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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Steve Vavrus on: Tornadoes in Northeast Wisconsin
Following the destructive tornadoes and severe storms that swept across northeastern Wisconsin, questions are emerging about what atmospheric conditions led to the outbreak and whether events like these are becoming more common in the Upper Midwest.
Steve Vavrus, Wisconsin State Climatologist, studies climate variability, severe weather, and how climate change is affecting weather patterns across the Midwest.
He can speak to:
- The atmospheric conditions that fueled Wisconsin's tornado outbreak and why the state experienced such an intense day of severe weather.
- How tornadoes fit into Wisconsin's broader severe weather climatology and what meteorologists look for when forecasting high impact events.
- How climate change affects severe weather in Wisconsin and across the Upper Midwest.
Recent Media:
WPR- April 2026
PBS Wisconsin- April 2026
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Ion Meyn on: Police Use of Force and Public Trust
Following the recent officer involved shooting in Madison, questions about police use of force and accountability have become central to the public conversation. Incidents like these often raise broader legal and policy questions about how use of force is evaluated and how communities respond.
Ion Meyn, Associate Professor at the University of Wisconsin Law School, teaches and researches criminal procedure, civil rights, race and the law, and police use of force.
He can speak to:
- The legal standards governing use of force and the factors investigators consider when reviewing these incidents.
- How video footage is evaluated during investigations and what it can and cannot reveal.
Why officer involved shootings often become community flashpoints and how transparency can influence public trust.
Recent Media:
The Cap Times- July 2026
Channel 3000- July 2026
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Barry Burden on: Wisconsin's 2026 Elections and the Political Landscape
As Wisconsin's election season accelerates, key legislative races are drawing increased attention for what they could mean for the balance of power in the state Capitol. The campaigns also offer an early look at voter priorities, turnout dynamics, and the issues likely to shape the November election.
Barry Burden, Professor of Political Science and Director of the Elections Research Center at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, studies elections, voting behavior, political campaigns, and election administration.
He can speak to:
- The legislative races and political trends to watch as Wisconsin's election season unfolds.
- What candidate recruitment, campaign strategy, and voter engagement reveal about the state's political environment.
- How Wisconsin's election results could shape policymaking and provide insight into broader national political trends.
Recent Media:
Wisconsin Watch- July 2026
