College of Arts and Sciences

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college of arts and sciences

London McWilliams A&S '11
Fashionably Green

London McWilliams A&S '11 won the Project Greenway competition, an environmentally-friendly "Re-Sewn" fashion show featuring student-designed pieces. Video | BC Heights | BC Chronicle


Joseph Tecce
Lying with Fox

BC Psychologist Joseph Tecce was interviewed by Fox WGGB-TV on the various tools one can use to spot a liar. More


Maxim D. Shrayer
Yom Kippur in Amsterdam

A new collection of stories, Yom Kippur in Amsterdam, by BC author and scholar Maxim D. Shrayer offers a distinct perspective on the modern immigration experience. More


Rich Lapham
Not derailed by diabetes

Preparation is the foundation for any football player. But for junior Rich Lapham, it takes a little more than most. The Eagles' right tackle is a Type 1 diabetic - and a role model for children facing the disorder. Boston Herald


Michael Polark
A semester in Madrid

Michael Polark, a senior majoring in economics and Hispanic studies, spent five months at La Universidad Complutense de Madrid last semester. He reflects on the experience in a Q&A with the Boston Globe.


Stephanie Leone
The Palazzo Pamphilj

Art historian Stephanie Leone's book The Palazzo Pamphilj in Piazza Navona was the subject of a celebratory presentation in Rome earlier this month. More


Paul Mariani
Writers among Us

Paul Mariani, University Professor of English, reads from his book Gerard Manley Hopkins: A Life. The author of six books of poetry, several full-length biographies, and some 200 articles, Mariani is a fellow of the Guggenheim Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Humanities. front row


Robert Ross
Beijing air power

Political scientist Robert Ross comments on what an aircraft carrier program for China would mean to its military balance with the U.S. NY Times


Joseph Tecce
Why hoaxes take hold

Psychologist Joseph Tecce was interviewed by WBZ-TV's Jon Keller about the motives of those who perpetrate hoaxes, such as last week's balloon escapade, and why people believe them. View video of the report


James Smith
Airing the laundry

It started as an academic exercise, but for James M. Smith, an associate professor of English, seeking justice for victims of Ireland's Magdalen Laundries has become a quest. Boston Globe


"The Gambling Debate" by Richard McGowan; "An Anthrology of Jewish-Russian Literature" by Maxim D. Shrayer; "Cracking Up: American Humor in a Time of Conflict" by Paul Lewis
Faculty publication highlights

Faculty are interviewed on their publications: The Gambling Debate by Richard McGowan; An Anthology of Jewish-Russian Literature: Two Centuries of Dual Identity in Prose and Poetry by Maxim D. Shrayer; Cracking Up: American Humor in a Time of Conflict by Paul Lewis. (Real Player is required for viewing)


Rebecca Valette, professor emeritus of romance languages, and her husband
Humanitarians honored

Rebecca Valette, professor emeritus of romance languages, and her husband will be honored with an award for their humanitarian work on October 14. More


Christina Klein
'Getting to Know You'

Christina Klein, associate professor of English, joined Tony-award winning playwright David Henry Hwang for a symposium on the successes and controversies of the Richard Rodgers musicals The King and I, Flower Drum Song and South Pacific. More


Peter Ireland
Recession and recovery

Murray and Monti Professor of Economics Peter Ireland discussed the prognosis for recovery from the recession with WBZ-TV News.


Elizabeth O'Killea Haney A&S '11
A violent divide

Elizabeth O'Killea Haney A&S '11 is studying history at Rhodes University in South Africa. She offers a first-hand look at the country's violent divide for the Boston.com blog 'Passport'.


Martha Bayles
The Dan Brown phenomenon

Martha Bayles, culture critic and faculty member in the College of Arts and Sciences Honors Program, discusses the popularity of author Dan Brown on WGBH-TV's 'Greater Boston'.


Juliet Schor
U.S. shoppers to the rescue?

Expecting the U.S. consumer to be the locomotive for global or even domestic economic growth is foolhardy, writes sociologist Juliet Schor in the New York Times blog Room for Debate.


David Hollenbach, S.J.
Kenya on the brink

Government corruption and lack of accountability threaten to immerse Kenya in political and social chaos once more, writes BC theologian David Hollenbach, SJ, currently a visiting professor at Hekima College in Nairobi. America


Boston College Weston Observatory
Weston Observatory

On September 30, 2009, our BC-ESP seismographs recorded the magnitude 7.6 earthquake that occurred in the Sumatra region, Indonesia. This earthquake follows yesterday's magnitude 8.0 earthquake in the Samoa Islands region.

Sumatra seismogram | news article
Samoa seismogram | news article

A message from Alan Kafka to the BC community regarding these earthquakes and our work at Weston Observatory.


