This November, Arts faculty spoke to media about the U.S. election, COP29, and strategies for addressing Seasonal Affective Disorder. Faculty also commented on the legacy of Emperor Nero, the evolution of Taiwanese identity, and the impact of child sacrifices in ancient Mexico. This article will be updated throughout the month, so stay tuned for more timely and thought-provoking contributions from our scholars.
Department of Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Studies
Why gladiators were the influencers of Ancient Rome
Professor of Latin literature and Roman culture Dr. Siobhán McElduff described the celebrity-like status of gladiators.
The Telegraph (subscription)
Was Nero really a monster?
Dr. Anthony Barrett, professor emeritus in the department of ancient Mediterranean and near eastern studies, was mentioned in an article about Emperor Nero.
National Geographic (subscription)
Department of Anthropology
‘A holocaust to appease the fury of the gods’: Child sacrifices to Tláloc to ward off extreme drought
Research by Dr. Diana Moreiras Reynaga of the department of anthropology, found the origin of sacrificed children in 15th-century Mexico.
El Pais
Department of Asian Studies
Historic Cantonese school in Vancouver reopens amid rising interest in the language
Dr. Zoe Lam, a lecturer of Cantonese language, explained that Chinese is more than one single language.
CBC via Yahoo
Professor calls for more support for Korean studies in N. America
Professor at the department of Asian studies Dr. Ross King commented on South Korea’s need for a strategy to maintain the Korean language.
Korea Herald
Hong Kong superstar Andy Lau at centre of war of words over song choice in Taiwan
Professor at the department of Asian studies Dr. Josephine Chiu-Duke commented on Taiwanese identity.
The Star (Malaysia)
Department of Geography
Canada’s Net-Zero Advisory Board recognizes BECCS
Dr. Simon Donner, professor in the department of geography and the Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability, and the Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, explained Canada’s Net-Zero Advisory Body, of which he is a co-chair.
Canadian Biomass
COP29 preview
Dr. Simon Donner, professor in the department of geography and the Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability, and the Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, spoke to CBC about what to expect from COP29, the 29th UN climate change conference.
CBC Early Edition (7:29 mark), CBC Daybreak South (57:01 mark)
UBC News coverage
Fairmont debris flow hazards on the table
Dr. Brett Eaton, geography professor, explained the difference between flooding, debris floods, and debris flows at an online meeting hosted by the Regional District of East Kootenay.
Columbia Valley Pioneer
Department of Political Science
Potential cost to leaving Okanagan representative out of newly formed NDP cabinet
Political scientist Dr. Stewart Prest commented on the new NDP cabinet.
Castanet
Exploring Horgan’s legacy: Former B.C. premier did politics ‘honestly’
Political science professor Dr. Stewart Prest spoke about the legacy of the late B.C. NDP leader.
Black Press via Chemainus Valley Courier, Asean Story, West Kelowna News, Nelson Star, Grand Forks Gazette, Coast Mountain News, Trail Times, Cranbrook Daily Townsman
UBC political scientist remembers former B.C. premier John Horgan’s legacy
Dr. Stewart Prest, lecturer at the department of political science, commented on the legacy of former B.C. premier John Horgan.
CBC
What Trump’s proposed deportation policy could mean for Canada
Political science and sociology professor Dr. Irene Bloemraad (Centre for Migration Studies) was interviewed about the impact of president-elect Donald Trump’s proposed deportation policy on Canada.
CBC On the Coast and BNN Bloomberg
Is America ready for its first Black female president?
Political science professor Dr. Terri Givens discussed America’s readiness to vote for its first Black female president.
CBC Daybreak Kamloops (1:52:00 mark), CBC Daybreak South, CBC Daybreak North, CBC On the Island
B.C. business leaders react to Trump’s U.S. election win
Political science and sociology professor Dr. Irene Bloemraad (Centre for Migration Studies) commented on the increased interest in moving to Canada following the U.S. election.
Business in Vancouver
Despite vote glitches, NDP and Conservatives back election outcome
Political science lecturer Dr. Stewart Prest weighed in on politicians’ remarks on electoral systems.
