Initiative will Focus on Social Media’s Influence on Financial Markets

COLLEGE PARK, Md., May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Ed Snider Center for Enterprise and Markets at University of Maryland’s Robert H Smith School of Business, in collaboration with the Network Contagion Research Institute (NCRI), is launching a Social Media and Market Dynamics (SMMD) Lab. The lab will conduct pioneering research on how social media influences financial markets, affecting investor sentiment, trading behaviors and market volatility.

The initiative is supported through a generous donation from Narravance, Inc., a leader in advanced cyber-social threat intelligence and financial analytics. The SMMD lab will leverage Narravance’s cutting-edge technology from its wholly owned subsidiary, ChatterFlow, to analyze real-time social media data, providing insights into emerging trends and potential market disruptions.

“The next generation of financial industry leaders must graduate from business school with a clear understanding of how open data sources can influence capital markets,” says Adam Sohn, chief executive officer and co-founder of Narravance, emphasizing the significance of this collaboration. “If history is any indication, these impacts will continue to expand and evolve in complexity over time. By supporting the SMMD lab, we are investing in research that will enable proactive responses to threats and opportunities affecting market integrity.” 

Rajshree Agarwal, director of the Ed Snider Center and Rudolph Lamone Chair of Strategy and Entrepreneurship says, “Collaborating with NCRI to establish the SMMD Lab at the Ed Snider Center embodies our commitment to research that informs both academic understanding and practical policy solutions. By examining how viral narratives influence financial markets, we aim to equip our students, and industry, with the insights needed to effectively navigate this new frontier.”

The SMMD lab also will offer students hands-on experience through internships and research projects, equipping them with skills in data analytics, trend forecasting and narrative analysis. 

“In today’s financial landscape, understanding the interplay between social media and market dynamics is crucial. The SMMD lab will provide students with the analytical tools and real-world experience necessary to excel in this evolving environment,” says Ed Snider Center Managing Director Jacqueline Manger, who adds that she “is excited about the experiential learning opportunity for UMD students and will work with NCRI to identify and mentor interns for the lab.”

This collaboration, Manger says, positions the Smith School at the forefront of understanding the intersection of social media, finance, and technology, ensuring that students, investors, and policymakers are prepared to navigate the rapidly evolving financial landscape. 

For more information, go to the Social Media and Market Dynamics Lab homepage.

About Narravance
Narravance specializes in delivering advanced social media threat intelligence, empowering organizations to make impactful decisions across both the public and private sectors. By uncovering emerging narratives, identifying potential risks, and analyzing evolving trends, we enable entities to proactively protect their operations, safeguard public safety, and uphold business integrity in an increasingly digital world.

About the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business
The Robert H. Smith School of Business is an internationally recognized leader in management education and research. One of 12 colleges and schools at the University of Maryland, College Park, the Smith School offers undergraduate, full-time and flex MBA, executive MBA, online MBA, business master’s, PhD and executive education programs, as well as outreach services to the corporate community. The school offers its degree, custom and certification programs in learning locations in North America and Asia.

Contact: Greg Muraski, gmuraski@umd.edu

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SOURCE University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business

Mayor Duggan’s Vision Transforms Vacant Land into Renewable Energy with Community Benefits

DETROIT, May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Detroit is setting the standard for urban revitalization and sustainable development. Spearheaded by Mayor Mike Duggan’s visionary leadership, the City of Detroit has taken another significant step towards combating climate change and empowering its neighborhoods. Lightstar Renewables is proud to collaborate with the City of Detroit on the Phase 2 Solar Neighborhoods initiative, turning long-vacant land into state-of-the-art solar fields and delivering exceptional benefits to the community.

Building on the success of Phase 1, which brought solar fields to three neighborhoods, Phase 2 introduces 61 acres of solar infrastructure in the Houston-Whittier/Hayes and Greenfield Park neighborhoods. Together, these efforts contribute to a total of 165 acres of solar fields across Detroit, generating 31 megawatts of renewable energy—enough to power 127 municipal buildings, including police stations, recreation centers, and transit hubs.

“The Solar Neighborhoods initiative has been very much a community driven process that is taking blighted vacant land and turning it into a productive and attractive new use while providing direct benefit to homeowners,” said Mayor Mike Duggan. “Residents of these neighborhoods designed the landscaping for their new solar arrays and homeowner occupants are receiving energy efficiency upgrades to their homes to increase their value and lower their utility costs.” 

Direct Benefits for Detroit Communities

The Solar Neighborhoods initiative is more than an energy project; it’s a testament to the power of partnerships and community-centered development.

Energy Efficiency Upgrades: Over 106 local homeowners will receive a minimum of $15,000 worth of energy efficiency improvements, reducing energy costs and enhancing the quality of life.

Community-Driven Design: Residents played an instrumental role in shaping the landscaping design of solar sites, ensuring these projects reflect their vision. Ornamental trees, perennial gardens, and flowering meadows will bring new life to previously neglected open spaces.

