Faculty in the News

Fall 2024

Big voter turnout this year benefited Republicans, contradicting conventional political wisdom
November 17, 2024
The Associated Press
Professor of Political Science Eitan Hersh notes that Donald Trump “is great for voter turnout in both parties,” and he calls new laws centered on the battle over voter turnout “an embarrassing story for proponents on both sides.”

Democrats bet big on abortion in 2024. Voters had other priorities.
November 14, 2024
Good Authority
Using data from the Cooperative Election Study, Professor of Political Science Brian Schaffner and fourth-year A&S student Caroline Soler examine how support for abortion rights in the 2024 election did not translate into a Kamala Harris victory.

This Tufts professor quietly made millions on the stock market. Now he’s giving much of it to the university.
November 14, 2024
The Boston Globe
President Sunil Kumar and Professor of Mathematics Loring Tu are quoted about renaming the Science and Engineering Complex as the Tsungming Tu Complex in honor of Tu’s late grandfather, who is considered the father of Taiwanese modern medicine. Professor Tu has donated more than $10 million to the Tufts endowment in honor of his grandfather.

Are we reliving the 1930s?
October 13, 2024
Professor of History David Ekbladh joins this episode of New Zealand’s Sunday Morning radio program to discuss his new book, Look at the World: The Rise of an American Globalism in the 1930s.

Boston’s Better Busing Experiment: METCO Makes Huge Educational Impact
November 13, 2024
Yahoo
Assistant Professor of Economics Elizabeth Setren is quoted about her recent research demonstrating positive outcomes for students in Boston’s METCO program in this The 74 reprint.

Boston’s Better Busing Experiment: METCO Makes Huge Educational Impact
November 13, 2024
The 74
Assistant Professor of Economics Elizabeth Setren is quoted about her recent research demonstrating positive outcomes for students in Boston’s METCO program.

MCAS 2.0 can be better than MCAS
November 11, 2024
The Boston Globe
Lenore Stern Professor in the Humanities and Social Sciences Natasha Warikoo urges Massachusetts to develop an innovative and comprehensive alternate assessment process for students now that voters have ended the MCAS requirement for high school graduation.

Trump 2.0: Will China and Imran Khan test Pakistan ties with the US?
November 8, 2024
Al Jazeera
Assistant Professor of Political Science Fahd Humayun says that with the incoming Trump administration, “the most Pakistan can hope for is continued engagement on the economy, climate change and counterterrorism.”

After Trump victory, Democrats debate what comes next
November 7, 2024
Jewish Insider
Professor of Political Science Eitan Hersh is quoted about the shift toward Donald Trump, noting that it was reflected in economic concerns.

Episode 118: Tasha Oren on the Evolution of Food TV - How Do You Like It So Far?
October 4, 2024
howdoyoulikeitsofar.org
Associate Professor of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies Tasha Oren joins this episode of the How Do You Like It So Far podcast to discuss the evolution of food television, the topic of her book Food TV.

How bacteria affects sourdough bread smell and flavor
November 4, 2024
Futurity
Associate Professor of Biology Ben Wolfe is among the collaborators on a new analysis of sourdough starter microbiomes to understand the role of acetic acid bacteria in shaping the properties and flavor of sourdough bread.

How to Understand the Polls You’re Seeing Right Now
November 1, 2024
Time
A Good Authority article by Professor of Political Science Brian Schaffner and fourth-year A&S student Caroline Soler discussing how political pollsters have implemented methodological changes to surveys in hopes of improving accuracy of 2024 election polls is linked in this article.

Do salary history bans really help level the playing field?
October 31, 2024
IZA Newsroom
This article highlights recent collaborative research from Associate Professor of Economics Laura Katherine Gee that examines the impact of salary history bans on job seekers and employers in the United States.

Can we believe the polls?
October 30, 2024
Niskanen Center
Newhouse Professor of Civic Studies Brian Schaffner joins this The Science of Politics podcast episode to discuss his research and work managing the Cooperative Election Study.

Trump says universities are controlled by 'Marxist maniacs.' He has a plan to 'reclaim' them.
October 28, 2024
The Boston Globe
Lenore Stern Professor in the Humanities and Social Sciences Natasha Warikoo comments on the impact of another Trump administration on American universities saying, "We already see the way that state governments have been politicizing higher education, and to do that at a federal level would be devastating.”

