Sciographies Podcast

Meet the people who make science happen. That’s the idea behind Sciographies, a podcast and radio show launched by the Faculty of Science at Dalhousie University in partnership with campus-community radio station CKDU 88.1 FM in Halifax, NS.

Episode 43 - Karen Hudson, Educator 11/14/2024

Episode 43 - Karen Hudson, Educator 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. -- Sciographies () is presented by Dalhousie’s Faculty of Science in partnership with campus community radio station CKDU 88.1FM in Halifax, Nova Scotia. /episode/index/show/9c33e22c-d9a6-450d-834b-b89dee5039bb/id/33924457

Episode 42 - Dr. Shannon Johnson and Dr. Alissa Pencer, Psychologists 11/07/2024

Episode 42 - Dr. Shannon Johnson and Dr. Alissa Pencer, Psychologists 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 about the collaborative efforts and dedication driving the Centre’s work, as well as Johnson and Pencer’s own research interests and future goals. Learn more about the Centre: -- Sciographies () is presented by Dalhousie’s Faculty of Science in partnership with campus community radio station CKDU 88.1FM in Halifax, Nova Scotia. /episode/index/show/9c33e22c-d9a6-450d-834b-b89dee5039bb/id/33824552

Episode 41 - Dr. Alex Veinot, Chemist 10/31/2024

Episode 41 - Dr. Alex Veinot, Chemist In this episode of , we talk to Dr. Alex Veinot—chemist, Vanier Scholar, and assistant professor at Dalhousie University. Growing up in Middleton, Nova Scotia, Dr. Veinot developed a love for hands-on learning, exploring how things worked in his dad’s workshop. An eye-opening conversation with his uncle about law enforcement vests sparked his passion for chemistry, setting him on a path toward an inspiring academic career. As a member of the Glooscap First Nation, Dr. Veinot shares his commitment to increasing Indigenous representation in the sciences and creating a future where diverse perspectives fuel innovation and discovery. Sciographies () is presented by Dalhousie’s Faculty of Science in partnership with campus community radio station CKDU 88.1FM in Halifax, Nova Scotia. /episode/index/show/9c33e22c-d9a6-450d-834b-b89dee5039bb/id/33696337

Episode 40 - Dr. Sian Kou-Giesbrecht, Biogeochemist 10/24/2024

Episode 40 - Dr. Sian Kou-Giesbrecht, Biogeochemist In this episode of Sciographies, we talk to Dr. Sian Kou-Giesbrecht, a biogeochemist and assistant professor at Dalhousie University. She reflects on how her early experiences growing up in a science-focused family in Waterloo, Ontario, shaped her passion for ecology and environmental science. Dr. Kou-Giesbrecht discusses her research on nitrogen cycling in terrestrial ecosystems and its impact on Earth System Models, as well as her lifelong commitment to addressing climate change. She also emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in science, calling for more inclusive spaces to support underrepresented voices in the field. Visit Dr. Sian Kou-Giesbrecht lab: -- Sciographies () is presented by Dalhousie’s Faculty of Science in partnership with campus community radio station CKDU 88.1FM in Halifax, Nova Scotia. /episode/index/show/9c33e22c-d9a6-450d-834b-b89dee5039bb/id/33593007

Episode 39 - Dr. Michael Metzger and Dr. Chongyin Yang, Physicists 10/17/2024

Episode 39 - Dr. Michael Metzger and Dr. Chongyin Yang, Physicists In this episode of Sciographies, we talk to Dr. Michael Metzger and Dr. Chongyin Yang, two physicists at Dalhousie University leading advancements in battery research. Dr. Metzger details his journey from studying physics in Germany to becoming a trailblazer in lithium-ion battery technology, while Dr. Yang shares his academic path from China to his current role as Tesla's Research Chair at Dalhousie. Together, they delve into their pioneering work aimed at improving battery longevity and safety, addressing the challenges and innovations shaping the future of electric vehicles. Visit Dr. Metzger’s research lab: Visit Dr. Yang’s research lab: -- Sciographies () is presented by Dalhousie’s Faculty of Science in partnership with campus community radio station CKDU 88.1FM in Halifax, Nova Scotia. /episode/index/show/9c33e22c-d9a6-450d-834b-b89dee5039bb/id/33494452

