Lean In: A Ryerson University Init-Together-iative: Recent Episodes
Bryan Koivisto
Born in the heart of the pandemic, this resource aims to support the Ryerson community by improving connections between students, staff and faculty. This podcast looks to answer, “How well do we really know each other, and why not?”
Additionally, as we explore the personal journeys of our community members, this platform serves as a reminder that we are all trying to leave a positive mark on the world. Through our episodes we highlight people’s struggles, stories, fears and how they are coping on this shared stage. Our students are introduced through panelist discussions whereas staff and faculty will be interviewed one-on-one in the form of biosketches and we always welcome your feedback and suggestions for future podcast topics and interview questions. Finally, as you lean in to this collection of candid conversations we hope it resonates beyond our current situation as “We shouldn’t need a pandemic to remind us that we are in it together” - Bryan Koivisto
On today's pod, Nicky and Michael speak to Valeria about their experience as part of Musicians at X University. They touch on balancing schoolwork, their processes of getting involved, and favourite communal moments.
On today's pod Steven interviews Gianluca, a McMaster Medical Student and a Ryerson alumni. He runs a Youtube channel called NXTgenMD (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBYqbHIDmMLC3fHeuCBR4Bg) where he shares his passion of medicine and exercise. So please lean in and enjoy this conversation with Steven and Gianluca.
In this pod, Valeria and Marina talk to Jenny, a counselor at the Ryerson Centre for Student Development and Counselling. They discuss the practice of cultivating self-compassion, grounding techniques, and how to sit with yourself as you are. So please lean-in and enjoy this conversation with Valeria, Marina, and Jenny.
Dr. Camila Londono is a doctoral graduate in Biomedical Engineering at the Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering. She is now the director of Ryerson University's Science Discovery Zone. The Science Discovery Zone is an early-stage incubator and place to incubate people and ideas!
Dr. Camila Londono is greatly driven to explore innovative ideas and entrepreneurship - supporting all students, participants and ideas at the Science Discovery Zone. She is an incredible person to speak to and has great energy when it comes to discussing new ideas about anything! Please lean in and join the conversation with Steven and Dr. Londono where they talk about possible opportunities at Ryerson University and some fun questions at the end!
On today's pod, Valeria interviews returning members of the pod, Bryan and Steven, on their experiences during an online semester. They touch on their tools and strategies for navigating work-life balance during online learning, the shared responsibility of professors and students to be accountable and compassionate, approaching challenges with curiosity over fear, and what they're proud of coming out of the semester.
Feel free to reach out to Steven at s10tran@ryerson.ca or @steventran___ .
On today's pod, we are joined with Dr. Sarah Sabatinos and Dr. Roberto Botelho. These Ryerson professors are involved with running the Biomedical Science program and participate in interesting research. So please lean in and enjoy this conversation with Dr. Botelho and Dr. Sabatinos.
Also, thank you all for participating in RyiSciMatch. Stefania and I had an amazing time hosting and we hope you all enjoyed it as well!
On today's pod we are joined with fellow professors from Ryerson including Dr. Anne Johnson, Dr. Noel George, and Dr. Debora Foster. They share their teaching experiences, research, and offer important advice to us students. So please lean in and enjoy this conversation with Dr. Foster, Dr. George, and Dr. Johnson.
On today's podcast we share some valuable life skills and advice in regards to career opportunities, how to properly form a resume, and some interview tips. We are joined by panelists, Maurice, Kristina, and Cristina who provide expert advice on these topics as they have extensive experience in recruitment. So please lean in and enjoy this conversation with Maurice, Kristina, and Cristina.
On today's podcast, we have a recording from RyiSciMatch with Julia and Queren as panelists sharing their undergraduate experiences and offering advice to fellow students. So please lean in and enjoy this conversation with Julia and Queren.
On today's pod we have a recording of RyiSciMatch. This week's panelists include Dr. Gilbride, Dr. McCarthy, and Dr. Laursen sharing their journey to Ryerson as professors and how they got into their current research. To hear more of their story and their advice to students, please lean in and enjoy this conversation with Dr. Gilbride, Dr. McCarthy, and Dr. Laursen.
On today's pod we are joined with Sipan, a member of the Ryerson Science Society, and Farnaz, the president of the Stem Cell Club. Listen in on their undergraduate experiences and plans for the future, in which we share our struggles that we endured along the way. So lean in and enjoy this conversation with Sipan and Farnaz.
In this pod Valeria speaks with Kirthega, a first year Occupational Health and Safety student at Ryerson. They touch on planning their future career paths, the importance of empathy, and women in STEM throughout their conversation.
On today's pod, we have Shiraz and Muhammad talking about their experiences in Graduate school, working as a teaching assistant, and their undergraduate experiences. So please lean in and enjoy this unedited conversation from RyiSciMatch with Shiraz and Muhammad.
