In this episode of the Root & STEM podcast, graduate students, Sofia Osborne and Olivia deBourcier discuss modern science communication. They share their opinions on the role of science in modern media and the benefit for youth (00:40). The two then describe why it's important for trustworthy science educators to adopt new platforms and methods of communication (05:36), before offering advice to students interested in sharing their passions for science publicly (10:40).
Jan 18, 2023•19 min
In this episode of the Root & STEM podcast, graduate students, Sofia Osborne and Olivia deBourcier, discuss their podcast Beyond Blathers , an educational show that expands on the scientific discoveries made along the journey through Animal Crossing: New Horizons , a Nintendo Switch game (01:49). Sofia shares the origins of the show (03:33) and they explain how they are able bridge the gap between gaming and science (04:55). The two reference their childhoods to describe how modern media lik...
Jan 04, 2023•15 min
In this episode of the Root & STEM podcast, David Cote, a research scientist at Fisheries & Oceans Canada, shares the responsibilities of him and his colleagues at Fisheries & Oceans (1:09) and the change in trends he’s observed since the early days of his career (2:39). Next, David describes an alternate method of collecting water samples called eDNA (4:56) and its advantages in comparison to collecting live species samples (7:36). He explains how eDNA can assist Indigenous communit...
Nov 30, 2022•16 min•Season 4Ep. 7
In this episode of the Root & STEM podcast, cartoonist Kevin Frank shares how he thinks comics and cartoons can assist in learning. He describes the value of comedy in illustration art even when creating educational pieces (2:54). Kevin shares his workload, creation process, and the tools he uses (3:20), before explaining how art aids learning (6:45). Finally, Kevin explains the difficulty in turning social issues and serious events into a comic (12:22).
Nov 16, 2022•11 min
In this episode of the Root & STEM podcast, Haíɫzaqv advocate Desiree Lawson shares her mission to preserve and promote her Indigenous values. She explains how the Haíɫzaqv nation views the ocean and why it’s healthy for the environment (2:58). She reminisces about traditions she shared with her family and how environmental changes have affected those traditions to describe how Indigenous knowledge and western science can be used in unity to reach goals (3:58). As a student, Desiree shares h...
Nov 02, 2022•14 min•Season 4Ep. 6
A brief summary of this episode
Nov 01, 2022•2 min
In this episode of the Root & STEM podcast, PhD candidate and former science educator Patrick Wells shares his experiences as a high school science teacher to exemplify effective methods of teaching. He shares his thoughts about what organizations can do to better support their educators (02:22). He explains the work behind a successful ocean research project that involved his students before describing the qualities that make a good leader (10:45). Finally, Patrick gives a final piece of ad...
Oct 19, 2022•15 min•Season 4Ep. 5
In this episode of the Root & STEM podcast, Dr. Boris Worm explores the challenge of preserving and protecting marine ecosystems as a Research Professor of marine conservation biology at Dalhousie University and the Scientific Director of Ocean School. Dr. Worm explains how his current research highlights the relationship between humans and the ocean (00:57). He details the effects of ocean warming and how climate change can affect ecosystems as a whole (05:03 ). Dr. Worm explains why the oc...
Oct 04, 2022•17 min•Season 4Ep. 4
In this episode of the Root & STEM podcast, Matt Roy and Kim Pilgrim share their experiences travelling to remote and Indigenous communities as STEM camp instructors for Actua. They explain the ways in which they connect the camp and its learning experiences to each specific community to give kids a sense of relevance and familiarity in what they learn (4:37). They also describe the importance of having elders and role models give guidance to the youth of their community (7:00). Lastly, they...
Sep 21, 2022•14 min
In this episode of the Root & STEM podcast, Erin Keenan shares insight into the effort to protect marine wildlife in Northern Canada as manager of Arctic Marine Conservation at World Wildlife Fund (1:27). She details some of the threats posed to Arctic marine wildlife (3:20) and how they affect the people of nearby communities (6:28). Erin explains how the WWF works to keep a healthy relationship with Inuit communities (8:33) before offering some positive outlook on the present and future of...
