After six years of raising their family in California, the next chapter for Prince Harry and Meghan includes returning to the U.K. for an extended period at a non-royal residence. Their six-year estrangement from the Royal Family — and the possibility of reconciliation — reflect dynamics that are relatable to many non-royal families.

Family estrangement is becoming common in American families. Last year, a YouGov poll found that 38% of Americans adults say they are currently estranged from either a sibling, a parent, a child, a grandparent or a grandchild. Included in that poll, which surveyed 4,395 U.S. adult citizens, 16% of respondents said they are currently estranged from a parent.

Florida State University’s Nari Jeter is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an associate teaching professor in human development and family science. She has become a nationally recognized relationship expert who has been featured in USA Today, Newsweek, SELF Magazine, HuffPost, Fox News and more.

In 2020, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’ estrangement from the Royal Family began due to several factors, including lack of palace support and constraints within the family that led to their decision to leave for the United States. According to Jeter, family dynamics where there is disagreement are relatable to families outside the spotlight.

“What’s especially familiar is the in-law dynamic,” Jeter said. “When a family doesn’t fully welcome a new partner, the person in the middle feels torn — to protect their spouse and translate actions on both sides. Often, that person feels like they can never win and keep both sides content, so they give up. This is where estrangement follows; it’s a way of reducing the immediate conflict within them and their family.”

Within the same YouGov Poll, individuals estranged from a child (70%) or grandchild (66%) were more likely to say they would consider reconciling with their family member. For Prince Harry, he remains estranged from his brother, William — The Prince of Wales. The Sussexes are expected to remain private citizens while in the U.K. However, there is a possibility of healing the family rift with his father, King Charles III.

The pathway to reconciliation, according to Jeter, often begins with humility and acceptance.

“Most reconciliation that I’ve seen starts with someone recognizing that wanting to be ‘right’ isn’t working,” Jeter said. “There is humility in recognizing that they could have done some things wrong or hurtful, even unintentionally. They don’t completely give up their views, but they accept that the other person can see things differently and it doesn’t have to be a threat to the relationship.”

Media interested in understanding family estrangement and reconciliation through the lens of the Royal Family may reach out to Nari Jeter via email at nari.jeter@fsu.edu.

Nari Jeter, licensed marriage and family therapist, Florida State University

Family estrangements involving notable figures can be quite different from everyday situations because they play out in front of the public. But in a situation like the Royal Family, what are some relatable concepts?

“It’s a common story that one person decides to step away from the family they come from to protect the family they made. That’s a pattern I see in my office every week. This kind of estrangement typically doesn’t come from one single blow-up, but from many moments where someone doesn’t feel seen, heard, or respected when it comes to their new family boundaries. This is especially true when that family member feels pressure to choose between being loyal to themselves (and their new family) or the family they come from.”

“Contrary to popular belief, estrangement isn’t about an absence of love. Many people who are cut off from their families feel grief, sadness and longing long after estrangement happened. Estrangement happens when love doesn’t feel safe, protected and respected.”

The pathway to reconciliation can be a long process. When you see families reconcile, what are some of the things that often lead to that final step?

“Another step usually comes with an apology or acknowledgement without justification or excuses. This is where emotional validation goes a long way. “I’m sorry I hurt you” or “I can tell I really disappointed you” isn’t an agreement on how they saw it, but it’s recognizing impact. People feel seen and heard when we accept their feelings. Most estranged family members aren’t looking for grand acts in reconciliation. One good apology or acknowledgement can really push the door open to reconnection.”

“Lastly, it’s common to see a significant life event cracking the door open: family sickness, a wedding, a birth, a death. Time and separation won’t heal estrangement, but an event that brings shared purpose or meaning to the family can motivate families to try. It’s important to not jump back into old roles and routines. Family members need to clearly communicate what wasn’t working before and talk about new expectations and boundaries. Small, sustainable, successful changes are the target. Short visits and weekly phone chats are a good starting point to rebuilding trust and connection. Reconciliation takes effort on both sides. It requires grace and humility, and the ability to see past our own hurts to the landscape of someone else’s life.”

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As GLP-1 drugs become increasingly common for weight loss, researchers are beginning to examine what these medications may reveal about eating behavior beyond the scale, including why some people experience persistent urges to binge.

Florida State University’s Pamela Keel, the Robert O. Lawton Distinguished Professor of Psychology, has developed emerging research suggesting GLP-1 drugs may help reduce binge-eating symptoms in some patients by addressing a biological factor rather than simply targeting willpower or behavior.

