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

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

TRENDING

NORTH KOREA FIGHTING IN UKRAINE
According to U.S. officials, North Korean troops wearing Russian uniforms and carrying Russian equipment are moving toward Ukraine, in what they called a dangerous and destabilizing development.

  • Frederic Pearson, Ph.D., professor of political science and former director of the Center for Peace and Conflict Studies at Wayne State, specializes in political violence and conflict resolution. His research focuses on areas like international relations, peace and conflict studies, and the causes and consequences of political violence. He has contributed extensively to understanding conflict dynamics and methods for promoting peace and security globally.

ELECTION DAY IS NOVEMBER 5
For election insights, Wayne State University has several prominent political experts who frequently contribute to discussions on election dynamics, public policy and voter behavior.

  • Marjorie Sarbaugh-Thompson, Ph.D., professor of political science, whose primary research and teaching interests focus on policy-making and change in public sector organizations.
  • Rheeda Walker, Ph.D., professor of psychology and a prominent licensed clinical psychologist in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, focuses on the mental health challenges and resilience of African Americans. She is available to speak about election stress and anxiety.
  • Brady Baybeck, Ph.D., associate professor of political science, specializes in urban politics, public policy and voting.

ELECTION ANXIETY
There was a time when we used to disagree with the other side on policies and were excited about campaigning for our side. But these days, thanks to our leaders, media and social media digital tribes, we are terrified of “the other side” winning the election rather than having hopes and excitements about “our side.” The anxiety level is too high, and people are emotionally exhausted.

  • Arash Javanbakht, M.D., the founding director of Wayne State University’s Stress, Trauma, and Anxiety Research Clinic in Detroit, sees it all the time among his patients, who are terrified, frustrated, angry and on the edge of political burnout. The author of AFRAID: Understanding the Purpose of Fear, and Harnessing the Power of Anxiety, Javanbakht focuses on how our fear and anxiety are used by politics, media and social media to keep us watching, donating and hating. A career fear and anxiety expert, Javanbakht is available to talk about ways people can overcome election anxiety.

POLITICAL VIOLENCE
Political violence in the U.S. has surged in recent years, particularly surrounding high-profile political events and figures. Recent examples include two assassination attempts on former President Donald Trump. These events, coupled with growing concerns about election-related violence, are fueling fears of escalating political unrest as the presidential election approaches.

  •  Frederic Pearson, Ph.D., professor of political science and former director of the Center for Peace and Conflict Studies, specializes in the study of international relations, conflict resolution and the causes of political violence.

ISRAEL-HAMAS CONFLICT CONTINUTES
On Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched an unprecedented assault on Israel, with hundreds of gunmen infiltrating communities near the Gaza Strip. In response, Israel’s military carried out hundreds of air strikes, leaving at least 900 Israelis and 700 Palestinians reported dead within hours of the attacks.

  • Saeed Khan, associate professor of teaching in near Eastern Studies and research fellow at Wayne State’s Center for Study of Citizenship, is currently teaching courses on the Islamic Empires, Islam and the challenge of modernity, and an introduction to global issues and institutions.
  • Howard Lupovitch, Ph.D., professor of history and director of the Cohn-Haddow Center for Judaic Studies, specializes in modern Jewish history, specifically the Jews of Hungary and Habsburg Monarchy. He recently completed a history of the Jews of Budapest and is currently writing a history of the Neolog Movement, Hungarian Jewry’s progressive wing.

COLD AND FLU SEASON IS BACK
As temperatures drop, people tend to spend more time indoors, which can lead to an increase in the spread of respiratory illnesses like RSV, colds, flu and COVID-19. Health experts advise precautions such as flu vaccinations, regular handwashing and maintaining healthy habits to help reduce the risk of getting sick.

  • Eric McGrath, M.D., is board certified in pediatrics and pediatric infectious diseases. He diagnoses and treats medical conditions caused by infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungus or parasites.

WHOOPING COUGH
Cases of pertussis, or whooping cough, are on the rise across the United States. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports to date 17,579 cases of whooping cough, more than five times the number of cases reported during the same period in 2023.

  • 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.
     


