CMU Expert Sources http://www.news.cmich.edu/expert-sources/ en Copyright 2009 Fri, 04 Sep 2009 10:34:42 -0500 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Sawyer to take the reins at 'World News' Diane Sawyer has been pegged to take over for Charlie Gibson when he retires from ABC's "World News" at the end of this year, which will put women in solo anchor positions of two national network evening newscasts. Central Michigan University School of Broadcast and Cinematic Arts faculty member Rick Sykes is available to comment on the significance of this appointment. Sykes' initial thoughts on the subject:
  • "Sawyer's appointment represents the continuing change in the perceptions by network news executives of the ability of a woman to successfully anchor a major network news program on a regular basis.
  • "We have moved from a major fight when ABC paired Barbara Walters with Harry Reasoner in the 1970s to this announcement about Diane Sawyer taking over the evening news desk without a lot of fanfare."
Rick_Sykes.jpg Sykes is knowledgeable in almost every area of broadcast journalism, including news writing, editing, reporting and studio camera operation. He is the faculty adviser to CMU's award-winning student television station and has broadcast news experience in both Saginaw and Detroit. Contact: Heather Smith 989-774-1702 heather.smith@cmich.edu ]]> http://www.news.cmich.edu/expert-sources/2009/09/sawyer-to-take-the-reins-at-wo/ http://www.news.cmich.edu/expert-sources/2009/09/sawyer-to-take-the-reins-at-wo/ Arts and entertainment College of Communication and Fine Arts News tips and sources School of Broadcast and Cinematic Arts Fri, 04 Sep 2009 10:34:42 -0500 Sotomayor and the sports law arena Through her various judicial experiences, newly appointed U.S. Supreme Court justice Sonia Sotomayor has participated in several influential sports law decisions. Adam Epstein, Central Michigan University finance and law professor and authority on sports law, is available to discuss the most recognized sports law-related cases Judge Sotomayor has participated in and how her opinions have influenced American law in this arena thus far. A few of Epstein's initial thoughts on the subject:
  • "Two of the most recognized sports law decisions Judge Sotomayor has participated in include decisions involving Major League Baseball in 1995 and the 2004 opinion involving former Ohio State running back Maurice Clarett.
  • "In the Major League Baseball case, Sotomayor issued an injunction that prevented the team owners from unilaterally instituting a new contractual agreement with the players who had been on strike for eight months. In fact, the World Series had been cancelled as a result of that strike. Four days after her opinion, the strike ended and the players and their union declared victory because the expired collective bargaining agreement had to remain in effect as a result of her decision.
  • "In Clarett's case, he sued the NFL, claiming that the league policy related to minimum "age" violated federal antitrust law, believing that it was illegal to prevent him draft eligibility even though the NFL said he had not yet been out of high school long enough to be in the pool of possible draftees. Sotomayor, now as an appellate judge, authored the opinion, which actually reversed the decision of the District Court that previously had ruled in favor of Clarett. Her reasoning was that the NFL's draft eligibility rules were immune from antitrust scrutiny under the non-statutory labor exemption and, therefore, Clarett had to wait one more year."
Contact: Heather Smith 989-774-1702 heather.smith@cmich.edu ]]> http://www.news.cmich.edu/expert-sources/2009/08/sotomayor-and-the-sports-law-a/ http://www.news.cmich.edu/expert-sources/2009/08/sotomayor-and-the-sports-law-a/ College of Business Administration Finance and Law News tips and sources Sports and recreation Tue, 11 Aug 2009 15:28:55 -0500 CMU health professor: Tighter tobacco regulation 'a long time coming' The recent passage of a bill that gives the Food and Drug Administration unprecedented authority to regulate tobacco companies is nearing enactment. President Barack Obama has expressed support and is expected to sign the "Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control" bill soon. If it becomes law, the FDA will hold the power to regulate the sale, production and marketing of tobacco products for the first time. Central Michigan University community health professor Mark Minelli is available to comment on this landmark legislation. A few of Minelli's initial thoughts on the subject:
  • "Giving the Food and Drug Administration control over tobacco production, marketing and sale is a major public health breakthrough in prevention, as choosing not to smoke can be one of the most important choices you can make in regards to personal health."
  • "It has been a long time coming for the government to have more control over the production and sales of a very addicting substance. Many studies have shown nicotine to be highly addictive, and companies have used this to their sales advantage."
  • "There seems to be a movement in the United States to regulate tobacco products and smoking. Cities and states are moving toward smoke-free environments to help protect the health of nonsmokers as well as smokers."
  • "Advertising for cigarettes can be slick and deceiving. The idea that so called "light" cigarettes can be less dangerous is like saying you may only get a light tumor."
Mark_Minelli.jpg Minelli specializes in a number of areas in community health including prevention and treatment and health care management. To set up an interview with this expert, contact: Tracy Burton, 989-774-1072, tracy.burton@cmich.edu]]> http://www.news.cmich.edu/expert-sources/2009/06/cmu-health-professor-tighter-t/ http://www.news.cmich.edu/expert-sources/2009/06/cmu-health-professor-tighter-t/ College of Health Professions Health News tips and sources School of Health Sciences Fri, 12 Jun 2009 16:14:42 -0500 Expert: Digital TV transition more than just a better picture Most Americans do not understand why the federal government mandated the transition from analog to digital television, forcing consumers to purchase a new expensive television or a converter box, and many question if a better television picture is really needed. Central Michigan University School of Broadcast and Cinematic Arts faculty member Heather Polinsky notes that the average consumer does not understand all of the benefits of digital television because they have not happened yet. "A better picture is not really why the shift from analog to digital was imposed on Americans," she said. Polinsky is available to discuss the digital TV transition. A few of Polinsky's initial thoughts on the subject:
  • "The central reason why the television system was changed from an analog system to a digital system was the inefficiencies of the analog television system. Television takes up an enormous amount of the electromagnetic spectrum and the majority of the spectrum allocated to television is unused because not enough television stations were built to use it. This spectrum could be used for other wireless communication. So, part of this transition was to move television to a smaller band of spectrum and sell off the unused spectrum to wireless companies. These wireless companies will use this spectrum to produce new mobile and wireless communication technologies; things we have not yet seen."
  • "Another problem with analog television transmission is that it takes 6 MHz of spectrum to transmit one full analog television picture, yet a much better quality picture can be transmitted in less than 6 MHz. Television stations can transmit multiple digital television signals, which means one television station can transmit more than one television program at a time to audiences. Television stations must use their allocated 6 MHz signal for at least one stream of television programming, but have been allowed to use the remaining spectrum for other types of services that have not yet been conceived. Some television stations have played around with data services, but no one has launched a full-fledged non-television service to consumers as of yet. However, it is possible that television stations will do more than just television with this new digital television system."
Heather_Polinsky.jpg Polinsky is an expert on audio recording technology and the convergence of computers and broadcasting. She assists with WMHW-FM, the student radio station, and teaches basic and advanced audio courses. Polinsky's research interests include media economics, media policy and new media technologies. Contact: Heather Smith, 989-774-1702, heather.smith@cmich.edu ]]> http://www.news.cmich.edu/expert-sources/2009/06/expert-digital-tv-transition-m/ http://www.news.cmich.edu/expert-sources/2009/06/expert-digital-tv-transition-m/ College of Communication and Fine Arts Communication and the media News tips and sources School of Broadcast and Cinematic Arts Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:26:38 -0500 CMU law professor: Latina Supreme Court nominee a 'reliable liberal vote' President Barack Obama's recent nomination of New York Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court has brought praise from Latino leaders and civil rights and women's advocates around the country. If confirmed, Sotomayor would be the court's first Latina justice. Theodore Bolema, an adjunct professor of finance and business law at Central Michigan University, is available to comment on this historical moment as well as on the upcoming confirmation process. A few of Bolema's initial thoughts on the subject:
  • "Judge Sotomayor has not been known as a strong intellectual judge, so it is possible she may face opposition from some liberal democrats who were hoping for a stronger intellectual force. Personally, she has been very forceful and outspoken in her opinions and public appearances."
