This article is from the archives of the UB Reporter.
Archives

Newsmakers

Published: February 21, 2008

Because of their expertise and reputations, members of the UB faculty and staff are sought out by reporters who quote them in print, broadcast and online publications around the world. Here is a sampling of recent media coverage in which UB is mentioned prominently.

"We've done a good job designing our treatment plants to reduce conventional contaminants. Unfortunately, no one has been thinking of DNA as a contaminant."

An article in Discover magazine on DNA pollution that is believed to be transforming some bacteria into antibiotic-resistant "super germs" quotes Scott Weber, professor of civil, structural and environmental engineering, who is studying how fertilizer derived from human sewage may contribute to the spread of antibiotic-resistant genes.
Go to the article

"Math is much more than numbers—it's about space and measurement and the structure and geometry of space. It all starts with kids trying to stack blocks and realizing that with the triangular shaped blocks, it just won't work."

An article on KOAM-TV in Kansas quotes Douglas Clements, professor of learning and instruction and an expert on early childhood math education, on research that examined preschoolers' free-play activities and found that nearly half of every minute was spent doing some kind of math, usually patterns and shapes.
Go to the article

“Pop culture raises our greatest fears or social conflicts and resolves them, sort of like therapy.”

Elayne Rapping, a pop culture expert and professor of American studies, in an article in the Detroit News on the growing number of end-of-the-world themes in television, movies and books.
Go to the article

“We don’t know scientifically why small class sizes work, but the main explanation seems to be that kids become better behaved. There’s no chance for anybody to hide in the back corner of the room.”

Jeremy Finn, professor of counseling, school and educational psychology, in an article in the Seattle Post Intelligencer on the role of class size in elementary education.
Go to the article