NOVEMBER'S OBSERVANCES AND HISTORIC MOMENTS

NATIONAL DIABETES MONTH
Diabetes is the third-leading killer in the country. It is also, in most cases preventable. Additionally, vital medication used to treat diabetes (Wegovy, Ozempic) is becoming scarce due to its use for weight loss hitting a fever pitch across the country. What does this mean for the future of diabetes, and can this medication have adverse long-term impacts on patients?

  • Berhane Seyoum, M.D., assistant professor of internal medicine, Division of Endocrinology, is prepared to discuss prevention and the growing problem of diabetes in the Detroit area. (Note: Dr. Seyoum is not available Nov. 8-14)

LUNG CANCER AWARENESS MONTH & GREAT AMERICAN SMOKEOUT – NOVEMBER 21
Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, with lung cancer as the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women in the U.S. and worldwide, killing more people than breast, prostate and colorectal cancers combined.

  • David Ledgerwood, Ph.D., clinical psychologist within the Substance Abuse Research Division in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, is ready to talk about the treatment and etiology of substance use and behavioral addiction disorders.

NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
Every November, Native American Heritage Month is celebrated to honor the remarkable Native Americans who have contributed a lot to improve the character of the nation. This month is also referred to as the American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month. November is the time to rejoice in diverse and rich cultures, histories and traditions and to appreciate the great contributions of the Native Americans. This month allows us to spread awareness about tribes or to educate people about the various challenges faced by Native Americans in the past and today. Throughout this month, we commit to keep on supporting the remaining Native American tribes and let the world know about their sacrifices.

  • Kirsten Matoy Carlson, Ph.D. is an associate professor of law and affiliated professor of political science at Wayne State University. Prior to joining WSU, Carlson served as a staff attorney at the Indian Law Resource Center in Helena, Montana. With a practice focusing on international and national advocacy to protect the rights of Indian nations to self-government, their lands, cultures and environments. She is also secretary/treasurer of the Michigan State Bar Association’s Indian Law Section and a past recipient of a National Science Foundation Law and Social Science Dissertation Research Grant and American Bar Association’s Henry J. Ramsey Diversity Award.

NATIONAL CAREER DEVELOPMENT MONTH
As layoffs lessen and hiring picks up, what does it mean for students, mid-career professionals, individuals with special needs and retirees entering the job market? What are their work options, career opportunities and challenges?

  • Nanette McCleary is a licensed professional counselor in the Career Services Department, where she helps students and alumni find their purpose by connecting their academic preparation to their career aspirations.

NATIONAL FAMILY LITERACY MONTH
National Family Literacy Month is an opportunity for families to read together. Started in 1994, the celebration seeks to spread awareness and foster family literacy by encouraging parents and caregivers to read to their children.

  • Kathryn Roberts, Ph.D., professor of reading, language and literature, is prepared to discuss the importance of literacy and the role it plays in helping young people become productive, independent citizens. She will provide tips parents and guardians can use to promote reading at home and strengthen children's literacy skills as well as recommend books that families can enjoy reading together.

NATIONAL STRESS AWARENESS DAY – NOVEMBER 6
National Stress Awareness Day occurs every first Wednesday in November, with the goal of helping people identify their stressors and implement strategies to reduce or eliminate it from their lives.

  • Andria Eisman, Ph.D., assistant professor of community health and a member of the Michigan Model for Health Steering Committee, is ready to talk about recent revisions to the state’s health education curriculum incorporating trauma-skilled approaches and how this may help young people manage stress.
  • Kristen Kaszeta, associate professor of teaching and program coordinator of the Lifestyle Fitness Activities program, is prepared 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 alleviate stress.

NATIONAL SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY WEEK – NOVEMBER 11-15
National School Psychology Week provides U.S. schools with the opportunity to acknowledge the vital role school psychologists play in helping students do well.

  • Rachael Evans, Ph.D., assistant professor of teaching in educational psychology and interim program director of the school and community psychology program, is ready to discuss the shortage of school psychologists and how students, parents and families continue to need them.

CHILDREN’S BOOK WEEK – NOVEMBER 4-10
According to the nonprofit Every Child a Reader, Children’s Book Week is the longest-running literacy initiative in the U.S. The purpose is to bring children, adults, authors and illustrators together to promote a love of reading.

  • Kathleen Crawford-McKinney, Ph.D., associate professor of reading, language and literature, is available to share age-appropriate activities and books to help K-8 students develop and strengthen literacy skills. She can also discuss censorship of children’s books and its potential impact on young readers, schools and communities.

