Health and Human Science Matters: Recent Episodes
CSU College of Health and Human Sciences
Health and Human Science Matters is a podcast dedicated to the life-changing research and creative scholarship done in Colorado State University's College of Health and Human Sciences.
Each episode invites you to get to know the faculty, students, and staff in our College who fulfill our mission of optimizing human health and well-being through discovery and innovation.
Dr. Ana Gutierrez-Colina, assistant professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at Colorado State University, sits down with Matt and Avery to discuss her research goal to improve the health of minoritized youth who are disproportionally affected by chronic stressors and adversity, with a specific focus on Hispanic youth and families living in rural areas.
Learn more about Dr. Gutierrez-Colina on her bio page!
Dr. Mahmoud Shakouri, assistant professor and director of the Cement and Concrete Research Laboratory in Colorado State University's Department of Construction Management, sits down with Matt and Avery to discuss his research seeking sustainable materials and methods within the construction industry, specifically eco-friendly concrete and cement solutions.
Learn more about Dr. Shakouri on his bio page!
On the season six premiere of Health and Human Science Matters, Matt and Avery sit down with Ph.D. candidates and 2024 CHHS Dean’s Doctoral Fellowship recipients, Ross Atkinson from the School of Education, Maureen Walsh from the Department of Health and Exercise Science, and Megan Moran from the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at Colorado State University.
The doctoral students share how they discovered their passion for their areas of research, their journeys to CSU, and their aspirations to make a positive impact on people's lives through their work.
Learn more about the CHHS Dean's Fellowship and the 2023-24 fellows.
Colorado State University’s 16th President Amy Parsons joins Matt and Avery to discuss her journey from studying political science as an undergraduate at CSU and pursuing her law degree, to becoming the university’s president.
During the conversation, President Parsons emphasized the importance of CSU as a modern land-grant university and its role to serve students, faculty, staff, and our communities in Colorado while cultivating an engaging atmosphere for connection, democracy, expression, and intellectual curiosity.
Get to know more about President Parsons on her bio page. Also, learn about the "Democracy and Higher Education: A Presidential Conversation with Johns Hopkins President, Ronald Daniels" event on Thursday, April 18, 2024.
On this special episode of Health and Human Science Matters, Matt and Avery sit down with Ph.D. candidates and CHHS Dean’s Doctoral Fellowship recipients, Mohammad Teymouri from the Department of Construction Management, Elliot Graham from the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, and Heidi Tseng from the Department of Human Development and Family Studies.
The three doctoral students share their journeys to Colorado State University, what it's like to pursue a Ph.D., and the impact they hope to have with their research.
Learn more about the CHHS Dean's Fellowship and the fellows here: https://chhs.source.colostate.edu/csu-college-of-health-and-human-sciences-2022-23-deans-fellows-recognized-for-their-research-excellence/
Dr. Mohammed Mehany, associate professor in Colorado State University's Department of Construction Management, sits down with Matt and Avery to discuss his fascinating, cross-cultural journey from Cairo, Egypt to Colorado and his research studying more sustainable infrastructure and mental health in the construction industry.
Learn more about Dr. Mehany on his bio page!
Dr. Karyn Hamilton, professor in Colorado State University's Department of Health and Exercise Science, associate director for the Columbine Health Systems Center of Healthy Aging, and director of the Translational Research on Aging and Chronic Disease Lab, speaks with Matt and Avery about her integrative approach to studying age-associated chronic diseases.
Learn more about Dr. Hamilton on her bio page!
Dr. Sarah A. Johnson, registered dietician nutritionist and associate professor in Colorado State University's Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, speaks with Matt and Avery about her research on functional foods - such as blueberries and microgreens - to benefit human health across the lifespan.
Learn more about Dr. Johnson on her bio page!
Dr. Paula Alaszkiewicz, assistant professor in Colorado State University's Department of Design and Merchandising and curator of the Avenir Museum of Design and Merchandising, speaks with Matt and Avery about her research and creative scholarship exploring the structures, spaces, and practices of exhibiting fashion and historic textiles.
Learn more about Dr. Alaszkiewicz on her bio page!
Dr. Jen Currin-McCulloch, assistant professor and director of the Serious Illness and End-of-Life Narratives Research Lab in Colorado State University's School of Social Work, speaks with Matt and Avery about her research to uncover the disparities in access to health care and mental health services for young adults with advanced cancer and terminal illnesses.
Learn more about Dr. Currin-McCulloch on her bio page!
Dr. Lauren Shomaker, associate professor and director of the Adolescent Wellness Team in Colorado State University's Department of Human Development and Family Studies, sits down with Matt and Avery to discuss her research on optimizing mental and physical health for adolescents and her role as a mentor to early-career scholars.
Learn more about Dr. Shomaker on her bio page!
