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

Jul 17, 2026

1 min

Food safety expert available to discuss emerging health risks

The University of Delaware’s Kalmia Kniel can discuss foodborne parasites and food safety risks, including the ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak spreading across the United States. Kniel, a professor of microbial food safety, can explain how foodborne parasites spread, why outbreaks (particularly those involving the Cyclospora parasite) can be challenging to investigate and what consumers should know about reducing their risk of illness. She co-authored a study published in December 2025 that examined challenges researchers face in detecting, studying and controlling Cyclospora cayetanensis, including gaps in understanding the parasite and improving prevention strategies. Kniel can also discuss why fresh produce and water are often a focus during investigations and the steps consumers can take to improve food safety. Kniel’s expertise includes: • Foodborne parasites and illness outbreaks • Produce and microbial food safety • Food contamination and prevention • Food safety research Kniel discussed the biology of this specific pathogen in detail at a recent presentation on cyclospora. To arrange an interview with Kniel, visit her profile page and click the contact button. Interested journalists can else email MediaRelations@udel.edu.

Jul 16, 2026

1 min

Wildfire smoke: Climatologist available to explain air quality and impacts

Wildfire smoke has increasingly affected communities across the United States, including the latest episode in which smoke from Canadian wildfires has moved into the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. The University of Delaware’s Kevin Brinson is available to explain the atmospheric conditions that allow wildfire smoke to travel long distances and affect regional air quality. Brinson, an assistant research professor and Delaware’s state climatologist, can speak to: • How wildfire smoke travels long distances through the atmosphere. • The role of weather patterns, winds and atmospheric conditions in transporting and dispersing smoke. • How wildfire smoke events are monitored and forecast. • How atmospheric and seasonal weather patterns influence smoke transport and regional air quality. To arrange an interview with Brinson, visit his profile and click the contact button. Interested reporters can also send an email to MediaRelations@udel.edu.

Jul 16, 2026

1 min

Registered Dietitian Discusses Seasonal Eating, Nutrition Benefits of Summer Vegetables and Healthy Food Preparation

University of Delaware registered dietitian and clinical nutrition instructor Sharon Collison is available to discuss seasonal eating, the nutritional benefits of vegetables and practical strategies for making healthy foods more flavorful and appealing. Collison can explain how seasonal produce – including tomatoes, eggplant, cucumbers, corn and other summer favorites – provides important nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, minerals and plant compounds that support overall health. She can also discuss simple preparation techniques, including grilling, roasting, herbs and spices, that can help people incorporate more vegetables into everyday meals. Collison's expertise includes: • The nutritional benefits of seasonal fruits and vegetables and how they contribute to overall health. • Evidence-based strategies for healthy eating and building sustainable nutrition habits. • Simple cooking techniques and meal ideas that make nutritious foods more appealing. To arrange an interview with Collison, visit her profile page and click on the contact button. Interested reporters can also send an email to MediaRelations@udel.edu.