DU in the News

February 28, 2018June 18, 2018

News coverage highlighting Duquesne’s experts and initiatives.

Feb. 27
U.S. Supreme Court Ends Lawsuit Against Apollo Nuclear Fuels Plant Operators
The Tribune-Review interviewed Associate Law Professor Steven Baicker-McKee for this story about the U.S. Supreme Court’s rejection of an eight-year federal court case over whether a former Apollo nuclear fuels plant caused cancer in Armstrong County.

Some Western Pa. Colleges Will Forgive Disciplinary Action For Peaceful Protests
KDKA-TV interviewed Debbie Zugates, director of undergraduate admissions, for this story about the responses from local universities to high school students’ demonstrations regarding gun violence and how peaceful protests will not influence admissions decisions. A similar story appeared in the Pittsburgh City Paper.

Duquesne University Basketball Player’s Act of Kindness Goes Viral on Social Media
WTAE-TV interviewed sophomore basketball player Mike Lewis II, whose act of kindness on social media this past weekend has gone viral. In the video, Lewis is shown delivering pizza and chicken wings to a woman sleeping in her car near Duquesne’s campus.
**A similar story appeared on WSB-TV Atlanta, KTRK-TV Houston, WKRN-TV Nashville and WPVI-TV Philadelphia.

Feb. 26
Pennsylvania Congressional Candidates, New Map in Hand, Finally Hunting for Names
The Morning Call interviewed Law Professor Bruce Ledewitz for this story about how the new district map in Pennsylvania will affect congressional candidates’ campaigns.

Former VP Joe Biden to Speak at Duquesne Event Honoring Dan Rooney Next Month
The Tribune-Review reported that former Vice President Joe Biden will be among the speakers at a Duquesne event next month to honor the memory of former Steelers owner Dan Rooney.
**Similar stories also appeared in the Post-Gazette, the Pittsburgh Business Times, Newsmax, Steelers Depot, Still Curtain, and on WPXI-TV and WTAE-TV.

College Students Ready to Serve Others on Spring Break
The Pittsburgh Catholic included this article about a Feb. 18 Mass at St. Paul Cathedral during which Pittsburgh Bishop David Zubik commissioned approximately 50 area college students—including a number from Duquesne University—who will serve others during their annual spring breaks.

Feb. 25
When Princess Grace Came to Pittsburgh
Dr. Sam Hazo, emeritus professor of English, wrote this opinion piece for the Post-Gazette about Princess Grace’s connection with and visits to Pittsburgh. In the article, he mentions the princess’ 1980 visit to Duquesne, during which she received an honorary degree from the University.

Students Find Voice, Mission in Journalism
Adjunct Professor Mike Clark and Emily Stock, communications coordinator in the Office of Marketing and Communications who is a 2017 Duquesne graduate, were both interviewed for this article in Our Sunday Visitor about how students in the University’s journalism program benefit from the curriculum based in ethics and values.

Feb. 24
Jailed Over Unpaid Fines, Court Costs: Debtors’ Prisons?
The Houston Chronicle and the Associated Press published this Post-Gazette interview with Law Professor Wes Oliver, who is also director of the law school’s criminal justice program, about the ACLU’s response to Pennsylvanians doing jail time because of inability to pay court costs and fines. The article appeared in numerous other publications, including U.S. News and World Report, the York Daily Record, the Washington Times and the San Francisco Gate, among others.

Feb. 22
Landslides Continue to Worsen, Keep People from Condemned Homes
WPXI-TV interviewed Dr. Philip Reeder, dean of the Bayer School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, for this story about landslides in the Pittsburgh region as a result of urbanization.

Pa. Republicans Are Talking About Impeaching State Supreme Court Justices. Do They Have an Argument?
The Philadelphia Inquirer interviewed Law Professor Bruce Ledewitz about Pennsylvania Republicans’ response to the new state congressional map released Monday by the state Supreme Court.

Ohio River Compact Considers Eliminating Pollution Standards
WFPL-Radio interviewed Dr. John Stolz, director of the Center for Environmental Research and Education, for this story about the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission’s potential elimination of their pollution control standards for sewage and industrial waste.

