Jan. 13, 2016
Professors Available to Comment on Topics Related to Pro-Life Movement
The following Catholic University professors are available to serve as experts on issues related to bioethics, the pro-life movement, and other topics related to the respect of life. Click on an expert's name for more information on their expertise and links to recent media appearances. For assistance in reaching sources, contact Katie Lee or Mary McCarthy Hines in the Office of Public Affairs at 202-319-5600 or cua-public-affairs@cua.edu .
- Joseph Capizzi , associate dean of graduate studies and associate professor of moral theology, can discuss topics of bioethics, personhood, and social and political questions pertaining to abortion and euthanasia. He has written and spoken about the history of the prolife movement in the U.S., the consistent ethic of life, and the social and political impact of abortion and euthanasia. Contact Capizzi at Capizzi@cua.edu .
- John Grabowski , associate professor of moral theology, can comment on topics related to morality and ethics. He has researched and written about beginning of life issues such as abortion and personhood, reproductive technologies, and moral dilemmas related to embryo adoption. Contact Grabowski at Grabowski@cua.edu .
- William Mattison , interim dean of theology and religious studies and associate professor of moral theology, can discuss topics of bioethics and virtues. He has written about the impact of religious belief, ethics, and morality on day-to-day life including how life issues affect every day practices, as well as dilemmas and life-changing decision. To interview Mattison, contact the Office of Public Affairs at cua-public-affairs@cua.edu .
- Melissa Moschella , assistant professor of philosophy, is available to comment on topics related to bioethics, reproductive technologies, faith, and science. She has previously written about the ethical dilemmas of embryonic stem cell research. Contact Moschella at Moschella@cua.edu .
- Chad Pecknold , associate professor of theology, is a highly sought after expert on religion and public life. He is available to comment on how Christian beliefs influence voters and politicians alike, especially on highly contested topics such as abortion, euthanasia, marriage, and religious liberty. Contact Pecknold at Pecknold@cua.edu .
- Mark Rienzi , associate professor of law, is an expert on the First Amendment, religious freedom, and abortion law. Rienzi has successfully argued recent landmark U.S. Supreme Court cases including 2014's McCullen v. Coakley , which ruled that a law in Massachusetts that created a 35-foot "buffer zone" separating pro-life counselors from the entrance to abortion facilities violated First Amendment rights. Contact Rienzi at Rienzi@law.edu .
- Paul Scherz , assistant professor of moral theology, holds doctorates in both genetics and moral theology. A former researcher of biomedical technologies, Scherz can comment on the moral and ethical dilemmas of stem cell technology and the intersection of religion and science. Contact Scherz at scherz@cua.edu .
- Lucia Silecchia , professor of law, is an expert on legal issues pertaining to the elderly and disabled. Recently, she has been quoted by a number of sources on the flaws contained in a proposal in Washington, D.C., that would legalize assisted suicide. Silecchia can also comment on the topic of women and the Catholic Church as it relates to the theme of the 2016 March for Life, "Pro-Life and Pro-Woman Go Hand-in-Hand." Contact Silecchia at Silecchia@law.edu or 202-903-5560.
To search for other CUA faculty who serve as experts for the media, visit the online Faculty Experts Guide or contact the Office of Public Affairs for more assistance.
