Office of Media Relations at the University of San Diego
December 10, 2024  |  View in web browser

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

December 10, 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.*

How to Avoid Holiday Scams

The FBI recently issued a warning to holiday shoppers – beware of scams. According to the Federal Trade Commission, individuals aged 18 to 39 are 25% more likely to fall victim to online shopping fraud compared to older adults. Nikolas Behar, a cybersecurity professor, is available to discuss common holiday scams, what steps to take if you’ve been targeted, and how to protect yourself from falling victim. *English and Spanish interviews available

Toy Safety Tips for Parents and Kids

There are all kinds of considerations that go into finding the right gift for someone this holiday season, and when shopping for little ones it’s important to keep safety in mind. Martha Fuller is an associate professor of nursing at USD and a pediatric nurse practitioner. Dr. Fuller can talk about some dangers to look out for and how to ensure you’re buying child safe, age-appropriate toys and gifts.

What's Happening with All the Recent Food Recalls?

Over the last few weeks there have been a series of food recalls, from an E. coli outbreak at McDonald's to recalls of organic carrots and cucumbers. FDA data shows an increase in recalls this year – with more than 1,900 food/cosmetics recalls in FY 2024 (so far) compared to 1,563 recalls last year. Aaron Gross, director of USD's new Center for Food Systems Transformation, can discuss the serious issue of food poisoning, its connection to factory farming, and the role of animal manure contamination. He can also offer advice on making informed produce choices. 

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

Cesar Bahena

At the Edge of It All Podcast: What Positive Civil Discourse Can Look Like on a College Campus

 

Nicole Whitner, Assistant Vice President and Dean of Students, and Leilani Youmans, Civil Discourse Ambassador - both at the University of San Diego - joined the "At the Edge of it All" podcast to talk about the importance of civility and how to approach difficult conversations, especially on a college campus and among young adults. You can listen to this episode here.

 

USD Media Relations

Lissette Martinez

Lissette Martinez

Senior Director, Media Relations

lissettemartinez@sandiego.edu

Elena Gomez

Elena Gomez

Associate Director, Media Relations

elenagomez@sandiego.edu

Cameran Zech

Cameran Zech

Associate Director, Media Relations

cbiltucci@sandiego.edu

Steven Covella

Steven Covella

Assistant Director, Media Relations

scovella@sandiego.edu

Visit our press hub →

University of San Diego
 

Office of Media Relations

University of San Diego

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