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.*
|
An Economic Look at the Recent Job Report
|
The latest job report for San Diego County was recently published showing the unemployment rate at 4.7 percent in January 2026, up from 4.4 percent in the previous month. Trade, transportation and utilities had the largest decline with leisure and hospitality jobs also seeing cutbacks. Alan Gin, associate professor of economics, can discuss what these numbers tell us about the economic health of our region and how it compares to previous years.
|
Rising Fuel Costs Push More Drivers Toward Electric Vehicles
|
A surge in “pump anxiety” driven by rising gas prices is accelerating consumer interest in electric vehicles, with spikes in searches, test drives and used EV sales. Jae Kim is an associate professor and chair of industrial and systems engineering who studies EVs. He can talk about whether charging networks and the power grid are ready for wider use and what this shift could mean for everyday drivers and the future cost of transportation.
|
Earth Month: Building Sustainable Habits
|
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. John Alejandro, director of sustainability at USD, can share easy tips for reducing your footprint and creating more sustainable habits like donating clothing versus throwing them out and buying/eating only what you need to avoid food waste, for example.
|
* Please note that times of availability will vary according to professors' schedules.
|
