With the crisis in New Orleans and along the Gulf Coast ongoing in the wake of Hurricane Katrina’s destruction, and with Hurricane Rita approaching Texas and causing new problems for Katrina-ravaged areas, DePaul University has a host of experts available to comment on various aspects of the disaster and recovery ahead.

Thomas Mondschean, professor of economics, can discuss how the hurricane-related destruction impacts energy distribution, especially oil and natural gas; economic forces that are causing gasoline price to increase and how price hikes impact the average consumer; insurance industry implications; and the macro-economic impact of the disaster on the economy, businesses and consumers. DePaul: 312/362-5210; E-Mail: tmondsch@depaul.edu.

J. Marshall Eames, a visiting professor in environmental science, can talk about the problems created by pumping the "toxic stew" flood waters into the Mississippi delta marshlands and distressed aquatic and estuarine ecosystems surrounding New Orleans. An ecological engineer and environmental consultant, Eames can discuss the erosion of the delta caused by the destruction of Louisiana coastal marshes; problems with the Lake Ponchartrain levees; the susceptibility of New Orleans’ remaining levees; and problems created by attempts "to lock the Mississippi river in place." DePaul: 773/325-7366; E-mail: jeames@depaul.edu.

Joe Schwieterman, director of DePaul’s Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development and professor in the public service program is available to discuss issues involving energy, transportation, commerce and city facilities in New Orleans in the wake of the hurricanes. DePaul: 312/362-5732; E-Mail: jschwiet@depaul.edu.

Neil Vincent, assistant professor of social work, can talk about how such factors as poverty and the stress caused by catastrophes of this magnitude weigh on the victims. Vincent is a native of Lafayette, La., and just moved to Chicago this year after spending the previous six years living in New Orleans. DePaul: 773/325-4046; E-Mail: nvincen2@depaul.edu.

Bruce Newman, marketing professor, who is an expert on presidential political marketing and images, can discuss the political fallout involving hurricane response. DePaul: 312/362-5186; E-Mail: bnewman@depaul.edu.

Sheila Ribordy, director of DePaul’s Mental Health Center and professor of psychology, is available to talk about how poverty and mental distress are impacting people who have been displaced and those having difficulty reuniting with loved ones, etc. She also can discuss the mental health aspects behind looting. DePaul: 773/325-7787; E-mail: sribordy@depaul.edu.

Greg Brewster, associate dean, DePaul’s School of Computer Science, Telecommunications and Information Systems (CTI), is available to discuss getting the communications and telecommunications infrastructure back on line in storm and flood ravaged areas of Texas, Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi. DePaul: 312/362-6587; E-mail: Brewster@cti.depaul.edu.

Paul Bedell, instructor at DePaul CTI, is available to discuss re-establishing wireless and cellular communications systems in the areas affected by the hurricanes and subsequent flooding. Bedell is also the author of the book "Wireless Crash Course," published by McGraw-Hill Professional. DePaul: 312/362-8735; E-mail: pbedell@cti.depaul.edu.

Ellen J. Benjamin, associate dean, School for New Learning, can discuss management of charitable giving by non-profits collecting funds for relief efforts. DePaul: 312/362-5083; E-mail: ebenjami@depaul.edu.

Ashley Morris, associate professor at DePaul CTI, is available to discuss data recovery and technology security issues in the wake of the disaster. A New Orleans native who holds a Ph.D. from Tulane University, Morris can also discuss general aspects of New Orleans culture and history, as well as the flood's effects on local buildings and infrastructure. He is a survivor of previous hurricanes to the area, including Camille, Fredrick and Georges. DePaul: 312/362-8252; E-mail: amorris@cti.depaul.edu.