Read full interview at U-M Public Engagement and Impact

One of this year’s Road Scholars, Shanna Kattari, is an assistant professor in the School of Social Work with a courtesy appointment in Women’s Studies. She researches health disparities among transgender and nonbinary people, disability and ableism, and examines sexuality in marginalized communities, particularly in LGBTQIA individuals and people with disabilities.

In this Q&A, Kattari reveals her motivation for joining the Road Scholars, and what she hopes to learn.

Shanna K. Kattari, PhD, MEd, ACS; University of Michigan School of Social Work faculty, board certified sexologist, experienced sexuality educator, and social justice advocate.

What interested you in the Road Scholar tour?

As someone relatively new to Michigan — I’m just finishing up my second year at U-M — it’s really important to me to learn about my new state and all of the different facets that make up Michigan. I do community-based research and it is incredibly difficult to know what type of research is needed when I don’t know much about the communities in my new home, and what their needs are. Plus, I haven’t been further north than Lansing and really wanted to get to see more of the state.
– Shanna Kattari

The Michigan Road Scholars Tour — an annual five-day traveling seminar that takes U-M faculty through the state — increases mutual knowledge and understanding between the university and the people and communities of Michigan.

You can keep up with the happenings on the tour May 6–10 by following #MIRoadScholars on Twitter.

Read full interview at U-M Public Engagement and Impact

Read Washington Post Article

Read Story at U-M School of Music, Theater, and Dance

The Flint water crisis has been the subject of several documentaries and even a network drama, but now the issue is taking center stage in a new play at the University of Michigan.

Playwright José Casas spent nearly three years interviewing more than 80 people in order to create his new play, “Flint,” which tells the story of the water crisis through the voices of residents, activists, scientists and politicians.

Jose Casas
Assistant Professor of Theatre, Drama, and Playwriting

I consider myself an issue-driven writer,” he said. “I’m very much about social justice and telling stories of communities that have been traditionally underserved or marginalized.

José Casas was a 2018 Michigan Road Scholar.

J. Alex Halderman, Professor of Computer Science, College of Engineering,

Walter Richard Mebane, Jr., Political Science Professor

On March 20th, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced a commission of 18 local and national experts on election cybersecurity. Their mission is to provide advice on Election Security best practices.

J. Alex Halderman, professor of computer science and engineering at U-M was appointed Co-Chair of the commission. Walter Mebane Jr., professor of political science and statistics was also among those selected for the commission.

“The security of our elections is critical to the security of our democracy,” said Ms. Benson. “I am grateful that many of our nation’s top election security experts have joined forces with our local election officials to develop a plan that will ensure Michigan’s elections are secured against all known and emerging threats.”