildfires. • Why some owners must turn animals loose when evacuation time is limited. • Lessons from past disasters and animal rescue research. Jennifer Trivedi Assistant professor of anthropology: • The unique challenges faced by vulnerable populations during wildfires. • Complications surrounding evacuation decision-making and evacuation needs. • Long-term recovery following catastrophic disasters. Jennifer Horney Chair of UD’s Department of Epidemiology: • Health risks associated with wildfire smoke exposure, including respiratory infections. • How wildfire smoke and airborne pollutants affect population health. • The strain major wildfires can place on public health and health care systems. To arrange an interview with these experts, visit their profile page and click on the "contact" button. Interested journalists can also send an email to MediaRelations@udel.edu.

Jul 22, 2026

2 min

Summer slide isn't just about academics

As summer reaches its midpoint, many parents are wondering how to keep their children engaged without turning the rest of the break into summer school. University of Delaware professors from the College of Education and Human Development say "summer slide" is real. However, preventing summer learning loss doesn't require expensive camps, tutors or educational apps. Instead, simple everyday activities can help children build academic skills, executive functioning and social-emotional development before they head back to school. Roberta Michnick Golinkoff, internationally recognized expert in child development and early learning can comment on: Why children lose academic skills over the summer – and why the effects are greatest for under-resourced families Why parents shouldn't rely on "educational" apps Free, research-backed ways to keep preschoolers and elementary-age children learning through play, reading and everyday activities like grocery shopping, puzzles and scavenger hunts Andrea Glowatz, expert in special education and child development can comment on: Why boredom is actually good for children – and how it builds creativity, problem-solving and independence How summer routines help children, particularly those with learning differences or neurodivergence Why chores, calendars and family routines strengthen executive functioning, not just responsibility Sara Goldstein, expert in adolescent development and parent-teen relationships can comment on: Why teenagers experience a version of the summer slide through increased screen time, disrupted sleep and reduced activity Healthy ways parents can encourage independence before college, from managing money to building life skills Research showing that strengthening parent-teen relationships during the summer benefits both parents and young adults These experts can also comment on broader parenting topics including screen time, executive functioning, preparing children for the new school year, supporting neurodivergent learners, and helping teens transition to college. If you're planning back-to-school or parenting coverage and want to speak with any of these experts, click on their profiles or email mediarelations@udel.edu.