Media week: UO scholars in the news this week

UO researchers and scholars were recently featured in stories about maps for the blind, the soothing power of fractals, changing personalities, ethical norms, Super Bowl ads, the psychology of skepticism and folk traditions. 


National Geographic interviewed Amy Lobben, head of the geography department at the UO, for a story about the use of tactile maps for the visually impaired. In "These Maps Literally Put the Alps at Your Fingertips," Lobben explained that these maps are rare and must be less information-dense for the best understanding.


Here are some other places where UO researchers were mentioned in the media:

  • Richard Taylor, professor of physics, was profiled in The Atlantic about why fractals are soothing.
  • UO psychology professor Sanjay Srivastava talked to New York Magazine about the possibility of changing one’s personality.
  • The New York Times included research by UO geographer Dan Gavin in the “What We’re Reading” section.
  • Elizabeth Tippett, assistant professor of law, wrote about ethical norms in The Conversation. The story was picked up by dozens of outlets around the country, including The Raw Story and SFGate.
  • USA Today interviewed UO journalism instructor Paul Swangard for a story previewing Super Bowl ads.
  • UO marketing professor Troy Campbell was interviewed for a PsyPost story on intelligence and resisting scientific messages.
  • Makaela Kroin, program coordinator for the Oregon Folklife Network, appeared live on Portland’s KGW-TV to talk about preserving local folk traditions.

Around the O would like to know when members of the UO faculty, staff or students are interviewed by media or have written for publications based on their role at the UO. If you or a colleague have been in the news please send an email to uonews@uoregon.edu.