University of Rochester's Quadcast

In 2016, nearly 45,000 Americans committed suicide. The strongest increase is in the rate for girls aged 10 to 14. Kathleen Baynes, an assistant professor of psychiatry and a psychiatrist at UR Medicine Mental Health & Wellness, Michael Scharf, chief of the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Rochester Medical Center, and Cassie Glenn, an assistant professor of psychology and psychiatry and faculty member at the URMC Center for the Study and Prevention of Suicide, talk about trying to stem the tide.

As Rochester prepares for its 169th Commencement, four graduating students talk about their aspirations for the future and share some of their favorite memories as YellowJackets. From favorite professors to landing the dream job, Class of 2019 members Gillian Gingher, Gabriel Guisado, Beatriz Gil, and Benton Gordon use this memorable milestone to look forward—and look ahead. Meliora!

Higher education is often thought of as the place where students expand their minds and prepare themselves for their lives and careers. That often means freedom of inquiry and freedom of speech. For some, the tenets of the First Amendment are sacrosanct. Others consider free speech at its strongest when we protect more marginalized and vulnerable voices. Dean of students Matt Burns and political science professor David Primo shed light on this growing debate.

From smartphones and social media to online learning and virtual reality, digital technologies are changing the ways we connect with each other and interact with our world. Students on today's college campuses are digital natives and bring with them expectations when it comes to learning and interacting on electronic platforms. Joan Rubin, Jayne Lammers, and Emily Sherwood discuss being educators and being human in the digital age.

If you look at social media, or just simply read, watch, or listen to the news, it’s easy to get the sense that America is more polarized than ever. Three university experts: Joan Saab, David Primo, and Kevin Meuwissen discuss the nature of America's current political and social divide and offer ideas on how higher education might help bridge the widening gap.

Professor of religion and classics Nora Rubel, assistant professor of history Thomas Fleischman, and assistant professor of psychology Laura Elenbaas sit down for an academic and interdisciplinary conversation about how we understand hate and intolerance. Together, they discuss recent incidents of racism and antisemitism and offer insights from their fields.

WRUR is celebrating 70 years of being on the air. Like many college radio stations, the University of Rochester’s station has long been a mainstay on campus and in the wider community. As much a place for learning as it is a spot on the dial that delivers the news, the music, and the events that shape our world, WRUR is an important part of Rochester’s history. Listen to clips from some of the station’s memorable moments, hear from past and present personalities, and join the celebration of seven incredible decades.

Economics factor into almost every part of our professional, social, and personal lives; yet many of us have little understanding how economics shape our world and our places in it. In this episode, we look at economics from a more universal perspective and discuss how understanding the discipline can be as empowering as it is informative. Original theme music "Roots and Wings" by Billy Petito ’18E.

Last spring, the leadership in Arts, Sciences & Engineering introduced a restorative practices initiative to help members of the University community move forward after allegations of sexual misconduct challenged one of its most respected departments and affected the institution as a whole. Led by AS&E dean for diversity Beth Olivares, the initiative includes restorative practices workshops and training by consultants Toni McMurphy and Duke Fisher, as well as important insights from associate professor of anthropology Kristin Doughty, a restorative justice scholar and director of the University of Rochester’s Susan B. Anthony Institute. Beth Olivares, Toni McMurphy, Duke Fisher and Kristin Doughty join us to talk more about restorative practices and what they hope to accomplish with the ongoing initiative.

In July 2018, Donald Hall became the University of Rochester's Robert L. and Mary L. Sproull Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering. Responsible for a unit that includes more than 350 faculty members, over 5000 undergraduate students, and over 1,300 graduate students, Hall's leadership will have a significant impact on the University and the College. He sits down to talk about his priorities and his vision for the future.

On July 5, 1852, Frederick Douglass spoke to the Ladies’ Anti-Slavery Society in Rochester, New York and delivered what has become his iconic speech, “What to a Slave is the Fourth of July?” Listen to faculty, students, and staff read notable passages from the speech and hear thoughts from University experts on the famous abolitionist’s lasting legacy. Music: “Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child” performed by Joe Hagen ’19

About 30 million Americans suffer from eating disorders, ranging from anorexia and bulimia to the lesser known binge-eating and restrictive-food-intake disorders. University of Rochester eating disorder specialists Mary Tantillo, a professor of clinical nursing, and Taylor Starr, an assistant professor of pediatrics and director of the Eating Disorder Program at Golisano Children’s Hospital, offer advice on how to spot the warning signs in teens and find the best treatment options. Original theme music Roots and Wings (2017) by Billy Petito ‘18E.

