Dana Wittmer, Assistant Professor of Political Science, talks about winning a car on The Price is Right, human trafficking, CC students, being from Colorado, and Hillary Clinton.
Where are you from?
Colorado!
What was it like starting at Colorado College?
Fantastic. I feel very fortunate to be teaching at a college with such bright, curious, and kind students. Also, I have absolutely amazing colleagues. My students and my colleagues inspire me every single day.
What is Colorado Springs like as a young professional?
It is full of wonderful opportunities. Also, I love that it is so close to the mountains.
What do you plan to do with your $180,983 grant?
My coauthors and I will administer a survey to 2,000 respondents in Moldova and Ukraine. This survey will not only allow us to assess what the public currently knows about human trafficking, but also how to frame media messages so as to continue to reduce both the supply and demand for human trafficking.
Do you think human trafficking affects us in Colorado?
Yes. It affects every state in the United States. However, much of the time we don’t see it or we think that it is something else (like prostitution).
You’re doing a lot of global work addressing human trafficking. What can we do to get involved on a more local level?
Public awareness is vital, so one of the most important things that you can do is learn more about the issue and then talk about it with your friends and family. You can also join a local anti-trafficking organization (such as the Human Trafficking Task Force of Southern Colorado) and purchase products that are ethically made.
What’s your favorite quotation?
Hmm…it depends on the circumstance and my mood.
Do you think Hillary Clinton could be our next president?
Yes, and it would be very exciting see a woman as the President of the United States.
What is something about you that might surprise people?
When I was a freshman in college, I won a car on The Price is Right.
What is the theme song to your life?
It would probably be a song by Bob Dylan.
Brooks Fleet