BEaTS Research Radio's Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Bryce, a clinical psychologist and musician whose work crosses the borders of mind and body, science and art, structure and improvisation. From assessing cognitive function in the Epilepsy unit to composing and performing folk-rock and psychedelic music, he explores how perception, embodiment, and shared experience shape both therapy and music. Join us as we dive into Bryce’s reflections on the parallels between music and psychology. 0:00:20 | Welcome to the Podcast 0:01:35 | Can you tell us about your journey?  0:05:59 | Where does that instinctive ability for music come from?  0:07:09 | How do you incorporate these arts into your work/patient care? 0:09:35 | How do you feel AI is shaping psychology? What are your concerns?  0:17:35 | Do you have advice for health professionals who are starting their journey and feeling like they have to leave their art behind?  0:20:02 | Thank you

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Madhukar Pai, a physician, researcher, and global health leader whose work has consistently crossed borders of geography, disciplines, and institutions to shape medical education and health equity globally. From his leadership at McGill International TB Centre to his widely read editorials on decolonizing global health, Dr. Pai has pushed the field to rethink how knowledge is shared, who gets to produce it, and how medical education can better serve people everywhere. His work has been widely recognized and his leadership valued in many global spaces. Join us as we explore Dr. Pai’s reflections on the challenges and opportunities of transforming medical education across countries, fields, and organizations. 0:00:20 | Welcome to the Podcast 0:01:44 | Can you tell us about your journey?  0:06:45 | How is global epistemic violence having an impact on young scholars?  0:10:27 | How would you highlight the inequitities in global medical education?  0:14:34 | Can you talk to us about your paper on being pulled into the "Matrix"? 0:19:05 | Will Global Health survive decolonization? And how do students maintain hope?  0:25:57 | Thank you

In this episode, we explore the work of Dr. Vishna Devi V Nadarajah, a global leader in health professions education whose career crosses borders of science, pedagogy, and geography. From biomedical research to institutional leadership, her work bridges disciplines, nations, and communities of practice. Prof. Vishna Devi V Nadarajah has transitioned to the role of Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic at IMU University in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. She was formerly CEO , Provost and Professor at Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia.

In this episode, we’ll be exploring the work of Dr. Saleem Razack, an innovator in changing discriminatory practices and systems in health education and healthcare. His work exists at the intersection of academic and clinical work - from leadership roles as well as research through/in residency programs to faculty advising. He also strives to bridge the gap between research and the application of research to educational policies in order to achieve social justice.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Lorenzo Madrazo, a General Internist and Clinical Scholar whose journey to medicine was shaped by his deep roots in music and education. We explore his research on resident leadership, physician wellness, and the formation of professional identity in healthcare, as well as how his relationship with the arts shapes his perspective. 

In this episode, we’ll be exploring the work of Dr. Foluso Ishola, an internationally trained physician helping to transform global health and health systems through education, research, and policy. She has unique insights into how systems at various levels, from the local to international, shape health as well as how to navigate these spaces in a way that achieves the intended goals while maintaining stakeholder satisfaction.

In this episode, we speak with Sheena Doyle, a Master of Science in Nursing student at McGill University and a Labor and Delivery Nurse Clinician. We explore how she uses the arts as a powerful tool for critical reflection and health advocacy. Join us as we discuss her commitment to decolonizing healthcare and advancing ethical, relational models of care through research and community engagement.

