Libsyn Directory

Monica Liu : A Chinese Dating Agency

Professor Podcast in the Library with a Microphone

Monica Liu, Associate Professor of Sociology in the Department of Justice & Society Studies, discusses how her experience working at a Chinese dating agency influenced her research on the social and economic factors that lead some women to seek marriage with Western men.

Shannon Scott : Horror Movies

Professor Podcast in the Library with a Microphone

This week, Shannon Scott explores how horror movies serve as both thrilling entertainment and a way to release pent-up individual fears and emotions. She also examines how the genre can be used to address complex societal issues. Additionally, Dr. Scott draws connections between modern horror films and the folk tales and fairy tales of centuries past.

Ali Ling : Forever Chemicals

Professor Podcast in the Library with a Microphone

Dr. Ali Ling discusses per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of human-made chemicals commonly known as "forever chemicals" due to their resistance to breaking down in the environment. These substances are found in a wide range of everyday products, including textiles, building materials, carpets, flooring, electronics, paper products, children's toys, cosmetics, and more. Because PFAS are so widespread and persist indefinitely, they pose long-term environmental risks, even though their toxicities vary. While there is a lot of research into the treatment of PFAS...

Alexis Easley : Fanny Kemble

Professor Podcast in the Library with a Microphone

his week, Sarah interviews Alexis Easley, Chair of English and Communications Studies, about the remarkable life of Fanny Kemble—a Victorian actress, author, abolitionist, and iconoclast. Although largely forgotten today, Fanny Kemble was a groundbreaking figure who achieved international celebrity in both England and the United States, making her one of the first to gain such widespread recognition. Dr. Easley draws a parallel between Kemble's ability to skillfully navigate and influence the media of her time and the way modern influencers build their careers on social media platforms...

Bernard Armada : Improv in the University

Professor Podcast in the Library with a Microphone

This week, Sarah spoke with Dr. Bernard Armada, a Communication Studies professor, about how taking an improv class at a comedy club transformed his life and shaped his teaching philosophy. Dr. Armada explained that while games like Zip Zap Zop might seem silly in academic or professional settings, improv is a deeply collaborative art form that helps build stronger connections between people. By using theatrical techniques in everyday contexts, improv encourages openness, empathy, and trust – essential skills for enhancing both personal and professional relationships.

Afshan Ismat : Cell Movement

Professor Podcast in the Library with a Microphone

This week, Sarah Brings interviews Dr. Ifshan Ismat, Chair and Associate Professor of the Biology Department, about her research on how the extracellular environment affects cell movement.Dr. Ismat explains that during embryonic development, cells must migrate from their origin to specific destinations for organs to form correctly. Her lab uses fruit flies as a model system, where she and her students modify genes and analyze the results to understand this process better. Dr. Ismat also highlights the challenges involved in publishing research in scientific journals, and stresses the...

Buffy Smith : Culturally Affirming Learning Environments in College

Professor Podcast in the Library with a Microphone

This week, Sarah Brings welcomes Dr. Buffy Smith, the Dean of Dougherty Family College. Dr. Smith discusses how her personal background and education have shaped her research, which focuses on making higher education more accessible—especially for first-generation students and those from under-resourced communities. As a nationally recognized expert in mentoring, access, retention, equity, and diversity in higher education, Dr. Smith has developed strategies that influence both policy and practice. Her research directly informed the educational model at Dougherty Family College. Through...

Ted Ulrich : Hindu and Christian Thought

Professor Podcast in the Library with a Microphone

Susan Marsnik : The Intersection of Catholic Social Teaching and Social Justice

Professor Podcast in the Library with a Microphone

Manjeet Rege : The Data that Fuels AI Models

Professor Podcast in the Library with a Microphone

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