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

Exploring the consequences of power in transition, presidential appointments

Two Virginia Tech professors are teaching a winter seminar from Dec. 27 - Jan. 16 on power in transition, exploring “the consequences of the constitutional transition of presidential and congressional power for government leadership, policy-making, oversight, and democratic governance.” Karen Hult and Matthew Dull had planned the three-week winter term offering before the election, knowing that, no matter who won, there would be major changes with a new administration. More here.

Hult is also available to talk about the impact of Trump’s cabinet appointments, the political makeup of congress, and historical precedents for and implications of the much-discussed possibility of “preemptive pardons.”

Holiday story ideas

Which is better in your stocking: Silver and gold or a lump of coal?

“Silver and gold are some of the most cherished holiday gifts and are also some of the most valuable precious metals produced from mining,” says Aaron Noble, head of the Department of Mining and Minerals Engineering for Virginia Tech’s College of Engineering. “Coal is typically much cheaper — and thus reserved for those on the naughty list — however, researchers at Virginia Tech are exploring ways to enhance the value of materials produced from coal,” Noble says. Noble can speak to these technological advances and provide some insights on why you might want to update your holiday wish list in the coming years.

Environmental impacts of an artificial ‘White Christmas’

Many recreational activities, particularly winter-themed attractions, require significant energy. “A lot of human recreation uses energy,” says William Ducker, a chemical engineer with the Virginia Tech College of Engineering. “The winter wonderland activities that are the worst offenders in terms of energy use are those where the outdoor temperature is kept below the ambient temperature. In this case, one is constantly using energy to fight the natural heating of the cold area by the surroundings.” Ducker can discuss the many surprising environmental impacts of wintery recreation.

Deck the halls: Expert shares history and tips for creating beautiful holiday wreaths

With the holiday season quickly approaching, decorating with greenery can bring timeless beauty, warmth and cheer to any home. Wreaths, in particular, are a festive staple rich in history and bursting with creativity. Daphne Williams, horticulturist at the Hahn Horticulture Garden at Virginia Tech, shares some history and tips for creating the perfect holiday wreaths and decor. More here.

Gifts for kids of all ages that encourage STEM careers

Buying gifts for the young people in your life – from “littles” to pre-teens – is one of the most joyful aspects of the holiday season. If you’re looking for options that could spark an interest in science, computers, technology and more, Pam Gilchrist, director of K-12 Initiatives for the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus in Alexandria, Va., has tips on the best 2024 STEM-related holiday gifts for kids of all ages. “The earlier students are exposed to mathematics, problem solving, and coding, the more likely they will see themselves in future STEM positions,” she says. Read more here.

Tips for pet safety & a guide for happy pets and houseguests over the holidays

While you might know about the dangers of chocolate and poinsettias for pets, several lesser-known hazards can turn festive celebrations into unexpected veterinary visits. Mark D. Freeman, a veterinarian with the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech, has 12 tips to help pet owners avoid emergency visits this holiday season. More here.

Soon homes will fill with both visiting relatives and beloved pets. While the idea of houseguests might fill you with holiday cheer, your pets might need some time to adjust to the change in routine. Dr. Freeman is able to discuss why pets don’t like change and how to help them adjust before and during your relatives’ visit. More here.

Expert offers tips for financial wellness in 2025

Erin Cox, an associate Extension specialist for Family and Community Economics for Virginia Cooperative Extension has some tips to help consumers reduce personal debt and make positive personal finance changes in the new year. More here.

Tips for managing New Year’s resolutions and staying mindful in 2025

As they ring in 2025, many people will think about resetting goals and making lifestyle changes. Individuals often set challenging resolutions and then tend to lose motivation as time progresses. Instead of making a resolution, Virginia Tech behavioral psychologist  Samantha Harden suggests a different approach in the new year. “I recommend throwing out the adage of a New Year's resolution,” says Harden. “Resolutions, as we think of them today, are designed to fail. They promote extreme change all at once versus lasting, meaningful adjustments.”  

If you want to set goals for the new year, Harden says it’s important to self-reflect and be honest with yourself about what goals are realistic to achieve. More here.

Research Highlights

Study lays groundwork for improved treatment of potentially deadly fungal infection

Cryptococcus neoformans is a type of yeast that can cause serious infections in humans and many animal species. It's commonly found in the environment, especially in soil contaminated with bird droppings. People with weakened immune systems are the most vulnerable to the potentially deadly lung and brain infections caused by this fungus. The laboratory of Kirsten Nielsen in the Center for One Health Research has completed a six-year study that takes a step toward improved treatment of this fungal infection. 

“In these studies, we identified not just the genes that allow Cryptococcus to cause disease, but also the gene alleles that allow it to cause more disease or less disease,” said Nielsen, a professor of microbiology and immunology in the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. “Once we understand the biology of the infection, and how it is influenced by different Cryptococcus gene alleles, then we can develop new treatments targeting these genes. We're setting the foundation for future treatments.” Read more about her research here.

National Security Institute works to protect data from rogue radio signals

Virginia Tech National Security Institute researchers are collaborating with engineers from aerospace and defense company Northrop Grumman to detect anomalous radio signals that could indicate attempts to compromise secure data. Currently in its third and final phase, the program is focused on the prevention of rogue signals from bad actors. 

“This project is about pushing the boundaries of radio frequency security,” said Alan Michaels, director of the institute’s Spectrum Dominance Division. “We’re exploring new techniques that could fundamentally change how we detect and respond to radio frequency anomalies, ensuring our data remains secure, even in unpredictable environments.” Read more about this research here.

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