Keel led the research team whose work last summer established that overlooked biological components in bulimia could be targeted by FDA-approved treatments for Type 2 diabetes. Their research concluded that in addition to targeting psychological factors in treatment, screening patients for biological conditions like high weight suppression — the difference between highest and current body weight — can help clinicians identify who might benefit most from GLP-1s.

The finding could help explain why certain patients experience improvements in bingeing when treated with GLP-1 drugs, and why binge eating should not be framed simply as a lack of self-control.

“Most treatments for eating disorders focus on psychological factors,” Keel said. “Our much-needed research allows clinicians to better understand what biological factors to target when treating patients with eating disorders.”

Keel’s study recently gained attention in the Wall Street Journal for a feature on how GLP-1s assisted one person who was battling bulimia — an illness marked by uncontrolled episodes of bingeing and purging. The article highlighted the research team’s finding that some people with bulimia experience a reduced release of the body’s natural GLP-1 hormone after eating — the same hormone these drugs are designed to mimic. The finding suggests that the persistent urge to binge may stem not from psychological weakness, but from a measurable hormonal deficit that medication could help address.

Keel, who conducts translational research in eating disorders, confirmed that her research provides a possible pathway for bingeing improvements for some individuals targeted with GLP-1s.

“These findings suggest that GLP-1 drugs might help some women stop bingeing by correcting problems with lower GLP-1 release while eating,” Keel said.

“These findings suggest that GLP-1 drugs might help some women stop bingeing by correcting problems with lower GLP-1 release while eating.”

– Pamela Keel, Robert O. Lawton Distinguished Professor of Psychology

A recent Gallup National Health and Well-Being Index shows the percentage of U.S. adults currently taking GLP-1s for weight loss has risen to 11% in 2026. Keel’s emerging research supports studies testing GLP-1s for their potential efficacy in individuals with bulimia and related syndromes.

Media interested in learning more about Keel’s research and its importance in navigating treatments for eating disorders may reach out to her via email at keel@psy.fsu.edu.

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Returning to work before breastfeeding is fully established presents an enormous challenge for mothers, according to Florida State University researcher and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Mirine Richey. As National Breastfeeding Month highlights the benefits of breastfeeding for infants and mothers, Richey says workplace policies can play a critical role in whether mothers are able to meet their breastfeeding goals.

Richey, a faculty member at the FSU Center for Prevention & Early Intervention Policy, has presented at state and national conferences and served as an international delegate to the World Health Organization, where she discussed infant formula market regulations and breastfeeding protection. She says many U.S. workplace and parental leave policies can make it harder for mothers to continue breastfeeding by disrupting pumping schedules, reducing milk supply and increasing stress.

“We spend a lot of time telling women that breastfeeding is important,” Richey said. “What we don’t do is provide enough support to help them reach their goals.”

While public health campaigns consistently promote the benefits of breastfeeding, many mothers return to work within weeks of giving birth. The early postpartum period is critical for establishing and maintaining milk supply, which depends on frequent breastfeeding or pumping. When mothers face demanding schedules, inadequate break time, limited privacy or insufficient workplace accommodations, maintaining that supply can become increasingly difficult.

“Milk-supply hormones can take six to eight weeks to reach their optimal levels, and this is done by feeding the baby every two to three hours,” Richey said. “Women who return to work during this time may not be able to pump this often due to workplace policy or just career concerns.”

The challenges are not only physical. Richey says workplace policies can affect maternal mental health. Many women feel pressure to provide breast milk because of its well-documented benefits. When work responsibilities interfere with breastfeeding goals, mothers often experience guilt, stress and feelings of failure. Mothers who work in extremely demanding fields, such as emergency workers and first responders, are often faced with an even greater burden.

Richey says healthcare providers need more training to help mothers navigate workplace challenges related to breastfeeding.

“Healthcare providers need more training to help care plan for women with unique workplace challenges, especially when returning to work in the first six months when baby is recommended to have only breast milk,” she added.

Richey can discuss how early return-to-work policies affect breastfeeding outcomes, the relationship between stress and milk supply, maternal mental health challenges during the postpartum period, and the workplace policies that can better support mothers and babies. She can be reached via email at m.richey@fsu.edu.

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The rise of pickleball has been rapid, growing in popularity since the pandemic. While the game is mostly promoted for its physical benefits in older adults, its greatest effect is shown in the social connections it builds.

According to the National Poll on Healthy Aging conducted by the University of Michigan and the AARP, 1 in 3 adults aged 50 to 80 reported feeling lonely or lacking companionship some of the time or often. Now known as a public health risk, loneliness is defined as the feeling that results from a perceived gap between a person’s desired social connections and their actual relationships.

