University of Houston experts are available for comment when planning continuing media coverage of the Boston Marathon bombings. UH experts can approach the issues surrounding this tragedy from a variety of angles: the social and psychological effects, domestic terrorism and anti-government groups, the significance of milestone days such as Patriot's Day, as well as bomb threat response and heightened security practices.
Please contact media relations professionals in University Communication to assist in arranging media interviews.
BOMB THREAT RESPONSE, SECURITY
Christopher Chung, associate professor of industrial engineering, conducts research on how best to respond to bomb threats. He has done work on airport security checkpoints during times of heightened security. Chung is a former bomb disposal officer with the U.S. Army and was a member of the federal government's elite Nuclear Emergency Support Team. Chung can be reached at 713-743-4195 or cchung@uh.edu.
DOMESTIC TERRORISM, MILESTONE DAYS
Ryan Kennedy, assistant professor of political science, is available to discuss domestic terrorism, anti-government groups and milestone days such as Patriot's Day, the 20th anniversary of the Waco tragedy and tax day. Kennedy is a marathon runner. His teaching interests include democratization and comparative politics, primarily dealing with stability and change in political institutions. Kennedy can be reached at rkennedy@uh.edu or 713-743-1663.
LONG LASTING SOCIAL EFFECTS
Luis Salinas, professor of sociology, is available to discuss the long lasting social effects of tragic incidents such as the Boston Marathon bombings. Luis' work with the UH Center for Immigration Research and the UH Center for Mexican American Studies at the University of Houston has resulted in publications on religion and family. A marathon runner himself, Luis is available for interviews in English and Spanish. Reach Salinas at 713.743.3957 or lsalinas@uh.edu.
MEDIA COVERAGE OF BOSTON BOMBINGS
Garth Jowett, professor of communication at UH, is an expert in propaganda and co-author of the book, “Propaganda and Persuasion,” the most widely used book in academic propaganda studies. His area of research and teaching include: the history of communications and popular culture, propaganda studies and the role of media in modern society. His publications include, “Film: The Democratic Art”, “Movies As Mass Communication”, and “Children and the Movies: Media Influence and the Payne Fund Studies.” Reach him at garthsj@earthlink.net
PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS
John Vincent, professor of psychology, is director of the Center for Forensic Psychology. Vincent is available to discuss psychological aspects of the tragedy. Vincent’s research areas include forensic psychology, and posttraumatic stress and acute stress disorders. To arrange an interview with Vincent, please contact media relations representative Melissa Carroll at 713-743-8153 or mcarroll@uh.edu.
If you need assistance reaching a UH expert, please contact a media relations representative in University Communication.
About the University of Houston
The University of Houston is a Carnegie-designated Tier One public research university recognized by The Princeton Review as one of the nation's best colleges for undergraduate education. UH serves the globally competitive Houston and Gulf Coast Region by providing world-class faculty, experiential learning and strategic industry partnerships. Located in the nation's fourth-largest city, UH serves more than 40,700 students in the most ethnically and culturally diverse region in the country.