  • "Judge Sotomayor has been a reliable liberal vote and often perceived as somewhat anti-business. The latter may be where she brings the greatest change to the court, replacing David Souter whose voting record was quite liberal on social issues, but much less so on economic and regulatory issues."
  • "This change may be especially notable in employment discrimination and class action certification cases, where she has issued several notable rulings favoring plaintiffs."
CMU_Ted_Bolema.jpg Bolema is a principal in the Anderson Economic Group's East Lansing office, which offers research and consulting services in economics, finance, market analysis and public policy. Among his recent projects are several antitrust and commercial damages cases in federal and state courts, where he served as an economic expert. He is a practicing attorney and also has served as a trial attorney with the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice and a special assistant attorney general for the Eastern District of Virginia. Contact: Tracy Burton, 989-774-1072, tracy.burton@cmich.edu ]]> http://www.news.cmich.edu/expert-sources/2009/05/cmu-law-professor-latina-supre/ http://www.news.cmich.edu/expert-sources/2009/05/cmu-law-professor-latina-supre/ College of Business Administration Finance and Law News tips and sources Thu, 28 May 2009 14:34:19 -0500 CMU health professor: Vigilance is key in containing swine flu Worries about the spread of swine flu, also referred to as the H1N1 virus, are mounting as the nation's caseload has climbed to more than 600 and closed more than 400 schools across the country -- most recently shutting the doors of Harrison Community Schools after a probable case was reported. Health officials say the public should be aware and ready and stay calm. Dr. Kevin Lee, a Central Michigan University health professor, says that avoiding panic is key in keeping the virus under control. Lee is available to comment on this evolving pandemic. A few of Lee's initial thoughts on the subject:
  • "Because the current worldwide swine flu epidemic is evolving rapidly and the eventual severity of this pandemic is not yet known, it is important that everyone remain vigilant and watchful of ongoing events."
  • "If you are faced with any flu-like illness, you are urged to immediately see your family physician or visit an urgent care or emergency facility. If you do have swine flu, early intervention may limit both the severity and the spread of the disease."
  • "It is key for the public to realize that there are simple and effective measures that everyone can practice. Frequent and appropriate hand washing, covering one's mouth and nose while coughing, and avoiding large crowds and contact with sick individuals are simple tips we all can manage right now."
Kevin_Lee.jpg Lee specializes in general areas of emergency medicine. His experience in the medical field spans more than 20 years working in the ER and urgent care practice. To set up an interview with this expert, contact Tracy Burton, 989-774-1072, tracy.burton@cmich.edu More detailed information about Lee can be found at his faculty Web site at http://www.cmich.edu/chp/x3544.xml ]]> http://www.news.cmich.edu/expert-sources/2009/05/cmu-health-professor-vigilance/ http://www.news.cmich.edu/expert-sources/2009/05/cmu-health-professor-vigilance/ College of Health Professions News tips and sources Wed, 06 May 2009 14:44:24 -0500 More prevention today for better health tomorrow As the Obama administration discusses health care reform, health professionals must advocate for a stronger emphasis on prevention programs, a response that could ultimately save the country hundreds of billions of dollars annually -- and have a greater impact on the overall health of our country's residents. Central Michigan University community health professor Mark Minelli is available to comment on these evolving efforts. A few of Minelli's initial thoughts on the subject:
  • "We need a public health model that educates an entire community, a strategy that coordinates all public resources to work together on health promotion and disease prevention."
  • "A few obvious contributors that bring on ill health: tobacco products, poor diet and physical inactivity, and abuse of alcohol and drugs. We need to put a halt to these lifestyle choices. Prevention programs offer a healthy start."
  • "Levels of prevention should include the following:
    1) Primary: health education before diseases begin 2) Secondary: mass screenings to catch the disease process early on 3) Tertiary: re-education and rehabilitation to treat the problem if the first two strategies fail"
  • "These bold new outlooks require commitments on both an individual and a community level. We also need support from our health care leaders."
