In this episode, we hear from Dr. Ángel Garcia, an assistant professor at James Madison University. Ángel’s dissertation research focused on exploring how reliable is culturally-framed geological knowledge about karst, and his work now focuses on multiple aspects of cave and karst science. Here, Ángel talks about how he felt when he failed his comprehensive exams on his first try. However, despite obstacles Ángel was able to move forward in his degree with the support of community and better communication with his committee. Let’s listen!