Episode 38 - Dr. Saurabh Chitnis, Synthetic Chemist 10/10/2024

Episode 38 - Dr. Saurabh Chitnis, Synthetic Chemist In this episode, we talk to Dr. Saurabh Chitnis, a synthetic chemist at Dalhousie University. Dr. Chitnis reflects on his upbringing in Libya, India, and Canada, offering insights into his early fascination with the creative nature of chemistry. We delve into how fundamental principles, such as relativity, influence the color of metals like gold and contribute to molecular stability. We also explore his passion for cooking and his global journey in search of Indian cuisine. Visit Dr. Chitnis' research lab: -- Sciographies () is presented by Dalhousie's Faculty of Science in partnership with campus-community radio station CKDU 88.1FM in Halifax, Nova Scotia. /episode/index/show/9c33e22c-d9a6-450d-834b-b89dee5039bb/id/33400577

Episode 37 - Dr. Aaron MacNeil, Marine Biologist 10/03/2024

Episode 37 - Dr. Aaron MacNeil, Marine Biologist In this episode, we talk to Dr. Aaron MacNeil, a biologist and professor at Dalhousie University. Dr. MacNeil reflects on his formative experiences growing up in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, where summers spent at Rissers Beach ignited his early fascination with biology. He also shares how the mentorship of an influential high school biology teacher shaped his academic path, leading him to become a researcher in fisheries ecology. /episode/index/show/9c33e22c-d9a6-450d-834b-b89dee5039bb/id/33301277

Sciographies Season 6 Trailer 09/23/2024

Sciographies Season 6 Trailer Sciographies is back for season 6! This season, listeners can expect even more compelling conversations, with two double-feature episodes diving into subjects like electric vehicles, solutions to climate change, shark conservation, access to mental health and learning about innovative programs like the Africentric Math Cohort, which is paving the way for African Nova Scotians in STEM fields. Tune in now! /episode/index/show/9c33e22c-d9a6-450d-834b-b89dee5039bb/id/33168177

Episode 36 - Will Burt, Chemical Oceanographer 11/02/2023

Episode 36 - Will Burt, Chemical Oceanographer In this episode we talk to Will Burt, a chemical oceanographer and Dalhousie alum (PhD’15). Dr. Burt is the Chief Ocean Scientist at Planetary Technologies, a carbon dioxide removal company headquartered in Nova Scotia. The company partners with Dal researchers to study the efficacy and safety of ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE), a mitigation approach that harnesses the ocean’s natural ability to capture and store CO2 from the atmosphere. This special alumni episode, done in partnership with Dal’s Open Dialogue Live series, is the final episode of Sciographies’ fifth season. Host David Barclay interviews Dr. Burt about discovering a passion for oceanography, leaving a tenure-track position in academia to work in industry, and what it’s like to be on the frontlines fighting climate change. -- Visit the Planetary Technologies website: www.planetarytech.com Learn more about Open Dialogue Live: www.alumni.dal.ca/open-dialogue -- Sciographies (dal.ca/sciographies) is brought to you by Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Science and campus-community radio station CKDU 88.1 FM in Halifax, Nova Scotia. /episode/index/show/9c33e22c-d9a6-450d-834b-b89dee5039bb/id/32100927

Preview - Will Burt, Chemical Oceanographer 11/01/2023

Preview - Will Burt, Chemical Oceanographer Meet Dr. Will Burt, the Chief Ocean Scientist at Planetary Technologies and a Dalhousie alum (PhD'15, Oceanography). Full episode drops Thursday, November 2, 2023. /episode/index/show/9c33e22c-d9a6-450d-834b-b89dee5039bb/id/32100932

Episode 35 - Kevin Hewitt, Physicist 10/26/2023

Episode 35 - Kevin Hewitt, Physicist In this episode, we talk to Kevin Hewitt, a physicist. Dr. Hewitt is a professor and the Associate Dean, Equity and Inclusion in Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Science. His research involves designing optical diagnostic tools for disease detection. Outside of his scientific endeavours, he’s passionate about increasing the representation of Black professionals in STEM fields. He was a graduate student when his commitment to this work began with the earliest vision of Imhotep’s Legacy Academy, which is now a province-wide community partnership that helps to improve student success for youth of African heritage in Nova Scotia. The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada has also named him an inaugural Atlantic-region co-chair for Inclusion in Science & Engineering. Dr. Hewitt talks to us about immigrating to Canada, his mother’s influence on his success, and pursuing research related to health outcomes for African Canadians. -- Learn about Imhotep’s Legacy Academy: www.imhotep.ca -- Sciographies is brought to you by Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Science and campus-community radio station CKDU 88.1 FM in Halifax, Nova Scotia. www.dal.ca/sciographies /episode/index/show/9c33e22c-d9a6-450d-834b-b89dee5039bb/id/32100937

