Faculty Experts & Current Events

A woman wrapped in a blanket crosses the street near downtown Dallas, Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021. Temperatures dropped into the single digits as snow shut down air travel and grocery stores. AP Photo by LM Otero

Texas chose to go it alone for electricity. Now, it’s facing rolling blackouts.

The state’s decision not to link its power grid with those of other states means it couldn’t import electricity during a historic cold spell, according to Northeastern faculty experts. As a result, millions of residents were left shivering in their homes, with more bad weather on the way.

by Peter Ramjug February 18, 2021

President Donald Trump speaks at a rally at Minden-Tahoe Airport in Minden, Nev. on Sept. 12, 2020. AP Photo by Andrew Harnik

It may have come and gone, but the 1776 Commission was no fluke

Former President Donald Trump’s 1776 Commission may not have lasted long—it was both created and dismantled by executive orders two months apart by two different administrations—but its existence is situated within a long history of reinterpreting the history of slavery in the U.S., say two Northeastern scholars of civil rights and race.

by Molly Callahan February 16, 2021

President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally at Phoenix Goodyear Airport on Oct. 28, 2020, in Goodyear, Ariz. AP Photo by Evan Vucci

Trump’s endorsements will remain a force within the GOP, new study says

Trump’s backing would make Republicans more likely to support his candidate, according to a new survey by researchers from Northeastern, Harvard, Northwestern, and Rutgers. Though some Republican lawmakers like Liz Cheney have moved away from him, the 45th president will continue to be a major force within the Grand Old Party

by Peter Ramjug February 16, 2021

Photo by Ruby Wallau/Northeastern University

Here’s how the Johnson & Johnson vaccine compares to others

The one-dose vaccine, which is under review by the Food and Drug Administration for emergency use authorization, is somewhat effective against new variants of coronavirus and doesn’t require special freezers for storage or shipment.

by Emily Arntsen - contributor February 11, 2021

David Luzzi, senior vice president for research and head of Northeastern's testing operation. Photo by Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University

David Luzzi, Innovation Campus leader, elected a National Academy of Inventors fellow

“It’s a great honor to be elected to the NAI,” Luzzi says. “Entrepreneurship and innovation coming out of universities need to be recognized.” Luzzi was cited for a spirit of innovation in creating or facilitating inventions that have made a tangible impact on the quality of life, economic development, and the welfare of society.

by Peter Ramjug February 10, 2021

Illustration by Hannah Moore/Northeastern University

To survive a trauma like the Capitol riot, it helps to discuss it

Graphic depictions of the deadly Jan. 6th insurrection were shown Tuesday at Former President Trump’s impeachment trial. Northeastern professors who specialize in mental health say acknowledging the impact can help reduce the stigma of PTSD.

by Hillary Chabot February 9, 2021

People clash with police during a protest against the jailing of opposition leader Alexei Navalny in St. Petersburg, Russia, on Jan. 23, 2021. AP Photo by Dmitri Lovetsky

How will Putin respond to Russian protesters?

Opposition leader and poisoning victim Alexei Navalny is the face of political protests throughout Russia. But the public dissent appears to be driven mainly by economic issues, including corruption, says Pablo Calderon Martinez, a lecturer in politics and international relations at New College of the Humanities in London.

by Ian Thomsen February 9, 2021

Photo Illustration by Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University

GameStop investors and hedge funds may not have violated laws—but market chaos has other dangers

It’s not clear that anyone violated SEC rules in the GameStop saga, say a Northeastern finance professor and a law graduate. But fluctuating stocks and restrictions underscored chaos in the trading world, as retail investors set their sights on a new target: silver.

by Molly Callahan February 9, 2021

American poet Amanda Gorman reads a poem during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Jan. 20, 2021. Patrick Semansky Pool / Europa Press via AP

Amanda Gorman is bringing poetry to the masses, but she’s not alone

Amanda Gorman’s poetry was beamed into the households of millions of people on Sunday, when she performed an original piece at Super Bowl LV. And, according to Northeastern faculty and students who study poetry, though Gorman’s presence was historic, her performance follows a long tradition of lyrical storytelling, as any halftime performer would tell you.

by Molly Callahan February 8, 2021

Aerial view of Raymond James Stadium, site of Super Bowl LV between The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Kansas City Chiefs on January 31, 2021. Credit: mpi34/MediaPunch /IPX

It’s cuddles—not controversy—for many Super Bowl advertisers this year

Once the domain of envelope-pushing sight gags or scantily-clad women noshing burgers, Super Bowl ads will likely focus on nostalgia and feel-good messaging this year as businesses seek to minimize risk during the pandemic, says Northeastern associate professor of marketing Yakov Bart.

by Hillary Chabot February 6, 2021