Monmouth University’s Marketing and Communications team offers a database of experts for use by press and media contacts. It includes Monmouth University faculty members and administrators, and their specific areas of expertise.
The purpose of the database is to provide reporters with a resource for finding experts to quote when they are working on news stories related to a variety of topics.
Use the list of available topics at left to all experts in that particular area. Or you can use the search form below.
Please contact Karen Fitzgerald at 732-571-3445 during regular business hours to speak with any individual in the expert database.
Julius Adekunle, Ph.D.
Expertise: History/Anthropology
Dr. Adekunle can speak on the following topics: African culture, ethnicity, history, politics, and religion.
He is the author and co-author of many books including “Converging Identities: Blackness in the Modern African Diaspora” (African World, 2013), “Color Struck: Essays on Race and Ethnicity in Global Perspective” (University Press of America, 2012), “Religion in Politics: Secularism and National Integration in Modern Nigeria” (Africa World Press, Inc., 2009), and “Culture and Customs of Rwanda” (Greenwood Press, 2007).
Gilda Agacer, Ph.D.
Expertise: Accounting/Business
Management accounting and cost analysis.
Claire Alasio, M.Ed.
Expertise: Financial Aid and Scholarships
Financial aid and scholarships.
Mirta Barrea-Marlys, Ph.D.
Expertise: Foreign Languages
Dr. Barea-Marlys can speak on the following topics: Spanish and Italian Language, Literature and Linguistics, Medieval and Golden Age Spanish Theater, Latin American Colonial Theater, and Latin American women writers.
She is a specialist in world language acquisition and pedagogy. She is associate professor of Spanish and chair of the Department of Foreign Language Studies. She received a Ph.D. in Romance Languages from the University of Pennsylvania.
Stanley Blair, Ph.D.
Expertise: English
Dr. Blair can speak on the following topics: New Jersey literature, literary history and folklore, late 19th – early 20th century American literature, writing/rhetoric, creative writing/literary magazines.
He received a Ph.D. from Duke University.
Kristin Bluemel, Ph.D.
Expertise: English
Dr. Bluemel can speak on the following topics: British literature and culture (1914 – 1945), British literature of World War, and George Orwell, Anti-Semitism in 20th century Britain, 20th century British women writers, contemporary literary criticism and theory.
She is the Wayne D. McMurray Chair in the Humanities. She received a Ph.D. from Rutgers University.
Karen T. Bright, M.F.A.
Expertise: Arts
Topics related to graphic design including: branding, digital imaging, digital illustration, typography, and printing. Fine arts expertise in drawing, encaustic, ink jet printing, book-making.
John Buzza, M.A.
Expertise: Management/Marketing
He can speak on entrepreneurship.
He worked in the restaurant business for 30 years and now teaching full time. He holds a M.A. from University of Phoenix.
Kenneth Campbell, Ph.D.
Expertise: History/Anthropology
Dr. Campbell can speak on the following topics: Ireland’s history, western civilization, history of the British Isles, medieval and early modern Europe. He also has a special interest in the Beatles, on which he has taught a seminar for first-year students at Monmouth since 2010.
Dr. Campbell holds a Ph.D. in history from the University of Delaware, and has taught, researched, written, and thought about the history of the British Isles for more than thirty years.
Edward Christensen, Ph.D.
Expertise: Technology
Information management, technology, and electronic commerce.
Joseph Chung, Ph.D.
Expertise: Computer Science/Software Engineering
Dr. Chung can speak on the following topics: careers in the computer science field, remote linux desktop options, and The One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) project.
He received a Ph.D. from University of Illinois at Chicago.
Vaughn Clay, Ed.D.
Expertise: Student Life
Orientation to college, student involvement/leadership and student union.
John Comiskey, M.A.
Expertise: Accounting/Business
John Comiskey can speak on the following topics: counterterrorism operations, event management, disorder control, patrol, and criminal justice administration.