John Ebel
John Ebel on the news

Professor of Geology & Geophysics/Director, Weston Observatory John Ebel, an expert on earthquakes, seismology, climate change and the environment, was interviewed about the devastating Samoa and Sumatra earthquakes. WBZ News Radio 1030 | WBZ-TV 38 | NECN | WCVB-TV 5 | More


Michael Naughton, James Bernauer, S.J., and Mary Crane. Photo by Lee Pellegrini
BC's newest endowed professors

A&S faculty members Michael Naughton (physics), Rev. James Bernauer, S.J. (philosophy), and Mary Crane (English) are the University’s newest endowed professors. BC Chronicle


A&S seniors Conor Schlick and Bridget Salna
Summer of science

A&S seniors Conor Schlick and Bridget Salna were among the ten students from across the country, who spent two summer months working with BC physicists, under the auspices of NSF's Research Experiences for Undergraduates program. More


James Smith
Seeking redress for Laundries victims

Ireland's Minister for Education rejects proposed Redress legislation for survivors of the nation's Magdalen Laundries written in part by English department and Irish Studies faculty member James M. SmithIrish Times


William Thompson A&S '11
Media Note

Football Eagle Will Thompson A&S '11 was featured on an edition of 'Wednesday's Child,' a long-running initiative of WBZ-TV Ch. 4 that helps to place foster children in permanent homes with adoptive parents.


Natasha Sarkisian
Sarkisian wins award

Associate Professor of Sociology Natasha Sarkisian has won the Oliver Cromwell Cox Article Award from ASA's Racial and Ethnic Minorities section for her paper, "Street Men, Family Men: Race and Men's Extended Family Involvement."


Dean David Quigley
Quigley named A&S dean

David Quigley has been named dean of the University’s College and Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, after having served as interim dean since last fall. BC Chronicle | Dean's message


Mary Thomas Crane
Prestigious appointment

Mary Crane has been appointed Thomas F. Rattigan Professor of English. Professor Crane has taught English at BC since 1986 and has served as chair of the English department since 2004. More


Thomas Seyfried
Unprecedented NIH Grant

Biology Professor Thomas Seyfried is a lead researcher with the Tay-Sachs Gene Therapy Consortium, which was just awarded a $3.5 million grant from NIH to prepare for human clinical trials, a gene therapy to halt the fatal genetic disorder, Tay-Sachs. News Release | Physorg.com | Forward | Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News


Mark Reeder
Symmetry, great and small

Mathematics Professor Mark Reeder discusses his recent research, published in the Annals of Mathematics. Boston College Libraries


Alan Wolfe
The future of Kennedy liberalism

Kennedy was the last living embodiment in American politics of the liberalism that did so much to shape the contours of American life after World War II, writes Boisi Center of Religion and American Public Life Director and Professor of Political Science Alan Wolfe. Boston Globe 


Carlo Rotella
Profile of a governor

American Studies Director Carlo Rotella, a professor of English, has written a feature on Mass. Governor Deval Patrick. Boston Magazine


Michelle Boulos '11
From ice skates to army boots

Psychology major and ROTC cadet Michelle Boulos '11, a former member of the U.S. Figure Skating Team, "used to use her athleticism to impress judges at competitions. Now she uses it to pass physical fitness tests for drill sergeants." More


Lisa Feldman Barrett
What the brain sees

Emotion may help the visual system jump the gun to predict what the brain will see, according to a study co-authored by Psychology Professor Lisa Feldman Barrett. Science News


Carlo Rotella
Stopping bullies

Bullies can be stopped, but it takes a village, according to a common sense guide co-authored by English Professor and American Studies Director Carlo Rotella. Slate


Alan Kafka
Budding quake trackers

Fourth through ninth graders had the chance to build their own seismographs at New Bedford's Sea Lab, through the Weston Observatory Educational Seismology Project directed by Geophysics Associate Professor Alan Kafka. Standard Times


Martha Bayles
A look back at Woodstock

Marking its 40th anniversary this year, Woodstock was both a dream and a nightmare, writes Martha Bayles of the College of Arts & Sciences Honors Program faculty. Wall Street Journal


Kellen O'Gara '10
Student arts camp aids orphans

Advanced Study Grant recipient Kellen O'Gara '10, a theater and communication major, is in Africa this month leading an arts-based program for orphaned children. More


Willie Padilla
The guiding of light

Researchers led by physics professor Willie Padilla have created a device to guide electromagnetic waves of light around objects - such as the corner of a building or the profile of the eastern seaboard. News release | Science Daily | Science blog | Photonics.com | Nanowerk | Nanotechwire | Nanotechnology Now | Science Centric | PhysOrg | derStandard (Austria)


Sharlene Hesse-Biber
Gender issue, health issue, no issue?

Sociologist Sharlene Hesse-Biber is among experts discussing the controversy surrounding U.S. Surgeon General nominee Dr. Regina Benjamin's weight. More


Gene Heyman
Is addiction a choice?