Juliet Cruz and Maria Nikokavoura from the University of Ottawa interview Dr. Giovanni Ferrari for the TMM4950 Science Communication course about pushing the limits of donor heart preservation times. Dr. Ferrari is an associate professor of surgical sciences and the Scientific director of the cardiothoracic research program at Columbia University. Dr. Ferrari's research focuses on exploring how the heart functions and how we can better protect it, especially during surgery and organ transplantation. In this episode, Dr. Ferrari presents his findings from their work on a revolutionary method to keep donor hearts viable for up to 48 hours outside the body using a novel oxygen-rich cooling system. This could dramatically expand access to life-saving transplants and reshape how we think about organ preservation. Learn more: https://columbiasurgery.org/about/giovanni-ferrari-phd 0:00 | Introduction to podcast 0:18 | Introduction to Dr. Ferrari 1:11 | What sparked Dr. Ferrari’s early interest in the heart and organ preservation? 2:59 | What is the HOPE system, and how does it differ from standard cold storage? 5:32 | Why push the limits of donor heart preservation, and what challenges came with it? 6:44 | What surprising insights emerged from the RNA and metabolomic analyses? 9:15 | How did it feel to see a HOPE-preserved heart beat again after 48 hours? 11:15 | Can HOPE principles be applied to preserve other organs in transplantation? 12:09 | What future research questions is the team most excited to pursue? 14:30 | What advice does Dr. Ferrari have for young scientists bridging engineering and medicine? 15:27 | Closing remarks “Only You with the Universe” by Spøq, licensed via Tribe of Noise PRO. All rights reserved. Listen more: https://prosearch.tribeofnoise.com/artists/show/78252/44118  Juliet Cruz and Maria Nikokavoura (Voice), Reena Corbane (Post-Production), Nika Abedian (Producer)

Emily Wu from the University of Ottawa interviews Dr. Emilio Alarcón on the significance of sex differences in cardiovascular research. Dr. Alarcón is a professor at the University of Ottawa and a scientist at the Heart Institute whose research focuses on developing biomaterials for the regeneration of damaged tissues. In this episode, Dr. Alarcón comments on segments from a previous BEaTS interview between University of Ottawa student Deyanira Hernandez and Dr. Brian Aguado. Dr. Aguado is a professor at the University of California, San Diego, whose research focuses on using biomaterials to determine sex-specific mechanisms of heart diseases, namely aortic valve stenosis (AVS). This episode discusses the effects and significance of including sex differences in disease and biomaterial research. Learn more: Dr. Emilio Alarcón - https://www.uottawa.ca/faculty-medicine/dr-emilio-alarcon                              Dr. Brian Aguado - https://jacobsschool.ucsd.edu/people/profile/brian-aguado 0:03 | Topic introduction. 1:06 | BEaTS and host introduction. 1:28 | Introduction to Dr. Alarcón. 2:14 | Introduction to Dr. Aguado. 2:58 | The importance of studying biological sex in disease research (Dr. Aguado). 5:13 | The relevance of studying biological sex in biomaterial research (Dr. Alarcón). 7:40 | Precision medicine and sex-based research (Dr. Aguado). 9:07 | Addressing the potential unavailability of precision medicine (Dr. Alarcón). 11:08 | Considering other biological variables in future research (Dr. Alarcón). 14:22 | Concluding remarks. Soundtrack by The Underground Drive. All rights reserved. Listen more: https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/the-underground-drive/1571062779 https://open.spotify.com/artist/4sCJG8TMQyTZ9FDd1JjJmR Isra Omar (Producer, Post-production, Content generation), Bushra Pathan (Social media editor, Content generation), Malik Thomas (Writer, Content generation), Emily Wu (Host, Content generation).

Listen to this University of Ottawa TMM student discuss 3D testis bioprinting with distinguished guest Dr. Stephanie Willerth. The episode provides an exciting peek into how bioprinting technologies are reshaping reproductive biology research. Learn more: https://bme.ubc.ca/?directory=stephanie-willerth 1:00  |  Early Life, Education, and Journey into Research 2:45  |  Exploring the Shift to Reproductive Bioprinting 5:20  |  Overcoming Challenges 8:10  |  Microsphere Stability and Reproducibility 10:00  |  Potential Applications of Microspheres 10:45  |  Progress Toward an In-Vivo Model for Full Human Spermatogenesis 12:50 |  Advice for Young Scientists Soundrack Step Into The Light by Zenboy1955  http://mixter.plus/myTracks.php?id=70336 Catherine Waghorn (Producer), Mathieu D'Souza (Host), Bayan Abou Mehrem (Social Media), Grace Stocker (Editor)