Mark_Minelli.jpg Minelli specializes in a number of areas in community health including prevention and treatment, and healthcare management. To set up an interview with this expert, contact: Tracy Burton, 989-774-1072, tracy.burton@cmich.edu ]]> http://www.news.cmich.edu/expert-sources/2009/04/more-prevention-today-for-bett/ http://www.news.cmich.edu/expert-sources/2009/04/more-prevention-today-for-bett/ College of Health Professions Health News tips and sources Mon, 06 Apr 2009 14:12:11 -0500 Technology advancing at a rapid rate, devices getting smaller and smaller Apple recently released the 4GB iPod nano -- now the smallest member of the iPod family of digital audio players. The device, which is about the size of a lighter and the width of a pencil, weighs 1.5 ounces and can hold nearly 1,000 songs. Central Michigan University engineering professor Kumar Yelamarthi is available to comment on technology as it continues to shrink in physical size. A few of Yelamarthi's initial thoughts on the subject:
  • Technology is advancing at a rapid rate accommodating the invention of devices that were once thought to be infeasible, such as the handheld computer. The foundation for all this is the Integrated Circuit (IC) invented 60 years ago. Ever since, the IC industry has achieved a tremendous growth."
  • "For the past five decades, the size of most devices has shrunk by at least a half inch every 18 months. Examples of this advancement are Apple's third generation 4GB iPod and Intel's latest Atom processor, which consumes less than 10 percent of the power of today's other mainstream mobile processors."
  • "Although the advancement of this technology is laudable, there is a scope for further improvement. In the new trend, the IC technology will be used with nanotechnology and biotechnology for many devices such as biochips, driverless cars and robots."
Yelamarthi_Kumar.jpg Yelamarthi specializes in a number of areas in electrical engineering, including integrated circuit design, CAD tool development, digital design automation and applied electronics. More detailed information about Yelamarthi can be found at his faculty Web site, http://www.et.cmich.edu/faculty/yelamarthi.shtml To set up an interview with this expert, contact: Tracy Burton, 989-774-1072, tracy.burton@cmich.edu ]]> http://www.news.cmich.edu/expert-sources/2009/04/technology-advancing-at-a-rapi/ http://www.news.cmich.edu/expert-sources/2009/04/technology-advancing-at-a-rapi/ News tips and sources Science and Technology Mon, 06 Apr 2009 13:29:35 -0500 Secretary Clinton's visit to Mexico Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will visit Mexico March 25-26 during her first trip to Latin America since taking office. Central Michigan University political science professor Orlando Perez is available to comment on her visit to the area. A few of Perez's initial thoughts on the subject:
  • "Mrs. Clinton will visit Mexico City and Monterrey in an effort to bolster Mexico's fight against drug cartels, which have unleashed a wave of violence that threatens the stability of our close neighbor. Mexico is the United States' third largest trading partner and the largest source of immigrants. Mexican officials say the violence killed 6,290 people last year and more than 1,000 in the first eight weeks of 2009."
  • "Mexico is the main transit point for cocaine entering the U.S. and a source for much of the heroin, marijuana and methamphetamine consumed in the United States. The State Department issued a travel alert last month that compared recent confrontations between Mexican authorities and the cartels to 'small-unit combat.' In response to concerns by Mexico that the warning will negatively affect their tourism industry, and discourage thousands of students from traveling to Mexico for spring break or study abroad, U.S. officials stressed that the violence was localized."
  • "Clinton's visit to Monterrey, an industrial city near the Texas border, is in part intended to signal that the Obama administration does not believe Mexico is unsafe. Despite downplaying the effect of the travel warning, U.S. government officials regard the violence as a major national security threat for the U.S. The spiraling violence has worried authorities in border states and sparked calls to send U.S. military troops to the border."
