UH Resources Available for New Year’s Stories

Whether you’re planning a party or seeking ways to make this new year better than the last, the University of Houston’s premier faculty has plenty of advice on ringing in 2009 on the right foot.

INVESTING
One of the big challenges for investors is handling losses in their retirement accounts. Understanding how and where to invest can be difficult in a time when every penny counts. Dale Rude, associate professor of business management, has expertise related to wealth building, including the psychology of managing investments and losses. Contact Rude at drude@uh.edu.

STRESS
Gambling. Drinking. Shopping. Overeating. Pick your vice. Stress often leads us toward unhealthy outlets for temporary relief. Richard Evans, distinguished professor of psychology, can explain why we resort to addictive behaviors to cope with anxiety. Contact Evans at rievans@uh.edu.

PREDICTIONS
Wouldn’t it be great to get paid to predict the future? That’s professor Peter Bishop’s full-time gig, and he doesn’t have to lug around a crystal ball or tarot cards. Find out what Bishop sees on our horizon and what makes him so sure he’s correct. Contact Bishop at pbishop@uh.edu.

BUSINESS
The new year is a great time for businesses to re-evaluate their emergency plans. Jamison Day, an assistant professor at Bauer College of Business and an expert on supply-chain management and inter-organizational coordination, can shed light on planning and optimization. Contact Day at jmday@uh.edu.

SMOKING
Trying to kick the tobacco habit, which causes more than 444,000 deaths in the U.S. every year, is no easy feat. Patrick Bordnick, associate professor of social work, has taken a different approach by developing a virtual reality experience that uses counseling along with simulated “real-life” situations to help people quit. Contact Bordnick at bordnick@uh.edu.

WINE AND SPIRITS
Want the perfect pairing of wine with hors d'oeuvres at your New Year’s party? Kevin Simon, director of the Fred Parks Wine Cellar at the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management, has a nose for the best beverages to ring in the new year. Contact Simon at ksimon@uh.edu.

PARTY FOOD
Food can be the most important part of any festivity, and the last thing you want to do is serve something that makes your party guests sick. Jay Neal of the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant management can answer all your questions about food safety. Contact Neal at jneal@central.uh.edu.

HOLIDAY BLUES
If the season has you feeling down but you’re ready to pick up the pace again in 2009, psychology and education professor Robert McPherson knows the best ways to get you out of a rut and back on track. Contact McPherson at bmcph@uh.edu.

FITNESS
You know the words to “It’s a Wonderful Life” by heart. You’ve worn out the carpet between your recliner and the leftover-filled fridge. If you don’t want to spend all your holiday gift cards on a new wardrobe, it’s time to get moving. Fazle Hussain, a distinguished professor known for his fondness for both fluid dynamics and fitness, has an arsenal of advice that can help you win the battle the bulge. Contact Hussain at fhussain@uh.edu.

Categories: