Fourth season of EMU Today TV launches with an in-depth look at Eastern Michigan University’s response to COVID-19

Segment includes interview with University President James Smith and an inside view of Eastern’s wastewater testing process to identify prevalence of COVID-19

Screen shot showing Mark Lee and President Smith in a virtual interview on EMU Today TV.

YPSILANTI  --  --  Eastern Michigan University's fourth season of EMU Today TV will appear on Xfinity On Demand and on the University’s YouTube channel beginning Thursday, Nov. 5, 2020.

The first episode of the fourth season features an in-depth look at the University’s response to COVID-19. Guests include University President James Smith and Professor Chris Gellasch, a geologist with a focus on groundwater and water quality.


Dr. Gellasch is an associate professor of Hydrogeology, Hydrology and Environmental Science. He served previously as a U.S. Army Environmental Science and Engineering Officer, and received his undergraduate degree at Eastern Michigan University. He is actively involved in the University’s wastewater testing process to identify the prevalence of COVID-19 in University residence halls.

In its fourth season, EMU Today TV features positive programs, events and initiatives at Eastern, and provides opportunities for viewers to learn more from University deans, faculty, students and administrators about activities at the University.

Mark S. Lee, host of CBS Radio’s Small Talk with Mark S. Lee, is the host of the special edition of EMU Today TV. Lee is an Eastern Michigan University alumnus, and part time lecturer of Marketing at Eastern. He is an entrepreneur, Crain's Detroit blogger and frequent contributor to various Detroit-area media outlets on business topics.

In addition to viewing on the University's YouTube channel, the program airs on the following days/times through the month on Xfinity On Demand, beginning Thursday, Nov. 5:

  • Thursdays @ 8:30 pm (Premier Day)
  • Saturdays @ 8:00 am
  • Sundays @ 10:30 am
  • Tuesdays @ 9:30 am
  • Wednesdays @ 4:00 pm

Xfinity customers can access the program by the following: Using their remote press Xfinity>On Demand>XFINITY Services>Get Local.

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves nearly 16,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and, its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.

November 05, 2020

Written by:
Walter Kraft

Media Contact:
Geoff Larcom
glarcom@emich.edu
734-487-4400