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

Hurricane Helene response and recovery efforts

Hurricane Helene has brought widespread devastation along the East Coast, particularly in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Three Virginia Tech public health and water quality experts – Stephanie Lareau, Julia Gohlke, and Alasdair Cohen – share insights on the pressing health risks associated with flooding in the wake of the hurricane. More here.

Virginia Tech also has several experts available to speak about the infrastructure of buildings and roads and what it will take to rebuild. Topics include how to sanitize your home after a flood, steps to recovery, and housing reliance plans.

AI-generated fake images of Hurricane Helene aftermath go viral

Thousands of well-meaning social media users have been sharing photos supposedly depicting the aftermath of Hurricane Helene that have turned out to be fake images generated by artificial intelligence (AI). Digital literary expert Julia Feerrar and communications media expert Cayce Myers can talk about how to spot fake images and the broader problems they pose.

“Take a moment to pause when you see an image or other media that sparks a big response for you,” Feerrar says. “Look out for images with strange lighting, hyper-real or overly-smooth surfaces, or other details that feel ‘off.’ Inconsistencies in hands and feet, in particular, are a red flag for AI-generated content, though we can’t count on these cues as AI tools are continuing to improve. Describing the image in your search engine of choice and adding the phrase ‘fact check’ to your search is often the fastest way to get more information and debunk misleading content.” 

“The hurricane photos demonstrate the current challenges with disinformation and social media,” Myers says. “AI technology is providing greater ability to create realistic images that are deceptive. The problem is these fake images influence people’s perception of reality, and social media fuels the spread of this disinformation. The net effect can be harmful to society, especially when dealing with important issues like democracy and public health.” 

Hurricane Milton on the horizon

As the South is still scrambling to recover from Helene, Hurricane Milton is projected to sweep across the Gulf of Mexico into Florida’s west coast later this week. Milton strengthened into a Category 4 storm Monday morning and is expected to bring heavy rainfall, damaging winds, and a life-threatening storm surge, prompting wide-scale evacuations. “Preparations should be completed by the time tropical storm conditions could arrive, which for this storm looks like early Wednesday morning along much of the peninsula,” says meteorology expert Stephanie Zick. More hurricane experts can be found here.

Anniversary of the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack finds the conflict widening

The one-year anniversary of the Hamas attacks in Israel arrives with no sign of a cease-fire. Last week, “Israel attacked Lebanon, Yemen, the West Bank, and Gaza, but the real target was Tehran. Israel blames Iran for instigating the Hamas Oct. 7 attack last year and sponsoring Hezbollah, Houthi and Iraqi strikes into Israeli territory,” says global affairs expert Ariel Ahram. “Israel aims both to disable its enemies and to warn any and all that ‘there is nowhere in the Middle East Israel cannot reach.’ But force alone is unlikely to break the Axis or neutralize Iran. Instead, military measures must come alongside diplomatic initiatives that draw these groups away from Iran’s orbit.”

Do laws to prevent AI-generated deepfake political content violate free speech rights? 

As the 2024 election looms closer, political candidates are ramping up advertising efforts. Streaming and cord-cutting — canceling traditional cable or satellite service — has diminished the role of traditional television ads in favor of digital ads seen on platforms such as YouTube. But candidates aren’t the only ones hard at work creating digital content. Cayce Myers, a professor in Virginia Tech’s School of Communication, explains why there is a major concern surrounding political advertising in the rise of mis- and disinformation. More here.

World Mental Health Day Oct. 10: Experts offer advice for supporting children’s mental health

Prioritizing mental health is not only important for adults but for children as well. Cindy Smith, director of the Children’s Emotions Lab, can speak to why it is important parents let children feel both positive and negative emotions and work with them to understand how to regulate both. Samantha Kempker-Margherio, assistant professor of psychology, is available to talk about best practices for managing stress and anxiety in children. Rosanna Breaux, director of the Child Study Center and the CALMER Lab, can talk about how the popular movies “Inside Out” and “Inside Out 2” are ­great references for parents on how to encourage. More here.

Fall foliage to reach peak in late October

Autumn has arrived, and folks looking forward to the best time to view the spectacular fall leaf colors won’t have long to wait, says John Seiler, Virginia Tech forestry professor and expert in tree physiology. Those colors should reach their peak from Oct. 19-27, about a week earlier than last year because of recent spans of dry weather. Read more of Seiler’s insights into what makes autumn leaves special here.

From tricks to treats: Virginia Tech experts share pumpkin care tips

As autumn sets in, orange and gold leaves paint the landscape and pumpkins arrive on front doorsteps. As a quintessential symbol for the season, pumpkins not only add charm but also require proper care to last. Virginia Cooperative Extension agriculture Extension agents Ashley Edwards and Sarah Sharpe share their expert advice on choosing, preserving, and repurposing your pumpkins this fall. 

Podcast: Using AI to protect critical infrastructure

Feras Batarseh joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” podcast to discuss the intersection of water systems and technology, specifically focusing on aspects of AI: the importance of using AI to predict and prevent water quality issues, such as high turbidity, and the need for water systems to become more intelligent and cybersecure. 

About Batarseh

Batarseh is an associate professor in the Department of Biological Systems Engineering and the director of the AI Assurance and Applications Lab as well as a researcher with the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative. His research interests include artificial intelligence assurance, intelligent water systems, cyberbiosecurity, context and causality, and AI for agricultural policy.

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