Spotlights

With the World Cup underway across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, Dr. Simon Medcalfe, economist at Augusta University's Hull College of Business, wrote for Augusta Business Daily about why FIFA's headline economic projections for the tournament don't hold up. His piece breaks down why most of the spending tied to hosting the event isn't new activity but rather it's money that would have been spent elsewhere regardless. As Medcalfe put it: "New spending is not created; it is just moved around." Read his full column in Augusta Business Daily :  Dr. Medcalfe is a Professor of Economics and Finance at Augusta University, with research spanning sports economics, community and economic development, and social determinants of health. He holds a PhD in Business/Managerial Economics from Lehigh University. If you're covering the economics of hosting major sporting events, public subsidies for host cities, or the gap between projected and actual tourism impact, Dr. Medcalfe is available for comment. Click on the contact button in his profile below. 

Heart disease has long been linked to familiar risk factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure and lifestyle choices. But according to a recent Augusta University Jagwire article highlighting research published in Nature Reviews Cardiology, the immune system might also play a critical role in determining how cardiovascular disease develops and progresses. The review, led by Ishita Tandon, PhD, Hossam Abdelsamed, PhD, and Alaa M. Khalifa, PhD, examines the emerging role of CD8+ T cells, specialized immune cells best known for fighting infections, in atherosclerosis, the chronic inflammatory disease responsible for most heart attacks and strokes. By synthesizing the latest evidence, the researchers show how different populations of these immune cells can either fuel inflammation or help regulate it, revealing new opportunities to better understand, diagnose and eventually treat cardiovascular disease. The review also identifies important gaps in current knowledge and outlines promising directions for future research. As scientists continue to better understand how these immune cells behave within arterial plaques, their discoveries could lead to more precise diagnostic tools and a new generation of immune-targeted therapies for cardiovascular disease. Together, the researchers' work offers journalists valuable insight into one of the fastest-evolving areas of cardiovascular research, where immunology and heart health are converging to reshape how cardiovascular disease is understood and treated. "This study highlights the major role of CD8+ T cells in atherosclerosis and their potential impact on cardiovascular diseases."  Hossam Abdelsamed, PhD To learn more about this amazing research and connect with Ishita Tandon, Hossam Abdelsamed or Alaa M. Khalifa, contact AU's External Communications Team mediarelations@augusta.edu to arrange an interview today.

Heart disease remains the world's leading cause of death, but researchers are continuing to uncover the genetic mechanisms that drive it. According to a recent Augusta University Jagwire article highlighting new research, scientists are investigating how a little-studied gene might influence the development of cardiovascular disease and whether it could become a future target for treatment. At the center of the research is Kunzhe Dong, PhD, an investigator at Augusta University's Immunology Center of Georgia, who is examining the role of the SH3BGRL2 gene in cardiovascular cells. While the gene has previously been associated with cancer biology, early findings suggest it might also play an important role in regulating how blood vessels respond to stress and injury. Understanding that relationship could reveal new biological pathways involved in heart disease and identify novel opportunities for precision medicine. The research aims to determine how changes in gene expression affect the function of cardiovascular cells and contribute to disease progression. By better understanding these molecular mechanisms, scientists hope to identify new therapeutic targets and improve the ability to prevent or treat cardiovascular disease before irreversible damage occurs. The work also reflects a broader shift toward precision medicine, where treatments are tailored to the underlying biology of each patient rather than relying solely on traditional risk factors. "This gene is well known in one field, but now we're seeing it's also important in cardiovascular cells." Kunzhe Dong, PhD To learn more about this research and connect with Kunzhe Dong, contact AU's External Communications Team mediarelations@augusta.edu to arrange an interview today.