On today's pod we have something quite different... This is an audio clip from a certificate program called RyiSciMatch, where every week different panelists including professors, students, and alumni speak about their journeys, struggles, and possibly current research. This course provides students an excellent opportunity to network with professionals and to connect to fellow science students in these trying times. This week we have Steven Tran and Mohammed Mall speaking about their extensive extracurriculars. Please lean in and enjoy this unedited audio recording with myself, Julia, and Stefania having a conversation with Steven and Mohammed.
On today’s Pod, we feature Nathan Battersby. A Ryerson Alumni, Nathan currently works as an entrepreneur with a science background and offers consulting for businesses and start ups. I actually collaborated with Nathan in my Enactus start up and he provided such helpful insight and guidance during a pivotal period for our business. At that point I knew I had to get him on the Pod. Please listen in as Nathan describes his passion for teaching and entrepreneurship as well as how to pursue a non-linear career path.
Beaker mug: https://reedadesigns.ca/ Grit Book: https://www.amazon.ca/Grit-Passion-Perseverance-Angela-Duckworth/dp/1501111108 Nathan’s Contact info: linkedin.com/in/nathanbattersby
In this pod, Uswah returns with Dr. Johnson to talk about her background in Chemistry and Biology as well as her feelings about teaching during online school.
In this pod, Marina and Valeria are back to interview Ana Sofia Barrows, a physicist, equity and diversity strategist, and public speaker. They discuss their experiences as women in STEM, the economic and historic barriers to higher education, shifting the responsibility of advocacy, and the importance of fostering inclusive environments. So please lean in for this conversation on Women in STEM and intersectionality.
You can find more information on Ana Sofia at : https://anasofia.barrows.io/about Ryerson's resources: https://www.ryerson.ca/equity/
On today’s pod, we have myself, Julia, as the interviewer having a conversation with my friends Stefania, Matthew, and Taylor about mental health involving school. I just would like to firstly put out a disclaimer that we are in no way mental health professionals and this episode is just an informal conversation of us sharing personal experiences and issues with stress. We also use terms such as anxiety and depression lightly, however they are not being stated as clinical terms or are we self-diagnosing ourselves as a serious diagnosis should done by professionals. If you are in need of help, I recommend you speaking to your family doctor, a mental health professional or you can call 1-866-531-2600 that will provide information about mental health services in Ontario. As I mention in the podcast, the importance of having friends who share similar experiences and interests so If you are feeling alone do not hesitate to contact me: julia.pellegrino@ryerson.ca.
With that being said, please lean in and enjoy this episode about mental health, online schooling, and COVID with Stefania, Matthew, and Taylor.
Time stamps: Intros 1:33 How do you balance jobs and extracurricular? 2:29 Do you feel differently at the beginning of COVID than you do now? 5:46 What are you symptoms when you feel stressed or anxious or suffer from other mental health issues? 10:07 Triggers for anxiety 15:49 How do you handle triggers and some coping strategies? 20:01 How will you keep busy in winter months? 24:03 Thoughts on online schooling 30:38 How has COIVD affected your future plants 35:11 Silver linings? 39:11 Rapid Fire 42:17 Final Words 47:38
In today's pod Uswah returns with Steven, Valeria and Samantha to chat about online learning, learning strategies, and how online learning has evolved from the beginning of Covid. They also spend some time chatting about how online learning might be able to be improved by both professors and students. So please lean in and enjoy this conversation with Uswah, Steven, Valeria, and Samantha.
In this pod, Valeria interviews Samantha, the president of both the Biomedical Science Course Union and STEM Fellowship Ryerson. They chat about the altruistic benefits of community involvement at Ryerson, how Samatha became involved in student groups, and how to actually enjoy your university experience. So please lean-in and enjoy this conversation with Valeria and Samantha.
https://stemfellowship.org/ http://www.rsuonline.ca/218/course-unions/Biomedical-Science
On this week’s episode of the pod we have Valeria interviewing Biomed student Steven Tran. Gain insight on student groups and clubs at Ryerson as Steven recounts about being a part of a whopping 8 student groups and 1 course union. Not only does this chat allow Ryerson students to learn about some awesome groups available on campus, but it also highlights the importance of teamwork and finding one’s own “niche,” especially during this period.
Highlights from the podcast:
0:51 – How Steven initially got involved in student groups 2:00 – All student groups steven is involved in 3:38 – Steven’s top 3 student groups + info on each group 10:54 – The significance of student groups to Ryerson as a whole 18:20 – Why Steven enjoys participating in student groups 22:22 – Steven’s least favourite part about being involved in student groups 25:46 – Why is community involvement so important 29:30 – Favourite moment while in a student group 35:59 – Transferrable skills gained through student groups
On today's podcast we have Anna interviewing Tamara a PhD student at Ryerson.They discuss Tamara's journey to her PhD.So please lean in on todays podcast with Anna and Tamara.
