February Sources of the Month

02/02/2017

Print, radio and TV journalists seeking on-point analyses of current events should look no further than UMass Lowell’s world-class faculty, researchers and scholars who stand ready to serve as expert sources. From topics in health, science and business to education, social sciences and humanities, experts provide their insights in a relatable and engaging way, in person, by phone or email. Options for TV include live interviews in person or via satellite.

This month’s hot topics and featured sources are:

Executive orders and the Constitution – Patricia Talty, constitutional law expert. President Trump’s executive orders have made major changes to U.S. policy and some are facing legal challenges based on whether they are constitutional. Where do they leave the government’s system of checks and balances? Talty, a practicing attorney who teaches courses on civil liberties and political science, can discuss the legalities of the presidential orders and the implications of how they are being used.

Post-election emotions – Alice Frye, psychologist. Donald Trump has taken his unconventional campaign style into the White House. Some people love him, some hate him and others are coping with emotions that change by the minute. Frye, a licensed clinical psychologist, can talk about how people can deal with their frustration, anxiety or sadness and discuss how friends and relatives with different political views can find middle ground – or at least stop fighting on Facebook. She is a faculty member in UMass Lowell’s Psychology Department.

Black History Month – UMass Lowell history professors are available to discuss topics including the impact of the 1960s civil-rights movement on today’s political climate; how past segregation has shaped modern-day society; the legacy of leaders including the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X and President Barack Obama; and how the artistic explosion of the Harlem Renaissance continues to influence American culture.

Valentine’s Day pressure – Richard Siegel, psychologist. The national holiday of love – and sometimes loathing – is almost here. What happens if couples’ expectations for romance don’t match reality? What does it say about a relationship if a partner does not express affection or bear gifts on Feb. 14? An expert on how people respond to stress, Siegel can share insight on relationships and whether giving cards or flowers on this day really matters. He is the chairman of UMass Lowell’s Psychology Department.

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.