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Latest episodes from The Academic Minute

Best-Of The Academic Minute in 2025 – Daile Zhang, University of North Dakota – Lightning Strikes Make Collecting Parasitic Fungus A Deadly Pursuit

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 2026 2:30


What do lightning storms on a remote mountain plateau have to do with fungus? Daile Zhang, assistant professor of atmospheric sciences at the University of North Dakota, explores the connection. Daile Zhang is an Assistant Professor at University of North Dakota. Her research focuses on atmospheric electricity and remote sensing. Daile received her PhD degree […]

Best-Of The Academic Minute in 2025 – Christopher Baldassano, Columbia University – The Brain Organizes Narratives Into Meaningful Event Memories

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2025 2:30


How we experience an event may change how we remember it. Christopher Baldassano, associate professor of psychology at Columbia University, looks into our past experiences for clues. Christopher Baldassano is an Associate Professor in the Psychology Department at Columbia University. He was an undergraduate in Electrical Engineering at Princeton University, received his PhD in Computer […]

Best-Of The Academic Minute in 2025 – Deborah Finkel, University of Southern California Dornsife – Childhood Money Stress Can Leave a Lasting Mark

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 30, 2025 2:30


On University of Southern California Dornsife Week: What happens in childhood has an impact – especially when it comes to money. Deborah Finkel, research professor at the center for economic and social research and department of psychology, examines why. Deborah Finkel is a research professor (50%) at CESR. She earned her PhD in behavior genetics from the […]

Best-Of The Academic Minute in 2025 – Pamela Prickett, Pomona College – America's Rising Number of Unclaimed Deaths

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 29, 2025 2:30


Unclaimed deaths are on the rise. Pamela Prickett, associate professor of sociology at Pomona College, examines how some have come together to honor them. Pamela Prickett is an associate professor of sociology at Pomona College and former journalist. She is the author of two books about Los Angeles, including The Unclaimed: Abandonment and Hope in the City […]

Best-Of The Academic Minute in 2025 – Jennifer Nahrgang, University of Iowa – Successful Side Hustle? Don't Be a Jerk at Your Day Job

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 26, 2025 2:30


Do you know a co-worker with a side hustle? Jennifer Nahrgang, professor and Henry B. Tippie Excellence Chair of Management and Entrepreneurship at the University of Iowa, discusses how it might affect them at work. Jennifer D. Nahrgang is Professor and Henry B. Tippie Excellence Chair of Management and Entrepreneurship in the Tippie College of […]

Best-Of The Academic Minute in 2025 – Patrick Barry, University of Michigan Law School – Art and Advocacy

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 25, 2025 2:30


Being an advocate is important; so, what's the most effective process for becoming one? Patrick Barry, clinical assistant professor at the University of Michigan Law School, takes a trip to find the answer. Patrick Barry is a clinical assistant professor and the director of digital academic initiatives at the University of Michigan Law School, as […]

Best-Of The Academic Minute in 2025 – Brandon Vaidyanathan, Catholic University of America – Science is a Quest for Beauty

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 24, 2025 2:30


Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but is it also in science? Brandon Vaidyanathan, professor of sociology at the Catholic University of America, takes a closer look. Dr. Brandon Vaidyanathan is Professor of Sociology and Director of the Institutional Flourishing Lab at The Catholic University of America. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees […]

Best-Of The Academic Minute in 2025 – Grace Moore, University of Otago – Literature and Hope in a Time of Fire

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2025 2:30


Fire can prepare soil for new growth, but also leave beyond trauma for those afflicted. Grace Moore, associate professor of English at the University of Otago, considers the literary context. Grace Moore is an Associate Professor of English at the University of Otago. Her research spans Victorian studies, Australian studies, and the Environmental Humanities.  Grace […]

Best-Of The Academic Minute in 2025 – Jared Del Rosso, University of Denver – Waiting For Whip-poor-wills

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2025 2:30


What is behind the disappearance of the Whip-poor-wills? Jared Del Rosso, associate professor and chair of sociology and criminology at the University of Denver, examines this loss and the meanings behind it. Jared Del Rosso is a cultural sociologist in the Department of Sociology & Criminology at the University of Denver. He is currently writing […]

Siddharth Bhattacharya, George Mason University – How Can Advertisers Win Attention?