Some highlights of the conversation were: 0.00 Intro, 2:02 Tamara's school journey, 2:15 Hometown, 7:18 What did you want to be as a kid, 11:53 Have you thought about your next steps, 15:34 What did you find yourself doing during your PhD?, 21:05 What would you say from your perspective would be the most transferable skill for a student to have and why? ,23:50 What do you think is a fact about you that your colleagues know least about you, 24:19 What famous person current/otherwise would you want to go to dinner with? , 25:07 What would be your favourite food, 25:57 Complete the sentence If I was not a PhD student I would be...? ,26:10 What is one thing that that is on your top 10 of your bucket list, 26:25 Who is your favourite role model, 27:00 What would you consider to be your greatest achievement,28:23 What would you consider to be your greatest failure?,29:30 What would you say you're most grateful for?,29:42 What would you say concerns you the most?, 30:54 What would you say is the most productive time of your day?,31:52 What would you say is your favourite hobby?,33:52 What advice would you give your second year undergraduate self?
Marina and Valeria delve into the topic of mental health and mental illness with two students Anna and Anja. They discuss how school factors into mental health, burnout, stigma around academic accommodations, how to approach someone who may need help, and helpful coping strategies. If you or a friend are struggling with your mental health or mental illness, check out the resources below: Ontario Resources: https://www.ontario.ca/page/find-mental-health-support Ryerson Center for Student Health and Wellness: https://www.ryerson.ca/mental-health-wellbeing/get_help/#tab-1552312232399-department-of-student-health---wellness Meditation App: https://www.headspace.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=917256442&utm_content=51529949212&utm_term=409650401169&headspace&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8sq84JOl6wIVBbLICh1q5AS8EAAYASAAEgL2XvD_BwE CBT App for Anxiety: https://www.anxietycanada.com/resources/mindshift-cbt/ Crisis Resources from Ryerson: https://www.ryerson.ca/student-wellbeing/counselling/students/crisis/ CAMH Crisis Resources: http://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/crisis-resources Yoga with Adriene: https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene Affordable, Online Counselling: https://inkblottherapy.com/ https://www.skylarkyouth.org/what-we-do/programs-counselling-services/counselling-services/ https://www.getmaple.ca/providers/psychotherapist-counselling/ https://www.betterhelp.com/ Academic Accommodations Support: https://www.ryerson.ca/accommodations/ My SSP App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.onetapsolutions.morneau.myissp&hl=en_CA https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/my-ssp/id1112006222 For a referral to OHIP covered therapy and psychiatry, talk to you family doctor about what you are going through. The referral process takes a while, but once you are in the system with a psychiatrist they can help you access many OHIP covered resources, prescribe you medication if needed, and sometimes provide therapy themselves. Note that if you are opted into healthcare insurance at Ryerson: “Students can access external counselling services using their RSU Health Plan, which covers up to $1000 per academic year (ie. September 2020 - August 2021)”
On today's pod, we have Mr. Marco Cuzzupoli, a high school teacher at St. John Henry Newman High School, with 10 years of experience. We discuss his relationship with academics and teachers/profs in high school & university, and how his experiences inspired him to pursue a career in teaching.
We further touch upon topics surrounding the role of a high school teacher, such as how one can become a teacher, the majors & minors students should pursue, teacher’s college and the pros & cons of being a teacher.
So, please lean in & join my conversation with Mr. Marco Cuzzupoli!
In this pod, Marina and Valeria are back to talk about men’s mental health. They facilitated a candid discussion with their peers on vulnerability, reaching out, coping methods, and much more. I’d also like to add a content warning before you listen. They touch on the topic of suicide, so if this is a difficult subject for you, maybe skip this pod. Also, a quick reminder that there are mental health resources in the description, and to always reach out to your loved ones for help if needed (change some words if you’d like, this is more of a guideline).
If you or a friend are struggling with your mental health or mental illness, check out the resources below: Ontario Resources: https://www.ontario.ca/page/find-mental-health-support Ryerson Center for Student Health and Wellness: https://www.ryerson.ca/mental-health-wellbeing/get_help/#tab-1552312232399-department-of-student-health---wellness Meditation App: https://www.headspace.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=917256442&utm_content=51529949212&utm_term=409650401169&headspace&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8sq84JOl6wIVBbLICh1q5AS8EAAYASAAEgL2XvD_BwE CBT App for Anxiety: https://www.anxietycanada.com/resources/mindshift-cbt/ Crisis Resources from Ryerson: https://www.ryerson.ca/student-wellbeing/counselling/students/crisis/ CAMH Crisis Resources: http://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/crisis-resources Yoga with Adriene: https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene Resource for Men: https://headsupguys.org/ Affordable, Online Counselling: https://inkblottherapy.com/ https://www.skylarkyouth.org/what-we-do/programs-counselling-services/counselling-services/ https://www.getmaple.ca/providers/psychotherapist-counselling/ https://www.betterhelp.com/ Academic Accommodations Support: https://www.ryerson.ca/accommodations/ My SSP App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.onetapsolutions.morneau.myissp&hl=en_CA https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/my-ssp/id1112006222 For a referral to OHIP covered therapy and psychiatry, talk to you family doctor about what you are going through. The referral process takes a while, but once you are in the system with a psychiatrist they can help you access many OHIP covered resources, prescribe you medication if needed, and sometimes provide therapy themselves. Note that if you are opted into healthcare insurance at Ryerson: “Students can access external counselling services using their RSU Health Plan, which covers up to $1000 per academic year (ie. September 2020 - August 2021)*
On this week’s pod, we have Jacqueline interviewing Larissa Gospodyn. Larissa is a Master’s student in Ryerson’s Environmental Applied Science and Management Program and a member of the Land and Water Resources Group here at Ryerson.
