Virginia Tech Tragedy Experts List
The tragedy at Virginia Tech has left the nation in a state of disbelief and sadness, and many are asking how something so horrific could happen on a college campus. The University of South Carolina Office of Media Relations has prepared a list of faculty experts who can discuss topics related to the shootings. To arrange interviews, call the staff member whose name is identified with the listing at 803-777-5400 or the home or mobile phone numbers of faculty who will respond to phone calls after 5 p.m.
Uncontrolled rage
Dr. George Holmes, a University of South Carolina psychology professor, can discuss uncontrolled rage and how depression and feelings of isolation can lead to violence. Holmes, who has appointments with the university's School of Medicine and psychology department, has more than 30 years experience in working with aggression and violence among teens and young adults. Certified by the American Board of Medical Psychotherapists, Holmes leads a research team at the William S. Hall Psychiatric Institution that focuses on assessment of psychological trauma and health of children and adolescents. (Karen Petit)
After 5 p.m., you can reach Dr. Holmes at 803-732-7026 (home).
Grief, acute stress, post-traumatic stress disorder
Dr. Clyde Flanagan, a psychiatrist with the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, can discuss the emotional toll of the shootings on those closest to the events, including students, faculty and emergency workers. Flanagan can talk about the acute stress reaction that is common in the first weeks after a tragedy and the grief process. A retired military psychiatrist, Flanagan is an expert on post-traumatic stress disorder and how tragedies can affect police officers, emergency medical personnel, nurses and doctors months and years after the event. (Karen Petit)
After 5 p.m., you can reach Dr. Flanagan at 803-352-1287 (pager) or 803-609-0816 (mobile phone).
Community healing: A sociologist's personal, professional insights
Dr. Barry Markovsky, professor and chairman of the sociology department at the University of South Carolina, is an expert on social psychology, group dynamics and the impact that large-scale tragedies can have at every level in a community. Drawing from personal experience and research, Markovsky can discuss the aftermath of the Virginia Tech shootings, specifically the community grief and healing process. In 1990, Markovsky was teaching sociology at the University of Iowa when a gunman shot and killed six people in an adjacent building. The Iowa City campus is situated in a small college town, not unlike Blacksburg, Va. (Peggy Binette) Dr. Markovsky can be reached at 803-777-0804 (office) or via e-mail at barry@sc.edu. After 5 p.m., he can be reached at 803-254-6766. (Peggy Binette)
The psychological impact on young people
Dr. Kathleen Scharer, a professor of nursing at the University of South Carolina, can discuss the psychological impact of the shootings on young people, including college students. Scharer, whose expertise is in psychiatric nursing, says the shootings may make many students feel more vulnerable to crime. Scharer also can give tips on what parents should say to children about the tragedy. (Karen Petit)
Citizen journalism – a new frontier in crisis response
Doug Fisher is a veteran journalist who spent 18 years with the Associated Press before joining the University of South Carolina's faculty. As a researcher, Fisher has distinguished himself as a leading authority on citizen journalism, new media and the management of the increasing flow of information for reporters and consumers. He is principal researcher for the Hartsville Today citizen-journalism project. Fisher can discuss the role that citizen journalism can play in times of crisis, specifically as it relates to the flow of information to and from victims. (Peggy Binette)
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