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IN-PERSON: The Elderwise classroom, 2275 Platt Road
Sex and gender determination in humans is more complicated than "Y-chromosome = male." In this class, we will learn how human biological sex is determined during early development and puberty. We will also discuss how gender differs from biological sex, and how biology and society interact to impact gender identity and expression. We will learn what people mean by 'transgender,' 'non-binary,' 'genderqueer,' and similar terms. Julie Reinhardt has been a professor of biology at Eastern Michigan University for more than 25 years. She is a specialist in ichthyology, and teaches classes on zoology, ecology, and environmental science. In addition to the United States, Professor Reinhardt has lived, worked, and studied in Germany, Ecuador, Japan, and Canada.

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Fee: $20.00
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Instructor(s): Julie Reinhardt
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Dates: 3/24/2026 - 3/24/2026
Times: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
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Sessions: 1
Days: Tu
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Building: 2275 Platt Road
Room: Classroom
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IN-PERSON: The Elderwise classroom, 2275 Platt Road
We all know that using our phones and computers can come with risks. We have thieving scammers and hackers to thank for this. So how do we protect our data while using our devices for everyday tasks? In this session, Jim Keen will discuss the three biggest topics in keeping our information and wallet safe: Passwords, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), and Payment Apps. While there are a lot of opinions on the internet about what we should or shouldn’t do, Jim will help cut through the clutter so we can enjoy using our computers and phones more securely. Jim Keen holds a B.A. in communications and an M.A. in educational studies from the University of Michigan. He currently owns and operates Keen Focus Technology Tutoring. Jim is dedicated to not only solving problems but also striving to teach people how to fix them on their own! He uses his educational technology skills in the classroom and in the homes of his clients to help them use their technology.

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Fee: $20.00
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Instructor(s): Jim Keen
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Dates: 4/22/2026 - 4/22/2026
Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Sessions: 1
Days: W
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Building: 2275 Platt Road
Room: Classroom
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IN-PERSON: The Elderwise classroom, 2275 Platt Road
Vaccines are some of our most powerful tools to prevent illness, but recommendations about which vaccines to get and how, often change frequently and can be confusing. In this class, Dr. Emily Stoneman will provide updated information on which vaccines are recommended based on age and other risk factors. You will learn about the latest guidance from medical professional organizations, as well as reliable resources for keeping up to date with vaccine recommendations. We will also discuss how to access vaccines in the community. Emily Stoneman is an Associate Professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Michigan. Her research focuses on immunity to respiratory viral viruses including COVID 19 and influenza.

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Fee: $20.00
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Instructor(s): Emily Stoneman
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Dates: 4/28/2026 - 4/28/2026
Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Sessions: 1
Days: Tu
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Building: 2275 Platt Road
Room: Classroom
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ONLINE: A Zoom invitation link will be sent one day before class begins.
Developmental plasticity, or the ability of organisms to modify their growth or form in response to their environment, is a fundamental engine of biological diversity. This talk introduces the concept of plasticity and explores how flexible development allows organisms to meet the challenges of changing conditions. Thomas will focus on the water-to-land transition of vertebrates, a pivotal moment in evolution when early four-legged animals faced new mechanical and sensory demands. By examining how bones sense and respond to forces during growth, we can understand how plasticity shapes anatomy in real time, including in humans, and how similar processes may have influenced major evolutionary transitions. Thomas Stewart is an evolutionary and developmental biologist whose research focuses on major transitions in vertebrate evolution. He holds an undergraduate degree from Syracuse University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago in Integrative Biology. After graduating, he worked as a postdoctoral researcher at Yale University and at the University of Chicago. Tom is currently an Assistant Professor at Pennsylvania State University.

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Fee: $20.00
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Instructor(s): Thomas Stewart
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Dates: 5/8/2026 - 5/8/2026
Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Sessions: 1
Days: F
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Building: Online Course
Room: Online via Zoom
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IN-PERSON: The Elderwise classroom, 2275 Platt Road
This Connected Vehicles class looks at how the idea of cars “talking” to each other and the world around them has grown from early research projects into real systems on today’s roads. We will explore how these technologies aim to prevent crashes, ease traffic, and make travel more efficient for everyone. We will learn about current uses already in the field – like signal priority for buses, work-zone warnings, pedestrian alerts, and speed guidance on tricky curves. We will also look at the evolution of connected vehicle and infrastructure technologies. Looking ahead, we will consider future ideas such as vehicles coordinating their movements, smarter routing, and improved safety insights. We will not ignore the hurdles – slow industry adoption, funding gaps, privacy concerns, and the challenge of setting common standards. By the end of the class, we will have a clear picture of both the promise and the practical challenges of connected vehicle technology. The class is presented by staff from the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI): Debra Bezzina is the Managing Director for the Ann Arbor Connected Environment. Her career spans academia and industry, which has led to significant advancements to the field of transportation, particularly in connected and automated vehicle (CAV) technologies. She holds degrees in electrical engineering and business administration, along with a program management certification. Zachary Jerome is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at UMTRI, and is Co-founder and CEO of Connected Traffic Intelligence (CTI). He earned his Ph.D. in 2025 from the University of Michigan, where he conducted his research in Dr. Henry Liu’s Mobility Transformation Lab (MTL). Andrew Donaldson is the Lead Research Engineer for the Ann Arbor Connected Environment, guiding two major federal initiatives: the Smart Intersections Project and AACE 2.0. Andrew is known for building strong, diverse teams and driving innovation from concept through delivery. A hands-on leader with deep technical insight, he brings a rare mix of big-picture vision and detail-driven execution. Simply put, he gets things done.

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Fee: $20.00
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Instructor(s): Debra Bezzina
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Dates: 5/27/2026 - 5/27/2026
Times: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
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Sessions: 1
Days: W
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Building: 2275 Platt Road
Room: Classroom
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