Ian Thomsen

People walk by the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on May 12, 2022 in New York City.

How long will inflation last? And will it trigger a recession?

The causes of inflation were hard to anticipate, says Robert Triest, chair and professor of economics at Northeastern. But he is optimistic that the outcome of the current wave of rising prices is predictable—and that it will result in a relatively favorable ending.

by Ian Thomsen May 17, 2022

Graduate students fling their caps in the air.

Northeastern graduate Commencement: Leila Fadel tells Class of 2022 to ‘write the rest of your story’

Themes of perseverance and hope elevated the Commencement ceremony for graduate students on Friday morning at Fenway Park. Fadel, a 2004 graduate of Northeastern’s School of Journalism, and a host of Morning Edition at National Public Radio, urged the graduates to respond to their fears with strength and self-belief.

by Ian Thomsen May 13, 2022

Northeastern graduates take photographs in the Cabot Center.

Cabot Center transformation gives Northeastern graduates reason to celebrate

The large indoor space at Cabot Physical Education Center is serving this week as a hospitality area for students, family and friends. The transformation has created welcome moments of perspective for graduates.

by Ian Thomsen May 11, 2022

Adwoa Sefah, class of 2022 undergraduate commencement speaker, poses for a portrait.

Inspired by her mother, Adwoa Sefah approaches her Commencement speech with empathy

Life lessons of her mother enabled the cell and molecular biology major to deepen her sense of understanding during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her student speech May 13 at Northeastern’s undergraduate Commencement ceremony at Fenway Park will celebrate the gains that she and her classmates have made over the past four years.

by Ian Thomsen May 5, 2022

Aniyah Smith, an MBA graduate, poses for a portrait.

With an eye for cosmetics, Aniyah Smith fashions a Commencement address

Smith, who is receiving an MBA, comes from a background in fashion and was nervous about fitting in with the business community. That perspective changed when she started an award-winning business.

by Ian Thomsen May 5, 2022

Abortion rights advocates and anti-abortion protesters demonstrate in front of the Supreme Court of the United States Supreme Court of the United States in Washington, DC.

Plain and simple: Abortion rights is a healthcare story

Coverage of the Supreme Court’s reported decision to strike down abortion rights should deal with the effects that will be borne by women and other people who need reproductive healthcare, says Meg Heckman, a Northeastern assistant professor who researches journalism from a feminist point of view.

by Ian Thomsen May 3, 2022

What is the future of Black Twitter under Elon Musk?

The online community has been supporting and driving causes in the U.S.—including the Black Lives Matter movement—for more than a decade. But its future is in doubt now that Elon Musk has bought Twitter, says Meredith Clark, a Northeastern professor who is publishing a book on Black Twitter.

by Ian Thomsen April 29, 2022

The 2022 Academic Honors Convocation awards ceremony is held in the East Village.

Award-winning students ‘exemplify Northeastern’s highest ideals’

Northeastern celebrated its most accomplished learners at the 12th Annual Student Academic Honors Convocation, a ceremony that recognized students for their achievements in scholarship, research, leadership, and innovation. “We’re so excited about celebrating you,” said Joseph E. Aoun, president of Northeastern.

by Ian Thomsen April 28, 2022

Women more likely to die of suicide by gun when an adult in their home becomes a lawful gun owner

“The question that we asked is: ‘What happens to a woman's risk of dying by suicide if an adult she is currently living with decides to become a lawful handgun owner?’” says Matt Miller, a professor of health sciences and epidemiology at Northeastern. His study of 9.5 million women yielded a troubling answer.

by Ian Thomsen April 27, 2022

The United States Embassy to Ukraine stands closed on April 25, 2022 in Kyiv, Ukraine.

Reappointment of U.S. ambassador to Ukraine signals Russia’s rough road

As the Russian invasion of Ukraine enters its third month, the United States is reopening its embassy in Kyiv. It’s a meaningful gesture that affirms Ukraine’s surprising defiance, says Mai’a Cross, the Edward W. Brooke Professor of Political Science and International Affairs at Northeastern.

by Ian Thomsen April 26, 2022

Posts by Ian Thomsen