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.

Virginia Tech experts available to discuss headlines in the news

Apple to introduce a new, chattier Siri

Apple and OpenAI announced this morning that they will be joining forces to improve Apple’s longtime voice assistant, Siri. Supposedly this will allow Siri to adopt a conversational manner, as opposed to responding to one voice command at a time. Communications media expert Cayce Myers can speak to this application of the technology and the issues it raises.

European elections prompt unexpected French election

The European Parliament elections over the weekend saw a rise in some right-wing populist support, no more so than in France. As a result, President Emmanuel Macron dissolved the National Assembly and called for snap elections, set to take place in July. With the world descending on France for the Summer Olympics, EU expert Dimitris Tsarouhas can explain what led to this unexpected result and even more surprising outcome this summer.

Why farmers markets are good for the economy, the environment, and your health

Shopping at a neighborhood farmer’s market boosts the local economy, helps protect the environment, and provides healthy, fresh foods to consumers. Sarah Sharpe and Laura Strawn can talk about the benefits, how producers are ensuring their food is safe to consume, and share tips to make sure buyers get the freshest meat and produce. Read more.

Stop panicking about the Joro spider — it’s harmless

In a classic example of social media hype getting everything wrong, viral news stories about the Joro spider give entirely the wrong impression. “They aren't the ‘flying venomous spider invasion’ that’s been sensationalized in the media,” says Virginia Tech entomologist Theresa Dellinger. “We are not aware of any medical concerns with Joro spiders in their home range in east Asia. They are not aggressive and seem to be quite shy despite their size.” Dellinger can share the facts about what these web-spinners do and don’t do.

More ticks, more troubles

Ticks mean trouble, especially as carriers of Lyme disease. “Warmer winters, warmer summers, means that there’s a longer growing season, a longer time for the animals to be active that are carriers of ticks,” says Eric Day, manager of the Virginia Tech Insect ID lab. “You’re getting a lot more housing development that borders areas where not only deer but other possible carriers of ticks can be living.” Day can offer advice on how to protect yourself from ticks and other important tips.

Got mosquitos? Expert details how to get rid of them

You’re settling down in your patio chair when a mosquito settles down on your arm. And another lands on your leg, while another buzzes right by your ear. Virginia Tech entomologist Eric Day says that when it comes to controlling mosquitoes, there aren’t easy short cuts. “You’re going to have to be doing your due diligence, check in your outdoor containers, put the ladder up the side of the house to check the gutters,” he says. “Find the water where these mosquitoes are breeding, tip over that water.” Read more here.

2024 Summer Olympic Games

The Olympic Games in Paris are rapidly approaching, and there is no shortage of stories. Did you know that the gold medals are also, really, silver medals? Or whether we should all be eating as much protein as Olympic athletes? Experts can speak to all that and more as the Games approach. 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.

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