Psychologist Gene Heyman's new book, Addiction: A Disorder of Choice, is making headlines. Boston Globe interview | On Point | Financial Times


Casey Guerin A&S '10
World class

Casey Guerin A&S '10 discusses her semester at the University of Westminster in London in a Q&A with the Boston Globe.


Christina Pierro
Student advocates public service

An op-ed by Christina Pierro A&S '10, a summer intern at the U.S. Department of Justice, advocates the formation of a U.S. Public Service Academy to encourage and support service among young Americans. Eagle-Tribune


"The Case for Greatness" by Robert Faulkner, "Colonial Crossings" by Marjorie Howes, "Gerard Manley Hopkins: A Life" by Paul Mariani
Faculty publication highlights

Faculty are interviewed on their publications: The Case for Greatness Honorable Ambition and its Critics by Robert Faulkner; Colonial Crossings: Figures in Irish Literary History by Marjorie Howes; Gerard Manley Hopkins: A Life by Paul Mariani. (Real Player is required for viewing)


2009 Fulbright recipients
  Fulbright winners making news

A number of this year's 21 student Fulbright winners - 17 of them now new graduates - have been highlighted by their hometown newspapers, including Jessica Cusano, Matt Porter, Dodie Rimmelin, Jonathan Sege, John McQuade, Dorothy Smith, Daniel Neer and Michael McGovern. Read about all the 2009 student winners here.


Paul Reynolds
'Mister Rogers' 2.0

The iconic PBS program 'Mister Rogers' Neighborhood' lives on at a new website launched by Boston-based animation studio Fablevision, led by Communication adjunct faculty member Paul Reynolds '89. Boston Globe


Marina McCoy
Sympathetic listening

Associate Professor of Philosophy Marina McCoy discussed what she calls "sympathetic listening" - and its importance to the transformative possibilities of dialogue - in an interview with Digital Dialogue. | Direct to podcast


Joseph Tecce
Body language and emotion

Psychology Associate Professor Joseph Tecce is among analysts offering insights into the complex process of interpreting President Obama's body language. ABC News


Interest in the Middle East on the rise

Founded in 2002, BC's Islamic Civilization and Societies Program - a study of politics, religions, economics, arts, cultures and languages of Muslim-majority countries - is currently the fastest growing program at the University. Yeman Observer | ICS Program


James Smith's book "Ireland's Magdalen Laundries and the Nation's Architecture of ContainmentElizabeth Kensinger's book "Emotional Memory Across the Adult Lifespan"
Faculty Publication Highlights

Faculty comment on their publications: English Prof. James Smith, Ireland's Magdalen Laundries and the Nation's Architecture of Containment, and Psychology Prof. Elizabeth Kensinger, Emotional Memory Across the Adult Lifespan.  (Real Player is required for viewing)


Emily NeumeierPaul Camacho
Lilly graduate fellows

Recent A&S graduates Emily Neumeier '08 and Paul Camacho '07 are among 16 named this year to the Lilly Graduate Fellows program. More


Robert Savage
Remembering Frank McCourt

Historian Robert Savage, co-director of Irish Studies, spoke to NECN about Pulitzer Prize-winning author Frank McCourt, who died earlier this week. NECN


Marc Landy
Dissecting Katrina response

A long-term study by Political Science Professor Marc Landy and the Rockefeller Institute of Government on the federal response to Hurricane Katrina says a major failure was lack of central organization. KYW News


Lisa Feldman Barrett
Perceptions of emotion

A paper co-authored by Psychology Prof. Lisa Feldman Barrett on the varying ways in which people perceive emotion in men vs. emotion in women (to be published in the journal Emotion) is highlighted by Newsweek.


Thomas Seyfried
  Supporting evidence

Biology Professor Thomas Seyfried and a team of scientists take a fresh look at an 80-year-old theory of cancer. video from @BC


Kevin Kersten, S.J.
BC hosts "Transition to College" for visually-impaired

Seven visually-impaired students who plan to pursue higher education in their futures will take part in a two-week "Transition to College" program held on campus from July 20-31, through the efforts of Communication Prof. Kevin Kersten, SJ, and alumni Joseph Quintanilla and Rabih Dow of the Carroll Center for the Blind. More


Carlo Rotella
The Genre Artist

English Prof. and American Studies Director Carlo Rotella profiles Jack Vance, described by his peers as "a major genius" and "the greatest living writer of science fiction and fantasy," for the New York Times Magazine.


Peter Gray
Freedom to Learn

Psychologist Peter Gray writes on the roles of play and curiosity as foundations for learning, and on the downfall and potential revival of "trustful parenting." Psychology Today


Amy Boesky
Teen girls in fiction

From Little Women to Twilight to her own Beacon Street Girls - English Assoc. Prof. and novelist Amy Boesky has a wide-angle perspective on the portrayal of adolescent girls in fiction. Boston Globe


James Smith
Redress for Magdalene women

The survivors of the Magdalen laundries are being denied a distinct redress scheme despite the state's culpability, writes English Assoc. Prof. James Smith, in Ireland's Sunday Tribune.


