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

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

The Los Angeles Times

Op-Ed: The Crime Trump Committed in Stirring Up His Mob

A portrait photograph of Michelle Williams, the subject of the story.

Meet the Researcher: Michelle Williams

Psychological sciences researcher Michelle Williams says her research doesn't achieve its purpose if it can't lead to interventions that can provide help.

Two women volunteering in a food pantry pack boxes for distribution to hungry people.

Food Pantries Use Nutrition Information to Increase Healthy Food Orders

Food pantries are more likely to order healthier food when nutrition information is easily accessible, according to a new study by UConn's Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity.

Connecticut Magazine

Find the Keys to Forming Healthy Routines and Dropping Ones that Hurt