Tip sheet

Wayne State University experts are available
to comment on trending topics for October

Let us help you cover the news. Our public relations team can connect you with faculty experts and scholars, as well as guide you to the latest Wayne State University news. Each month, our PR team compiles a list of university experts who can speak about trending topics and significant milestones. Links to our expert profiles contain detailed biographical information to help you find the most relevant expert for your story needs. If you are a journalist, please inform us of deadline requests and we will respond promptly.

To reach an expert, please send an email to Bill Roose.

Table of Contents
Monthy Observances and Historic Moments
WSU Campus Events
Current Topics in the News
Archive Topics

OCTOBER'S OBSERVANCES AND HISTORIC MOMENTS

AMERICAN PHARMACISTS’ MONTH
In addition to safely administering immunizations and providing medicine, pharmacists offer lots of different services as part of their commitment to helping patients live healthier lives. Each October we recognize pharmacists’ contributions to health care and all they can do for their communities.

Susan Davis, Pharm.D., associate dean for pharmacy and clinical professor of pharmacy practice, is available to discuss the pharmacist’s role in public health.

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Known best for its pink theme, the month features a number of campaigns and programs aimed to promote screening and prevention of the disease which affects one in eight women in the United States and 2.3 million women worldwide every year.

David Gorski, M.D., professor, cancer biology program, School of Medicine, and co-director of the Michigan Breast Cancer Oncology Initiative has conducted translational research projects involving the development of better systemic treatments for breast cancer.

EMOTIONAL WELLNESS MONTH
Emotional wellness is our ability to process feelings in a healthy, positive way and manage the stress of everyday life. Mental and emotional stress can translate into negative physical reactions, a weakened immune system, and poor health. Maintaining a healthy emotional balance helps us make healthy choices, have good relationships, and achieve our goals.

Kristen Kaszeta, associate professor of teaching in the Division of Kinesiology, Health and Sport Studies and coordinator of the Lifestyle Fitness Activities program, is available to discuss how to develop healthy coping habits to prevent or reduce stress. She can talk about yoga, meditation, breathing, and other strategies individuals can use to improve their emotional wellness. 
Sarah Kiperman, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of educational psychology and a licensed psychologist, nationally certified school psychologist, and registered play therapist. She is available to talk about strategies for helping children, teens, and those who identify as LGBTQ+ handle stress and improve their emotional wellness.

HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Sept. 15 is the anniversary of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence on Sept. 16 and 18, respectively.

Jorge Chinea, Ph.D., academic director for the Center for Latino/a and Latin American Studies and professor of history in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, is available to talk about Hispanic Heritage Month.
Sharon Lean, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of the Department of Political Science, specializes in Latin American politics and inter-American relations.

NATIONAL BULLYING PREVENTION MONTH
It’s never easy to talk about tough topics like bullying. But when addressed and met head-on, there’s a better chance at preventing bully behavior and helping the victims.

Jun Sung Hong, Ph.D., associate professor of social work, can speak to risk outcomes associated with bullying and peer victimization, youths’ perceptions of safety in schools, predictors of school shootings, effects of family violence, and delinquent behaviors among youth involved in the child welfare system.

NATIONAL CYBER SECURITY AWARENESS MONTH
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the National Cybersecurity Alliance encourage individuals to incorporate four simple steps to reduce risks when online: Use strong passwords; turn on multi factor authentication; recognize and report phishing; and update software.

Garrett McManaway, senior director of information security and compliance at Wayne State’s Computer and Information Technology (C&IT), can discuss ransomware, examining what it is and how damaging it is to municipalities, local governments, school districts and other institutions. He can also offer tips on protections that should be taken to avert the possibilities of hacking and ways to minimize vulnerabilities.

NATIONAL WORK AND FAMILY MONTH
Businesses around the U.S. are pushed to foster healthy and flexible work cultures and remind employers of the commercial advantages of sponsoring work-life effectiveness initiatives.

Matthew Piszczek, Ph.D., assistant professor of management at the Mike Ilitch School of Business, is an expert in work-life issues, remote work, workforce aging, commuting, strategic HRM, employee/labor relations, and offers a wide range of solutions.