Where an expectant mother lives might reveal important clues about her baby's health before birth. According to a recent Augusta University Jagwire article, researchers at the Medical College of Georgia have found that mapping birth outcomes by ZIP code can help identify communities where mothers and newborns face greater health risks, providing valuable information for healthcare providers and public health officials. The two-part study out of the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, led by Mary Arthur, MD, explored the relationship between neighborhood characteristics and neonatal outcomes. By combining geographic mapping with maternal and infant health data, the researchers identified areas with higher rates of adverse birth outcomes and examined how factors such as access to prenatal care and other social determinants of health might contribute to those disparities. The findings suggest that geographic data can become a valuable tool for improving maternal and infant health. By identifying communities at greater risk, healthcare systems and policymakers can better target prenatal education, outreach programs and healthcare resources to support expectant mothers before complications arise. For journalists covering maternal health, healthcare disparities and public policy, Arthur offers valuable insight into how community-level data can help guide interventions that improve pregnancy outcomes and give more babies a healthier start in life. "The maps make it very easy to visualize those ZIP codes that link to poor neonatal outcomes. They're also helpful for planning strategic interventions to help the people who live in those particular areas in terms of making sure there are outreach programs for mothers in those areas to have access to prenatal care." Mary Arthur, MD To learn more about this important research and connect with Mary Arthur, contact AU's External Communications Team mediarelations@augusta.edu to arrange an interview today.

A recently published article from Augusta University’s Jagwire is highlighting how artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the future of dentistry not only in patient care, but also in education, research and clinical decision-making. The article features insights from Theodore Ravenel and third-year dental student Reid Loveless, who discuss both the opportunities and risks associated with AI integration in the profession. Ravenel explains how AI-powered tools are already assisting dentists with cavity detection, orthodontic planning, bone-loss analysis, and treatment forecasting, while also helping researchers process enormous amounts of clinical data more efficiently. He also emphasizes the importance of ethical safeguards, patient privacy and ensuring that AI tools are trained using diverse and accurate datasets. “It is really reshaping dentistry and how we practice dentistry.” Theodore Ravenel, DMD Loveless offers the perspective of a future clinician learning in an increasingly technology-driven environment. He describes how AI-supported educational tools developed by faculty such as Rafael Pacheco are helping students navigate complex patient scenarios, receive immediate feedback, and strengthen clinical reasoning skills. The article also highlights emerging technologies being used at the Dental College of Georgia, including virtual reality simulators and AI chatbots that provide students with real-time evaluations of dental procedures. Researchers such as Zoya Kurago are also leveraging AI to analyze large-scale datasets tied to cancer and oral disease research. Despite the excitement surrounding these advances, the article stresses that AI is intended to support, not replace, human clinicians. Empathy, communication and patient trust remain essential components of quality care. To learn more about how Augusta University is preparing future dental professionals for an AI-driven healthcare landscape, contact Rafael Pacheco at rapacheco@augusta.edu.

Cuba is facing one of its most severe crises in decades, as compounding economic and energy challenges continue to strain everyday life on the island. Persistent fuel shortages have led to rolling blackouts, transportation disruptions, and reduced industrial output, while inflation and shortages of basic goods have eroded purchasing power for ordinary Cubans. Tourism, once a critical source of foreign exchange, has struggled to fully recover, and the country continues to grapple with declining productivity and limited access to international capital. These pressures have contributed to rising public frustration, increased migration, and a government response that blends cautious economic reforms with efforts to maintain stability. Paolo Spadoni is an ideal expert for journalists covering this evolving situation. As a specialist in Cuba’s political economy, his work focuses on the island’s external sector, including foreign investment, remittances, tourism and the impact of international sanctions. He brings a rare ability to connect on-the-ground developments – such as energy shortages or policy changes, to the broader structural realities shaping Cuba’s economy. With deep academic research and ongoing analysis of current reforms, Spadoni offers clear, credible insight into whether Cuba’s latest measures signal meaningful transformation or simply short-term responses to a prolonged crisis. Paolo Spadoni, PhD, is a widely recognized expert on Cuba and its international relations. He is a tri-lingual political economist with a specialization in international relations and a focus on Latin America’s political and business environments. His research focuses on international relations theories, Cuba's economy and business market, foreign investment in Cuba and U.S.-Cuba relations. View his profile Since this crisis escalated, Spadoni has been the 'go-to' expert for reporters with media from across North America like Reuters, Bloomberg and The New York Times connecting with him for his expertise, input and perspective on the situation. LA TERCERA: “The Cuban tourism sector was already struggling before the Covid pandemic. The best year for international tourism in Cuba was 2017 in terms of foreign exchange earnings. That was the year in which $3.3 billion was collected, and tourism represented 10% of Cuba's GDP at that time. In terms of employment, it provided 120,000 direct jobs and roughly 500,000 indirect jobs. So it played a significant role. That was the best year for international tourism in Cuba, which coincidentally ended in November of that year with the sanctions imposed by the first Trump administration. From then on, tourism from North American visitors began to decline, but European and Canadian visitors were already decreasing,” Spadoni explained to La Tercera. CBC NEWS: "Most of those investments are real estate investments more than tourism investments, meaning the Cuban military has taken possession of prime locations in the best tourism areas of Cuba," said Paolo Spadoni, an associate professor at Augusta University in Augusta, Ga., and co-author of the 2025 book The Cuban Tourism Industry: Evolution, Challenges and Prospects. Columbia Law School: "While seeking to finalize an economic agreement with Cuba, the Trump administration could secure deals across various sectors of the economy. However, tourism holds the most promising opportunities in the short term." Global News (Canada):

