Office of Media Relations at the University of San Diego
July 27, 2021 | View in web browser

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

July 27, 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.*

Understanding the Science Behind the Delta Variant

Arietta Fleming-Davies, a biology professor and infectious disease expert, can provide insight on how virus variants arise, why this variant is being considered more infectious and what people need to understand about the spread of infections.

The Importance of Career Networking During the Summer

According to a LinkedIn study, 85% of jobs are “filled via networking.” Over the summer, a USD-exclusive networking platform called T.E.A.M. (Torero Employer and Alumni Mentors) saw a big jump in the number of users and connections being made, now reaching more than 5,500 total users on the platform. USD Career Coach Dee Kayalar, ICF-ACC can provide insight on the importance of networking in the current job market and why the summer is a perfect time for students, and anyone, to network for new job opportunities.

The Research Behind the Movement in the Britney Spears’ Conservatorship Case

Two members of the House of Representatives recently proposed a bill that aims to protect Britney Spears and other individuals under legal conservatorships or guardianships. Spears’ fans were the ones who brought this issue to light. Bradley Bond, associate professor of communication studies, researches how audiences develop parasocial relationships with celebrities, and can speak on why people who don’t even know the celebrity have a strong connection and emotional attachment to her and how that led to the rise of the #FreeBritney movement.

For all media inquiries, email our team at

press@sandiego.edu.

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

USD Spotlight

Mark Chapman, Assistant Professor of Integrated Engineering

STEAM Academy

*Can Provide Interviews in English and Spanish

The sixth annual STEAM Youth and Community Conference took place virtually this year at the University of San Diego. Mathematics professor Perla Myers, Ph.D., engineering professor Odesma Dalrymple, Ph.D., and mathematics education professor Joi Spencer, Ph.D. created the STEAM Academy and Conference to promote Rising Stars in the world of STEAM using intentional strategies for addressing the specific interests, cultural perspectives and educational needs of mostly BIPOC participants while at the same time, researching the educational environments that best support the needs of low-income and students of color.