Virginia Tech® home

Real World Research Expertise

Real World Research Expertise

Wireless tower overlooking the city of Blacksburg, VA.

Every day regional, national, and global media are tapping into Virginia Tech expertise to help make sense of the world.

By sharing their insights, Virginia Tech researchers are helping you better understand today and how to prepare for tomorrow.

Research Expertise

  • Article Item
    Number "2026" with a soccer ball for the zero; designs of the U.S., Canada, and Mexico flags on the numbers.
    2026 World Cup sparks safety and accessibility concerns, expert says , article

    Co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to become the largest in tournament history. While the tournament represents a major moment for the sport, Virginia Tech expert Patrick Ridge said attention surrounding this year’s event extends beyond the competition itself, with several factors prompting questions about fan and player safety and accessibility.

  • Article Item
    A soccer ball covered in international flags nestles in the netting of a goal. Bright green grass fills the background, out of focus. The ball is close up and brightly lit.
    Expert explains impact of technology on World Cup tourism , article

    As the 2026 World Cup approaches, Virginia Tech hospitality and tourism expert Juan Luis Nicolau explains how technology will be used to better experiences for guests and host cities.

  • Article Item
    Water can putting water on plants
    Expert tips for gardening during drought , article

    As spring progresses and summer approaches, now is the time for working in the garden. However, with more than 60 percent of the United States dealing with drought, maintaining a thriving landscape has become increasingly difficult. Ed Olsen, a consumer horticulture specialist and director of the Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Program, shares essential strategies for gardening in dry conditions and the common mistakes to avoid.

  • Article Item
    Image of United States showing severity of drought conditions
    Expert: More than half of U.S. faces worst drought in decades , article

    More than 60 percent of the United States is experiencing drought conditions, with more than 20 percent in an extreme drought. Andrew Ellis, a climatologist at Virginia Tech said the current conditions are among the worst in decades because the combination of intensity and aerial coverage is rare. He explained why, who is most impacted, and when we can expect relief.

  • Article Item
    Photo of Luis Escobar
    What the Andes hantavirus outbreak reveals about pandemic risk , article

    Luis Escobar, a disease ecologist at Virginia Tech, said the outbreak of Andes hantavirus aboard the international MV Hondius cruise ship underscores how little scientists still know about the viruses circulating silently in wild rodent populations before they spill into humans. He discussed the unique biology of the virus and why current public health models often fail to predict spillover events.

  • Article Item
    A hand pumping gas into a car
    With gas prices uncertain, expert offers smarter summer travel strategies , article

    Virginia Tech hospitality and tourism expert Mahmood Khan encourages summer travelers to plan in advance, especially as fuel prices continue to fluctuate.

View All