Distinct from loneliness is the other public health risk of social isolation — an objective lack of social connections, encompassing few social roles, infrequent interactions and minimal participation in community activities. Further examinations on social connection point to both loneliness and social isolation in older adults presenting a major risk for premature mortality.

Florida State University’s Amy Chan Hyung Kim is an associate professor in the Department of Sport Management whose research focuses on promoting sport for health from a social epidemiological perspective. Of her many research projects, Kim has worked exclusively with the United States of America Pickleball Association and has produced research on pickleball’s benefits for retirees in the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity.

While noting all the physical benefits of pickleball, from improved strength to cardiovascular health, Kim believes the less obvious one comes from a cognitive angle.

“Research has shown that playing pickleball strengthens older adults’ social connections and sense of community while reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation,” Kim said. “Part of this comes down to the court itself, which is considerably smaller than a tennis court and keeps players close enough to talk easily with partners and opponents throughout a match/rallies. This sets pickleball apart from activities such as running or walking alone, which improve fitness but rarely bring people together in the same way.”

An advocate for expanding the sport’s growth, Kim believes the solution to continued momentum is accessibility.

“The more durable path is a network of accessible courts and welcoming local programs that make it easy for anyone to pick up a paddle and stay with it,” Kim added. “Court access remains the single largest barrier, as many communities still rely on tennis courts marked with temporary lines or a handful of public courts that fill up before most people arrive. Dedicated courts, whether built from scratch or converted from underused facilities, would do more than any advertising campaign to sustain growth. Beyond facilities, the next step is to make the game welcoming to people who assume it is not for them, including younger adults, families and those who have never considered themselves athletic.”

To learn more about how pickleball bridges much-needed social connections in older adults, as well as how the sport has grown in popularity, media may reach associate professor Amy Chan Hyung Kim via email at kamy@fsu.edu.

Amy Chan Hyung Kim, associate professor, Department of Sport Management

How does the setup of a pickleball court help in building social connections?

The format of the game reinforces a sense of closeness, since players can rotate partners, share courts and often stay to talk long after the last point. These social connections, in turn, are closely tied to better mental health and psychological well-being, with studies reporting lower levels of depression, stress and anxiety among regular players, along with greater happiness and life satisfaction. For older adults, the combination of movement and companionship may be the most valuable aspect of playing pickleball.

While it’s clear that the benefits outweigh the negatives, what are some things older adults should be weary of when playing pickleball?

Injuries are the most common concern, particularly strains and sprains of the ankle, knee, shoulder and Achilles tendon, which often occur when players lunge or backpedal for the ball rather than letting it go. Falls deserve special attention as well, since a single fall can lead to a fracture that takes months to recover from. Footwear helps guard against both, and proper court shoes are worth the investment because running shoes are built for forward motion and offer little support during the side-to-side movement the game demands. Heat is another factor, especially in Florida, where playing in the middle of the day can lead to dehydration or heat exhaustion. Sunscreen matters just as much for anyone playing outdoors, since regular sun exposure over time raises the risk of skin damage and skin cancer. Finally, older adults managing heart conditions, joint replacements or balance problems should talk with their physician before starting, not to be discouraged from playing, but to set sensible limits. With a warm-up, appropriate footwear, sensible pacing and attention to the body’s signals, most of these concerns can be managed rather than avoided.

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As wildfire smoke spreads across parts of Canada and the United States, Florida State University experts are available to discuss the conditions fueling the fires, the risks to communities and the science behind wildfire response.

Extreme heat, below-average rainfall and dry vegetation have accelerated wildfire activity in Canada, sending intense smoke south across the border and into the Northeastern and Upper Midwestern United States. While wildfires are common in Canada, a heat dome in late June has increased the number of outbreaks. Nearly 950 active wildfires are burning according to the Government of Canada’s National wildland fire summary.

Simultaneously, an active wildfire season has taken place in the U.S. Close to 40,000 fires have burned through more than 3.6 million acres in 2026 — above-average activity for mid-July. A USA Today analysis of Monitoring Trends in Burn Severity (MTBS) data shows that by the early 2020s, the average annual acres burned in the U.S. had nearly tripled compared to the 1990s.

Reporters seeking expert insight may contact the FSU faculty members listed below. Their expertise is organized by topic to help media quickly identify sources on fire modeling, disaster response, firefighter safety and catastrophic risk financing.

Fire modeling

Kevin Speer, former Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Institute (GFDI) director and professor of scientific computing

• Email: kspeer@fsu.edu
• Speer is an expert in climate change, from global ocean circulation to the dynamics of hydrothermal plumes. Recently retired, he served as director of the GFDI from 2011 to 2026 and was a leading expert on the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires.