Dr. Andy Persch, associate professor in Colorado State University's Department of Occupational Therapy and director of the Transition, Employment, and Technology Lab, speaks to Matt and Avery about his research focused on improving the transition to adulthood and employment among individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He also discusses the Vocational Fit Assessment and VocFit.com created in partnership with colleague, Dr. Dennis Cleary, a tool to help inform job placement and customized employment decision-making.
Learn more about Dr. Persch on his bio page!
Dr. Susana Muñoz, associate professor and coordinator of the Higher Education Leadership doctoral specialization in Colorado State University's School of Education, sits down with Matt and Avery to discuss her journey through academia and her research on college persistence, access, equity, and identity development for undocumented Latinx college students.
Learn more about Dr. Muñoz on her bio page!
Dr. Mehmet E. Ozbek, professor in Colorado State University's Department of Construction Management and holder of the Joseph Phelps Endowed Chair, sits down with Matt and Avery to discuss his research in sustainable infrastructure, construction asset management, and the future of the built environment.
Learn more about Dr. Ozbek on his bio page!
Dr. Kari Dockendorff, an assistant professor in Colorado State University's School of Education, sits down with Matt and Avery to discuss their research critically examining the trans student experience by developing survey tools that measure trans inclusive behaviors, attitudes, and knowledge of staff in their interactions with trans* students.
Learn more about Dr. Dockendorff on their bio page!
Dr. Michelle Foster, a professor in Colorado State University's Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition and Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice within CSU's College of Health and Human Sciences joins Matt and Avery to discuss her higher education journey, her research studying obesity and energy, and her most recent venture advocating for inclusion as assistant dean.
Learn more about Dr. Foster on her bio page!
Dr. Maria Delgado, assistant professor in Colorado State University's Department of Design and Merchandising, sits down with Matt and Avery to discuss her research and creative scholarship in developing tiny homes, utilizing augmented and virtual reality in architecture, and prioritizing accessibility in design.
To learn more about Dr. Delgado, visit her bio page!
Dr. Rachel Lucas-Thompson sits down with Matt and Avery to discuss her research and work as a developmental psychologist seeking solutions to reduce stress in adolescents through mindfulness interventions.
To learn more about Dr. Lucas-Thompson, visit her bio page!
Susan Mingils, a Ph.D. student in CSU's Department of Occupational Therapy, sits down with Matt and Avery to discuss her research studying the potential positive impacts music and rhythm can have on physical and cognitive functions, as well as her experience as a Dean's Fellow in the College of Health and Human Sciences.
To learn more about Susan, visit her bio page!
Dr. James Graham, director of the Center for Community Partnerships (CCP) within Colorado State University's Department of Occupational Therapy, sits down with Matt and Avery to discuss his unique path through higher ed and his research mission to support the long-term health and independence of adults with disabilities and chronic health conditions.
Learn more about Dr. Graham and the CCP on his bio page!
Dr. Marc Winokur, director of the Social Work Research Center within Colorado State University's School of Social Work, talks to Matt and Avery about his research in kinship care, child maltreatment prevention, and how he builds strong relationships within the social work community.
Learn more about Dr. Winokur by visiting his bio page!
Dr. Brett Fling, director of the Sensorimotor Neuroimaging Lab within Colorado State University's Department of Health and Exercise Science, sits down with Matt and Avery to discuss his unique path through academia, his mentoring style, and his lab's research strategies that promote brain neuroplasticity and functional motor recovery in individuals with traumatic brain injury and multiple sclerosis. Click this link to learn more about Dr. Fling and the Sensorimotor Neuroimaging Lab!
In the season four premiere of Health and Human Science Matters, CSU interim executive vice president, Dr. Rick Miranda, joins Matt and Avery to discuss his 40-year career at Colorado State University and the university's bright future.
Chronicling his time as a professor in CSU's Department of Mathematics in the 1980s up to his appointment as the university's interim president in 2022, discover how Dr. Miranda has championed research and interdisciplinary partnership during his journey through academia and administration.
How well do you know science lingo? After listening to Health and Human Science Matters, you'll know plenty! Starting Friday, March 3, join Matt and Avery for another season of incredible conversations with researchers, scholars, and special guests at Colorado State University.
In the season three finale of Health and Human Science Matters, Dr. Alan Rudolph, the Vice President for Research at Colorado State University, reflects on his expansive career in science with Matt and Avery.
From his Ph.D. in Zoology and his time with DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) to his entrepreneurial accomplishments and decade of service for the Office of the Vice President for Research at CSU, learn about Dr. Rudolph's journey, and discover more about him on his bio page!
Tricia Grady-Dominguez, a Ph.D. student in CSU's Department of Occupational Therapy, sits down with Matt and Avery to discuss her academic trajectory from biochemistry to occupational therapy, and her experience as a Dean's Fellow in the College of Health and Human Sciences.
