Experts available: Iran airstrikes, presidential powers, extreme heat impacts, keeping pets safe, 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 [email protected].
Virginia Tech experts available to discuss headlines in the news
What happens next: Iran weighing how to respond to U.S. airstrikes
The United States struck three Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend. The extent of the damage to Iran’s nuclear program is still unclear. Now all eyes are on Iran as it weighs options for retaliation. Joel Peters, director of Virginia Tech’s School of Public and International Affairs and expert in Middle East foreign policy, global security, and conflict resolution, is available this week to discuss what led to President Trump taking the step, the coordination with Israel, potential retaliation scenarios, diplomatic off-ramps, and the Middle East response.
Iran strike raises issues of presidential war powers
The U.S. Constitution grants Congress the sole power to declare war. Trump’s order to strike Iran’s nuclear site reignited the long-standing debate over the president’s ability to take military action without congressional approval — with support for Trump’s actions mostly divided along party lines. The strike also raises the question of whether the U.S. is now at war with Iran. Political scientist Karen Hult is available to discuss these issues.
Conserving energy during extreme heat
Extreme heat waves and record temperatures are straining energy infrastructure nationwide, which is contributing to a global energy crisis, says Virginia Tech electrical engineering expert Saifur Rahman. He’s able to offer tips on conserving energy now and in the long term. More here.
Recognizing heat-related illness signs and symptoms
While heat is the number one weather-related cause of death in the United States, many of these deaths are preventable, says an emergency medicine doctor at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. Dr. Stephanie Lareau says it is vital to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness. Dr. Lareau is available to discuss the difference between heat exhaustion and heatstroke, treatment, and how to avoid heat illnesses. More here.
Heatstroke in pets: What every pet owner should know
Pets can’t speak up and tell their owners that they’re getting overheated, so as temperatures warm up, it’s important that pet owners are aware of heatstroke (a condition caused by the body overheating). Veterinarians with the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine are available to talk about the signs, causes, and what to do if your pet is experiencing heatstroke. More here.
Lawn care tips during drought and extreme heat
Summer heat can take a toll on lawns and plants, especially when rain isn’t in the forecast. Virginia Tech turfgrass experts Mike Goatley and Dan Sandor share tips for keeping a healthy lawn during a drought. They’re available to discuss what time of day you should water your lawn during extreme sun and heat, how to properly water, what kinds of turfgrass are more tolerant, and more.
Research Highlights
Too many kids, not enough beds: AI could help fix overwhelmed ERs
Children’s National in Washington, D.C. tapped Virginia Tech’s Sanghani Center for Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics to help solve pediatric emergency room overcrowding. The two are working together to implement a model to try to anticipate surges in patients and preemptively staff up for those moments. A version of the model is already in place, but the collaboration will continue to expand to include other impactful data, like weather and school closings, in order to create a more refined predictive model that can be applied by hospitals everywhere. More here.
Researchers Patrick Butler and Dr. Kenneth McKinley will be presenting their work at Tech on Tap at Virginia Tech’s Academic Building One in Alexandria on Tuesday, June 24, at 6 p.m. More info here.
New Study Reveals Overlooked Dementia Caregivers: Nieces and Nephews
A new study from Virginia Tech sheds light on a growing — and largely overlooked — group of dementia caregivers: nieces and nephews. Initial findings from the study, published in The Gerontologist, provide the first focused examination of niece and nephew dementia caregivers. The study details that two-thirds of the extended family caregivers studied never expected to be in that role, but rather fell into it abruptly. The researchers believe the study comes at a critical time in America, as both the general population’s age and dementia diagnosis rate are increasing. Despite the growth, most family caregiving studies only target traditional caregivers, such as spouses and adult children. More here.
