Stories Tagged ‘Educated Guesses’ 
Educated Guesses 2010
For the 29th consecutive year, The University of Alabama’s Office of Media Relations offers predictions from faculty experts for the coming year. While these “educated guesses” don’t always come true, our track record over the years has been good. So, what’s ahead for 2010? Look for President Barack Obama to rethink his legislative strategy, the term “social media” to fade while the use of the technology behind it accelerates, smaller vehicles, a sluggish economy, budget-based fashion, steady gas prices and much more.
Let’s Skip Next Year and Jump to 2011, Economically-Speaking
We can’t skip over the coming year, but if we could we would find 2011 a lot better year, economically-speaking, says Ahmad Ijaz, economic analyst at the Center for Business and Economic Research at The University of Alabama.
Next-Generation Air Transportation System to Ultimately Succeed, Computer Scientist Predicts
The Next Generation Air Transportation System, known as NextGen, is due for national implementation in stages between now and 2018. "I am predicting ultimate success and a system that will provide a much safer travel environment,” says Dr. David Brown, a University of Alabama professor who has used data mining to help improve FAA safety databases.
Alabama to Lose Millions of Federal Dollars Through Census Undercount
Alabama's population will be undercounted in the 2010 census, says Annette Jones Watters, manager of the Alabama State Data Center at The University of Alabama. This will mean millions of lost dollars for the state over the coming decade, she predicts.
Post-Graduate Education to See Increase, More College Students Going Year-Round in 2010
Colleges and universities will expanding their graduate education offerings in 2010, predicts Dr. Stephen Katsinas, professor of higher education administration and director of The University of Alabama Education Policy Center.
Alabama Governor’s Race to Pit Davis Against Byrne, UA Political Scientist Predicts
Bradley Byrne, the former chancellor of the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education, and U.S. Rep. Artur Davis figure to face off in November 2010 for the post of governor of Alabama, but both face significant challenges in the upcoming primaries, a University of Alabama political scientist says.
How Much Will I Spend at the Pump in 2010?
Demand for oil will not recover significantly until the world economy improves, so there will not be supply problems to drive up the price of oil in the coming year, says a University of Alabama engineering professor who closely follows the markets.
No More ‘Social Media,’ More Single Log-ins for Multiple Platforms
As more people use social media platforms, they will begin moving away from using the term “social media” in the new year, predicts Dr. Karla Gower, associate professor of advertising and public relations.
Goodbye Fashionista, Hello Recessionista
The rise of the “recessionista” will continue in 2010, according to Brian Taylor, instructor of clothing, textiles & interior design at The University of Alabama.
Education Budget Cuts to Cause Increase in Mobile Technology Use
As budget cuts in education continue, we will see more use of mobile technologies in the classroom in 2010, predicts Dr. Vivian Wright, a University of Alabama educator.
More talk of obesity, but little action
According to Rebecca Kelly, director of health promotion and wellness at The University of Alabama, the added attention to the issue of obesity will inspire some to make better food choices, but others—not so much.
‘Techno-shopping’ Likely to Become Even Bigger in 2010
Look for an increase in “techno-shopping” in the coming months, says Dr. Kristy Reynolds, Bruno Associate Professor of Marketing at The University of Alabama Culverhouse College of Commerce.
Thawing North to Provoke Conflict Among Nations in 2010, UA Expert Predicts
Conflict in the chilly Arctic Circle among Canada, Russia, Greenland and the United States will heat up beginning in 2010, a University of Alabama political scientist predicts.
Hybrids, Diesels and Fuel Economy … Hot Picks for Automotive 2010
The automotive crystal ball is obscured by great uncertainty, but The University of Alabama's Dr. Clark Midkiff predicts the domestic auto fleet to quickly change.
Obama to Rethink Legislative Strategy in 2010, Political Science Professor Predicts
After a year of congressional battles over health-care bills, President Barack Obama will become more proactive in sending his own legislation to Congress, a UA political scientist predicts.
Surprise, Surprise – Interest Rates to Go Up!
"There is," says Dr. Benton Gup, "only one way that interest rates can go in the future, and that is up: They are going to increase."
Weather to Offer Few Surprises in ‘09
If you were a fan of the Southeast’s 2008 weather patterns, you may be in luck during the coming year. Dr. David Brommer, a University of Alabama climatologist, predicts 2009 will follow the weather pattern set by the current year – a pattern of normalcy.
State’s Educational Level to Rise
If recent trends are any indication, look for the state’s educational level to move up and maybe the per capita income to increase.
State’s Employment Levels to Decline
Alabama, one of the shining lights in the South when it comes to employment levels, will likely lose some of its glow in 2009, according to Ahmad Ijaz, an economic analyst with The University of Alabama’s Center for Business and Economic Research.
A Likely Casualty of the Economic Slump: Healthy Eating
The obesity epidemic in the United States has made getting the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables a major issue at the dinner table, but a University of Alabama expert says the focus on healthy eating may suffer in 2009 thanks to the downtown in the economy.
Education Issues Will Have to Wait on Economy, UA Education Professor Predicts
While fulfilling some campaign promises, such as full funding for "No Child Left Behind (NCLB)," may prove elusive for President-elect Obama during the current economic downturn, the act will receive some attention and support through stimulus packages, such as the Economic Recovery Plan in 2009, predicts Dr. Marcia Rock, associate professor of education at The University of Alabama.
Legislation to Expand Funding for Stem Cell Research, Overall Federal Research Dollars to Remain Scarce
A 2001 ban on federally funded researchers conducting embryonic stem cell research will be lifted in the coming year, but overall funding for this and other scientific research will remain historically low, predicts a University of Alabama biologist.
More Women to Seek High-Profile Political Roles
Sarah Palin continues to draw big audiences to Republican events, and some say she helped Georgia Republican Sen. Saxby Chambliss pull off a victory in a state run-off. A University of Alabama professor believes Palin will continue drawing attention well into the new year and, quite possibly, longer.
Americans Can Look for Serious Problems in Medicare, Medicaid and Prescription Drug Prices in 2009
While the bailout of the banks and the Big Three automakers is taking center stage in the nation’s economic crisis, the three-headed health care issue – Medicaid, Medicare and drug prices – could hit American consumers even harder next year.
Lack of Funding to Mean Less Access to Long-Term Care for Older Americans
The year 2009 will witness a crisis in funding of long-term care for older adults, predicts Dr. Patricia Parmelee, director of the Center for Mental Health and Aging at The University of Alabama.