Summer is upon us, and so are the perennial questions of the season.
Questions like . . . how long can I leave the cooked chicken on the table before it goes bad? Exactly how did cricket become a staple backyard sport? And how much should I really post about my holiday antics on social media?
Luckily, University of the Sunshine Coast experts will be on hand to field a few of our more pressing questions and are available for media queries over the break.
If you are a journalist seeking an interview with any of the experts below, please reach out to media@usc.edu.au
Sport history or heritage
Dr Kate Kirby
Exploring how the sport of today is informed by the games of the past.
Road safety over the holiday break
Levi Anderson, Research Associate
Queensland currently has some of the worst annual road safety statistics. How can we influence driver behaviour, and avoid driving while impaired?
The psychology of Santa Claus and holidays
Dr Rachael Sharman, Senior Lecturer in Psychology
How does the magic of Santa light up children’s brains as they anticipate the big visit on Christmas Eve? What are some strategies to support your mental health over the holidays?
Coping with disruption or stress associated with family dynamics, work/home balance, COVID impacts, Christmas anxiety, parenting issues, loneliness, grief.
The unwanted gift of holiday sickness
Dr Matt Mason, Lecturer, Nursing Science
How long can you leave the chicken on the table in the heat this Christmas? Will food spoil faster during a heatwave? How can I avoid infectious diseases while I’m travelling for the holidays? And why are more aged care facilities in lockdown with COVID again?
Responsible use of social media during the holidays
Dr Jane Stephens, Lecturer, Journalism
Mindful posting during the holiday season. As non-digital natives, exposure to a constant highlight reel can increase depression and anxiety because of comparison and fear of missing out. Other topics include current events, news and social fatigue.
Peak holiday season
Dr Aaron Tham, Lecturer in Tourism, Leisure and Event Management
Low competition, a shortage of aerospace engineers and increasing weather-related flight disruption are all contributing to another pricey peak flying season.
Other topics include sustainable tourism during peak holiday season, destination branding and marketing, citizen science, beaches and turtles.
Media enquiries: Please contact the Media Team media@usc.edu.au