Featured Experts

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  Simon Bronner

  Social Sciences, College of General Studiesbronners@uwm.edu

  Bronner can talk about the symbolism of the black cat and its association with Halloween.

  

  Simon Bronner

  Social Sciences, College of General Studiesbronners@uwm.edu

  Black cats do not universally represent evil, but they are linked to the occult on Halloween for several reasons, which Simon Bronner can explain. They include how Greek mythology and the medieval Catholic Church during the bubonic plague played roles in branding black cats. A distinguished professor, Bronner can talk about the symbolic connection between black cats and older women who defy social norms. He can also discuss how candy became a mainstay of the modern celebration, leading to Halloween becoming second only to Christmas in consumer sales.

  The Practice of Folklore Essays toward a Theory of Tradition
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  Jean Creighton

  Manfred Olson Planetarium, College of Letters & Sciencejcreight@uwm.edu

  Creighton can discuss the significance of NASA’s impending launch of the Artemis 1 moon mission.

  

  Jean Creighton

  Manfred Olson Planetarium, College of Letters & Sciencejcreight@uwm.edu

  Jean Creighton can talk about NASA’s Artemis 1 mission, the first big step toward returning astronauts to the lunar surface, as it prepares to launch. Though the launch will be unmanned, the mission should pave the way for astronauts to make the journey. Creighton can explain why the United States is aiming to go back to the moon and why it’s so challenging five decades after Americans last landed on the celestial body. She can also offer tips for viewing the Nov. 8 lunar eclipse.

   

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  Hong Min Park

  Political Science, College of Letters and Sciencehmpark1@uwm.edu

  Park can provide analysis of the high-profile races for U.S. Senate and governor this fall in Wisconsin.

  

  Hong Min Park

  Political Science, College of Letters and Sciencehmpark1@uwm.edu

  High-profile races for U.S. Senate and governor this fall in Wisconsin are being watched by political observers around the country. Political scientist Hong Min Park can answer questions about the campaigns and talk about the importance of the heavily populated suburban counties around Milwaukee as potential areas that could swing the statewide races in one direction or another. He can also speak generally about the outlook for control of Congress in this midterm election.

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  Paul Roebber

  Atmospheric Science, School of Freshwater Sciencesroebber@uwm.edu

  Roebber can explain his research into momentum in football, and how momentum can predict the outcome of a game.

  

  Paul Roebber

  Atmospheric Science, School of Freshwater Sciencesroebber@uwm.edu

  A distinguished professor of atmospheric science, Paul Roebber is interested in football, too. He used machine learning and 10 years of play-by-play data from NFL regular-season games to show that momentum in football is not random. Roebber can explain the impact of momentum on offense and defense, how momentum bumps up win probability incrementally and why it can improve a team’s chances of winning, regardless of whether they were considered a favorite or underdog coming into the game.