WORLD TEACHERS’ DAY — OCT 5 
Started in 1994 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, World Teachers’ Day celebrates teachers around the world.

Roland Sintos Coloma, Ph.D., professor of teacher education, is ready to talk about the Metro Detroit Teaching Residency in Urban Excellence Project, a collaborative effort that seeks to enhance student learning, address the critical shortage of STEM teachers and support the region’s workforce development. With funding from the U.S. Department of Education, the initiative prepares highly qualified, diverse individuals to become middle and high school STEM teachers in the Detroit Public Schools Community District and Dearborn Public Schools.

WORLD SMILE DAY— OCT 7 
Smiley face creator Harvey Ball hoped people would make others smile and perform acts of kindness on World Smile Day, which he began in 1999. 

Cheryl Leigh Somers, Ph.D., professor of educational psychology; Center for Health and Community Impact, is available to talk about smiling as an outward demonstration of joy and its positive effects on mental health.

UNIVERSAL MUSIC DAY – OCT 9
What is it about music that appeals to almost everyone on some level? The goal of Universal Music Day is to enrich communities with the knowledge and power of music, musicians and music-making.

Joshua Duchan, Ph.D., associate professor of music history and director of graduate studies, is prepared to discuss the importance of music and its universal appeal.

NATIONAL WORK FROM HOME WEEK – OCT 9-15 
About 58% of U.S. workers can work from home at least one day a week. Nearly 87% embrace the opportunity when offered. Celebrated the second week in October, National Work from Home Week highlights the benefits of remote work and technology’s impact on it.

Monica Tracey, Ph.D., professor of learning design and technology, is prepared to discuss strategies for improving remote work — including how to leverage technology to build rapport, trust, and community — and how technology creates greater flexibility, growth opportunities, and work-life balance for employers and employees.

WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY — OCT 10 
The goal of World Mental Health Day is to increase awareness of mental health issues and the support needed to ensure people have access to mental health services and resources.

David Rosenberg, M.D., professor and chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, is strongly funded and widely published researcher often sought out by the national media as an expert on issues of child psychiatry.

NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY– OCT 11
This is a day to raise awareness for individuals within the LGBTQ+ community, and champion the idea that homophobia thrives in silence.

Simone Chess, Ph.D., associate professor of English and Director of the Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies Program, is working on two book projects, including one that’s focused on disability, queerness and adaptive technologies in the early modern period.

WORLD FOOD DAY – OCT 16
This day is a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of sustainable food systems and combating hunger worldwide. This year’s theme is water.

Diane Cress, Ph.D., associate professor of nutrition and food science and a registered dietician, is available to discuss nutrition, food waste, shifting dietary patterns and the distribution of resources in our food systems.

NATIONAL HEALTH EDUCATION WEEK – OCT 16-20
Health education specialists offer knowledge, skills, and training that complement health care providers, policy makers, educational experts, human resource personnel and many other professionals whose work impacts human health.

Nate McCaughtry, Ph.D., professor; assistant dean of the Division of Kinesiology, Health and Sport Studies; and director of the Center for Health and Community Impact, is available to highlight the center’s role in improving health outcomes for youth, seniors and families in Michigan through a variety of programs aimed at providing nutrition education, promoting physical activity and increasing access to healthy food.
Noel Kulik, Ph.D., associate professor in community health, can discuss child and adolescent health, obesity prevention and treatment, nutrition and physical activity behavioral interventions, and social support.

UNITED NATIONS DAY – OCT 24
United Nations Day marks the anniversary of the entry into the U.N. Charter in 1945. Oct. 24 has been celebrated as United Nations Day since 1948. In 1971, the United Nations General Assembly recommended that the day be observed by member states as a public holiday.

Fred Pearson, Ph.D., professor of political science and former director of the Center for Peace and Conflict Studies, can talk about international politics and conflict, international economic analysis, political and civil conflict analysis and peacemaking, peacekeeping and peacebuilding.

NATIONAL CHECKLIST DAY — OCT 30 
National Checklist Day celebrates a tool that has been used for more than 85 years to help people improve or correct their performance. 