More info here: http://landandwater.geography.ryerson.ca.
Originally from Winnipeg, we talk about Larissa’s transition to Toronto for grad school and the differences between post-secondary studies in Ontario vs. Manitoba. We also chat about what Larissa’s research entails and how COVID has affected her personal and academic life (as she’s set to graduate this Fall). Fast forward to the rapid fire questions and share a laugh with Jacqueline and Larissa as they get to know each other better.
Some highlights of the conversation were: 1) Intro and her role at Ryerson @ 0:00 2) Hometown, previous schooling in Manitoba @ 0:55 3) Dream career when she was a kid @ 5:48 4) What her research entails @ 6:27 5) Piece of advice she’d give her second year self @ 7:12 6) Skills she recommends to all students @ 8:32 7) Coping with the COVID pandemic @ 10:22 8) Rapid fire questions @ 15:26
On today’s podcast, we featured Lila. She is writing an undergraduate thesis and is a new addition to Bryan's research group. Lila describes her transition to Toronto and her experiences living in the city. She shares the biggest lessons she’s learned through university, one being to stop procrastinating.
I invite you to please lean in, and enjoy this conversation with Lila.
Some highlights of the conversation were:
0:38 - Thesis writing remotely 4:53 - Struggles with determining a University program 11:50 - Determining University majors 20:14 - Experience in Chang School courses 26:33 - Rapid fire section
On today's podcast we have Eswari and Taylor. Taylor shares an experience that a lot of people have expressed on the podcast, but talks about her own very unique path to Ryerson. Eswari on the other hand is an international student and these students likely had a more difficult time during this COVID transition. However, both are Ryerson community members and both are coping and getting by. I really enjoyed learning more about these two fantastic students. So please lean in, and enjoy my conversation with Eswari and Taylor.
Some highlights of the conversation were: 0:00 Intros, hometown, transitions 18:05 What has been the best/worst thing about Ryerson? 20:23 How did the semester end and how is downtown life like? 25:41 What factoid do my peers know least about me 28:28 What is your favourite food? 30:57 Who would you like to go to dinner with and why? 33:50 If I was not a Ryerson Biomed student I would be… 35:05 Who is your favourite role model? 37:27 What concerns you the most? 39:45 What has been your silver lining? 41:15 What is something in the top 10 of your bucket list? 42:25 What is your favourite hobby? 44:11 What is the quote that you live by? 45:20 What piece of advice would you give your second-year self?
Here at LinkedIn we’re always looking to encourage creative community driven content and this podcast is a classic example.
Today we have Stephanie, Marina, Valeria, and Saher as they share a candid conversation about the experience of being a woman in STEM.
These types of podcasts are fantastic for Lean In as this is really what we are looking for. Based off this conversation held today, I would expect these women to have their own podcast really soon.
Please lean in and enjoy this conversation with Stephanie, Marina, Valeria, and Saher
Some highlights of the conversation were: 9:51 - Have you ever felt the need to dumb yourself down to appear less intense? 14:51 - Have you every experienced imposer syndrome? 22:06 - Has anything discouraged you from pursuing something because you are a woman? 34:10 - The importance of men’s perspectives 38:08 - Female role models
Today on the pod, we have Camilo Garay. He is a Chem & Bio Alumni coming back to the Ryerson Community as one of the newest members of the Board of Governors! Finished Undergrad and Grad school at Ryerson University, his career and life journey was definitely not one without hardships.
Having always been characterized as a certain persona because of where he grew up and how he looked liked, and experiencing racism, poverty, and gang life, he was able to rise above adversity to help others in need.
He is now part of Visions of Science Network for Learning (VoSNL) which aims to provide educational STEM-based programs for low-income & marginalized youth. For more information, visit their website at https://www.vosnl.org/.
Some highlights of the conversation were: 1:02 - Brief introduction of who Camilo Garay is. 3:02 - What Visions of Science is & does. 12:36 - His experience, struggles, & fears pursuing the sciences as he distances from gang life. 29:08 - Life after grad school & his experience growing Visions of Science. 33:33 - Rapid fire round. 36:42 - What factoid do my colleagues know least about me? 45:28 - Who is/was your favourite role model? 46:48 - What is your greatest achievement? 48:19 - What is your biggest failure? 51:51- What is one piece of advice you would give to your 2nd year self?
