Alex Russell

Department Editor, Self & Society

Alex Russell covers the College's departments, centers and programs in many of the social sciences, including: Cognitive Science, Communication, Economics, History, International Relations, Linguistics, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, the Center for Mind and Brain, the Center for Poverty and Inequality Research and the Global Migration Center.

Since 2012, Russell has communicated UC Davis social sciences research for uptake and impact through news and feature stories, policy briefs, reports, social media campaigns and other forms. He has served as a writer at the Graduate School of Management and led communications for the Center for Poverty and Inequality Research and the Institute for Social Sciences. Immediately prior to joining the College of Letters and Science, he served as communications lead for a $30 million federally funded research program in the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences focused on international food security.

He received a B.A. Literature from UC Santa Cruz and a M.A. in English from the UC Davis Graduate Creative Writing Program. He is a member of the National Association of Science Writers (NASW).

Full Portfolio

Protesters holding red "We Demand" and "Voting Rights Now" signs, determined expressions

How a Supreme Court Voting Rights Ruling Echoes the End of Reconstruction

by Alex Russell
October 15, 2026

Self & Society

Supreme Court rulings in recent years have ended key protections in the Voting Rights Act, potentially resulting in losses of representation for Black voters in southern states. Historian Gregory Downs said that these changes could be similar to the end of Reconstruction protections after the Civil War.

Brick town hall entrance with people and two "Vote Here" signs

Can Republicans Avoid the Presidential Penalty in the 2026 Midterm Elections?

by Alex Russell
October 12, 2026

Self & Society

After nearly every midterm election following a new president taking office, his party loses legislative seats. While 2026 is unique, with nearly unprecedented efforts to change how voters elect their leaders, Republican losses are still likely despite these efforts to stem them.

Downtown night scene with illuminated high-rises and a red-door fire station

How Latina Activists Support their Communities Despite Political and Social Hostility

by Alex Russell
October 06, 2026

Self & Society

Sociologist Ariana Valle spoke with 112 Latina and Puerto Rican activists in central Florida during the 2016 presidential election and learned how they supported their communities in a region politically and racially hostile to Latinos. The study was published recently in the UC Press journal Aztlan.

Portrait of a smiling older man in a hat and blue jacket by a bookshelf

Untangling the English Language in the Courts

by Alex Russell
October 05, 2026

Self & Society

A new book by John Hawkins, Distinguished Professor of linguistics, untangles some of the fundamental linguistic issues underpinning cases involving high-profile clients including Hollywood celebrities, major league sports teams and some of the world’s largest corporations.

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How to Hack Media Choices to Improve Mental Health, According to New Research

by Alex Russell
September 29, 2026

Self & Society

New research in communication finds that college students who are lonely tend to choose media likely to make them feel worse while those who are depressed or anxious tend to choose media that might improve their mood. Making different choices could increase people's chances to improve their mental health.

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UC Davis Sociologist Receives $1.69 Million Grant to Study Long-Term Outcomes for Special Education Students

by Alex Russell
September 22, 2026

News & Noteworthy

Jacob Hibel, professor of sociology in the College of Letters and Science at UC Davis, has just received a $1.69 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to study how special education across Oregon public schools affect lifelong outcomes for students with disabilities.

Young boy in navy blazer and gold crown, arms crossed, stern expression on blue background

Growing Up in a Happy Home Might Still Lead to Narcissism in Young Adulthood, Study Finds

by Alex Russell
September 17, 2026

Self & Society

A new study in psychology found that experiences in the home growing up, even warm parenting, can drive different types of narcissism in young adulthood.

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Countering Political Polarization Globally in the Age of Web Influence and AI

by Alex Russell
September 15, 2026

Self & Society

A new review paper on political polarization globally argues that combatting it begins with expanding research on it beyond the U.S. context, where it’s been most prominent. Doing so could help avoid responding to polarization in ways that make it worse.

University lecture hall photograph with students facing presenter and projection screen

New UC Davis Research Aims to Help STEM Students Overcome Procrastination

by Alex Russell
September 08, 2026

News & Noteworthy

The National Science Foundation has just awarded a $174,000 research grant to psychologist Emorie Beck to study procrastination among students in the STEM fields. The study is part of a four-university collaboration that will develop new tools that can benefit all students.

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Psychology Professor Emeritus Receives Royal Society Wolfson Fellowship

by Alex Russell
September 03, 2026

News & Noteworthy

George R. Mangun, distinguished professor emeritus of psychology, has been named a Royal Society Wolfson Fellow in recognition of his body of research advancing the fields of psychology and neuroscience.