UMass Lowell Experts Assist Print, Radio and TV Journalists
09/05/2017
Print, radio and TV journalists in need of experts will find engaging and authoritative sources in UMass Lowell’s world-class faculty, researchers and scholars. Experts are available in person, by phone or email to discuss topics in the news in a range of fields, from science and engineering, business and education to the social sciences and humanities. TV options include live interviews in person or in HD via ReadyCam by VideoLink.
This month’s hot topics and featured sources are:
Hurricane Harvey aftermath – UMass Lowell civil engineering experts are available to discuss the challenges Houston is facing as it tries to rebuild its infrastructure in the wake of the hurricane’s brutal force. Meteorologist Frank Colby, an expert in extreme weather and award-winning professor, can talk about Harvey’s historic impact and the forecast for the rest of hurricane season, which peaks in mid-September.
Suicide prevention – September is National Suicide Prevention Month. The Netflix series that focused on a teen’s suicide, “13 Reasons Why,” has raised awareness of this issue and some controversy. Clinical psychologist Alice Frye, a lecturer in UMass Lowell’s Psychology Department, can offer insight on how to identify the warning signs of possible suicide, develop action plans to help loved ones who are struggling with mental-health issues and how best to offer comfort and support to the families of the estimated 41,000 individuals who die by suicide each year.
Smartphone privacy – Consumers can get a wide variety of mobile apps for free, but are they paying for them in other ways? Prof. Nicholas Evans – an expert in the ethical dilemmas posed by emerging technologies, from smartphones to self-driving cars and genetic engineering, can talk about how companies accumulate consumers’ personal information, what they do with it and how app users can protect themselves.
The rise of “miseducation” – From “fake news” to “alternative facts,” ignorance – be it cultivated through naiveté, inattention or a willful distortion of the truth – is having a moment. Education Prof.A.J. Angulo, who edited an acclaimed new book on the subject, can provide analysis on how misinformation takes root and has shaped public opinion, politics and even scholarly research throughout modern history.
For a complete list of UMass Lowell experts by topic, see www.uml.edu/experts and click on the menu on the upper left corner of the page. The university’s media relations team is ready to help connect you. Contact Nancy Cicco, 978-934-4944, Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu or Christine Gillette, 978-934-2209, Christine_Gillette@uml.edu.