One of the greatest threats to democracy is the idea that it is unassailable. That’s the tagline of Bright Line Watch, a non-partisan initiative that monitors democratic practices in the United States. Quadcast host Sandra Knispel talks with Gretchen Helmke, a University of Rochester professor of political science, and Mitch Sanders, the group's methodologist, about why they are concerned. Original theme music Roots and Wings (2017) by Billy Petito ‘18E. Photo: Anthony Garand

The World Bank’s goal is to end poverty. The Bank is independent and provides loans to countries solely based on need and merit of the project. But that’s theory say political scientist. In reality some powerful multinational corporations are pulling the strings. Quadcast host Sandra Knispel talks with Randy Stone, a University of Rochester professor of political science, about his findings of undue corporate influence at the World Bank.  Original theme music Roots and Wings (2017) by Billy Petito ‘18E.

What’s your dream job? What do you want to be? Every five-year-old has a quick answer or two to this question. But once you are at university it becomes more pressing. The question becomes—how do you land a real job straight out of college? Original theme music Roots and Wings (2017) by Billy Petito ‘18E.

Seasoned admissions professionals from the University of Rochester spill the beans on what you need to do—and what you really, really need to avoid. Quadcast host Sandra Knispel speaks with admission directors Jason Nevinger and Kim Cragg about how to drastically improve your chances of getting into your dream school.

History professor Thomas Fleischman is taking a new approach to research projects. This past fall semester, he and his class teamed up to create a new podcast series called Under the Low Bridge, where they explored and explained the history of the Erie Canal. Along with learning what for many students was a new communications medium, their work also included site visits to the canal and research into its original maps, photos, and architectural illustrations. Original theme music "Roots and Wings" by Billy Petito ’18E.

Students say the atmosphere at Rochester's East High School two years ago was "a hot mess" and disrespect was rampant. That's when the University of Rochester entered into an educational partnership with East High and began working to change the culture in the struggling school threatened by closure. Host Sandra Knispel speaks with members of the East High community to find out how far the school, the students, and the partnership have come since then. Original theme music "Roots and Wings" by Billy Petito ’18E.

Like many institutes of higher learning, the University of Rochester simultaneously shapes its local economy while it creates knowledge, inspires learning, and explores research. In this episode, we look at the many ways this top-tier university influences its community through health care, education, sciences, and the arts.

Former Fed leader Narayana Kocherlakota offers his insights on monetary policy and the need for diversity in economic models. Kocherlakota, now the Lionel W. McKenzie Professor of Economics at the University of Rochester, spoke with Quadcast Host Peter Iglinski about his personal background, his work, and his return to academia. Original theme music "Roots and Wings" by Billy Petito ’18E.

Now in its 20th year, the Polish Film Festival is a fixture in Rochester, thanks, in part, to the area's active Polish-American community. For most of the last two decades, the job of choosing which films to feature has belonged to Bozenna Sobolewska. Dr. Sobolewska speaks with host Peter Iglinski about the success of the festival, the state of Polish film, and the art of putting together this long-running event.   Original theme music "Roots and Wings" by Billy Petito ’18E.

Professor Joanne Larson is part of the leadership team for the educational partnership organization (EPO) between the University of Rochester and East High School. She says the prospect of helping turn around a school that was struggling with inadequate performance was one of the hardest things she's ever done.

Science News has named Ehsan Hoque, an assistant professor of computer science, one of ten Scientists to Watch in 2017. Hoque and the others were selected for "their important contributions to their fields and their potential for an even more tremendous impact in the years to come." His research focuses on human behavior as seen through a computational lens. Quadcast host Peter Iglinski talks with Prof. Hoque about his work and this latest honor.

The University of Rochester's first all-female Students' Association leadership team sits down with host Peter Iglinski to talk about their plans for the 2017-17 academic year. Jordan Smith and Rebecca Mooney discuss their passions, their futures, and "shattering a glass ceiling." Originally recorded September 5, 2017.

A treatment is on the way for stroke survivors who experience difficulty with their vision, says Krystel Huxlin, the James V. Aquavella Professor and Director of Research at the University of Rochester Medical Center’s Flaum Eye Institute. Quadcast host Sandra Knispel talks with the vison expert about repairing and restoring basic vision with the help of a therapy that Huxlin has pioneered.

Does guilting kids work and is it ever ok to snoop on your teenager? Psychology professors Judith Smetana and Wendy Rote talk to Quadcast host Sandra Knispel about effective parenting strategies and pitfalls to avoid.

First-year students have plenty of questions about college life. Thankfully, the University of Rochester has answers. In this episode of the Quadcast, host Caitlin Davie ’19 asks University of Rochester staff, recent graduates, and current students for their tips on making a smooth and successful transition to college life. One of the best takeaways? "You're in the same boat as everybody else." Original theme music Roots and Wings (2017) by Billy Petito ‘18E.

Another school year soon will begin, and many students will be starting their first year of college. It’s an exciting and sometimes emotional time for students, family, and loved ones. In this special back-to-school Quadcast, host Nick Foti ’19 asks experienced parents, students, and University staff about what to expect on move-in day, and about the many programs designed especially for parents and guardians. Original theme music Roots and Wings (2017) by Billy Petito ‘18E.  