On today's pod, we are switching things up. Instead of interviewing faculty and students at Ryerson, Lean In has decided to have a new segment that interviews parents of students at Ryerson. So today we have myself, Steph Davies, interviewing my own mother, Robin Davies. My mom talks about the challenges of becoming an adult at a young age. She also describes the struggles and rewards that come with parenting. It was also quite refreshing to learn so much more about my mother that I thought I already knew and I encourage you all to ask your parents the same questions. So please lean into today's conversation with myself and my mom.
On today's pod, we have Sahana Sritharan, a Ph.D. student soon to graduate in Bryan's lab. Sahana shares her journey to graduate school and how it wasn't a linear path directly to a Ph.D. She had other initial goals but realized her passion for chemistry and research throughout the years. She talks about her future plans for after graduation and what's on the horizon for her next. She also shares her secret behind her study habits and what got her to where she is now. Please lean in and enjoy my conversation with Sahana.
On today’s pod, we have Chemist and soon to be Ryerson professor, Dr. Darius Rackus. Many of you may not be familiar with who he is because he is yet to officially join Ryerson! However, like a number of my junior colleagues, this is an opportunity to get to know them in advance of him coming to Ryerson this January.
Currently based in Basel, Switzerland, he is working as a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering at ETH Zurich. He shares his personal journey from being born in Kitchener, Ontario, moving to New Jersey, to finishing a Ph.D. at Durham, England!
Mainly interested in combining electrochemistry with microfluidics, he further dives in what he will be researching when joining Ryerson's FOS department. He's interested in building tools that contain miniature electrochemical sensors to monitor what is going on inside and outside of cells! What he’s looking on doing is building chips that will automate all of that and allow you to monitor, in real-time, what's going with the cells themselves!
He further discusses how he appreciates process and the little things in life, and why he decided to pursue an academic career. So, please lean in, & join my conversation with Dr. Darius Rackus!
On today’s podcast, you are going to meet Alia and Sanaa. This podcast is a bit of a pivot for us as we are expanding our Ryerson community reach even farther by chatting with students from the Ted Roger’s School of Management. Alia and Sanaa are student leaders in Enactus Ryerson. Enactus Ryerson is doing some really cool things by supporting projects and student-driven ventures that make a real social change on our planet. So please Lean In to learn a little bit more about Enactus Ryerson and the people in it, and enjoy my conversation with Alia and Sanaa.
On today's pod, we have Maurice Fernandes. Maurice and I have done a number of different events together. Whenever I need him to do career counselling or assist in the programs that we offer at the SDZ, he is always the first to help. He is truly a people person, although not a guy with a science background, he loves to help connect the dots for students in their career development. So please lean into this conversation with Maurice Fernandes.
On today’s podcast we have Anna interviewing Stephanie Davies. While Steph is normally asking the questions as the interviewer on the pod, in this episode we get to learn a little more about her. We hear about her transition from high school into Ryerson, what drove her to choose the Food and Nutrition Program, as well as what her current research entails. So please lean in, and enjoy this candid and captivating conversation between Anna and Steph.
On today's pod we have Steph interviewing Tristan. Tristan is now entering the Molecular Science Graduate program at Ryerson and is apart of Bryan Koivisto's research group. He gives excellent advice on important skills to have and shares his journey throughout undergrad. Please lean in and join this conversation with Tristan.
Today on the pod, we have Anna! She is a master's student studying environmental science and is the new addition to Bryan's research group. Anna recently graduated from the Medical Physics program and took off a year to travel. With no clue what to do after graduation, it was her immense passion for science and travelling that ultimately inspired her to go into environmental science. So please, lean in and join my conversation with Anna.
On today's pod we have Steph Davies interviewing Reeda Mahmood who is a graduate student in Bryan's lab currently in the process of transferring into the PhD program. Reeda reveals the surprising fact that she actually hasn't liked chemistry since the tenth grade and it was only 6 months into her master's that she began to enjoy chemistry. She gives tips for how to survive school and other important skills to have such as getting involved in non-academic activities which actually pushed her towards becoming a business owner. So please lean in and enjoy this conversation with Steph and Reeda.
On today’s pod, we have Valeria and podcast returnee, Marina. We will have a mini check in & biosketch with both students who will be entering their 3rd year in Biomedical Sciences.
Valeria & Marina know of each other & have always been close in space in my class, but never had to the chance to actually meet, until today! Fuelled by their southern hemisphere passion and their very artistic backgrounds, It’s been amazing learning how similar these two pals are. They further explain their upbringings, their path to Ryerson, aspirations, & so much more!
We also mention Dr. Roberta Bondar who is a scientist & Canada’s first female astronaut, who actually shares the same hometown as me! It is always amazing to listen to the life journeys of inspirational female scientists, so for more information on her biography, click on the following link https://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/astronauts/canadian/former/bio-roberta-bondar.asp!