In last week’s column on Super Bowl ads, I stressed the importance of providing a value proposition when you are advertising or marketing your goods and services. As a reminder, a value proposition is a promise that you make to potential customers that provides them a compelling reason why they should buy your product rather than a product from one of your competitors. Prior to developing a value proposition, you first need to understand who you are trying to sell to and what product characteristics they value. This will ensure that your value proposition will be more likely convince these buyers (your target market) to buy from you. The most effective Super Bowl ads from last week did this important work well. Once the company has a good, valuable proposition, it then needs to communicate that valuable proposition to its target market. Fortunately for companies with Super Bowl ads, just about all target markets are watching the game. However, for pretty much all other advertising and marketing, it must communicate where the target market will see or hear it. In today’s column, I will walk you through how to determine who your target market is, what they value, and finally, where to distribute your marketing messages. You are probably asking yourself, why is a guy who teaches Operations and Supply Chain Management (O&SCM) writing about Marketing? The answer is simple, really. It is the job of the O&SCM function of the company to deliver on the value proposition. So, as marketing develops its value proposition, it must confer with O&SCM to determine if the firm can deliver on that value proposition. If marketing communicates a value proposition it cannot meet, the company will likely be unsuccessful. With that in mind, let us examine the target market/value proposition development process. As a firm begins to identify its target market for a particular product, it must first determine the various potential customers who might buy that product and attempt to partition those customers into groups who value similar things. For instance, looking at the automobile market, there are some customers who value low price most, some who value performance and aesthetics most, and others who value reliability, durability, and consistency. If we are either in the automobile market or thinking about entering the automobile market, we need to find a group that values some characteristics that we think we can provide better than other market entrants. As you can see, the identification of a target market and the development of a value proposition that will appeal to that target market are done concurrently and iteratively. As noted above, the O&SCM function of the company is also brought in during these iterations to determine if the physical good can be manufactured or a service can be delivered in such a way that it can meet the value proposition. One important thing to remember is that in most cases, you are not your target market. What I mean by that is that you are often biased by your own knowledge and taste/preferences, and this may differ significantly from what your target market values. Remember that you are a unique individual whose preferences for a price point and evaluation of other characteristics might differ from your target market. Be sure to develop a value proposition that reflects the buying habits of your target market customers. Once you have developed a strong value proposition that you know your O&SCM can deliver upon, it is time to message that value proposition in places where your target market is present. As noted above, this aspect of our process is like “shooting fish in a barrel” for Super Bowl advertisers because all target markets are typically watching the Super Bowl. It is not so trivial for the rest of us. We need to understand what forms of media our target markets consume (e.g., television, radio, social media), but also, with each of these media, which applications or types of shows do they frequent. While most think social media skews young, and that is true for the most part, Facebook skews older, while Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok skew much younger. On television, much of network television skew older, but there are shows like “Dancing with the Stars” and The “Bachelor” that do particularly well with younger women. Many mornings when I am getting ready for the day, I listen to “Augusta’s Morning News” on WGAC radio, and it is clear that my fellow listeners are primarily in my age demographic. My advice is to do your homework and find out where your target market is consuming media. All the work above is not very easy, but doing it right will lead to big returns. If you can identify who you want to target, based on what they value, and then be sure they get the marketing message that you have what they value, your business will succeed!

