Good morning newsrooms!

Here's your USD News Connect — where each week the University of San Diego public affairs 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.*

Why Tensions With Iran Could Disrupt Global Supply Chains

Rising tensions with Iran are pushing oil prices higher and raising new concerns about global supply. Much of the world’s oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz, so even small disruptions can ripple quickly through shipping, fuel costs, and everyday goods. Simon Croom, professor of supply chain management, can explain why this chokepoint matters so much and how prolonged instability could impact prices and consumers worldwide. 

New Workshop Helps Families Navigate Social Media in a Time of Growing Concern

Parents and teens are increasingly unsure how to navigate social media’s impact on learning, wellbeing and family life. On Saturday, March 21, USD's Youth & Media Insights Lab is partnering with the Media Education Lab to host a pilot workshop for families with 5th-8th graders from La Jolla Country Day School to test a new social media literacy framework. The hands-on event comes amid global debates over social media use among young people and aims to equip families with practical tools to manage, analyze and participate online. RSVP if you would like to attend.

JR Blount Named USD Men’s Basketball Head Coach

University of San Diego Athletics has named JR Blount the 15th head coach in San Diego men's basketball program history. Blount arrives in San Diego with a reputation as one of college basketball's rising coaching talents after helping lead Iowa State to four NCAA Tournament appearances in four seasons. He joins the Toreros after five seasons on T.J. Otzelberger's staff at Iowa State, where the Cyclones compiled a 95-45 record during his tenure, won the 2024 Big 12 Tournament Championship and reached the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 in 2022 and 2024 — one of the most successful stretches in program history. 

For all media inquiries, email our team at

press@sandiego.edu.

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