Preview - Kevin Hewitt, Physicist 10/25/2023

Preview - Kevin Hewitt, Physicist Meet Dr. Kevin Hewitt, a physicist at Dalhousie University. Full episode drops Thursday, October 26, 2023. /episode/index/show/9c33e22c-d9a6-450d-834b-b89dee5039bb/id/32100942

Episode 34 - Michael Freund, Materials Scientist 10/19/2023

Episode 34 - Michael Freund, Materials Scientist In this episode, we talk to Dr. Michael Freund, a materials scientist. Dr. Freund is a professor and the Harry Shirreff Chair of Chemical Research at Dalhousie University. He uses his training in analytical chemistry to do research that informs the design of sensors, electrical devices, and energy storage technologies. He’s also the Director of Dalhousie’s Clean Technologies Research Institute, where he facilitates the resources and funding needed to conduct studies that can help build a more sustainable future. Dr. Freund talks to us about designing sensor arrays that work with machine learning to mimic the brain’s olfactory system, the collaboration between fields to develop new materials, and more. -- Learn about the Clean Technologies Research Institute: dal.ca/ctri Visit the Freund Group’s website: www.solar.chem.dal.ca -- Sciographies (dal.ca/sciographies) is brought to you by Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Science and campus-community radio station CKDU 88.1 FM in Halifax, Nova Scotia. /episode/index/show/9c33e22c-d9a6-450d-834b-b89dee5039bb/id/32100952

Preview - Michael Freund, Materials Scientist 10/18/2023

Preview - Michael Freund, Materials Scientist Meet Dr. Michael Freund, a materials scientist at Dalhousie University. Full episode drops Thursday, October 19, 2023. /episode/index/show/9c33e22c-d9a6-450d-834b-b89dee5039bb/id/32100957

Episode 33 - Erin Bertrand, Marine Biogeochemist 10/12/2023

Episode 33 - Erin Bertrand, Marine Biogeochemist In this episode, we talk to Dr. Erin Bertrand, a marine biogeochemist. Dr. Bertrand is an associate professor at Dalhousie University and her research examines the relationship between marine microbes and ocean metabolism. To do this, she travels to challenging environments like the Antarctic to collect samples of ocean water. She’s also a Canadian ambassador for the BioGeoSCAPES project, an international scientific effort to map marine microbes all over the world. If successful, this tool will plot microbial activity into ecosystem modelling technologies for the first time, leading to a more dynamic understanding of the ocean’s role in global climate patterns and marine-based food supply. Dr. Bertrand talks to us about pivoting from liberal arts to natural sciences, the challenging fieldwork she conducts in Antarctica, and her commitment to creating an inclusive lab environment for her students. -- Learn more about Dr. Bertrand's research: https://erinbertrand.wixsite.com/bertrandlab Learn more about BiogeoSCAPES: https://biogeoscapes.org -- Sciographies (dal.ca/sciographies) is brought to you by Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Science and campus-community radio station CKDU 88.1 FM in Halifax, Nova Scotia. /episode/index/show/9c33e22c-d9a6-450d-834b-b89dee5039bb/id/32100962

Preview - Erin Bertrand, Marine Biogeochemist 10/11/2023

Preview - Erin Bertrand, Marine Biogeochemist Meet Erin Bertrand, a marine biogeochemist at Dalhousie University. Full episode drops Thursday, October 12. /episode/index/show/9c33e22c-d9a6-450d-834b-b89dee5039bb/id/32100967

Episode 32 - Aaron Newman, Cognitive Neuroscientist 10/05/2023

Episode 32 - Aaron Newman, Cognitive Neuroscientist In this episode, we talk to Dr. Aaron Newman, a cognitive neuroscientist. Dr. Newman developed an early curiosity for computers in the ’80s. While at university, he found a way to combine his interest in technology with his studies in psychology and carved a path for himself in the field of cognitive neuroscience. Today Dr. Newman is a professor and department chair at Dalhousie University. He uses technologies like functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in his research to understand how different language experiences shape the brain. He’s also the director of Nova Scotia’s SURGE Innovation Sandbox, a place for STEM students to explore technology, design thinking, collaboration, problem-solving and more. Dr. Newman talks to us about how he got started, his experience studying how the brain processes sign language, how he emphasizes innovative thinking when he’s training students, and more. -- Visit Dr. Newman's laboratory website: https://www.ncilab.ca/ Learn more about the SURGE Innovation Sandbox: https://www.surgeinnovation.ca/ -- Sciographies is brought to you by Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Science and campus-community radio station CKDU 88.1 FM in Halifax, Nova Scotia. dal.ca/sciographies /episode/index/show/9c33e22c-d9a6-450d-834b-b89dee5039bb/id/32100972

