The Virginia Tech media relations office has the following experts available for interviews this week surrounding issues in the news. To schedule an interview, please contact mediarelations@vt.edu.

Silicon Valley Bank Fallout

As Silicon Valley became a hub for innovation over the last few decades, Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) emerged as a leading financial institution. But last week, a bank run forced the FDIC to take over. As Virginia Tech economist, Jadrian Wooten explains, bank runs are not a new phenomenon - they have been observed throughout history, from the Great Depression to the Great Recession in 2008. “They are a classic example of herd behavior, where individuals follow the actions of others, even if those actions may not be in their best interest,” says Wooten. More here.

The sudden collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, the second largest bank failure in American history, raises questions about the stability of banks across the nation. Virginia Tech finance expert, George Morgan offers insights into the security of the U.S. banking sector and of bank customers’ funds in this volatile economic climate.

Road to Perfect Bracket

Let’s go… HOKIES! For the first time in program history, the Virginia Tech women's basketball team earned a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. The Hokies will play Chattanooga on Friday in Blacksburg. To view the full bracket.

For millions of March Madness fans, picking the perfect bracket can be challenging and frustrating. In fact, even if you know something about basketball, your odds are 1 in 120.2 billion. The majority of people watch them go up in smoke in the first round alone. Each year, the college basketball tournament presents a perplexing exercise in knowledge, skill, mathematical probability, and just plain luck. Virginia Tech marketing professor Rajesh Bagchi calls on his expertise in marketing analytics, consumer behavior, judgment, and decision-making to provide insight and advice for those looking for an edge filling out a bracket. More here.

Can we really be “Everything Everywhere All at Once”?

“Everything Everywhere All at Once” swept the 2023 Oscars on Sunday night. The film took home awards in seven of the eleven categories it was nominated for, including best picture, best actress for Michelle Yeoh and best directors for the Daniels. It's a best picture winner like no one has ever seen before, in no small part because of its use of the concept of multiple universes — shortened to “multiverse” in pop culture parlance. Award-winning Virginia Tech physics professor Djordje Minic discusses how physicists theorize that the multiverse might really function, and whether there can be contact between parallel universes. More here

Daylight saving can create driver fatigue and hazards on the road

As most Americans push their clocks forward for daylight saving time, it’s also a time for commuters that can translate to more driver fatigue and hazards on the road, says Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) expert Matt Camden. He says that any time change can exacerbate drowsiness and your body may need a few days to adjust accordingly. He offers advice for drivers to avoid fatigue. More here.  

Is TikTok’s time ticking down as Congress, Biden consider ban?

Virginia Tech multimedia journalism professor Mike Horning offers his perspective about why federal lawmakers consider TikTok, the world’s fastest-growing social media app, a threat to national security. “I think it's important to realize the degree to which the algorithms on TikTok are good at understanding what appeals to us. This means that it is really good at giving us content that could influence our attitudes,” Horning says. “Putting that power in the hands of a company that has ties to China does make those interested in our national security concerned and for good reason.” More here.

Growing a successful garden on a budget

Home vegetable gardeners know that the cost of materials for raised beds, plants, soil, and fertilizer can add up quickly, but how much of an investment is necessary to grow a successful garden? Planning, planting at the correct times, and making strategic spending choices are key to growing a successful garden on a budget, says Shawn Jadrnicek, a Roanoke Virginia Cooperative Extension agent. He’s available to share tips for maximizing yield in the vegetable garden while on a budget. More here.

If you are seeking an expert for a specific topic, please email mediarelations@vt.edu.

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