Reporters recently turned to MTSU faculty and staff for their perspectives on various topics, including rap music, Ukraine, prayer, stolen metal, gas prices, hate speech and more.

• Karen Reed, an associate professor of library user services at the James E. Walker Library, co-delivered a virtual presentation on how the COVID-19 pandemic led to increases in librarians’ online workload May 18 at the 2022 Education and Behavioral Sciences Section Virtual Research Forum. The video, which was posted to YouTube May 19, is available here.

• Dr. Louis Kyriakoudes, director of the Albert Gore Research Center and a professor of history, analyzed the impact of the 1981 Professional Air Traffic Controllers strike for a May 19 story at https://www.history.com. His comments are available here.

• Dr. Ciera Schoonover, an assistant professor of psychology, explained the concept of authoritative parenting for a May 19 article at https://www.verywellfamily.com. Her remarks can be read here.

• Dr. John Vile, dean of the University Honors College and a political scientist, discussed his book “Prayer in American Public Life” on the May 20 edition of “Issues of Faith” on NewsChannel5+. The video can be seen here.

• Dr. Kimball Bullington, a professor of management, refuted Russia’s claims that international sanctions imposed on Russia because of its invasion of Ukraine are causing worldwide food shortages in a May 20 report at https://www.newswise.com. His views can be accessed here.

• Ken Paulson, director of the Free Speech Center, addressed a case in which rap music is being used as evidence against defendants in a criminal case in a May 23 article by Courthouse News Service. His remarks can be read here.

• Dr. Marisa Richmond, an adjunct professor of history, was part of a panel discussion on Nashville’s LGBTQ+ history that was rebroadcast on WPLN-FM in Nashville May 23. The audio, which was broadcast originally on March 18, can be heard here.

• Dr. Ben Stickle, an associate professor of criminal justice administration, commented on the market for stolen catalytic converters in a May 23 story by https://www.biznewspost.com. His views are available here.

• Dr. Saleh Sbenaty, a professor of engineering technology and board member of the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro, participated in a panel discussion on hate speech in America May 24 on WPLN-FM in Nashville. The audio can be heard here.

• Dr. Richard Tarpey, an assistant professor of management, helped to explain the rising cost of gasoline in a May 24 report on WTVF-TV in Nashville. The video and transcript can be accessed here.

Reporters seeking expertise from MTSU personnel, as well as members of the campus community with expertise for media, may contact Gina Logue in the Office of News and Media Relations at 615-631-8322 or via email at gina.logue@mtsu.edu.