Featured Post from Texas Christian University

Do you have your experts lined up for November 03? Let TCU help with your Texas and cross-country election day coverage

Nov 2, 2020

1 min

It’s finally here. The campaigns are on their final push and as of Tuesday night – the results will start rolling in.

This has been one of the most unique elections in modern history. A divisive and bitter campaign fought during a global health crisis. Texas, which has 38 electoral college votes, second only to California in number – may be in play. Though Texas has not swung blue since 1976, Tuesday night a lot of eyes will be watching Texas to see what role it takes in deciding the outcome of the election.

If you are a reporter covering the election in Texas, the key issues in the state and what motivates it to vote for either candidate – then let our experts help.

Jim Riddlesperger is professor of Political Science at TCU and focuses on American politics, with emphasis in the presidency, Congress, and Texas politics.

Professor Adam Schiffer writes and speaks on media bias, presidential nomination contests, political news, elections, and public opinion.

Both are available to speak with media – simply click on either expert’s icon to book an interview today.

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Adam Schiffer

Professor

Professor Schiffer writes and speaks on media bias, presidential nomination contests, political news, elections, and public opinion.

Media BiasPresidential Nomination ContestsPolitical NewsNational ElectionsPublic Opinion and American Politics

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Mar 11, 2026

2 min

Covering the War in Iran? TCU has Experts that Are Getting National Coverage

As the war against Iran continues to unfold, global media coverage has intensified, with major news organizations providing near-constant reporting on the conflict and its geopolitical implications. From live battlefield updates to analysis of regional alliances, energy markets, and international diplomacy, the story has become one of the most closely followed developments in international affairs. Networks such as CBS News are dedicating significant airtime to helping audiences understand the rapidly evolving situation and the broader implications for global stability. To provide credible context and insight, these outlets often turn to academic experts who specialize in Middle East politics and international relations. Experts like Ralph Carter from Texas Christian University (TCU) are among those providing research-based analysis that helps explain the historical roots of the conflict, the motivations of the key actors involved, and what developments could come next. Their expertise allows journalists to translate complex geopolitical dynamics into clear, accurate information for audiences trying to make sense of a fast-moving global crisis. Professor Ralph Carter teaches introductory courses in political science and international politics as well as advanced courses in Middle East conflicts, U.S. foreign policy and Russian foreign policy. He is the author or editor of eight books and the author or co-author of over 50 journal articles, book chapters, and other professional publications. His research agenda focuses on the making of U.S. foreign, trade, and defense policy, with a particular emphasis on the roles played by members of Congress. Recently, Professor Carter's expertise was sought out by CBS News in Dallas/Fort Worth as journalists were updating Americans on the current situation in the war in Iran. Ralph Carter is available to speak with the media about the ongoing war in Iran - simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.

Dec 17, 2025

1 min

The Research Behind the Reputation: TCU’s Dr. Ledbetter Maps the Science of Taylor Swift’s Storytelling

At Texas Christian University, Dr. Andrew Ledbetter, Chair of the Communication Studies Department, is turning his scholarly attention to one of pop culture’s biggest phenomena: Taylor Swift. His research uses data-driven analysis to reveal how Swift’s albums and songs build an interconnected narrative universe — what he calls her “Taylorverse.” Ledbetter ran lyrics across ten albums through semantic-network software to show how certain songs act as linchpins connecting themes of fame, womanhood, love and storytelling. “I was interested in interconnections among the song lyrics,” says Ledbetter. “The songs that are most central have a lot of overlap with other songs, might tend to be songs that are the most popular.” November 03 0 NBC News The work stands out not just for its pop-culture relevance, but for its academic innovation: combining computational text-analysis with narrative theory to unlock why certain tracks resonate more deeply than others. For journalists, cultural commentators or anyone covering the evolving intersection of music, identity and media, Dr. Ledbetter is a go-to expert. He can speak to how storytelling in music shapes audience engagement, how media fandom becomes scholarship, and why Swift’s songwriting continues to spark new research just as much as chart-topping hits. Andrew Ledbetter is available for interviews - Simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.

Sep 29, 2025

2 min

Experts in the Media: Eating Habits of People Who Grew Up Poor

Sarah Hill, Ph.D, professor of psychology, contributed insights to an AOL article, “Eating Habits of People Who Grew Up Poor,” exploring how early life poverty continues to foster food preferences and mental associations around eating. The piece examines why many adults raised in low-income households feel “unnatural” when switching from inexpensive comfort foods to fresh produce and how habits formed in scarcity can linger long after financial hardships subside. Hill emphasizes that these patterns aren’t just personal quirks but deeply ingrained coping strategies. “For someone who rarely saw fresh fruits or vegetables growing up, the cost, smell, even the way they cut or cook produce, can feel foreign,” she wrote. The article also discusses how scarcity conditioning can lead to behaviors like eating beyond fullness to avoid waste, attachment to “cheap staples” or resistance to change in diet, even when healthy choices are available. Hill argues that recognizing these habits with compassion, as adaptations rather than flaws, is key to promoting lasting healthy change. Sarah Hill is currently a researcher and professor at TCU, lead research advisor at 28, and a thought leader in the area of women’s hormones and sexual psychology. Sarah’s groundbreaking research has resulted in more than 80 research publications. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Scientific American, The Economist, and on television shows like Good Morning and The Today Show. See her profile here. The full article is available here: Looking to know more - simply click on Sarah's icon below to arrange an interview time today.