Science Talks

University of Arizona, BIO5 Institute•bio5.org

The BIO5 Institute is an interdisciplinary membership organization at the University of Arizona where 'team science' is taken to a whole new level. We bring together over 400 researchers to creatively solve difficult problems. In our Science Talks podcast, we visit with BIO5's interdisciplinary experts to learn about the impacts that their research is making to bioscience and human health.

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Episodes

Episode 10: Transforming the textbook into a real-world experience

Most high school students - let alone college students - ever receive the opportunity to apply lessons learned in their STEM textbooks to solving real-world problems. Keep Engaging Youth in Science (KEYS) coordinators Brooke Moreno and Kelle Hyland discuss how the BIO5 Institute’s flagship high school research internship program solves this problem. They’re also joined by two KEYS Crew leaders - BIO5 Outreach and Engagement Specialist Marissa Romero and BIO5 Public Affairs Student Assistant Roby...

May 25, 2021•33 min

Episode 9: Supporting the next generation of STEM professionals

Not all career paths are linear, and most budding professionals need support along the way. Dr. Uwe Hilgert , associate research professor and director of Industry Relations, Workforce Development and STEM Training at the BIO5 Institute , discusses his career journey from the lab bench to working in education and outreach. He also talks about his essential roles in two Discover BIO5 events and making the transition to a virtual Keep Engaging Youth in Science (KEYS) summer research internship pro...

May 10, 2021•33 min

Episode 8: Personalizing treatments with the power of computers

In the era of precision medicine, scientists and physicians are constantly looking for ways to innovate and personalize disease treatment. Dr. Yves Lussier, former BIO5 Associate Director and Associate Vice President and Chief Knowledge Officer at UArizona Health Sciences , discusses how technology and a bioinformatics approach can help us better understand diseases like COVID-19 and tailor treatments to each individual....

Apr 26, 2021•25 min

Episode 7: The importance of storytelling and collaboration

Today’s biggest scientific questions cannot be conducted "in a vacuum.” Dr. Kate Rhodes , a postdoctoral fellow in the laboratory of Dr. Maggie So ’s lab, shares how the BIO5 Institute fosters the cross-disciplinary work that is necessary to solve these problems. She also talks about her research on a bacterial strain that causes gonorrhea, a highly prevalent sexually transmitted infection. Dr. Rhodes, a two-time recipient of the BIO5 Postdoctoral Fellowship , discusses how she employs storytell...

Apr 07, 2021•25 min

Episode 6: Viruses, vaccines and advocacy

The emergence of a novel vaccine can be both a scientific triumph and point of uncertainty for the general population. Dr. Robert Jackson , a postdoctoral fellow in the laboratory of Dr. Koenraad Van Doorslaer , discusses his research on human papillomavirus - the most common sexually transmitted virus and cause of 5% of all cancers worldwide. Dr. Jackson, a recipient of the BIO5 and Canadian NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowships, also talks about his passion for communicating the scientific method, or...

Mar 26, 2021•32 min

Episode 5: Infecting others with a love for science

Human cytomegalovirus persists in the majority of the population worldwide and is the leading cause of infectious disease-related birth defects. Dr. Felicia Goodrum , a professor of cellular and molecular medicine , cancer biology , genetics , and molecular and cellular biology, discusses her work on this public health concern. She also shares how she “infects” others with a love for science through science communication and public outreach. The self-proclaimed lifelong learner also talks about ...

Mar 11, 2021•33 min•Ep. 5

Episode 4: Finding our new normal

Now a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, we're eager to return to life as it once was - but is that possible? If not, what does our "new normal" look like? Dr. Bonnie LaFleur , a BIO5 member and research professor of biostatistics , discusses how the different COVID-19 testing methods and vaccination efforts will enable us to one day go back to our old ways of lives. She also stresses that building "social contracts" with those in our inner circle are essential to keeping ourselves and others safe...

Feb 25, 2021•34 min

Episode 3: Pursing wellness amid COVID-19

Over the past year, many have become more interested in ways to support their mental, physical and emotional well-bring. Dr. Floyd "Ski" Chilton , BIO5 member and Director of the Precision Nutrition and Wellness Initiative discusses the upcoming Precision Wellness in the Time of COVID-19 public series that aims to educate the public and help them pursue health, both during the pandemic and for years to come. Chilton also shares how he pursues mindfulness and well-being, and how he imparts these ...

Feb 10, 2021•27 min•Ep. 3

Episode 2: Novel treatments for COVID-19

Soon after the pandemic started, more than half a million dollars was rapidly reallocated to supply 13 interdisciplinary teams with immediate funding to pursue basic science, technology, clinical or population-based research projects that directly address COVID-19. Dr. Jianqin Lu , BIO5 member and assistant professor in the College of Pharmacy , discusses his two BIO5 COVID-19 seed grant projects. The first focuses on the use of nanotechnology to improve efficacy and minimize toxicity of anti-ma...

Feb 04, 2021•29 min•Season 1Ep. 2

Episode 1: A public health approach to overcoming the pandemic

Soon after the pandemic started, more than half a million dollars was rapidly reallocated to supply thirteen interdisciplinary teams with immediate funding to pursue basic science, technology, clinical or population-based research projects that directly addressed COVID-19. During the course of this and future episodes, we will learn more about the inspiration behind some of the team projects, what the rapid funding allowed them to do, and the progress they have made towards their goals. Dr. Kris...

Jan 27, 2021•28 min•Season 1Ep. 1

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