Disaster response

Yushun Dong, assistant professor of computer science

• Email: yushun.dong@fsu.edu
• Dong is part of FSU’s Resilient Infrastructure & Disaster Response Center (RIDER). As head of the Responsible AI Lab, Dong is leading a team working on a publicly available data-driven platform of U.S. nationwide wildfires empowered by AI technologies. 

Firefighter safety

Meredith McQuerry, director of the ThermaNOLE Comfort Lab

• Email: mmcquerry@jmc.fsu.edu
• McQuerry’s research uses the functional design process to engineer better performing protective clothing for first responders, military personnel, healthcare workers, and athletes. She tackles personal protective equipment (PPE) issues that many firefighters face, ranging from improper fit, reduced mobility, overexertion/heat strain, poor material durability, and gear maintenance. Her work published the first study on wildland firefighter PPE cleaning habits, informing the first edition of NFPA 1877. 

Catastrophic risk financing

Charles Nyce, professor and Florida Surplus Lines Insurance director, Risk Management & Insurance Center

• Email: cnyce@wertheim.fsu.edu
• Nyce has authored numerous articles on risk management and insurance topics, including title insurance, IPOs, enterprise risk management, predictive analytics and natural hazards. He is a leading insurance expert on catastrophic risk financing and one of the nation’s top voices when it comes to insurance topics related to natural disasters.

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As Space Exploration Day approaches on July 20, global space agencies are advancing technologies that make discovery cheaper and safer. Still, human space exploration continues to capture the public’s imagination.

In 2018, the Pew Research Center conducted a study showing that 58% of adults feel human astronauts are essential to the future of the U.S. Space Program. The findings highlight the current dilemma faced in modern space exploration: balancing the efficient reality of robotic exploration against the cultural demand for a human presence.

Florida State University Professor of History Ronald E. Doel is a historian of science who has written about the history of planetary and space exploration. He has appeared in several media outlets, including C-SPAN, The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, Space.com and more.

Doel affirms that space missions involving humans invite a certain romanticism that robotics technology cannot duplicate.

“Space missions lacking human crews do not create strong memories or emotional connections, even if robotic missions have yielded much of what we now know about the Earth and other planets and moons in the solar system,” Doel said.

Robotic landers and rovers have become essential tools for collecting planetary data. But Doel argues that crewed missions offer something machines cannot fully replicate: a human perspective that helps audiences connect with unfamiliar worlds.

“Crewed missions offer audiences a different kind of understanding of foreign places – emotions and insights that are understandable in ways that scientific data is not,” Doel added. “There are times when the human eye can do better than available instruments to discern sudden, brief, discrete changes. Sketches of planetary features from the 19th century until quite recently that were done by humans using telescope eyepieces could capture more detail than photographs, since the eye could discern features that momentarily became visible in instances of remarkable atmospheric stability and stillness. Certain NASA leaders still believe humans can do science in ways that machines cannot.”

Media interested in interviewing professor Ronald E. Doel on the cultural demand for human space exploration in a world of advancing robotics may reach out to him via email at rdoel@fsu.edu.

Ronald E. Doel, professor of history, College of Arts and Sciences

With how much technology has advanced, sending a rover to space would likely be more efficient financially and far more risk averse. But the human element of space exploration remains so important, especially to the public. Why does sending humans to space remain so important despite the advancements we’ve made?

What do Americans know about space exploration? Ask many citizens, and they can describe and tell stories about the Apollo lunar landings and the space shuttle program. They are aware that an International Space Station is orbiting the earth with human beings on board. Older Americans can recall where they were, and how they felt, when Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the moon in July 1969, and when the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded soon after liftoff in January 1986.

But ask about exploration of our solar system by unmanned robotic spacecraft – one of the major achievements of the 20th century into our own time – and many people draw blanks. Some are aware in general terms that spacecraft have visited Venus and Mars, and that probes reached planets in the outer solar system. Yet compared to familiarity with manned space missions, few Americans are familiar with the Viking, Spirit, Opportunity, Curiosity, and Perseverance landers and rovers on Mars, the Voyager mission of the 1970s and 1980s that visited Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, or the New Horizons exploration of Pluto in 2016. Fewer still know that a robotic lander parachuted through the thick atmosphere of Saturn’s largest moon Titan in 2005, photographing mountains, branching channels and dry riverbeds.

The Space Race captured the public’s attention while taking massive physical risks during the Cold War. As robotics continues to accelerate, and possibly handle more missions that humans once did, could this ultimately dull the excitement of space exploration?

