Home About News Modeling the Benefits of Masks and Social Distancing Modeling the Benefits of Masks and Social Distancing Rackham researcher April Nellis and a team of U-M colleagues found taking personal precautions is one of the best ways to reduce the harm of COVID-19 to communities and livelihoods. July 29, 2020 | Rackham Graduate School Categories: COVID-19 Student Spotlights As researchers look for new tools to help public health officials understand and combat COVID-19, a team of U-M scientists found that some of the smallest actions have some of the biggest impacts, according to a new article. Rackham student April Nellis was part of a team from the U-M Department of Mathematics that developed a mathematical model designed to show how various lockdown levels affect the mortality rate of COVID-19, as well as the economy. According to their results, taking personal safety precautions, specifically wearing masks and practicing social distancing, reduced the infection rate and, therefore, the duration of a lockdown—leading to both a much lower mortality rate and limited economic losses. The model also predicts that the United States may achieve herd immunity before a vaccine can be developed, though Nellis states that does not diminish the importance of a vaccine—as an individual’s immunity fades over time, a vaccine can help ensure long-term protection from the disease. “There are some personal behaviors that affect the transmission of the virus,” Nellis says. “If you combine a lockdown with people being more careful—all these things help with slowing the spread of the virus, which means our lockdowns can be shorter.” Read the full story at the University Record. Tags: COVID-19 Graduate Students student spotlight Mathematics
Open Mike: A Statement from Dean Solomon on the WilmerHale Report July 31, 2020 | Rackham Graduate School The dean expresses his reaction and shares resources following the release of the report on the Martin Philbert investigation. News
Rethinking Research August 4, 2020 | Rackham Graduate School In June, the university announced it would begin ramping up research after a four-month pause caused by COVID-19. Graduate students share their experiences, concerns, and insights as they return to their labs and studios. COVID-19 Student Spotlights