Nightly News Full Broadcast
Oct 27, 2024
NBC News
Newhouse Professor of Civic Studies Brian Schaffner is quoted about how undecided voters turned out in the past two presidential elections.

J.D. Tuccille: Obama's scolding won't change the populist-elite divide that's replaced racial politics
October 19, 2024
National Post
This opinion column references a 2023 paper co-authored by Professor of Political Science Eitan Hersh, “The Partisan Realignment of American Business,” which found that corporate America is shifting away from its traditional alliance with the Republican Party.

Trump Has Turner It Up to 11
October 16, 2024
New York Times
Professor of Psychology Samuel Sommers was quoted in a New York Times article describing Donald Trump’s campaign emphasis on racial and immigration issues, noting his focus on racial hostility “appears to be somewhat of a personal choice.”

Are undecided voters still weighing their choices?
October 17, 2024
Good Authority
Using data from the Cooperative Election Study, Professor of Political Science Brian Schaffner and fourth-year A&S student Caroline Soler examine how “even a small percentage of undecided voters could potentially decide who occupies the White House for the next four years.”

Jolted by Oct. 7 Attacks, More U.S. Jews Feel Drawn to Their Faith
October 15, 2024
The Wall Street Journal
Professor of Political Science Eitan Hersh is quoted about his new study examining levels of Jewish campus engagement since the Hamas attack on Israel and the start of Israel’s war in Gaza, saying “There’s been an awakening among a group of people who were previously unaffiliated.”

Why the world is so animated about anime
October 10, 2024
The Economist
Professor of International Literary and Cultural Studies Susan Napier explains why film audiences are drawn to the anime genre.

Léo Favier Talks ‘Miyazaki, The Spirit of Nature’
October 8, 2024
Animation World Network
Professor of International Literary and Cultural Studies Susan Napier is noted as a consultant on the new documentary Miyazaki, The Spirit of Nature, which explores the life and influential works of animation master Hayao Miyazaki.

Year after attack on Israel, 1 in 3 Jewish college students now ‘hide’ religion on campus
October 7, 2024
studyfinds.org
This article highlights findings from Professor of Political Science Eitan Hersh’s new study examining levels of Jewish campus engagement since the Hamas attack on Israel and the start of Israel’s war in Gaza.

$5 ferry ride, new ‘Friends’ trivia, and a Cambridge dance party: This week’s free, cheap things to do in Boston
October 5, 2024
The Boston Globe
This "Boston on Bargain" column highlights a free dance party at the Cube, a public art installation designed in part by Matthew Okazaki, professor of the practice in the History of Art and Architecture Department.

To Reverse Aging’s Clock, Adjust the Cell’s Machinery
October 3, 2024
Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News
This article examining new therapeutic approaches to increase longevity and reverse aging notes that Professor of Biology Michael Levin and Professor of Biomedical Engineering David Kaplan are co-founders of the company Morphoceuticals, which is building a bioelectrome atlas to support the development of regenerative medicines.

A tool to enhance the taste and texture of sourdough and study the complexity of microbiomes
October 1, 2024
Science Daily
Associate Professor of Biology Ben Wolfe was among the collaborators on a 2021 analysis of 500 sourdough bread starters across four continents that presented new insights into the microbial diversity of this fermented food.

Intensive Farming Fuels Pandemic Threat: A New Study Raises Red Flags
September 30, 2024
SciTechDaily
Associate Professor of Anthropology Alex Blanchette is among the collaborators on a new study assessing the role industrialized farming may play in emerging infectious disease risk, highlighting the need to consider socio-economic and political factors in addition to microbiological and environmental factors.

Black Enrollment Drops at Top Schools as Affirmative Action Axed
September 27, 2024
Bloomberg
Lenore Stern Professor in the Humanities and Social Sciences Natasha Warikoo comments on the end of using race-conscious admissions in higher education, saying that it is “extremely troubling” to see a more consistent decline for African American students. (This article requires a subscription for access but can be read in full on MSN.)

Richard Dyer, who wrote a symphony of classical music reviews for the Globe, dies at 82
September 26, 2024
The Boston Globe
John McCann Assistant Professor of Music Jeremy Eichler is quoted in this remembrance of Richard Dyer, whom he succeeded as the Boston Globe’s chief classical music critic from 2006 to 2024.