He oversees the Homeland Security degree program at Monmouth University and is a retired member of the New York City Police Department. His most recent assignment included borough and citywide counterterrorism operations including the UN General Assembly and U.S. Tennis Open. John is also a retired member of the United States Coast Guard Reserve where he served as an intelligence specialist at Sector New York and Dam Neck, Virginia. He is the author of “USCG, Sector New York’s 2010 Intelligence Preparation of the Maritime Domain.”
Joe Compagni, M.A.
Expertise: Athletics
Joe Compagni can speak on coaching collegiate athletes. He has more than 20 years of experience coaching collegiate athletes in men’s and women’s track & field and cross country.
Following his 24th season as Monmouth University’s Director/Head Coach of Cross Country and Track & Field, Joe Compagni retired in August 2019. During his career as head coach, Compagni has been named NEC, MAAC, and NCAA Regional Coach of the Year 58 times – 27 times in the NEC, 23 times in the MAAC, and 8 times as a USTFCCCA NCAA Division I Mid-Atlantic Region Coach of the Year. In 2015, Compagni was named one of the 25 Most Influential People in New Jersey Running. He served for more than a dozen years on the USTFCCCA Division I Track & Field Executive Committee, and was a two-time President of the IC4A Coaches’ Association.
Pedram Daneshgar, Ph.D.
Expertise: Biology
Dr. Danesghar can speak on Ecology and Botany, invasive species, ecosystem restoration, and rare species.
He received a Ph.D. from University of Florida.
Rekha Datta, Ph.D.
Expertise: Foreign Affairs
Dr. Datta can speak on the relations of Pakistan and India as well as the issue of violence against women and the empowerment of women.
She is author of “Why Alliances Endure – The United States-Pakistan Alliance, 1954-1971” and “Beyond Realism: Human Security in India and Pakistan in the Twenty-First Century.” She received a Ph.D. from University of Connecticut.
Lisa Dinella, Ph.D.
Expertise: Psychology
Dr. Dinella can speak on the following topics: gender identity, academic achievement, and career development.
Her research program is housed at the Gender Development Laboratory at Monmouth University, where she studies the social and interpersonal factors that influence individuals academic and career pursuits. She received a Ph.D. in Family Science, with concentrations in Marriage and Family Therapy and Child Development from Arizona State University.
Kevin L. Dooley, Ph.D.
Expertise: Foreign Affairs
Dr. Dooley can speak on the following topics: international relations, European politics, and political philosophy related to ethics and justice.
He received a Ph.D. from Rutgers University.
Catherine Duckett, Ph.D.
Expertise: Biology
Dr. Duckett can speak on the following topics: entomology, biology and behavior of insects and international student exchange.
She serves Monmouth University as associate dean of the School of Science charged with student and faculty professional development as well as teaching evolution and other duties. Dr. Duckett has administrative expertise in mentoring, as well as scientific achievements in the evolution of leaf beetles. She received a Ph.D. from Cornell University.
Heide R. Estes, Ph.D.
Expertise: English
Dr. Estes’ recent teaching and research investigate the ways in which pre-modern literary texts engage with the natural environment.
Dr. Estes can speak on literature and the environment, and on “Climate Crisis: What Can We Do?” She is also interested in connecting with middle and high schools to talk about climate and literature. Dr. Estes received her Ph.D. from New York University.
Cira Fraser, Ph.D.
Expertise: Nursing/Healthcare
Multiple sclerosis; adherence and self-efficacy; and nursing research.
Aaron Furgason, Ph.D.
Expertise: Communication
Dr. Furgason can speak on issues pertaining to the radio, music and film industries.
He received his Ph.D. from Rutgers University.
William Gorman, M.S.
Expertise: History/Anthropology
William Gorman can speak about the following topics: current events and politics (world and U.S.), contemporary economic policy and deficit, and economic history.
He received his M.S. from Monmouth University.
Mary C. Harris, M.A.
