The Virginia Tech media relations office has the following experts available for interviews this week surrounding issues in the news. To schedule an interview, please contact mediarelations@vt.edu.

Historic trial of former President Trump continues

We enter the third week in the first criminal trial of a former U.S. president in the nation’s history. In a complex case, Manhattan’s district attorney seeks to prosecute Donald Trump on 34 counts of falsifying business records. The trial is expected to last several weeks, disrupting the presumptive Republican nominee’s campaign to retake the presidency. Political science expert Karen Hult can discuss the historic and governance aspects of this unprecedented trial, while public relations expert Cayce Myers should shed light on how the trial hurts and helps Trump’s reelection efforts. Read more here.  

Boeing’s Starliner to launch today amid plane issues

A decade after NASA awarded Boeing a contract to fly astronauts to the International Space Station, Boeing will finally attempt to fly its Starliner with people onboard. The project suffered a series of problems putting its launch years behind schedule. This comes as Boeing faces criticism and investigations for problems involving its 737s. Virginia Tech aerospace expert Ella Atkins is available to discuss the Starliner’s mission and the technical aspects surrounding Boeing’s ongoing issues.

#1 movie ‘The Fall Guy’ strives to bring recognition to stunt work

The romantic action comedy “The Fall Guy,” buoyed strong critic and audience reviews, debuted at the top of the box office this past weekend. The movie’s creators hope “The Fall Guy” will bring more recognition to the often-anonymous profession of stunt work. Virginia Tech theater professor Cara Rawlings, a Certified Stage Combat Instructor with The Society of American Fight Directors, can speak to the need for more recognition from the industry. “Fight directors and stunt coordinators are critical members of the creative team,” she said. “The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has not yet identified an Oscar category that recognizes stunt coordination as an integral creative role in filmmaking.” Read more here.

2024 Summer Olympic Games

With just over 80 days until the Olympic Games return to Paris this summer, all eyes will be on the City of Light. And there is no shortage of stories — from its dramatic infrastructural transformation to a more pedestrian and bike-friendly city, to its unique station as the first real test of the Olympic Agenda 2020, Paris might just be the model for a more sustainable Olympic project. But it will also be a focal point for a number of broader issues, from the impact of rising summer temperatures on athletes and fans alike, to the reckonings of sexism baked into the foundations of certain sports. Experts can speak to all that and more as the Games approach. More here.

Expert says fireflies aren’t going extinct, but their numbers are dwindling

For many people, fireflies lighting up backyards is a sign of summertime. The thrill of catching them in a jar and releasing them back into the wild is a childhood pastime. But if you have noticed a decline in fireflies over the years, you’re not alone. Virginia Tech entomologist Eric Day explains why climate and urban development are playing a big role in the decreasing numbers. More here.

Experts available to discuss 2024 U.S. Presidential race

Virginia Tech has experts available to speak on topics surrounding the 2024 November Presidential election including the campaigns, issues such as abortion and climate changes, campaign finance, disinformation, election security, and more. For a full list, click here.

Podcast: AI in the hiring process

Louis Hickman joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) during the hiring process. He shared the ways in which AI has long been used, the findings from his research on how AI evaluates automated video interviews, and some tips for job seekers looking to leverage the technology to improve their chances.

About Hickman
Hickman is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology in the College of Science. His research focuses on the intersection of technology and work, with an emphasis on applications of machine learning and artificial intelligence to organizational science and practice (e.g., automatically scored interviews). Part of his work includes using computers to measure verbal, paraverbal, and nonverbal behaviors in order to advance our understanding of how interpersonal perceptions form and how cultural, racial, and gender biases function.

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