    Perez specializes in Latin American politics, U.S.-Latin American relations, civil-military relations and the politics of developing nations. He speaks English and Spanish. More detailed information about Perez can be found at his faculty Web site, http://www.chsbs.cmich.edu/Political_Science/Directory/Perez.asp. Contact: Heather Smith, 989-774-1702, heather.smith@cmich.edu]]> http://www.news.cmich.edu/expert-sources/2009/03/secretary-clintons-visitmexico/ http://www.news.cmich.edu/expert-sources/2009/03/secretary-clintons-visitmexico/ American politics and society College of Education and Human Services Government and politics Political Science World politics and culture Wed, 25 Mar 2009 09:27:00 -0500 The U.S. and China in the 21st century Randall Doyle, Central Michigan University historian and authority on northeast Asia, predicts that during the 21st century the Asia-Pacific region will again become the focal point of global economic activity and that China and the U.S. will grow closer, economically and militarily, due to their common interests in maintaining peace and prosperity throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Doyle is available for comment on issues pertaining to the history, politics and economies of the U.S. and China. A few more of Doyle's thoughts on the subject:
    • "China and India will re-emerge as economic powerhouses. They lost this distinction at the beginning of the 19th century due to their inability to absorb, adjust, and understand the fundamental elements relating to the Industrial Revolution that emerged in Great Britain and Western Europe, and eventually the U.S., during the latter part of the 18th century."
    • "Domestic and international dangers exist in both the U.S. and China. China, historically, has looked for its enemies from within the nation, and those nations with which it shares a common border, again having specific concern about its longtime nemesis, Japan. The U.S. has enjoyed the reality of having two oceans providing security for its eastern and western flanks, but being the most powerful nation in the world, it finds itself increasingly drawn into wars that appeared fruitless and doomed to fail. Plus, the recent catastrophic economic collapse has caused many within the U.S. government, and foreign policy establishment, to re-evaluate the nation's foreign policy priorities."
    • "However, as the 21st century unfolds, both China and the U.S. find themselves facing a world that is increasingly fragmented and dangerous due to economic, political and religious volatility, and both are recognizing that their respective power and influence also demands that they accept a greater degree of responsibility for global affairs. The U.S. has basically accepted this reality since the end of WWII, yet China is just beginning to understand its global position and all the expectations and responsibilities that go along with being an emerging hegemonic power."
      Randall Doyle is an authority on the history, politics, economy and trade in Australia and northeast Asia, including Korea, Japan and China. His research focuses on U.S. foreign policy and politics, Australian environmental politics, the Pacific Rim, and the Asia-Pacific. He also can speak on military issues in the Asia-Pacific, changing global dynamics, and global hunger. He is the author of "America and China: Asia-Pacific Rim Hegemony in the Twenty-First Century." Contact: Heather Smith, 989-774-1702, heather.smith@cmich.edu]]> http://www.news.cmich.edu/expert-sources/2009/03/the-us-and-china-in-the-21st-c/ http://www.news.cmich.edu/expert-sources/2009/03/the-us-and-china-in-the-21st-c/ College of Humanities and Social and Behavioral Sciences Government and politics History News tips and sources World politics and culture Wed, 25 Mar 2009 08:30:58 -0500 SEC proposal could worsen U.S. financial problems Federal regulators are proposing some of the biggest bailouts in U.S. history and also are implementing new rules for trading. Central Michigan University finance and law faculty member Theodore Bolema says that the Treasury proposal is generally sound, but the Securities and Exchange Commission's latest proposal is likely to worsen the current financial problems. Bolema is available for commentary on the issue. A few of Bolema's initial thoughts on the subject:
      • "The current financial industry crises all stem from the same fundamental source -- the willingness of Congress to provide financial support for essentially private activity by private corporations. The direct financial support each year is bad enough, but the willingness to shift risk from private financial institutions to the taxpayers led to the entirely foreseeable financial crisis we have today."
      • "The Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac bailouts were foreseeable years ago, and Washington lacked the political will to take action when the cost would have been minimal. The 2005 Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Reform Act, which was proposed in the U.S. Senate, is an example of reform legislation that would have probably made the current bailouts unnecessary."
      • "The new SEC ban on short selling will probably be counterproductive and will deprive the market of a useful tool for correcting over-reactions and adding liquidity to the market. One obviously better approach is to limit the ban on naked short selling, so that the short seller will have to have the stock it promises to sell in a short sale, and another approach is to allow short sales only after the stock price rises, which would allow most of the corrective short-selling while preventing short-sellers from accelerating market declines. The latter is the 'up-tick' rule, which unfortunately was eliminated by the SEC in early 2007."
