Tip sheet

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

Let us help you cover the news. The University Communications and Marketing (UCAM) team can connect you with faculty experts and scholars, as well as guide you to the latest Wayne State University news. Each month, UCAM 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
Monthly Observances and Historic Moments
WSU Campus Events
Other Topics in the News
Archive Topics

AUTO TARIFFS
In March, President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing a 25% tariff on all imported cars and light-duty trucks, set to take effect on April 3. This action aims to encourage automakers to increase domestic production and create jobs within the United States. The administration projects that these tariffs will generate approximately $100 billion in new revenue.

Marick Masters, Ph.D. is a professor emeritus at Wayne State’s Mike Ilitch School of Business, specializing in labor relations and business. He has provided expert commentary on various topics, including the impact of tariffs on the automotive industry. His insights have been featured in local, regional and national media outlets discussing the effects of tariffs on Michigan consumers and businesses.
Jeff Rightmer, Ph.D., an assistant professor of global supply chain management at the Mike Ilitch School of Business, is an expert in operations and supplier management strategies in the automotive industry. He can help journalists present a well-rounded analysis of both immediate price hikes and the broader economic impact of prolonged tariffs.

MASS DEPORTATION
The United States has initiated a comprehensive mass deportation campaign under President Donald Trump's administration, aiming to significantly reduce the number of undocumented immigrants within the country.

Sabrina Balgamwalla, J.D., is an assistant professor of law and the director of the Asylum and Immigration Law Clinic. She can speak about the intersections of gender, race, and citizenship in immigration policy and enforcement.
Jonathan Weinberg, J.D., is a distinguished faculty member at Wayne State University Law School, renowned for his extensive expertise in immigration and citizenship law. His insights into immigration law have been sought after in various media outlets.

MEASLES OUTBREAK IN THE U.S.
The United States is experiencing a surge in measles cases, raising public health concerns nationwide. Measles, a highly contagious viral disease, can lead to severe complications, particularly among unvaccinated individuals. The outbreak underscores the importance of vaccination and timely public health interventions.

Teena Chopra, M.D., an infectious disease expert and professor at Wayne State University, is available for media interviews. She can provide insights on the current outbreak, vaccination efforts and strategies to prevent the spread of measles.
Paul Kilgore, M.D., professor and director of research in the Department of Pharmacy Practice at the Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, specializes in vaccine research and can provide detailed information on vaccination strategies and efficacy.
Matt Seeger, Ph.D., professor of communication, is an expert in crisis communication and is available to discuss public messaging strategies and how health officials can effectively combat misinformation and vaccine hesitancy.

NAVIGATING JOB LOSS AND INSECURITY
Job loss and uncertainty can trigger intense emotions, but understanding them can help you regain control. Anxiety, when managed, can be a powerful motivator for problem-solving and action. By channeling that energy into strategic planning – such as networking, skill-building and resource utilization – you can make the most of available time and opportunities.

Arash Javanbakht, M.D., associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral neurosciences, specializes in the psychology of stress and resilience. He can provide expert advice on managing job-related anxiety and turning uncertainty into opportunity.

SOUTHWEST DETROIT FLOODING
This winter, severe flooding impacted a southwest Detroit neighborhood, damaging homes and infrastructure. Beyond property loss, residents face potential health risks, including mold exposure and contamination from sewage and industrial pollutants. Flooding can also disturb legacy lead deposits in soil and plumbing, increasing the risk of exposure. Wayne State experts are available to discuss the causes, health concerns and solutions to prevent future incidents.

William Shuster, Ph.D., professor of civil and environmental engineering, specializes in urban water systems and climate resilience. He can provide insights into the flooding’s causes, health implications and strategies for mitigation.

TRACKING THE WAR IN UKRAINE
Diplomatic dynamics have shifted, with the U.S. and Russia engaging in bilateral talks aimed at ending the war. These discussions, however, have raised apprehension among European leaders and Ukrainian officials, who emphasize the necessity of including Ukraine in any peace negotiations to ensure a sustainable resolution.

