The Science Lens podcast

In this episode, we are focusing on one of the most fundamental needs of humanity: water. Our guest today has an extensive background in water quality research and working with Indigenous communities across Canada.

In this episode, we are joined by Miguel Uyaguari-Diaz, Associate Professor and Indigenous Scholar at the Department of Microbiology. The long-term goal of Uyaguari-Diaz’s research program is to enable the proactive management and development of water monitoring tools. This would be through a comprehensive understanding of the microbial ecology of wastewater and aquatic environments in Canada, including First Nations communities here in Manitoba.

This episode is hosted by Kimia Shadkami, digital content and communications lead, and Melanie Lalonde, Wawatay program development specialist.

In this episode, we are discussing how generative AI affects meaningful teaching and learning, how researchers are looking into the relationship between humans and AI, and whether you should let generative AI write your resume and prepare your coffee. Em-dashes and Oxford commas are also up for debate! 

This episode is hosted by Kimia Shadkami, digital content and communications lead and Michelle Perner-Lemire, research grants facilitator. Our guests are Brenda M. Stoesz, a Research Lead - Science of Teaching and Learning at the Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning (CATL), and Rafiat Bamimore Akodu, an MSc student in Computer Science from the Human Computer Interaction (HCI) Lab.

Change is the only constant in our lives, and we don't talk enough about the fear that comes with it. Not only to find solutions that would work for us, but also to find community. When it comes to changes in our academic or professional paths, even the slightest changes can feel extreme, and sometimes they are. In this episode, we talk about why change is needed, how our personal experiences have been shaped by embracing change, and why you should give it a try!

This episode is hosted by Kimia Shadkami, digital content and communications lead, and Taylor Owen, academic advisor at UM Faculty of Science. Our guests are Xinli Wang, an instructor in the Department of Mathematics, and Elayna Paddock Thiessen, a genetics honours student in their final term of study in the Faculty of Science.

Have you ever paused to think where your science education can take you? Are you wondering if getting a master’s or PhD is worth it? Did you ever think that you had to go out of Manitoba to do something big? Well, hold that thought because today’s guest might surprise you.

This episode is hosted by Kimia Shadkami, digital content and communications lead and Daniel Heschuk, program development specialist. Our guest is Michael Lang, PhD, Chief Technology Officer of Taumedis.

What is it like to study and work on one of the most beautiful campuses at the largest university in Manitoba, Canada? Where are the hidden gems on campus? Where can you buy a great cup of coffee? And what should you do if you get lost in the tunnels?

This episode is hosted by Kimia Shadkami, digital content and communications lead and Nicolle Amyotte, events coordinator from the Faculty of Science. Our guests are Erwin Heubner, professor emeritus of biological sciences and artist-in-residence at the School of Art at the University of Manitoba, and Nishita Das, a third-year Bachelor of Science student majoring in Psychology at the University of Manitoba.

And where do they go from there? How do their careers change throughout the years? What are their hopes and dreams for the future of their fields? But most importantly, tea or coffee while working on the next innovative idea?

This episode is hosted by Kimia Shadkami, digital content and communications lead and Michelle Perner-Lemire, research grants facilitator. Our guests are Houda Elmimouni, assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science, and Abishek Iyer, assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry.