Expand Your Perspective: Recent Episodes
Michael O'Toole
Expand Your Perspective is a podcast that highlights the exciting and innovative research of graduate students and postdocs at the University of Chicago. Each episode brings together a group of graduate students and postdocs for a wide-ranging conversation around a common theme. Hosted by two members of the UChicagoGRAD professional development team, Michael O’Toole and Linsin Smith, we hope this podcast provides an exciting opportunity for our listeners to learn more about the research of graduate students and postdocs at the University of Chicago.
In this episode, we discuss the fascinating connections between genetics, evolution, and human pregnancy. We are joined by postdoctoral scholar Mirna Marinić and graduate student Philipp Ross to talk about what makes human pregnancy unique, how pregnancy has evolved the way it has, and new directions in the study of the immune system during pregnancy.
In this episode we delve into the world of nanotechnology research and its applications, from the creation of nanoscale sensing devices to the role of nanomaterials in studying biological processes. We’ll learn about how small these materials really are, discuss the huge range of applications for nanotechnologies, and the implications of this relatively novel technology on society. Featuring graduate students Paul Jerger, Shi En Kim, and Jessica Morgan.
In this episode, we talk with a group of graduate students and postdocs who are researching new and innovative ways to understand and treat food allergies. From immunotheraphy to inverse vaccines to biotherapeutics, our guests tell us about the research they’re pursuing and the startups they’ve founded to bring their innovations to the public at large. Featuring graduate students Evelyn Campbell, Ande Hesser, and Chitavi Maulloo, along with postdoctoral scholars Andrea Kemter and Shijie Cao.
In this episode, immunology graduate student Chris Stamper talks about how his lab shifted the focus of their antibody research to deepen our understanding of the coronavirus and aid in the development of a vaccine. In the second half, Master’s alumnus Dr. Siva Bhavani talks about his work as an ICU physician and how he utilizes big data to understand better the trajectories of patients with COVID-19.
Monkeys playing video games, octopus arm regeneration, and the cell-to-cell communication that underscores every biological process? Join our conversation to learn more about innovative graduate research in the biological sciences, with the help of Meike Lobb-Rabe, Natalie Grace Schulz, Caleb Sponheim, and Sherzod Tokamov.
This episode focuses on ground-breaking (or should we say space-breaking) new research from graduate students at the University of Chicago studying space and the universe: ranging from exoplanets to galaxies to black holes. Linsin and Michael lead a far-ranging conversation on topics like life beyond the Earth, misconceptions about the universe, and how to make science more accessible for everyone. This episode feature graduate students Nora Bailey (Astronomy & Astrophysics), Gourav Khullar (Astronomy & Astrophysics), and Gautam Satishchandran (Physics).