Puksar Kunwar, a student from the University of Ottawa, interviews Dr. Marcelo Muñoz for the TMM4950 Science Communication course, focusing on his work developing miniaturized devices for the on-the-spot generation of small-diameter vascular grafts. Dr. Muñoz is an early-career researcher at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, specializing in clinical peptide therapeutics, biomaterials innovation, and biomedical device design. He was recognized as the top graduating pharmacist in Chile by the National Pharmacy Association. His research aims to “print” new blood vessels inside the human body using a catheter during minimally invasive procedures, and potentially eliminating the need for open-chest surgery. Learn more: https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/admt.202500077 0:09 | Introduction to Podcast 0:35 | Introduction to Dr. Muñoz 2:10 | Relevance of Cardiovascular Diseases and Story behind the Discovery of the Device 4:05 | Brief Description of the Device 6:16 | Progress in Clinical Trials with reference to TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) 9:30 | Advice for Future Scientists 13:18 | Closing Remarks Soundtrack by The Underground Drive. All rights reserved. Listen more: https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/the-underground-drive/1571062779 https://open.spotify.com/artist/4sCJG8TMQyTZ9FDd1JjJmR  Bhavya Joshi (Post-production & Content generation), Cynthia Chahine (Post-production &Producer), Puskar Kunwar (Show Host), Ezechiel Sugr-Noma Yameogo (Social Media Editor) 

In this episode titled “Lost in Translation”, we dive into the complex world of bringing cell therapies from the lab to human trials. With our guest Matthew Jeffers, author of a recent scoping review on this topic, we explore what regulators look for in promising cell therapies and why inconsistent guidelines can leave researchers unsure of their next steps. By summarizing expectations from various regulatory agencies worldwide, Jeffers et. al’s study offers a clearer blueprint for preclinical research, helping innovative treatments reach patients faster.  Learn more: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/msjeffers 0:05 | Introduction 0:46 | Guest introduction 1:24 | Why should we research the regulatory application process? 3:05 | Reasons for the limited coordination between regulators, despite the existence of international health agencies. 5:50 | How regulatory systems shift during exceptional circumstances, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and the lessons that can be applied to improve the translation of future therapies. 9:34 | The importance of placing a greater emphasis on understanding the regulatory landscape as scientific researchers and students. 12:00 | Episode summary Background music "Embrace" by Evgeny_Bardyuzha, free for use under Pixabay's Content License. https://pixabay.com/music/electronic-embrace-364091/ Hosts: Nicholas Lafond and Seb Parmasad Post-production & Content generation: Chloé McAllister, Mila Schaffrath, Nicholas Lafond, and Seb Parmasad

Global challenges like climate change demand urgent action, and chemistry is at the center of these emerging solutions. However, graduates starting chemistry-based careers often leave the classroom unprepared to tackle complex global issues. In this podcast, we speak with Dr. Alison Flynn, Principal Investigator of the Flynn Research Group, about how her team is developing strategies to create more engaging and effective learning experiences for students, including the integration of systems thinking into the curriculum. We explore her educational journey, what inspired her to focus on chemistry education, how systems thinking can be applied in classrooms, her thoughts on AI as an emerging educational tool, and more. We also share insights from Dr. Peter Mahaffy on educational resources available to support instructors.  Learn more: https://www.flynnresearchgroup.com/ 00:11 | Introduction 01:23- Dr. Flynn's education background 02:49| Challenges and highlights of researching chemistry education 03:40| What is systems thinking 06:24| How to integrate systems thinking into the classroom 07:32| Comment from Peter Mahaffy on tips for educators 07:50| Challenges in organic chemistry and how to succeed 09:14| Redesigning the UOttawa curriculum 11:10| Artificial Intelligence as a tool 13:20| The future of chemistry education 14:48| Conclusion and closing remarks Soundtrack by The Underground Drive. All rights reserved. Listen more: https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/the-underground-drive/1571062779 https://open.spotify.com/artist/4sCJG8TMQyTZ9FDd1JjJmR Justin Nguyen (Producer), Sophia Guy (Host), Induja Arulchelvam (Writer), Kathleen Connolly (Social Media Producer) 