So please lean in, & join today’s conversation with Marina and Valeria.
Today, we will change it up a bit where we will we have Stephanie on the podcast, again! Today’s pod will be a mix of a check in & biosketch with Stephanie to see how her summer has been going ever since the first podcast on our show.
As someone who initially wanted to become an actor, she has taken a sharp turn and is now a successful science student. She further dives into her reasoning for coming to Ryerson & her transition in doing so. So, please lean in & join today's podacst with Stephanie!
On this podcast we have another student biosketch. Today we are going to talk to Rebecca. When you see Rebecca in the classroom she’s composed, free spirited and she’s committing to getting the most out of her degree. I really enjoyed having this conversation with Rebecca, and I hope you enjoy it too. Please lean in and to this conversation with Rebecca.
On today’s podcast we have Dr. Marc Adler. Marc hasn’t had a traditional route to Ryerson. In fact, Dr. Adler's had a faculty career that started elsewhere. Throughout this entire transition, it is clear that he is dedicated to students, dedicated to the chemistry community, and most importantly he’s a family guy. He’s made some bold moves, but they have always paid off because he follows his heart. So please Lean In, and enjoy this conversation with Dr. Marc Adler.
On today's pod, we have Manit and Abdullah. These two young men are in the Biology program and are looking for the next piece of their puzzle, trying to figure out what is next in their life based on what they have learned so far in their undergraduate experience. It was great to do this podcast and I got to meet two great new people. Please lean in to my conversation with Manit and Abdullah.
Having done undergrad at York University and grad school at UofT, he is now a professor at Ryerson University, a researcher, and a chair-holder in the prestigious CRC program.
His lab tries to pin down how our cells build their complex internal structures and further focuses on lysosomes.
Born in a small village in Portugal, to moving to Canada at the age of 14 for a chance to go to highschool & university, he has always loved science & nature!
He tries to bring the same passion and excitement into his teaching & always aims to give students a great classroom experience through his storytelling! So, please lean in & join today’s conversation with Dr. Roberto Botelho!
On today's podcast, we have Aline, Julia, and Jacqueline. These three former students are part of the Lean In production team. I have done little Biosketches with each of them and also I have checked in to see how they are doing this summer during this pandemic. I really enjoyed learning about these former students and I look forward to the opportunity to interview more students in the same fashion. With this in mind, please lean into my conversation with Aline, Julia, and Jacqueline.
On today's pod, we have Stephanie Davies guest hosting an interview with Tavneet Singh.
Both are individuals that work in Bryan's group and also help with the production of Lean In. While I have seen these women grow into confident people that make significant contributions to our team over the past few years, I really didn't know them that well. And this interview really helped me learn what made them tic... or as you'll find out, tik tok.
So please lean in and enjoy this conversation with Stephanie Davies and Tavneet Singh.
On today’s podcast, we have another student panel, and the focus is on transitions. What a lot of people don’t realize is that when you’re going to graduate school, finishing your undergrad, or even looking for your next step in life, it often requires a little bit more guidance and forethought. This journey might test your patience and you may open up and find new discoveries about yourself. In this podcast with students Anna, Rivah, and Diana you’ll hear candid transition stories of travel and living abroad, homeschooling, and preparing for full-time work after graduation. So please lean in and enjoy this conversation with Anna, Rivah, and Diana.
On this podcast, we feature Dr. Costin Antonescu.
Costin is my academic twin, we started at the same time and our offices are across the hall from one another. We actually spent a lot of time supporting each other in many of the things we have accomplished. To be quite frank I’ve got to ride on the coattails of his success from time to time as well. It has been a really great personal journey for me to watch him and the level of dedication that he gives to his students all the time.
Please lean in and enjoy this conversation with Dr. Costin Antonescu.
On today's podcast we have Dr. Bryan Koivisto...
Actually today we are flipping the tables and Bryan will be interviewed. Julia Pellegrino has offered to be the interviewer and in this conversation, she changes the script and caught me a little off guard. Nonetheless, I enjoyed this conversation and I hope you will too.
So please lean in and enjoy this conversation with... Bryan.
On today's podcast we flip the tables once again as Stefania will now be leading the interview with Saher, Julia, and Katie.
I really enjoyed listening to this interview and I encourage all of our listeners to submit to this podcast in a similar way to what Stefania came up with, remembering this is our podcast and not my podcast. It is meant to be a way to share our stories with our triumphs and defeats. I want you to enjoy this podcast as it was well done with some riveting questions, that I may steal myself...
Please lean in and join the conversation with Saher, Katie, and Julia and Stefania.
On today’s episode we have Sarah Kovacs.
