FEBRUARY 2021 | HARBOR NOTES NEWS | USF ST. PETERSBURG CAMPUS
MAKING SENSE OF THE WORLD
St. Petersburg Conference on World Affairs to provide global perspective and insight into historic turmoil
The year 2020 was historic and tumultuous in many ways. Distinguished speakers throughout the political spectrum and with unique backgrounds and experiences will try to make sense of the turmoil at the virtual 2021 St. Petersburg Conference on World Affairs. The conference will convene diplomats, military officials, academic experts, journalists and thousands of community members to provide a global perspective on some of the most pressing and consequential issues facing our world from February 23-26. As always, it will be free and open to the public. READ MORE
EFFECTS FROM SHUTDOWNS
Traffic reductions due to COVID-19 boost air quality in some states but not all
Dramatic decreases in traffic caused by COVID-19 shutdowns improved air quality in car-dependent states but didn’t offset additional forms of pollution in other parts of the country.

Those findings by a University of South Florida researcher suggest that while decreasing the number of vehicles on the road is a good first step toward creating cleaner air, additional measures aimed at reducing other sources of air pollution, such as coal plants or industrial factories, must also be considered. READ MORE
FACT OR FICTION
Does the Super Bowl really increase sex trafficking in host city?
Every year, the Super Bowl descends on an American city, bringing excitement, pageantry and a whole lot of fans to town. Even with a slimmed down version due to COVID-19 restrictions, the biggest sporting event in the nation brought a lot of national attention to Tampa.

Along with the glitz, the Super Bowl has been known to bring a seedier element to host locations: sex trafficking. But USF researchers say the widely held perception that the Super Bowl is a magnet for sex trafficking is largely unfounded. READ MORE
NOT ALL IN ONE BASKET
Loggerhead sea turtles lay eggs in multiple locations to improve reproductive success
Although loggerhead sea turtles return to the same beach where they hatched to lay their eggs, a new study by a USF professor finds individual females lay numerous clutches of eggs in locations miles apart from each other to increase the chance that some of their offspring will survive.

A study published in the journal “Scientific Reports” found that some females lay as many as six clutches as far as six miles apart during the same breeding season. READ MORE
SOCIAL JUSTICE
Conference promotes diversity and inclusion in higher ed communities
As part of USF’s celebration of Black Heritage Month, the St. Petersburg campus hosted its second annual Diversity and Inclusion Conference on February 6. Organized by the Office of Multicultural Affairs, the conference brought together dozens of academics, activists, students and staff to discuss and promote social justice issues in higher education. READ MORE
THE CHANGING PRESIDENCY
Celebrating President's Day: A conversation about the American presidency, then and now
President’s Day began as a day of remembrance for the birthday of George Washington, the nation’s first president who was born on February 22, 1732. Over the years, the holiday has evolved to also commemorate the lives and achievements of all those who have served as president.

In honor of President’s Day and to learn about how the presidency has evolved over the years, we turned to Political Science Professor Judithanne Scourfield McLauchlan. She has an intimate knowledge of the presidency, having worked at the White House during President Bill Clinton’s administration and been involved in eight presidential campaigns.
NARROWING THE GENDER GAP
Bishop Center for Ethical Leadership offers executive-level training for women leaders in Tampa Bay
According to a recent Forbes article, “one in four women are considering reducing hours or leaving the workforce altogether in the next year due to the pandemic.” Investing in women is needed more than ever, which is why the Bishop Center for Ethical Leadership is offering a program that prepares women for leadership success in their respective careers while narrowing the gender gap in executive roles.
 
LEADForward Roundtables is a year-long training program for women who are ready to advance their skills and careers. The third cohort begins in April. READ MORE
IN THE NEWS