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

Are election polls accurate?

With two weeks to go until election day, the latest polls show Donald Trump and Kamala Harris in a dead heat but are polls to be trusted? Political science expert Karen Hult and public relations and political campaign expert Cayce Myers are available to discuss this and other issues as we close in on Nov. 5.

FBI warns of election disinformation

The FBI and the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency have issued a warning about efforts by foreign actors trying to spread disinformation ahead of the Nov. 5 election. Justin Monday, an assistant professor of practice in Business Information Technology and retired U.S. Air Force cyber operations officer, is available to speak on the potential threats, what elections officials can do, and his research surrounding election cybersecurity. 

***Monday is available Oct. 25, Oct. 30, Nov. 1, and election week.***

Will Hamas leader’s death change the course of the Israel–Hamas War?

The killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar could mark a turning point in the Israel–Hamas War, though the long-term implications remain unclear. “Sinwar's death gives Israel an opportunity to declare victory over Hamas,” says global political expert Ariel Ahram. “Still, there are significant barriers to peace.  First, over a hundred hostages remain missing in Gaza and it is unclear if they can be recovered. Secondly, the war has already expanded, and the risk of regional escalation remains. Thirdly, the people of Gaza are facing a humanitarian catastrophe. All of these issues are beyond simple military solutions.”

Expert advice for mindful Halloween candy eating

Halloween candy is everywhere. If you have kids in your home, the amount of candy around you may double or triple by Halloween night, and that’s not counting the bowl that made its way into your office — for guests, of course. This is only the beginning of candy season: we see you, Christmas and Valentine’s Day. How do you make sure you’re not mindlessly filling up on all the extra sweet treats? Samantha Harden, associate professor and exercise specialist in the Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, encourages us to enjoy the flavors of the season while remaining mindful and prioritizing movement.

Pets and Halloween candy

As Halloween approaches and you start decorating your home with jack-o'-lanterns and spooky decorations, it's important to consider how this festive season might affect our furry friends. While you may know to keep candy out of paw's reach, there are many other less apparent considerations for pet safety during Halloween. The veterinarians with Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine are available to share tips to help ensure pets have a safe and enjoyable Halloween experience. More here.

What makes ghost stories perfect for Halloween?

Come Halloween season, many people love a good ghost story, but not all ghost stories are scary, nor were ghost stories as we know them and Halloween always so closely connected. Virginia Tech English department instructor Ingrid Johnson provides insights into how Halloween and ghost stories became so intertwined. “Ghost stories can be found in cultures across space and time. They were told for various purposes. In some cases, ghost stories were used to promote good behavior,” she says. “In other instances, they were used to explain death, just as certain gods were used to explain natural phenomena.” Read 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 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: Artificial Intelligence aids in emergency management

Shalini Misra joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about how artificial intelligence (AI) might be used in the field of emergency management. She shared some of the different ways AI is currently being used and the concerns she’s heard from emergency managers. Misra also talks about the steps she believes will be necessary for the technology to reach its full potential in this field. 

About Misra: Shalini Misra is an associate professor of urban affairs and planning in the School of Public and International Affairs, which is located in the Virginia Tech Research Center — Arlington. Her research interests include the social, psychological, and health implications of the Internet and digital communication technologies, as well as public interest technology, its design and deployment, and the governance of digital technologies.

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