College of Arts and Letters

Media Appearances

The very accomplished faculty of The University of Toledo College of Arts and Letters are often sought-after experts on a range of interesting topics. National, regional and local news media frequently tap our faculty as sources  and commentators for their coverage of current events. Sometimes our students are the newsmakers. Faculty authored articles for publication can also be found here.

Jump to 2023 Media Appearances

2024 Media Appearances

• Roll Call (Mar. 7, 2024) At the Races: SOTU Thursday follows Super Tuesday
  • Sam Nelson (Department of Political Science and Public Administration) talks about the race for Ohio’s 9th Congressional District ahead of the state’s primary on Tuesday, March 19.
• WTOL 11 (Mar. 6, 2024) The Importance of Super Tuesday
  • Sam Nelson (Department of Political Science and Public Administration) discusses how the Super Tuesday results set up the race for the presidency.
• WTOL 11 (Mar. 5, 2024) 15 States and 1 Territory Holding Primaries Today
  • Sam Nelson (Department of Political Science and Public Administration) discusses what can be learned from voting patterns on Super Tuesday ahead of the Ohio primary on Tuesday, March 19.
• WTOL 11 (Mar. 5, 2024) Local Author Spotlights Life in Zimbabwe
  • Shingi Mavima (Department of History) talks about a new novella he wrote that highlights life in his native country of Zimbabwe.
• WTOL 11 (Mar. 1, 2024) SCOTUS’ Immunity Decision Impact on Election
  • Sam Nelson (Department of Political Science and Public Administration) discusses how former President Donald Trump’s felony indictments may play out in the 2024 presidential election.
• WOSU Public Media: Snollygoster (Feb. 29, 2024) Ohio Congressional Race Tightens: Majewski Faces Fresh Controversy
  • Sam Nelson (Department of Political Science and Public Administration) discusses Republican efforts to unseat Democrat Marcy Kaptur in the race to represent Ohio’s 9th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.
• 13 ABC (Feb. 29, 2024) 'Uncommitted' Vote Wins Two Democratic Delegates in Michigan
  • Sam Nelson (Department of Political Science and Public Administration) explains the larger impact of “uncommitted” votes in Michigan’s Democratic presidential primary.
• WTOL 11 (Feb. 29, 2024) Trump Immunity Trial
  • Sam Nelson (Department of Political Science and Public Administration) discusses the high stakes of a legal argument that sitting presidents are immune from prosecution.
• Ohio Capital Journal (Feb. 28, 2024) Ohio Economists Split on Benefits of Raising the Cigarette Tax
  • Kevin Egan (Department of Economics) explains the potential impact of an increased tax on cigarettes.
• The Blade (Feb. 23, 2024) Program Teaches Youngsters Media Fundamentals
  • Tisha Mays (Department of Communications) discusses a nonprofit mentorship program she runs to teach school-age children media and literacy skills.
• The New York Times (Feb. 22, 2024) Long Island County Bars Girls’ Teams With Transgender Athletes
  • Jami Taylor (Department of Political Science and Public Administration) offers political context for an executive order prohibiting girls’ and women’s teams with transgender athletes from using county facilities in Nassau County, New York.
• WTOL 11 (Feb. 22, 2024) Art Tatum Celebration Concert
  • Norman Damschroder (Department of Music) talks about the legacy of Toledo-born jazz pianist Art Tatum.
• WTOL 11 (Jan. 24, 2024) President Joe Biden Not in New Hampshire Primary
  • Sam Nelson (Department of Political Science and Public Administration) discusses Democrats' internal debate about where to begin participating in primary elections.
• WTOL 11 (Jan. 24, 2024) New Hampshire Primary Tonight
  • Sam Nelson (Department of Political Science and Public Administration) discusses Nikki Haley's proposal to raise the age at which Americans can receive Social Security retirement benefits to 70.
• The 19th (Jan. 9, 2024) What an Ohio Veto Reveals About Republican Efforts to Ban Gender-Affirming Care
  • Jami Taylor (Department of Political Science and Public Administration) discusses Ohio House Republicans' response to Gov. Mike DeWine's proposals on gender-affirming care after he vetoed a state ban on hormone therapy and puberty blockers for minors in late December.
