First-generation graduate Brittany Rodriguez advances manufacturing science at ORNL

Raised in Texas’ Rio Grande Valley by hardworking parents who were not given the opportunity to obtain any type of higher degree, Brittany Rodriguez never imagined she would pursue a science career at a Department of Energy national laboratory.

Southwest Flight 425 was about 1,000 feet closer to the ground than it should’ve been–we’ll know why soon, expert says

A Southwest Airlines flight crew is under investigation after flying dangerously close to the ocean when attempting to land at Tampa International Airport on July 14th. The plane dropped to 150 feet above the water – the height of an average water tower – before accelerating to regain altitude. This is the third time Southwest has had a low-altitude incident this year.

Biden bows out of the presidential election: Experts evaluate precedence, consequences

President Joe Biden’s decision to end his reelection campaign and pass the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris has almost no precedent in American history. Virginia Tech political scientists share perspectives on this watershed development, discussing its place in history, possible effects on the Democratic National Convention, and effects on campaigns and governance.

How to Solve the US Homeowners Insurance Crisis

Clifford Rossi, formerly a senior risk executive for the likes of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Citigroup and Washington Mutual, proposes a Federal Natural Hazard Insurance Corporation – a private-public approach to providing homeowners insurance across all natural hazards and states that would address myriad failures in today’s insurance market.

As Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games approach, experts give tips for athletes, weekend warriors, and travelers

With less than a month until the Summer Olympic Games in Paris, and with Olympic Trials taking place all around the world in different sports, Virginia Tech experts offer perspective on aspects of the competitions, applying Olympic habits to our own lives, and how the Games are impacting both travel to and life on the ground in Paris.

Fourth of July story ideas: Fireworks safety, economics and hot dog competitions, food safety and more

Ahead of Independence Day on July 4, Virginia Tech experts can speak on a variety of topics, including fireworks safety, economic lessons from eating contests, grilling safety tips, and more. To schedule an interview, please contact the media relations office at [email protected]. Fireworks safety The July 4th holiday brings a dramatic increase in eye injuries each year.

Ask the experts: How can we measure our own happiness?

Given the many sources of stress and anxiety individuals encounter each day, its not surprising that people often wonder if they are happy or not. Yet, how do people define happiness and well-being? What are some ways to view and conceptualize happiness? Michigan State University researchers Bill Chopik and Rich Lucas answer this question.

Alzheimer’s Awareness Month: Virginia Tech researchers work toward better treatments

Alzheimer’s disease, a deadly brain disease than can cause loss of memory and mobility, affects millions of lives daily. June marks Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, and Virginia Tech researchers are engaged in research meant to advance treatment for Alzheimer’s disease and assist caregivers of loved ones with dementia.

The Untold Story of “Reading Rainbow”

“Reading Rainbow” was one of the most successful PBS children’s series in television history, earning numerous national and international awards, including 26 Emmys and a Peabody Award. But perhaps more important, “Reading Rainbow” helped generations of children cultivate a love for books.

Now, a new book co-authored by Canisius Professor Barbara Irwin, PhD, chronicles the humble beginnings of the TV series, which launched in Buffalo, NY – and how the groundbreaking program came to capture the attention of 6.5 million young viewers.

FAU Sea Turtle Experts Provide ‘Best Practices’ During Nesting Season

Three internationally renowned FAU researchers provide “best practices” and answer some of the most frequently asked questions to help protect Florida’s nesting sea turtles and their hatchlings.

URI invasive species expert co-leads two global studies published in two Nature journals

The spread of invasive alien species has long been recognized as a global threat to nature and people. In September, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) for the United Nations issued a global assessment providing clear evidence of the growing threat to people, the economy and nature from invasive alien species.

Have a mosquito problem? Look for them close to home, says expert

You’re settling down in your patio chair, ready to enjoy a book, a pitcher of lemonade, and the sun-warmed breeze, when a mosquito settles down on your arm. And another lands on your leg, while another buzzes right by your ear. Virginia Tech entomologist Eric Day says that when it comes to controlling mosquitoes, there aren’t easy short cuts.

FAU Experts for the 2024 Hurricane Season

The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1, and forecasts indicate a highly active season. Several Florida Atlantic University faculty experts are available to discuss various issues surrounding hurricane preparedness, evacuation and aftermath.

Expert shares tips for food safety at cookouts and potlucks

As the summer season approaches, lots of people will be planning to host or attend backyard cookouts and potlucks. But before you fire up the grill, Virginia Tech food safety expert Melissa Wright shares tips to protect yourself, your family, and your friends from foodborne illnesses during the warm-weather months. “Safe food handling when eating outdoors is critical,” says Wright.

Mother’s Day brings flowers, floral expert lists favorites, shares how to make them last

Mother’s Day celebrations in the United States bring family together — and bring a lot of business to the floral industry, with flowers one of the most popular gifts. Floral design instructor Barbara Leshyn talks about what the holiday means for the floral industry, what kinds of flowers make the most popular gifts, and how to make those lovely bouquets last.

Expert offers homeowners safety advice for yard equipment care to prevent injuries

Most equipment used in lawn care and landscaping is simple and straightforward to use. However, if it is not operated carefully, it has the potential for accidents and injuries. “Proper lawn equipment safety is not just about protecting yourself, but also those around you,” said Mike Goatley, a professor in the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences and a Virginia Cooperative Extension specialist.

Expert says fireflies aren’t going extinct, but their numbers are dwindling

For many people, fireflies lighting up backyards is a sign of summertime. The thrill of catching them in a jar and releasing them back into the wild is a childhood pastime. But if you have noticed a decline in fireflies over the years, you’re not alone. Virginia Tech entomologist Eric Day explains why climate and urban development are playing a big role in the decreasing numbers.

Coping in the aftermath of a cancer diagnosis

Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be one of the most stressful, pivotal moments in an individual’s life. With May being Mental Health Awareness Month, Fred Hutch social psychologist and researcher Megan J. Shen, PhD, shares tips for coping with a cancer diagnosis and how patients and their caregivers can navigate appointments with their oncologists.

‘Fallout’ success: video game nostalgia spans multiple media, explains expert

Mention the name “Fallout” to a dedicated gamer, and you might well see their eyes light up with nostalgia. Amazon Prime’s new “Fallout” TV show racked up high scores with critics and audiences alike. Virginia Tech media expert James Ivory answered questions about the appeal of “Fallout” and what its success could mean for the future of entertainment media.

Q&A: How to train AI when you don’t have enough data

As researchers explore potential applications for AI, they have found scenarios where AI could be really useful but there’s not enough data to accurately train the algorithms. Jenq-Neng Hwang, University of Washington professor of electrical and computer and engineering, specializes in these issues.