Karl Baden
A 'slice' of life

Fine Arts' Karl Baden discusses the Pizza Box Graphics page of his on-line photography site with the Boston Globe's 'G Force'.


Hao JiangStella X. Yu
Advanced computer vision

Inspired by behavior of the human eye, BC computer scientists Hao Jiang and Stella X. Yu have developed a technique that lets computers see objects as fleeting as a butterfly faster and more accurately. News release | Sampling of coverage: Science Daily, ScienceCentric, TGDaily, PhysOrg, Malaysia Sun, Albuquerque Express, NewsTrackIndia, Top News, ScienceBlog.com


Kristoff Kempa
Physics of stretching salt

Physics Prof. Krzysztof Kempa comments on new findings from Sandia National Laboratories that show salt stretches like taffy in the nanoworld. Science News Magazine


Alan Wolfe
Sanford's sins

Hypocrisy pales in comparison to Mark Sanford's other sins, writes Boisi Center for Religion and American Public Life Director Alan Wolfe for the New Republic blog 'The Plank'.


Allison Tripp A&S '10
A semester in Greece

Allison Tripp A&S '10 discusses her semester studying art, architecture and history at the American College of Thessaloniki in Greece. Boston Globe | Read her blog 'It's All Greek to Me' here.


Martha Bayles
When the revolution isn't broadcast

The protests in Iran have been dubbed the 'Twitter Revolution' because the latest social-networking tools proved useful. But what if this sudden deployment of media tech doesn't move the regime?, asks Martha Bayles of BC's Arts & Sciences Honors Program. Boston Globe


Kevin Kenny
What is Kevin Kenny reading?

Learn about the current book of choice for History Prof. Kevin Kenny, who is highlighted by The Campaign for the American Reader. More


Martha Bayles
Michael Jackson's legacy

What did the King of Pop bequeath to the world? Your answer will probably depend on your view of American pop music, writes culture critic Martha Bayles of BC's Arts & Sciences Honors Program. More


James O'Toole
Confession in America

Clough Millennium Prof. of History James O'Toole offers insights on the past, present and future of the sacrament of confession in the U.S. Boston Globe.


Faculty books
Faculty books

A sampling of recently published books by A&S faculty: emotional memory across the adult lifespan by Elizabeth Kensinger, Ottoman Tulips, Ottoman Coffee by Dana Saji, and The Future of Liberalism by Alan Wolfe.


Alycia Kennedy
Senior eyes 'Idol'

Math and music major Alycia Kennedy A&S '10 was among those vying for the chance to audition for the Fox TV hit 'American Idol.' Boston Herald


Kevin Kenny
Penn's 'holy experiment'

The 'peaceable kingdom' was too good to last - after William Penn, Native Americans were treated savagely in Pennsylvania, writes History Prof. Kevin Kenny - author of a new book on the subject - in the Philadelphia Inquirer.


C. Shawn McGuffey
"Best Article Award"

Sociologist Shawn McGuffey's article, "Saving Masculinity: Gender Reaffirmation, Sexuality, Race and Parental Responses to Male Child Sexual Abuse," has won the "Best Article Award" from the American Sociological Association Sexualities Section.


2009 Phi Beta Kappa Scholars

This year 116 students were admitted to the Phi Beta Kappa honorary society. BC Chronicle | More


Marc Landy
Teacher of the Year

Professor of Political Science Marc Landy has been selected for the 2009 Phi Beta Kappa Teaching Award. More


2009 Fulbrights and Beckman Scholars

This year BC claims 21 Fulbrights, 17 of them graduating seniors. In addition, two students have won Beckman Scholarships. BC Chronicle


Solomon Friedberg
U.S. must act on math and science

The nation's leadership in mathematics and science is once again at risk, and a Congressional act is needed to restore it, writes Mathematics Prof. Solomon Friedberg in the Boston Globe.


Alexandra Saieh, Celso Perez, Robert Kulaba, Pilar Landon
'Six to Remember'

A series of short profiles on some of the most outstanding members of the Class of 2009--four from A&S. From scholars to activists to volunteers, this class had a special mix of talent, leadership and drive. Alexandra Saieh has taken issues of Middle East geo-politics and brought them closer to BC. | Celso Perez brought civility and respectful discussion to a traditionally controversial issue. | Robert Kubala has embraced cura personalis, traveling the world for research and playing in several music groups. | Pilar Landon became the leader of the student newspaper and a respected student leader.