      • "The current Treasury plan is similar to the Resolution Trust Corporation plan in the late 1980s, which created a plan to liquidate the assets of failed savings and loans. That is probably the best option today and at least has the virtue of intervening earlier than was the case with the RTC."
      Bolema, an expert on business and antitrust law, is a former trial attorney with the Department of Justice. He is a practicing attorney licensed in the State of Michigan and is also a Ph.D. economist. Bolema was an attorney with Weil, Gotshal & Manges in New York City and is a former special assistant attorney general for the Eastern District of Virginia.
      Contact: Heather Smith, 989-774-1702, heather.smith@cmich.edu ]]>       http://www.news.cmich.edu/expert-sources/2008/09/sec-proposal-could-worsen-us-f/ http://www.news.cmich.edu/expert-sources/2008/09/sec-proposal-could-worsen-us-f/ Business, finance, jobs and the economy College of Business Administration Finance and Law News tips and sources Fri, 19 Sep 2008 21:51:05 -0500       Will Middle Eastern affairs impact the election? As we move closer to electing a new president, voters in the U.S. are forming their decision based on the candidates' stances on education, health care, the economy, energy and many more important issues. But how much will the candidates' experience and expertise with Middle Eastern affairs sway voters? CMU Middle East expert John Robertson is available for commentary on the issue. Some of Robertson's initial thoughts on the subject:
      • "As crisis points pop up, whom of the two candidates do you trust more? McCain is a war hero, with long service on the Foreign Affairs committee, but he also is famous for his hair-trigger temper and rather macho response-mode, and some military brass have called him out on that score, as someone whose temperament is too volatile to be entrusted with presidential responsibility in a wartime atmosphere. Obama, on the other hand, has neither military experience nor significant service in foreign affairs, but he is well-known as someone who prefers to move with more sober judgment and gather input from a variety of perspectives."
      • "As far as Iraq is concerned, it remains a cauldron where tensions simmer, ready to be brought to boil very quickly. It is interesting that both candidates now have to deal with the Maliki government's newfound confidence, as it is now demanding a timetable and pretty firm departure date. Neither candidate will do well to pronounce, 'we're staying in Iraq longer, no matter what the Iraqi government wants.'"
      SOURCE: John Robertson, history Central Michigan University Phone: 989-774-1145 E-mail: rober1j@cmich.edu
      Robertson_John.jpg Robertson is an authority on the history and cultures of the Middle East, from its earliest civilizations to the present. He teaches history courses on Iraq and Iran, as well as the wider Middle East region. His op-eds, published comments and on-air interviews have dealt with Arab-Israeli relations; U.S. and European relations with Middle Eastern countries, including Iraq and Iran; and recent Middle Eastern history and current events.

      For additional news from Central Michigan University visit its online newsroom at http://www.news.cmich.edu. Contact: Heather Smith, 989-774-1702, heather.smith@cmich.edu]]>       http://www.news.cmich.edu/expert-sources/2008/09/will-middle-eastern-affairs-im/ http://www.news.cmich.edu/expert-sources/2008/09/will-middle-eastern-affairs-im/ American politics and society College of Humanities and Social and Behavioral Sciences History News tips and sources World politics and culture Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:13:53 -0500       Election 2008: CMU experts available for commentary Election 2008 is in full swing and it is any candidates' ballgame. The hot issues include everything from the war in Iraq to health care in the U.S. Central Michigan University experts from various disciplines are available for commentary on the following issues. Elections, voting, campaign practices and youth political participation Chris Owens, assistant professor of political science Office phone: 989-774-3165 E-mail: owens2ct@cmich.edu Chris Owens is an authority in the areas of American politics, voting behavior, elections, political parties, interest groups, race and politics, political psychology, and electoral laws. He also can speak about minority representation, political mobilization, religion in politics and affirmative action. J. Cherie Strachan, assistant professor of political science Phone: 989-774-3593 E-mail: strac1jc@cmich.edu J. Cherie Strachan is an American politics authority in the areas of youth participation, civic education, local campaign practices, and political culture and U.S. governors. She