You Can’t Separate Fertility Choices From Economics
September 26, 2024
The Atlantic
Professor of Economics Enrico Spolaore is quoted throughout this article examining how the interplay between cultural norms and economic incentives have impacted fertility rates. (This piece requires a subscription but can be read in full on MSN.)

Black first-year enrollment declines sharply at top Massachusetts colleges post-affirmative action
September 25, 2024
The Boston Globe
Lenore Stern Professor in the Humanities and Social Sciences Natasha Warikoo comments on data from national and New England-area colleges showing the impact of the Supreme Court decision to end the use of race-conscious admissions in higher education.

With 'Time's Echo' Boston Globe classical music critic Jeremy Eichler explores the music of memory
September 24, 2024
WBUR
John McCann Assistant Professor of Music Jeremy Eichler discusses his book Time's Echo: The Second World War, the Holocaust and the Music of Remembrance.

Michigan State football player Armorion Smith heads household with 5 siblings after mother’s death
September 23, 2024
The Washington Post
Assistant Professor in the Eliot-Pearson Department of Child Study & Human Development Emma Armstrong-Carter comments on the resilience of student-caregivers looking after dependents noting “There's a need for more institutional support to help them thrive."

Accurate Polls Hinge on a Tricky Question: Who’s Actually Going to Vote?
September 23, 2024
The New York Times
Newhouse Professor of Civic Studies Brian Schaffer comments on the imprecise nature of polling “likely voters” noting, “The reason you should care is because [polling] does reflect that turnout matters.” Data on voter records from Schaffner’s 2020 Cooperative Election Study is also referenced.

Bridging Art and Science: How can a Sculpture Impact Walkability?
September 21, 2024
Whitehot Magazine
SMFA Professors of the Practice Patty Loper and Mary Ellen Strom and Professor of Urban & Environmental Policy & Planning Justin B. Hollander co-author this article about their experimental “Bright Ecologies” public sculpture, created as part of Tufts NeuroArt Lab's work to bridge art and science.

The hidden story of Native tribes who outsmarted Bacon’s Rebellion
September 20, 2024
The Washington Post
Professor of History James Rice is quoted throughout this article sharing new details of the 1676 insurrection known as Bacon’s Rebellion. Rice is the author of the 2013 book Tales from a Revolution: Bacon’s Rebellion and the Transformation of Early America.

Scientists Have Uncovered a 3rd State of Life, Which Starts After Cell Death
September 20, 2024
Popular Mechanics
Tufts xenobot and anthrobot research is mentioned in this article, which links to a 2021 Tufts Now news story that quotes Vannevar Bush Professor of Biology Michael Levin and Senior Scientist at Tufts Doug Blackiston about their xenobot research.

1,000 Jewish American college students share opinions in survey
September 18, 2024
Cleveland Jewish News
This article highlights findings from Professor of Political Science Eitan Hersh’s new study examining levels of Jewish campus engagement since the Hamas attack on Israel and the start of Israel’s war in Gaza

Tolstoy, Russell and the Birth of Modern Warfare – Exposing lies and cover-ups
September 17, 2024
The Irish Times
This is a review of Professor of International Literary and Cultural Studies Gregory Carleton’s new book, Crimean Quagmire: Tolstoy, Russell and the Birth of Modern Warfare.

Biobots arise from the cells of dead organisms − pushing the boundaries of life, death and medicine
September 17, 2024
The Conversation
Xenobot and anthrobot research, conducted by A&S biologists and collaborators, including Vannevar Bush Professor of Biology Michael Levin, is discussed at length as an example of how certain kinds of cells can transform into organisms with new functions after death.

After affirmative action ban, Tulane sees 'disappointing but modest' decline in racial diversity
September 16, 2024
The New Orleans Advocate
Lenore Stern Professor in the Humanities and Social Sciences Natasha Warikoo says that efforts to increase financial aid and diversify recruiting are “really expanding access and bringing opportunity to groups that historically have not had access to places like Tulane and it's going to make the student experience for all students richer.”

J.D. Tuccille: Elitist Democrats excel at turning people into Republicans
September 15, 2024
National Post
This opinion column references a 2023 paper co-authored by Professor of Political Science Eitan Hersh, “The Partisan Realignment of American Business,” which found that corporate America is shifting away from its traditional alliance with the Republican Party.

