EXPERTS ADVISORY

ANN ARBOR—President Barack Obama travels to Mexico this week for a North American summit that the White House says will focus on economic competitiveness, entrepreneurship, citizen security, trade and investment.

The following University of Michigan professors can discuss Obama’s trip:

Melvyn Levitsky, professor of international policy and practice at the Ford School of Public Policy, can discuss the drug trade and violence that has afflicted Mexico. Before his academic career, Levitsky worked as a U.S. diplomat for 35 years and served as assistant secretary of state for international narcotics matters. He also served on the International Narcotics Control Board, an independent body of experts headquartered in Vienna and responsible for monitoring and promoting standards of drug control established by international treaties. Contact: (734) 615-4262 or levitsky@umich.edu. Bio: http://fordschool.umich.edu/faculty/Melvyn_Levitsky

Jason De Leon, assistant professor of anthropology, can discuss the lives of illegal immigrants crossing the U.S.-Mexican border. He works in the Sonoran Desert, uncovering the stories behind the thousands of items—shoes, backpacks, photos, food wrappers—discarded by migrants. Contact: (814) 769-3706 or jpdeleon@umich.edu. Bio: www.lsa.umich.edu/anthro/people/faculty/ci.delenjason_ci.detail

Sherrie Kossoudji is an associate professor of social work and adjunct associate professor of economics. She has written numerous articles on the legal status of immigrant workers in the U.S. and the incentives to cross the border illegally. Kossoudji has also written on wealth disparities for immigrants. Contact: (734) 763-6320 or kossoudj@umich.edu. Bio: http://ssw.umich.edu/faculty/profiles/global/kossoudj

Michael Heaney, assistant professor of organizational studies and political science, can talk about the political importance of the trip for Obama’s administration. His research focuses on the role of intermediary institutions—especially interest groups, political parties, social movements—in shaping the political process and policy outcomes. Contact: (202) 236-3369 or mheaney@umich.edu. Bio: http://sites.lsa.umich.edu/mheaney/

Broadcasters: U-M has a professional studio and uplink capabilities.