The Academic Minute
100 episodes — Page 1 of 2
Tomas R. Guilarte, Florida International University – Can We Detect Alzheimer’s Disease Decades Before Symptoms Start?
Can we detect Alzheimer’s disease decades before symptoms start? Tomas R. Guilarte, Dean of the Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work and professor of cognitive neuroscience and imaging at Florida International University, looks into how this might be done. Tomás R. Guilarte, Ph.D., joined FIU in 2016 after serving as the Inaugural […]
Minji Kim, Flagler College – The Psychology of Mukbang: How Food Media Affects Us
On Flagler College Week: Do you like to watch others eat? Minji Kim, assistant professor of communication, explores the psychology behind an online trend. MinJi Kim, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Communication at Flagler College, where her teaching in courses such as Media Literacy, Social Media Management, and Health Communication is deeply informed by […]
Ashley Ryder, Flagler College – Doing More with Less: Leveraging SoTL in Sport Management Programs
On Flagler College Week: Educators often have to do more with less, so how can we still make it work? Ashley Ryder, assistant professor of sport management, examines one way. Dr. Ashley Ryder is an Assistant Professor of Sport Management at Flagler College. Her teaching and research interests focus on sport ethics, sociology, and pedagogy, […]
Joshua Behl, Flagler College – Innocent — But Will It Be Believed?
On Flagler College Week: What if you make a mistake when giving an alibi? Joshua D. Behl, associate professor of criminology, examines this scenario. Dr. Joshua Behl received his Ph.D. from the University of Florida in August of 2016 where he also received his BA and MA. Dr. Behl’s research interests are found at the […]
Matthew Brown, Flagler College – Acidification in a Northeast Florida Estuary: Potential Impacts on Shellfish
On Flagler College Week: We’re still learning how climate changes will impact aquatic habitats. Matthew Brown, professor of natural sciences, looks into one such quandary. Preceded by an undergraduate degree in Chemistry (B.Sc.,Old Dominion University), Dr. Matthew Brown completed an M.Sc.(Oceanography) at the University of Hawaii and a Ph.D. (Ocean Sciences–Marine Chemistry) at the University […]
Justin Forbes, Flagler College – Trauma, Theology, and Healing in Relationship
On Flagler College Week: How do we show up for children with histories of trauma and neglect? Justin Forbes, assistant professor of Religion and Director of the Center for Religion and Culture, takes a communal look. After graduating from Flagler College in 2002, Justin spent ten years in youth ministry. During that time, he was […]
Rosie Dutt, Washington University in St. Louis – Revolutionizing STEM Education
How we teach STEM courses could be undergoing a revolution. Rosie Dutt, instructional consultant and former adjunct lecturer at the Engineering Communication Center at the Washington University in St. Louis, gets hands-on with learning. Dr. Rosie Dutt teaches interdisciplinary computational neuroscience and engineering communication courses that integrate data science and design thinking. In this talk, […]
Alex Chohlas-Wood, New York University – Automated Reminders Reduce Incarceration for Missed Court Dates
There may be an easy solution to reducing incarceration for missed court dates. Alex Chohlas-Wood, assistant professor of computational social science at New York University, looks to his phone for answers. Alex Chohlas-Wood is an Assistant Professor of Computational Social Science. His research investigates how computational approaches can improve public policy. In recent work, he […]
Ross Zafonte, University of Missouri – Link Between Traumatic Brain Injury and Brain Tumors
Suffering a traumatic brain injury may come with an additional risk besides concussion. Ross Zafonte, Executive Vice Dean of the University of Missouri School of Medicine, explores this. The University of Missouri, School of Medicine selected Dr. Ross Zafonte, DO, to serve as the Executive Vice Dean, effective October 1, 2024. In his role, Dr. […]
Dan Laufer, Auckland University of Technology – Managing Spillover Crises in the Age of Generative AI
What is a spillover crisis and how can AI contribute to it? Dan Laufer, professor and head of the School of Communication Studies at the Auckland University of Technology, explains. Dr Daniel Laufer, PhD, MBA (The University of Texas at Austin, USA), is a Professor and Head of the School of Communication Studies at the […]
Yann Quilcalle, ETH Zurich – How Fossil Fuel Companies Have Contributed to Heatwaves
Heatwaves are an issue now and moving forward. Yann Quicalle, postdoctoral researcher at ETH Zurich, looks at the reasons behind them. Dr Yann Quilcaille is a climate scientist, who works to bridge the gap between climate and economic modelling. Thanks to a dual background in climate science and economics of sustainable development, he gained a […]
Danielle Dunne, Binghamton University – What’s the Best Way to Handle Difficult Workplace Conversations?