Support for Urban Agriculture: Through innovative agrivoltaic solutions, designated solar sites will also support local farmers, enabling them to grow crops sustainably with less water use and frost protection.

“This initiative goes far beyond renewable energy,” said Owen Deitcher of Lightstar Renewables. “It’s a holistic vision for sustainable urban development that combines energy innovation, community empowerment, and environmental stewardship. At Lightstar, we couldn’t be more honored to partner with the City of Detroit and our incredibly engaged neighborhood partners to make this vision a reality.”

A National Model for Innovation and Collaboration

The bold roadmap set by Mayor Duggan’s administration showcases what’s possible when municipalities and private sector leaders join forces. The commitment from the Mayor’s Office, the Department of Public Works, Planning and Development, and the Office of Sustainability underscores how collaboration drives lasting impact.

Victoria Hicks, a Greenfield Park resident, shared her excitement about this transformation, saying, “The Solar Neighborhoods program has turned blighted land into something truly beautiful and beneficial, while also improving the lives of residents. This is the progress we’ve been waiting for.”

The initiative also highlights Lightstar’s leadership in solar development, merging cutting-edge technology with community-focused solutions. From agrivoltaic designs to providing stipends and training for local farmers, Detroit’s Solar Neighborhoods serve as a national model for integrating renewable energy into urban revitalization.

Together for a Cleaner, Stronger Future

This achievement is only the beginning. With Phase 2 Solar Neighborhoods underway, Detroit is proving that renewable energy can go hand-in-hand with neighborhood empowerment and economic growth. Lightstar remains committed to supporting Detroit’s green energy future, ensuring that every project brings tangible benefits to the people, environment, and economy.

Explore how renewable energy is creating vibrant communities and advancing sustainability. To learn more about Lightstar Renewables and the Solar Neighborhoods initiative, visit Lightstar’s website.

About Lightstar Renewables  

Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Boston, Lightstar Renewables is a trailblazer in the development of community solar solutions. With over 1 gigawatt (GW) of projects completed or in development, Lightstar remains committed to providing clean energy solutions that benefit people, the land, and the planet. Learn more at www.lightstar.com 

Together, we’re redefining what a cleaner, greener future looks like with local solar for the land and the community.

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SOURCE Lightstar Renewables, LLC

This modular tool features 10+ accessories designed to meet diverse needs such as a jet fan, handheld fan, camping light, arc lighter, power bank, and air pump

HONG KONG, May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Aecooly, a tech brand focused on outdoor activities, has just launched the Kickstarter campaign for the CamperKit, an all-in-one modular tool that features 10+ interchangeable modules. Thanks to a magnetic quick-connect system, campers can attach the different modules (from fans to lights, arc lighters, and water pumps) to the Smart Controller, equipped with a 25.9Wh battery.

The CamperKit Kickstarter campaign will run until July 21st ET and pledges start from $89.

Campers can already order their CamperKit in this link!

ABOUT THE AECOOLY CAMPERKIT

This modular outdoor tool comes equipped with 10+ interchangeable modules that meet diverse needs during outdoor activities. While the Smart Controller provides power and control, the 10+ additional modules are designed to provide power, light, and even fresh air. The CamperKit comes equipped with a 25.9Wh battery and each module has been designed with a magnetic quick-connect interface that allows for quick and easy interchange.

Moreover, most travelers or campers tend to bring a lot of gear just in case, such as fans, alarms, camping lights, and more—even if not all of them are used. However, carrying all these items can be quite bulky. CamperKit’s lightweight and modular design allows users to be fully equipped without the heavy burden, making it the perfect companion for outdoor adventures.

Below you can find a list of the different modules that will come bundled with the CamperKit:

Smart ControllerJet Fan ModHigh-Speed Fan ModCamping Fan ModAmbient Light ModFlashlight ModCamping Lantern ModArc Lighter ModAir Pump ModWater Pump ModAlarm ModCharger Mod

Early supporters can grab their CamperKit unit for just $89, with only 500 units available. Aecooly encourages customers to secure their units during the Kickstarter campaign to enjoy the best price and avoid missing out.

In addition, Aecooly also offers a range of cooling fans designed specifically for summer comfort.

ASSETS

You can find pictures and other useful information about the Aecooly CamperKit at this link.

CONTACT

You can contact us at marketing@aecooly.com.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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ABOUT AECOOLY

Aecooly is a passionate team dedicated to developing innovative outdoor appliances. We specialize in combining aesthetics with functionality, leveraging advanced technology and creative design to craft stylish handheld fans and versatile outdoor gear. Our mission is to provide users with a refreshing and natural cooling experience while delivering products that are both visually appealing and highly practical. At Aecooly, we aim to brighten your everyday life with innovation, bringing comfort and joy to every moment. Wherever life takes you, Aecooly is by your side, making every adventure cool and effortless.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-camperkit-a-swiss-army-knife-of-tech-gadgets-for-outdoor-activities-launches-today-on-kickstarter-302463300.html

SOURCE Aecooly