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MONDAY, APRIL 16 – SUNDAY, APRIL 22   

RESEARCH

STUDY SHOWS THE EFFECT OF WAITING PERIODS FOR GUN SALES ON SUICIDES — Research authored by Fredrick Vars, professor of law in UA’s School of Law (along with Griffin Edwards and Joshua J. Robinson, of UAB, and Erik Nesson, of Ball State University), found that a purchase delay reduces firearm‐related suicides between 2 and 5 percent. Purchase delays are not associated with statistically significant changes in homicide rates. The study, “Looking Down the Barrel of a Loaded Gun: The Effect of Mandatory Handgun Purchase Delays on Homicide and Suicide,” published in March in The Economic Journal. For more information, contact Monique Fields, manager of communications in the law school, 205-348-5195 or mfields@law.ua.edu, or contact Vars directly, 773-331-6605 or fvars@law.ua.edu.

BEST BETS

INDYCAR CHAMP ALL DECKED OUT IN CRIMSON RACING – UA’s Formula racing team will unveil its 2018 vehicle Wednesday with an assist from a five-time Verizon IndyCar Series champion. Professional driver James Hinchcliffe will drive a Crimson Racing vehicle as a way to help the student-design team promote the importance of science, technology, engineering, and arts and math in the motorsports and automotive industry. The vehicle’s debut will be at 11 a.m. outside the Ferguson Center on 7th Avenue. Hundreds of grade school students have been invited to campus for the event. Watch for a news release with more details, or contact Alana Norris, communication specialist in engineering, 205-348-6444 or anorris@eng.ua.edu.

RELIGIOUS STUDIES CHAIR NAMED DISTINGUISHED RESEARCH PROFESSOR – Dr. Russell T. McCutcheon, the chair of the religious studies department at UA, recently was appointed by the UA Board of Trustees as a Distinguished Research Professor — one of UA’s most prestigious awards. This title recognizes UA faculty who have amassed international successes in their fields and received extensive peer recognition for their scholarly contributions and noteworthy academic service. Fewer than 10 faculty members in the University’s history have been honored with the appointment. For more information, contact Courtney Corbridge, communications specialist, College of Arts and Sciences, 205-348-8539 or courtney.a.corbridge@ua.edu

MAKING NEWS

IS IT TIME TO GET OFF SOCIAL MEDIA? – With 87 million Facebook users having their private data shared in the Cambridge Analytica scandal, some may be wondering if it’s time to jump off the social media train. Dr. Elliot Panek, a UA assistant professor of journalism and creative media who specializes in social media, said there are pros and cons to bailing. For more information, contact Jamon Smith, communications specialist, at jamon.smith@ua.edu or 205-348-4956, or reach Panek directly at epanek@ua.edu or 650-296-0747.

FROM SYRIA TO WORLD WAR III? – Recent events in Syria have led to U.S. President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iran President Hassan Rouhani and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu making strong military statements. What is going on in Syria? Why is it such an international powder keg? Is a full-scale conflict ahead? Dr. Holger Albrecht, a UA associate professor of political science who specializes in Middle East politics, is available to provide commentary. For more information, contact Jamon Smith, communications specialist, at jamon.smith@ua.edu or 205-348-4956, or reach Albrecht directly at halbrecht@ua.edu or 205-348-5528.

NEED A SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT ON ANOTHER TOPIC? – See frequently updated expert directory here.