"Meaning and Authenticity" by Brian Braman; "The Im-Possibility of Interreligious Dialogue" by Catherine Cornille; and "Murder and the Death Penalty in MA" by Alan Rogers.
New books

A sampling of recently published books by A&S faculty: Meaning and Authenticity by Brian Braman; The Im-Possibility of Interreligious Dialogue by Catherine Cornille; and Murder and the Death Penalty in Massachusetts by Alan Rogers.


Prof. honored by Italian government

Prof. of Italian Rena Lamparska was honored by the president of the Republic of Italy with conferral of the title of Dama in the Ordine della Stella della Solidarieta Italiana. More


Zhifeng RenCyril Opeil
  'Green Energy' research

Physics Prof. Zhifeng Ren and Asst. Prof. Cyril Opeil, SJ, have been awarded $2.1 million in 'green energy' funding. News release | Genetic Engineering News | Nanotechwire | Nanowerk News


Paul Mariani
Remaking English poetry

'Gerard Manley Hopkins,' a biography by University Professor of English Paul Mariani, draws praise as 'Book of the Week' in the May 11 issue of the New Yorker. View abstract


Robert Murphy
The NE economy

Economics Assoc. Prof. Robert Murphy discussed the current and future economic climate of the New England region as a guest on NECN's 'The Week in Business. Video


Gene Heyman
Addiction: A Disorder of Choice

Gene Heyman's book, Addiction: A Disorder of Choice, published by Harvard University Press, argues that addiction is voluntary, not compulsory. More


Karl Baden
Covering Photography

Karl Baden's Covering Photography was the subject of a piece by Nicholas Basbanes, one of the leading authorities on the subject of books, their history and collections. Fine Books Magazine | National Public Radio's blog


Michael Naughton
Nano-treatment for eyes

Physics Prof. Michael Naughton and colleagues seek to solve the problems of age-related macular degeneration and other eye diseases by creating nano-structured retinal implants. Mass High Tech


Franco Mormando
Christ in the garden

Inspired by Lavinia Fontana's 'Noli Me Tangere,' Romance Languages Assoc. Prof. Franco Mormando reflects on Jesus as gardener. America


Maxim Shrayer
The world of Nabokov

'The World of Nabokov's Stories' and 'temy i variatsii' by Prof. of Russian and English Maxim D. Shrayer are valuable additions to Nabokov scholarship, according to a review in the Nabokov Online Journal.


Colin Kunzweiler teaching Russell Elementary School students about turtles and university scientists.
Science Across the City Day

Biology junior Colin Kunzweiler works with Russell Elementary School students for a hands-on lesson about turtles and the work of university scientists. More


Melissa Mazzeo '09
Top paper award

Melissa Mazzeo '09 won the Top Paper Award for Communication and Media at the Conference for Undergraduate Research in Communication at Rochester Institute of Technology.


Harold Petersen
State sales tax hike?

Economics Assoc. Prof. Harold Petersen was interviewed about what a sales tax increase would mean for consumers and the state by WBUR News.


Patrick Maney
Obama's first 100 days

BC History Prof. Patrick Maney discussed the first 100 days of the Obama presidency with NECN.


logo for 2009 Greater Boston Intercollegiate Poetry Festival
Spotlight on student poetry

Verse by undergraduate bards from 25 colleges and universities was showcased this month at the Greater Boston Intercollegiate Poetry Festival, hosted by BC. More


Paul Lewis at newly established Poe Square in Boston.
Poe Square

English Prof. Paul Lewis, leader of a campaign to 'reclaim' author Edgar Allan Poe for his native Boston, joined Mayor Menino in dedication of Poe Square today. News release | Boston Globe | Book Connection.com


Peter Gray
Play's the thing

Research of early human adaptation by Psychology Prof. Peter Gray shows 'free play' - distinct from organized, competitive play - is highly important to human social development. News release | Sampling of coverage: FirstScience News | PsychCentral | LiveScience | PhysOrg.com | Science Daily | ScienceCentric


Rev. Robert Imbelli
The Paschal Cure

Theologian Rev. Robert Imbelli writes on incarnation and the Eucharist for Commonweal magazine. More


Recently published books by A&S faculty.
New books

A sampling of recently published books by A&S faculty: Radio Cultures: The Sound Medium in American Life by Michael Keith; Violence in the West: The Johnson County Range War and Ludlow Massacre by Marilynn Johnson; and Peaceable Kingdom Lost: The Paxton Boys and the Destruction of William Penn's Holy Experiment by Kevin Kenny.