Vincent Artman, Ph.D., an adjunct professor in Wayne State’s Center for Peace and Conflict Studies, is currently in Kyiv and available for media interviews. Dr. Artman is known for his deep understanding of geopolitical dynamics and Ukrainian affairs and has been actively engaging with the situation on the ground. His insights are informed by his academic expertise and firsthand experiences in the region.
Aaron Retish, Ph.D., associate professor of history, can discuss the history of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, as well as the Russian state's perspectives on the situation.
Brad Roth, J.D., Ph.D., is a professor of law and political science, who can talk on issues of Ukrainian sovereignty.
Jessica C. Robbins-Panko, Ph.D., an associate professor at the Institute of Gerontology and Department of Anthropology, is available to discuss how this war will have a long-term, negative impact on civilians and produce trauma that will transform people’s lives and social relations and the fabric of society at a generational scale.

WORK-LIFE BALANCE
Work-life balance has become a hot topic as employees and employers alike seek ways to manage professional responsibilities without sacrificing personal well-being. Strategies such as flexible work arrangements, clear boundary-setting, and prioritizing mental health can help create a healthier balance. With burnout and workplace stress on the rise, understanding how to maintain well-being while meeting job demands is more important than ever.

Matt Piszczek, Ph.D., an associate professor of management at the Mike Ilitch School of Business, researches work-life balance with a focus on how workplace policies and culture affect employees’ ability to juggle professional and personal responsibilities. Through his research, he can provide valuable insights into how businesses can create environments that promote both productivity and personal fulfillment.

APRIL'S OBSERVANCES AND HISTORIC MOMENTS

WORLD AUTISM ACCEPTANCE MONTH
There is a shortage of special education teachers, particularly those who are prepared to teach children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Amanda Miller, Ph.D., professor of inclusive education, is ready to discuss this shortage and how the university is preparing educators to meet the needs of ASD students through its autism spectrum teaching endorsement program.
Cheryl Somers, Ph.D., professor and school psychologist, is an expert in evaluation, diagnosis, special education and school-based programming. She helps parents understand evaluation and diagnosis, including the special education, identification and services processes.
Krista Clancy, Ph.D., an associate professor of applied behavior analysis in the College of Education, is an expert in early diagnosis and intervention as well as the intensive nature of the ABA intervention process. She is particularly knowledgeable about how to work with the very severe.
Leah Ketcheson, Ph.D., assistant professor in Kinesiology, Health and Sport Studies, and program coordinator of health and physical education at Wayne State University, currently develops, implements and tests a variety of interventions for youth with autism and their parents.

DISTRACTED DRIVING AWARENESS MONTH
Statistics show that a growing number of automobile accidents occur because a driver is distracted. How are we working to eliminate the distracted driver threat, and does that involve creating new laws? Our expert can discuss the phenomenon of distracted driving and how motorists can protect themselves.

Randall Commissaris, Ph.D., associate professor of pharmaceutical sciences in the Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, has done extensive research on distracted driving. His research group studies the effects of drugs and other distractions — including texting and driving performance — using a driving simulator.

NATIONAL MINORITY HEALTH MONTH
This year’s theme, “Be the Source for Better Health,” centers on the importance of improving health outcomes through our cultures, communities and connections. Physical activity promotes health and reduces the risk of chronic diseases and other conditions that are more common among racial and ethnic minority groups.

Hayley S. Thompson, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Oncology at Wayne State School of Medicine and runs the Center for Health Equity and Community Knowledge in Urban Populations. She can elaborate on the center’s efforts to increase health equity in Detroit and in Michigan through its collaborations with community and corporate partners.

PARKINSON’S DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH
Observed every April, Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month is dedicated to raising awareness about this progressive neurological disorder that affects movement and can cause tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. The month-long campaign aims to educate the public, support those living with Parkinson’s, and promote research efforts to find better treatments and ultimately a cure.

