Expert Pitches

Experts at West Virginia University are available to provide insight and comment on President Donald Trump’s second State of the Union Address planned tomorrow (Feb. 5).

Anne Lofaso, a West Virginia University professor who specializes in labor law, believes the partial government shutdown violates the 5th and 13th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution because many employees are being compelled to work without pay.

Biotechnology provides opportunities to restore native species that are threatened by insect pest or pathogen outbreaks. In some cases the resistant trees may be intentionally released into the wild where they could proliferate with minimal human intervention, thus raising issues that are fundamentally different from those encountered in agricultural biotechnology. More research is needed on the ability of the existing tree population to adapt and efforts to enhance resistance with biotechnology should be integrated with breeding programs for the target trees.

Several West Virginia University faculty, administrators and staff members will be available to comment on issues addressed by Gov. Jim Justice in his third State of the State address Wednesday (Jan. 9). These experts will be available after the speech and throughout the 84th legislative session.

Nearly 50 years after the passage of the federal Coal Mine Safety and Health Act, significant occupational dangers for coal miners remain. As the anniversary of the Sago Mine Disaster approaches, and on the heels of the 50th anniversary of the Farmington Mine Disaster, Michael McCawley from the West Virginia University School of Public Health notes black lung cases are on the rise and silicosis diagnoses persist. His research has been inspired by these and other mine tragedies in an effort to make coal mines safe and healthy places to work.

West Virginia University physics and astronomy professors are part of a national Department of Energy research team that actively shape research policy in their field. Earl Scime notes that while thermonuclear energy is the major focus of plasma physics, there are other benefits from the research. Scime is one of seven scientists who will organize the first phase of a strategic plan to further plasma physics research in a new facility for testing materials to be used in fusion reactors.

During the holiday season, many families around West Virginia decorate their homes with garland, tinsel, lights and most commonly, the Christmas tree. While some opt for the ease and convenience of a pre-lit, artificial tree, 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 WVU Extension Service expert Dave McGill, with a few simple considerations, you and your family can safely enjoy your tree all season long.

West Virginia University Vice President and Executive Dean for Health Sciences Dr. Clay Marsh says that although “a lot of good promise” could come from gene editing, it is mostly practiced in lab models, not in people.

A West Virginia University law professor says General Motors has “a high burden” to prove that its announced plant closings in Ohio, Michigan, Maryland and Ontario are because of conditions it cannot control. Anne Marie Lofaso, who specializes in labor law, says the plant closings are the antithesis of GM’s latest collective bargaining agreement with the United Auto Workers; the agreement said GM will not close or idle any plant, asset, or business unit of any type other than those which have already been identified.

West Virginia University faculty members are available for commentary and insight regarding the 2018 midterm elections and current issues in the U.S.