Sofia Svechina was a social force in early 19th century Paris. After emigrating from Russian, she operated one of the city's most popular salons, allowing her to become friends with—and adviser to—numerous political, social, and religious leaders. In this episode of Quadcast, host Peter Iglinski talks with Tatyana Bakhmetyeva, a lecturer at the Susan B. Anthony Institute for Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies, who wrote Mother of the Church, a biography of Madame Sofia Svechina.  

Economists and scholars from the University of Rochester are often credited with making the successful argument to end the U.S. military draft. After first being enacted in 1863, the draft continued during both times of war and peace until coming to end 44 years ago this July. In this episode of Quadcast, host Peter Iglinski considers the history of selective service, and the influence Rochester had in moving to an all-volunteer force.

Psychology professors Richard Ryan and Edward Deci, the founding fathers of Self-Determination Theory (SDT), talk with Quadcast host Sandra Knispel about what really motivates us, why money is often a poor incentive, and their new book Self-Determination Theory: Basic Psychological Needs in Motivation, Development, and Wellness.  SDT is one of the most widely accepted theories of human motivation in contemporary behavioral science.   

Commencement traditions at the University have changed over time. Some—like endless orations and a Latin alma mater—have fallen by the wayside. University of Rochester archivist Melissa Mead explains the history behind the ceremony and some of its quirky features. Graduating senior Liz Beson talks about her plans for the future.  

Final-year students at the Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have spent much of their last two semesters solving real-world engineering problems in a variety of fields. Host Peter Iglinski speaks with two of the students—Margaret Ferrari ’17 (MS) and Frank White ’17 about their projects and capstone experiences.  

Egyptian-born sisters Yasmin and Ayaa Elgoharry came to the U.S. aged seven and 11. The only Muslim family in their neighborhood, they often felt their religion was something to hide. Having nearly dropped out of high school, discouraged by their school counselor to apply to anything else but a community college, they are now graduating with a master's in educational leadership from the University's Warner School of Education. The first-generation college grads talk with host Sandra Knispel about their remarkable journey.  

The Take Five Scholars Program is a University of Rochester original, offering an additional semester or year of study, tuition-free. As scholars Madison Carter ’18, Seneca Hutson ’18, and Tanveer Karim ’17 describe, the program is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore personal, academic, and professional passions outside their majors. Take Five advisor Juliet Sullivan is also a guest, and talks with host Jim Ver Steeg about some of the details of the program and how interested students can apply.

Nick Bruno '17 sits down in the studio with John Covach, a professor of Music Theory and the director of the Institute of Popular Music at the University of Rochester, to discuss this year's inductees, the Rock Hall, and its place in music history. Then, with the help of his guitar, Professor Covach walks us through Yes's hit song Roundabout and explains what makes it such an important part of rock history.

In an interview with associate professor of political science Hein Goemans, the expert on conflict points out that Germany was aware that its unrestricted submarine warfare would provoke the U.S. into WWI.   When World War I erupted in Europe in 1914, the 28th U.S. president had pledged neutrality for the United States, in sync with prevailing American public opinion.   But while he tried to avoid war, favoring instead a negotiated collective approach to international stability, over the next three years Wilson was rapidly running out of options. Tensions heightened as Germany tried to isolate Britain and announced unrestricted attacks against all ships that entered the war zone around the British Isles in 1915.   In early April, with the toll of sunk U.S. merchant ships and civilian casualties rising, President Wilson asked Congress for “a war to end all wars” that would “make the world safe for democracy.”   And so, exactly one hundred years ago, on April 6, 1917, Congress voted to declare war on Germany, joining the bloody battle alongside its allies – then optimistically called the “Great War.” Goemans is director of the Peter D. Watson Center for Conflict and Cooperation at the University of Rochester.

A recently discovered trove of letters, speeches, petitions, photographs, and pamphlets—forgotten for a century in attics, barns, and on porches—now opens a window into the details of that historic movement. Originally owned by suffragist Isabella Beecher Hooker, the collection includes dozens of letters from fellow movement leaders Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.

In this episode of the Quadcast podcast, Nick Bruno ’17 interviews Grammy Award-winner Stephen Roessner, a lecturer in Rochester’s audio and music engineering program, and Dan Kannen ’17, one of Roessner’s students. Together they discuss what goes into the selection of the nominees and award winners, how Roessner found out (or didn’t!) that he was nominated for his audio engineering work, and how changes in audio technology and streaming services are changing what people think about award-worthy audio quality.

Researchers from the Warner School of Education are using data to study everything from student success to the allocation of critical resources across districts. Associate professor, chair of Educational Leadership, and associate dean for Academic Programs Karen DeAngelis, and associate professor and director of the Educational Policy Program Kara Finnigan discuss some of what data can teach us.