Experts available: Market chaos and the potential of a recession, America's infrastructure woes, is Elon Musk helping or hurting Republicans, and more
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
Market chaos amid Trump tariffs
President Trump said over the weekend he would not back off despite market turmoil, fears of a recession, and calls for a pause on the tariffs. While a falling stock market doesn’t cause a recession on its own, it can help push the economy into recession territory. Virginia Tech economic experts David Bieri, Jadrian Wooten, Dimitris Tsarouhas, and Jason Grant are available this week to discuss what’s happening now, the implications, and the future of the markets. Political science expert Karen Hult is available beginning Tuesday to discuss the political implications.
U.S. infrastructure woes, experts weigh in
America’s infrastructure is cracking, according to the latest report card from the American Society of Civil Engineers. In multiple categories from aviation to roads to energy, the country’s infrastructure is earning Ds, almost-failing grades. Virginia Tech engineering experts can break down what these failing grades mean — and what needs to happen to rebuild to make our communities safer and better prepared for the future. More here.
Could Elon Musk be a liability for Republicans in future elections?
Tech entrepreneur and Trump advisor Elon Musk poured more than $20 million into the recent Wisconsin Supreme Court race in support of a conservative candidate, who lost by a wide margin, raising questions about whether Musk is a liability for Republicans. “Money does have its limits, as demonstrated by the recent election of Judge Susan Crawford, viewed by many as a type of Musk referendum,” said Virginia Tech political communications expert Cayce Myers. “However, it is important for Democrats and Musk opponents not to read too much into this election. A state Supreme Court election is not the equivalent to a presidential election or even a midterm.” More here.
Burying power lines: A costly but crucial solution to prevent outages and wildfires
Severe weather events have left millions of people without power for days, and sometimes weeks or months, raising questions about whether the U.S. power infrastructure needs an overhaul. Joseph Vantassel, an assistant professor in the College of Engineering, believes moving power lines underground could be a solution. However, he notes it is neither an easy nor inexpensive task. More here.
Podcast: Is social media destroying the Appalachian Trail?
A new study from Virginia Tech looks at how technology, especially social media, is impacting the Appalachian Trail in unexpected ways.
Shalini Misra joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about the impact of digital technologies on the Appalachian Trail and a recent research project that surveyed trail resource managers about the challenges and opportunities emerging technologies present. She explained the tensions between traditional hiking experiences and modern technology and emphasized the need for a balance between accessibility and preservation of natural environments. More here.
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. She is also an administrative fellow in the Institute for Society, Culture, and Environment. Misra’s 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.
Research
What overrides the brain’s satiety signals and promotes overeating?
Obesity is on the rise. Among U.S. adults aged 20 or older, 4 in 10 met the criteria for obesity in the most recent National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, up from roughly 3 in 10 two decades earlier.
“Decision-making surrounding food drives these health conditions,” said Alex DiFeliceantonio, an assistant professor at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC and interim co-director of its Center for Health Behaviors Research. “And decisions about what foods to eat is a leading, modifiable driver of disease burden.”
DiFeliceantonio is part of a cross-disciplinary team will explore how obesity affects brain circuits involved in reward, motivation, and emotions with support from a four-year, $2.75 million grant from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health.