NATIONAL STEM/STEAM DAY – NOVEMBER 8
National STEM/STEAM Day is to provide opportunities for students to explore and advance their interests in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.

  • Roland Sintos Coloma, Ph.D., professor of teacher education, is ready to talk about the Metro Detroit Teaching Residency in Urban Excellence (TRUE) 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. The project recently completed recruiting for its third cohort this past spring. Recent graduates and mid-career professionals in STEM fields can earn their master’s degree and teaching certification in 18 months and receive a $40,0000 living stipend for the first 12 months of the program. For more information, visit Metro Detroit TRUE Project.
  • Sandra Yarema, Ph.D., associate professor of science education in the College of Education, is available to talk about efforts to inspire students and educators to explore science and the arts creatively and collaboratively, helping to bridge gaps between scientific inquiry and creative thinking.

VETERANS DAY – NOVEMBER 11
Veterans Day (originally known as Armistice Day) is a federal holiday in the United States observed annually on Nov. 11 to honor veterans of the United States Armed Forces.

  • Matthew McLain, assistant director, Wayne State’s Colonel Gregory Gadson Office of Military and Veterans Academic Excellence, is prepared to discuss how Veterans Day is observed.
  • Bill Keilman, academic advisor of Wayne State’s Colonel Gregory Gadson Office of Military and Veteran Academic Excellence, served in the U.S. Army for 23 years and taught military science at Texas A&M University for three years.

AMERICAN EDUCATION WEEK – NOVEMBER 13-17
American Education Week honors the team of people who work in our nation’s public schools, from bus drivers and classroom teachers to the cafeteria workers, administrative staff and more.

  • Roland Sintos Coloma, Ph.D., assistant dean of the Division of Teacher Education, is ready to talk about the importance of public education and the role Wayne State University plays to ensure children in metro Detroit have access to quality education.

NATIONAL TOLERANCE DAY – NOVEMBER 16
Tolerance is respect, acceptance and appreciation for the rich diversity of our world’s cultures, forms of expression and ways of being human.

  • Donyale R. Padgett, Ph.D., interim vice provost of inclusive excellence and associate professor communication, is prepared to discuss tolerance and building an inclusive community.

FUTURE TEACHERS OF AMERICA DAY – NOVEMBER 20
Future Teachers of America Day, observed annually, was made to celebrate  teachers. It’s sponsored by The Future Teachers of America, an organization that helps future educators prepare for the classroom and become a part of a professional community. Through mentorship and teaching opportunities, they help teachers hone their skills and become wonderful educators.

  • Roland Sintos Coloma, Ph.D., professor of teacher education, is available to discuss the Next Gen Teachers program, a two-week, residential college and teaching career readiness program for young people who plan to become PK-12 school educators. The initiative is coordinated by the Wayne State University College of Education and the Michigan Education Association and funded by a National Education Association Great Public Schools grant. The initiative is one component of the Michigan Initiative to Transform Educational and Equity Networks (Project MITTEN). The college will host up to 40 students during the spring/summer semesters of 2023 and 2024.

THANKSGIVING – NOVEMBER 28
This year, we are thankful for health advocates who can offer tips on how to enjoy the season without overindulging in food and drink this holiday season.

  • Cathy Jen, Ph.D., nutritionist and professor in the department of nutrition and food science, can provide tips to avoid overeating as the holiday season approaches.
  • Diane Cress, Ph.D., nutritionist and professor in the department of nutrition and food science. Outside the classroom, she creates opportunities for students to work in the food community in Detroit.

BLACK FRIDAY – NOVEMBER 29 & CYBER MONDAY – DECEMBER 2
As the retail landscape and shopping experience expectations continue to shift to allow for employees to spend time with their families on the holiday to in-person blow-out sales lasting the entire month, will Black Friday be a boon or a bust in 2024?