Raised Online, Teenage Shooting Survivors Speak Out: ‘There is an Inherent Lack of Shyness … Lack of Being Intimidated’
The Post-Gazette interviewed Dr. Mike Dillon, chair of the media department and associate professor of multi-platform journalism, for this story about how social media influences how teenagers are capturing public debate over gun control.

Feb. 21
Duquesne University Students Learn Writings of King, Malcolm X, Baldwin
An interview with Associate English Professor Dr. Kathy Glass about her MLK, Malcolm X and James Baldwin undergraduate course appeared on the front page of the Feb. 21 edition of the New Pittsburgh Courier.

Congressional Map Shake-Up, Rep. Keith Rothfus Not Happy With New Districts
WTAE-TV interviewed Visiting Assistant Political Science Professor Dr. Kristen Allen for this story about Rep. Keith Rothfus’s reaction to redistricting in Pennsylvania. Rothfus has represented the 12^th congressional district since 2012.

Feb. 20
New Concussion App Uses Eggs and Woodpeckers to Explain the Science
The Post-Gazette interviewed Dr. John Pollock, biological sciences professor and co-director of the Chronic Pain Research Consortium, for this story about the newly available app he created called Rebound: Beating Concussions, which educates people of all ages about the science, causes and treatment of concussions.

Those Languages in ‘Game of Thrones’? They’re Not Just Gibberish. Find Out More at Duquesne
Upgruv interviewed Game of Thrones linguist David Peterson to preview an event held by the Duquesne classics department on Feb. 22. Peterson will speak about the art and science behind inventing new languages.

Feb. 19
Bucs Host Diversity Event in Honor of Roberts
MLB.com reported that the Pittsburgh Pirates recently hosted a networking event and panel discussion with students from Duquesne, among other local universities, to encourage workplace diversity and give students networking experience.

Lawyers Question UA logo sharing with Razorback Foundation
Arkansas Online interviewed Law Professor Dr. Jacob Rooksby for this story about the legal implications of the Razorback Foundation’s use of the University of Arkansas logo.

Feb. 18
Appointments, Resignations, Deaths (2/23/2018)
The Chronicle of Higher Education reported that Dr. David Dausey was named provost and vice president for academic affairs at Duquesne.

Feb. 17
Antony Davies and James R. Harrigan: Colleges’ New Option—Less is More
Associate Economics Professor Dr. Antony Davies co-wrote this op-ed for the Tribune-Review about “MicroMasters” programs at universities, which provide specific job preparation for students looking to spend less time and money on earning a degree.

Feb. 16
Modern-Day Debtors’ Prisons? The System that Sends Pennsylvanians to Jail Over Unpaid Court Costs and Fines
The Post-Gazette interviewed Law Professor Wes Oliver for this story about the ACLU’s response to Pennsylvanians doing jail time because of inability to pay court costs and fines.

Feb. 14
Tips on Communicating in the Digital Age, Just in Time for Valentine’s Day
The Tribune-Review interviewed Dr. Janie Harden Fritz, professor of communication and rhetorical studies, for this story about modern relationships and communication in the digital age, and what couples can do to communicate more effectively.

Feb. 13
A Lost Opportunity to Reach a Consensus on Gerrymandering
Law Professor Bruce Ledewitz penned this piece for Jurist about the potential implications of courts taking a stand on gerrymandering.

Feb. 12
Trump Nominates Duquesne Adjunct Professor to Federal Bench
The Tribune-Review reported that President Donald Trump has nominated Adjunct Law Professor Peter Phipps to become a federal judge in Western Pennsylvania.

Darwin Day Message: New Species Can Develop Quickly.
The Post-Gazette interviewed Biological Sciences Professor Dr. David Lampe for this story about the upcoming Darwin Day lecture on Duquesne’s campus.

Feb. 9
5 Engaging Dining Events in February
Food Service Director reported that Duquesne students will participate in a cooking competition inspired by Food Network’s “Chopped.”