Preview - Aaron Newman, Cognitive Neuroscientist 10/04/2023

Preview - Aaron Newman, Cognitive Neuroscientist Meet Dr. Aaron Newman, a cognitive neuroscientist at Dalhousie University. Full episode drops Thursday, October 5, 2023. /episode/index/show/9c33e22c-d9a6-450d-834b-b89dee5039bb/id/32100977

Episode 31 - Melanie Zurba, Social Scientist 09/28/2023

Episode 31 - Melanie Zurba, Social Scientist In this episode, we talk to Dr. Melanie Zurba, a social scientist and associate professor at Dalhousie University. Her research in environmental governance explores how to design resource management studies that best support a community partner’s aspirations. Dr. Zurba also taps into her creative side to use art as an engagement tool. Her work bridges the gaps between natural sciences, social sciences, the arts, and equity-deserving knowledge systems. Dr. Zurba talks to us about doing “research about research,” leveraging the power of art, and what collaboration between researchers and Indigenous partners can look like. -- Sciographies is brought to you by Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Science and campus-community radio station CKDU 88.1 FM in Halifax, Nova Scotia. /episode/index/show/9c33e22c-d9a6-450d-834b-b89dee5039bb/id/32100982

Preview - Melanie Zurba, Social Scientist 09/27/2023

Preview - Melanie Zurba, Social Scientist Meet Dr. Melanie Zurba, a social scientist at Dalhousie University. Full episode drops Thursday, September 28, 2023. /episode/index/show/9c33e22c-d9a6-450d-834b-b89dee5039bb/id/32100987

Episode 30 - Shannon Sterling, Environmental Scientist 09/21/2023

Episode 30 - Shannon Sterling, Environmental Scientist Dr. Sterling is an associate professor at Dalhousie University. When she’s not teaching her students about the science behind climate change, she’s leading the charge as Chief Scientific Officer at CarbonRun, the carbon-dioxide removal startup she founded in 2022. By increasing the alkalinity of rivers, CarbonRun technology captures carbon from the atmosphere while restoring acidified river habitats at the same time. Dr. Sterling talks to us about growing up in North Vancouver, her research career, grappling with the idea of geoengineering as a necessity in the fight against climate change, and founding her company. Learn more about CarbonRun at https://carbonrun.io/ -- Sciographies is brought to you by Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Science and campus-community radio station CKDU 88.1 FM in Halifax, Nova Scotia. dal.ca/sciographies /episode/index/show/9c33e22c-d9a6-450d-834b-b89dee5039bb/id/32100992

Preview - Shannon Sterling, Environmental Scientist 09/20/2023

Preview - Shannon Sterling, Environmental Scientist Meet Dr. Shannon Sterling, an environmental scientist, startup founder, and associate professor at Dalhousie University. Full episode drops Thursday, September 21, 2023. /episode/index/show/9c33e22c-d9a6-450d-834b-b89dee5039bb/id/32100997

Episode 29 - Chuck Macdonald, Inorganic Chemist 09/14/2023

Episode 29 - Chuck Macdonald, Inorganic Chemist In this episode, we talk to Dr. Chuck Macdonald, an inorganic chemist. Dr. Macdonald attended Dalhousie University for both his undergraduate degree and his PhD studies. Years later, he returned to his alma mater to take position as the Dean of Science. As Dean, Dr. Macdonald is leading the charge to enhance science programming and facilities — all while working to improve equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility within the Dal Science community. Dr. Macdonald talks to us about growing up in Halifax, Nova Scotia, his experience specializing in inorganic chemistry, and the big-picture projects he tackles as a university administrator. -- Sciographies is brought to you by Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Science and campus-community radio station CKDU 88.1 FM in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Visit dal.ca/sciographies to learn more. /episode/index/show/9c33e22c-d9a6-450d-834b-b89dee5039bb/id/32101002