• WTOL 11 (Jan. 8, 2024) Will Trump be on Ballots?
  • Sam Nelson (Department of Political Science and Public Administration) discusses the implications of a coming U.S. Supreme Court decision on former President Donald Trump’s eligibility to be on the Colorado Republican primary ballot.
• WTOL 11 (Jan. 8, 2024) The Pros and Cons of Artificial Intelligence
  • Jamie Ward (Department of Communication) discusses on Leading Edge the potential benefits and pitfalls of artificial intelligence as it becomes more widely integrated into many facets of daily life.
• WTOL 11 (Jan. 7, 2024) Supreme Court to Consider Insurrection Clause of 14th Amendment
  • Sam Nelson (Department of Political Science and Public Administration) explains the argument before the U.S. Supreme Court as it weighs Colorado’s ability to remove former President Donald Trump from the state’s Republican primary ballot.

2023 Media Appearances

• Matter of Fact (Dec. 31, 2023) Advocates Demand Changes to Voting Maps in Ohio
  • Sam Nelson (Department of Political Science and Public Administration) discusses Ohio’s ongoing redistricting efforts on "Matter of Fact with Soledad O’Brien," a weekly news magazine that’s aired by television stations nationwide.
• The Blade (Dec. 28, 2023) The Challenge of Modernizing Classics and Writing History Anew
  • Matt Foss (Department of Theatre and Film) discusses how directors think about adapting old works for contemporary audiences.
• WTOL 11 (Dec. 14, 2023) Can Issue 2 be Changed by the State?
  • Sam Nelson (Department of Political Science and Public Administration) explains potential changes to Ohio’s recreational marijuana statute.
• The Blade: (11/26/23) TubaChristmas Helps Ring in Holiday Season in West Toledo
  • Andrew Rhodes (Department of Music) talks about conducting a free Christmas concert at Franklin Park Mall.
• MindBodyGreen: (11/22/23) Keep Seeing Bees Everywhere? Here’s What It Could Mean and What To Do, From Experts
  • Daniel Compora (Department of English Language and Literature) explains the symbolism some find in bees.
• WTOL 11: (11/20/23) Leading Edge: National Debt Versus National Deficit
  • David Black (Department of Economics) explains the difference between the national debt and the national deficit.
• WTOL 11: (11/9/23) Ohio Says Yes to Legalize Marijuana
  • Sam Nelson (Department of Political Science and Public Administration) discusses potential legal challenges after voters passed Issue 2 on Tuesday.
• WTOL 11: (11/8/23) National Impact of Ohio Elections
  • Sam Nelson (Department of Political Science and Public Administration)discusses the implications of a pair of state issues that were put to voters on Tuesday.
• WTOL 11: (11/7/23) Ohio’s Changing Political Climate
  • Sam Nelson (Department of Political Science and Public Administration) discusses how the result of Ohio Issue 1 may serve as a barometer of national sentiment on the abortion debate.
• WTOL 11: (11/7/23) University of Toledo Art Student Showcase
  • More than 30 pieces of art created by UToledo undergraduate students will be on display in the Carlson Library through Dec. 8.
• Statehouse News Bureau: (11/6/23) Who, and Where, Are Ohio’s "Missing" Voters?
  • Sam Nelson (Department of Political Science and Public Administration)discusses factors that shape voter turnout in Ohio.
• WTOL 11: (10/31/23) Early Economic Impact of the UAW Strike
  • David Black (Department of Economics) discusses the immediate and long-term economic impacts of the UAW strike against the Detroit Three.
• Midstory: (10/9/23) Strokes of Color
  • Ayendy Bonifacio (Department of English Language and Literature) talks about Toledo’s cultural arts scene.
• The Blade: (10/28/23) Creepin' it Real: Halloween Bites Worth Sharing and Savoring
  • Daniel Compora (Department of English Language and Literature) traces the culinary history of many of our modern Halloween traditions.
