With the season of costumes and trick-or-treating in full swing, the University of South Florida is offering an array of experts to discuss Halloween topics – from staying safe on the streets, to mental health concerns, to the consumer spending that’s driving the billion-dollar business of Halloween.
Listed below are some of USF’s experts by topic. If there is interest in a topic not listed, USF’s Experts Guide is another great resource to easily locate faculty members by keyword, expertise or college. Members of the media interested in an interview are asked to contact Ryan Hughes at rphughes@usf.edu or 215-704-3182.
Pedestrian Safety on Halloween
Jason Jackman, senior research associate in the Center for Urban Transportation Research: An expert on pedestrian and bicycle safety, Jackman can talk about safety for drivers
and trick-or-treaters.
“We want people to be aware of their surroundings. Simple tips for drivers, walkers
and bicyclists can certainly make for a safe and enjoyable Halloween for everyone.”
Keeping Safe: Crime Prevention
YongJei Lee, assistant professor of criminology: Lee is an expert in criminology and crime prevention who can point to an uptick
in criminal activity on Oct. 31 based on the past three years of crime data.
“From vandalism to drug-related incidents, we’ve observed a notable increase in inappropriate
activity on Halloween night.”
Food Safety
Jill Roberts, associate professor of public health: Roberts is an expert on food safety and can offer ways to help ensure candy is safe
for kids to eat.
“Our little ones will be ecstatic Halloween night and the days following, so we must
ensure their candy doesn’t contain tiny pieces that can become choking hazards. In
addition, there’s a long-standing program called the ‘Teal Pumpkin Project.’ Participants
place teal-colored pumpkins outside of their home on Halloween indicating homes that
are food allergy safe.”
Halloween and Mental Health
Kristin Kosyluk, associate professor in the Department of Mental Health Law & Policy: Kosyluk focuses on mental health and can talk about what some individuals may experience
during the last week of October.
“Halloween can cause anxiety, especially among introverted people who don’t gravitate
toward parties or social gatherings. We must also be cognizant of costumes that may
trigger fears in people or poke fun at others.”
Marketing and Consumer Spending
Carol Osborne, senior instructor of marketing and promotion: Osborne is an expert on consumer behavior, marketing, advertising and branding. She
has seen consumer spending skyrocket in the weeks leading up to Halloween.
“From candy to costumes, Halloween spending is on the rise. The National Retail Federation
says Halloween spending is expected to reach $11.6 billion this year.”
Dipayan Biswas, professor of marketing: An expert in sensory marketing, AI, digital marketing, online shopping and retail
atmosphere, Biswas can discuss smart technologies - along with color, scent, and other
sensations -- in relation to Halloween marketing, costumes and food.
“AI and other smart technologies will start playing important roles for Halloween.”