The UNH Podcats

The Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire held its closing Juneteenth celebratory event on June 19 at the African Burying Ground in Portsmouth with a special program: Dance of the Ancestors: Ritual, Chants, Drumming, and Movement.  Fashioned after a traditional West African Egungun ritual and live streaming from the Portsmouth African Burying Ground, the event featured chants, drumming, and dance. Please enjoy the drumming of the Akwaaba Ensemble, made to invoke and honor ancestral spirits and to offer healing. This was recorded live at the African Burying Ground in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. 

Our guest today is Ian Grant, Executive Director of the Peter T. Paul Entrepreneurship Center at UNH located in Durham, New Hampshire, better known as the ECenter. The ECenter is open to all students and their goal is to help foster the next generation of leaders with an entrepreneurial mind-set. The ECenter delivers unique, hands-on, experiential programming that inspires, nurtures, and mentors students from any major, at every step in the process — from idea growth and development to the fundamentals of company creation.

COVID-19 has created a lot of uncertainty across the world. In this week's episode, Mica Stark, Associate Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs virtually interviewed President James W. Dean and Provost Wayne Jones on how UNH has weathered the storm and what preparations are being made for the upcoming months. For the most up-to-date information on our campuses and COVID-19, please visit UNH.edu/covid.

Professor and director of the University of New Hampshire journalism program Tom Haines joined the podcast this week to discuss COVID-19 and its impact on national, regional and local news outlets. We also spend a few minutes discussing the transition to online learning for both the professors and students. For more information on UNH journalism, visit https://cola.unh.edu/english/program/ba/englishjournalism-major For more information on the UNH, visit https://www.unh.edu/

We at UNH hope that you are all staying safe and healthy. This was recorded at the end of February before social distancing was enacted. Tom Kelly and Karen Spiller joined to discuss the 50th year anniversary of Earth Day as well as the 21-Day Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge. Both have virtual offerings during COVID-19. See the links below for more information. Food Solutions New England:https://www.foodsolutionsne.org/ UNH Sustainability Institute: www.sustainableunh.unh.edu 21-Day Racial Equity Challenge Launch Webinar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwLaxs7noQs&feature=youtu.be Register for Challenge Friday's: https://www.nowwhat2020.com/ Center for Social Innovation and Enterprise Event Registration: https://www.unh.edu/social-innovation/culture-eats-strategy-breakfast-companies-taking-bold-action-address-climate 50th Anniversary of Earth Day Celebration: https://unh.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_sJpsWsgAT0-vJEWD9URCpA Earth Day/Challenge Celebration: https://unh.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lYnXhdcrTkuosu0Lz85wew  

It takes some work to improve your mental health. Ely Marciano '21 shared, very openly, his experiences with mental health and how he's put a bigger emphasis on improving it. With the resources on campus such as Health and Wellness, Ely was able to work on his skills to make a big difference in his life. For more information on health and wellness options available, visit www.unh.edu/health. For more information on the University of New Hampshire, visit www.unh.edu.  

Study Away USA at UNH offers several domestic study away experiences, one being the National Student Exchange program. Abby Reinelt '20 wanted to step out of her comfort zone but didn't want to commit to studying abroad so NSE was the perfect fit. In this week's episode, she shared the highs and lows of her semester and what students can expect if they are interested in more. For more information on the University of New Hampshire, visit UNH.edu.

Krystal Hicks '07 joined the podcast this week to talk about how her job is jobs? She's worked in the employment sector for 10+ years and credits her experiences at UNH to guiding her through that journey. She recently started a new company, which you'll hear more about, but still finds time to teach a class on campus and volunteer at alumni events when she's available. For more information on the University of New Hampshire, visit UNH.edu.

We've all heard the term Provost, but what does that mean? Wayne Jones Jr., provost and vice president of academic affairs at the University of New Hampshire, answered that question and more ahead of the State of the University event to update our community about the University and future priorities. An extensive history in higher education, as well as four children who've gone through college themselves, has prepared him to tackle the biggest challenges and set up UNH for a bright future.

Michael Ettlinger, director of UNH's Carsey School of Public Policy, joined this week to share the work Carsey does for students, New Hampshire and our country in regards to politics and public policy. Additionally, he spoke on the opportunities for students to get involved in politics and how they can learn more ahead of the NH primary.