To learn more about Tricia, visit her bio page!
Dr. Kristen Morris, associate professor at Colorado State University's Department of Design and Merchandising, discusses her teaching and research on developing inclusive, adaptive apparel and products for disabled and diverse communities.
To learn more about Dr. Morris, visit her bio page!
Dr. Tiffany Jones, assistant professor at Colorado State University's School of Social Work, sits down with Matt and Avery to discuss her work addressing racial inequities, particularly in K-12 schools, as well as her passion for the arts.
To learn more about Dr. Jones, visit her bio page!
In this special two-part episode in collaboration with the Columbine Health Systems Center for Healthy Aging podcast, Living Healthy Longer, College of Health and Human Sciences' Dean Lise Youngblade and Dr. Nicole Ehrhart, director of the Columbine Health Systems Center for Healthy Aging, discuss their academic and professional journeys, mentorship, and their roles as leaders on campus.
Listen to part two of this episode on the Living Healthy Longer podcast here!
Dr. Jessica Gonzalez-Voller, associate professor in the Counseling and Career Development master's degree program within CSU's School of Education, sits down with Matt and Avery to discuss her research in multicultural competence training for counselors, serving historically marginalized communities, and her family life.
To learn more about Dr. Gonzalez-Voller, visit her bio page!
Dr. Deborah "Debbie" Fidler sits down with Matt and Avery to discuss her research in studying neurodiversity and intellectual disabilities - specifically the cognitive phenotype associated with Down syndrome - and her passion for serving the community.
To learn more about Dr. Fidler, visit her bio page!
Dr. Svetlana Olbina, associate professor in Colorado State University's Department of Construction Management, discusses her journey from Serbia to the United States, her passion for teaching and implementing virtual reality in construction education and research, and her joyous life off-campus.
To learn more about Dr. Olbina, visit her bio page!
Dr. Tom LaRocca, assistant professor in CSU's Department of Health and Exercise Science and director of the Healthspan Biology Lab at CSU, sits down with co-hosts Matt and Avery to discuss his journey from teaching high school chemistry to becoming a healthspan researcher. Dr. LaRocca addresses neurodegenerative diseases like ALS and Alzheimer’s through his research.
To learn more about Dr. LaRocca, visit his bio page!
Dr. Jaclyn Stephens, assistant professor in CSU's Department of Occupational Therapy, sits down with co-hosts Matt and Avery to discuss her academic journey and how she combines her neuroscience studies and occupational therapy training to support individuals with traumatic brain injuries (TBI). She also discusses the department's big plans at CSU's new Spur campus in Denver, Colorado.
To learn more about Dr. Stephens, visit her bio page!
Dr. Megan Mueller, an assistant professor in CSU's Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, discusses her research in identifying and informing systems, policy, and environmental approaches to obesity prevention, with a focus on helping children and families.
To learn more about Dr. Mueller, visit her bio page!
Get your headphones ready; Health and Human Science Matters is back for a third season! Like in seasons one and two, Matt and Avery speak with Colorado State University's College of Health and Human Sciences researchers to discuss their journeys to becoming impactful scientists. But now, we're dropping episodes every other Friday, starting today! Set yourself a reminder, and stay tuned for an exciting new season of Health and Human Science Matters!
Dr. Vincent Basile, faculty in CSU’s School of Education and the co-director of CSU's RISE Center, discusses his unconventional journey to becoming a tenured professor, his love of Hip-Hop culture, and his important research on the decriminalization of students of color.
To learn more about Dr. Basile, check out his bio page!
Colorado State University One Health Institute Director and University Distinguished Professor, Dr. Sue VandeWoude, discusses her research journey through veterinary medicine and the mission of the One Health Institute to advance health for humans, animals, and the environment.
To learn more about Dr. VandeWoude, visit her webpage!
Reagan Miller, a Ph.D. student in CSU’s Department of Human Development and Family Studies, talks with hosts Matt Hickey and Avery Martin about being one of the inaugural Dean’s Fellows of the College and her research on mindfulness to help adolescents cope with stress and trauma.
To learn more about Reagan, visit her bio page!
Dr. Paula Yuma, a faculty member in CSU’s School of Social Work and Director of the Center for Lifelong Learning, Outreach, and Education (CLOE), discusses her research on "closing the health gap" through social work, and increasing equity and access of resources for all.
To learn more about Dr. Yuma, visit her bio page!
Dr. Patti Davies from CSU’s Department of Occupational Therapy discusses her research on children with neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD and autism, and how music therapy can help them develop, grow, and thrive.
To learn more about Dr. Davies, visit her bio page!
Dr. Gloria Luong from CSU's Department of Human Development and Family Studies discusses her research on stressor-health links and how emotion regulation and coping capacities may modify these links across the lifespan; and her path to becoming a professor.
