Office of Media Relations at the University of San Diego
March 12, 2024 | View in web browser

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

March 12, 2024

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.*

VIP Lab Research Cited in SCOTUS Amicus Brief

Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court reversed a Colorado ruling that would have disqualified former president Donald Trump from appearing on the state’s ballots. The SCOTUS proceedings included a number of parties filing amicus briefings, to persuade and inform justices. One of those briefings referred to research done by USD’s VIP Lab and ICCE, which investigated threats and harassment of local elected officials in San Diego County. VIP Lab Director Rachel Locke can discuss the amicus briefing, and how USD’s research reflects some of the trends we’re seeing nationally with the election in full swing.

AI Deepfakes’ Impact on the Legal System

Experts believe the use of artificial intelligence is headed to the courtroom. They fear people will use deepfakes in criminal proceedings to “create evidence to either provide alibis for activities or to try to prove the innocence or guilt of somebody.” Experts also believe AI may be used to streamline court reporting. Orly Lobel, Warren Distinguished Professor of Law, is available today and can talk about the potential uses for AI in legal proceedings and the concerns that come with it.

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

This month is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, an annual event of growing significance in 2024. Research shows colorectal cancer is on the rise in the U.S., particularly among younger patients. As rates of the disease climb, medical professionals are working to find the causes, and stressing the importance of awareness. David Soliman is a clinical associate professor at USD's Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science. He can talk about this growing trend and why it's concerning, and what people should know about the disease so they can monitor their own health.

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

Distinguished Lecture Series

Thursday, the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice will welcome Barbara F. Walter as part of the institute's ongoing Distinguished Lecture Series. Walter, a bestselling author and international affairs professor, is an expert in civil wars and violent extremism. She will discuss her work and related trends she's seeing during an election year. Please RSVP with press@sandiego.edu if you're interested in attending.