Newswise — Looking for a spooky Halloween story? Texas Tech University offers a number of experts to talk about spine-tingling subjects, such as:
Vampires
The sexy vampires of today's movies look very different from the hideous monsters of eastern European folklore. Dr. Jennifer Sunseri, an assistant professor of classical and modern languages, can speak about their origins and their changing image in pop culture.
Monsters
From fire-breathing dragons to outer-space invaders, Dr. Brian McFadden, assistant professor of medieval literature, says monsters not only give people a good scare, but also reflect what a society fears most.
Psychology of fear
What drives humans to watch scary movies or partake in fearful acts? Dr. David Rudd, dean of the Department of Psychology, says our complex brains enjoy the same physiological changes caused by a real threat.
Gargoyles
Few architectural elements are as chill-inducing as gargoyles. Yet for all their snarling, gargoyles are basically glorified water spouts. Matthew Gallegos, an assistant professor of architecture, can speak about gargoyles in gothic architecture.
Ghosts
Dr. Genaro J. Perez, professor of Hispanic literature, can speak about ghosts, legends and the devil in Mexican literature.
Spiders
James Cokendolpher, research associate for the Natural Science Research Laboratory at the Museum of Texas Tech, is a world authority on two orders of arachnids. He can speak about a new harvestman " a type of daddy longlegs " he identified as a never-before-seen species of arthropod found in Alaska.
Bats
Dr. Robert Baker, Horn professor of biology can discuss a new species of bat he discovered in South America. He also can talk about vampire bats that drink the blood of their hosts under cover of darkness.
Dia De Los Muertos
Tina Fuentes, professor and interim director of the School of Art, can speak about the history of Dia de los Meurtos " or Day of the Dead. Topics of expertise include the ofrendas, or altars, and the ceremonies on the last day. She has seen many of the Mexico ceremonies and started the Dia de los Meurtos art exhibits procession in Lubbock eight years ago.
Jane Bell, director of special projects for Texas Tech's International Cultural Center, can speak about modern beliefs, decorations and objects associated with Dia de los Meurtos. She has experienced the ceremonies in Mexico and helps organize the Lubbock Dia de los Meurtos procession each year.
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