is the author of "High-Tech Grass Roots," which explores the use and effects of sophisticated campaign practices in local parties. She also has presented numerous papers at national and international academic conferences, including her research article "An Argument for Deliberative Civic Education in the Political Science Classroom." Her current research projects include investigating the effects of different civic education messages on young people and the norms of regional political culture that promote democracy. Iraq war John Robertson, professor of history Phone: 989-774-1145 E-mail: rober1j@cmich.edu John Robertson is an authority on the history and cultures of the Middle East, from its earliest civilizations to the present. He teaches history courses on Iraq and Iran, as well as the wider Middle East region. His recent op-eds, published comments and on-air interviews have dealt with Arab-Israeli relations; U.S. and European relations with Middle Eastern countries, including Iraq and Iran; and recent Middle Eastern history and current events. Moataz Fattah, assistant professor of political science Phone: 989-774-4432 E-mail: fatta1ma@cmich.edu Web site: http://www.chsbs.cmich.edu/political_science/faculty/fattah.htm Moataz Fattah is an authority on the political economy of the Middle East, Islam and politics, the history of Islamic thought, and quantitative analysis. He has written numerous articles and books on Arab affairs and Middle Eastern issues and conducted many television and radio interviews on these topics. Along with faculty positions at both Central Michigan University and Cairo University in Egypt, Fattah currently holds positions with the Arab Electronic Library, the Program of Dialogue among Civilizations at Cairo University, Partners in Development Think Tank and is an information consultant for the Arab League's Arab Women Organization. Alper Dede, instructor of political science Phone: 989-774-2348 E-mail: alper.dede@cmich.edu Alper Yilmaz Dede is an authority on the relationship between religion and politics in Middle Eastern countries. He can talk about U.S. foreign policy, Middle East politics, Islam and politics, the history of Islam, and Islam as a religion. He also can talk about the role of the United States in the Middle East. Health care Bernie Kerr, assistant professor of health administration Phone: 989-774-1351 E-mail: kerr1bj@cmich.edu Associate professor Bernie Kerr is available to comment on the feasibility and efficacy of Presidential candidates' proposed health care plans. He is an expert on population health, health informatics, health education and community health. Kerr has taught courses in public health, financial aspects of health services and strategic planning for health organizations for CMU's Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions and is a fellow and board certified health care executive of the American College of Healthcare Executives. Cynthia Manns, sociology faculty member Central Michigan University Office: 989-774-3160 Cellular: 517-402-2350 E-mail: manns1cl@cmich.edu Cynthia Manns is an authority on health care and insurance, gender issues, feminism in the 21st century, racism and inequality, and affirmative action. She also can talk about HIV in the African American community, issues within the U.S. education system, globalization and affordable housing. She is currently conducting research to advance studies for health care in the U.S. Global warming Leigh Orf, assistant professor of geography Phone: (989) 774-2907 E-mail: orf1l@cmich.edu Leigh Orf, an assistant professor of meteorology, is an expert on global warming. Orf has taught courses in mesoscale meteorology, numerical weather prediction, physical meteorology, atmospheric thermodynamics and atmospheric dynamics. He has integrated a climate change component in his teachings that focuses on the greenhouse effect. Orf also can speak on how atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations alter weather patterns. Presidential candidates' use of the Web and new media Rick Sykes, professor of broadcast and cinematic arts Phone: 989-774-3894 E-mail: sykes1wr@cmich.edu Web site: http://www.bca.cmich.edu/alumni/ubcasite/facultydetail.asp?employeeid=13 CMU's Rick Sykes can discuss how Presidential candidates are using the Web and its new-media options to promote themselves, win over voters and collect financial contributions. In addition, Sykes is knowledgeable in almost every area of broadcast journalism, including news writing, editing, reporting and newscast production. He is the faculty adviser to CMU's award-winning student television station and has broadcast news experience in both Saginaw and Detroit. Candidates' communication: nonverbals, embarrassment and other emotional communication Lesley