Experts available: Election cybercrime, Olympics head to LA in 2028, back-to-school, and more
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
Will the Olympics really make LA $1 billion?
The Paris Games may have just wrapped up, but the Olympic world is already turning its attention to Los Angeles for 2028. Much like Paris, Los Angeles has some grand ambitions for revitalizing crucial infrastructure, including its rail system, its airport, and the downtown arena that will host a number of events. But will it be the $1 billion profit driver former Mayor Eric Garcetti claimed? Economist Jadrian Wooten says the monetary benefits of the Games are often overblown. He can speak to the economic reality of putting on one of the world’s largest events.
Concerns over cybercrime during election season
Over the weekend, Donald Trump’s campaign said it was hacked, suggesting efforts are underway to disrupt the 2024 presidential election. In addition to hacks, experts are warning to be wary of campaign donation scams. Because money is the key to any political campaign, it’s an easy target for criminals. Virginia Tech criminologist Thomas Dearden is available to explain how to spot a scam, discuss how artificial intelligence is making this harder than ever, and what to do if you fall victim to one. More here.
Experts available on topics surrounding the presidential election
There are fewer than 90 days to the November presidential election. Virginia Tech has experts available to speak on topics surrounding the election including the campaigns, issues such as abortion and climate change, campaign finance, disinformation, election security, and more. A list of them can be found here.
Back-to-school story ideas
Virginia Tech has experts available to speak on back-to-school topics including strategies to transition back, building a routine, cellphone-free schools, nutrition standards, the importance of sleep, school physicals and vaccines, the importance of STEM education, and using Legos to build an interest in engineering. More here.
What is Summerween?
Halloween might still be months away, but the holiday brought billions of dollars in business to retailers last year. Stores are rolling out the merchandise even earlier in a phenomenon now nicknamed “Summerween.” Economic expert Jadrian Wooten can talk about the reasons Halloween paraphernalia has begun haunting us so early. “This is a great example of game theory in action,” he says. “Retailers compete with each other to capture as much consumer spending as possible. By being the first to roll out their Halloween products, they're trying to grab the early-bird shoppers and secure a bigger share of holiday spending.” Read more here.
Virginia Tech food scientist dispels the myths behind cast iron pan use
There’s no quicker way to anger a cast iron pan fan than to suggest scrubbing one with soap. Anyone who has ever been in a conversation with die-hard users of the cookware has undoubtedly heard the neverending list of rules surrounding their care. Season your pan. Don’t cook acidic foods in it. Don’t put it in the dishwasher. Don’t use soap. But which of these rules are true wisdoms passed down through generations and which are just internet hearsay? According to Sean O’Keefe, professor in the Department of Food Science and Technology at Virginia Tech, the answer is both and he’s available to explain why. More here.
Research Highlight
Evaluating the effectiveness of early warning systems in a pandemic
Cholera is one of the world’s longest-running pandemics. It afflicts millions annually, especially in regions with poor sanitation and water infrastructure. Working with a community in rural Bangladesh, Kevin Boyle from Virginia Tech, in collaboration with researchers from Moravian University, Penn State, and the University of Rhode Island, developed an Android-based smartphone app that delivers real-time cholera risk forecasts to households. By utilizing NASA satellite data, CholeraMap predicts cholera risks based on factors such as rainfall, temperature, and historical incidence. By providing this data, the app encourages households to adopt safer water, sanitation, and hygiene practices, thereby reducing susceptibility to cholera infection. Boyle’s research shows that in conjunction with satellite data from NASA, apps such as CholeraMap can be an effective tool in the abatement or prevention of current and future pandemics.
