Newswise — Several experts from the University of New Hampshire are available to discuss the impact of Hurricane Gustav, which is forecast to hit Louisiana as a major hurricane early next week.
Government ResponseMel Dubnick, professor of public administration
Dubnick can address the effect of Hurricane Gustav on municipal services and discuss the federal, state and local response and accountability, including FEMA's response, in comparison to what occurred with Hurricane Katrina.
Katrina Fraud Was an Accountability Breakdown, but Results Should Be Approached with Cautionhttp://www.unh.edu/news/cj_nr/2006/june/lw_060614fraud.cfm?type=n
Mental Health ImpactVicki Banyard, associate professor of psychology
Banyard can discuss common responses and stresses of victims of traumatic experiences such as natural disasters. She has studied the resilience of trauma survivors and the role that community played in their recovery. She also has conducted studies on the stress and coping process among homeless families.
June 1 Means Increased Anxiety, Negative Emotions For Hurricane Victimshttp://www.unh.edu/news/news_releases/2006/april/lw_060412june1.html
Oil Spills/Groundwater ContaminationNancy Kinner, director of the Coastal Response Research Center, UNH/NOAA joint, and professor of civil engineering. Kinner can discuss oil spills, soil and groundwater contamination, and bioremediation, a clean-up technology that uses naturally occurring microorganisms to degrade hazardous substances into less toxic or nontoxic compounds.
Presidential ElectionDante Scala, associate professor of political science
Scala can discuss how the hurricane might affect the presidential election. The hurricane is forecast to hit Louisiana during the Republican National Convention.
Rebuilding New OrleansKurk Dorsey, associate professor of history
Dorsey can discuss the history of New Orleans from an environmental standpoint as well as the decision to rebuild.
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