Sarah is Ryerson’s Graduate Program Administrator for the Molecular Science Program. She may not be a familiar face to our undergraduate student listeners, however she makes an impact on the lives of Ryerson’s graduate students each day. Sarah is charming and direct (and guaranteed to make you laugh in this podcast). If you’re looking for an inciteful opinion, she is well read and always willing to share her candid opinions. An artist at heart, she is committed to appreciating science and facilitating the careers of graduate students in the molecular science program.
So please Lean In and enjoy this conversation with Sarah Kovacs.
On today’s podcast, we have Dr. Noel George. If you’re a science student at Ryerson University, you probably know him for teaching general chemistry in your first year!
A self-proclaimed gamer, & chemistry professor at Ryerson University, Dr. Noel George shares his life journey and transitions from high school to undergrad to earning a Ph.D. in graduate school.
Since he started working at Ryerson in ’98, he’s also involved in the first year of science office and is a member of Senate.
An army brat who embodies service and is very empathetic of the challenges of others, he also has a passion for learning and teaching. So please, lean in & listen to today’s podcast with Dr. Noel Goerge!
On this podcast we featured Leigh Paulseth.
Leigh is an advocate on so many levels, whether it be political or environmental, she is always advocating for positive change. In her current role at sci X change she extends that to a much broader role in the way that she engages both young people and adults alike. With the golden rule that you need to bring as many people as possible to the table, Leigh and the folks at sci X change are doing great things to create scientific change.
So please lean in, and enjoy this conversation with Leigh Paulseth
Take a look at ryerson.ca/sciexhange to learn more.
Contact them by email at scixchange@ryerson.ca
On today’s podcast, we have Dr. Imogen Coe. Formerly the dean of science at Ryerson, she is currently a professor in the Department of Chemistry & Biology. Dr. Coe is also a cell biologist studying the structure, function, regulation, & distribution of a family of transporter proteins.
Coming from humble backgrounds, she’s accomplished an enormous amount. Born in a little village just outside of Cambridge, England, to earning a Ph.D. at the University of Victoria, in Canada. Having brought her voice to Ryerson University she has also established the first faculty of science!
She is a big advocate for women in STEM, diversity & inclusion. She has a heightened awareness, and passion for always willing to step forward and address injustice and advocate for others to remove barriers and provide opportunities.
So, please lean in and follow the transitions in Dr. Imogen Coe’s career and life that has led her to become the person she is today!
This podcast features Dr. Rob Gossage.
He is a senior colleague and mentor of mine that I have the pleasure of knowing a lot about. In fact, without question, he is the colleague I have spent the most time with. He is the backbone of our department as he likes to create time and space for his colleagues to gather and share. Normally a listener in a group, today I get to put him on the hot-seat and have him share his life journey. He has taught me to capture and savour life’s moments and to be grateful.
Please lean in as I hope you will enjoy this conversation with Dr. Rob Gossage.
This podcast features Dr. Sarah Sabatinos
Sarah is a perfect example of an ambassador for all things science. She is a lover of all things in this world and her curiosity and creativity is only matched by her commitment to collaboration and the people she surrounds herself with in our community. She truly is a class act and a wonderful colleague to work with.
Please lean in and enjoy this conversation with Dr. Sarah Sabatinos.
On today's podcast, we have Dr. Lynda McCarthy.
Lynda is a maverick and one of my mentor's here at Ryerson. She is direct and straight-forward and while the tough love is not always comfortable, she is driven to make a positive difference in her student's lives. Her passion for teaching and in environment waste water research has always been an interest for her. And as she challenges paradigms, with the same passion, courage and persistence as she encourages in her students, she is continuing to make a difference here at Ryerson.
So please lean in and enjoy my conversation with Dr. Lynda McCarthy.
Tune in to today’s pod to hear about the lives of three 2nd year Ryerson University Biomed/Biology classmates and how they're dealing with the pandemic.
With each day slipping into the next and their big summer plans scuttled, it's hard to remain optimistic and in good spirits. From paid research positions in Nova Scotia to volunteering alongside paramedics in Israel... Kayla, Areeba and Ravital share their feelings & concerns about their missed opportunities.
“I miss libraries and deadlines” was something you think you’d never hear someone say… But here we are! With structure and organization out the window, students share their silver-livings in all of this and how they have responded in agility and open-mindedness to overcome any adversity during these uncertain times.
On this episode we have Dr. Beverlee Buzon.
Beverlee is a Ryerson alumni that has recently joined the department as a faculty member. Although she is only just in the youth of her career, she has many wise words to share with us all. She reminds us that life is merely a stage where we are all actors and as the scenes change along with us, it is usually for the right reasons. She is always providing her diverse voice to our department and she reminds us to always be looking for the signal through the static when going through this journey of life.
So please lean in and enjoy the conversation with Dr. Beverlee Buzon.
On today’s podcast, we have Dr. Michael Olson.
Dr. Olson is a cell biologist studying how cell shape affects cell behaviour. Michael joined the Department of Chemistry and Biology in 2018 and is a true lover of research and discovery. Michael shared his unique trans-Atlantic journey of research and critical thinking in this podcast.