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2025 2:30


How can advertisers win attention? Siddharth Bhattacharya, assistant professor in the information systems and operations management area at the Costello College of Business at George Mason University, takes an in-depth look to find out. Siddharth Bhattacharya is an assistant professor in the Information Systems and Operations Management Area at the Costello College of Business, George […]

Dinesh Subedi, Monash University – Institutional Phage Cocktails to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2025 2:30


Fighting against antimicrobial resistance will be key. Dinesh Subedi, research fellow at Monash University, determines how to do so. Dr. Dinesh Subedi is a microbiologist and Postdoctoral Researcher at Monash University in Australia. He studies how viruses that infect bacteria, called bacteriophages or “phages,” can be used to treat serious hospital-acquired infections. Institutional Phage Cocktails […]

Danny Wang, University of Southern California – New Brain Imaging Method Reveals Hidden Vascular Changes with Aging

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2025 2:30


Some aging-related changes can be hidden. Danny Wang, professor of neurology, radiology, and biomedical engineering and Director of Imaging Technology Innovation at the Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute at the University of Southern California, examines these. Dr. Danny JJ Wang is a Professor of Neurology, Radiology and Biomedical Engineering, and Director of Imaging Technology Innovation […]

Rebecca Brociek, University of Nottingham – The Planetary Effects of Producing Pet Food

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2025 2:30


Plant-based pet foods may be a key avenue for environmental sustainability. Rebecca Brociek, Final year PhD Student in the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science at the University of Nottingham, examines the benefits. With a background in biomedical science and pharmaceutical, Rebecca is now completing her PhD focused in companion animal nutrition at the University […]

Ethan Yackulic, Northern Arizona University – Restoring Functional Fire in the West

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2025 2:30


On this Student Spotlight: Fire management will play a key role going forward. Ethan Yackulic, PhD student in the school of informatics, computer and cyber systems at Northern Arizona University, looks at the best way to manage it. Ethan Yackulic is a PhD student in the School of Informatics, Computing and Cyber Systems at Northern […]

Joel Leja, Penn State University – Mysterious ‘Red Dots' in Early Universe May Be ‘Black Hole Star' Atmospheres

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2025 2:30


What are the mysterious ‘red dots' seen by the James Webb telescope? Joel Leja, associate professor of astronomy and astrophysics and Dr. Keiko Miwa Ross Mid-Career Endowed Chair at Penn State University, examines their origin. Joel Leja is the Dr. Keiko Miwa Ross Mid Career Endowed Faculty Chair and an Associate Professor of astronomy and […]

Shruti Sharma, Tufts University – Brain Inflammation May Not Always Be a Villain

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2025 2:30


Inflammation in the brain is bad, right? Shruti Sharma, assistant professor of immunology at the Tufts University School of Medicine, suggests that may not always be the case. Shruti Sharma, assistant professor of immunology, studies how the immune system knows when to fight—and when to heal. Shruti Sharma is an assistant professor of immunology at […]

James Ritchie-Dunham, University of Texas at Austin – Well-Being is Critical to How a Work Team Performs

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2025 2:30


An employee's well-being is critical to their performance. James Ritchie-Dunham, clinical associate professor in the Rosenthal Department of Management in the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin, discusses how to foster it. James L. Ritchie-Dunham is a clinical associate professor of strategy in The University of Texas at Austin's McCombs […]

Erik Lie, University of Iowa – Catching Cheats

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2025 2:30


Catching cheats in finance is a big deal. Erik Lie, Amelia Tippie Chair and professor in finance at the Tippie College of Business at the University of Iowa, explores one way to do so. Erik Lie is a professor of finance at the University of Iowa and author of Catching Cheats: Everyday Forensics to Unmask […]

Andrew Edelblum, University of Dayton – Does Sex Sell? Not Always

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2025 2:30


Does sex sell?  Not always. Andrew Edelblum, assistant professor of marketing at the University of Dayton, explores when beauty backfires. Andrew Edelblum is a University of Dayton assistant professor of management and marketing whose work explores identity, ethics, branding and consumer culture. A member of the American Marketing Association and the Association for Consumer Research, […]

Xiaoming Zhai, University of Georgia – Can AI Think Like a Teacher?