Aloke Dutta, Ph.D., a professor of pharmaceutical sciences in the Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, specializes in developing novel treatments for Parkinson’s disease (PD) by integrating medicinal chemistry, neuropharmacology, computational chemistry and molecular biology.

SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH
Sexual Assault Awareness Month calls attention to the fact that sexual violence is widespread and impacts every person in the community. SAAM aims to raise public awareness about sexual violence and educate communities on how to prevent it.

Larmender Davis, Ph.D., a licensed social worker and director of Wayne State’s Office of Sexual Violence Prevention and Education, is a 25-year veteran in the domestic violence and sexual assault field.

STRESS AWARENESS MONTH
There is no single definition for stress, but the most common explanation is physical, mental, or emotional strain or tension. While not all stress is bad, long-term stress can have harmful impacts on physical and mental health.

Kristen Kaszeta, associate professor and program coordinator in the lifestyle fitness activities program in the Division of Kinesiology, Health and Sport Studies, can offer tips for helping students manage their final exams and/or making the college-to-career transition as stress-free as possible.

INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S BOOK DAY – APRIL 2
How important is literacy to the intellectual and cultural health of the United States? Our expert can address this and other topics related to this recognition day.

Kathleen Crawford-McKinney, Ph.D., associate professor of reading, language and literature, can discuss the importance of literacy and share tips for raising voracious readers.

NATIONAL BEER DAY – APRIL 7
Michigan is leading the charge with a proliferation of craft beer makers, stores and breweries. What is behind the popularity of craft beers, and is this phenomenon boosting the state’s economic base?

Steve Firestine, Ph.D., professor of pharmaceutical sciences, is an expert in the history and chemistry of beer. He is also proficient in the areas of biochemistry, organic chemistry, drug discovery, anti-infective agents (antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal) and infectious disease.

NATIONAL AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE (ASL) DAY – APRIL 15
American Sign Language (ASL) is used by those who cannot hear or speak — usually by people of the deaf community. ASL is also used by those who can speak and hear but need to communicate with those who cannot.

Emily Noschese, Ph.D., who is fourth-generation deaf, is an assistant professor of bilingual and bicultural education for American Sign Language in the College of Education. Her research interests include sign language documentation, bilingual (ASL/English) education and sign language linguistics, and she has helped develop WSU’s ASL curriculum and program.

EARTH DAY – APRIL 22
It has been 50 years since the first Earth Day celebration. The movement was born on the campuses of American universities and colleges and in the public-school systems, and has grown into a massive discussion about how best to protect the environment. What real-life solutions have arisen from Earth Day, and how have we significantly changed the course of potentially dangerous environmental practices over the years? Our experts can discuss this and more.

Donna Kashian, Ph.D., professor and director of environmental science in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, has developed physical and mathematical methods to improve water-quality monitoring.
William Shuster, Ph.D., professor and chair of civil and environmental engineering, has conducted groundbreaking field research in a nationwide assessment of urban soils for their suitability in development of engineered green infrastructures.

EVERY KID HEALTHY WEEK – APRIL 21-25
This annual celebration of school health and wellness achievements shines a spotlight each day on the actions schools and families are taking to improve the health and wellness of their kids.

Nate McCaughtry, Ph.D., assistant dean of the Division of Kinesiology, Health and Sport Studies, and director of the Center for Health and Community Impact, is available to discuss efforts to improve health, nutrition and academic achievement of elementary school students through the Building Healthy Communities: Engaging Elementary Schools program. Research on the program has identified increases in student academic achievement and health improvements.