Kevin Kenny
The Global Lincoln

History Prof. Kevin Kenny will be one of the leading scholars to present a paper at a major international conference funded by Congress in Oxford this summer. More


Eric Strauss
'Re-greening' to create jobs

Using stimulus funds to 're-green' communities would create jobs and a healthier environment for future generations, according to a piece co-authored by Environmental Studies Director Eric Strauss, science advisor for the Urban Ecology Institute. CNN


Michael Naughton
Small world

Physicist Michael Naughton describes Boston College scientists' breakthroughs in nanotechnology research. Audio from @BC


Udayan Mohanty
Chemist named Guggenheim Fellow

Chemistry Prof. Udayan Mohanty has won a 2009 Guggenheim Fellowship for his theoretical studies of rare chemical reactions. News release | Genetic Engineering News


Elizabeth Ryan SON ’09, Patrick Gardner A&S ’09, Maria Rivas A&S ’10, Leon Ratz A&S ’11
  Inquiring minds

Award-winning undergraduate researchers reflect on what their projects taught them about their fields and about themselves.
Audio slideshow from @BC


Willie Padilla
The new science of the invisible

Physics Asst. Prof. Willie Padilla's contributions to the 'metamaterials revolution' - also known as the science of making anything disappear - are highlighted in the April issue of Discover magazine. More


Alan Wolfe
The future, and roots, of liberalism

'The Future of Liberalism' - Political Science Prof. Alan Wolfe's new book - 'reminds us of liberalism's deep conceptual, intellectual and, yes, moral roots,' writes former U.S. Senator Gary Hart in the New York Times.


Thomas O'Connor
About the 17th

BC historian Tom O'Connor writes on the story - and the facts - of March 17. More


Chris Maxwell
Economist's passion: boat speed

Economist Chris Maxwell looks at a variety of sports questions through the lens of modern mathematical modeling. But above all, his is a mad pursuit of one thing: boat speed.  Rowing News


Kate McAuliff '10
Running because she still can

Less than two years after learning she had Hodgkin's lymphoma, psychology major Kate McAuliff '10 plans to run in the Boston Marathon to raise money for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. More


Karl Baden
Referenced by chance

Karl Baden's exhibition "Covering Photography: Imitation, Influence and Coincidence" was praised in the art journal 'afterimage'.


M. Utku Unver
Economist advances kidney swaps

Computer models can now link strangers in a life-saving chain of kidney transplants, researchers including economist M. Utku Ünver report in the N.E. Journal of Medicine. Release | CNN.com | Health.com | Science Daily | Boston Globe | Medical News Today | U.S. News & World Report's 'Health Day'


Solomon Friedberg
Awarded for distinguished teaching

Math Professor Solomon Friedberg has won the 2009 Northeastern Section Award for Distinguished College or University Teaching. Friedberg was cited for his enthusiasm and skill in the classroom, his commitment to his students and accessibility outside the classroom, and his efforts to improve the teaching of the next generation of faculty. More


Rev. James Bretzke, S.J.Lisa Sowle CahillRev. Kenneth Himes
Theologians on Caritas Christi venture

Rev. James Bretzke, SJ, Lisa Sowle Cahill, and Rev. Kenneth Himes are among leading theologians asked to comment on a proposed joint venture between Caritas Christi hospital and a secular insurance company. Boston Globe's 'Articles of Faith'


Dunwei Wang
'Clean power' promise

Overcoming a critical conductivity challenge to clean energy technologies, researchers led by BC chemist Dunwei Wang have developed a titanium nanostructure that demonstrates significantly greater efficiency in the transport of electrons. News Release | Science Daily | Scientist Live | NanowerkUPI | MarketWatch


Alan Wolfe
The future of liberalism

Political Science Professor Alan Wolfe, author of 'The Future of Liberalism,' discusses his book and the meaning of liberalism in the Obama era as a guest on NPR's 'On Point'. | Boston Globe | Washington Post


Juliet Schor
A slowdown that may slow us down

"Smaller paychecks would dampen down the competitive consumption that's associated with the high-hours economy, leading to a sustainable way of life," says sociologist Juliet Schor in the NYTimes.


Sea urchin by Sheila Gallagher
Dancing around the ephemeral

Sheila Gallagher's recent exhibition, held in Boston's Judi Rotenberg Gallery, received a favorable review in the Boston Globe.


Juliet Schor
Eat less meat

To reduce greenhouse gases, reduce the meat consumption says sociologist Juliet Schor. NYTimes.com


Willie Padilla
New 'metamaterial' device

A unique 'metamaterial' device can precisely control the complex terahertz electromagnetic frequency, BC physicist Willie J. Padilla and a team of researchers report. News Release | Science Daily, Nanotechnology Now, NanoWerk, Science Mode, ScienceCentric (Bulgaria), Innovations Report (Germany)


Thomas O'Connor
The power of polar opposites

Historian Thomas O'Connor examines the way George Washington dealt with conflicting ideals and contrasting personalities in two great figures of his own administration: Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton. Patriot Ledger


Sharlene Hesse-Biber
Barbie at 50

Love her or hate her, everybody knows Barbie. As Mattel's fashion icon turns 50, Sociology Prof. Sharlene Hesse-Biber discusses the doll's legacy on NPR's 'On Point'.