Expertise: Public Relations
Harris’ area of expertise is within public relations, event planning, and social media, specifically the platforms of Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest, blogs, and new trends, etc, for use by corporations, nonprofits, and individuals.
Noah Hart Jr., Ed.D.
Expertise: Education
Dr. Hart can speak on the following topics: learning style and teaching methodology; college student development; internationalization; globalization; ethics, diversity, and social responsibility; corporate governance; diversity; multiculturalism and pluralism; and workplace relationships: the key to production and profits.
He received an Ed.D. from Rutgers University.
Christine Hatchard, Psy.D.
Expertise: Psychology
Dr. Hatchard can speak on supporting survivors of mother-daughter sexual abuse.
She is a licensed psychologist with a private practice in Eatontown, NJ and a specialist professor of Clinical Psychology. Since 1999, she has been the director of Making Daughters Safe Again (MDSA), providing information and support for survivors of mother-daughter sexual abuse. In 2011, she released a full-length documentary, “Who Will Love Me: Four Stories of Mother-Daughter Sexual Abuse,” a film that she solely produced, directed and edited. She received a Psy.D. from Chestnut Hill College.
Andrea Hope, Ed.D.
Expertise: Health Studies
Professional experience in developing comprehensive worksite health promotion programs. Teaches courses in women’s health and health and development across the lifespan. Special interests include body image and eating disorders, childhood obesity, and the benefits of physical activity.
Scott Jeffrey, Ph.D.
Expertise: Management/Marketing
Dr. Jeffrey can speak about the following topics: the use of incentives in organizations, both for employees and for customers. In particular, he is interested in tangible incentives, high-end merchandise and travel. His most current project is leading up a research team exploring the motivational events industry.
Dr. Jeffrey has extensive industry experience, having worked for 11 years in California’s Silicon Valley. He received a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago.
Rose Knapp, D.N.P.
Expertise: Nursing/Healthcare
Dr. Knapp is an E.D. and primary care nurse practitioner. She has extensive experience in teaching pharmacology and prescribing, and her area of interest is heart disease in women.
Scott Knauer, M.F.A.
Expertise: Arts
Art exhibitions, curating.
Gary Lewandowski, Ph.D.
Expertise: Psychology
Dr. Lewandowski can speak about the role of self in romantic relationships including such processes as: attraction, relationship initiation, relationship maintenance, infidelity, and break-up.
He is a co-founder of ScienceofRelationships.com and director of the Relationship Science Laboratory at Monmouth University. Dr. Lewandowski’s work has also appeared in numerous media outlets such as: CNN, the New York Times, Philadelphia Inquirer, WebMD, Radio Health Journal, Science Daily, Women’s Health, Marie Claire, Woman’s World, Maxim, Cosmopolitan, Men’s Health, Self Magazine, and Ladies’ Home Journal. He received a Ph.D. from Stony Brook University.
Peter W. Liu, Ph.D.
Expertise: Criminal Justice
Criminal justice in China, juvenile delinquency. History/anthropology expertise: Chinese history, language, and cultures.
Dorothy Lobo, Ph.D.
Expertise: Biology
Dr. Lobo can speak on the following topics: cell and molecular biology and signal transduction pathways. Current research includes the regulation of stress signaling pathways during cell proliferation and programmed cell death.
She received a Ph.D. from The Catholic University of America.
Tony MacDonald, J.D.
Expertise: Environment/Nature
Tony MacDonald can speak on the following topics: ocean resources management issues and public policy, federal environmental legislation and congressional affairs.
He is director of Urban Coast Institute. He was previously the executive director of the Coastal States Organization (CSO) from 1998-2005. CSO, based in Washington, DC, represents the interests of the Governors of the United States’ 35 coastal states and territories on coastal and ocean policy matters.
Janet Mahoney, Ph.D.
Expertise: Nursing/Healthcare
Dr. Mahoney can speak on the following topics: nursing research, administration, gerontology health issues.
She is a professor in the Marjorie K. Unterberg School of Nursing and Health Studies.
