DENVER –The University of Denver has several experts available related to various disaster issues in Japan:
Robert Amme –Ph.D., research professor, Department of Physics and Astronomy
Amme has expertise in granular physics where his research has focused on the use of particles to stabilize nuclear waste. He also looks at the big picture of nuclear energy, and can talk about the real likelihood of an actual disaster in Japan and how public perception of this incident will impact the nuclear energy renaissance in this country. Please contact Chase Squires (303) 596-4746.
Andrew Ternay –Ph.D., research professor emeritus
Andrew Ternay is an organic chemist and expert in how toxins affect the human body. He can talk about radioactivity and potassium iodide in the way of leaks at the Japanese nuclear plants, as well as what other environmental pollutants may be affecting the people there, such as toxins in the water supply. He is the author of numerous books including “The Language of Nightmares,” a glossary of toxins. Dr. Ternay is available at (303) 522 8587.
Thomas Barrett –Ph.D., psychology professor
Thomas Barrett is a clinical professor in DU’s International Disaster Psychology Program in the Graduate School of Professional Psychology. He trains students to work with people who have been impacted by war or natural disasters and need help in order to recover from the devastating psychosocial impact of these disasters. He says the psychological impact from the tsunami in Japan will be huge. “While Japan is known for its disaster preparedness, this situation will strain even their resources,” Barrett says. He is currently in Croatia at the University of Zagreb on a Fulbright Scholar grant, but he can Skype. Croatia is 7 hours ahead of Denver time, please be aware of this when setting up interviews. Contact Kristal Griffith at (303) 871-4117, or Barrett directly (Skype: Thomas.barrett47 or Email: tbarret1@du.edu).
Walter Burns –adjunct professor, Information & Communications Technology
An IT Security expert, Walter Burns recently worked to re-establish an emergency communications infrastructure in the Gulf after hurricane Katrina. He has extensive experience in LAN/WAN network design, voice/data integration, and wireless infrastructure planning. Most recently, he has led project teams to design and deploy networks supporting video surveillance and other public safety applications Reporters seeking an interview may contact Kim DeVigil, (303) 871-2775 or email at Kim.DeVigil@du.edu.
Sam Walters –adjunct professor, Security Management
Mr. Walters has over 17 years of emergency management experience is in the field of planning for and management of emergency incidents involving all types of disasters. He specializes in hazardous materials (including Weapons of Mass Destruction) incidents and preparedness. Reporters seeking an interview may contact Kim DeVigil, (303) 871-2775 or email at Kim.DeVigil@du.edu.
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Contact: Kim DeVigil
Phone: (303) 871-2775
E-mail: Kim.DeVigil@du.edu