Please Lean in and enjoy this conversation with Dr. Michael Olson.
On this episode we featured three undergraduate students: Sam, Prabh and Maria. We discussed how to cope with growing stress during the pandemic ranging from topics such as international exchange to the passing of a family member. The guests also provided some strategies for coping such as journalling and ways to stay active. Topics that were also touched on included how to stay productive, stresses of the future, and how professors can improve remote learning. The guests answered the question from a college “How do you deal with fear”. Positive takeaways from this podcast were: 1) We will all overcome this together, 2) Stay hopeful because this will pass and 3) When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.
On today's pod, we have Anthony Morgan.
Anthony Morgan is an entrepreneur, sci-comer, and a PhD student. Anthony is always candid and a pleasure to talk to. He is the creator of what he coins as a "freestyle social" which he will elaborate a little more on in today's episode. It provides an experience that I highly recommend to anyone who's interested because it showcases a unique approach to engaging in science and science communication.
At the end of this podcast, we are going to get our first "Asked and Answered" moment, so listen in as Anthony poses a question to all listeners. You can submit your answers to Bryan for future use. Feel free to send in questions as well if you have any.
Please lean in and enjoy this conversation with Anthony Morgan.
On today's podcast we have Dr. Joe McPhee.
From a small town in rural Nova Scotia to the big city, Dr. Joe McPhee has travelled much of Canada in his research explorations. Join us in learning about his undergraduate experience in a chemistry program where he found his passion in microbiology and pursued it in graduate school. We asked him some rapid fire questions in the last third of the podcast and uncovered some hilarious stories. He also touched on some personal stories about his experience during the pandemic and his never stopping persistence in finding ways to make memorable undergraduate experiences for his students.
So please lean in and enjoy my conversation with Dr. Joe McPhee.
On today's podcast, we have Dr. Roxana Suehring.
Roxana is one of the newest members of the Ryerson faculty who will be starting in September 2020. She identifies as an analytical chemist. She has a great collection of stories and unique experiences to bring to the table. We are very happy to have her starting in September.
Please lean in and enjoy the conversation with, the soon to be a familar face, Dr. Roxana Suehring.
Today on the podcast we feature 3 Ryerson students discussing how they have been managing both their nutrition and self care during the pandemic. Steph Davies and Jennifer are Food and Nutrition undergrads, and Stefania is studying biology. Some highlighted topics were anxiety, food competitiveness, exercising, and tips for maintaining a healthy diet. Some takeaways from this interview in regard to the pandemic were: - Take it easy - Slow down and find out what is important - Compare yourself to the person you were yesterday instead of others (dont forget where you’ve come from)
Some external resources:
Eggplant parmesan : https://cookieandkate.com/italian-eggplant-parmesan-recipe/
Caramel cheesecake: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/caramel-cheesecake/
Quiche with herbs: https://sugarfreelondoner.com/spinach-and-chive-mini-quiches/
How to grow an herb garden: https://www.gardeners.com/how-to/herb-garden/5068.html
Spinach dip: https://www.dinneratthezoo.com/spinach-dip/
Peanut butter cookies: https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/peanut_butter_cookies/
Hikes in Vaughn: https://www.oakridgestrail.org/moraine/trail-map/kleinburg-bindertwine/
Taylor creek watershed Trail : https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/planning-development/construction-new-facilities/parks-facility-plans-strategies/taylor-massey-sub-watershed-master-plan/
In today’s episode we interviewed Ryerson alumni and technical specialist Shawn McFadden. We discussed various topics such as the stress of job uncertainty, childhood dreams, motivation and inspiration. Shawn shared a life in the day of a technical specialist along with his favourite and least favourite aspects of his job. He also described his contribution to the science lab redesign at Ryerson and what transferable skills the industry looks for in new hires. Shawn describes Ryerson's lab transition to augmented reality for the fall semester. He shared that the pandemic has led him to place a higher value on time and to appreciate the people in his life. Shawn’s words of wisdom for the COVID pandemic are “live in the moment.”
Tune into this podcast to hear Marina and Stephanie, two second year biomedical students at Ryerson University, share their secrets on wellness during the pandemic and opportunities they use to be more productive. They touch on finding ways to ground yourself at home and how to not worry if you’re not always making the most of your time during these unprecedented times. They give some great advice on finding support through friends and family, whether that’s virtually or in person. If you’re struggling at home, here are some financial and mental health resources that you have access to: https://www.ryerson.ca/covid-19/students/financial-assistance-and-awards/ https://www.ryerson.ca/healthandwellness/counselling/
Join us today to learn about three sophomore students in the biomedical/biological science program at Ryerson university and how they’re coping with the pandemic. Sujee, Anoud and Mehakjot get real as they dive into their struggles with the quarantine and worries about the uncertain future. Learn about their perspective and lessons they would have given themselves at the start of 2020.