• The Blade: (10/26/23) 20 Under 40 Awards Honors Toledo’s Best and Brightest
  • UToledo leaders Bryan Blair, Maria Luisa Corpuz, Aleiah Jones and Joey S. Kim (Department of English Language and Literature) were among those recognized at a ceremony on Tuesday, Oct. 24.
• The Blade: (10/15/23) More Ohio Voters Opting out of Democracy, Report Says
  • Sam Nelson (Department of Political Science and Public Administration) discusses why changes to Ohio election law and less competitive races in Ohio have played a role in low voter turnout.
• Fox News: (10/14/23) Is Seeing a Black Crow an "Omen of Darkness"? What it Could Mean When You Come Across the Mysterious Bird
  • Daniel Compora (Department of English Language and Literature) discusses the symbolism attached to crows.
• 13 ABC: (10/10/23) International Impact of War
  • Joel Voss (Department of Political Science and Public Administration) discusses the ongoing conflict between Israel and the militant group Hamas, which launched attacks on the country last week.
• WTOL 11: (10/2/23) How Will the Shutdown Impact Americans?
  • Sam Nelson (Department of Political Science and Public Administration) discusses the potential effects of a looming government shutdown, which was averted with a last-minute deal.
• The Blade: (10/1/23) Under Pressure: Many Factors Can Induce a Panic Attack. Here’s How to Cope
  • Peter Mezo (Department of Psychology) explains panic disorders.
• Washington Post: (9/21/23) How Protesters Bake Political Rebellion Into Mooncakes
  • Chelsea Griffis (Department of History) explains how bake sales were used to fund the suffrage movement as early as the 1860s.
• WTOL 11: (9/12/23) Experts Weigh in on Potential Economic Effects of Unprecedented Big Three Strike
  • David Black (Department of Economics) explains how a prolonged strike against Stellantis, GM and Ford could impact the local economy.
• WebMD: (9/5/23) Fall Vaccines: What to Know about Flu, COVID, RSV Shots
  • Andrew Geers (Department of Psychology) and his research were featured in a WebMd article. Geers' research studied the impact of social media communication with friends on the reporting of vaccine side effects.
• The Blade: (9/1/23) UT's Latin American and Latinx minor enters its third year
  • Charles Beatty-Medina (Department of History) and a faculty working group introduced the Latin American and Latinx minor, where one can take courses that overlap with the humanities and the social sciences with a focus on Latin America and Latinx communities in the United States.
• WTOL 11: (8/24/23) First Republican Debate Held Tonight
  • Sam Nelson (Department of Political Science and Public Administration) breaks down the potential impact of the first GOP debate, which notably did not include frontrunner Donald Trump.
• WTOL 11: (8/10/23) Why Didn’t Issue 1 Pass?
  • Sam Nelson (Department of Political Science and Public Administration) explains how opponents of state Issue 1 were able to successfully turn out voters for Tuesday’s special election.
• Toledo City Paper: (8/9/23) Life is a Work of Art for Toledo Jazz Artist Ellie Martin
  • Ellie Martin (Department of Music) talks about her debut album “Verdant.”
• Yahoo Finance: (8/3/23) Bud Light Backlash: Why Those Beer Drinkers May Not Come Back
  • Neil Reid (Department of Geography and Planning) explains why Bud Light may not be able to lure back consumers who left the brand behind as part of a conservative boycott.
• 13 ABC: (7/12/23) See Storytelling This Weekend at TMA
  • Rebecca Monteleone (Disability Studies Program) discusses an upcoming community story-telling event for individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Reuters: (7/10/23) Modelo Especial Tops Bud Light as Most-sold US Beer for Second Consecutive Month
  • Neil Reid (Department of Geography and Planning) discusses Bud Light’s fall from the No. 1 beer in the United States.
• WTOL 11: (6/14/23) Former President Trump Arraigned in Florida
  • Sam Nelson (Department of Political Science and Public Administration) discusses the criminal charges former President Donald Trump is facing in connection with his handling of classified documents.