It’s certainly possible. Even the novelty of humans flying to the moon wore off after the initial lunar landings (Apollo 11 and Apollo 12). When Apollo 13 flew towards the moon in April 1970, the major television networks of the time did not broadcast the early live telecast its astronauts beamed back to Earth – going to the moon had become routine. The subsequent oxygen tank explosion that ended the planned Apollo 13 landing and threatened the lives of its three astronauts did generate intense public interest, but this was a story of a possible shipwreck unfolding in real time – not a typical space mission.

When I teach “Space: A History,” I ask my students to informally interview a grandparent (or someone a few generations earlier) to share their memories of space missions. Their reports confirm a much greater familiarity with crewed space fights compared to robotic planetary missions (although some awareness of robotic probes was evident). A familiar response my students received – on robotic explorations – was ‘I heard something about this but didn’t follow it.’ 

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Following the U.S. Men’s National Team’s (USMNT) recent World Cup exit, Florida State University coaching expert and former FIFA-certified referee Tim Baghurst says the tournament highlighted longstanding challenges in the nation’s youth soccer development system.

Baghurst directs the FSU Center for Athletic Coaching (FSU COACH), which prepares coaches and sports professionals at all levels. The USMNT’s run to the Round of 16, including its first knockout-stage win since 2002, energized soccer fans across the country. But the team’s 4-1 loss to Belgium also renewed debate about whether the U.S. youth soccer development system is limiting the country’s ability to compete with the world’s best.

Baghurst’s research examines health modeling in sport, stress and burnout in coaching and methods for coach evaluation and certification. He argues that improving youth soccer in the U.S. requires stronger physical education programs and more accessible recreational sports for teens, not just changes at the elite club level.

“The quantity and quality of physical education programming, combined with a lack of recreational sports for teenagers, are forcing youth and parents to choose and specialize in a sport far too soon,” Baghurst said.

Baghurst said one consequence is the country’s growing reliance on expensive club soccer, which can limit who gets access to meaningful development opportunities.

“In the U.S., there has been a systematic shift away from high school soccer toward club-based play,” he said. “This is in part due to the quest to seek ‘better competition’ or be seen by college scouts. Club soccer in the U.S. is more of a pay-to-play system than European models.”

Media interested in speaking with Baghurst about the U.S. youth soccer development system can contact him at tbaghurst@fsu.edu.

Tim Baghurst, FSU COACH Director, Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences

In the U.S., youth soccer is more of a pay-to-play product, while in Europe, professional clubs tend to fund development. Can this difference tend to drain the talent pool in the U.S.?

Yes. In Europe, youth are often recruited to professional academies, many of which are funded by professional clubs, with parents not paying. Professional clubs view the cost as a potential investment in their future, recognizing that emerging talent could contribute to their adult teams or even be sold to another team for significant profit. Conversely, in the U.S., participation is often limited to those parents who can afford the costs. This can also weaken the talent pool, as clubs are incentivized to keep players on their teams regardless of their skill level or potential, because fewer players mean less revenue. 

How can both youth physical education and recreational opportunities be modified to enhance youth development in soccer in the U.S.?

As a former physical education professor and teacher who has taught abroad, I’m well aware that there isn’t enough quality physical education in U.S. schools compared to other nations. Physical education is made optional for students in many states far too early, despite evidence of its long-term benefits for health and academic success. 

Second, by the end of middle school, recreational sports for youth are an afterthought in most communities. By then, it is expected that they know which sport they are good at and are competing for their school and club teams, often both. If a child has not shown promise by the end of middle school, there is little chance they will have opportunities to develop those skills in a recreational setting unless participating in adult leagues. Without opportunities to learn with other recreational-level players their own age, it is unlikely a high school-aged athlete will ever learn a new sport, even if it is the one they are most suited to. 

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Staying fit can become more challenging as you enter your 40s, when natural biological changes begin to affect muscle mass, metabolism and more.

A massive Swedish study that tracked participants for nearly 50 years found that fitness, strength and muscle endurance begin declining around age 35. But the study also found that adults who became active later in life improved their physical performance by 10%.

Michael Ormsbee, director of the Florida State University Institute of Sports Sciences and Medicine (ISSM), is one of the nation’s top nutrition experts. He has appeared in numerous interviews sharing his expertise on topics that range from nighttime pre-sleep feeding strategies, the importance of protein, maximizing human performance, metabolic health and more.

Ormsbee says people don’t need to abandon workout routines that served them well in their 20s and 30s. They simply need to adjust them as they age.

“I don’t think you need a completely different playbook. You just need to be a little smarter about how you apply it,” Ormsbee said. “One of the biggest mistakes people make is thinking they must train harder as they get older. In my experience, most people in their 40s are not overtrained. They’re under-recovered.”

