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.
Thanksgiving Story Ideas
Holiday travel without the headache
When is the best time to hit the road? How do you avoid the congestion and traffic snarls that come with millions traveling for Thanksgiving? Transportation infrastructure and systems engineering expert Hesham Rakha is available to help travelers as they prepare to hit the road and explain the science behind congestion. Mahmood Khan, professor and director in the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management, can explain why planning ahead is so important. More here from Rakha.
Navigating conversations about politics at the Thanksgiving table
The election is over, but conversations surrounding the outcome will continue for weeks to come. With Thanksgiving right around the corner, knowing how to engage with friends and family members with differing political views may help keep tempers at bay – and relationships intact. Virginia Tech expert Todd Schenk shared his advice on keeping the peace. More here. Availability: Available outside of Nov. 26 – Dec. 1
Avoid holiday foodborne illness with tips from Virginia Tech food safety experts
Meals at Thanksgiving and other holidays serve as great social occasions for catching up with family and friends — and for the sake of all gathered, the culinary delights on the table should be delicious, sumptuous, and most importantly, safe. Melissa Wright, director of Virginia Tech’s Food Producer Technical Assistance Network, and Lester Schonberger, associate Extension specialist, are both faculty members in the Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences‘ Department of Food Science and Technology and know exactly what you can do to reduce your risk of foodborne illness this holiday season. More here.
Why stores are dropping your favorite items (and lowering prices)
Get ready for the bombardment of sales to hit your inbox and favorite stores. The holiday shopping season is upon us. But as you prepare to shop, you may also find fewer choices, especially when it comes to the grocery store. Whether it’s that especially sliced pepperoni or a favorite limited-edition potato chip flavor, companies across industries are purposely cutting back on the wide range of products they once proudly stocked. Economist Jadrian Wooten is available to explain why this reduction may signal a shift toward something more streamlined, potentially saving money for both companies and consumers. More here.
Wooten is also able to discuss the importance of budgeting for the holiday season. More here.
Virginia Tech experts available to discuss headlines in the news
Trump’s Cabinet picks
The list of cabinet picks for Donald Trump’s presidency continues to grow. Over the weekend he selected Brendan Carr, who laid out his agenda in Project 2025, as FCC Chairman. Additionally, we’ll learn over the next several days whether Matt Gaetz, Tulsi Gabbard, Pete Hegseth, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will be able to make it through much-expected confirmation battles. Political science expert Karen Hult is available this week to discuss these headlines and others surrounding the Trump presidency as they arise.
Expert explains effects of catastrophic weather events on forests and tree species
This hurricane season has brought damage and destruction to homes and businesses alike, but one area often overlooked is the forests. These powerful storms impact forests over the long term. Forest health expert Carrie Fearer is available to break down the long-term effects catastrophic weather events can have and how to revive hard-hit forests and why human intervention is crucial in maintaining our ecosystems. Fearer joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” podcast this week to discuss the topic. You can also read more here.
National Diabetes Month
One in 10 people across the globe are living with diabetes. This National Diabetes Month, the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC is putting well-being at the heart of diabetes research:
-
In the Center for Exercise Medicine Research, Associate Professor Sarah Lessard is working to understand why people with diabetes don’t respond as well to exercise. More here.
-
In the Center for Health Behaviors Research, Assistant Professor Jeff Stein’s research includes interventions to prevent and manage type 2 diabetes using behavioral economics. More here.
-
In the Center for Vascular and Heart Research, Assistant Professor Jessica Pfleger is studying the link between diet, diabetes, and heart disease and identifying causes of insulin resistance. More here.