Preview - Chuck Macdonald, Inorganic Chemist 09/14/2023

Preview - Chuck Macdonald, Inorganic Chemist Meet Dr. Chuck Macdonald, an inorganic chemist and the Dean of Science at Dalhousie University. Full episode drops Thursday, September 14, 2023. /episode/index/show/9c33e22c-d9a6-450d-834b-b89dee5039bb/id/32101007

NEW ||| Season Five Trailer - Sciographies 09/07/2023

NEW ||| Season Five Trailer - Sciographies Season Five drops Thursday, September, 14 2023 and will feature a new episode each week until Thursday, November 2, 2023. /episode/index/show/9c33e22c-d9a6-450d-834b-b89dee5039bb/id/32101012

Episode 28 - Katja Fennel, Oceanographer 10/28/2021

Episode 28 - Katja Fennel, Oceanographer In this episode, we talk to Dr. Katja Fennel. She’s an oceanographer, Killam Professor, and chair of the Oceanography department here at Dal. Dr. Fennel’s research involves the development of physical-biogeochemical models, which are tools that can help us better understand and predict the state of the ocean as the climate changes. Dr. Fennel uses her education in mathematics to build these extremely complex predictive models with her team. They’re currently contributing to the biogeochemical expansion of the global Argo platform, BGC-Argo, and anticipate launching 40 autonomous vehicles in the coming years to collect the comprehensive data needed to inform these models. This episode covers Dr. Fennel’s experience growing up behind the Iron Curtain in East Germany, her path to oceanography, and the challenges involved in modelling dynamic ocean environments. -- Sciographies is brought to you by Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Science and campus-community radio station CKDU 88.1 FM in Halifax, Nova Scotia. /episode/index/show/9c33e22c-d9a6-450d-834b-b89dee5039bb/id/32101017

Preview - Katja Fennel, Oceanographer 10/27/2021

Preview - Katja Fennel, Oceanographer Meet Dr. Katja Fennel, an oceanographer, Killam Professor, and chair of the Department of Oceanography at Dalhousie University. Full episode drops Thursday, October 28, 2021. /episode/index/show/9c33e22c-d9a6-450d-834b-b89dee5039bb/id/32101022

Episode 27 - Sherry Stewart, Clinical Psychologist 10/21/2021

Episode 27 - Sherry Stewart, Clinical Psychologist In this episode, we talk to Dr. Sherry Stewart. She’s a clinical psychologist, Canada Research Chair in Addictions and Mental Health, and Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. Dr. Stewart is known for her research on the individual psychological factors and personality traits that drive a person’s alcohol abuse, other substance misuse, or problem gambling behaviour. She develops clinical interventions based on her findings so that clinicians can help their patients prevent and treat these widespread challenges. UniVenture [univentureproject.org], a current study, looks at how one of Dr. Stewart’s previously established prevention programs can be adapted to improve mental wellness and reduce distress, excessive risk taking, and negative consequences of substance use among university students across Canada. In this week’s episode of Sciographies, host David Barclay sits down with Dr. Stewart to discuss her path to a career in psychology and her research studies that inform real-world clinical practices. -- Sciographies is brought to you by Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Science and campus-community radio station CKDU 88.1 FM in Halifax, Nova Scotia. /episode/index/show/9c33e22c-d9a6-450d-834b-b89dee5039bb/id/32101027

Preview - Sherry Stewart, Clinical Psychologist 10/20/2021

Preview - Sherry Stewart, Clinical Psychologist Meet Dr. Sherry Stewart, a clinical psychologist and Canada Research Chair in Addictions and Mental Health at Dalhousie University. Full episode drops Thursday, October 21, 2021. /episode/index/show/9c33e22c-d9a6-450d-834b-b89dee5039bb/id/32101032

Episode 26 - Dozie Okoye, Economist 10/14/2021

Episode 26 - Dozie Okoye, Economist In this episode, we interview Dr. Dozie Okoye, an economist who studies human capital and economic development, with a particular focus on the African continent. He’s from Nigeria himself, but came to Canada for university and has been living here ever since. His desire to stay connected to his roots in Nigeria has shaped his entire research program to date. His research is interdisciplinary, involving collaboration with other academics specializing in geography, history, political science, and sociology. This episode covers Dr. Okoye’s childhood in Nigeria and move to Canada, his path to a career in economics, and how his current research examines what motivates educational demand in different parts of Nigeria. -- Sciographies is brought to you by Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Science and campus-community radio station CKDU 88.1 FM in Halifax, Nova Scotia. /episode/index/show/9c33e22c-d9a6-450d-834b-b89dee5039bb/id/32101037

Sciographies Podcast

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