Immigration: Expert on Evolving Policies and Public Opinion - Deborah Schildkraut, Tufts U Assoc. Prof
Tufts University
While it is not unprecedented for a pope to resign from his position, it is unprecedented for a pope to resign for health reasons — as Pope Benedict XVI plans to do at the end of the month — says a leading historian of religion at Washington University in St. Louis. Daniel M. Bornstein, PhD, the Stella Koetter Darrow Professor in Catholic Studies at Washington University in St. Louis, says that Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation stands out as different from previous ones, but not simply because of his medical reasons. “Previous resignations either resulted from or led to grave crises in leadership. I do not see either of those as a concern in this case,” Bornstein says.
The Rev. Gerald P. Fogarty, S.J., William R. Kenan Jr. Professor of Religious Studies and History at the University of Virginia, is available to speak with members of the media about issues of papal succession.
Earlier this week, a team of historians and archaeologists concluded on the basis of DNA and other evidence that skeletal remains found underneath a parking lot in England last fall were those of King Richard III, who died in 1485. Indiana University has several faculty experts who are available to comment on the discovery's impact on the long-dead king's place in history, his depiction by Shakespeare and the effect on actors.
Members of The National Communication Association who study political communication can provide insight into the tone and content of the State of the Union address.
A landmark study published in the Journal of Midwifery and Women’s Health shows that birth centers, home-like settings where midwives provide care to healthy pregnant women provide safe care. The study reports excellent outcomes for the more than 15,000 women having birth center care in 79 midwife-led centers across 33 states. These findings are particularly remarkable in an era characterized by increases in obstetric intervention and cesarean birth nationwide.
Johns Hopkins computer security expert Avi Rubin is available for interviews on reports from the New York Times and Wall Street Journal that their computer systems have been targeted by Chinese hackers.
David Allan, Ph.D., an entertainment marketing expert from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, believes Beyoncé's recent exposure at the Presidential Inauguration will garner viewer interest during this year's Super Bowl game. With the increased attention, he says there will heavier focus on television screens which is good news for advertisers.
Elizabeth Young, professor of law and director of the Immigration Law Clinic at the University of Arkansas, is available to speak to the media about senators’ proposal, announced Monday, to overhaul the nation’s immigration laws.