The Tyee
Elections BC to conduct internal review after missed ballot box; premier proposes all-party committee review
Political science professor emeritus Dr. Richard Johnston discussed the potential for human error in counting election ballots.
City News
To the loser go the spoils? Hats off to the politicians who accept defeat — despite Trump’s precedent
Political science lecturer Dr. Stewart Prest wrote about the importance of accepting defeat in a democracy.
The Conversation via Vancouver Sun
How the U.S. election result could impact Canada
Political science professor Dr. Terri Givens discussed how the U.S. election result could impact Canada.
CBC The National
UBC News coverage
What does Trump’s victory mean for Canada, which shares a border with the United States for immigrants to cross?
Political science professors Drs. Terri Givens and Paul Quirk discussed the impacts on Canada in light of the U.S. election results.
Dr. Givens: BBC via BBC Somali, Yahoo, Yahoo (Australia), Yahoo (Canada)
Drs. Givens and Quirk: Global
Thousands of North Korean soldiers training for combat in Russia
Political science professor Dr. Yves Tiberghien (school of public policy and global affairs) spoke about North Korean soldiers training for combat in Russia.
CBC On The Coast
Donald Trump baffles with incomprehensible ramble as North Carolina rally fails to fill up
Political science professor Dr. Paul Quirk commented on U.S. presidential candidate and former president Donald Trump’s rally speeches.
The Daily Express (U.S.), The Daily Express (U.K.)
Fears Donald Trump defeat could spark second January 6 – ‘There will be violence’
Political science professor Dr. Paul Quirk commented on potential outcomes of the U.S. elections.
Daily Express (U.S.)
U.S. election impact on British Columbia
Political science professor Dr. Maxwell Cameron (school of public policy and global affairs) and lecturer Dr. Stewart Prest discussed the potential impacts of the U.S. election results on B.C.
Dr. Cameron: Global News
Dr. Prest: CTV News
Donald Trump wins U.S. presidential election
Dr. Maxwell Cameron, political science professor, discussed Donald Trump’s second election win.
CTV News
B.C.’s new NDP government faces sticky speaker situation
Political science lecturer Dr. Stewart Prest discussed how the B.C. government might select a speaker of the legislative house.
Global News
Vancouver quietly proclaimed Chip Wilson Day as billionaire installed sign calling B.C. NDP ‘communist’
Political science lecturer Dr. Stewart Prest commented on the City of Vancouver’s decision to proclaim Oct. 3 as “Summer and Chip Wilson Day.”
CTV News
Political reaction to uncounted ballots in B.C. election
Political science lecturer Dr. Stewart Prest weighed in on the uncounted ballots in the B.C. election.
CBC On The Coast
School of Journalism, Writing, and Media
Will Trump’s Joe Rogan interview help win White House? Analysts’ verdicts
Journalism professor Dr. Alfred Hermida commented on U.S. presidential candidate and former U.S. president Donald Trump’s interview with Joe Rogan.
Newsweek via The Herald, Biloxi Sun Herald, Charlotte Observer, Macon Telegraph, Columbus Ledger-Enquirer, Miami Herald, Bellingham Herald, Sacramento Bee, Kansas City Star
Research and news relevance key factors driving the future of The Conversation – edition founder
Journalism professors Mary Lynn Young and Dr. Alfred Hermida were featured in a story about building a Canadian edition of The Conversation.
The Conversation via Yahoo (U.K.), Yahoo (Canada)
School of Public Policy and Global Affairs
Buried at sea
Dr. Candis Callison, a First Nations scholar and professor from the school of public policy and global affairs, spoke at a panel discussion about how to involve local shoreline communities in tackling climate change.
Scientific American
If we have to ditch the carbon tax, subsidies are the way to go
Dr. Rashid Sumaila, professor in the Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries and the school of public policy and global affairs, wrote about subsidies as a solution to fight greenhouse emissions.
National Observer
School of Social Work
‘I’m a hoarder – it’s my mess and it’s who I am’
School of social work professor Dr. Christiana Bratiotis spoke at a recent conference in Edinburgh about the need for increased awareness and better resources to address hoarding.
