Skip to main content

Expert Pitches

WVU tax expert shares end of year tax tips

Gary LeDonne, executive in residence and MAcc coordinator for West Virginia University’s John Chambers College of Business and Economics, breaks down the Tax Cut and Jobs Act and how changes to the tax structure offer new planning opportunities and considerations for taxpayers at the end of the year.

Safety expert provides tips to avoid fire hazards this holiday season

For many West Virginia families, homes are ready for the holidays with lights and decorations on the tree. But decorations, lights and even family pets can be a potential fire hazard in the home. West Virginia University Extension Service expert, Mark Lambert, provides some safety tips to spark joy — not fire — this holiday season.

WVU Extension Service expert offers advice for maintaining fresh-cut Christmas tree safety

During the holiday season, many West Virginia families deck their halls with garland, tinsel, lights and most commonly, the Christmas tree. While the ease and convenience of a pre-lit, artificial tree appeal to some, others prefer the look and smell of a fresh-cut Christmas tree. A fresh-cut tree does require a bit more attention and care, but according to West Virginia University Extension Service expert Dave McGill, by taking a few simple precautions, you and your family can safely enjoy your tree all season long.

How to shop for Thanksgiving and still have money left for Christmas

It’s easy to blow your budget while grocery shopping for big holiday meals. How do you spend money wisely while still preparing a feast your family will remember for years to come? Melissa Painter, a nutrition outreach instructor with WVU Extension Service Family Nutrition Program, has plenty of tips for making your food budget go further.

WVU LGBTQ+ Center encourages inclusion, diversity through education, research and events

A new GLAAD report recently announced a surge in LGBTQ+ and gender inclusiveness on television at the same time the FBI reports hate crimes against transgender and Latina/o/x people are at a 16 year high. West Virginia University LGBTQ+ Center director Cris Mayo, who recently co-edited two scholarly collections in LGBTQ+ studies in education and co-authored the book Navigating Trans*+ and Gender Complex Identities, notes that there has been progress in media representation but clearly much more work needs to be done to prevent bias-related violence.

With pancreatic cancer rates on the rise, WVU surgeon looks for a cure

Pancreatic cancer is expected to be the second-leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States by 2020, according to Dr. Brian Boone, a surgeon and researcher with the West Virginia University School of Medicine. Boone is one of only a few doctors in the country to perform a minimally invasive surgery to remove pancreatic tumors.

Murray Energy bankruptcy ‘inevitable’

A West Virginia University expert says the Murray Energy bankruptcy was “inevitable,” citing coal as no longer cost effective in energy production. “It’s a matter of economics,” according to James Van Nostrand, director of the WVU College of Law’s Center for Energy and Sustainable Development. Van Nostrand said numbers remain favorable for renewable energy projects over continuing to operate existing coal plants.

Gandhi exhibit in India inspired by WVU College of Law professor

When the National Gandhi Museum and the Delhi High Court Bar Association in India wanted to stage an exhibit about Mahatma Gandhi’s early years as a lawyer, they drew inspiration from the scholarship of a law professor at West Virginia University.

WVU expert answers questions about prostate cancer

Men ages 55-to-69 years old should consider being screened for prostate cancer, says Dr. Stanley Zaslua, chair of the West Virginia University Department of Urology. Each year in America, 13 out of 100 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer but few will die as a result. For those at greatest risk, screening is the key for early detection.