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.*
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Keeping Your Information Safe from Hackers
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In light of the massive AT&T security breach and the Change Healthcare cyberattack, many are asking how they can keep their information out of the hands of hackers. Cybersecurity professor Nikolas Behar can provide tips for both businesses and individuals to keep their information safe from potential cyberattacks. Some of his recommendations include: creating a strong, unique password, securing your home network, updating devices and backing up your data and ensuring vendors/service providers have proper cybersecurity. *Behar is available for interviews in both English and Spanish.
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Expanding Community Energy Programs
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Clean Energy Alliance (CEA) recently added residents and businesses in Oceanside and Vista to its customer base. Members of CEA now include Oceanside, Vista, Solana Beach, Carlsbad, Del Mar, Escondido and San Marcos. The San Diego region has one other community choice energy program called San Diego Community Power. Scott Anders, Director of the Energy Policy Initiatives Center (EPIC), and Joe Kaatz, EPIC staff attorney, can explain what community energy programs are, what programs like these mean for our region, and what impact these programs have on consumers.
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Cutting Down on Food Waste
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April is Earth Month, a time when we devote extra time to reflecting on our impact on the environment and what we can do to lessen our impact. While things like renewable energy and eliminating plastics may grab more headlines, food waste is having a growing impact on sustainability. A recent report from the United Nations showed humans wasted an estimated $1 trillion worth of food in 2022. John Alejandro is the director of sustainability at USD. He can explain what effect this kind of waste can have on sustainability efforts and, ultimately, the environment. He can also provide tips that individuals or families can use on a daily basis to cut down on their food waste.
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* Please note that times of availability will vary according to professors' schedules.
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New Dean Hired to Lead Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies
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USD is excited to announce the hire of Darren Kew, PhD, as the new dean of the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies. He brings to USD a unique academic background and wide-ranging experience in the peacebuilding field, which combine to make him a perfect fit to lead the Kroc School. Kew has worked as an advisor on democracy and peace initiatives with the United Nations and U.S. State Department, among others. He studies conflict resolution and democratic development in Africa, and has monitored the last seven Nigerian elections.
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Office of Media Relations
University of San Diego
5998 Alcalá Park, San Diego, CA 92110
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