These experts from the UW–Madison faculty and staff have agreed to comment on breaking news, ongoing developments and trends in their areas of expertise. If you need help arranging interviews, email the Office of Strategic Communication.
Experts on the news
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Tova Walsh on: The Role of Fathers in Child and Family Wellbeing
As Father’s Day approaches, national attention often turns to the role fathers play in children's lives and how families, employers, and communities can better support paternal involvement. Research increasingly shows that engaged fathers contribute to a wide range of positive outcomes for children, while many continue to face barriers to maintaining strong family connections.
She can speak to:
• How fathers influence children's emotional wellbeing, relationships, and long term development.
• Why many fathers want to be more involved in their children's lives but face practical and structural barriers.
• How father focused programs and community support can strengthen families and improve outcomes for children.Recent Press:
- The Hill, May 2026
- Slate, June 2024
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Peter Halfmann on: Ebola Outbreak Response
Health officials in Central Africa are responding to a worsening Ebola outbreak as cases continue to spread across multiple regions, raising concerns about containment, healthcare capacity, and the risk of broader transmission.
Peter Halfmann, Associate Research Professor at the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine, studies emerging infectious diseases and high consequence viruses including Ebola and other zoonotic pathogens.
He can speak to:
• Why Ebola outbreaks become harder to contain once transmission expands across regions and population centers.
• The challenges researchers and public health officials face when responding to rapidly evolving outbreaks.
• How scientists monitor transmission patterns and evaluate the risk of wider spread.Past Media:
- WPR