Monica Tracey, Ph.D., professor of learning design and technology, is available to talk about the role the checklist plays in improving performance, when to use a checklist as a job aid, and how to design an effective one.

HALLOWEEN – OCT 31
Carving pumpkins, trick-or-treating, and wearing scary costumes are some of the time-honored traditions of Halloween. But there’s also a hormonal component when it comes to the fear and enjoyment we get from the holiday. The hormonal reaction we get when we are exposed to a threat or crisis can motivate this love of being scared.

Arash Javanbakht, M.D., a clinical psychiatrist and director of the Stress, Trauma, and Anxiety Research Clinic, is available to speak about whey people enjoy being frightened. Dr. Javanbakht is the author of a new book, Afraid: Understanding the Purpose of Fear and Harnessing the Power of Anxiety, which covers the evolution, brain and body, why we love to be scared, fear and bravery, meaning, creativity, diseases of fear and trauma and their cutting-edge treatments, and politics of fear and media. The release of this book is important and timely in educating the public about such pervasive and influential emotion.

WSU CAMPUS EVENTS

Dr. Virginia Hill Rice Endowed Distinguished Lecture — Oct 2
The College of Nursing will welcome President and CEO of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Deborah Trautman, Ph.D., and Chief Academic Officer for the Association of American Medical Colleges Alison Whelan, M.D., to campus as part of its Dr. Virginia Hill Rice Endowed Distinguished Lectureship. For more information, contact Alex Bienkowski at 313-577-7984.

Meet President Kimberly Andrews Espy, Ph.D. — Oct 3
Alumni and friends are invited to help welcome President Kimberly Andrews Espy, Ph.D. to the WSU community at a reception from 6-8 p.m. at Host restaurant in Utica. For more details, contact the WSU Alumni Association at 313-577-2300.

Medicine vs. Law Hockey Game – Oct 14
Students from the School of Medicine and Law School will face off on the ice at Buffalo Wild Wings Arena in Troy. Puck drop is 6 p.m. For more information, contact Jack Summers at 734-679-3349.

Elevator Pitch Competition Finals — Oct 27
Each fall, students attend workshops to learn how to create and deliver short speeches in the time it takes to ride an elevator. The semifinals are held on Oct. 25 and the finals on Oct. 27, where Ilitch School students will pitch to a group of Detroit executives at the Renaissance Center. Participants will ride elevators at the Ren Cen from bottom to top and have that amount of time to give an elevator pitch to a judge. First place receives $1000, second place receives $750 and third place $500. For more information, contact Patricia Michno.

CURRENT TOPICS IN THE NEWS

UAW LABOR STRIKE
As the UAW leadership continues to take a much more assertive approach to negotiations with the Detroit Three, the strike remains a hot topic throughout the U.S. But there’s more to a strike than employees just walking off the job and hoisting signs.

Marick Masters, Ph.D., a professor of management and a nationally-recognized labor expert at the Mike Ilitch School of Business, is willing to discuss what a strike by the United Auto Workers means to the auto companies, their suppliers and thousands of employees across the country.

COVID-19
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are on the rise. Stronger immunity, vaccines, tests and effective treatments are helping keep people out of the hospital. Still, the uptick in cases is a good reminder to follow CDC recommendations, and if you're sick, stay home to avoid spreading it to others.

Wayne State’s infectious disease experts are available to discuss the current circulating virus and what this fall and winter might look like, especially now that testing and vaccinations are no longer free of charge.

Teena Chopra, M.D., M.P.H., Professor of internal medicine
Dr. Chopra is an infectious disease specialist who, in addition to her faculty role with the School of Medicine, is the corporate medical director of infection prevention and hospital epidemiology at the Detroit Medical Center.

Phillip Levy, M.D., M.P.H., Professor of Emergency Medicine
Dr. Levy is professor of emergency medicine and assistant vice president of translational science and clinical research innovation at the School of Medicine, as well as chief innovation officer for Wayne State University Physician Group. He is a recognized expert in cardiovascular research and has been at the forefront of testing Detroit citizens and first responders during the coronavirus pandemic.

