UWM Today

For the past few weeks, all of us have been living with the threat of the coronavirus pandemic. It has changed our way of life as we watch huge numbers of Americans, including members of our own community, fall ill and sadly, too often, die from the effects of the virus. On today’s program we talk about the impact COVID-19 is having on UW-Milwaukee, with 26,000 students, the largest university in our region. We are going to hear from the people who are helping to lead the university through what

As this political year continues to heat up with claims and counterclaims about which candidates are best suited to represent us, it can all be a bit overwhelming. It seems like we were never as divided as we are today. So this week on UWM Today, we're pushing the pause button on the current political debates. We're going to take a little history lesson, looking back at a Wisconsin politician who was so popular with voters on both sides of the aisle that he didn’t even have to raise any money in

While the winter weather is still going strong, that hasn’t stopped scientists at UW-Milwaukee from continuing their research on a big problem facing many of Wisconsin’s lakes: toxic algae. If you've driven by the lagoon at Milwaukee’s Veteran’s Park at the lakefront, you've probably seen the culprit up close. The blue-green algae has covered the southern part of the lagoon like a blanket — and the risk to anyone wading into that water is great. What’s behind the hazard? And what can be done to

There was once a time when flipping through the channels on your television during the day meant inevitably coming across soap operas. At one point, nearly 20 different daytime soaps were on the air. They were ubiquitous. Even if you weren’t a fan, it was impossible to miss them. Today, only four are left on the main broadcast networks, but the impact the programs have had on our culture is profound. On this edition of UWM Today, we welcome Elana Levine, who has just written a book that traces

Every year thousands of Americans die from drug overdoses. More than half of those deaths involve the use of opioids, which were created to help people deal with debilitating pain. Finding alternatives to opioids would literally be a lifesaver for many. On this edition of UWM Today, we meet two UW-Milwaukee researchers who have developed chemical compounds that could help people relieve their painful symptoms without the risk present in the opioid drugs on the market. Joining us in the studio

Keeping your weight under control is one of the guiding rules we hear from our doctors. For adults it can be a challenge. But for children, especially those with special needs, dealing with obesity can be particularly difficult. On this edition of UWM Today, we meet an expert on child obesity. Michele Polfuss is an associate professor at UWM’s College of Nursing. She is leading a $3.6 million federal grant to investigate weight issues. Polfuss is also serving as the joint research chair in the

With more than 27,000 students, UWM has grown into a top tier research university. While there are many points of pride within the institution, one area stands apart from the other programs: the Honors College. It’s a community of students and teachers devoted to excellence in learning. Just under 700 students are in the Honors College where the focus is on small classes with top professors from across the campus. In addition to outstanding academics, the Honors College also offers students a

Over the past few years, the film industry in Milwaukee has grown tremendously. Independent producers and production houses have sprung up throughout the area. In fact, there are more people employed in the film industry here today than are working in the business that made Milwaukee famous – beer. A key factor in the film industries rapid growth is UWM, which has one of the top film study programs in the world. On this edition of UWM Today, we focus on film. Joining us in the studio is Scott

When we walk into a room and switch on the lights we take what happens next for granted. In an instant, electricity powers lights, computers, air conditioning, TVs and so much more. But as reliable as the power system is, transmission lines can be knocked down during storms. Meanwhile, the U.S. military faces other challenges when it needs to establish a base in the middle of nowhere and reliable power systems aren’t available. So, what’s the solution? On this edition of UWM Today, we talk to

As we age we all hope for a retirement with good health and security. But studies show that one in 10 Americans over the age of 65 experience neglect, exploitation or elder abuse — a startling statistic that should concern everyone. On this edition of UWM Today, we talk to an expert on aging who’s researching ways to help older Americans lead a safer and healthier life. Colleen Galambos is a professor of social work at UWM’s Helen Bader School of Social Welfare. Recently, she was appointed to a