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Discovering Academia

Discovering Academia

Brent Valentine & Keller Kramer

1 Creator

1 Creator

We are two college students, who travel the world recording podcasts with academics about their research, passions, and current events. We hope our casual conversations covering a range of topics can help promote curiosity and make academia more accessible. We have recorded episodes in America, United Kingdom, Netherlands, France, Switzerland, Indonesia, Singapore & China, with plans to travel to more countries soon. See our www.discoveringacademia.com for more information and educational resources.
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Top 10 Discovering Academia Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Discovering Academia episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Discovering Academia for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Discovering Academia episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Today we talk with Jodie Sun, Senior Lecturer in Modern African and Global History at Fudan University and Visiting Scholar at Stanford University’s Center for African Studies. Her research focuses on international relations history between Africa and China, particularly Kenya and Zambia during the Cold-War era. In this episode we discuss the origin of China’s relationship with Africa and how that dynamic has evolved over the decades. We also compare the United States’ approach to foreign aid in Africa and examine the “new scramble” for political influence and resource access in Africa.

See more information and resources on our website: https://www.discoveringacademia.com/episodes/jodie-sun

This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only. Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

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Explore the fascinating world of marine science in our latest podcast episode featuring Professor Tessa Hill. She takes us on a journey through coastal areas, highlighting the significance of studying the ocean's depths and mapping the ocean floor. Tessa's research delves into the impact of climate change on our oceans, particularly focusing on ocean acidification caused by rising CO2 levels.

Dive into the techniques and methods her team employs to understand these changes and their effects on shell-building organisms and seagrass meadows. Tessa sheds light on the challenges of managing vast data sets, touching on funding and logistical hurdles while emphasizing the importance of industry-academia collaboration.

Join the conversation as we uncover the far-reaching consequences of climate change on ecosystems like coral reefs and coastal estuaries. Learn about the importance of preserving habitats like seagrass meadows and salt marshes. Plus, gain insights into how we can all make a difference through education, outreach, and local engagement. Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of our oceans and take action for a brighter, more sustainable future!

This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only. Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

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Today we talk with Rajasekhar Balasubramanian, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the National University of Singapore. His research looks at environmental sustainability, air quality & pollution control, and waste-to-energy conversion methods. In this episode we talk about the often-overlooked impacts of indoor air pollution, the barriers to a green economy, and the potential use of biomass-waste for energy generation.

This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only. Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

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Join us for a captivating journey into aquatic ecosystems with the esteemed Professor Warwick Vincent, a professor of Limnology and Microbial Ecology at Laval University and former President of Canada’s National Antarctic Committee.

In this episode, he shares his research from cellular techniques to groundbreaking research in polar regions. Immerse yourself in his vivid narratives of expeditions to both the Arctic and Antarctica and discover the intricate wonders of microscopic life and its indispensable role in sustaining these delicate ecosystems. Gain insights into the widespread ramifications of climate change, encompassing shifts in Arctic microbiomes and the release of potent greenhouse gasses.

As the episode concludes, we delve into the profound impact of climate change on indigenous Inuit communities. Professor Vincent sheds light on the challenges they face and the importance of preserving their unique cultural connection to the ice-covered landscapes. Learn about organizations like Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Inuit Circumpolar Committee that work tirelessly to ensure the voices of these communities are heard and their traditions are upheld.

This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only. Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

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Join us as we dive into the captivating world of art history, with Professor Michael Yonan of UC Davis. Professor Yonan explores art accessibility, the enchanting world of Rococo, and the value of studying art history in today’s world.

Professor Yonan describes his specialty, European art and Rococo, spotlighting its allure and charm while weaving in the complexities of art history as a discipline. He discusses how artists like Henri Matisse masterfully crafted visuals that transcend time, drawing us into their elegance. Amid his focus on 18th-century artists, Michael urges everyone to embrace art in all its forms, empowering his students and listeners to forge their own connections and understand art through material culture theory.

Navigating the complexity of contemporary art and its historical roots is made simpler with Michael's guidance. He firmly believes that art's allure can touch each of us in a unique way. Through his podcast, he ignites the spark of passion, making the history of art and material culture theory accessible to all. We hope you enjoy.

This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only. Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

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Join us as we dive deep into the fascinating world of animal behavior, shining a spotlight on the enigmatic mountain gorillas and their captivating stories. Professor Damien Caillaud uncovers the mysteries of non-human primate behavior, revealing how these incredible creatures provide vital clues to our own actions.

We shine a spotlight on the majestic mountain gorillas. From male dispersal dynamics to mesmerizing dominance displays, we journey into the heart of gorilla societies. Drawing from personal observations, our speaker unveils the hidden intricacies that define these amazing creatures.

Join us on this expedition, where science meets storytelling, and together, we uncover the untamed truths of our world.

This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only. Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

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In this captivating episode, Professor Ashutosh Bhagwat takes center stage as we delve into the debate surrounding the purpose and scope of constitutional rights, with a specific focus on free speech.

As the Boochever and Bird Endowed Chair for the Study and Teaching of Freedom and Equality and the Martin Luther King Jr. Professor of Law, Professor Bhagwat delves deep into our constitutional right to freedom of speech, examining the differing perspectives on controlling government versus individual autonomy.