Paul Kilgore, M.P.H., M.D., F.A.C.P., Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Dr. Kilgore, also co-director of the Wayne State Center for Emerging and Infectious Diseases, is available to discuss expectations of an additional surge of viral illness that will put additional pressure on hospitals.

ARTIFICAL INTELLIGENCE IN EDUCATION
Since launching in late 2022, ChatGPT has been an extraordinary hit. The AI program can churn out answers to the biggest questions in life, and draw up school essays, fictional stories, and much more. But there are mounting global concerns over the impact on education, and potential for plagiarism, with its ability to produce high-quality essays with minimal human input.

Jared Grogan, Ph.D., an associate professor of teaching in the English Department at the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Chris Susak, an assistant professor of teaching in the English Department, are both available to discuss ChatGPT as a writing aid and a potential equity tool in higher education.
Ke Zhang, Ph.D., professor of learning design and technology in the College of Education at Wayne State, is available to discuss e-learning, mobile learning, emerging learning technologies (e.g., VR, AI, etc.), mobile health technologies, problem solving, and national and international policies regarding e-learning and mobile learning.

ATHLETES’ MENTAL HEALTH
Athletes have been talking openly about their mental health struggles dealing with the pressures of competitions and living the life of a high-profile celebrity. A topic once considered taboo in sports has now moved to the forefront.

Jeff Williams, assistant athletic director for mental health and wellness, and a licensed clinical social worker, can speak to the mental toll that educational and collegiate athletics takes on student-athletes at all levels of competition.

CLIMATE CHANGE
Flooding and mudslides grew as winter storms battered California residents up and down the Golden Coast in January. The storms, which began on New Year's Eve and lasted a few weeks, killed at least 17 people, and led to evacuation orders for nearly 100,000 residents across the state. What role did climate change play in this "conveyer belt" of storms?

Donna Kashian, Ph.D., a professor and director of Environmental Science in the Department of Biological Sciences at Wayne State, is available to discuss anthropogenic changes to our climate. She is also a visiting scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Bill Shuster, Ph.D., a professor and chair of Civil and Environmental Engineering in the College of Engineering at Wayne State, is available to discuss flooding in urban centers related to climate change.
Matt Seeger, Ph.D., a distinguished professor in the Department of Communication at Wayne State, can talk about crisis and emergency risk communication, warning systems, alerts, and informational needs in disasters.
Yaoxian Huang, Ph.D., an assistant professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering in the College of Engineering at Wayne State, can discuss atmospheric chemistry, climate change and pollutants.
Tam Perry, Ph.D., an associate professor in the School of Social Work at Wayne State, can talk about climate change impacts on an aging population.

DETROIT AREA FLOODING AND INFRASTRUCTURE CONCERNS
Recent flooding in the Detroit metropolitan area caused devastating damage to property and the roadways. Ongoing concerns about the aging infrastructure have ramped up and residents are wondering how to cope with future flooding.

Carol Miller, Ph.D., professor of civil and environmental engineering, and co-director of Wayne State’s One Health Initiative, is available to talk about the current infrastructure problems and what solutions may be available.

JAMESTOWN CANYON VIRUS
Two individuals in southeastern Michigan have tested positive for Jamestown Canyon virus, which is spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. According to the CDC, most who contract the virus have no symptoms. But in those who do, it can cause headache, fever and fatigue, while others can develop a cough, sore throat and runny nose. There are no vaccines to prevent or medicines to treat Jamestown Canyon virus infection. People can reduce the risk of infection by using insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants to prevent mosquito bites.

Teena Chopra, M.D., MPH, professor of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Wayne State University, is available to discuss infectious diseases including germs, ranging from flu to hospital acquired infections to pneumonia.

GLOBAL FOOD INSECURITIES
As global populations increase, concerns about food scarcity and prices arise as every night an estimated 828 million people go to bed hungry, according to the World Food Program, a United Nations organization focusing on providing food assistance globally.

Diane Cress, Ph.D., is a registered dietitian and an associate professor in Wayne State's Department of Nutrition and Food Science. The work she does aims to address issues of access to healthful food, a basic human right. A nutrition expert both in the community and in the classroom, she is working to create change through food policy programs, food access programs, and nutrition education programs.

