Director of News and Editorial Communications

Tom Breen

Tom Breen has been at UConn since 2012, serving as a news writer, deputy spokesperson, manager for special projects, UConn Today editor, and, as of January 2021, director of news and editorial communications. Prior to UConn, he worked as a reporter for The Associated Press, covering health care, religion, and state government in West Virginia and North Carolina, and before the AP, he worked at newspapers in Connecticut and Massachusetts. He is the author of two books about Christianity and contemporary culture, and has published short fiction in many periodicals and anthologies. A second-generation Husky, he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science in 2000. He is the co-founder of the award-winning UConn 360 podcast and has given presentations on UConn history to community groups throughout Connecticut. He lives in Manchester, is active in volunteer organizations, and recommends that you try the coconut flavor at the Dairy Bar.


Author Archive

Rethinking Care for Older Adults with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia

Two UConn researchers will study how well state programs provide care for older adults living with dementia while remaining at home.

A photo collage of the researchers who worked on a study about how LGBTQ+ college students are faring during the pandemic.

UConn Researcher Finds Family Support Key to LGBTQ+ Student Wellbeing During Pandemic

Support from parents is a key indicator of whether LGTBQ+ college students are experiencing higher levels of stress during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Professor Jeff Hoch standing in the lab where he conducts much of his research.

Meet the Researcher: Jeff Hoch, School of Medicine

Hoch, a professor of molecular biology and biophysics, sees tremendous potential waiting to be unlocked by his research.

All Things Considered (NPR)

400 Lights, For 400,000 Dead, Illuminate Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool

Marine One carrying President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump as they departed from the White House flies over the U.S. Capitol ahead of the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Joe Biden on January 20, 2021 in Washington, DC.

Why Do Presidential Inaugurations Matter?

Ceremonies speak directly to some of our basic instincts, triggering intuitions about their efficacy, symbolism, and importance.

Nurse receiving the COVID-19 vaccination

How Many People Need to Get a COVID-19 Vaccine in Order to Stop the Coronavirus?

The more infectious a disease is, the larger the number of people who need to be vaccinated to reach herd immunity.

A news photo of Trump supporters storming the U.S. Capitol, holding their smart phones in the air.

Q&A: Trump, the Capitol, and Social Media

Social media played a significant role in the storming of the U.S. Capitol, and its influence in shaping American politics is unlikely to wane, says UConn's Marie Shanahan.

Pie chart with people on white background. Concept of demographic.

What is a Margin of Error? This Statistical Tool Can Help Explain Vaccine Trials and Political Polling

If you've ever read a news story about a political poll, you've heard the phrase "margin of error." But what does it actually mean?

Thanh Nguyen

UConn Engineer Invents Reusable Biodegradable Facemask

The huge increase in facemasks during the COVID-19 pandemic is creating heaps of trash that take years to decompose - until now, thanks to an invention by a UConn engineer.

CT Mirror

Op-Ed: To Save Democracy, Recommit to Principles of the Rule of Law and Human Rights at Home