Journalist resource: Experts look ahead to the top stories of 2025
With the Trump administration’s promises of transformative policies across the economy, international relations, and climate action, Virginia Tech's experts are ready to add insights and context to your stories.
To schedule an interview with any of our experts, email mediarelations@vt.edu.
Economics and Global Trade
What will inflation and unemployment rates look like in 2025? Virginia Tech economist Jadrian Wooten predicts relatively low inflation rates, heavily influenced by interest rates.
If tariffs hurt consumers, why pursue them? Despite studies showing tariffs cost American consumers more money, they remain a common economic strategy. Jadrian Wooten explains the reasoning behind tariff policies, such as Donald Trump’s pledge to impose tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China, and the shifting dynamics they create in international trade.
International Relations and Security
The war in Ukraine and the potential for peace Professor Gerard Toal provides insights into potential peace scenarios in Ukraine and the future of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s political career.
Widening conflicts in the Middle East Middle East foreign policy experts Ariel Ahram and Joel Peters analyze developments in the Israel–Hamas war and its broader implications for the region and global politics.
Trump and the European Union Professor Yannis Stivachtis, an expert in European studies, discusses the evolving U.S.–EU relationship, particularly the economic and political challenges posed by the European Union’s growing power.
Climate and Environmental Challenges
Human-driven causes of land subsidence Environmental security expert Manoochehr Shirzaei highlights how rising temperatures and increased groundwater extraction are causing land to sink, particularly in coastal areas.
Microplastics in our bodies Biological sciences expert Austin Gray sheds light on how microplastics infiltrate human systems, appearing in blood, saliva, and even breast milk.
The link between wildfires and poor air quality Chemist John Morris explains how wildfire smoke contributes to respiratory and cardiovascular health issues, using data from Canadian wildfires and their impact on the U.S. East Coast.
Measuring and analyzing air pollutants Environmental engineer Gabriel Isaacman-VanWertz develops innovative techniques to track hazardous air pollutants and their effects on human health and ecosystems.
Rainfall-triggered landslides Environmental engineer Alba Yerro-Colom uses mathematical models to predict landslides, aiming to protect vulnerable communities.
Tsunami risks in the Pacific Northwest Natural hazards expert Tina Dura studies subduction zones to help coastal communities create accurate tsunami evacuation maps and plan safer infrastructure.
Health and Wellness
Making radiation treatment more tolerable Rob Gourdie works toward making radiation therapy and radiation sickness management more tolerable as global radiation exposure risks increase.
Reducing cardiac risks from viral infections By targeting specific heart changes induced by viral infections, James Smyth aims to reduce the risk of cardiac issues in people with viral illnesses.
How dopamine affects decision-making Neuroscientist Read Montague investigates how neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin drive our decision-making and understanding of behavior and communications.
Using ultrasound to treat chronic pain Researcher Wynn Legon studies the use of low-intensity focused ultrasound treatments ultrasound to modulate human brain activity.
Disease transmission between humans and animals Investigating a problem highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic, biologist Carla Finkielstein pursues innovative strategies to address the rising risks of zoonotic outbreaks and their global impact.
Water Quality and Sustainability
Contamination by PFAS and road salt Engineers Stan Grant and Megan Rippy tackle water contamination issues, focusing on PFAS (forever chemicals) and freshwater pollution caused by road salt.
Addressing national water quality challenges University Distinguished Professor Marc Edwards—renowned for his work on the Flint Water Crisis—examines nationwide concerns like lead contamination and Legionella bacteria.
Sustainable water resources Landon Marston studies how climate change impacts water systems, including the drying of key waterways like the Colorado River, and explores sustainable solutions.
Science and Technology
2025: The International Year of Quantum Science and Technology Physics professors Sophia Economou and Ed Barnes discuss the promises and challenges of quantum computing, shedding light on its transformative potential.
Innovating with mining technology Engineers Roe-Hoan Yoon and Aaron Noble are repurposing traditional mining tools to advance recycling methods, including paper recycling.
Electric vehicle battery innovation Chemist Feng Lin explores sodium-ion battery technology as a sustainable alternative to lithium-ion batteries, emphasizing U.S. leadership in raw materials and innovation.
Sustainable Infrastructure
Affordable housing with 3D printing Civil engineer Alex Brand investigates using 3D printing and alternative concrete mixes to make housing more affordable and sustainable.
Planning cities for sustainability City planning expert Tripp Shealy focuses on integrating environmental and energy considerations into urban development projects.