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2025 2:30


Want to grade your students faster? You can use ChatGPT – but there may be downsides. Xiaoming Zhai, associate professor of science education and artificial intelligence at the University of Georgia, discusses the potential risks. Xiaoming Zhai, Associate Professor in Science Education, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science (courtesy), and Statistics (courtesy), serves the Directors of the […]

Rebecca Ratner, University of Maryland – Want a Review You Can Trust? Ask Someone Who Did It Alone

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2025 2:30


Does going somewhere solo lead to better reviews afterwards? Rebecca Ratner, Dean's professor of marketing at the University of Maryland, determines whether this is the case. Rebecca Ratner received a Ph.D. in social psychology from Princeton University and has been a visiting scholar in the marketing departments of the Harvard Business School, Chicago Booth Graduate […]

Cal Whyte, Florida Institute of Technology – Exoplanets

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2025 2:30


On this Student Spotlight: White Dwarf stars may create a potentially viable environment for life. Cal Whyte, PhD student in the Department of Aerospace, Physics and Space Science at Florida Institute of Technology, looks into this. Caldon T. Whyte is a PhD student in the Department of Aerospace, Physics and Space Science at Florida Institute […]

Ann Perreau, Augustana College – Hyperacusis

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2025 2:30


Remote counseling can have benefits for some. Ann Perreau, professor and co-chair of communication sciences and disorders at Augustana College, examines one. Dr. Ann E. Perreau is a professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Augustana College (Ill.) and an audiologist in the College's Roseman Center for Speech, Language, and Hearing. In 2023, she was […]

Ashish Agarwal, University of Texas at Austin – Driving Assistance Systems Can Lead To More Hazardous Driving

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2025 2:30


Are driving assistance systems making the roads safer? Ashish Agarwal, professor in the IROM Department of Management in the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin, gets behind the wheel to find out. Ashish Agarwal is a professor of information, risk, and operations management at The University of Texas at Austin's […]

Ashli Stokes, University of North Carolina Charlotte – Thanksgiving Food and Gratitude

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2025 2:30


Food is the main event of most Thanksgivings. Ashli Stokes, associate professor in the department of communication studies at the University of North Carolina Charlotte, discusses the importance of preparing something tasty for your family to enjoy this holiday. Dr. Ashli Quesinberry Stokes is an Associate Professor of Communication Studies and the Director of the […]

Putu Agus Khorisantono, Karolinska Institutet – Tasting Odours

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2025 2:30


The importance of odors to your taste buds might be greater than you think. Putu Agus Khorisantono, postdoctoral researcher at the Karolinska Institutet, delves into this. I am a cognitive and behavioural neuroscientist based in the Department of Clinical Neuroscience (Psychology Division) of Karolinska Institutet, with a background in statistics, functional neuroimaging and neuroeconomics. My […]

Nabil Alshurafa, Northwestern University – Wearable Sensors Could Reshape Obesity Treatment

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2025 2:30


How we treat obesity may need to be reshaped. Nabil Alshurafa, associate professor of preventive medicine and computer science at Northwestern University, determines what wearable sensors can achieve. Dr. Nabil Alshurafa is an associate professor at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine and the McCormick School of Engineering, known for his work in mobile and […]

Kun-Hsing Yu, Harvard Medical School – AI Distinguishes Glioblastoma from Look-Alike Cancers

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2025 2:30


AI may be able to help in the fight against cancer. Kun-Hsing Yu, associate professor in the department of biomedical informatics at Harvard Medical School, looks into how it can help. Kun-Hsing “Kun” Yu, M.D., Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Informatics at Harvard Medical School. He pioneered the first fully […]

Shelby Carlson, Cornell University – Saving Birds Through Human Behavior Change

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2025 2:30


How can we save certain bird species?  By changing our behavior. Shelby Carlson, research associate at Cornell University, looks into this. Shelby Carlson is a research associate at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. As a conservation social scientist, Dr. Carlson applies theories and methods from the fields of sociology and psychology to understand human-wildlife interactions. […]

Rays Jiang, University of South Florida – Unmasking the First Pandemic Beneath a Roman Arena

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2025 2:30


We still have a lot to learn about the first pandemic thousands of years ago. Rays Jiang, associate professor in the department of global, environmental, and genomic health at the University of South Florida, digs into the Earth to find out more. As the first genomics lab in University of South Florida, Rays Jiang lab […]

Mohamad Junaid, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts – Ecological Disaster and Cultural Imagination