On Binghamton University Week: We all have to have difficult conversations at work. How do we handle them best? Danielle Dunne, associate professor in the School of Management, discusses. Danielle Dunne is an Associate Professor in the School of Management at Binghamton University whose research explores leadership emergence, team dynamics, and workplace communication strategies. What’s […]
Cody Dew, Binghamton University – The Hidden Bias Behind Career Choices and Stuttering
On Binghamton University Week: Stuttering shouldn’t hold someone back, but people who stutter can face biases. Cody Dew, assistant professor in the division of speech and language pathology at the Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences, fights against the stereotypes. Cody Dew is a licensed speech-language pathologist and assistant professor in the Division of […]
Jiyun Elizabeth Shin, Binghamton University – Feel like a Fraud Even When You’re Successful? It May Be Impostor Phenomenon
On Binghamton University Week: If you feel like a fraud, it might be the imposter phenomenon. Jiyun Elizabeth Shin, psychology lecturer, explains. Shin’s research and teaching are transactional, mutually informing and inspiring the other. Her research explores the individual and psychosocial factors that contribute to students’ academic engagement (particularly students from underrepresented groups). This work […]
Amber Churchill, Binghamton University – Grasslands Can Withstand Climate Extremes With a Boost of Nutrients
On Binghamton University Week: A boost of nutrients could be what grasslands need for the future. Amber Churchill, assistant professor of ecosystem science, looks into why. Amy Churchill is a plant ecologist conducting research on the consequences of global environmental change at the interface of plant communities and ecosystem ecology, with experience in a range […]
George Homsy, Binghamton University – African American Households Shoulder a Heavier Burden of Energy Costs
On Binghamton University Week: African American households are shouldering a heavier burden of energy costs; why is this? George Homsy, Director of Environmental Studies and Associate Professor in the Department of Public Administration and Policy, finds two possible reasons why. George Homsy’s research centers on sustainability and local government policymaking. He explores the drivers of […]
Obinna Ekwunife, University at Buffalo – Why Education Matters for Heart and Metabolic Health
Education is important when it comes to your health. Obinna Ekwunife, assistant professor of medicine at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo, discusses this with one affliction in mind. Dr. Obinna Ekwunife is an Implementation Scientist and Health Economist, currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Division […]
Trudy G. Oliver, Duke University – Small Cell Lung Cancer
Improving outcomes for those with the deadliest cancers is ongoing. Trudy G. Oliver, professor in the department of pharmacology and cancer biology at the Duke University School of Medicine, examines a possible new step forward. Trudy G. Oliver, PhD, is a Professor of Pharmacology & Cancer Biology at Duke University and a Duke Science & […]
Catherine Walker, Union College – Focus On What Your Body Does Rather Than How It Looks
Changing how we think about our bodies could be beneficial to our health. Catherine Walker, associate professor of psychology at Union College, determines how to do so. Catherine Walker is an associate professor of psychology at Union College, a small liberal arts college in Schenectady, NY. She is also a licensed clinical psychologist with a […]
Jason DeFreitas, Syracuse University – Strength Training May Improve Nerve Health and Slow Aging Process
Strength training may have additional benefits for slowing the aging process. Jason DeFreitas, professor and department chair in exercise science at Syracuse University, explores. Dr. DeFreitas is a professor and department chair in exercise science at Syracuse University. His lab’s research focuses on how the brain controls the body, and how that control system changes […]
Daniel Robinson, University of Texas at Arlington – Testing and the Paradoxes of Fairness
Are tests a fair way to predict individual performance? Daniel Robinson, professor at the University of Texas at Arlington, delves into this question. Dan Robinson is currently the Interim Chair of the Department of Higher Education, Adult Learning, and Organizational Studies and also the K-16 Mind, Brain and Education Endowed Chair at the University of […]
