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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Using Tech to Help the Blind Navigate Buildings on Their Own
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How can we utilize technology to make spaces more accessible for everyone? That’s a question a group of USD students set out to answer this Spring when starting work on an idea that, this summer, is becoming a reality. They’ve outfitted one of USD’s buildings with beacons that communicate with a smartphone app, helping visually impaired people navigate the space around them. It works like a GPS for the blind, helping guide them around the building, and giving them information about their surroundings. Dr. Odesma Dalrymple is an associate professor of industrial and systems engineering. She has been working with students and community partners on the project, which they hope to eventually expand to other parts of San Diego. She’s available for interviews and a demonstration of the project at 11 a.m Thursday.
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Congress Weighs Child Privacy Bills as DOJ Sues TikTok
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After passing in the Senate in a 91-3 vote, two bills aimed at protecting children's privacy online -- known as KOSA and COPPA 2.0 -- are awaiting a vote in the House. Those bills, supporters say, would regulate things like collection of children's data and their algorithmic social media feeds. All this comes as the Justice Department sues TikTok over its alleged handling of children's personal information. Ed Howard is the Senior Counsel for USD's Children's Advocacy Institute. He can discuss the TikTok lawsuit, and how it plays into the bigger picture of tech regulation playing out in Congress.
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USD Professors Work with Local High School Students on Research Projects
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Earlier this month, USD partnered with Ocean Discovery Institute to offer a research experience on campus for 30 high school students from City Heights. Three USD professors worked with the students on different research projects, such as the impact pathogens have on ocean coral. On August 8 at 5 p.m., the students will share their research findings and experience with the community. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to press@sandiego.edu.
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* Please note that times of availability will vary according to professors' schedules.
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