About:
Pandemic Perspectives is a project initiated by Dr. Marsha Richmond, with Allie Penn serving as Project Coordinator, as a response to the current global Covid-19 pandemic. Faculty and students (from History & other departments) were invited to create presentations, videos, or podcasts to provide historical perspective for various epidemics and pandemics throughout history. The case studies examine outbreaks ranging from the ancient world to the present, including: two plagues in the Greco-Roman world, smallpox and other epidemics among indigenous people in North America, African Americans and the 1793 yellow fever Philadelphia epidemic, the 1918-1919 Spanish influenza, and the HIV-AIDS epidemic. Each presentation evaluates the science behind particular microbes and illnesses, and illuminates the historical context, the impact on society, parallels to Covid-19, while providing additional resources for further study.

If you are interested in contributing to the project, please contact either Allie Penn, ga0181@wayne.edu, or Dr. Marsha Richmond, marsha.richmond@wayne.edu.

Contributors:
Thomas Anderson, PhD, Wayne State University
Steffi Hartwell, PhD, Wayne State University
Hans Hummer, PhD, Wayne State University
Joe Harris Lunn, PhD, University of Michigan Dearborn
Karen Marrero, PhD,Wayne State University
Allie Penn, PhD student, Wayne State University
Marsha Richmond, PhD, Wayne State University
Aimee Shulman, MA student, Wayne State University
Sarah Tropper, MA student, Wayne State University
Kidada Williams, PhD, Wayne State University