Good morning newsrooms!

Here's your USD News Connect — where each week the University of San Diego media relations team offers expert voices to speak on stories impacting our community. If you're interested in the stories below, or need experts for any other topic you might be working on, don't hesitate to reach out to us at press@sandiego.edu.*

New Report Finds 48.4% of the U.S. is in Drought -- What is the Impact Locally?

Zhi-Yong Yin, environmental and ocean sciences professor, can discuss a new report that found that nearly 50% of the contiguous U.S. was in drought last month. Yin can share how this is significant considering our water sources (Northern California and Colorado) are also in drought conditions and what role La Niña weather conditions are playing.

How E-Commerce Trends May Foreshadow Future Changes in the Shipping Industry

Stanley Lim, assistant professor of supply chain management, can discuss how the growth in the parcel industry is also creating new tensions among shippers over surcharges and price increases. Lim can share how these tensions are similar to what the industry experienced in the '70s, leading to the development of new parcel companies. If this continues, this could increase consumer access to a greater variety of shipping options and more competitive prices in the future.

Transforming Curriculum for Social Innovation and Future Possible Selves

The pandemic shifted the way teachers teach and it’s likely many of those changes will stick around in the future. Lisa Dawley, executive director of the Jacobs Institute for Innovation in Education and Monte Kalisch, director of technology at the Jacobs Institute for Innovation in Education are available to talk about innovative changes to the curricular experience, emphasizing social good innovation and career-based learning opportunities for youth.

For all media inquiries, email our team at

press@sandiego.edu.

* Please note that times of availability will vary according to professors' schedules.

"Besides having a passion for this profession, my goal is to help other people that are in need, that are struggling with mental health."

- Michael Negron '21 (DNP)

Michael Negron is graduating with a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree this weekend. He plans to use his experience with PTSD after serving in the military, and his new nursing degree, to help others with their mental health.