In this candid conversation, Vahé Heboyan, PhD, and Marlo Vernon, PhD, talk about their work at the intersection of public health, economic stability and substance use disorder recovery. The interviews are centered on Augusta University's public health-driven small business training initiative and explore how recovery is strengthened when communities invest in people and provide practical paths to long-term stability. Heboyan, a professor in AU's School of Public Health and a public health expert with a background as an economist, explains that economic vulnerability often hinders recovery, especially in rural areas with limited resources where risk-taking can be costly. He translates economic research into public health practice, emphasizing that small businesses and microenterprises are about providing a sustainable income for individuals and families, not creating large corporations. This stability, he notes, can have a ripple effect, supporting local economies, job opportunities and community resilience. Vernon, whose research focuses on maternal and infant health, as well as substance use disorder recovery, highlights the human side of recovery and the importance of financial security for families. She notes that economic instability can increase the risk of relapse, especially for mothers in recovery who are supporting children. Her insights show that entrepreneurship can be a public health tool, addressing income, dignity, confidence and long-term wellbeing. Both interviews emphasize the key role of community in recovery. Heboyan points out the power of peer support and shared experience, noting how participants use their past challenges as strengths. Vernon agrees, emphasizing that effective public health work requires building relationships and engaging with communities over time, rather than just conducting short-term research. Together, the interviews show that recovery is part of a larger ecosystem that includes economic opportunity, mentorship and community trust. The video illustrates how combining economics, public health and lived experience can create lasting, meaningful impact for individuals in recovery and their communities. Looking to know more? Click on Dr. Vernon's profile below. To connect with Dr. Heboyan, simply contact AU's Communications team via email (mediarelations@augusta.edu) to arrange an interview today.

At Augusta University’s annual Economic Forecast Breakfast hosted by the James M. Hull College of Business, Simon Medcalfe, PhD, offered a grounded, data-driven look at how the local economy is performing — and what lies ahead. Speaking to business leaders, students and community stakeholders, Medcalfe emphasized the importance of distinguishing real economic growth from inflation-driven gains, noting that while the Augusta region continues to grow, it does so at a measured pace compared to national averages. His presentation framed the local economy as stable and resilient, but not immune to broader forces shaping the U.S. outlook. A key theme of Medcalfe’s remarks was the role of research, innovation and education in sustaining long-term economic health. He pointed to strong gains in research and development across Georgia and highlighted how university-based research directly contributes to regional economic output. According to Medcalfe, investment in knowledge creation remains one of the most reliable drivers of growth, reinforcing the value of higher education institutions as economic anchors. Simon Medcalfe, PhD, is an economist with an emphasis on sports economics, social determinants of health, and the local economy. View his profile At the same time, Medcalfe cautioned against complacency. While regional fundamentals remain solid, he stressed that uncertainty at the national level continues to pose risks. “However, uncertainty abounds in national macroeconomic policy that could negatively impact growth next year,” Medcalfe said, underscoring how unresolved fiscal decisions and policy shifts can ripple down to local economies. Still, his overall outlook balanced realism with optimism. Medcalfe concluded that the Augusta region — and Georgia more broadly — is positioned to weather uncertainty thanks to diversification, investment in early education, and continued research activity. “Overall, Augusta and Georgia are positioned well for economic growth in 2026 with a strong commitment to early childhood education, a diversified labor market and strong research and development,” he said. View the full article 'Annual Economic Forecast Breakfast offers snapshot of the local economy' here: For journalists covering regional economics, workforce development, higher education, or policy-driven growth trends, Simon Medcalfe, PhD, offers clear-eyed analysis rooted in data — and an ability to translate complex economic signals into insight that matters locally. Simon is available to speak with media - simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.