Sep 06, 2022•13 min•Season 4Ep. 3
In this episode of the Root & STEM podcast, Nova Scotia-based artist Teresa Young shares her approach to creating art (1:25), and how her art creates emotional connections without a predetermined meaning (2:55). Teresa also talks about the unique way in which she discovered her Indigenous heritage and how it shows in her art (3:56). She talks about political issues relating to Indigenous art in Canada (5:22), before offering a piece of advice to young aspiring artists (11:49).
Aug 24, 2022•13 min
In this episode of the Root & STEM podcast, B.C. based writer Sofia Osborne brings light to the mysterious sea star wasting syndrome that has been killing an alarming number of starfish along the west coast of North America since 2013. Sofia speaks to educator Robyn Quaintance about the effects of the disease (1:25), and the data collection effort she organized to better understand it (2:53). She also chats with Melissa Miner, a researcher from UC Santa Cruz about what causes the disease (6:...
Aug 02, 2022•19 min•Season 4Ep. 1
How can technology and the use of data improve urban ecosystems? In this episode of the Root & STEM podcast, PhD candidate Sophie Nitoslawski describes urban forestry (00:54) and explains how she uses data and technology to improve urban green spaces (04:26). She outlines the role that green spaces have in urban centers (08:37) and what leads to their success (11:13). Finally, Sophie offers some words of encouragement to students from all groups and communities (14:30).
Jul 27, 2022•17 min
How can different perspectives improve the study of astronomy? In this episode of Root & STEM podcast, we hear from Laurie Rousseau-Nepton, the Resident Astronomer at the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope and the Principal Investigator for SIGNALS. Laurie speaks on how Indigenous knowledge and methodologies have helped her understand the universe (01:19) and impacted the way she views the stars (03:41). Laurie also explains the SIGNALS project (05:51), the technology behind it (08:58), and why ...
Jul 13, 2022•18 min•Season 3Ep. 5
How can different perspectives improve the study of astronomy? In this episode of Root & STEM podcast, Hilding Neilson, an astrophysicist and assistant professor at Memorial University in Newfoundland and Labrador, explores how we can bridge Indigenous methods of science with Western methods of science to broaden our understanding of space. Hilding offers an encouraging message to science lovers who want to learn more about space and life above us.
Jun 22, 2022•12 min•Season 3Ep. 4
How much do we really know about the stars in the sky? In this episode of the Root & STEM podcast, Ininiw/Cree Star Knowledge Keeper and retired science educator Wilfred Buck shares his expertise on the origins behind multiple constellations like, Mista Muskwa (Great Bear) and Kokominakasis (Grandmother Spider, the netmaker), and discusses the lack of acknowledgement given for Indigenous knowledge in the field of Western astronomy. Wilfred also touches on his own pathway to the sky and the s...
May 06, 2022•19 min•Season 3Ep. 3
How can we use machine learning and artificial intelligence to improve and protect space technology and exploration? In this episode of the Root & STEM podcast, Kelsey Doerksen, a space system engineer for satellite operations at Planet, and a Ph.D student at the University of Oxford studying machine learning and artificial intelligence, explores the benefits of machine learning in space technology. From creating space weather alert systems for satellite protection to aiding rover missions, ...
Apr 04, 2022•9 min•Season 3Ep. 2
How does one become an astronaut? In this episode of Root & STEM podcast, Sofia Osborne, a writer and audio producer based in B.C., interviews junior space operations engineer, Abby Lacson, about the path to becoming an astronaut and her professional experiences working with MDA Space, participating in Air Cadets, and pursuing her education in engineering. Abby offers advice to aspiring astronauts and shares her views on the importance of representation.
Mar 23, 2022•16 min•Season 3Ep. 1
What are “hackathons” and how do they inspire innovation? In this episode of the Root & STEM podcast, John Stewart, digital producer and host, sat down with Glenn Ye and Leo Wang, two undergraduate students and the winners of the Best Game award for the University of Toronto’s Hack the Valley IV. They explore what their experience was like competing in a hackathon, including the pros and cons of working in a tight timeframe, and give advice for any future participants interested in creative ...
