Newswise — In the wake of the worldwide swine flu outbreak, experts from across The University of Texas at Austin are available to comment on many aspects of viral infections, such as viral gene replication, the communication challenges the local and national health agencies are likely to face and more.
Health CommunicationLeeAnn Kahlor, assistant professor, Department of Advertising
Kahlor researches how to communicate health risks effectively, as well as communication challenges local and national health agencies are likely to face during an epidemic.
Michael Mackert, assistant professor, Department of Advertising
Mackert is an expert on health literacy, with a particular interest in the best ways to design health messages to reach low health literate populations. He can discuss how to ensure that information—online, in news stories, etc.—is accessible to lower literate audiences.
Epidemiology and InfectionRobert Krug, professor, Section of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology
Krug is an expert on influenza virus biology. His research focuses on proteins encoded by influenza A viruses (including avian flu) in cells during infection. He recently identified an "Achilles heel" in the flu virus that would be a good target for new antiviral drugs.
Lauren Ancel Meyers, associate professor, Section of Integrative Biology
Meyers in an evolutionary biologist who studies disease transmission dynamics. She has developed powerful models to forecast the spread of SARS and influenza and designed effective disease control strategies for hospitals and metropolitan areas.
Historical Perspective on EpidemicsJohn McKiernan-Gonzalez, assistant professor, Department of History
McKiernan-Gonzalez can provide an historical perspective on a variety of reactions to epidemics, and has specific research expertise in Mexican borders. He is available to do interviews in English and Spanish.
David Oshinsky Professor, Department of History
Oshinsky can provide background to the U.S. and epidemic disease. He is the Pulitzer Prize winner for his book "Polio, An American Story."
Public Health PolicyWilliam M. Sage, M.D., J.D., vice provost for health affairs, the James R. Dougherty Chair for Faculty Excellence in Law
An expert on health law, public policy and health regulations, Sage can speak to pandemic flu preparedness, including public health measures, professional obligations, liability issues and pharmaceuticals.
Pandemic PreparednessTrish O'Day, clinical instructor, School of Nursing
O'Day specializes on working with communities and populations in disaster response in addition to disaster and pandemic preparedness. She also is an expert on health education and disease surveillance by nurses.
RSS