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Media Coverage

Dr. Upal's novel findings in the areas of machine learning, cyber analytics, deradicalization of violent extremists, and cognitive science of religion have been widely covered by national and international newspapers, radio stations, and television networks.  He has also been interviewed for his research and activism by various media outlets.  He is frequently called upon by community organizations, professional practitioners and public policy officials to provide expert advice on issues of countering violent extremism & radicalization, artificial intelligence, and cyber security.
CYBER ANALYTICS
  • Dr. Upal was interviewed by Syeda Abbas for WJET TV Erie's Evening News Broadcast to provide his expertise on ATM skimmers on 4/5/2019.
  • Dr. Upal was interviewed on the Joel Natalie show on WCTL 105.9 FM/1530 AM Erie on 4/4/2019 from 4-5 pm about the upcoming cyber security seminar.
  • Dr. Upal spoke at the Duquesne Club in Pittsburgh on cyber security on 4/2/2019.
  • Dr. Upal spoke at the Rotary Club of Mentor, OH on cyber security on 3/28/2019
  • Dr. Upal spoke to the Rotary Club of Buffalo, NY on cyber security on 3/14/2019
  • Dr. Upal spoke to the Rotary Club of Erie, PA on cyber security on 2/27/2019
COGNITIVE SCIENCE
"...questions were part of a short study completed in October to help the Canadian Forces "win the hearts and minds" of the local populations it faces when deployed overseas, such as recently in Afghanistan. Some of the questions were designed to probe people's expectations about — as the study put it — "supernatural categories that are so prevalent in popular culture and religion." The study was carried out by Toronto researcher M. Afzal Upal for Defence Research and Development Canada..."

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE, 28 DECEMBER 2013

COGNITIVE SCIENCE
"...questions were part of a short study completed in October to help the Canadian Forces "win the hearts and minds" of the local populations it faces when deployed overseas, such as recently in Afghanistan. Some of the questions were designed to probe people's expectations about — as the study put it — "supernatural categories that are so prevalent in popular culture and religion." The study was carried out by Toronto researcher M. Afzal Upal for Defence Research and Development Canada..."

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE, 28 DECEMBER 2013

"..."This work will not only allow cultural scientists to better understand the spread of non-natural and religious concepts but also allow the Canadian Armed Forces ... to design messages that are more memorable for their target audiences," says a summary of the research. The armed forces have "no modeling or analytic capability to understand how its actions will impact the psychological meaning space of individuals...."

THE GLOBE AND MAIL, 27 DECEMBER 2013

COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM

Dr. Upal participating in discussion on countering violent extremism and radicalization for Rogers TV's program insight aired on 5 August 2015.

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