Pennsylvania Supreme Court Ruling Opens New Front for Other States on War on Gerrymandering
The Morning Call interviewed Law Professor Bruce Ledewitz for this story about the Pennsylvania Supreme Court majority opinion declaring the state congressional map unconstitutionally partisan.

Feb. 8
The Validity of Three Snow Leopard Subspecies: Response to Senn et Al.
Nature.com published this scholarly article co-written by Dr. Jan Janecka, assistant professor of biological sciences, defending the validity of three snow leopard subspecies.

Feb. 7
Why Does Government Keep Expanding?
Dr. Antony Davies, associate economics professor, co-hosted this Words and Numbers podcast for the Foundation for Economic Freedom about the United States’ yearly deficit spending.

Seneca Nation Fights Fracking Wastewater Disposal Plan
The Real News Network interviewed Dr. John Stolz, director of the Center for Environmental Research and Education, for this story about concerns involving a proposition to create a fracking wastewater treatment facility on the Allegheny River.

Feb. 6
With Third of Pa. Delegation Decamping U.S. House, Six Seats Up for Grabs
WHYY-Radio interviewed Law Professor Bruce Ledewitz for this story about the shifting political landscape in Pennsylvania.

What Conor Lamb and Rick Saccone Want 18th District Voters to Take From All Those TV Ads
The Incline interviewed Dr. Kristen Allen, assistant visiting professor of political science, for this story about the campaign ads for the upcoming special election in Pennsylvania’s 18^th congressional district.

Bernie Sanders’ Outcry Over Koch Investments: Another Example of the Left Trying to Silence Both Sides
Associate Economics Professor Dr. Antony Davies co-wrote this op-ed for the Philadelphia Inquirer about Sen. Bernie Sanders’ response to an announcement that the Koch network plans will invest in promoting various policy objectives ahead of the 2018 midterm elections.

Feb. 5
U.S. Supreme Court Deals Major Blow to GOP in Pennsylvania Gerrymandering Case
The Morning Call interviewed Law Professor Bruce Ledewitz for this story about the Supreme Court’s decision regarding the state gerrymandering case.

Duquesne University Scientist Says State’s Water Testing For Fracking Chemicals Cannot Be Trusted
The Public Herald interviewed Dr. John Stolz, director of the Center for Environmental Research and Education, for this story about the quality of residential water wells near oil and gas operations.

August Wilson House, Duquesne U. Team to Host Fellowship for Artists of Color
The Post-Gazette quoted President Ken Gormley in this article about Duquesne’s inaugural August Wilson House Fellowship, which will allow scholars and artists of color to engage in cultural and artistic expression that advances their own work and serves the interests of the University and community.

Ethical Issues Against Pennsylvania Justices Unlikely to Derail Gerrymandering Case, Experts Say
The Tribune-Review interviewed Law Professor Bruce Ledewitz for this story about ethical issues involving two Pennsylvania judges and how those issues could impact the state congressional district redrawing case.

Idea Would Offer Tax Exemptions for Seniors in W-B
The Citizens Voice interviewed Law Professor Bruce Ledewitz for this story about the city of Wilkes-Barre’s tax system and how it violates the state constitution.

Feb. 4
Expert: W-B Assessment Disparities Violates Law
The Citizens Voice interviewed Law Professor Bruce Ledewitz for this story about the city of Wilkes-Barre violating the state constitution by refusing to address wide disparities in assessed property values.

Feb. 3
Even if Mueller Proves Obstruction, Then What?
CNN interviewed President Ken Gormley for this story about President Donald Trump’s efforts to protect himself during Special Counsel Robert Mueller III’s investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election.

Feb. 2
Retired Pittsburgh Homicide Detective Charged with Lying, Falsifying Reports
Law Professor Wes Oliver was interviewed by the Post-Gazette for this story about a former Pittsburgh homicide detective who is being accused of lying and falsifying reports.

Feb. 1
David Dausey Named Provost at Duquesne University
The Post-Gazette reported that Dr. David Dausey, provost of Mercyhurst University, was named Duquesne’s new provost and vice president for academic affairs on Feb. 1.
**A similar story also appeared in the Pittsburgh Business Times and the Erie Times-News