University back-to-school story ideas for a fall term unlike any other

With back to school comes a sense of optimism and renewal that the world sorely needs. This search for normalcy is being informed by University of Alberta experts available to comment on everything from how to maintain good mental and physical health to trying your hand at entrepreneurship and what the upcoming U Sports season will hold.

EDMONTON—With back to school comes a sense of optimism and renewal that the world sorely needs. This search for normalcy is being informed by University of Alberta experts available to comment on everything from how to maintain good mental and physical health to trying your hand at entrepreneurship and what the upcoming U Sports season will hold.

  • Business professor Michael Lounsbury is partnering with a local high school to pilot an entrepreneurship program aimed at exposing people to entrepreneurship earlier. He also has tips for those looking to hang out their shingle to give entrepreneurship a try.
  • University students have never been under more pressure—and that was before the pandemic was layered on top. U of A clinical professor of psychiatry Adam Abba-Aji has some strategies for maintaining good mental health when challenges appear.
  • Misinformation continues to play a role in worsening the pandemic. Health law researcher Timothy Caulfield can discuss what can we do about it, as well as if vaccine mandates and passports are good health policy?
  • The need to eat well to keep up your immunity has never been more important. U of A nutrition expert Catherine Field is available to talk about her research into diet and the immune system and to pass on some tips on what a good immunity-boosting diet might look like
    • Student athletics is back after a year-and-a-half hiatus. U of A athletes and coaches are on hand to recount the lost opportunities that came with the pandemic and look forward to what is arguably the most anticipated varsity athletics season in school history.
    • Mindfulness training, which begins with self-compassion, can reduce stress, increase fulfilment, help develop a professional skill, change a behaviour, develop heightened self-awareness and develop a spirit of love and service towards others. Pediatrics professor Marc-Antoine Landry explains how it works and how it is being used at the university to help students succeed.
    • The U of A’s education experts are at the ready to untangle queries:
    • Most people involved in peer bullying are bystanders, silently watching from the sidelines. Psychology professor Wendy Hoglund says there are tools that youth and adults can use to take a stand to stop bullying before it starts.
  • One of the keys to succeeding academically has nothing to do with the course material but rather how well you manage your time. Business professor Rick Brick has tips for effective self-management.
  • Screen time can impact the development of children. Behavioural epidemiologist Valerie Carson will be available to talk about the impact of screen time and tips for cutting back.
  • School success hinges on a multitude of factors such as establishing healthy routines, getting a good night's sleep and eating right. Public health researcher Kate Storey and sleep expert Carey Brown can explain why “living a good life” is so important.

To book an interview with a U of A expert, please contact:

Michael Brown, Media Specialist
780-977-1411
michael.brown@ualberta.ca