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

Presidential race a dead heat with 21 days to go


With only three weeks to go until Election Day in the United States, polling in the presidential contest between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump shows a race tightened to a dead heat, both nationally and in the crucial swing states. Political scientist Karen Hult and media communications expert Cayce Myers can provide insight on the state of the presidential and other races now in the final stretch.

Why the Northern Lights returned and when to expect them again

The Northern Lights lit up the night sky across North America as far south as the Florida Keys last week, the second time this year the aurora borealis has been on display at much lower latitudes than normal. “We’re seeing more solar flares right now because we’re approaching the solar maximum, which is a mark of the highest number of sunspots,” says Kevin Sterne, senior research associate with the Super Dual Auroral Radar Network. With Solar Cycle 25 not set to peak until next summer, there may be more opportunities ahead to see the celestial event. More here.

Two major space developments could shape solar system exploration

There are two major space stories unfolding this week, with SpaceX’s successful rocket booster catch Sunday and NASA’s launch of the Europa Clipper on Monday. Both events could further our ability to travel further into and learn more about our solar system. Space expert Ella Atkins can speak about what both developments could mean for the future of space exploration.

Hurricanes Helene, Milton response and recovery efforts

Hurricanes Helene and Milton have 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.

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 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: Opportunities and challenges for female leaders


Farida Jalalzai joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about the state of female leadership globally, with a focus on the United States. She shared how she believes the U.S. compares to other nations in terms of female political representation, the unique challenges women face in the U.S. political landscape, and the impact gender roles have on women's leadership opportunities. She also shared the insights she gained through her research of female leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic.



About Jalalzai
Jalalzai is a professor in the Department of Political Science and the associate dean for global initiatives and engagement in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences. Her research focuses heavily on the representation and behavior of women and minorities in politics and the role of gender in the political arena.



Research Highlight


Virginia Tech leads in safety, on and off the football field


In fall 2022, the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab researched and tested the concussion risk of two of the most popular five-star football helmets on the market, both with and without three kinds of helmet covers: The Guardian Cap XT, the Guardian Cap NXT, and the SAFR helmet cover. Student researchers conducted more than 320 tests over three days, and undisputed evidence showed that a five-star helmet was made even safer by all three covers.

According to the results, which are based on the lab’s peer-reviewed and published 5-STAR helmet rating system — STAR stands for Summation of Tests for the Analysis of Risk — all helmet add-ons tested reduced head acceleration and the amount of reduction varied by the model and football helmet. On average, the add-ons reduced:

  • Linear acceleration between 3 and 8 percent 

  • Rotational acceleration between 5 to 14 percent

  • Concussion risk ranging between 15 and 34 percent

Reduced linear and rotational acceleration minimizes head movement and therefore, reduces concussion risk. However, an add-on can only enhance a helmet’s performance, not make up for a poor helmet, so the helmet model is the most important factor in reducing risk.

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