August 9, 2022

UOW experts available for comment this week (9 - 13 August)

UOW academics provide expert comment, opinion and analysis on a range of ongoing and breaking news stories

Teacher shortages

Professor Penny Van Bergen is available to discuss teacher shortages across Australia. Professor Van Bergen is an expert in educational psychology and Head of the School of Education.

Taiwan

Dr Charles Hawksley can provide commentary about ongoing tensions between China and Taiwan. Dr Hawksley is a Senior Lecturer in Politics and International Studies and is an expert on food security, state building, police building, intervention, aid and development in the region.

NSW politics

Professor Greg Melleuish is a political expert who can discuss politics in NSW, including the parliamentary inquiry involving former deputy premier, John Barilaro. Professor Melleuish is a lecturer and researcher with expertise in political theory, Australian politics, ancient history and world history. He is from the School of Humanities and Social Inquiry.

Commonwealth Games and clutch performances in sport

As the Commonwealth Games come to an end Dr Matthew Schweickle can talk about what makes athletes perform well under pressure, also referred to as clutch performance. Dr Schweickle is an expert in performance under pressure and mental health in sport. He is from the School of Psychology.

The growing popularity of BeReal

Dr Christopher Moore can discuss the growing popularity of social media app BeReal. Dr Moore says the app’s sense of candidness is a drawcard for younger users and helps reduce the anxiety paralysis that can come with other apps like Instagram. Dr Moore researches digital and social media entertainment, games and hobbies, online persona, and fan and celebrity studies. He is from the School of Arts, English and Media.

Banning mobile phones in schools

Professor Lisa Kervin can discuss the use of mobile phones in schools, after reports a Sydney high school saw a dramatic decrease in behavioural issues and a boost in physical activity just two months after tightening rules on mobile phone use. Professor Kervin is an expert in how children use technology and the Research Director at UOW’s Early Start.

Labour shortages

Associate Professor Martin O’Brien is available for interview about labour and skills shortages in Australia. Associate Professor O’Brien is an economist and the Director of the Centre for Human and Social Capital Research. His research interests include segmented labour market theory, econometrics, older worker employment issues and hidden unemployment. 

US constitutional law

International and constitutional law expert Associate Professor Markus Wagner can provide commentary about decisions by the US Supreme Court on abortion rights, religious freedom, and access to guns. Associate Professor Wagner is Director of the Transnational Law and Policy Centre at the University of Wollongong. He researches and teaches in the areas of international law, constitutional law, and comparative law. 

UOW academics exercise academic freedom by providing expert commentary, opinion and analysis on a range of ongoing social issues and current affairs. This expert commentary reflects the views of those individual academics and does not necessarily reflect the views or policy positions of the University of Wollongong.