Ananya Jain from the University of Ottawa interviews Dr Adam Rudner about advances in temperate bacteriophage research. Dr. Rudner is a researcher and associate professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Ottawa. He also co-leads the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Science Education Alliance-Phage Hunters Advancing Genomics and Evolutionary Science (SEA-PHAGES) associated bacteriophage discovery lab for students in the Translational and Molecular Medicine Program at the University of Ottawa. In this episode, Dr. Rudner discusses bacteriophage basics, the current state of bacteriophage therapy, and how temperate bacteriophages could be harnessed in the future of bacteriophage therapy. Dr Rudner also highlights novel discoveries in the field of temperate bacteriophage biology by discussing his own lab's discovery of a new lysogeny mechanism and discussing the work of Dr. Alex Hynes, a researcher and associate professor at McMaster University, who discovered temperate phage antibiotic synergy (tPAS). Learn more: https://www.uottawa.ca/faculty-medicine/directory/dr-adam-rudner 0:00 | Introduction to the Podcast 0:29 | Introduction to Dr. Adam Rudner 1:16 | What inspired Dr. Rudner to pursue bacteriophage research 2:23 | The differences between lytic and lysogenic bacteriophages 3:26 | The importance of researching bacteriophages and their therapeutic potential 4:57 | Discussing the work of Dr. Alex Hynes and his discovery of temperate phage antibiotic synergy (tPAS) 7:12 | Advancements required to implement temperate phages and tPAS in therapeutics 8:25 | The discovery of a novel lysogeny mechanism by Dr. Rudner's lab 13:50 | Key Takeaways 14:27 | Concluding Remarks Soundtrack by The Underground Drive. All rights reserved. Listen more: https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/the-underground-drive/1571062779 https://open.spotify.com/artist/4sCJG8TMQyTZ9FDd1JjJmR Ananya Jain (Host), Rebecca Santhosh Babu (Writer), Mirabel Joseph (Social Media Coordinator), Amber Morton (Producer)

Ryan Tu from the University of Ottawa interviews Dr. Sangeeta Murugkar. Dr. Murugkar is an associate professor in the department of medical physics at Carleton University, where she established the Laboratory for Laser-Assisted Medical Physics and Engineering (LLAMPE). In this episode, Dr. Murugkar discusses her recent research in using the non-invasive imaging technique of Raman scattering microscopy to better understand the chemical changes that occur in breast cancer cells. Learn more: https://lampe.physics.carleton.ca/people/ 00:07 | BEaTS and host introduction 00:30 | Introduction to Dr. Murugkar 01:01 | Optical imaging techniques and ongoing research in this field 04:33 | Using Raman scattering microscopy to observe chemical changes in breast cancer 08:48 | Clinical applications of Raman scattering microscopy 14:08 | Conclusion Soundtrack by The Underground Drive. All rights reserved. Listen more: https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/the-underground-drive/1571062779 https://open.spotify.com/artist/4sCJG8TMQyTZ9FDd1JjJmR Ryan Tu (voice), Abdelrahman Fahmy, Mason Gillick, Raghav Bhargava (post-production, content generation, producers)