This is what ending affirmative action looks like. - The Boston Globe
September 14, 2024
The Boston Globe
Lenore Stern Professor in the Humanities and Social Sciences Natasha Warikoo says that in the wake of the Supreme Court’s ruling ending race-conscious admissions policies “It’s going to take a doubling down” on programs such as financial aid, bridge programs and recruiting outreach to underrepresented communities.

The continued polarization over Israel on college campuses
September 13, 2024
The Boston Globe
Professor of Political Science Eitan Hersh writes this opinion piece on how schools across the country “need to expand their commitment to viewpoint diversity,” sharing findings from his research as well as his course on conservative thought.

Cruel Optimism & The Enclosure - The American Vandal
September 12, 2024
Apple Podcasts
Associate Professor of English Nathan Wolff joins this A Tale of Today podcast episode to discuss Mark Twain and Charles Dudley Warner's novel The Gilded Age (1873), including lessons it might offer for contemporary politics.

Harvard enrolls fewer Black students in first snapshot of impact of Supreme Court's ban on race conscious admissions
September 12, 2024
WBUR
Lenore Stern Professor in the Humanities and Social Sciences Natasha Warikoo is quoted in this article about data from New England colleges showing the impact of the Supreme Court decision to end the use of race-conscious admissions in higher education.

‘Entanglement’ era is coming: Oxford University professor
September 12, 2024
Pulse News
Associate Professor of Political Science Michael Beckley is quoted from remarks on globalization given at the 25th World Knowledge Forum in South Korea.

Harnessing the healing power of music, with Renée Fleming and Aniruddh Patel, PhD’
American Psychological Association
September 11, 2024
Professor of Psychology Aniruddh Patel joins an APA podcast to discuss the connections between music, mind, and body; whether humans evolved to be inherently musical; and the science behind some of the most effective music therapies.

Brown University sees a drop in Black, Hispanic new students following Supreme Court ruling that ended affirmative action
September 7, 2024
The Boston Globe
Lenore Stern Professorship in the Humanities and Social Sciences Natasha Warikoo is quoted about the “very troubling” data showing that the racial diversity of incoming freshman classes at multiple New England area schools, including Tufts, has decreased.

Three Black Authors Named Finalists for Yale's 2024 Frederick Douglass Book Prize
September 6, 2024
jbhe.com
Associate Professor of History Kerri Greenidge's The Grimkés: The Legacy of Slavery in an American Family has been named a finalist for the Frederick Douglass Book Prize, presented annually in partnership with the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.

Study: One in five non-Jewish collegians don’t want to befriend Zionists
September 6, 2024
Jewish News Syndicate
Professor of Political Science Eitan Hersh shares findings from his new study examining levels of Jewish campus engagement since the Hamas attack on Israel and the start of Israel’s war in Gaza.

Study: Pro-Israel Jewish students pay a growing social price
September 6, 2024
Religion News Service
Professor of Political Science Eitan Hersh shares findings from his new study examining levels of Jewish campus engagement since the Hamas attack on Israel and the start of Israel’s war in Gaza.

Your body ages rapidly in two 'bursts,' at 44 and 60. Here's how to prepare.
September 5, 2024
National Geographic
Professor of Biology Mitch McVey says “Plenty of research has shown that changes related to aging may occur more suddenly during certain times in our lives.”

Study finds Jewish life on US campuses boosted but battered by October 7 fallout
September 4, 2024
The Times Of Israel
Professor of Political Science Eitan Hersh shares findings from his new study examining levels of Jewish campus engagement since the Hamas attack on Israel and the start of Israel’s war in Gaza.

Engagement in campus Jewish life spiked after Oct. 7 but has since dropped down somewhat, Tufts study finds
September 4, 2024
JTA
Professor of Political Science Eitan Hersh shares findings from his new study examining levels of Jewish campus engagement since the Hamas attack on Israel and the start of Israel’s war in Gaza.

The power of disrespect: Introducing the Return2Respect movement
September 2, 2024
The Fulcrum
Professor Emeritus of Political Science Jeffrey Berry and Professor of Sociology Sarah Sobieraj are quoted from their 2014 book The Outrage Industry: Political Opinion Media and the New Incivility.

The Take: Lessons from the student anti-apartheid movement
September 2, 2024
Al Jazeera
Professor of Political Science Pearl T. Robinson joins this episode of The Take to discuss the many facets of South Africa’s anti-apartheid movement in the United States.