This week, Sarah spoke with Dr. Bernard Armada, a Communication Studies professor, about how taking an improv class at a comedy club transformed his life and shaped his teaching philosophy. Dr. Armada explained that while games like Zip Zap Zop might seem silly in academic or professional settings, improv is a deeply collaborative art form that helps build stronger connections between people. By using theatrical techniques in everyday contexts, improv encourages openness, empathy, and trust – essential skills for enhancing both personal and professional relationships.…

This week, Sarah Brings interviews Dr. Ifshan Ismat, Chair and Associate Professor of the Biology Department, about her research on how the extracellular environment affects cell movement.Dr. Ismat explains that during embryonic development, cells must migrate from their origin to specific destinations for organs to form correctly. Her lab uses fruit flies as a model system, where she and her students modify genes and analyze the results to understand this process better. Dr. Ismat also highlights the challenges involved in publishing research in scientific journals, and stresses the importance of STEM majors to receive a well-rounded education and experiences that extend beyond their specialized fields to cultivate broader skills and perspectives.…

This week, Sarah Brings welcomes Dr. Buffy Smith, the Dean of Dougherty Family College. Dr. Smith discusses how her personal background and education have shaped her research, which focuses on making higher education more accessible—especially for first-generation students and those from under-resourced communities. As a nationally recognized expert in mentoring, access, retention, equity, and diversity in higher education, Dr. Smith has developed strategies that influence both policy and practice. Her research directly informed the educational model at Dougherty Family College. Through her work, she fosters peer mentorship and creates culturally affirming learning environments, empowering students not only to navigate college successfully but to thrive and achieve academic excellence.…

Dr. Mohsen Tahmasebi Nasab discusses hydrology, water resources, civil engineering. And passion, teaching, and learning

Dr Chip Small, an associate professor in the Saint Thomas departments of Biology and Earth, Environment, and Society, discusses nutrient cycling, composting, and making urban gardens sustainable.

Dr. Aura Wharton-Beck, Assist. Professor in Educational Leadership, discusses African American professional women working for the government during WWII.

Dr. Manjeet Rege discusses Artificial Intelligence, how machines learn, and the ethics of emerging technologies.

Talks about lost Trans/Lesbian poetress Eliza Cook of the 19th century