Public Policy Studies is committed to introducing students, faculty, and community members to subject-matter experts with unique insight into the year’s topic. The theme of the 2023-2024 programming is “Violence in America.” We will host two panels during the spring semester - the first of which will address the root causes of violence, while the second will explore potential government response strategies. We will also be joined by several other guests with expertise in data science, neurology, and medicine. Ultimately, the speaker series will shed light onto the darkest corners of human behavior and guide students toward the most effective policy solutions.
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Jerome Adams
As the former Surgeon General of the United States, Dr. Adams strives to minimize violence in order to promote public health and safety. Dr. Adams will discuss the role of mental health concerns and sociocultural factors in violent behavior, as well as effective prevention and treatment strategies he has observed throughout his career.
Event Details:
April 8, 2024
4:00 - 5:00
Tarble Room, Brown Hall
Dr. Doug Fields
Dr. Fields is an Emeritus Scientist at the National Institutes of Health. In his book titled Why We Snap, he explores the neural and evolutionary forces that underpin violent behavior. In addition to moderating the first panel discussion, Dr. Fields will also host a presentation for those interested in learning more about how and why the human brain might resort to violence.
Event Details:
February 13, 2024
4:00 - 5:00
Lillard 044
Panel I: Root Causes of Violence
Why do we snap - is it nature, nurture, or a little of both?
Event Details
- Tuesday, February 13
- 11:30 - 12:45
- Tarble Room, Brown Hall
- Moderated by Dr. Doug Fields
Event details and panel members
Panel I Members
Dr. Doug Fields
Emeritus Scientist at the National Institutes of Health, Chief of the Nervous System Development and Plasticity Section at the National Institutes of Health (NICHD)
Dr. Pete Myers
Director of Group and Therapeutic Services at Yellowbrick Consultation and Treatment Center
Panel II: Community Responses to Violence
What does the government have the power to do when someone threatens the social order? What should it do?
Event Details
- Tuesday, March 19
- 11:30 - 12:45
- Tarble Room, Brown Hall
- Moderated by Jason Palmer
Event details and panel members
Panel II Members
State Rep. Joyce Mason
IL State Representative, Board of Directors for A Safe Place / Lake County Crisis Center, Vice President of the Woodland District 50 Board of Education
Marvin Lindsey
CEO of Community Behavioral Healthcare Association of Illinois (CBHA), Mentor for the "We Are Men" program at the University of Illinois, Member of the Diversity Executive Leadership Program (DELP) at the American Society of Association Executives
