Expert Pitches

Christopher Ramezan, assistant professor of management information systems and cybersecurity in the West Virginia University John Chambers College of Business and Economics, says the recent worldwide technology outage that grounded flights and disrupted hospitals, banks, businesses and governments should serve as a warning that society cannot rely solely on Microsoft, or similar platforms, for day-to-day operations.

Gary Lhotsky, a West Virginia University teaching associate professor who studies risk management at sporting events, says authorities in France are facing a major security challenge with the planned July 26 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony in Paris, an event that will take place on a four-mile stretch of the Seine River.

Even though West Virginia officially has two fire seasons, drought conditions can occur at any time, increasing the risk of fires, according to two West Virginia University experts. Many parts of the Mountain State have been left with little to no rain during the past few months, and that presents challenges in dealing with fires and managing trees and forests.

Two West Virginia University experts are addressing raw milk sales at a time when interest is growing nationwide within a niche group of consumers and business owners, and a new West Virginia law is in effect.

A West Virginia University physical hydrology professor sees planned usage of the Seine River for several swimming events during the Paris Summer Olympics as the culmination of decades-long efforts to restore the river for recreation.

When temperatures are climbing, a West Virginia University assistant professor of athletic training says taking precautions like limiting physical activity outdoors — including exercise and lawn work — to early mornings or evenings could be lifesaving.

To mark National Dairy Month, a West Virginia University expert is sharing insights on the health benefits of dairy.

The outdoors are calling as summer rolls in and the knowledgeable staff with the West Virginia University Adventure WV program know just where to find the best recreational opportunities.

May is National Wildfire Awareness Month, and from campfires to grilling safely and all the summer fun in between, West Virginia University experts offer advice on marking fire safety off your seasonal bucket list.

As spring blooms and people spend more time outside, exposure to ticks and the diseases they carry increases significantly. Carlos Quesada, a West Virginia University Extension entomology specialist, is providing helpful information and advice about how to avoid tick bites this season.