As spring break travel approaches, health officials nationwide have issued warnings about the spread of measles, and the CDC reported last week that three measles outbreaks (defined as three or more related cases) involved 12 states and that 93% of the 222 total cases are related. Dr. Mark Dworkin, professor of epidemiology in the UIC School of Public Health, says travel is one of many good reasons to ensure people are up to date with immunizations such as the measles vaccine, as people may be exposed to measles during travel. Dworkin, who notes a person with measles can be infectious to others in the days before they have a rash, is available to address the spread of measles and how vaccination is crucial in stopping the outbreaks.

Contact: Scott Goldberg  |  224-539-7733

March 11 marks the fifth anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic. The State of Illinois COVID-19 pandemic after-action report revealed gaps in training for the Illinois Department of Public Health and local health department staff. In response, IDPH partnered with UIC to develop standardized training modules - including six public health preparedness and nine infection prevention courses - and to evaluate these training modules and their effectiveness. The initiatives demonstrate that collaboration between government and educational institutions is essential for strengthening the public health workforce and preparing for the next pandemic, according to Dr. Paul Sambanis, director of UIC’s Emergency Response and Resilience Planning graduate program, and Dr. Ron Hershow, director and associate professor of epidemiology. Sambanis and Hershow are available to discuss the lessons learned after the COVID-19 pandemic response and the ongoing work. 

Contact: Francesca Sacco  |  412-952-6806

While the U.S. Department of Education faces an uncertain future, significant changes are expected even if an executive order is not issued. Benjamin Superfine, professor of educational policy studies at UIC, conducts research on educational law and policy issues in areas such as school finance reform, standards-based reform and accountability, teacher evaluation, and collective bargaining. Superfine, who is also senior director of the University of Illinois System’s Institute of Government and Public Affairs, can provide perspective on the range of services the department offers and the potential impact of any announced changes.

Contact: Brian Flood  | 312-835-5432

A biomarker discovered by a UIC researcher could enable a simple blood test to help clinicians assess depression severity in their patients. A new paper reports that levels of the biomarker can distinguish between people with mild symptoms of depression and people diagnosed with depression who are currently asymptomatic. The test could help clinicians determine if a treatment is working or should be changed, says lead researcher Mark Rasenick, distinguished professor of physiology and psychiatry at UIC.

Contact: Scott Goldberg  |  224-539-7733

March 20  |  Free  |  Email: ebury@uic.edu

The Urban Transportation Center at the UIC College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs will host an online presentation on an initiative underway to redevelop Chicago’s iconic Union Station. The featured speaker is Rick Harnish, executive director of the High Speed Rail Alliance. Noon-1 p.m. Online advance registration required.

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