Camille Petri
Finding the spark

Camille Petri is co-author of major research that could hold a key to combating malaria. 'What drew me to the project was the fact that it was applying science to help other people, especially those without the resources to help themselves,' she says. BC Chronicle | PhysOrg | Medical News Today


Patrick Maney
Historical myth and FDR

The legend of Franklin Roosevelt's famous first 100 days has become so overblown that it may be crippling the ability of leaders to be effective, let alone achieve instantaneous greatness, writes History Prof. Patrick Maney in the Boston Globe.


Noah Snyder
High tech laser maps

New high-tech laser maps beamed from planes overhead clarify how well these bodies of water can help maintain or expand fish stocks, according to a new study by geologist Noah Snyder. News release | Sampling of coverage: Science Daily | PhysOrg.com | Science Mode | ScienceCentric (Bulgaria) | SINDH Today (Pakistan) | Top News (India) | Photonics.com


Joseph Tecce
A-Rod orchestrated?

That was verdict from BC psychologist Joseph Tecce, who was among experts analyzing the press conference in which NY Yankee Alex Rodriguez responded to allegations of steroids use. New York Daily News


David Hollenbach, S.J.
Theologian receives Marianist Award

University Professor of Human Rights and International Justice David Hollenbach, SJ, has received the University of Dayton's Marianist Award for contributions as 'one of the most important...scholars writing today about ethics in the Catholic tradition.' More


Lauren Sen '78
Alumna has reins at BJ's

Lauren Sen A&S '78 - new CEO of BJ's Wholesale Club, the nation's third largest club chain - is highlighted in a Q&A with the Boston Globe.


Peter Kreeft
What will heaven be like?

Philosopher Peter Kreeft answers thirty-five frequently asked questions about eternity in Christianity Today.


Harold Petersen
Economist on stimulus bill

The stimulus bill is 'better than nothing, but just marginally,' economist Harold Petersen tells the Boston Globe's daily business update. Boston.com


Stephen Schloesser, S.J.
The spiritual in art

The recent Rouault retrospective at the McMullen Museum was 'beautifully focused, with a concentrated force,' according to a review in The New Republic. | History Assoc. Prof. Stephen Schloesser, SJ, has received the Apple Valley Foundation's 2008 Curatorial Excellence Award for the exhibition. More


Karl Baden
Every Day since 1987

Fine Arts Professor Karl Baden has been making a photograph of his face every day since February 23, 1987. The entire project is now online.


Paul Mariani, English professor
Major, Lifetime Achievement Award

English Prof. Paul Mariani has won the John Ciardi Award for Lifetime Achievement in Poetry. More


Rev. Robert Imbelli
Theologian on inaugural address

Writing in the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano, theologian Rev. Robert Imbelli assesses President Obama's inaugural address, noting its biblical language, evocation of traditional principles, and reference to the grace of God. Catholic News Agency


Jennie Purnell
Purnell to lead Center for Student Formation

Political Scientist Jennie Purnell will oversee efforts to coordinate programs and activities that foster students' intellectual, spiritual, social and moral development. BC Chronicle


Ann Marie Barry
Understanding body image

Ann Marie Barry will give a university lecture on "Understanding Body Image: Sense of Self, Media Imagery, and Visual Culture" at the University of Minnesota Symposium on Body & Knowing, a two-year endeavor in which the human body is examined both as an object of study and as a producer of knowledge. More


The best job in the U.S.

Mathematicians land top spot in new ranking of best and worst occupations in the U.S. Wall Street Journal


Ourida Mostefai
Order of the Palm

Ourida Mostefai, associate professor of French in the Romance Languages & Literatures Department, will be honored by the French National Ministry of Education with the award of Chevalier dans l' Ordre des Palmes Académiques. More


Caroline Ogonwski
Senior's advocacy honors dad's memory

Caroline Ogonowski '09, whose father was piloting American Airlines Flight 11 when it crashed into the World Trade Center on 9/11, honors his memory as an advocate for blood donations. NECN


Vidya Madhavan
Superconductivity mystery solved

An international research team led by Physicist Vidya Madhavan has unraveled one of the mysteries surrounding high-temperature superconductivity. News Release | Science Daily | Science Mode | PhysOrg | NanowerkAzoNano (Australia) | ScienceCentric (Bulgaria)


Michael Noone
Plaudits for research and recordings

Music Dept. Chair Michael Noone - noted for his publications, teaching, performing and recording of music from the Spanish Golden Age - says Renaissance era church music composer Tomas Luis de Victoria represents 'one of the great untold stories of how the Jesuits supported music.' BC Chronicle


John Michalczyk
True beauty

Prof. John Michalczyk is curator of the exhibit, "Beauty: Skin Deep?" -- a provocative view of burn survivors and the disfigured, asking the real question about superficial vs. true Beauty. More


David Deese, political scientist prof.
Wild ride still ahead on energy costs

Political Scientist David Deese, author of World Trade Politics: Power, Principles and Leadership, discusses the future of energy and trade policies in a Q&A in the latest BC Chronicle.