Withers, associate professor and graduate coordinator of communication and dramatic arts Phone: 989-774-6673 E-mail: withe1la@cmich.edu Web site: http://www.cda.cmich.edu/staff/lesley_withers.htm Lesley Withers, an expert in nonverbal communication can analyze the gestures, facial expressions and posture of political speakers in a variety of settings. Withers' additional research interests are in the "dark side" of interpersonal communication: embarrassment, communication apprehension, deception and addiction. She is one of just a few communication researchers with expertise in embarrassment. CMU Public Relations contact: Heather Smith 989-774-1702 E-mail: heather.smith@cmich.edu]]> http://www.news.cmich.edu/expert-sources/2008/09/election-2008-cmu-experts-avai/ http://www.news.cmich.edu/expert-sources/2008/09/election-2008-cmu-experts-avai/ American politics and society News tips and sources Thu, 04 Sep 2008 15:05:00 -0500 Advice for students heading to college ... and their anxious parents Back-to-school time is here, and one Central Michigan University expert can provide comments regarding what students and parents should know and consider before packing their bags and boxes and heading off to a college or university. Joan Schmidt, who has more than 30 years of experience in student housing, is available to speak with reporters. Some of Schmidt's initial thoughts: Regarding how parents can help their students be successful in their newfound independence: "Resist the natural, parental urge to interfere. If students call home and talk about any difficulties they are experiencing, they should be encouraged to find and pursue their own solutions to perceived problems. Students should be encouraged to address the situation and, if needed, to approach a university official, such as a resident assistant if it is a roommate issue, a professor or academic adviser if it is an academic issue, or a counselor if it is a personal issue. In many cases -- including at CMU -- resources for resolution can be found right within the student's residence hall complex. "Family members also can help by staying in regular contact with their students, but it is important for students to develop social ties on campus, too. They should reassure students that homesickness is fairly typical and will usually diminish as the semester progresses. Students should be encouraged to take advantage of what college has to offer -- programs, activities, plays, advising, counseling, athletic events, student organizations and perhaps part-time employment." Regarding how students can get comfortable with their new surroundings: "Spend time on campus. Students should be encouraged to stay on campus during the weekends rather than returning home every weekend. Most students go home over Labor Day, and often they will go home for their high school homecoming, but other than those weekends they should be encouraged to stay on campus. That way they will make new friends, get to know the campus and community, and feel a true part of the university experience." *** Joan_Schmidt.jpg Joan Schmidt is well versed in matters related to on-campus living. She recently received the Parthenon Award from the Association of College and University Housing Officers - International, a prestigious distinction for service, leadership and contributions to the student housing field. Schmidt is a vocal proponent of using the term "residence hall" instead of "dorm": "Residence halls are much more than a place to sleep and eat; they truly are a place where students can feel at home and be a part of a vibrant living and learning community," she says. Contact: Lindsay Allen, 989-774-7327, lindsay.allen@cmich.edu.


      Photo above: Joan Schmidt
      ]]>       http://www.news.cmich.edu/expert-sources/2008/08/advice-for-students-heading-to/ http://www.news.cmich.edu/expert-sources/2008/08/advice-for-students-heading-to/ Mon, 18 Aug 2008 12:31:04 -0500       Meteor shower expected to produce eye-catching streaks of light SOURCE: Christopher Tycner, Physics Central Michigan University Phone: 989-774-3487 E-mail: tycne1c@cmich.edu Christopher Tycner came to CMU from the U.S. Naval Observatory, Flagstaff Station in 2007. He specializes in observational stellar astrophysics and studies circumstellar disks of hot stars using a variety of ground-based instruments including long-baseline optical interferometry and spectroscopy. For additional news from Central Michigan University visit its online newsroom at http://www.news.cmich.edu. Contact: Tracy Burton, 989-774-1072, tracy.burton@cmich.edu ]]> http://www.news.cmich.edu/expert-sources/2008/08/meteor-shower-expected-to-prod/ http://www.news.cmich.edu/expert-sources/2008/08/meteor-shower-expected-to-prod/ College of Science and Technology Science Thu, 07 Aug 2008 16:39:39 -0500