Golam Mathbor, Ph.D.
Expertise: Social Work
Dr. Mathbor can speak on the following topics: community participation and coastal community development, disaster management, international social development, and international social work.
He received a Ph.D. from The University of Calgary, Canada.
Robert D. McCaig, Ed.D.
Expertise: Admission
Vice President for Enrollment Management. Getting into college, preparing your son or daughter for college, getting into graduate school.
Jen McGovern, Ph.D.
Expertise: Athletics
Dr. McGovern can speak about how sport intersects with various social and political issues. In particular, she can comment on issues surrounding race, ethnicity, gender, and sexuality in sport, how socioeconomic status affects youth participation in sports and physical activity, and the relationship between athletics and sexual assault.
She received a Ph.D. from Temple University.
Greg Moehring, Ph.D.
Expertise: Chemistry/Physics/Medical Technology
Inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, and industrial chemistry.
Donald M. Moliver, Ph.D.
Expertise: Real Estate
Real estate finance and real property evaluation (appraisals).
Patrick Murray, M.A.
Expertise: Politics/Government
Patrick Murray can speak about New Jersey and United States politics, public policy, and public opinion.
He is the founding director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute. He has more than 15 years of experience conducting media polling and custom-designed research projects and is a frequent media commentator on politics and public opinion. He received a master’s degree from Rutgers University. For more information, visit www.monmouth.edu/polling.
Tina R. Paone, Ph.D.
Expertise: Educational Leadership, School Counseling & Special Education
Dr. Paone is an expert in two areas: play therapy and racism/racial identity. She has published and given numerous presentations on both topics, and is very well versed in current literature on the topic.
Katherine Parkin, Ph.D.
Expertise: History/Anthropology
Women’s history and advertising history.
Joseph N. Patten, Ph.D.
Expertise: Politics/Government
Public policy, media law, state and local politics, and international relations.
Vaune Peck, M.A.
Expertise: Arts
Performing arts presenting, audience development, marketing.
Karen Pesce, Ph.D.
Expertise: Biology
Dr. Pesce can speak on the following topics: environmental microbiology; impacts of human activities on the environment; and teaching science through authentic learning.
She received a Ph.D. from Rutgers University.
Michael Phillips-Anderson, Ph.D.
Expertise: Communication
Dr. Phillips-Anderson can speak on the following topics: political communication, campaigns, public speaking, humor, humor and politics.
He received a Ph.D. from University of Maryland College Park.
Joe Rapolla, MBA
Expertise: Arts
Music industry, entertainment, digital media, digital marketing, social marketing streaming, business strategy, engagement marketing, direct to consumer marketing, and customer relationship management (CRM).
Joe Rapolla is the music industry program director and chair of the Department of Music and Theatre Arts at Monmouth University. A recognized music industry innovator, he built and led integrated marketing departments at Universal and Warner Music Group. He also helped build a direct-to-consumer marketing agency and a social research agency, and ran marketing for the video game division of Def Jam Enterprises. He has directed programs for top talent, such as Madonna, Bon Jovi, U2, Green Day, and Sting, and has partnered with the world’s leading entertainment, media, and consumer brands and agencies. He has earned multiple Gold Records for his work at the music companies. He is also a performing songwriter and producer. He has released three studio CD’s and film soundtrack, collaborates with top writers and artists in NYC and Nashville, and continues to perform locally and abroad. He received an MBA from Monmouth University.
Stuart Rosenberg, Ph.D.
Expertise: Economics/Finance
Dr. Rosenberg can speak about the impact of the economy on business strategy.
He received a MBA and Ph.D. from Fordham University.
Saliba Sarsar, Ph.D.
Expertise: Foreign Affairs
Dr. Sarsar can speak about Arab-Israeli peace issues and Middle East affairs.
He received a Ph.D. from Rutgers University.
Michaeline Skiba, Ed.D.