LIBRARIES HAVE BECOME BATTLEFIELDS
Libraries are at the center of another polarizing debate dividing the U.S. in the ongoing culture wars. Efforts by elected officials and activist groups to censor books have escalated to levels unseen in decades, placing librarians on the front lines of a battle for intellectual freedom and book bans.

Tom Walker, Ph.D., interim dean and professor of Wayne State University Libraries and School of Information Sciences, says while academic libraries may feel some of this political pressure less than some public libraries, including several in Michigan, he is very aware and available to speak to this growing movement.

LONELINESS EPIDEMIC
Even though the COVID-19 global health emergency is officially over, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy is warning the U.S. faces a loneliness epidemic in its wake. How is society to foster a culture of human connection?

Thomas Jankowski, Ph.D., associate director for research at the Institute of Gerontology and the Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute, and adjunct professor of gerontology and political science, has researched loneliness and isolation in older people, and is available to address the topic specifically as it pertains to that population.
Anne Di Iorio-Fitzpatrick, LMSW, a clinician of the Counseling and Psychological Services After-hours Program at Wayne State, provides after-hours clinical crisis support to WSU students experiencing mental health emergencies as well as individual counseling, group therapy and community outreach.

MASS SHOOTINGS
Shootings in schools and in public spaces such as movie theaters, grocery stores, shopping malls and dance halls continue to dominate the news. They have commanded public attention on a disturbingly frequent basis across America. But what is being done to stop the carnage?

Pontus Leander, Ph.D., professor of psychology and chair of the Center for Peace and Conflict Studies, can talk about public reactions to and the social psychology of mass shootings, as well as the psychology of hate crime denial.

MICHIGAN'S NEW 'RED FLAG' LAW
In May, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a red flag law that aims to keep firearms away from those at risk of harming themselves or others as the state grapples with ways to slow gun violence in the wake of the Michigan State University shooting.

Alaina DeBiasi, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice at the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, researches the causes and consequences of firearm violence, leveraging police and ATF data systems to explore illicit firearm markets.

MUSIC REDUCES STRESS
A study conducted by Wayne State University School of Medicine and Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute researchers and physicians has found that patients who listened to music while undergoing chemotherapy showed significant benefit in improved positive mood and reduced distress during treatment.

Felicity Harper, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist, and professor of oncology and associate center director of population sciences at Wayne State School of Medicine, can speak to the findings of her team’s research involving music medicine which is a low-touch, low-risk and cost-effective way to manage patients’ psychological wellbeing in the often-stressful context of a cancer infusion clinic.

POSTPARTUM DISORDERS
Postpartum depression, which impacts women and men, is not a character flaw or a weakness. Sometimes it's simply a complication of giving birth. In fall 2023, Wayne State will launch the Social Work Family Clinic (SWFC), which will be housed at 400 Mack next to Wayne Pediatrics. SWFC will be the only perinatal mood and anxiety disorders clinic in Detroit.

Carolyn Dayton, Ph.D., associate professor and expert in infant mental health and fathering in urban environments, and Social Work Family Clinic Implementation Coordinator Beverly Weathington are working with Wayne Pediatrics in putting in place an integrated model of care that meets both the physical and mental health needs of mothers and their young children. This team approach will include pediatricians, mental health clinicians and students, as well as community organizations all working together to meet the needs of families with young children who are challenged with depression, anxiety and trauma responses.

PRESIDENT CARTER
One of four U.S. presidents to ever win the Nobel Peace Prize, former President Jimmy Carter, the longest living president in American history, entered hospice care at his Georgia home in February. During his four years in office, Carter sought to restore trust in government following the Vietnam War and Watergate, and he negotiated the Camp David accords making peace between Israel and Egypt. But his post-presidency, on a series of philanthropic causes around the world, like helping to renovate 4,300 houses for the poor, and promoting human rights, eventually earning him the Nobel Prize.

Liette Gidlow, Ph.D., a professor of U.S. history in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Wayne State, is comfortable talking about the Carter presidency and sharing a few little-known anecdotes about the 39th President of the United States.