• Reuters: (6/12/23) AB InBev, Molson Coors Dent U.S. Craft Beer Competition With Cheaper Six-packs
  • Neil Reid (Department of Geography and Planning) discusses how inflation is benefiting major multinational brewers.
• The Blade: (6/11/23) Toledo Gears Up to Celebrate Juneteenth
  • Monita Mungo (Department of Sociology and Anthropology) discusses the history of Juneteenth prior to its designation as a federal holiday and the impact of its new national recognition.
• The Blade: (5/28/23) Feeling Forgetful? Experts Say Short-term Memory Lapses Actually Serve a Purpose
  • Stephen Christman (Department of Psychology) explains how memory works and why some information isn't retained in our long-term memory.
• WTOL 11: (5/26/23) A Moment or a Movement?
  • Monita Mungo (Department of Sociology and Anthropology) discusses the 2020 racial reckoning brought on by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis and how its impact resonates today. 
• The Blade: (5/15/23) Hands On: Is Left Handedness by Choice or Chance? Advantage or Disadvantage?
  • Stephen Christman (Department of Psychology) discusses the science behind being left-handed.
• 13 ABC: (4/28/2023) Humorous Posts Help Connect Community With Lucas County Sheriff’s Office
  • Tasha Dunn (Department of Communication) discusses using social media as an effective tool to increase engagement with members of the community.
• WTOL 11: (4/27/2023) UToledo Hosts Jon Hendricks Memorial Concert
  • UToledo choir students (Department of Music) participated in the jazz concert that featured pianist, vocalist and composer Peter Eldridge.
• The Blade: (4/22/2023) Running With Purpose: Runners Set to Take Part in Mercy Health Glass City Marathon
  • UToledo student Liam Walsh (Department of Political Science and Public Administration) discusses his plan to run the half marathon in order to raise money for the UToledo chapter of Camp Kesem, a national nonprofit that provides programs and services to children whose parents have or have had cancer.
• 13 ABC: (4/21/2023) Throwback Toledo: UToledo’s Center for the Visual Arts
  • UToledo’s Center for the Visual Arts was designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry and is attached to the Toledo Museum of Art.
• WTOL 11: (4/16/2023) Celebrating Pride at The University of Toledo
  • Student and co-president of the Sexuality and Gender Alliance, Amber Rank (Department of English and Department of Women's and Gender Studies) explains the inspiration behind the student organization’s Pride event on Centennial Mall.
• Billboard: (4/13/2023) Is Kid Rock, Travis Tritt’s Bud Boycott All Froth?
  • Neil Reid (Department of Geography and Planning) talks about the habits of beer consumers as well as contracts that concert venues have with distributors or outside vendors that run their food service and concessions. (Story also ran on MSN and Yahoo news.)
• The Blade: (4/13/2023) Arab Heritage Month 1001 Things You Wondered about Arab Americans
  • Gaby Semaan (Middle East Studies Program) talks about stereotypes at a UToledo event hosted in honor of National Arab American Heritage Month.
• 13 ABC: (4/13/2023) Findlay Brewery Uses Artificial Intelligence to Create New Beer With ChatGPT
  • Neil Reid (Department of Geography and Planning) discusses creativity and innovation in the craft brewing industry.
• CBC News: (4/10/2023) Beer Prices are Bubbling Up From More Than Taxes
  • Neil Reid (Department of Geography and Planning) discusses how supply shortages are impacting the cost of beer.
• Moviemaker.com: (4/5/2023) Screenwriters to Watch in 2023 with the Austin Film Festival
  • Matt Foss (Department of Theatre and Film) was named one of the 2023 Screenwriters to Watch. This annual curated list is published by the Austin Film Festival (the leading screenwriting conference and festival in the country) and Movie Maker magazine. It spotlights promising new voices in screenwriting.
• WTOL 11: (4/5/23) Historic Indictment Raises Many Questions
  • Sam Nelson (Department of Political Science and Public Administration) discusses the implications of former President Trump being a defendant in a criminal trial and the impact to the Republican Party.
