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Expert Alert
May 2008

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With Memorial Day Weekend coming up, consider ways to utilize skills and leadership of Minnesota Veterans
May 23, 2008

As Minnesotans honor those who have fallen for their country over this long weekend it also is a good time to examine ways to tap into the new skills and experiences recent veterans have to offer.  A University of Minnesota expert who can help citizens at the community level to help veterans make the transition from “warrior” to “citizen” is:

Dennis Donovan, organizer with the Center for Democracy and Citizenship at the U of M’s Humphrey Institute
Donovan can give background on the Warrior to Citizen Campaign, a statewide grassroots effort that provides community support to returning soldiers and their families and challenges Minnesotans to think creatively about how returning veterans can contribute their new skills and experiences as citizens. Donovan can provide concrete examples of what the campaign has achieved and ways in which citizens in every corner of the state can utilize leadership and participation of local veterans.  

The Warrior to Citizen campaign is organized by the Center for Democracy and Citizenship as part of its Minnesota Works Together initiative.

To interview Donovan, contact Ryan Mathre at (612) 625-0552 or mathre@umn.edu; or Drew Swain at (612) 625-8962 or dswain@umn.edu.

Deciphering the fact and fiction of Indiana Jones: "Archaelogy" and crystal skulls explained
May 20, 2008

While booby traps and whip cracking are what make up the fictitious profession of archaeology in the “Indiana Jones” movie series, the subject of its latest installment -- crystal skulls -- are part of a very real cult activity. A University of Minnesota expert who can comment on the real and not so real of aspects of Indy’s adventures is:

William Beeman, professor and chair of the department of anthropology at the University of Minnesota
Beeman can explain where the films veer off course when it comes to real-life archeology. He says that many in the fact-finding profession still
enjoy the Indiana Jones adventures, “even as we know how far it is from what we do.” Additionally, Beeman can discuss how crystal skulls, as portrayed in the fourth film, do exist as cult relics but are more likely products of 19th century Europe and not ancient Mayan artifacts.

To interview Beeman, contact Drew Swain at (612) 625-8962 or dswain@umn.edu; or Elizabeth Giorgi at (612) 624-0214 or egiorgi@umn.edu.

A cyclone in Myanmar and a massive earthquake in China have killed tens of thousands and left millions homeless, hungry and stranded. Massive international efforts to send food, medicine and aid workers are quickly finding their way to the nations, but, while China is accepting the help with open arms, the ruling military authorities in Myanmar are refusing almost all outside assistance. A University of Minnesota foreign policy and aid expert who can discuss the two different situations is:

J. Brian Atwood, dean of the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs Atwood has extensive experience in the fields of foreign policy and aid and can explain why humanitarian efforts to Myanmar are facing such stiff roadblocks compared to China’s. He can also give first-hand insight into the logistical and diplomatic process of coordinating aid work. Before serving as dean, Atwood served for six years as Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) during the administration of President Bill Clinton. He has led presidential delegations to Haiti, El Salvador and East Africa and was a special presidential envoy to Eastern Zaire during the exodus of refugees caused by the Rwandan genocide. He was the first American official to meet with Israeli prime minister Yitzhak Rabin, foreign minister Peres and chairman of the Palestinian Authority, Yasir Arafat, after Arafat’s return to Gaza and the West Bank in 1994.

During the Kosovo Crisis he was President Clinton’s humanitarian relief coordinator.

To interview Atwood, contact Drew Swain at (612) 625-8962 or dswain@umn.edu; or Elizabeth Giorgi at (612) 624-0214 or egiorgi@umn.edu.

7.8 magnitude earthquake hits China
May 12, 2008

With the death toll expected to reach into the thousands, China is searching for survivors after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck the western part of the country. A University of Minnesota earthquake expert is:

Justin Revenaugh, University of Minnesota Geology and Geophysics professor
Revenaugh can explain the cause of earthquakes and discuss the history of large earthquakes in western China and why they occur there.

To interview professor Revenaugh, contact Drew Swain at (612) 625-8962 or dswain@umn.edu; or Elizabeth Giorgi at (612) 624-0214 or egiorgi@umn.edu.

Target market: motherhood
May 8, 2008

This Mother’s Day, marketers and politicians alike might be reminded of the powerful demographic of moms. A University of Minnesota expert who can explain more is: Mary Vavrus, University of Minnesota Communication Studies professor Vavrus can discuss how mothers are viewed as a niche market and are precisely targeted by advertisers and marketers. Additionally, they often work as a swing voting bloc during political campaigns. Vavrus can also dissect how media representations of mothers and mothering has changed over time.

To interview Vavrus, contact Drew Swain at (612) 625-8962 or dswain@umn.edu; or Elizabeth Giorgi at (612) 624-0214 or egiorgi@umn.edu.

Late nights, pizza for breakfast and disappearing cars: what parents can expect when students come home for summer
May 5, 2008

Finals Week can be a stressful time for students, but does the end of the school year also mean hardship for parents? While most anticipate their children’s homecoming as a happy occasion, many parents are surprised by the number of conflicts that arise as a result of new habits, schedules and attitudes. A University of Minnesota psychologist who can explain these scenarios and provide advice to parents is:

Scott Slattery, psychologist at the University of Minnesota
A senior psychologist at the University Counseling & Consulting Services, Slattery has developed a list of helpful suggestions for parents to keep in mind as their college-age children return home for the summer. He suggests that parents talk to their children about re-entry into the family, keeping in mind that all parties involved will have differing expectations about sleep schedules, use of the car, household chores, missing college friends who may be states away and the common exhaustion students experience after returning from the end of finals.

To interview Slattery, contact Luisa Badaracco at (612) 624-1690 or luisab@umn.edu; or Drew Swain at (612) 625-8962 or dswain@umn.edu.

NASA's 50th birthday but no time to celebrate - U of M professor looks at work and possibilities ahead
May 2, 2008

With 50 years under its belt, NASA is exploring what the next 50 might bring in the limitless expanse of space. Another Moon landing, trip to Mars or “infinity and beyond?” A University of Minnesota aerospace professor has some insight: Bill Garrard, aerospace engineering and mechanics professor at the University of Minnesota Garrard can discuss the past and future of human space flight both here in the United States and abroad. With the many non-human space activities such as satellites and robotic missions to the planets, Garrard can explain what they have accomplished and what lies ahead.

To interview Garrard, contact Drew Swain at (612) 625-8962 or dswain@umn.edu; or Elizabeth Giorgi at (612) 624-0214 or egiorgi@umn.edu