Expertise: Management/Marketing
Dr. Skiba can speak on the following topics: management and professional development within managed-care settings; strategic readiness and its impact on organization-wide and behavioral change; social and behavioral issues associated with pharmaceutical promotions and marketing strategy; and learning during organizational change.
She received an Ed.D. from Columbia University.
John Tiedemann, M.S.
Expertise: Environment/Nature
John Tiedemann can speak on the following topics: marine ecology, coastal zone management, environmental science, and marine and environmental education. Current applied research includes macrozooplankton studies of Barnegat Bay and an analysis of catch and release stress in angled striped bass.
He received an M.S. from Florida Institute of Technology.
Ann Troiano, D.N.P.
Expertise: Nursing/Healthcare
Family issues.
Richard Veit, Ph.D.
Expertise: History/Anthropology
Archaeology of New Jersey and the Northeast, both Native American and historic; New Jersey history (excluding political history); and historic preservation.
Lauren Vento-Cifelli
Expertise: Planning for College
Assistant Vice President of Enrollment Management.
Michael Warshaw, J.D.
Expertise: Law
Michael Warshaw can speak on the following topics: insurance law (including automobile insurance), municipal court and traffic law, social security disability, contracts, negotiable instruments, business entities, and distracted driving.
He received a J.D. from Brooklyn Law School.
Hettie V. Williams, Ph.D.
Expertise: History/Anthropology
Dr. Williams can speak on the following topics: African American history; African American women’s history; race/ethnicity studies; gender in U.S. history. She has taught survey courses in U.S. history, Western civilization, and upper division courses on the history of African Americans at the university level for more than 15 years.
Dr. Williams has published book chapters, essays, and encyclopedia entries and edited/authored five books. She is the author of “Bury My Heart in a Free Land: Black Women Intellectuals in Modern U.S. History” and co-author of “Race and the Obama Phenomenon: The Vision of a More Perfect Multiracial Union.”
Charles Willow, Ph.D.
Expertise: Management/Marketing
Dr. Willow can speak on the following topics: information technology management; strategic management of technology; intelligent information systems development & management operations; and management science operations research.
He received a Ph.D. from University of Houston.
Kenneth Womack, Ph.D.
Expertise: Beatles
Dr. Womack offers a wide range of Beatles talks, including multimedia presentations about the evolution of their music and the innovative production techniques associated with Sir George Martin, their famed producer and collaborator.
Dr. Womack is an internationally renowned Beatles authority, having published five books devoted to the band’s life and times, including Reading the Beatles: Cultural Studies, Literary Criticism, and the Fab Four (2006), Long and Winding Roads: The Evolving Artistry of the Beatles (2007), The Cambridge Companion to the Beatles (2009), The Beatles Encyclopedia: Everything Fab Four (2014), and New Critical Perspectives on the Beatles: Things We Said Today (2016). In 2010, The Independent named The Cambridge Companion to the Beatles as “Music Book of the Year,” while Choice honored it as a “Significant University Press Title for Undergraduates, 2009-2010.” Dr. Womack is also the author of the first full-length biography of Sir George Martin, the group’s legendary producer.
Melissa Ziobro, M.A.
Expertise: History/Anthropology
Oral history, public history, Fort Monmouth, 20-21st century American military history, women in the United States military, archives, records, collections management, and museum studies.
She received an M.A. from Monmouth University.
Filter by School/Area
- Accounting/Business
- Admission
- Arts
- Athletics
- Beatles
- Biology
- Chemistry/Physics/Medical Technology
- Communication
- Computer Science/Software Engineering
- Criminal Justice
- Economics/Finance
- Education
- Educational Leadership
- English
- Environment/Nature
- Financial Aid and Scholarships
- Foreign Affairs
- Foreign Languages
- Health Studies
- History/Anthropology
- Law
- Management/Marketing
- Nursing/Healthcare
- Planning for College
- Politics/Government
- Psychology
- Public Relations
- Real Estate
- School Counseling & Special Education
- Social Work
- Student Life
- Technology