SOUTHERN U.S. BORDER
Chaos and potential migrant surge could soon be triggered by an imminent policy shift at the southern U.S. border. The expiry of a Trump-era order that exploited public health justifications during the pandemic to turn away thousands of migrants is expected to severely strain an already stretched border, immigration and asylum system.

Sabrina Balgamwalla, J.D., an assistant professor of law and the director of the Asylum and Immigration Law Clinic at Wayne State, is available to discuss gender, race, and citizenship in immigration policy and enforcement.

TICK SEASON
The weather is warming, which means tick season is upon us. Lyme disease is one of the most common tick-borne illnesses, which if left untreated can spread to the heart, joints and the nervous system. Whether you're hiking, walking the dog or just hanging out in the backyard, here's what our expert says you need to know to keep you and your family safe this summer.

Steve Daveluy, M.D., FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist, and associate professor and Program Director of Wayne State University Department of Dermatology, goes beyond skin treatments to include types of clothing that is best for a patient's skin and ways to incorporate skin care into patients' daily lives.

TIKTOK SECURITY
U.S. officials have long warned of a potential national security threat because the wildly popular social video platform TikTok is owned by a Chinese company.

Elizabeth Stoycheff, Ph.D., an associate professor in Wayne State's Department of Communications, is an expert in online surveillance, digital privacy, Internet censorship, democratization, public diplomacy, large-scale survey and experimental design/analysis. (Print/Digital/Radio only)

ARCHIVE TOPICS

AIR QUALITY ALERT
Smoke from the ongoing massive wildfires burning in Canada continues to drift south into the U.S., affecting air quality in some states, including Michigan. Detroit’s air quality has been unhealthy for sensitive groups, which largely affects children, older adults, and individuals with heart and lung disease, including asthma.

Yaoxian Huang, Ph.D., an atmospheric chemist and assistant professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, is available to talk about his research, including a 3-D global chemistry-climate models to quantify impacts of air pollution on regional and global air quality, climate change and public health.
Kezhong Zhang, Ph.D., professor of biochemistry, microbiology and immunology at the Wayne State School of Medicine, is ready to talk about the impact of PM2.5 – the major and most toxic component of the airborne pollutants caused by the wildfires – on the Detroit population with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.
Youcheng Liu, Ph.D., is an associate professor of public health in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, who says it’s necessary to talk to the community about personal protection to reduce exposures and potential health impacts from the haze attributed to the Canadian wildfires.
Clara Zundel, Ph.D., is a post-doctorate fellow in Wayne State's THINK lab and an expert on all things related to air pollution and the brain.

AMOXICILLIN SHORTAGE
According to the FDA, a national shortage of different medications, including Amoxicillin, a common antibiotic, is expected to last several months. It is a common antibiotic that we use to treat a variety of childhood infections, including ear infections, strep throat, and pneumonia

Susan Davis, Ph.D., associate dean for Pharmacy at Wayne State's Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, is a relevant expert on pharmacy practices.

AAPI AND ASIAN AMERICAN HATE
Researchers from the SMART Labs at Wayne State University are exploring interpretations and effects of anti-Asian online hate speech in the context of COVID-19. They are investigating how communication is being used for the performance of harmful speech acts on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook.

Stephanie Tong, Ph.D., associate professor of communication, can report on the results of several studies that examine the startling increase of incidents of online harassment against Asian Americans that coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic.

BETTER SLEEP
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) recommends adults get seven hours of sleep every night. There's evidence that getting less than that not only makes people feel sleepy and fatigued, but also, over time, increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

James Rowley, M.D., professor of pulmonary and critical care and sleep medicine at Wayne State University and president-elect of AASM, is available to discuss sleep as essential for health.

CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING
The Michigan Poison & Drug Information Center at the Wayne State University School of Medicine advises all Michiganders to be prepared and safe during the challenges that may come with winter weather, especially in regard to carbon monoxide.

Varun Vohra, M.D., a clinical toxicologist and managing/academic director of the Michigan Poison & Drug Information Center, is available to talk about the warning signs that some people may experience when exposed to carbon monoxide.