UNH dining's Todd Sweet and Rochelle L'Italien joined this week to discuss the Menus of Change and how dining operations incorporate 24 principles in an effort to increase transparency as well as assist students in healthy decision-making during meals.

Today's episode is a snippet of a Women in Leadership Miniseries webinar from November 26. Amy White '86 is the Vice President, Demand and Supply Management for Nike, Inc. and sat down with Jamie Weatherby, Associate Director of Alumni Engagement, to discuss tips for career-driven individuals and ways to move up the corporate ladder, or as she describes it, the corporate jungle gym. With 20+ years of experience at Nike, she's a great example of what UNH graduates strive to become. For more information on the University of New Hampshire, visit UNH.edu.

Sarah Nadeau '19, '20G spends her days training for the upcoming ski season as well as tackling courses for her Carsey School of Public Policy master's degree. Not only that, but she's held unique internships in Washington, D.C. and Manchester, NH to prepare her for the future. Visit www.unh.edu for more information on academic programs.

Faculty at the University of New Hampshire are here for three things... research and scholarship, service, and possibly most importantly to educate students for the next chapter of their lives. One member who embodies that mantra is Erin Bell, department chair and professor for civil and environmental engineering. She joined the podcast this week to share a few opportunities that she's been able to provide for students as well as her unique background that helps her educate students to the best of her ability.

Graduate students are a crucial part of the University of New Hampshire and those students have needs just like the undergraduates do. Casey O'Heran and Liz Weidner are president and vice-president, respectively, of the graduate students and joined this week to talk about the role they play and the importance of giving a voice to a smaller demographic on campus.

With Halloween around the corner, we thought we'd share some paranormal stories from campus. Brenda Whitmore joined this week to share a few first-hand accounts of supernatural behavior throughout her career at UNH in the facilities department as well as discuss a few upcoming projects that are sure to excite future and past Wildcats.

Peter Urquhart, a professor of music at UNH, joined this week to talk about his work with the Thompson Hall bells, the history behind the iconic sound that is played across campus and how it fits within the community here in Durham.

They're energetic, bleed blue and take it all very seriously. Troy LaPolice '21 is the president of the Cat Pack Captains, a student-run spirit group on campus which generates a huge portion of the school spirit. We discussed the impact the organization has had on him and what it's like to create energy and enthusiasm for huge events including homecoming, move-in day and much more.

We're connected to everything and anything at a moment's notice and technology is changing lives every day. Not only our lives but our education. Tracy Cosker, Associate Director of UNH Online, joined the podcast this week to discuss the options UNH online offers, the variety of ways it's available to students all over the world, and how education may be shifting into a more-digital space.

Senior football captain Pop Lacey '20 joined this week to discuss the home opener for UNH football this Saturday as well as the off-the-field activities that are preparing him for a successful future.

Two seniors, Kiersten Gould '20 and Haley McCarron '20, joined the podcast this week to talk about the dance and arts community on campus, the annual University Day event, as well as the family they've created here on campus.

Sophomore Sophie Baker '22 spent her summer on campus as an Orientation Leader, helping the class of 2023 transition from high school to college. Additionally, now that students are back on campus, Sophie will be busy this year as a resident assistant for Handler Hall. Sophie also shared thoughts on her freshmen year, tips for the incoming class and what to expect now that classes are back in session.

President James W. Dean Jr. joined the podcast to talk about his busy summer, his first full year at the University of New Hampshire and his expectations for the upcoming 2019-20 academic year.

Social media interns Ben Pollack '19, Christine Speranza '19, and Molly McAndrews '19 joined the podcast to discuss their final year on campus, what they learned during their four years on campus and advice to freshmen joining our family this fall.

Junior Abby Colby joined this week to discuss the organization of the annual Unity Day event, which is this Saturday, May 4. The campus will be joining together to build a better UNH and create a growing tradition of giving back to our beloved community.

UNH is known nationally for their undergraduate research conference, giving students a chance to present their research projects from the year. Audrey Balaska '19 is participating this year and shared her thoughts on the URC, her time at UNH as well as what's next after commencement.

Newly elected student body president and vice president Allie MacPhee '21 and Kelsey Crowley '21 joined the studio to talk about their campaign strategy, what their goals are for next year and what they've learned going through this entire process.

