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Experts List


Beloit College faculty and staff experts can speak about breaking news, current events, and trending topics.

Trending Topics

The highs and lows of inflation

Recent reports show inflation easing in the U.S., but when will consumers see relief? Dr. Kevin Smith can speak on general economic conditions (inflation, unemployment, etc.) and what’s ahead for Americans.

Kevin Smith

ChatGPT and AI Art

With the rise of ChatGPT and AI Art, Robin Zebrowski, associate professor of cognitive science, can speak about the impact and ethics of artificial intelligence in the modern world.


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Our expert faculty and staff

Use the search box to find individuals either by name or their areas of expertise. When searching by topic, we recommend using broader terms (i.e. “environment”, “artificial intelligence”) rather than specific terms (i.e. “Deepwater Horizon”, “ChatGPT”).

Rachel A. Bergstrom, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Biology, Director of the School of Health Sciences, Chair of Biochemistry

A neuroscientist who can speak about epilepsy (seizure and spike detection and classification), STEM education, and the role of group work in science. In 2020, Prof. Bergstrom spearheaded public education programming about COVID-19 in live Facebook segments with Beloit colleague Ron Watson.

Joe Bookman

Associate Professor of Media Studies, Department Chair of Media Studies

A filmmaker who can speak about filmmaking, podcasting, media production, media theory, and the history of technology. His work has screened at festivals in Europe, Asia, South America, and in the Cinéfondation selection at Cannes.

Amy Briggs

Associate Professor of Biology, Department Chair of Biology, Chair of Natural Sciences, Faculty Director of Advising

A molecular biologist who can speak about molecular and cell biology, microbiology, food science, plant pathology, genetics, science education, and science education research.

Beth Dougherty

Manger Professor of International Relations, Director of the School of Global & Public Service

Can speak about Iraqi politics, Middle East politics, human rights, U.S. foreign policy, and transitional justice, a response to widespread violations of human rights.

Susan Westhafer Furukawa

Professor of Modern Languages and Literatures (Japanese)

A Japanese literature scholar who specializes in literary analysis and translation, Dr. Furukawa’s work focuses on the intersection of historical narratives and popular culture in Japanese samurai tales. She is the author of The Afterlife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi: Popular culture and historical fiction in Japan (Harvard University Asia Center, 2022) as well as several other articles and book chapters. Professor Furukawa can speak out about the ways language and stories are used to curate our understanding of the environment and the world.

Tamara Ketabgian

Professor of English, William and Gayle Keefer Chair of the Humanities, Director of All-College Residencies

Can speak about 19th-century literature and culture, Jane Austen, environmental studies, the history of science and technology, the novel, science fiction, neo-Victorian steampunk literature, and utopian literature.

Kristin J. Labby, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Chemistry, Department Chair of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Can speak about antibiotic resistance, medicinal chemistry, research-intensive undergraduate science education, public science education, and conservation/analysis of art and artifacts.

Chuck Lewis

Professor of English, Director of the Writing Program

A literary studies and expository writing professor who can speak about contemporary trends in fiction and a variety of issues related to teaching college writing, such as digital technology and composition.

Sylvia López

Professor of Modern Languages & Literatures (Spanish), Harry Moore Chair in Modern Languages, Department Chair of Modern Languages and Literatures, Director of Community Connections; Impact Beloit Team Member

Can speak about Spanish language and U.S.-Latino literature and cultures. Latinx/Hispanic cultures through literary, cultural, and historical readings and film. Professor López has taught a wide variety of courses, including courses on health in Spanish-speaking communities and Spanish for those who have a cultural connection to the language.

Jingjing Lou, Ph.D.

Professor of Education & Youth Studies, Mouat Sr. Professor of International Studies, Department Chair of Education & Youth Studies

Professor Jingjing Lou is an expert on international and comparative education and can speak about education systems and practices across different countries, especially in the East Asia context.

Brian L. Morello

Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship

Brian Morello, professor of entrepreneurship and former board member of City Brewery, the nation’s largest dedicated contract manufacturing and brewing company, can speak about beverages, how they are manufactured and distributed, and why they’re changing to meet consumer needs.

Diep Phan

Professor of Economics, Director of the School of Business

Can speak about economic growth and developing nations, especially East and Southeast Asian economies. Professor Diep Phan also specializes in education policies, entrepreneurship, international and internal migration.

Britt Scharringhausen

Associate Professor of Physics, Dobson Endowed Chair in Physics, Department Chair of Physics

A planetary astronomer who can speak about the rings and satellites of Saturn, orbital mechanics, and uncrewed space missions, as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion in the sciences and beyond. Her work has been featured in Scientific American and she was a longtime contributor to Cornell University’s popular Curious about Astronomy? Ask an Astronomer! website.

Kevin S. Smith

Assistant Professor of Economics and Business

Can speak on general economic conditions (inflation, unemployment, etc.) and public policy in Medicaid expansion, minimum wage, and more. Professor Smith specializes in the American healthcare system and ways to improve competition in the healthcare insurance industry and reduce costs.

Kevin Smith

Matthew Tedesco, Ph.D.

Professor of Philosophy

Can speak about a wide range of ethical questions, especially biomedical or environmental. Professor Tedesco’s knowledge includes pop culture topics such as Game of Thrones and James Bond.

Pablo Toral

Professor of Political Science, Weeks Endowed Chair in Physical & Human Geology, Chair of Environmental Studies and Political Science

Can speak about environmental studies and global political ecology, international relations, Latin American affairs, and European affairs.

Ron Watson

Dean of Students, Associate Provost, Associate Professor of Health & Society

Can speak about public health issues, racial and ethnic politics in the United States, global health policy, U.S. health policy, racial health disparities, and the infant mortality rate. In 2020, Professor Watson spearheaded public education programming about COVID-19 in live Facebook segments with Beloit colleague Rachel Bergstrom.

Helen M. Werner, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Biology

A bioarchaeologist who can speak about human osteology, NAGPRA repatriation efforts, historical infectious diseases, and ancient DNA. She studies the expression of respiratory bacterial infections in skeletal remains and how the marginalization of a community compounds the intensity of disease.

Daniel Michael Youd

Professor of Modern Languages & Literatures (Chinese), Associate Dean of the College

Can speak about the Chinese language, translation studies, the digital humanities, and the history of Chinese/Western cultural exchange and interaction.

Jay Zambito

Associate Professor of Geology, Department Chair of Geology, Director of School of Environment & Sustainability

Can speak about past climates, current climate change, future climate scenarios and the potential environmental impacts of mining.

Robin Zebrowski

Professor of Cognitive Science, Department Chair of Cognitive Science

Can speak about artificial intelligence (AI), cyborg technologies, human-robot interaction, embodied cognition, cognitive linguistics, and teaching philosophy with fiction/science fiction.

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