In recent media appearances, Brock University experts discussed West Nile virus, the U.S. renaming of Lake Ontario through both a modern and historical lens, high-tech sport viewing, parental leave for fathers, trusting artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, student absenteeism, healthy habits for young students, Ontario’s return to phonics, Eurovision, Unifor contract negotiations, school bullying, and municipal elections and predictive markets.

Also covered in the media this week were Brock’s Welcome Weekend plans, 30 years of the Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) and the Steel Blade Classic.

West Nile virus confirmed in Sudbury District: Professor of Biological Sciences Fiona Hunter appeared on CTV News to discuss West Nile virus after an American crow in northern Ontario tested positive for the disease.

Renaming of Lake Ontario signals widening fracture in U.S.-Canada relations: Experts in the Department of Political Science weighed in on U.S. President Donald Trump’s order to rename Lake Ontario. Associate Professor Paul Hamilton spoke with the Steph Vivier in the Morning show on Newstalk 610 and Professor Blayne Haggart was a guest on The Drive on Newstalk 610. Their insights, as well as those of Associate Professor Stefan Dolgert, were also shared in the Niagara-on-the-Lake Local.

Historical lessons to be learned from hydronyms:  Associate Professor of Classics and Archaeology Katharine von Stackelberg joined Walter Sendzik on Newstalk 610’s The Drive to discuss the lessons modern leaders can learn from ancient leaders who tried renaming bodies of water. Her insights were also shared in the Niagara-on-the-Lake Local.

Technology’s impact on the sport viewing experience: Associate Professor of Sport Management Brad Millington was a guest on AM640 to discuss whether technology enhances the viewing experience for sports fans or serves as a distraction. The interview also aired in syndication on AM stations across the country.

CCOVI celebrates 30th anniversary: Brock’s recent celebration marking 30 years of CCOVI was featured in a column by John McTavish in the St. Catharines Standard as well an interview with Donald Ziraldo on The Drive on Newstalk 610. The event was also covered in the Niagara-on-the-Lake Local.

Workplace culture key to encouraging fathers to take parental leave: Distinguished Professor of Sociology Andrea Doucet spoke with Benefits Canada about barriers preventing Canadian fathers from taking parental leave.

How trustworthy are AI chatbots: Psychology Lecturer Ali Jasemi was a guest on Newstalk 770 discussing the psychology behind why people tend to trust AI chatbots so easily and how these tools can be used more wisely.

Preparing Kindergartners for the start of school: The research of Assistant Professor of Language and Literacy Yvonne Messenger was featured in the Hamilton Spectator, highlighting the impact of healthy summer habits on young students.

Addressing student absenteeism: Professor of Education David Hutchinson spoke with Newstalk 580 Ottawa and the Hamilton Spectator about the support needed for students to properly address chronic absences. His comments were also featured on CTV News in Ottawa.

Phonics returning to Ontario kindergarten classrooms: Associate Professor of Child and Youth Studies Erin Panda spoke with Canadian Affairs about the importance of addressing students’ reading needs in earlier grades.

Canada starts search for Eurovision artist: Adjunct Professor of Dramatic Arts Karen Fricker shared with CBC News what the opportunity for a Canadian artist or artists to compete in Eurovision.

Unifor fighting a battle on two fronts: Professor of Labour Studies Larry Savage spoke with The Canadian Press about Unifor’s ongoing contract talks and its fight to save the auto industry in Canada. The article was shared in various outlets across Canada, including the CBC News, BNN Bloomberg and Midland Today.

Spotting and stopping bullying in school-aged children: Associate Professor of Child and Youth Studies Ann Farrell joined the Steph Vivier in the Morning show on Newstalk 610 to discuss bullying ahead of the return to school for Niagara students. Expert advice from Farrell and others from the Department of Child and Youth Studies was featured in Burlington Today and Niagara-on-the-Lake Local.

Playing the odds on mayoral races: Professor of Finance Ernest Biktimirov spoke to CBC 93.5 FM in London about Canada’s regulatory approach to prediction-market betting on municipal elections. His comments were also featured in an article on CBC News.

Students return for Welcome Weekend: Manager of Off-Campus and Community Experience Kristen Smith joined The Drive on Newstalk 610 and Executive Director of Student Life and Success Jen Skelding spoke to Giant FM about new and returning students gearing up for another academic year. Welcome Weekend was also featured in the Niagara-on-the-Lake Local and Academica Group’s Top Ten News,

Brock, Guelph hockey teams to clash at Steel Blade Classic: The upcoming Steel Blade Classic and the replica War of 1812 sword on the line was featured in the St. Catharines Standard.