Marcelo Bigliassi, Florida International University – Yes, You Can Train Your Brain to Like Exercise
On Florida International University Week: What if your brain could learn to like exercise? Marcelo Bigliassi, assistant professor of psychophysiology, determines if we can achieve this. Dr. Marcelo Bigliassi is an Assistant Professor of Psychophysiology and Neuroscience at Florida International University, FL (FIU). He is also the Chief Scientist at NeuroSmart, CA. With over 70 […]
Karinna Rodriguez, Florida International University – Building STEM Skills Through Play
On Florida International University Week: Is play critical for STEM education too? Karinna Rodriguez, doctoral student in the department of psychology and developmental science program, discusses. Karinna Rodríguez is a doctoral student in the Developmental Science program in the Department of Psychology at Florida International University. Her research explores how young children perceive and understand […]
Tana Carson, Florida International University – Improving Access to Swimming and Water Safety for Children with Disabilities
On Florida International University Week: How do we improve access to swimming and water safety for children with disabilities? Tana Carson, assistant professor of occupational therapy, explores this issue. Dr. Tana Bleser Carson earned her master’s in occupational therapy and a PhD in behavioral and cognitive neuroscience from the University of Florida. Dr. Carson has […]
Amanda Thomas, Florida International University – Transforming Children’s Lives With 3D-Printed Prosthetics
On Florida International University Week: How do we transform the lives of children with upper-limb deficiencies? Amanda Thomas, clinical assistant professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, examines this challenge. Dr. Amanda Thomas has been a full-time Clinical Assistant Professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at Florida International University (FIU) for […]
Jaclyn Tanenbaum, Florida International University – This Academic Minute Isn’t For Everyone
On Florida International University Week: Ads want you to believe their product is for you, but what if they told you the opposite? Jaclyn Tanenbaum, faculty director at the Master of Science in Marketing program and associate teaching professor, examines what happens. Jaclyn Tanenbaum earned her Bachelor of Science in Business and a Master of […]
Best-Of The Academic Minute in 2025 – Johanna Smith, California State University San Bernardino – Finding the Courage to Demand Delight
How can we bring joy into education? Johanna Smith, professor of theater education and entrepreneurship at California State University, San Bernardino, finds a way to incorporate it. Johanna Smith is a Professor of Theatre Education and Entrepreneurship at California State University, San Bernardino. She has served as an artist and educator for professional theatres, museums, […]
Best-Of The Academic Minute in 2025 – Daile Zhang, University of North Dakota – Lightning Strikes Make Collecting Parasitic Fungus A Deadly Pursuit
What do lightning storms on a remote mountain plateau have to do with fungus? Daile Zhang, assistant professor of atmospheric sciences at the University of North Dakota, explores the connection. Daile Zhang is an Assistant Professor at University of North Dakota. Her research focuses on atmospheric electricity and remote sensing. Daile received her PhD degree […]
Best-Of The Academic Minute in 2025 – Christopher Baldassano, Columbia University – The Brain Organizes Narratives Into Meaningful Event Memories
How we experience an event may change how we remember it. Christopher Baldassano, associate professor of psychology at Columbia University, looks into our past experiences for clues. Christopher Baldassano is an Associate Professor in the Psychology Department at Columbia University. He was an undergraduate in Electrical Engineering at Princeton University, received his PhD in Computer […]
Best-Of The Academic Minute in 2025 – Deborah Finkel, University of Southern California Dornsife – Childhood Money Stress Can Leave a Lasting Mark
On University of Southern California Dornsife Week: What happens in childhood has an impact – especially when it comes to money. Deborah Finkel, research professor at the center for economic and social research and department of psychology, examines why. Deborah Finkel is a research professor (50%) at CESR. She earned her PhD in behavior genetics from the […]
Best-Of The Academic Minute in 2025 – Pamela Prickett, Pomona College – America’s Rising Number of Unclaimed Deaths