The key, Ormsbee said, isn’t doing more. It’s recovering better and being more intentional about the habits that support long-term strength and health.

“Recovery starts to matter more,” Ormsbee emphasized. “Your body can absolutely adapt and get stronger, but you must give it the resources to do that. The fundamentals really don’t change. Strength training is still one of the best things you can do. Aerobic fitness is still incredibly important. Protein still matters. Sleep is still king.”

Media interested in interviewing ISSM Director Michael Ormsbee about ways to stay fit through your 40s and later may reach out to him via email at mormsbee@fsu.edu.

Michael Ormsbee, FSU Institute of Sports Sciences and Medicine Director, Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences

Does your body require a different type of training/dietary regimen as you age in your 40s?

What changes is how intentional you must be. If you’re sleeping six hours a night, skimping on protein, always rushing from one thing to the next, and trying to train like you did at 25, eventually that’s going to catch up with you. I’d rather see someone train consistently, recover well and stay healthy for years than go all out for a few months and end up injured or burned out.

What would be three of the most critical pieces of advice for those looking to stay in shape and live a healthy lifestyle in their 40s?

First, make recovery part of the plan. Exercise is the stimulus. Recovery is where your body actually adapts. Everyone wants to know about the latest recovery gadget, but the biggest wins are still the basics. Get enough sleep. Eat enough calories and protein. Stay hydrated. Plan recovery weeks when needed. Keep moving on your off days. Manage stress. Those simple habits consistently outperform the flashy stuff.

Second, don’t stop lifting weights. As we get older, maintaining muscle becomes one of the most important things we can do for our health. Muscle supports metabolism, bone health, physical function, and helps you stay active as you age. You don’t have to train like a competitive athlete, but you should challenge your muscles a few times each week. It’s one of the best investments you can make in your future. You don’t stop moving because you get old, you get old because you stop moving.

Third, stop chasing perfection and focus on consistency. Health is built from what you do most of the time, not what you do once in a while. You don’t need the perfect workout or the perfect diet. You need habits you can stick with for years. A few quality workouts each week, enough protein, good sleep, and staying active will beat the all-or-nothing approach every time.

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Shark Awareness Day, observed every year on July 14, encourages a better understanding of sharks and the important role they play in healthy marine ecosystems.

Summer fears often focus on shark attacks instead of far more common dangers such as rip currents, extreme heat or even dehydration. On average, shark attacks cause one to two fatalities nationally per year, while rip currents result in more than 100 annual deaths and heat-related illnesses contribute to nearly 2,400 deaths each year, according to 2023 data from the National Center for Biotechnology Information.

Florida State University Associate Professor of Psychology David March studies threat perception, or how people judge and respond to danger. He leads the March Research Laboratory that examines how automatic and deliberate thinking shape perception, decision making and behavior. March says people naturally process dramatic events such as shark attacks differently than more common but less visible dangers, shaping how they think about risk before they ever step onto the beach.

“There is an evolved bias toward acute, identifiable physical threats,” March said. “A shark is a clear and imaginable agent of harm. It has teeth, movement, intentional behavior and the capacity to cause immediate bodily harm. In contrast, rip currents and dehydration are more diffuse, gradual and harder to visualize as ‘attackers.’ They do not fit the evolved threat prototype, even though they may be more dangerous in practical terms.”

That imbalance, March said, is especially clear among beachgoers who may understand the ocean more as a place of recreation than as a changing natural environment with less visible risks.

“Threat perception is not simply a response to objective danger. It is shaped by experience, attention, cultural messages and how easily a threat can be imagined,” March added. “For tourists, the beach may feel generally safe and recreational, while the most emotionally available danger is the shark. The result is misallocated fear, leading to vigilance toward the wrong threat and underpreparedness for the risks most likely to cause harm.”

Media interested in interviewing associate professor of psychology David March about the misplaced summer fears of shark attacks may reach out to him via email at march@psy.fsu.edu.

David March, associate professor, Florida State University Department of Psychology

Statistics show shark attacks are rare, yet rip currents and extreme heat claim far more lives. Why do so many people worry more about sharks at the beach?

Sensationalized news coverage contributes to an overperception of how often shark attacks occur. This reflects the availability heuristic: because shark attacks are dramatic and widely reported, examples of them come to mind easily, which makes them feel more common than they actually are. In contrast, dangers like rip currents or dehydration may be statistically more frequent, but they are less likely to receive the same kind of vivid media attention.

This availability effect is paired with the especially vivid and emotionally intense nature of shark attacks. The idea of being attacked by a large predator is easy to imagine, visually graphic, and associated with fear and pain. Those affective reactions can make the risk feel more immediate and serious, even when the actual probability is low. As a result, when someone is at the beach, they may become more vigilant about signs of sharks than about less dramatic but more likely dangers.