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2025 2:30


How do we tell if a pattern of ecological disasters is new or old? Mohamad Junaid, associate professor of sociology, anthropology and social work at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, looks through history to explore this. I am an anthropologist with a strong belief in teaching as crucial to creating a just, sustainable, and […]

Alexis Redding, Harvard University – Navigating the W-Curve of College Life

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2025 2:30


How do we best help students navigate the ups and downs of college life? Alexis Redding, faculty co-chair of Higher Education and Lecturer on education at Harvard University, examines the W-curve to find out. Alexis Redding is a developmental psychologist whose who specializes in supporting young adults during the college years and the transition to […]

Imran Mirza, Miami University – Realistic Quantum Optical Models

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2025 2:30


What does the future hold for computer science? Imran Mirza, associate professor of physics at Miami University, explores this through quantum computing. Dr. Imran Mirza is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics at Miami University of Ohio. Before his appointment at Miami, he served as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of […]

Katherine Wander, Binghamton University – Exploring How Iron Plays a Key Role In COVID Infection

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2025 2:30


Iron isn't just important for us – viruses need it too. Katherine Wander, associate professor of anthropology at Binghamton University, examines how this plays a role in COVID infections. Kathy Wander is a biological anthropologist in Binghamton University's department of Anthropology. She received her BA from the Ohio State University and her MPH and PhD […]

Jayna Moceri-Brooks, New York University – Purple Heart May Protect Against Suicide

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2025 2:30


Can receiving a Purple Heart medal for a combat injury lower the risk of suicide in combat veterans? Jayna Moceri-Brooks, clinical assistant professor at the Rory Meyers College of Nursing at New York University, explores whether this recognition has an effect. Jayna Moceri-Brooks, PhD, RN, is a Clinical Assistant Professor at NYU Rory Meyers College […]

Manasvi Lingam, Florida Institute of Technology – The Benefits of Using A Different Type of Propulsion to Explore Our Solar System

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2025 2:30


Is there a better way to explore space without using rockets for propulsion? Manasvi Lingam, assistant professor of astrobiology at the Florida Institute of Technology, examines one potential technology. Manasvi Lingam, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of astrobiology at Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech) in Melbourne, Florida. After completing his undergraduate degree at the […]

Elahe Soltanaghai, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign – Sensing Beneath the Forest Canopy: A New Tool for Wildfire Prevention

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2025 2:30


We need new tools for wildfire prevention going forward. Elahe Soltanaghai, assistant professor of computer science and electrical and computer engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, aims to deliver one. Elahe Soltanaghai is an assistant professor of Computer Science at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Her research spans the areas of wireless networking and sensing with applications […]

Xiaojia Shelly Zhang, University of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering – Bio-Inspired 3D Printed Materials to Support Bone Healing

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2025 2:30


On University of Illinois's Grainger College of Engineering Week: Our bodies are unique, so how do we engineer implants that work for each person? Xiaojia Shelly Zhang, David C. Crawford faculty scholar and associate professor of civil and environmental engineering and mechanical science and engineering, explores how 3D printing can help. Dr. Xiaojia Shelly Zhang […]

Amy Wagoner Johnson, University of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering – Engineering Tools to Understand Pregnancy and Fertility

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2025 2:30


On University of Illinois's Grainger College of Engineering Week: There's more to learn about pregnancy and fertility. Amy Wagoner Johnson, Andersen Faculty Scholar, Chan Zuckerberg BioHub Chicago Investigator and professor of mechanical science and engineering, takes an engineering perspective on one issue. Amy Wagoner Johnson is an Andersen Faculty Scholar and Professor in Mechanical Science […]

Cecilia Leal, University of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering – How Fat Cells Get Smarter

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2025 2:30


On University of Illinois's Grainger College of Engineering Week: To understand obesity, we need to look into our cells. Cecilia Leal, professor of materials science and engineering, explores. Cecilia Leal has been a professor of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Illinois' Grainger College of Engineering since 2012. Her lab investigates lipids, soft, […]

Caroline Cao, University of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering – Medical Training Using Simulation in Extended Reality

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2025 2:30


On University of Illinois's Grainger College of Engineering Week: Extended reality technology may help medical and law enforcement professionals develop empathy during training. Caroline Cao, professor and director of applied health technology initiatives and director of engineering innovation and medical simulation in the Carle Illinois College of Medicine, examines the importance. Caroline G. L. Cao […]