Joshua Chamberlain '99 came to UNH with an open mind in the '90s. His passion for reggae music has sent him south, to Jamaica - putting his political background to use to benefit a historic music school.

Kyle Sharpe '19 knew that he wanted to stay involved in improv when he got to college, luckily Improv Anonymous is UNH's longest-running improv troupe on campus and he was able to jump right in.

Interim dean Cari Moorhead and assistant dean Dovev Levine joined the studio to discuss all things great about the graduate school, professional development opportunities, and key events coming up.

You could call Charlie Nitschelm '20 a go-getter. With a passion for rocketry, he wanted to join a club to fulfill his interest. With no options available he started his own sophomore year and that experience led him to a unique internship this summer in California with Rocket Lab.

Dave Zamansky '93, '97G is so prideful of UNH that many students think he actually sleeps in the Memorial Union Building. Dave joined the podcast to discuss leadership training opportunities for students as well as a few of his favorite activities at the MUB throughout the year for students to get involved with.

 Dylan Wheeler '20 chose UNH because of the beautiful campus and financial support, and there was much more to it than he expected.

University Library Dean Tara Lynn Fulton joined the podcast to discuss the many resources available at the four libraries in Durham. On top of that, we spend a good portion of the episode talking about the digital age and how libraries have adapted to help students where they need it most.

Dawn Zitney, wellness educator and counselor with UNH's Health and Wellness, joined the podcast again to discuss programming, upcoming events, the use of mindfulness and meditation and much more.

What does a flagship research institution mean? Joining the episode this week is Beth Potier, manager of research communications and outreach at UNH, who explains the impact UNH research has on the country as well as ways students get involved.

At some point in everyone's life, they've thought about running their own company and UNH students are no exception. To start, we suggest visiting the UNH Entrepreneurship Center, a collaboration space to help guide your ideas into a full-fledged company right here in Durham.

The mission of Northeast Passage is to create an environment where individuals with disabilities can enjoy recreation with the same freedom of choice, quality of life, and independence as their non-disabled peers. Hear the programming options, national recognition and more from Associate Director of Operations Keely Ames.

UNH men's soccer's Josh Bauer '20 earned America East Defender of the Year honors during the 2018 championship run for the team. On top of that, he's a biomedical sciences major.

Executive Director of SHARPP the Sexual Harassment and Rape Prevention Program, Amy Culp, sat down with us to discuss the SHARPP program and the programming it runs throughout campus to educate the student, faculty and staff population. Also, there are plenty of ways for students to reach out for more information or get involved as an advocate.

Junior political science major Catherine Babbidge '20 was sure of UNH once she took a tour of campus. She's hoping she will have the same impact on prospective students once they take one of her tours.

The Museum of Art right in Durham houses many faculty and student work as well as work from across the country. Hands-on opportunities for students to showcase work or learn skills for the future sets this museum apart from the rest.

Rebecca Philibert '19 sees travel as the best type of learning. She believes it so much she has already traveled abroad twice with a third time coming this J-Term. 

College of Life Sciences and Agriculture alum Alana Davidson '17 is one of many students on campus who has cultivated relationships with professors to further personal growth and opportunities. The type of relationship that pushed Alana to national exposure with the Swipe It Forward program.

Want to learn more about the UNH PodCats hosts, Ben and Taylor? Well you are in luck in this week's #UNHPodCats.

Juliana Good '20 recently took part in the Center for Social Innovation and Enterprise's Social Venture Innovation Challenge, which is an idea-phase competition tasking students to make global change.

With a brewing minor, students have a chance to take their already exquisite major and compliment it with a focus that is quickly growing across the nation. Brewery Manager Cheryl Parker sat down with us to discuss the minor and how it all works.

Sofia Rodriguez '19 joined the studio this week to talk about new rules on recycling and what it's like to work with the Sustainability Institute on campus.

Local radio host Greg Kretschmar '84 joined the show to discuss his time at UNH, his kids who joined the Wildcats' family and his love for UNH men's hockey.

UNH Volleyball student-athletes Jenny Weston '20 and Kennedi Smith '20 shared their stories this week while also touching on the caring, thoughtful nature of the volleyball program.

From Thailand to UNH, back to Thailand, and ultimately Miss NH. Michelle McEwan '14 has quite the story, and her Hospitality Management degree has taken her across the world. Hear her story in this weeks #UNHPodcats.