Media resources: Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath

updated September 16, 2005

As you prepare news stories on the United States’ largest natural disaster, the faculty and staff of the University of Indianapolis are available for expert comment on a range of issues.

If you need assistance with contacts, or your interest is not related to the subjects listed here, please contact the Office of University Communications: Director Mary Atteberry at (317) 788-3310 (cell 223-4935) or Assistant Director Scott Hall at (317) 788-3583 (cell 371-5240).

PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT

Tracy A. Marschall
Assistant professor of Social Work
(317) 788-3344 or tmarschall@uindy.edu

Potential topics include:

The danger of forcing storm victims into new routines of work and school, without counseling or sufficient time for grieving; why some victims are resisting resettlement
The concept of diaspora, the unique issues faced when large populations are displaced from their communities
Unconventional and misunderstood forms of grief, perhaps involving relationships outside the nuclear family or losses of intangible value

Dr. David W. Wantz
Associate professor of Psychological Sciences
vice president for Student Affairs
(317) 788-3297 or wantz@uindy.edu

Potential topics include:

Anxiety, confusion and frustration among long-distance observers of disaster
The rush to place blame on authority figures

DISEASE AND PUBLIC HEALTH

Dr. Mary K. Ritke
Associate professor of Biology
(317) 788-3325 or mritke@uindy.edu

Potential topics include:

Bacterial infections from cholera and E. coli
Risks of contact with hydrocarbons such as gasoline and solvents

V. Lynn Moran
Nurse practitioner and director of Student Health Center
(317) 788-3267 or lmoran@uindy.edu

Potential topics include:

Waterborne illness
Health issues in group settings

HISTORY

Dr. Edward O. Frantz
Assistant professor of History & Political Science
(317) 788-4906 or efrantz@uindy.edu

Dr. Stephen A. Graham
Associate professor of History & Political Science
(317) 788-3334 or graham@uindy.edu

Potential topics include:

How the 1927 Mississippi River flood boosted Herbert Hoover's political career and fueled the migration of African-Americans to northern cities.
How the 1889 Johnstown flood and the 1900 Galveston hurricane revealed class divisions and gave impetus to the Progressive movement.
How President Bush's father was criticized for the federal response to Hurricane Andrew in 1992.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC IMPACT

Matthew W. Will
Associate dean, School of Business
(317) 788-3370 or mwill@uindy.edu

Potential topics include:

Impact on the price and availability of construction materials
Impact on oil production and fuel prices
How insurance providers and the federal government could be affected by insurance claims
How FEMA payouts to victims could affect the federal budget