CHINESE SPY BALLOON
Tensions between the U.S. and China are on the rise again after the Pentagon said it tracked a suspected Chinese high-altitude surveillance balloon across the United States before the U.S. military shot it down over the Atlantic Ocean, six miles off the South Carolina coast.

Gregory Fox, J.D., is a professor of law and director of the Program for International Legal Studies at Wayne State. He is a widely cited authority on international law and international organizations and a leader in a variety of academic and professional organizations.

COMMOTIO CORDIS
During a Monday Night Football game, Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin suffered what many experts believe was a cardiac episode known as commotion cordis, caused by a blunt trauma to the chest. Medical experts noted how very important it was that medical personnel were able to restart Hamlin's heart on the field while giving him CPR immediately after he suffered a cardiac arrest on Jan. 2.

Cynthia Bir, Ph.D., a professor and chair of biomedical engineering in WSU's College of Engineering, is a national expert who has done work with the NFL. She has developed a surrogate that has been validated for predicting commotion cordis in youths, which is the population where this injury most often occurs.
Phillip Levy, M.D., M.P.H., is the Edward S. Thomas Endowed Professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Wayne State University. He is a leading cardiovascular disease researcher and a fellow of multiple professional societies including the American Heart Association.
Brian O'Neil, M.D., chair of Wayne State's Department of Emergency Medicine, is available to talk about the importance of CPR.

DONALD TRUMP LEGAL ISSUES
Could former President Donald Trump's status as a presidential candidate limit his exposure in several continuing legal battles, particularly his handling of presidential records; past business practices; any involvement in Jan. 6 riot; and attempts to change state election results?

James Townsend, J.D., director of the Levin Center at Wayne State University Law School, is a former representative for the State of Michigan who served in Washington, D.C. as a legislative director. He is available to discuss potential legal issues regarding the 45^th president.
Mark Kornbluh, Ph.D., provost, senior vice president of academic affairs and U.S. history professor, is available to talk about the historical meaning of the Trump indictment.

HISTORIC HOUSE SPEAKER VOTE
For the first time in a century, Congress failed to name a speaker of the House on a first ballot. On Jan. 3, Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) did not receive the necessary number of votes needed to become speaker. Three separate votes, on the first day of the 118th Congress, yielded the same results.

Jeffrey Grynaviski, Ph.D., an associate professor of political science in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, is a specialist in legislative politics who can give a historic perspective on what is occurring in Washington, D.C.

INSURRECTION
The House committee that investigated the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol referred former President Trump to the Justice Department on charges of insurrection, obstruction of an official proceeding of Congress and conspiracy to defraud the U.S.

Jim Townsend, J.D., director of the Levin Center at Wayne State University Law School, is a former representative for the State of Michigan who served in Washington, D.C. as a legislative director. He is available to discuss potential legal issues regarding the 45^th president.

MIDDLE EAST EARTHQUAKES
At least 45,000 people have been killed and thousands more trapped beneath rubble after two powerful earthquakes struck Turkey and Syria on Feb. 6. The death toll is expected to rise, with search and rescue operations under way across the region as many buildings have collapsed.

Scott Burdick, Ph.D., assistant professor of geology and expert seismologist in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Wayne State, is available to discuss the 7.5-plus magnitude tremors.
Mark Baskaran, Ph.D., a professor and chair of the Department of Environmental Science and Geology in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, can talk about the cultural and historical context of the Turkey/Syria earthquakes.
Kristin Taylor, Ph.D., associate professor of political science at Wayne State, can discuss the politics of disasters, seismic mitigations, and vulnerable populations in hazards and disasters.

MONKEYPOX VIRUS
Monkeypox is a rare but potentially serious disease from the same family of viruses as the smallpox virus.

Laurie Lauzon Clabo, Ph.D., dean of the College of Nursing and Chief Wellness Officer, is prepared to discuss the virus, its transmission and campus health protocols.
Patricia Wren, Ph.D., M.P.H., chair of the department of public health, is available to speak about the virus, its transmission and how messaging can shape public health.

NUCLEAR FUSION BREAKTHROUGH
Scientists at a federal research facility recently achieved a breakthrough in their work on nuclear fusion, long seen as a potential source of clean, virtually limitless energy. So, is nuclear fusion the answer to our energy needs?

