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

Why St. Patrick’s Day is so big in America, and the impact of dyeing rivers green

The world’s largest St. Patrick’s Day celebration isn’t in Ireland — it’s in the U.S. The modern celebration of all things Irish is a far stretch from the holiday’s 17th century origins, with many Americans — even those with no Irish descent — choosing to celebrate by wearing green clothing, drinking green beer, and even dyeing their rivers green for the day. Virginia Tech's Brian Britt, professor of religion and culture, shares insight on why many Americans may choose to celebrate, while Admin Husic, assistant professor of water resources engineering, details the history and science behind dyeing waterways. More here.

Five years after the COVID-19 pandemic

It’s been five years since COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic. Virginia Tech epidemiologist Lisa Lee is available to discuss where the disease is now, whether the vaccines are still effective, and the impact it has had on the health community.

***Availability: Tuesday and Wednesday only***

Our School of Education also has several experts able to speak about the impact COVID-19 had on education, how it changed the way we teach, and what’s being done now to catch students up.

Measles cases continue to grow

Lee is also available to discuss concerns surrounding measles, who’s at risk, and what communities need to do to ensure it does not spread. There are now close to 300 reported cases of measles in Texas and New Mexico tied to outbreaks, while 13 other states have reported cases not related to the outbreaks. 

***Availability: Tuesday and Wednesday only***

Boeing Starliner astronauts to finally return?

After an eight-day planned mission has turned into a nine-month odyssey, astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are finally set to return to Earth from the International Space Station on Tuesday. A SpaceX rocket docked with the ISS Monday morning and is set to depart Tuesday morning, splashing down near Florida later that evening. Space expert Ella Atkins can discuss the delays to this point, the logistics around getting the astronauts home, and what needs to go right to finally get them back to Earth.

Will Ukrainians accept compromise with Russia to end the war?

Negotiations for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine have continued, even as Russian forces drove Ukrainian soldiers out of the Kursk region over the weekend. As President Trump pushes for an end to the war, international affairs expert Gerard Toal has conducted polls gauging where the Ukrainian people stand on compromise with Russia. “Fifty percent of the population does not want to give up territories, even if it means continuing the war,” Toal said. “So actually, President Zelenskyy is taking a chance and is potentially jeopardizing his own political future if he negotiates a deal which is seen as problematic.”

How a government shutdown was averted, and what it means for D.C.

The U.S. Senate has approved a bipartisan bill pushed through by Susan Collins (R-Maine) that would undo a $1.1 billion budget cut to the D.C. government that was included in the legislation passed to stave off the federal government shutdown. Questions remain as to whether House Speaker Mike Johnson will let the D.C. budget bill go to the floor for a vote. Political expert Karen Hult can explain the process and supply context for this situation.

***Available starting Tuesday***

Don’t leave all your airport security to TSA, cybersecurity expert says

Whether spring break travelers plan to snorkel a barrier reef or just walk on the beach, all face risks — starting when they connect to the internet via airport Wi-Fi. Virginia Tech cybersecurity expert Matthew Hicks says fraudsters troll free airport Wi-Fi signals and even impersonate those networks to get access to sensitive information such as credit card numbers and banking passwords transmitted through passengers’ laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Hicks is available to share what’s safe and what’s not, as well as steps to protect your information while traveling. More here.

Podcast: The complex world of drones

Tombo Jones joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about the intricacies of Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS), commonly known as drones. Jones explained the various regulations surrounding drone operations, the challenges of identifying drones in the sky, and the importance of safety measures. He also shared his insights into counter-UAS strategies, including detection and mitigation techniques, and its implications for national security, as well as how Virginia Tech is helping advance both.

Jones is the director of Virginia Tech’s Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership (MAAP) where he leads their work as an FAA-designated UAS test site, an FAA ASSURE partner, and helps guide the leadership of Virginia’s team in the BEYOND program. He directs the management and growth of a portfolio that encompasses major federal drone-integration initiatives and complex technical research projects. He also serves on the Governor’s Aerospace Advisory Council and has served on FAA rulemaking committees.

Research Highlight

Researchers receive $2.17 million grant to study noninvasive treatment for traumatic brain injury symptoms

Virginia Tech’s Pamela VandeVord and Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Gunnar Brolinson recently received a $2.17 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to investigate a technique called cranial osteopathic manual manipulation. 

“Cranial osteopathic manipulation medicine has the potential to have a positive impact on traumatic brain injury patients for which headaches are the most common symptom,” said VandeVord, the N. Waldo Harrison Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics. “Importantly, this is a noninvasive and non-pharmacological approach, which is a priority for integrative health practices.”

While similar osteopathic manipulative medicine commonly is used to improve other medical conditions and injuries, there is limited data on the brain’s response to this approach and few non-pharmacological treatments available, the researchers said. More here.

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