Together, media sensationalism, availability, vivid affect, and evolved sensitivity to acute predators prepare us to overperceive the risk of shark attacks, leading to greater concern that is oversized relative to the actual danger. This is especially the case when we are at the place where such a threat may occur.

One behavioral data point suggests that a large portion of rip current fatality victims are out-of-state tourists — many who visit beaches more for leisure. How much does mindset play a role in these types of fatalities, and how does this tie into threat perception overall?

Experience likely plays an important role because it shapes both how people approach the beach and which threats they know how to recognize. Tourists with less regular beach exposure may see the beach primarily as a leisure setting rather than a dynamic natural environment with changing surf, currents, heat and other hazards. They also have fewer ordinary, uneventful beach experiences to counter the cultural narrative that sharks are the major ocean danger. At the same time, they may be less familiar with rip currents, less likely to recognize their warning signs, and less likely to have encountered public messaging that treats them as a serious threat. This stacks the deck toward underperceiving common but less vivid dangers while overperceiving dramatic but rare ones.”

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Viral social media content from international visitors attending the FIFA World Cup is showing how everyday interactions across the United States can become a form of citizen diplomacy that may help reshape global perceptions of the country.

Whether it’s fans from Japan marveling at Texas barbecue, Scotland’s Tartan Army spreading goodwill in Boston or German content creators becoming enamored with Buc-ee’s, international visitors have consistently shared positive reactions to American hospitality, food and local culture.

The social media content offers a contrast to some perceptions of the United States. According to the Pew Research Center, some of Europe’s hottest soccer hubs stated that they believed the U.S. was plagued by “very strong partisan conflicts.”

Florida State University Professor of Sociology Deana Rohlinger studies mass media, social movements, digital participation and democratic processes. She said the FIFA World Cup offers one of the largest examples of citizen diplomacy, when ordinary people act as informal ambassadors and generate goodwill that governments cannot easily create.

“Social scientists have known for decades that when people from different groups interact under positive conditions, stereotypes often break down. The World Cup is one of the largest examples imaginable,” Rohlinger said.

While diplomacy is often viewed as a top-down process led by governments and political leaders, citizen diplomacy works from the bottom up. International visitors’ own perceptions change by experiencing what U.S. culture is about.

“Part of why this resonates is that it pushes back against a story we’ve been telling ourselves for years,” Rohlinger added. “So much of what we encounter emphasizes polarization, conflict and dysfunction that those images start to define how we see ourselves. Then outsiders, people with no reason to flatter us, arrive expecting one thing and encounter another. Their reactions interrupt the narrative. They provide a more generous, and probably more accurate, reflection of who we are.”

Media interested in learning more about citizen diplomacy and how the FIFA World Cup is influencing perceptions of the U.S. may contact Professor of Sociology Deana Rohlinger via email at drohling@fsu.edu.

Deana Rohlinger, professor of sociology, Florida State University College of Social Sciences and Public Policy

How does citizen diplomacy become so effective in the case of FIFA World Cup visitors experiencing the United States?

 Part of what makes these moments powerful is that visitors arrive with expectations shaped by headlines and social media. Then they encounter something more mundane and more human: strangers striking up conversations, neighbors helping with directions, someone insisting they have to experience Buc-ee’s, or introducing them to the marvel of a Big Gulp. These small interactions sound trivial, but they leave impressions. And because so many of us are watching these encounters unfold online, the goodwill extends far beyond the people who were actually there. Visitors show up expecting a divided, unwelcoming country, discover something different, and then tell the world. That’s how the script gets flipped. 

How can this type of positive social media content boost morale to U.S. citizens and their own thoughts/opinions of their country?

There’s something powerful about hearing these positive reactions from strangers. Praise from people who don’t owe us anything feels more credible than self-congratulation. The effect is probably temporary, but moments like this remind people that the angry, divided portrait we carry around is only part of the picture. Everyday interactions, ordinary kindness and even shared excitement over things as mundane as Buc-ee’s or a Big Gulp point to another side of American life that often gets lost in the headlines.

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As the United States prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of its independence July 4, Florida State University’s Institute for Governance and Civics is making experts available to discuss the nation’s history, constitutional traditions, civic culture and future challenges.

The institute has four faculty members available for interviews on topics ranging from the U.S. Supreme Court and constitutional government to education policy, free speech and the role of states in American democracy.