We embark on a journey through the history of the Constitution, navigating the complexities of attempting to analyze the Founding Fathers' intentions in the context of the modern world. Throughout, we explore how legal protection and social consequences intertwine rather than being mutually exclusive.

The episode also delves into the vital role of education in the context of free speech. Professor Bhagwat emphasizes the responsibility of media consumers to discern the limits of their consumption, rather than relying on the government or businesses to censor on their behalf.

Don't miss the opportunity to gain wisdom from Professor Ashutosh Bhagwat as he sheds light on the intricate interplay between free speech, social media, and the Constitution in the United States.

This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only. Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

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Join us for an exciting episode with Professor Geoff Schladow as we delve into the captivating world of Lake Tahoe's cutting-edge research.

As the director of the prestigious Tahoe Environmental Research Center, Professor Schladow unveils the groundbreaking studies taking place in this sanctuary. Lake Tahoe's unique environment attracts global attention and resources, driving research with profound, far-reaching impacts.

Our focus centers on Lake Tahoe's vital challenges – striking the perfect equilibrium between development and environmental preservation. We explore how the center raises awareness about human impact, addresses population growth, and confronts climate change head-on.

Hold on tight as we delve into the magic of watersheds and unravel the mysteries of eutrophication. But that's not all – prepare to be amazed by ingenious solutions like hypolimnetic oxygenation, sustaining the lake's ecosystem in remarkable ways.

In this captivating episode, we'll immerse ourselves in Lake Tahoe's intricate ecosystem and delve into the enthralling ongoing research at Clear Lake. From oxygen depletion to microplastics and water clarity, no stone is left unturned. We also explore the significance of Lake Tahoe being the clearest it has been in over 40 years and unveils the secrets behind Tahoe's mesmerizing blue appearance

Prepare to be inspired! Professor Geoff Schladow's passion and expertise will ignite your curiosity to join the mission of safeguarding our precious lakes and ecosystems making sure the breathtaking beauty of Lake Tahoe is preserved for generations.

This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only. Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.
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In this episode, we have Dr. Jan Nolta joining us to discuss her work in stem cells and regenerative medicine. Dr. Nolta explains the different types of stem cells, including adult stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which have the potential to differentiate into any tissue in the body. She talks about the shift away from using embryonic stem cells and the practicality of using iPSCs for disease modeling and drug discovery.

Dr. Nolta also discusses the importance of matching human leukocyte antigen (HLA) types for stem cell therapies and the creation of cell banks containing pluripotent stem cell lines. She explains how these stem cells can be used for transplantation in individuals in need of stem cell therapies.

The conversation then delves into the ethical considerations and FDA approval process for stem cell therapies. Dr. Nolta emphasizes the importance of FDA-regulated clinical trials and the rigorous standards that need to be met.

Moving on to manufacturing stem cells, Dr. Nolta describes the process that takes place in Good Manufacturing Facilities (GMP). She explains the importance of maintaining sterility and the use of bioreactors in growing the cells. The cells are then delivered to the patient fresh, as freezing can compromise their quality and function.

Dr. Nolta discusses the California Umbilical Cord Blood Collection Program, which aims to increase the availability of diverse cord blood units in national inventory. She explains the different options for cord blood banking, including public and private banking.

The conversation covers various stem cell therapies, including bone marrow transplantation, gene therapy, and CAR T-cell therapy. Dr. Nolta highlights the success stories in treating genetic diseases and cancer using these therapies. She also touches on the use of cytokines and mesenchymal stem cells for modulating inflammation and promoting healing.

The hosts ask about the challenges of implementing AI in medicine and stem cell therapy. Dr. Nolta discusses the expense of obtaining whole genome sequences and the hesitation of insurance companies to cover these costs. She emphasizes the need for a better understanding of the causes of diseases to improve regenerative medicine.

Dr. Nolta concludes with advice for students interested in getting involved in regenerative medicine and stem cell research. She mentions the training programs and opportunities available and encourages students to stay curious and enthusiastic in their pursuit of scientific knowledge.

Overall, this episode provides an insightful and comprehensive overview of stem cells, regenerative medicine, and the potential future advancements in the field.

This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only. Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

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Today we talk with Anita Oberholster, cooperative extension specialist in enology at UC Davis. Her research focuses on viticulture practices, environmental factors, and how the process of wine making impacts wine composition and quality. In this episode, we start off with a brief overview of wine and the industry before diving deeper into how smoke and wildfires impact grapes. We explore all things smoke taint – what it is (both at a molecular and sensory level), how it gets into wine, and what can be done to prevent it.

For more information, see our website: https://www.discoveringacademia.com/episodes/anita-oberholster

This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only. Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

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FAQ

How many episodes does Discovering Academia have?

Discovering Academia currently has 66 episodes available.

What topics does Discovering Academia cover?

The podcast is about Podcasts, Education and Science.

What is the most popular episode on Discovering Academia?

The episode title '#025 - Michael Yonan: Rococo & the Vital Role of Art History Today' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Discovering Academia?

The average episode length on Discovering Academia is 68 minutes.

How often are episodes of Discovering Academia released?

Episodes of Discovering Academia are typically released every 6 days, 22 hours.

When was the first episode of Discovering Academia?

The first episode of Discovering Academia was released on Mar 14, 2023.

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