Office of Media Relations at the University of San Diego
July 20, 2021 | View in web browser

USD News Connect: Connecting Expert Voices to the Stories Impacting Our Community

July 20, 2021

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.*

Current U.S.-Mexico Border Travel Restrictions Set to Expire Today

*Can Provide Interviews in English and Spanish

According to the U.S. Embassy in Mexico, travel restrictions at the U.S. border with Mexico are in effect through midnight today. Melissa Floca, Program Officer for Cross-Border Initiatives at the University of San Diego, can share what the lifting of restrictions would mean in terms of the economic impact on both sides of the border, as well as speak to the toll on the region if restrictions are extended again.

Inflation is the Highest it has Been Since 2008

Consumer prices increased 5.4% in June from a year earlier-- the biggest jump since 2008. Food, energy, and housing prices are all accelerating. Dan Roccato, Clinical Professor of Finance, can explain how this is impacting average families and smart money moves they can make now.

Virtual Summer Classes Offered for Adults 55 Years+ Through USD Program

USD is hosting virtual summer workshops and seminars for local residents 55 years and older in the U3A program (University of Third Age). These “life-long learners” explore a new topic each week from a diverse speaker lineup. Upcoming topics in the July & August sessions include: mammals and climate change, the city’s art priorities, and homelessness initiatives. Since the pandemic, each class kicks off with a technology workshop to provide a student-requested course on computer/technology basics.

For all media inquiries, email our team at

press@sandiego.edu.

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

USD Expert Spotlight

"The summer research that students have been involved in helps to make advances in important health-related topics centered around obesity, cardiovascular disease, preventative medicine through exercise training and even how understanding hibernating mammals can help improve human health!"

- Mark Chapman
Assistant Professor of Integrated Engineering

Dr. Mark Chapman is working with three USD students who are getting hands-on research experience in Sweden, studying health-related topics. Students are looking at how muscles change with exercise and the gene expressions found in cardiovascular disease, amongst other topics. Some of the research the students are conducting will further Dr. Chapman's work on the effects of endurance training on our metabolism which was featured in Runner's World.