Jack Cowan from the University of Ottawa interviews Dr. Morgan Fullerton, a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, on behalf of his team in the TMM4950 Science Communication course. Dr. Fullerton discusses dysregulated cholesterol metabolism, a hallmark of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. He delves into his lab’s recent study examining whether AMPK, the cell’s energy sensor, truly protects against atherosclerosis by limiting cholesterol production, where his team made an unexpected discovery that challenged long-standing assumptions in cardiovascular research. Learn more: https://www.fullertonlab.com/ 0:00 | Introduction 1:34 | Introduction of guest (Dr. Morgan Fullerton) 2:35 | What is atherosclerosis? 4:05 | The cell's energy sensor (AMPK) 5:25 | Targeting AMPK|HMGCR to protect against atherosclerosis 7:42 | What was expected when AMPK's control was removed? 8:32 | Importance of validating a disease model 10:25 | Does removing AMPK change atherosclerosis? 12:53 | Future therapies 13:52 | Commentary (provided by Dr. Emily Day) and conclusion   Music is non-copyrighted and free for use. Jack Cowan (Host), Toshka Besharah (Writer), Melissa Barnett (Producer)

In this episode, James Humber, a Translational and Molecular Medicine student from the University of Ottawa, interviews Dr. Simon Hatcher on behalf of his team for the TMM 4950 Science Communication course. Dr. Hatcher is a psychiatrist at the Ottawa Hospital and Medical Director of Psychiatry at Ottawa Inner City Health. He’s also a scientist at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute and a professor and Chair of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Ottawa. His research focuses on suicide prevention and managing the effects of trauma. Together, they address the factors surrounding public safety personnel suicides in Ontario, the contributing stressors, and how policies can change to ensure better mental health care. Special thanks to Dr. Nicholas Carleton, a professor of clinical psychology and registered clinical psychologist in Saskatchewan, who contributed to the making of this episode. Learn more: https://hatchingideaslab.com/research https://ptsslab.ca/ 2:18 | Introducing our guest: Dr. Simon Hatcher 4:22 | Rethinking resilience in public safety personnel (PSP) 5:12 | Discussion of findings from his recent (2024) paper 7:40 | Exploring Dr. Nick Carleton’s insights 14:28 | Looking ahead: A message of hope 15:24 | Closing remarks Perfect Storm - Kara Square and Piero Peluche by Piero Peluche (c) copyright 2020 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial  (3.0) license. https://dig.ccmixter.org/files/pieropeluche/61852 Ft: Kara Square James Humber (Host), Angélique Cayer (Producer), and Mélodie Bellefleur (Writer)

In this episode, co-hosts Sam and Ammi from the University of Ottawa’s TMM program are in conversation with Dr. Kevin Smit, a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon and Clinical Researcher at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO). The conversation centers around Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS), which is an abnormal curvature of the spine with no known cause, and can have a significant impact on the lives of its young patients. Dr. Smit is a part of inspiring new research on a developing treatment that could help preserve patient mobility while correcting the curve, called Vertebral Body Tethering (VBT). Here, we discuss AIS and its impact, as well as what makes VBT a unique and promising treatment. To read the full study: https://doi.org/10.1007/s43390-022-00578-6 Maksimovic, M. et al. The effect of vertebral body tethering on spine range of motion in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: A pilot study. Spine Deformity 11, 123–131 (2022). 00:04 Introduction 01:11 | As a clinician and researcher, how do you balance these 2 aspects of your life? 02:20 | How do you explain treatment options to your young patients? 04:49 | How do patient impacts inform your research? 09:44 | Are there risks/complications associated with that surgery and recovery? 11:32 | Does having that shoelace allow the patients more motion? 13:36 | Where do you see this research leading? 14:37 | Thank you! 14:47 Outro & Credits Music: “Lounging Lads” from the Lofi Phantasy album by DanAndPhilBEATS and Lowave. Saeid Kholgi (producer), Samantha Kiraly (co-host & writing), Ammi Paul (co-host & post-production), Moumita Dutta (writing & social media production)