To learn more about Dr. Luong, visit her bio page!
Dr. Heather Leach from CSU’s Department of Health and Exercise Science discusses her research on the physical and psychosocial benefits of physical activity for cancer survivors and other chronic disease populations, and how a rare opportunity changed the trajectory of her career!
To learn more about Dr. Leach, visit her bio page!
In a rich conversation between long-time friends, host Matt Hickey talks with Dr. Chris Melby of CSU's Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition about Melby's research in human nutrition, their shared excursions climbing the world's tallest mountains and the importance of being a good mentor.
To learn more about Dr. Melby, visit his bio page!
Dr. Laura Malinin, faculty in CSU’s Department of Design and Merchandising and director of the Nancy Richardson Design Center, talks about her research on creativity, her career transition from the architecture industry to the classroom, and CSU's creative hub: the Richardson Design Center.
To learn more about Dr. Malinin, visit her bio page!
Dr. Rodolfo Valdes Vasquez of CSU’s Department of Construction Management talks about his journey as a first-generation college graduate from Panama and his passion for sustainable design and construction.
To learn more about Dr. Valdes Vasquez, visit his bio page!
Matt and Avery are back for season two of Health and Human Science Matters! Returning on March 25, season two explores the lives and research of ten scholars in Colorado State University's College of Health and Human Sciences and the impact these individuals make in their communities.
Click here to learn more about the College and our transformational research.
Hosts Matt Hickey and Avery Martin hear from Dr. Tiffany Weir of CSU’s Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition about her interdisciplinary experience researching gut health and her hobbies of farming and foraging.
To learn more about Dr. Weir, visit her bio page!
CSU School of Social Work faculty member Dr. Sami Brown shares her experience studying stress biomarkers for at-risk families and her love for the outdoors and restaurant touring with hosts Matt Hickey and Avery Martin.
To learn more about Dr. Brown, visit her bio page!
CSU Department of Construction Management professor Dr. Chris Harper discusses the unconventional path to his Ph.D., the joys of parenthood, and optimizing processes within construction projects with hosts Matt Hickey and Avery Martin.
To learn more about Dr. Harper, visit his bio page!
Hosts Matt Hickey and Avery Martin converse with CSU Department of Occupational Therapy faculty member Dr. Arlene Schmid who shares how she combined her passions for yoga and occupational therapy to develop innovative and healthy forms of rehabilitation for people with brain injuries.
To learn more about Dr. Schmid, visit her bio page!
Dr. Jill Zarestky, a faculty member in CSU’s School of Education, speaks with hosts Matt Hickey and Avery Martin about how she admires the work of CSU Extension agents, her career in mathematics education, and how she hopes to restructure traditional learning models to better suit students.
To learn more about Dr. Zarestky, visit her bio page!
Aly Cavalier, a Ph.D. student in CSU’s Department of Health and Exercise Science, talks with hosts Matt Hickey and Avery Martin about being one of the inaugural Dean’s Fellows of the College, her adoration of cats, and her research in Dr. Tom LaRocca’s lab studying neurodegenerative diseases.
To learn more about Aly and her research, check out this story!
Hosts Matt Hickey and Avery Martin speak with CSU Department of Health and Exercise Science assistant professor, Movement Neuroscience and Rehabilitation lab director, and faculty member in the interdisciplinary School of Biomedical Engineering, Dr. Neha Lodha about her work that unites her previous field of engineering with her current neuroscience studies.
To learn more about Dr. Lodha, visit her bio page!
Hosts Matt Hickey and Avery Martin converse with Dr. Sonali Diddi, associate professor in CSU’s Department of Design and Merchandising, about her affinities for spicy cuisines, sustainability, and the importance of sharing knowledge.
To learn more about Dr. Diddi, visit her bio page!
In a rich conversation, University Distinguished Professor Dr. Manfred Diehl shares his personal and professional journey with hosts Matt Hickey and Avery Martin. Dr. Diehl discusses his research in CSU’s Department of Human Development and Family Studies, his international journey through higher education, and the importance of being a mentor.
To learn more about Dr. Diehl, visit his bio page!
Hosts Matt Hickey and Avery Martin sit down with Dr. Lise Youngblade, Dean of CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences, to discuss her career in research and leadership, her passions for music and storytelling, and her vision for the College.
To learn more about Dr. Youngblade, visit her bio page!
In the Colorado State University College of Health and Human Sciences, our mission is to improve and optimize the mental and physical well-being of our fellow humans. But who are the talented humans that carry out that mission?
In Health and Human Science Matters, we talk to the faculty and staff in our College who fulfill our mission while also getting to know them as scholars and unique individuals. Tune in to learn about these incredible people, and visit our website for more information about our College: chhs.colostate.edu