Episode 51 - Tina Simpkin, Meteorologist
Sciographies Podcast
In this episode of Sciographies, we chat with Tina Simpkin, a two-time Dal alum in physics and meteorology. Now a familiar voice across Nova Scotia as a meteorologist with CBC, Tina shares her journey from growing up in Spryfield to forecasting the province’s ever-changing weather. She reflects on the influence of her grandparents, her adventures chasing storms, what drew her back to Halifax, and what continues to inspire her work today.
info_outline
Episode 50 - Dr. Leanne Stevens, Associate Dean - Academic
Sciographies Podcast
In this episode of Sciographies, we chat with Dr. Leanne Stevens (MSc’09, PhD’13), educator, university teaching fellow in Dalhousie’s Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, and Associate Dean, Academic in the Faculty of Science. Dr. Stevens shares her journey from growing up in Springhill, Nova Scotia, to becoming a leader in science education. She also reflects on the moment she discovered her passion for neuroscience, the role mentorship played in shaping her path, and how her experiences as a student led her toward teaching and leadership. She also discusses...
info_outline
Episode 49 - Maxine Westhead, Marine Biologist
Sciographies Podcast
In this episode of Sciographies, we talk to Maxine Westhead — marine biologist, educator, marine spatial planner, and director of Dalhousie’s Marine Affairs Program (MAP). After 25 years with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Westhead is now leading the growth of MAP and developing a new program in fisheries science. Westhead also shares insights on marine protected areas like “The Gully” and reflects on how her early years in the GTA and a lifelong commitment to health and fitness have shaped her career in science.
info_outline
Episode 48 - Dr. Simon Gadbois, Canid Specialist
Sciographies Podcast
In this episode of Sciographies, we talk with Dr. Simon Gadbois (PhD’02), a canid specialist and professor in Dalhousie’s Department of Psychology and Neuroscience. Gadbois reflects on his journey from graduate student at Dalhousie to professor, and shares insights from his long-standing research on coyotes in Cape Breton. He also offers a glimpse inside his Wildlife Ethology and Canine Olfaction Lab, along with practical advice for pet owners and what lies ahead in his career at Dal. Dr. Gadbois’ Wildlife Ethology and Canine Olfaction Lab:
info_outline
Episode 47 - Dr. Sarah Chisholm, Mathematician
Sciographies Podcast
In this episode of Sciographies, we talk with Dr. Sarah Chisholm (BSc'06), educator, mathematician and current Chair of Dalhousie’s Department of Mathematics and Statistics. Dr. Chisholm reflects on growing in Sackville Nova Scotia and how an early love of math shaped a very bright future, including teaching at Harvard’s Department of Mathematics. Her love for the classroom, combined with her unique way of making math accessible earned her a 2025 Early Career Faculty Award of Teaching Excellence from Dalhousie University.
info_outline
Episode 46 - Dina Rogers, Biochemist
Sciographies Podcast
In this episode of Sciographies, we talk to Dina Rogers (BSc’23), a PhD candidate and biochemist at Dalhousie University. Rogers shares how a childhood split between cultures, years as a competitive swimmer, and an unexpected love of biochemistry shaped her journey as a scientist. From Halifax to the southern tip of Greece, Dina’s path has been anything but linear. Today, she’s exploring innovative ways to tackle plastic waste—combining “sticky” mushroom proteins with plastic-eating bacteria to imagine more sustainable recycling solutions.
info_outline
Episode 45 - Dr. Rob Lennox, Scientific Director of Ocean Tracking Network
Sciographies Podcast
In this episode of Sciographies, we talk to Dr. Rob Lennox, scientific director of the Ocean Tracking Network in Halifax, Nova Scotia. From childhood days exploring rivers and lakes to tracking Atlantic salmon on Norway, Lennox shares how curiosity and a bit of serendipity shaped his path into global aquatic research. Listeners will hear how cutting-edge tracking technology helps scientists understand fish migration, why hands-on experience matters for students, and how one pivotal university decision changed the course of his career. To learn more visit: oceantrackingnetwork.org
info_outline
Episode 44 - John Batt, Aquatron Manager
Sciographies Podcast
In this episode, John Batt recalls his early years of growing up on the water in Prince Edward Island and how it ignited a passion for marine life. Today, he and his team at the Aquatron are leading the animal care of many species including the endangered Atlantic Whitefish. He has also been instrumental in the care of the animals at the new the Beaty Centre for Marine Biodiversity, a first-of-its-kind ocean science centre in Halifax. To learn more visit: beatymarinecentre.ca
info_outline
Episode 43 - Karen Hudson, Educator
Sciographies Podcast
In this episode of Sciographies, we talk to Karen Hudson (MES'02), an educator and principal of Auburn Drive High School and founder of the Africentric Math Cohort in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. A Dalhousie alum and nationally recognized educator, Hudson has redefined education by integrating Afrocentric perspectives into the curriculum to inspire students of African ancestry to excel in advanced math and beyond. In this episode, Hudson shares her journey, insights on breaking down educational barriers, and her commitment to creating a more inclusive learning environment. ...
info_outline
Episode 42 - Dr. Shannon Johnson and Dr. Alissa Pencer, Psychologists
Sciographies Podcast
In this episode of Sciographies, we talk to Dr. Shannon Johnson and Dr. Alissa Pencer, psychologists and co-directors of the Dalhousie Centre for Psychological Health, a community-based clinic delivering vital psychological services to low-income Nova Scotians. With a shared commitment to making mental health care more accessible, Drs. Johnson and Pencer discuss their unique journeys in psychology—from Dr. Johnson’s pivot from engineering to the study of the brain, to Dr. Pencer’s early inspiration from her father’s psychology career in small-town Nova Scotia. Learn more...
info_outlineIn this episode, John Batt recalls his early years of growing up on the water in Prince Edward
Island and how it ignited a passion for marine life. Today, he and his team at the Aquatron are
leading the animal care of many species including the endangered Atlantic Whitefish. He has
also been instrumental in the care of the animals at the new the Beaty Centre for Marine
Biodiversity, a first-of-its-kind ocean science centre in Halifax.
To learn more visit: beatymarinecentre.ca