Katya Krykunova from the University of Ottawa interviews Dr. Marisa Azad from The Ottawa Hospital about the first use of phage therapy in Canada. Dr. Azad's patient developed a life-threatening periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) of her hip implant. She was allergic to most major antibiotics; the culprit bacteria were resistant to all others, and further surgery would risk her life. All conventional treatments were exhausted. With the patient’s condition declining, Dr. Azad decided to team up with Cytophage Technologies and pursue phage therapy as a last resort. In this episode, Dr. Azad walks us through this clinical case and highlights how phage therapy offers an alternative approach for targeting infections when antibiotics and surgery fail. Learn more: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/17/8/1118 0:04 | BEaTS and host introduction 0:20 | What is phage therapy? 0:56 | Introduction to Dr. Marisa Azad 2:52 | What are PJIs? 4:26 | Using phage therapy for a severe case of PJI 7:29 | Making phage therapy possible for this patient in collaboration with Cytophage Technologies 9:26 | Ensuring the safety and efficacy of phage therapy 11:22 | Insights from Dr. Brad Cook from Cytophage Technologies 11:55 | What Dr. Azad has learned throughout the process 13:27 | Science, medicine, and art 14:32 | Concluding remarks Soundtrack by The Underground Drive. All rights reserved. Listen more: https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/the-underground-drive/1571062779 https://open.spotify.com/artist/4sCJG8TMQyTZ9FDd1JjJmR Show Host: Katya Krykunova Producer: Meghan Walsh Writer: Sydney Brown, Katya Krykunova Content generation: Talia LoFaro, Meghan Walsh, Katya Krykunova Editor: Meghan Walsh, Katya Krykunova, Sydney Brown, Talia LoFaro Audio post-production: Sydney Brown Social media coordinator: Talia LoFaro

Chris Kachi from the University of Ottawa interviews Dr. May Griffith and Andrés Mercado as part of the TMM4950 Science Communication course, exploring cutting-edge advances in bioengineered corneal regeneration.  Dr. Griffith is a senior scientist at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute and a professor in the Faculty of Medicine whose work focuses on regenerative biomaterials and translational ophthalmology. Andrés Mercado is a PhD student in Dr. Emilio Alarcón’s laboratory at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, developing tunable photo-sealants and customized biomaterials for ocular and soft-tissue repair. In this episode, they discuss the development of the Cornea-in-a-Syringe (CIS) hydrogel, how regenerative biomaterials such as GF19-functionalized matrices can be tailored to promote ocular healing, and the future of minimally invasive technologies for corneal repair and vision restoration. Learn more: Dr. May Griffith - https://www.griffithresearch.ca/may-griffith-2 Andrés Mercado (Alarcón Lab) - https://www.beatsresearch.com/Alarcon.php 0:00 | BEaTS and host introduction. 0:27 | Introduction to Dr. Griffith. 1:11 | Childhood encounter in Malaysia that inspired Dr. Griffith’s mission. 2:57 | Main obstacles to corneal care in low-resource countries. 4:15 | Donor shortages and compatibility challenges in corneal transplants. 5:08 | Why donor compatibility matters and why people hesitate to donate. 5:44 | How artificial/cell-free corneas work - “Field of Dreams” analogy. 7:35 | What is Cornea-in-a-Syringe and how does it expand access? 9:10 | Why combine Cornea-in-a-Syringe with antiviral GF19 instead of just eye drops? 11:44 | Future of corneal treatments and a “vaccine-like” vision restoration. 13:10 | Comments from Andrés Mercado on Dr. Griffith’s work. 14:01 | Podcast conclusion. Background music: “Podcast Background Music While Talking Interviews - Free Music to use, No Copyright” by Copyright Free Music - Background Music For Videos. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 (CC BY 3.0). Watch/listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdFqvdekuvI Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@podcastbackgroundmusic Creative Commons - Attribution 3.0 Unported - CC BY 3.0 Music promoted by Copyright Free Music - Background Music For Videos - https://www.youtube.com/@podcastbackgroundmusic Alyssa Thomas (Content Generation), Michael Wossen (Producer), Chris Kachi (Voice), and Salah Hussein Aly (Post-Production)