Chen Shun, Ph.D., an assistant professor of physics and astronomy at Wayne State, is ready to discuss this incredible achievement by nuclear scientists and engineers.

OHIO TRAIN DERAILMENT
On Feb. 3, a train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, a village of approximately 4,700 residents about 50 miles northwest of Pittsburgh. The train was carrying chemicals and combustible materials, including vinyl chloride, a toxic flammable gas. A huge fire erupted from the derailment, sending thick billowing smoke into the sky. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources estimates the spill also affected more than seven miles of streams and killed some 3,500 fish.

Judy Westrick, Ph.D., director of the Lumigen Instrument Center at Wayne State University, is an analytical chemist who has experience with Ohio River chemical spills.
Donna Kashian, Ph.D., director of Environmental Science at Wayne State, is available to discuss the human and environmental health hazards to further our understanding of contaminants in the environment.

OVER HYDRATED
Not to burst anyone’s water bottle, but healthy people can actually die from drinking too much water. Hydration and Gallon Challenges support the widely held belief that water consumption beyond physiological need – or thirst – is healthy. But this is not so.

Tamara Hew-Butler, Ph.D., associate professor of exercise physiology, is available to discuss the dangers of overhydration and how drinking too much water affects the body.

RETURN TO WORK AND SCHOOL
With more and more people returning to their offices and classrooms after three years of working or going to classes remotely, there can be some significant re-entry challenges, both personally and professionally.

Matthew Piszczek, Ph.D., assistant professor of management at the Mike Ilitch School of Business, is an expert in work-life issues, remote work, workforce aging, commuting, strategic HRM, employee/labor relations, and offers a wide range of solutions.

ROE VS. WADE
With the Supreme Court's repeal of Roe v. Wade, there are several legal, ethical and medical issues that require clarity. Wayne State offers several experts who can provide incisive analysis.

Law/Ethics/Precedent/State/Federal Issues

Lance Gable, J.D., M.P.H., professor of law, can talk about bioethics and the law and public health law.
Christopher Lund, J.D., professor of law, can talk about matters related to constitutional laws and religious liberty.

Medicine/Public Health

Megan Hicks, Ph.D., assistant professor in the School of Social Work, can talk about risk and protective factors influencing health disparities among Black youth.
Ijeoma Nnodim Opara M.D., is a double-board certified assistant professor of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at the Wayne State University School of Medicine. She can talk about health equity and justice in medicine.

SUPPLY CHAIN ISSUES
As a supply chain crisis unfurled during the pandemic many business leaders were ready to say goodbye to a problematic 2021 and 2022. However, supply chain operations are far from normal, and now may not be the time to declare victory.

Kevin Ketels, a lecturer in global supply chain management at the Mike Ilitch School of Business, can offer perspective and insight about this complicated issue impacted by climate change on our supply chains.

TRIPLEDEMIC
Doctors across the country are worried about what could be a long winter. Early on, hospitals saw big spikes in RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) cases, the respiratory virus that primarily affects children. Adding that to increases in COVID-19 cases as well as a peak flu season, and concerns about a tripledemic mounted.

Eric McGrath, M.D., is board-certified in both pediatrics and pediatric infectious diseases. Hediagnoses and treats medical conditions caused by infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungus, or parasites.
Paul Kilgore, M.D., co-director of the Wayne State Center for Emerging and Infectious Diseases, is available to discuss expectations of an additional surge of viral illness after the holidays that will put additional pressure on already-stressed hospitals.
Teena Chopra, M.D., M.P.H., professor of Infectious Diseases at Wayne State University, is an expert with the Center for Emerging and Infectious Diseases.

TWITTER'S FUTURE
GM, Ford and other companies have said they will continue to hit pause on paid advertising on Twitter while it evaluates the social media platform's new direction under Elon Musk.

Marick Masters, Ph.D., a professor of management at the Mike Ilitch School of Business, has studied social media platforms for a future book. He is available to discuss the future of the social site and whether a new social medium will pop up to replace Twitter one day.

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