David Fastovich, Syracuse University – Why Trees Need Centuries to Adapt or Migrate But Climate Won’t Wait

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2025 2:30


On Syracuse University Week: Trees need a long time to adapt to climate change. David Fastovich, assistant professor of geography, explains why. Dr. David Fastovich was a Postdoctoral Scholar in the Bhattacharya Paleoclimate Dynamics lab at Syracuse University and will soon be starting as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Geography at the University […]

Kristy Buzard, Syracuse University – When Trade Moved Faster: The Power of Multilateralism

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2025 2:30


On Syracuse University Week: Global trade has been a major topic in recent headlines. Kristy Buzard, associate professor and Melvin A. Eggers Economics Faculty Scholar, explores the power of multilateralism. Kristy Buzard is an Associate Professor of Economics and Melvin A. Eggers Economics Faculty Scholar at Syracuse University. She received a Ph.D. in Economics from […]

Claire Rubbelke, Syracuse University – Does Earth’s Memory Hold The Key To Our Future?

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2025 2:30


On Syracuse University Week: Does Earth's memory hold the key to our future? Claire Rubbelke, Ph.D. graduate at Syracuse University and Provost's Postdoctoral Fellow of Engineering at the University of Notre Dame, digs in to find out. I recently completed my Ph.D. at Syracuse University and started a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Notre […]

Rachael Dailey Goodwin, Syracuse University – Under Pressure to Be Perfect

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2025 2:30


On Syracuse University Week: Being perfect under pressure is a difficult task. Rachael Dailey Goodwin, assistant professor of management and Lender Center Research Affiliate, examines this through the lens of ballet. Rachael Dailey Goodwin is an Assistant Professor of Management at Syracuse University. She completed a Ph.D. at the University of Utah and a research […]

Leonard M. Lopoo, Syracuse University – Why Government Policy is Much More Effective at Reducing Births than Generating Them

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2025 2:30


On Syracuse University Week:  The fertility rate in the United States may pose challenges in the future. Leonard M. Lopoo, Paul Volcker Chair in Behavioral Economics, says certain policies may do more harm than good. Leonard M. Lopoo is the Paul Volcker Chair in Behavioral Economics; Associate Dean and Chair of the Department of Public […]

Jack Chapel, University of Southern California – A Diabetes Paradox

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2025 2:30


Health among those afflicted with diabetes is improving, but obtaining work remains a challenge. Jack Chapel, assistant professor of health policy and management at the University of Southern California, examines why. Jack Chapel is an assistant professor (research) of health policy and management at the University of Southern California’s (USC) Price School of Public Policy […]

Samuel Pizelo, University of Toronto Mississisauga – Games as System-Modeling Tools

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2025 2:30


Games can influence our world in many ways. Samuel Pizelo, assistant professor of game studies at the University of Toronto, Mississauga, explores games as system-modeling tools. Samuel Pizelo is an Assistant Professor of Game Studies at the Institute for Communication, Culture, Information and Technology at the University of Toronto, Mississauga. He completed his PhD at […]

Jonathan Losos, Washington University in St. Louis – Copycat Evolution Between Certain Breeds of Cats and Dogs

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2025 2:30


Can the evolution of one species copy from another? Jonathan Losos, William H. Danforth distinguished university professor at Washington University in St. Louis, looks to answer this. Jonathan Losos is a renowned evolutionary biologist at Washington University in St. Louis. His lab researches the behavioral and evolutionary ecology of lizards as well as the evolutionary […]

Jon Rawski, San Jose State University – A Blueprint for Designing Intelligent Learning Systems

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2025 2:30


Understanding how humans learn language provides a blueprint for designing other intelligent learning systems. Jon Rawski, assistant professor in the department of linguistics and language development at San Jose State University, discusses how to do so. Jon Rawski is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Linguistics and Language Development at San José State University […]

Takahiro Yabe, New York University – Your Behavior Affects Your City

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2025 2:30


On New York University Week: Your behavior can affect the city you live in. Takahiro Yabe, assistant professor in the department of technology management and innovation and the Center for Urban Science and Progress, details the relationship. Takahiro Yabe is an Assistant Professor at the NYU Tandon School of Engineering Department of Technology Management and […]

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