BBC (Scotland) via Aol, Yahoo Life
Seasonal affective disorder: How to prep your body and mind for darker days
Dr. Edward Taylor, professor at the school of social work, described strategies to deal with seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Newsweek
There is no ‘dignity’ in this assisted dying bill
Dr. Tim Stainton, professor emeritus at the school of social work, commented on the assisted dying bill.
The Telegraph (subscription) via Yahoo (UK), AOL
Department of Sociology
‘A casual coffee/beer’: docs reveal relationship between TC Energy and B.C. premier’s office
Dr. Nicolas Graham, a postdoctoral fellow of sociology, commented on the relationship between the B.C. government and TC Energy, a Calgary-based oil and gas company.
The Narwhal via Hamilton Spectator, Waterloo Region Record, Penticton Herald
Scapegoating immigration ignores B.C.’s broader housing shortfalls, say experts
Professor of sociology Dr. Nathanael Lauster commented on the role of immigrants on housing affordability.
Glacier Media via Business in Vancouver, Vancouver is Awesome, Richmond News, Times Colonist, Delta Optimist, Pique Newsmagazine, North Shore News, New Westminster Record, Burnaby Now, Tri-City News
Making fun of men in China comes at a cost | UBC sociology research into attitudes of Chinese men and women on gender equality was mentioned in an article in the Wall Street Journal.
Wall Street Journal (subscription)
XO, Kitty star Anna Cathcart is balancing acting career and life at UBC
Actress and sociology student Anna Cathcart discussed balancing her acting career and life as a student at UBC.
Postmedia via Vancouver Sun, The Province, MSN
Department of Psychology
Misokinesia is the disorder that may explain why your coworkers annoy you
GQ Magazine mentioned a 2021 psychology study looking into the phenomenon of misokinesia—meaning “hatred of movements.”
GQ Magazine France
What should you do if you’re tired of social media? Is the only solution limiting your screen time or deleting apps altogether?
Dr. Amori Mikami, a professor of psychology, spoke about her study that looks at healthier ways to use social media.
The Evan Bray Show
UBC News coverage
Thinking about quitting social media? There may be another option, B.C. researcher says
A study by Dr. Amori Mikami, a professor of psychology, looks at healthier ways to use social media.
CTV
UBC News coverage
Lean in with intention, don’t log off social media, advises UBC expert
Dr. Amori Mikami, professor of psychology, explains how to best use social media.
Postmedia via Vancouver Sun, The Province
UBC News coverage
Why we can’t focus
Dr. Kalina Christoff Hadjiilieva, a professor of psychology, led research into whether our brains have been altered by the use of technology.
Globe and Mail (subscription)
‘Misokinesia’ phenomenon could affect one in three people, research shows
A 2021 study into the phenomenon of misokinesia—meaning ‘hatred of movements’—quoted Dr. Todd Handy of the department of psychology.
Science Alert
Are there scientifically proven ways to help us be happy?
Psychology professor Dr. Elizabeth Dunn led a study on techniques for increasing happiness.
Sloboden Pečat
Governments must rein in online gambling before it’s too late, say public health experts
Dr. Luke Clark, director of UBC’s Centre for Gambling Research, explained the psychology behind sports betting.
CBC
Be careful what you say—your cat may be listening
Dr. Janet Werker, professor at the department of psychology, spoke about her research on language acquisition in babies in an article about language acquisition in cats.
Discover
The key to flourishing? Get better sleep
Dr. Nancy Sin, professor of psychology, spoke about her research into sleep quality.
Sleep.com
The secret to happiness
Psychology professor Dr. Elizabeth Dunn and PhD student Dunigan Folk were interviewed about their research into understanding what makes us happy.
RNZ
Vancouver School of Economics
Many British Columbians feeling priced out of housing market
Economics professor, Dr. Ross Hickey, explained how incomes affect housing prices.
Global
When will British Columbians get their NDP-promised $500 tax rebate?
Economics professor Dr. Kevin Milligan spoke to the Vancouver Sun about when British Columbians can expect a tax rebate.
Vancouver Sun
Museum of Anthropology
Ten museums to visit in BC
The Museum of Anthropology at UBC is listed as a must-visit attraction for its collection of Indigenous artifacts and interactive exhibits.
British Columbia Magazine