The available experts include:

Ryan Owens, IGC Director

• Email: owens@fsu.edu
• Areas of expertise: Civics and higher education; law and courts; U.S. Supreme Court; judicial behavior.
• Story angles:
  • How has America thrived for 250 years?
  • What does the Supreme Court need to do to ensure another 250 years?
  • What does higher education need to do to sustain America for another 250 years?
  • Is patriotism bipartisan?
  • What trends do we see regarding upcoming generations of Americans?

James Strickland, Constitutional Liberty Branch Head; Associate Professor of Political Science

• Email: jms25s@fsu.edu
• Areas of expertise: Interest groups; legislatures and subnational politics in the United States.
• Story angles:
  • He can discuss the recent student-run constitutional convention.
  • Was James Madison correct about interest groups?
  • What is the role of states today versus states earlier in America’s 250 years?

James V. Shuls, Educational Liberty Branch Head

• Email: jvs24b@fsu.edu
• Areas of expertise: K-12 finance; teacher policy; education reform.
• Story angles:
  • How has the “right to learn” issue evolved over time?
  • How does education today compare to education at earlier times in America?
  • What does K-12 education need to do to sustain America for another 250 years?

Denise Harle, Conscience Liberty Branch Head, First Amendment Clinic Director

• Email: dharle@law.fsu.edu
• Areas of expertise: Constitutional law; appellate practice; First Amendment rights.
• Story angles:
  • Why is the First Amendment so important to America’s 250th?
  • What do free speech and religious liberty mean for Americans today versus 250 years ago?
  • How can we create a culture that respects individual rights to expression and thought?

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As Father’s Day approaches on June 21, a Florida State University licensed marriage and family therapist is examining how cultural and societal changes have reshaped modern fatherhood.

Long viewed as the “helper” or “secondary parent” in raising children, fathers are increasingly taking on a more central role in family caregiving. According to a recent Pew Research Center study, most Americans (57%) say it’s extremely or very acceptable for men to take care of the home and children while their wife works for pay.

Jamila Holcomb, an associate teaching professor at the FSU Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, teaches students about the complexity of family life. As a therapist, she helps support individuals and families as they heal from trauma and navigate mental health and relationship challenges.

Holcomb says that fatherhood has evolved from a provider-focused role to a relationship-focused one.

“The definition of a ‘good father’ has transformed significantly over the last 25 years,” Holcomb said. “We have moved away from viewing fatherhood primarily through the lens of financial provision or discipline and toward a broader understanding of fathers as active caregivers, co-parents and emotional supports within the family system. Today, fatherhood often includes being involved in daily childrearing, contributing to household responsibilities and creating secure, emotionally connected relationships with children.”

Holcomb believes that research highlighting the benefits of involved fathers is helping drive this shift.

“One important shift is that research has increasingly demonstrated that fathers play a meaningful role in children’s social, emotional and behavioral development,” Holcomb added. “Studies examining father involvement have found that engaged fathering is associated with positive developmental outcomes, including improved social and psychological outcomes for children. Validating the importance of the fatherhood role has led to greater societal awareness and psychoeducation, and an increased interest in fathers adapting to this evolving role.”

Media interested in discussing the evolving role of fathers may contact Holcomb via email at jholcomb@fsu.edu.

Jamila Holcomb, associate teaching professor, FSU Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences

What is another big reason behind the role of fatherhood changing over time?

One major factor is the changing landscape of families and gender roles. As more women pursue higher education and build careers, many families require a more equitable division of household and caregiving responsibilities. We also now have a greater understanding of the “invisible labor” or “mental load” involved in maintaining a household. This involves the planning, anticipating, organizing and emotional management that often goes unnoticed and unrewarded. Research and public discourse have highlighted how this invisible labor can disproportionately fall on mothers and contribute to stress and burnout (Ciciolla & Luthar, 2019). This creates an even greater need for fathers to participate not only in completing tasks, but in sharing responsibility for managing family life.

Do present-day fathers face more societal pressure to be around and active compared to the fathers of previous generations?

I think there is more societal pressure on fathers to be more present and active, but I don’t view that pressure as inherently negative. Much of this shift is coming from our evolving understanding of child development, our expanding ideas about masculinity and a recognition that nurturing and emotional connection are important aspects of fatherhood. For many generations, traditional gender roles limited fathers’ identities to being providers or authority figures, while caregiving and emotional expression were often assigned primarily to mothers. As those expectations change, fathers have more opportunities to develop and express qualities like nurturance, vulnerability and emotional availability. These are all qualities that will greatly improve their own health and well-being, as well as their relationships with their children. 

Now that fathers are increasingly encouraged and expected to take on more active parenting roles, it is important that we collectively continue to support fathers in doing that. We should all be advocating for changes in workplace policies, greater community support and continued expansion of cultural norms that value involved fatherhood.

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