• WTOL 11: (4/5/23) Political Implications of Trump Indictment
  • Sam Nelson (Department of Political Science and Public Administration) discusses the first former president to be charged in a criminal case and campaigning with a trial ahead of him.
• NBC 24: (4/5/23) Northwest Ohio Experts Weigh in on Trump Indictment
  • Sam Nelson (Department of Political Science and Public Administration) discusses the first former president to be charged in a criminal case.
• Wall Street Journal: (4/3/23) Nebraska’s Legislative Session Is Tangled Up in Transgender Rights Fight
  • Jami Taylor (Department of Political Science and Public Administration) explains how legislation focused on hot-button social issues often comes in waves.
• WTOL 11: (3/31/23) Analyzing Grand Jury Vote to Indict Trump
  • Sam Nelson (Department of Political Science and Public Administration) discusses the first former president to be indicted in a criminal case.
• The Blade: (3/25/23) Pandemic Effects Pervade 3 Years Later
  • Patricia Case (Department of Sociology and Anthropology) discusses public reaction to the COVID pandemic and past efforts to stop the spread of disease.
• WTOL 11: (3/23/23) Politicians, Experts React to Possible President Trump Indictment
  • Sam Nelson (Department of Political Science and Public Administration) discusses potential criminal charges against a former president.
• The Blade: (3/9/23) Ballet Theatre of Toledo to Present 'Beauty and the Beast'
  • David Jex (Department of Music) talks about his collaboration with the Ballet Theatre of Toledo.
• Fox Lima: (3/1/23) Professor Speaks to Bluffton University Students About Authenticity in the Digital Age
  • Tasha Dunn (Department of Communication) discusses authenticity across social media platforms.
• The Blade (1/28/23) The Write Stuff: The Ancient Art of Calligraphy More Accessible Than Ever
  • Barry Whittaker (Department of Art) discusses the history of calligraphy and modern applications.
• Yahoo/FirstPost (1/27/23, 1/28/23) Trump Hits 2024 Stump Dogged by Political, Legal Woes
  • Jeff Broxmeyer (Department of Political Science and Public Administration) explains how there are no signs that Republican primary voters have abandoned Donald Trump.
• NBC 24 (1/27/23) What’s Going On: 'MERGE' at UToledo Shows Works by Artists With Disabilities
• NBC 24 (1/24/23) Exhibit Showcases Artists With Disabilities
  • Jim Ferris (Disability Studies Program) talks about MERGE, an art exhibition from the Kennedy Center on display in the Main Gallery of the UToledo Center for the Visual Arts through Feb. 17.
• She Knows (1/23/23) This Lunar New Year, I’m Breaking the Negative Body Image Cycle for My Kids
  • Cin Cin Tan (Department of Psychology) discusses how parents can nurture positive body image and healthy food habits for their children.
• VinePair (1/23/23) When MLB Vetoed ‘Budweiser Stadium,’ the Busch Family Put Their Own Name on the Ballpark. Then, They Launched Busch Beer
  • Neil Reid (Department of Geography and Planning) discusses the naming history of St. Louis' Busch Stadium.
• Chicago Sun-Times (1/20/23) Why Did Charles Manson Order Killings? NU Psychologist, Other Experts Offer a New Take
  • Joni Mihura (Department of Psychology) at UToledo, talks about a new analysis of the convicted murderer's mental illness and his reactions during a 1997 ink blot test.
• NPR.org (1/13/23) Can a middle school class help scientists create a cooler place to play?
  • Kevin Czajkowski (Department of Geography and Planning) talks about the UToledo-led project in partnership with NASA, innovating K-12 science curriculum across the country.
• Men’s Health (1/12/23) 13 Signs You’re Experiencing a Freeze Stress Response
  • Matthew Tull (Department of Psychology) explains the body’s freeze response and how it affects different populations.
• NACLA Magazine (1/5/23) The Institutionalization of Anti-Haitianism in Dominican History and Education
  • Ayendy Bonifacio (Department of English) wrote an op-ed about the history of anti-Blackness in the Dominican Republic.