  • Alexander Davidson, Ph.D., assistant professor of marketing at the Mike Ilitch School of Business, has teaching background in digital marketing/analytics, search engine marketing/optimization, marketing management, and marketing strategy.
  • Catherine Cuckovitch, assistant professor of teaching in marketing at the Mike Ilitch School of Business, has more than 20 years of marketing and advertising experience. Prior to teaching, she served as senior vice president of branded content planning at Team Detroit Inc., where she helped clients create innovative, cross-media solutions utilizing branded content, product integration, strategic alliances and program sponsorships. Cuckovitch also served as senior partner, SUV account director for the Ford Motor Company stable of SUVs. She oversaw the development and market execution of brand positions for all Ford SUVs.


WSU CAMPUS EVENTS

PRONOUNS IN THE COURT – NOVEMBER 4
Join Judge Mark Boonstra of the Michigan Court of Appeals for a discussion on the recent amendment to Michigan Court Rule 1.109, which requires judges to “use the individual’s name, the designated salutation or personal pronouns, or other respectful means that are not inconsistent with the individual’s designated salutation or personal pronouns when addressing” litigants in their courtrooms. For more information, email Kyle Johnson.

SCREENING FOR TYPE 1 DIABETES – NOVEMBER 9
Wayne Pediatrics is hosting a World Diabetes Day celebration in collaboration with featured speaker Safiyah Basir, who is an author, certified health and well-being lifestyle coach, and host of the Diabetic Loving podcast. This event (noon to 4 p.m.) will inform individuals and families about Type 1 Diabetes and the importance of early screening, while offering fun activities and opportunities for community engagement. For more information, contact Sterling Stiger at 313-448-9626.

MOCK TRIAL FINALS – NOVEMBER 22
All are welcome to attend and observe the final trial competition for the fall 2024 semester. The event starts at 6 p.m., with trial beginning promptly at 6:30 p.m.  in the Spencer M. Partrich Auditorium at the Law School. For more information, email Hannah Eberhard.

REACH OUT TO YOUTH – NOVEMBER 23
Now in its 34th year, Reach out to Youth (ROTY) is a student-led initiative hosted by the Black Medical Student Association and the Student National Medical Association. This educational event targets youth aged 7-11 and introduces them to the world of medicine and science. With a dedicated focus on Detroit area students, ROTY promotes diversity and equal access to health care and education. For more information, contact Joseph Weertz at 313-577-1598.


CURRENT TOPICS IN THE NEWS

BIRD FLU IN MICHIGAN
According to the CDC, a second human case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5) virus infection has been identified in Michigan. This is the third human case associated with an ongoing multistate outbreak of A(H5N1) in U.S. dairy cows. As with the previous two cases (one in Texas, one in Michigan), the person is a dairy farm worker with exposure to infected cows, making this another instance of probable cow-to-person spread.

DONALD TRUMP CONVICTION
Donald Trump has been convicted in his hush money trial, a jury verdict that makes him the first former American president to be found guilty of felony crimes.

  • Steven Winter, J.D., the Walter S. Gibbs Distinguished Professor of Constitutional Law at Wayne State, and author of numerous articles on constitutional law and legal theory. He is available to discuss the former president’s legal challenges.

ISRAEL-HAMAS CONFLICT CONTINUTES
October 7 will mark the one-year anniverasry of when Hamas, a Palestinian militant group, launched an unprecedented assault on Israel with hundreds of gunmen infiltrating communities near the Gaza Strip. In response, Israel’s military has carried out air strikes leaving tens of thousands of Palestinians reported dead in the last 12 months.

  • Saeed Khan, associate professor of teaching in near Eastern Studies and research fellow at Wayne State’s Center for Study of Citizenship. He is currently teaching courses on the Islamic Empires, Islam and the challenge of modernity and an introduction to global issues and institutions.
     
  • Howard Lupovitch, Ph.D., professor of history and director of the Cohn-Haddow Center for Judaic Studies. He specializes in modern Jewish history, specifically the Jews of Hungary and Habsburg Monarchy. He recently completed a history of the Jews of Budapest and is currently writing a history of the Neolog Movement, Hungarian Jewry’s progressive wing.

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, is available to discuss ChatGPT as a writing aid and a potential equity tool in higher education.

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.

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.

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.

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.


ARCHIVE TOPICS

MEASLES
Michigan is currently ripe for a measles outbreak, as cases of the highly contagious disease climb across the U.S. and globally. According to state health officials, vaccination rates for recommended childhood immunizations have dropped to 66% among Michigan toddlers.

  • 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.

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.

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.

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 45th 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.

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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