February Sources of the Month

02/02/2016

Print, radio and TV journalists in need of expert sources can turn to UMass Lowell for world-class faculty, researchers and scholars who lend authority to news and feature stories in an engaging and relatable way. From science and engineering, business and education to the social sciences and humanities, experts in a range of fields are available in person, by phone or e-mail as sources for journalists. TV options include live broadcast interviews in person or via satellite.

This month’s hot topics and featured sources are:

• Valentine’s Day – Doreen Arcus, relationship expert. How can couples make Valentine’s Day a success rather than a fiasco that leads to broken hearts? How can people who don’t have a partner get through the day? Arcus, a psychologist who specializes in human behavior, relationships and family dynamics, can talk about how to manage expectations in the face of holiday hype and pressure. She is a psychology professor in the College of Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.
• Grammy Awards and the music industry – Alan Williams, music business expert. Who is a shoo-in to take home hardware at the 58th annual Grammy Awards on Monday, Feb. 15 and who could be overlooked? What is the musical legacy of artists David Bowie, Glenn Frey and Natalie Cole and how have their recent deaths affected fans and the entertainment world? Williams, a faculty member and coordinator of UMass Lowell’s music business program, can discuss these topics and others, including the future of music-streaming services and the resurgence of vinyl records. A songwriter, performer, sound engineer and producer, Williams’ experience spans some 30 years in the industry.
• Auto sales and innovation – Berk Talay, business expert. Presidents Day ushers in automobile sellers’ season, as the three-day weekend affords buyers a host of new cars and incentives to buy them. Talay, an authority on brand evolution, new product success and competition, can discuss the hottest 2017 car, truck and SUV models and innovations, along with the state of the industry and what’s ahead for U.S. automakers and consumers. He teaches marketing in UMass Lowell’s Manning School of Business.
• Presidential campaigns – Frank Talty, politics expert. The co-director of UMass Lowell’s Center for Public Opinion, Talty can offer analysis on where the candidates’ campaigns stand leading up to the New Hampshire primary and through the rest of the primary season. An authority on the political process, he is the assistant dean of the College of Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.

For a complete list of UMass Lowell experts, see www.uml.edu/experts. 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.