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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Patrick (PJ) Liesch on: Tick Season and Lyme disease
P.J. Liesch on: Tick Season and Growing Concerns About Tick Borne Disease
As temperatures warm and people spend more time outdoors, tick activity is increasing across much of the country. Public health officials continue to monitor tick borne illnesses, while researchers are tracking changes in tick populations, geographic range, and the diseases they can carry.
P.J. Liesch, Director of the University of Wisconsin Madison Insect Diagnostic Lab and a clinical professor of entomology, studies insects and arthropods that affect people, homes, and public health.
He can speak to:
• Why tick encounters have become more common in many parts of the Midwest.
• What people should know about reducing their risk of tick bites while hiking, gardening, and spending time outdoors.
• How changing environmental conditions are affecting tick populations and the spread of tick borne diseases.Recent Clips:
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel- April 2026
Civic Media- July 2025
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Mark Moss on: Allergy Season and High Pollen Levels in the Midwest
As allergy season intensifies across the Midwest, many people are experiencing symptoms driven by elevated pollen levels from trees, grasses, and other plants. Weather conditions can influence both the timing and severity of seasonal allergies, affecting millions of people each year.
Mark Moss, Professor of Medicine at the University of Wisconsin Madison and Chief of the Division of Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, specializes in allergic diseases, asthma, and immune system disorders.
He can speak to:
• Why some allergy seasons are more severe than others and the factors that drive pollen production.
• How pollen affects people with allergies and asthma, and when symptoms may warrant medical attention.
• What individuals can do to reduce exposure and manage symptoms during periods of high pollen activity.Recent Clips:
Channel 3000- May 2026
WIFR- May 2026