Joseph Tecce, Psychology prof.
Lie detector

Psychologist Joseph Tecce was interviewed by Fox 25 News about body language that may indicate deception, in conjunction with the debut of the new Fox drama 'Lie to Me.'  More


Arthur Lewbel
Till Debt Us Do Part

Marriage is a bargain says Economics Prof. Arthur Lewbel in The Economist.

 


Camille Petri '09
Undergraduate Researcher

Camille Petri '09 is among the authors of a paper describing development of a prototype malaria test printed on a disposable Mylar card, part of a system the researchers hope will allow diagnosis far from any lab. PhysOrg | Medical News Today


front row logo
World Trade and Justice for the Poor: Impact of the Global Talks Breakdown

BC faculty panelists James Anderson, David Deese, and Frank Garcia consider how the recent impasse in world trade negotiations will affect the third world. audio/video


Alan Wolfe
Obama the Communitarian

Throughout his campaign, Barack Obama's language mixed themes of hope and purpose with communitarian emphasis on duty and responsibility. In his inaugural address, the former could barely be heard, writes Boisi Center Director Alan Wolfe. The New Republic


Paul SchervishJohn Havens
Taking stock

As non-profits face the continuing challenges of the downturn, the Center on Wealth and Philanthropy's Paul Schervish and John Havens assess what can be expected of charitable giving in today's economy.  More


Patrick J. Maney
On Obama and FDR

As President-elect Barack Obama prepares to take office, it's natural to look back to the last leader who assumed the presidency during a time of grave economic crisis, writes historian Patrick Maney in the Boston Herald.


Joseph Tecce
Suffering from SAD?

Psychologist Joseph Tecce writes about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a winter disorder caused by the loss of normal light in the environment, affecting approximately 15 million people. More


John MichalczykRonald Marsh
Russian Gulag documentary

"Confronting Amnesia: Frozen Memories of the Russian Gulag," a new film by Fine Arts Prof. John Michalczyk and O'Neill Library's Ronald Marsh, will be screened Jan. 18 at the Museum of Fine Arts. Boston Herald blog | News Release


Joseph Tecce
The boomerang kids

Struggling to make ends meet, adults are moving back in with their folks. BC psychologist Joseph Tecce shared some guidelines for making it work with the Boston Globe. The piece also has been picked up abroad: People's Daily (China) and Philippines News Agency.


Elizabeth Mumford '09
Finding her place

Elizabeth Mumford '09, founder of REACT - a group focused on eliminating human trafficking in Boston - talks about how BC has helped to shape her future. BC Chronicle


Cardiolipin
Support for Warburg cancer theory

After German scientist Otto H. Warburg received the 1931 Nobel Prize for his cancer theory, its biochemical basis remained elusive. Now, BC biologists and colleagues report new evidence to support it. News release | Scientist Live (UK) | Genetic Engineering News | Bio-Medicine | Science Daily


Paul Lewis
Evermore

English Prof. Paul Lewis writes on the enduring influence and genius of Edgar Allan Poe in the Boston Globe, in anticipation of BC's upcoming Poe bicentennial celebration, also highlighted by the Globe.


Alicia Munnell
Erosion of 401(k)s

Center for Retirement Research Director Alicia Munnell is quoted, and Center data is cited, in a front-page Wall Street Journal piece on the slide in 401(k)s. More


Martha Bayles
The return of cultural diplomacy

America should aim to export more serious forms of entertainment as well as 'Dark Knight' and 'Baywatch,' writes A&S Honors Program faculty member Martha Bayles in a recent essay for Newsweek.


Peter Gottschalk
Economic insights

Economic models assume that people behave rationally and do the right thing, according to Economics Prof. Peter Gottschalk. 'But this time people did very much the wrong thing.' New York Times


Juliet Schor
It's time to drop the consumer label

Sociologist Juliet Schor told the Washington Post, "Contemporary American tweens and teens have emerged as the most brand-oriented, consumer-involved, and materialistic generation in history." More


Carlo Rotella
On Boston Common

American Studies Director Carlo Rotella reflects on the push to make over Boston's most symbolic park in the January issue of Boston Magazine.


John Mahoney, Rattigan Professor of English
Sonnets of Shakespeare

Rattigan Prof. of English John Mahoney's new 25-track CD of Shakespeare's sonnets - his fourth recording under the auspices of Burns Library - is highlighted by the Boston Globe. (second item) | CD audio excerpts here


The Christmas story

Theologian Pheme Perkins comments on the role of St. Joseph in the Christmas story in Slate magazine, while Jesuit theologians Thomas Stegman and Harvey Egan discuss the innkeeper who turned Mary and Joseph away with Religion News Service.