Story Ideas for Media - 12/06/04

News

Ohio State virologist is honored for contributions for helping to battle SARS -- Ohio State University virologist Linda Saif will join Richard Gere, Tom Brokaw and seven other personalities today (12/6) at the New York Public Library to accept the 2005 Impact Awards presented by AARP The Magazine — the official publication of the American Association of Retired People and the country’s largest-circulation magazine — to Americans “who improve the world we live in.” A scientist with the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center’s (OARDC) Wooster campus, Saif was chosen for her recognition because of her contributions to the worldwide battle against severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), said Gabrielle Redford, the magazine’s senior editor. Saif is the only scientist being recognized this year. CONTACT: Mauricio Espinoza, OARDC, (330) 202-3550.

Experts

Marketing professor can discuss consumer behavior for holiday retail season -- Marketing professor Rao Unnava is available to discuss the upcoming holiday retail season, including online shopping trends. He is an expert in consumer behavior (decision-making and trends), marketing strategy and in retail. CONTACT: Rao Unnava, Fisher College of Business, (614) 292-1506; or Laura Bowers, Fisher College of Business, (614) 292-8937.

Research

Study: Eat leafy green veggies to help prevent cataracts -- A new study provides the first laboratory evidence that certain antioxidants found in dark leafy green vegetables can indeed help prevent cataracts. Vitamin manufacturers often add the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin to their products, but until now there has been no biochemical evidence to support the claim that these substances help protect the eyes, said Joshua Bomser, a study co-author and an assistant professor of nutrition. Some studies have suggested that these antioxidants boost eye health. For more information, http://researchnews.osu.edu/archive/xantheye.htm CONTACT: Joshua Bomser, Department of Nutrition, (614) 247-6622; or Holly Wagner, University Relations, (614) 292-8310.

Events

National Book Award winner to give reading – Dec. 7. -- Kevin Boyle, professor of history and winner of the 2004 National Book Award for Nonfiction, will be featured at a book signing and reading from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday (12/7) in the main dining room of the Ohio State University Faculty Club, 181 S. Oval Drive. Boyle will read from and discuss his award-winning book, “Arc of Justice: A Saga of Race, Civil Rights, and Murder in the Jazz Age.” CONTACT: Amy Murray, University Relations, (614) 292-8385.

Holbrook receives award for changing game-day culture – Dec. 9. -- President Karen A. Holbrook will be honored with the Presidents Leadership Group Award for her efforts in changing the culture surrounding game-day behavior. Holbrook will receive the award at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday (12/9) in the Blackwell Inn, 2110 Tuttle Park Place. The award ceremony is a part of the CHOICES Implementation Training, a daylong alcohol prevention program that trains university professionals on how to successfully work with college students. The award is presented by the Center for College Health and Safety, a part of Education Development Center, Inc., an internationally known educational research and development organization. CONTACT: Shannon Wingard, University Relations, (614) 247-6821

Commencement is this Sunday – Dec. 12. -- Approximately 1,900 degrees will be awarded during Ohio State’s autumn quarter commencement ceremony, which begins at 2 p.m. on Sunday (12/12) at St. John Arena. Deborah Jones Merritt, director of Ohio State’s John Glenn Institute for Public Service and Public Policy, is the commencement speaker. Merritt has led the Glenn Institute since 2000. Under her direction, the Institute has grown to more than three dozen programs that encourage students to become active citizens, enhance the skills of public leaders and develop strong public policy. CONTACT: Amy Murray, University Relations, (614) 292-8385.

The person listed as Contact will have the best information about the story. Call on our media relations staff for help with any Ohio State story – Elizabeth Conlisk, (614) 292-3040; Liz Cook, (614) 292-7276; Amy Murray, (614) 292-8385, and Shannon Wingard, (614) 247-6821.