Featured Experts

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  Janis Eells

  Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciencesjeells@uwm.edu

  Eells can discuss why we feel better physically when exposed to sunlight and what happens when the gray days of winter deprive us of it.

  

  Janis Eells

  Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciencesjeells@uwm.edu

  Janis Eells can answer questions about seasonal affective disorder (SAD), sunlight and COVID-19. SAD is a strong tendency to become depressed during a specific time of year, most often in late fall and winter. SAD in winter, which is linked to less daylight, might be more of a concern for some people who are spending more time indoors during the pandemic. Eells can address the benefits of spending more time outdoors during any winter and why it is even more important this year during the COVID crisis.

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  Kirk Harris

  Urban Planning, School of Architecture & Urban Planningkeharris@uwm.edu

  Harris can speak about how the Biden administration might address urban policy against the backdrop of COVID and social justice movements.

  

  Kirk Harris

  Urban Planning, School of Architecture & Urban Planningkeharris@uwm.edu

  Kirk Harris led a 2019 study that made recommendations to help government, corporations and philanthropies get a better understanding of what Black men and boys need to create safe, healthy communities. The research from the Fathers, Families and Healthy Communities organization still resonates today. Harris can talk about systemic changes needed to address racial inequality. He can also talk about expectations for urban policy in the Biden administration against the backdrop of COVID and social justice movements.

   

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  William Keith

  English, College of Letters & Sciencewmkeith@uwm.edu

  Keith can talk about ways to de-escalate conflict and improve productive political discourse in everyday life.

  

  William Keith

  English, College of Letters & Sciencewmkeith@uwm.edu

  William Keith says one of the hardest things to do during this time of extreme political polarization is to take seriously someone with whom you have a disagreement. In his new book “Beyond Civility,” Keith advocates for the need for “strong civility,” which he defines as the ability to speak respectfully to others who have differing opinions and to listen attentively to their viewpoints. Keith can speak about why this encourages meaningful engagements and represents an important first step that everyone can take to start de-escalating political discourse.

   

  Beyond Civility: The Competing Obligations of Citizenship
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  Kim Litwack

  Nursing, College of Nursinglitwack@uwm.edu

  Kim Litwack can answer questions about what to expect once you get vaccinated against COVID-19.

  

  Kim Litwack

  Nursing, College of Nursinglitwack@uwm.edu

  Data shows that the new vaccines being distributed in the United States are 95% effective in preventing recipients from getting sick with COVID-19. But will they keep you from spreading the virus to others? Kim Litwack can address this and other questions about what to expect once you are able to get the vaccine. Litwack, dean of the College of Nursing and a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, also can discuss how long it takes for the vaccine to take effect and whether recipients will feel any symptoms immediately following the shots.

   

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  Barbara Zabawa

  Health Informatics and Administration, College of Health Scienceszabawa@uwm.edu

  Zabawa can discuss whether federal, state or local governments or employers can mandate that people receive vaccines under certain circumstances.   

  

  Barbara Zabawa

  Health Informatics and Administration, College of Health Scienceszabawa@uwm.edu

  Barbara Zabawa can discuss the legalities of vaccination mandates in the United States, explaining how the Constitution delegates safety and protection to the state government under the 10th Amendment. Zabawa specializes in health law and compliance, and U.S. health care delivery. She also can outline the types of exemptions that exist, such as those afforded to parents of school children who opt out for religious or health reasons.