WSU CAMPUS EVENTS

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

NATIONAL FORENSICS ASSOCIATION SPEECH TOURNAMENT — APRIL 17-21
Wayne State is proud to host the 2025 National Forensic Association National Tournament, one of the largest collegiate speech and debate competitions in the country. The event will bring together hundreds of students from colleges nationwide to compete in categories such as poetry, prose, impromptu speaking, extemporaneous speaking, persuasion and Lincoln-Douglas debate. Participants will showcase their skills in argumentation, public speaking and performance, aiming to be recognized among the top collegiate speakers in the nation. For more information, email Ron Stevenson at ae9054@wayne.edu.

SPRING COMMENCEMENTS — APRIL 30, May 1-2
The spring 2025 commencement ceremonies will be held April 30, May 1 and 2. All ceremonies will be held at the Wayne State Fieldhouse. Ceremonies are for students completing the following degrees: Ph.D., Ed.D., doctoral, master's and bachelor's. For more information, contact the Office of the Registrar at 313-577-3541.

To view other events held this month on the Wayne State campus, click here.

ARCHIVE TOPICS

TIKTOK BAN IN THE U.S.
The Supreme Court upheld a government ban on TikTok, citing national security concerns and its potential misuse of user data by foreign entities. The decision confirms the government's authority to restrict access to foreign-owned apps deemed threats to national security, despite arguments over free speech and digital rights.

Elizabeth Stoycheff, Ph.D., is an associate professor in the Department of Communication and an expert in social media, focusing on its impact on privacy, political communication and public opinion, particularly in relation to censorship and surveillance in digital spaces.

SURGEON GENERAL CALLS FOR CANCER WARNINGS ON ALCOHOL
U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued an advisory highlighting alcohol as the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the country, linking its consumption to at least seven types of cancer, including breast, colon, and liver cancers. He recommended updating warning labels on alcoholic beverages to inform consumers of these risks, a change that would require congressional action.

Mohammed Al Hallak, M.D., an associate professor and clinician educator in the Department of Oncology at Wayne State University School of Medicine, specializes in gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. His expertise includes studying how environmental factors, such as alcohol use, influence the progression and treatment outcomes of GI cancers, including their impact on cancer biology and the microenvironment.

DISARRAY IN SYRIA
In a significant turning point for Syria, President Bashar al-Assad's government has been overthrown after a swift and coordinated offensive by opposition forces. The rebels, led by the coalition Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), seized Damascus and forced Assad to flee the country. This marks the end of Assad’s regime, which has ruled for over five decades, amid a 13-year civil war that caused immense human suffering and geopolitical tension.

Saeed Khan is an associate professor of Near Eastern Studies in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the Irvin D. Reid Honors College. He is a recognized expert in Middle Eastern politics, frequently provides analysis for media outlets such as Al Jazeera, NPR, and the BBC, discussing topics like the Syrian conflict, U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, and the complexities of the region’s socio-political landscape. His work offers in-depth insights into historical and contemporary issues shaping Syria and its geopolitical context, making him a valuable resource for understanding the ongoing challenges and transformations in the Middle East.

SYPHILIS ON THE RISE IN THE U.S.
Total cases of syphilis surpassed 207,000 in 2022, a 17% increase and the highest count in the United States since 1950, according to data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Shira Heisler, M.D., assistant professor of infectious diseases at Wayne State School of Medicine, is available to talk about syphilis and other sexually transmitted diseases.

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.

AIR QUALITY ALERT
In 2023, smoke from massive wildfires burning in Canada drifted 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.

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.

MICHIGAN'S 'RED FLAG' LAW
In May 2023, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

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Tip sheet

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

TRENDING

APRIL'S OBSERVANCES AND HISTORIC MOMENTS

WSU CAMPUS EVENTS

OTHER TOPICS IN THE NEWS

ARCHIVE TOPICS

Join the Today@Wayne email list

Marketing and Communications

Wayne State University

Tip sheet

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

TRENDING

APRIL'S OBSERVANCES AND HISTORIC MOMENTS

WSU CAMPUS EVENTS

OTHER TOPICS IN THE NEWS

ARCHIVE TOPICS

Join the Today@Wayne email list

Marketing and Communications

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