Mar 08, 2022•11 min•Season 2Ep. 5
How does artificial intelligence learn and in turn, how can AI change the way we learn? In this episode of the Root & STEM podcast, Jessa Gamble, an author and science writer, and Briana Brownell, an entrepreneur, discuss how we can identify the learning patterns of AI and what that means for technology innovations in the future. They go over the highs and lows of AI use, in addition to the ways in which AI can break down barriers that can exist for communities with limited access to technol...
Mar 04, 2022•11 min•Season 2Ep. 4
How can research into ringed seals and environmental changes provide a better understanding of climate change? Enooyaq Sudlovenick, currently a Ph.D. student, explores research focused on marine mammals and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit. In this episode, Enooyaq discusses her research of the ringed seal and how she considers both Western knowledge and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit in her approach to research.
Feb 15, 2022•16 min•Season 4Ep. 2
How is AI already integrated into our daily lives and how will it continue to grow? In this episode of the Root & STEM podcast, Caroline Sinders, a machine-learning researcher and artist, as well as the founder of Convocation Design + Research, discusses the opportunities and functionality capabilities of AI for the advancement of both technology and art in our world.
Dec 22, 2021•11 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Can AI help bridge the gap between responsive, sufficient healthcare and those living in rural and remote communities? The increased presence of portable medical and robotic devices might be able to show us how. In this episode of the Root & STEM podcast, John Stewart, digital producer and host, sits down with Dr. Ivar Mendez, a neurosurgeon who is the current head of surgery at the University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine. Dr. Mendez explains how AI is transforming the opportunity and...
Dec 09, 2021•15 min•Season 2Ep. 2
As AI technology becomes more and more prevalent in data collection, researchers are learning how to employ and train AI algorithms in a way that helps further the research surrounding whale calls. In this episode of the Root & STEM podcast, Sofia Osborne, a writer and audio producer based in B.C., explores both the progress and the challenges that come along with the use of AI technology. In her chat with scientists and researchers currently in the field, Sofia explains how the option to de...
Oct 22, 2021•19 min•Season 2Ep. 1
With Big Tech increasing the collection and analysis of data, clarifying the rules and ethics around who owns, manages, and uses that data is essential. Robyn Rowe, a scholar in the Interdisciplinary Rural and Northern Health program at Laurentian University joins us on this episode of the Root & STEM podcast to discuss Indigenous Data Sovereignty, how “data” has a different meaning for Indigenous communities, and how the CARE Principles for Indigenous Data Governance offer a roadmap for fai...
Apr 16, 2021•16 min
Online gaming not only provides important social connection, it’s also an engaging new tool for educators to consider, even those who aren’t gamers. In this episode of Root & STEM, we chat with game developers and designers about the benefits gaming can offer learners and teachers, including their potential as creative, powerful tools to further education, collaboration and play. Featuring: Lindsey Tropf, Chris Crowell, and John and Brenda Romero.
Mar 15, 2021•14 min•Season 1Ep. 2
Teachers have faced a turbulent year, forced to consider how technology could be used to keep learners safe and engaged in education during a pandemic. The first episode of Root & STEM explores how educators from diverse geographies are responding to the pandemic, whether it’s online or in the classroom. This episode features in-depth conversation with Emma Houston in Pelly Crossing, Yukon, as well as Kandice Cross and Wendy Wright in Ontario, all discussing how they are navigating education...
Feb 02, 2021•25 min
Self-guided Security Check Ups are simple things you can do with software you already have that can make a big difference to your safety online.
Jan 11, 2021•9 min•Season 1Ep. 10
Software updates can do wonderful things: Protect against emerging security risks, improve your software and battery performance, fix software problems and make your device run more smoothly.
Jan 11, 2021•9 min•Season 1Ep. 9
Encryption is a process that makes data inaccessible to anyone who doesn't have the right key. Encryption is already used in many of the tech products and tools we use today, and forms the basis of security for everything from online shopping and banking, to your messages and browsing.
Jan 11, 2021•8 min•Season 1Ep. 8