Unclaimed deaths are on the rise. Pamela Prickett, associate professor of sociology at Pomona College, examines how some have come together to honor them. Pamela Prickett is an associate professor of sociology at Pomona College and former journalist. She is the author of two books about Los Angeles, including The Unclaimed: Abandonment and Hope in the City […]
Best-Of The Academic Minute in 2025 – Jennifer Nahrgang, University of Iowa – Successful Side Hustle? Don’t Be a Jerk at Your Day Job
Do you know a co-worker with a side hustle? Jennifer Nahrgang, professor and Henry B. Tippie Excellence Chair of Management and Entrepreneurship at the University of Iowa, discusses how it might affect them at work. Jennifer D. Nahrgang is Professor and Henry B. Tippie Excellence Chair of Management and Entrepreneurship in the Tippie College of […]
Best-Of The Academic Minute in 2025 – Patrick Barry, University of Michigan Law School – Art and Advocacy
Being an advocate is important; so, what’s the most effective process for becoming one? Patrick Barry, clinical assistant professor at the University of Michigan Law School, takes a trip to find the answer. Patrick Barry is a clinical assistant professor and the director of digital academic initiatives at the University of Michigan Law School, as […]
Best-Of The Academic Minute in 2025 – Brandon Vaidyanathan, Catholic University of America – Science is a Quest for Beauty
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but is it also in science? Brandon Vaidyanathan, professor of sociology at the Catholic University of America, takes a closer look. Dr. Brandon Vaidyanathan is Professor of Sociology and Director of the Institutional Flourishing Lab at The Catholic University of America. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees […]
Best-Of The Academic Minute in 2025 – Grace Moore, University of Otago – Literature and Hope in a Time of Fire
Fire can prepare soil for new growth, but also leave beyond trauma for those afflicted. Grace Moore, associate professor of English at the University of Otago, considers the literary context. Grace Moore is an Associate Professor of English at the University of Otago. Her research spans Victorian studies, Australian studies, and the Environmental Humanities. Grace […]
Best-Of The Academic Minute in 2025 – Jared Del Rosso, University of Denver – Waiting For Whip-poor-wills
What is behind the disappearance of the Whip-poor-wills? Jared Del Rosso, associate professor and chair of sociology and criminology at the University of Denver, examines this loss and the meanings behind it. Jared Del Rosso is a cultural sociologist in the Department of Sociology & Criminology at the University of Denver. He is currently writing […]
Siddharth Bhattacharya, George Mason University – How Can Advertisers Win Attention?
How can advertisers win attention? Siddharth Bhattacharya, assistant professor in the information systems and operations management area at the Costello College of Business at George Mason University, takes an in-depth look to find out. Siddharth Bhattacharya is an assistant professor in the Information Systems and Operations Management Area at the Costello College of Business, George […]
Dinesh Subedi, Monash University – Institutional Phage Cocktails to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance
Fighting against antimicrobial resistance will be key. Dinesh Subedi, research fellow at Monash University, determines how to do so. Dr. Dinesh Subedi is a microbiologist and Postdoctoral Researcher at Monash University in Australia. He studies how viruses that infect bacteria, called bacteriophages or “phages,” can be used to treat serious hospital-acquired infections. Institutional Phage Cocktails […]
Danny Wang, University of Southern California – New Brain Imaging Method Reveals Hidden Vascular Changes with Aging
Some aging-related changes can be hidden. Danny Wang, professor of neurology, radiology, and biomedical engineering and Director of Imaging Technology Innovation at the Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute at the University of Southern California, examines these. Dr. Danny JJ Wang is a Professor of Neurology, Radiology and Biomedical Engineering, and Director of Imaging Technology Innovation […]
Rebecca Brociek, University of Nottingham – The Planetary Effects of Producing Pet Food
