Wayne State University’s PR team compiles a list of university experts that can speak about trending topics and significant milestones each month.

To reach an expert, contact:

Ted Montgomery, 313-577-5699, tedmontgomery@wayne.edu

Tom Reynolds, 313-577-8093, treynolds@wayne.edu

CAMPUS PANTRY OPENING TO MEET NEEDS OF STUDENTS FACING FOOD INSECURITIES – APRIL 2

Wayne State University is opening a campus pantry called “The W,” which is equipped to provide perishable and nonperishable goods, toiletries, women’s hygiene products and other supplies to WSU students facing food insecurities. In a recent study conducted among 3,764 students across 12 states, 48 percent of surveyed students reported experiencing food insecurity.

Rainesha Williams-Fox, a food pantry coordinator with the Dean of Students Office, is ready to talk about “The W” and how it will address the needs of students facing food challenges.

NATIONAL SCHOOL LIBRARIAN DAY – APRIL 4

Dian Walster, professor in WSU’s School of Library and Information Science, can address the significance of National School Librarian Day with an emphasis on the necessary everyday decision-making, collaboration and management skills that school librarians possess. Walster also is prepared to focus on her research area of literature and media materials for children and young adults, targeting 9 to 14 year olds.

Sue Lay, a member of the adjunct faculty in the School of Library and Information Science, is school librarian for Birmingham Public Schools. She is ready to talk about National School Librarian Day and the role of serving in library positions.

NATIONAL WALKING DAY – APRIL 5

Stephen DiCarlo, Ph.D., professor of cardiovascular physiology, is prepared to discuss the importance of heart health, and the steps we can take to improve and maintain a healthy cardiovascular system. The first Wednesday in April is National Walking Day, sponsored by The American Heart Association to remind people about the health benefits of taking a walk.

NATIONAL STUDENT-ATHLETE DAY – APRIL 6

Wayne State University sponsors 18 NCAA Division II teams that compete in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The student-athletes at Wayne State continue to excel both in the classroom and the community. Twenty-five student-athletes recorded a perfect 4.0 term GPA, with 73 percent of Warrior student-athletes receiving above a 3.0 for the recently completed 2016 fall semester. Student-athletes also logged 12,354 volunteer hours in the community. The athletics department is ready to respond to media inquiries about the significance of National Student Athlete Day. A large coaching staff and staff members are available to address the topic, and interviews with quality student-athletes may be arranged upon request.

NATIONAL BEER DAY – APRIL 7

Steven M. Firestine, professor of pharmaceutical sciences, is an expert on the history and chemistry of beer. He also is proficient in the areas of biochemistry, organic chemistry, drug discovery, antiinfective agents (antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal) and infectious disease.

WAYNE STATE CRIMINAL JUSTICE JOB AND CAREER FAIR – APRIL 11

Wayne State and NOBLE are hosting the 26th annual Criminal Justice Job and Career Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 11, at WSU’s Student Center Ballroom. Representatives from several law enforcement agencies will be on hand, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Michigan Department of Corrections, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Detroit Police Department, Michigan State Police and other corrections, courts, advocacy, police and criminal justice-related agencies.

Marianka Holloway, coordinator of the job fair and academic services officer in the criminal justice department, is available to talk about the event.

NATIONAL ENCOURAGE A YOUNG WRITER DAY – APRIL 13

Kathleen Crawford-McKinney, assistant dean of teacher education, is prepared to talk about literacy engagement in children’s literature, writing and curriculum. Her research areas include writing process and practice – and a commitment to preparing urban teachers to meet the needs of PK-12 learners.

NATIONAL THOMAS JEFFERSON DAY – APRIL 14

Karen Marrero, assistant professor of history, is prepared to talk about Thomas Jefferson. Her areas of expertise include early North American history, the history of the early American republic, the history of early North American indigenous peoples, the early history of the northern border and early American women’s history.

NATIONAL TAX DAY – APRIL 15

Albert D. Spalding, associate professor of accounting, is ready to discuss tax questions ranging from income tax, estate tax, gift tax, generation-skipping tax to general taxation topics.

NATIONAL HEALTHCARE DECISIONS DAY – APRIL 16

According to its website, National Healthcare Decisions Day “was established to inspire, educate and empower the public and providers about the importance of advance care planning.” Michael Stellini, M.D., M.S., assistant professor, internal medicine and medical director of supportive care service for the Karmanos Cancer Center, specializes in palliative care. He is prepared to talk about the importance of careful planning regarding health care choices and prevention.

WAYNE STATE COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING STUDENT DESIGN AND INNOVATION DAY - APRIL 21

The James and Patricia Anderson Engineering Ventures Institute presents the third annual Student Design and Innovation Day, a showcase of our students’ cutting-edge solutions to engineering challenges and to commercial and social needs. More than 100 projects over the last two years have covered a wide range of applications and engineering disciplines while incorporating principles of entrepreneurship. Last year’s top projects included a drone that monitors air quality and pollution; an app that measures patients’ vital signs; an automotive control system to monitor teenagers’ driving behavior; and a prosthetic leg for a dog.

Sorin Draghici, Anderson Institute director and associate dean for innovation and entrepreneurship, and Gary Witus, associate professor, industrial and systems engineering, are available for comment. 

NATIONAL EARTH DAY – APRIL 22

Daryl M. Pierson, sustainability coordinator at WSU, works with the university's operational divisions to increase sustainability initiatives that will enhance environmental awareness and obtain efficiencies that will preserve natural resources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. He also supports environmental education and research and engages the surrounding community through sustainability activities. Pierson is prepared to talk about National Earth Day and various environmental topics and issues.

NATIONAL TALK LIKE SHAKESPEARE DAY – APRIL 23

Ken Jackson, professor and chair of the English department, is an expert on William Shakespeare and is ready to discuss various topics surrounding one of the world’s renowned authors. Jackson also has expertise in early modern/medieval drama, critical theory and religion in philosophy/literature.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT CURRICULUM ENRICHMENT DAY (AP DAY) – April 25

Wayne State's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Irvin D. Reid Honors College and Office of Undergraduate Admissions will host the 16th annual Advanced Placement Curriculum Enrichment Day on Tuesday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to noon. An estimated 1,400 area high school students will take part by attending lectures given by Wayne State professors. The event is designed to reward students who have been enrolled in AP courses, giving them a glimpse into college with sample lectures.

Julie Hasse, AP Day coordinator, is available to talk about the event.

STRESS AWARENESS MONTH – APRIL

Mark Lumley, professor and director of Wayne State’s Stress and Health Research Laboratory, is prepared to discuss topics such as emotions, stress and physical health. Much of the research conducted by Lumley, his students and colleagues involves developing emotion-focused interventions to reduce stress and improve health.

MATHEMATICS AWARENESS MONTH – APRIL

Wayne Raskind, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences dean and professor of mathematics, can talk about various mathematics topics, including complex discussions about algebraic geometry, number theory, algebraic K-theory, partial differential equations, cryptography and mathematics education. Recently, Raskind participated in a “Pi-Off” during Wayne State’s STEM Day, impressing about 1,000 middle school students with a victory over his opponent reciting pi to nearly 190 digits. At the age of 14, Raskind recited pi from memory through the first 1,220 digits.