Sciographies

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: https://www.metzger-group.com Visit Dr. Yang’s research lab: https://www.yang-dal.com — Sciographies (dal.ca/sciographies) is presented by Dalhousie’s Faculty of Science in partnership with campus community radio station CKDU 88.1FM in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The post Episode 39 – Dr. Michael Metzger & Dr. Chongyin Yang, Physicists appeared first on CKDU Podcasts.

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: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2024/09/12/celebrating-one-year-dalhousie-centre-psychological-health — Sciographies (dal.ca/sciographies) is presented by Dalhousie’s Faculty of Science in partnership with campus community radio station CKDU 88.1FM in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The post Episode 42 – Dr. Shannon Johnson & Dr. Alissa Pencer, Psychologists (S6E6) appeared first on CKDU Podcasts.

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 (dal.ca/sciographies) is presented by Dalhousie’s Faculty of Science in partnership with campus community radio station CKDU 88.1FM in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The post Episode 43 – Karen Hudson, Educator (S6E7) appeared first on CKDU Podcasts.

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: https://siankou-giesbrecht.weebly.com Sciographies (dal.ca/sciographies) is presented by Dalhousie’s Faculty of Science in partnership with campus community radio station CKDU 88.1FM in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The post Episode 39 – Dr. Sian Kou-Giesbrecht appeared first on CKDU Podcasts.

Episode 40 – Alex Veinot The post Episode 40 – Alex Veinot (S6E5) appeared first on CKDU Podcasts.

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 Dr. Chitnis’ passion for cooking and his global journey in search of Indian cuisine. The post Episode 38 – Saurabh Chitnis – Synthetic Chemist appeared first on CKDU Podcasts.

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Aaron MacNeil (BSc’01), a marine 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. The post Episode 37 – Dr. Aaron MacNeil, Marine Biologist appeared first on CKDU Podcasts.

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 The post Episode 36 – Will Burt, Chemical Oceanographer appeared first on CKDU Podcasts.

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 endeavors, 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 The post Episode 35 – Kevin Hewitt, Physicist appeared first on CKDU Podcasts.

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Michael Freund, a materials scientist. Dr. Freund is a professor and the Harry Sherriff 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 The post Episode 34 – Michael Freund, Materials Scientist appeared first on CKDU Podcasts.

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 modeling 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. The post Episode 33 – Erin Bertrand, Marine Biogeochemist appeared first on CKDU Podcasts.

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. The post Episode 32 – Aaron Newman, Cognitive Neuroscientist appeared first on CKDU Podcasts.

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. The post Episode 31 – Melanie Zurba, Social Scientist appeared first on CKDU Podcasts.

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Shannon Sterling, an 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. Relevant links: Learn more about CarbonRun here. — 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. The post Episode 30 – Shannon Sterling, Environmental Scientist appeared first on CKDU Podcasts.

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. — Relevant links: Learn more about Dalhousie’s Beaty Centre for Marine Biodiversity here. Learn more about NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards here. The post Sciographies – Episode 29 – Chuck Macdonald, Inorganic Chemist appeared first on CKDU Podcasts.

Sciographies is having a come back with season five. Stay tuned! The post Sciographies – Season Five – Trailer appeared first on CKDU Podcasts.

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. The post Sciographies – Episode 28 – Katja Fennel, Oceanographer appeared first on CKDU Podcasts.

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. The post Sciographies – Episode 27 – Sherry Stewart, Clinical Psychologist appeared first on CKDU Podcasts.

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. The post Sciographies – Episode 26 – Dozie Okoye, Economist appeared first on CKDU Podcasts.

In this episode we interview Melanie Massey, a PhD candidate in the Department of Biology.    Her research looks at how temperatures influence organisms. Particularly, the cascading effects that some organisms experience when they’re subject to temperature fluctuations in early life stages.   She also dedicates her spare time to engaging BIPOC youth in science outreach and education through an organization she co-foundedwith another BIPOC PhD student. Their organization is called Diversity of Nature. This episode covers Melanie’s experience growing up in Toronto’s East Chinatown, how she’s combined her love of art with her passion for science, and removing barriers to make science more inclusive.  — 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. The post Sciographies – Episode 25 – Melanie Massey, Biologist appeared first on CKDU Podcasts.