Plant-based pet foods may be a key avenue for environmental sustainability. Rebecca Brociek, Final year PhD Student in the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science at the University of Nottingham, examines the benefits. With a background in biomedical science and pharmaceutical, Rebecca is now completing her PhD focused in companion animal nutrition at the University […]
Ethan Yackulic, Northern Arizona University – Restoring Functional Fire in the West
On this Student Spotlight: Fire management will play a key role going forward. Ethan Yackulic, PhD student in the school of informatics, computer and cyber systems at Northern Arizona University, looks at the best way to manage it. Ethan Yackulic is a PhD student in the School of Informatics, Computing and Cyber Systems at Northern […]
Joel Leja, Penn State University – Mysterious ‘Red Dots’ in Early Universe May Be ‘Black Hole Star’ Atmospheres
What are the mysterious ‘red dots’ seen by the James Webb telescope? Joel Leja, associate professor of astronomy and astrophysics and Dr. Keiko Miwa Ross Mid-Career Endowed Chair at Penn State University, examines their origin. Joel Leja is the Dr. Keiko Miwa Ross Mid Career Endowed Faculty Chair and an Associate Professor of astronomy and […]
Shruti Sharma, Tufts University – Brain Inflammation May Not Always Be a Villain
Inflammation in the brain is bad, right? Shruti Sharma, assistant professor of immunology at the Tufts University School of Medicine, suggests that may not always be the case. Shruti Sharma, assistant professor of immunology, studies how the immune system knows when to fight—and when to heal. Shruti Sharma is an assistant professor of immunology at […]
James Ritchie-Dunham, University of Texas at Austin – Well-Being is Critical to How a Work Team Performs
An employee’s well-being is critical to their performance. James Ritchie-Dunham, clinical associate professor in the Rosenthal Department of Management in the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin, discusses how to foster it. James L. Ritchie-Dunham is a clinical associate professor of strategy in The University of Texas at Austin’s McCombs […]
Erik Lie, University of Iowa – Catching Cheats
Catching cheats in finance is a big deal. Erik Lie, Amelia Tippie Chair and professor in finance at the Tippie College of Business at the University of Iowa, explores one way to do so. Erik Lie is a professor of finance at the University of Iowa and author of Catching Cheats: Everyday Forensics to Unmask […]
Andrew Edelblum, University of Dayton – Does Sex Sell? Not Always
Does sex sell? Not always. Andrew Edelblum, assistant professor of marketing at the University of Dayton, explores when beauty backfires. Andrew Edelblum is a University of Dayton assistant professor of management and marketing whose work explores identity, ethics, branding and consumer culture. A member of the American Marketing Association and the Association for Consumer Research, […]
Xiaoming Zhai, University of Georgia – Can AI Think Like a Teacher?
Want to grade your students faster? You can use ChatGPT – but there may be downsides. Xiaoming Zhai, associate professor of science education and artificial intelligence at the University of Georgia, discusses the potential risks. Xiaoming Zhai, Associate Professor in Science Education, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science (courtesy), and Statistics (courtesy), serves the Directors of the […]
Rebecca Ratner, University of Maryland – Want a Review You Can Trust? Ask Someone Who Did It Alone
Does going somewhere solo lead to better reviews afterwards? Rebecca Ratner, Dean’s professor of marketing at the University of Maryland, determines whether this is the case. Rebecca Ratner received a Ph.D. in social psychology from Princeton University and has been a visiting scholar in the marketing departments of the Harvard Business School, Chicago Booth Graduate […]
Cal Whyte, Florida Institute of Technology – Exoplanets
On this Student Spotlight: White Dwarf stars may create a potentially viable environment for life. Cal Whyte, PhD student in the Department of Aerospace, Physics and Space Science at Florida Institute of Technology, looks into this. Caldon T. Whyte is a PhD student in the Department of Aerospace, Physics and Space Science at Florida Institute […]
Ann Perreau, Augustana College – Hyperacusis
Remote counseling can have benefits for some. Ann Perreau, professor and co-chair of communication sciences and disorders at Augustana College, examines one. Dr. Ann E. Perreau is a professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Augustana College (Ill.) and an audiologist in the College’s Roseman Center for Speech, Language, and Hearing. In 2023, she was […]