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Gavin Tolometti
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Space, Eh?
S3 EP5: Diaries of Space Explorers with Gavin Tolometti
Having a space podcast isn't easy but it isn't isolating either if you can find others just like you! Today we’re back with another episode chatting with Dr. Gavin Tolometti. He is an aspiring science communicator and holds a PhD in Geology and Planetary Science from Western University. He’s got experience working at the Canadian Space Agency, workshop experience from the European Space Agency, and now works as an outreach high school program coordinator at Western University. We talk about Science Communication, Podcasting, Analog missions, and combining your interests to create a fun and exciting career!
2022-10-31
24 min
Those Space People
Fireside chat with a Geologist and Podcaster
Gavin Tolometti is a Postdoctoral researcher at the Western University in Ontario, Canada. His current research is in planetary sciences. He has a background in geology. Gavin is also the host of the awesome podcast - The Diaries of Space Explorers - also available on all podcasting platforms.
2022-07-10
47 min
A Future For Us
What is Science Communication? Part 1 Featuring Dr. Gavin Tolometti, THE DIARIES OF SPACE EXPLORERS
Joelle Alexandria hosts A Future for Us in today's episode: Science Communication Part 1 Featuring Dr. Gavin Tolometti. Dr. Tolometti is a post-doctorate fellow at Western University and host and creator of the podcast, The Diaries of Space Explorers. This podcast makes space accessible for everyone by featuring special guests in the space industry who tell stories of their experiences discovering new things and how interdisciplinary the STEM field can be. **STEM stands for science technology engineering and math. Join us as we discuss the problems with science literacy and what science education and science communication can do...
2022-06-30
32 min
GradCast
352 | Space Rocks! From Craters to Careers
Join hosts Amalie Hutchinson and Laura Munoz-Baena as they sit down with recent PhD grad Gavin Tolometti to learn about how space rocks, rock! Gavin shares how he uses remote sensing techniques and field research here on Earth to figure out how impact craters and lava flows affected the landscape of the moon. In addition to rocks beyond our planet, our conversation flowed into some impactful advice about life beyond the degree. To hear more about Gavin, you can find him on twitter as @GavinOnTheMoon, visit his website, or listen to his podcast The Diaries of Space E...
2021-11-24
30 min
GradCast
332 | Remembering a Forgotten War: Memory, Nostalgia, and the Falklands War
Many people have never heard of the Falkland Islands, let alone the Falklands War. However, for History MA student, Ryan McLachlan, it is the source of much interest. In this episode, hosts Rosemary Giles and Ana Moyer get a crash course history lesson about the Falklands War from Ryan. The small islands in the South Atlantic were the setting for a defining moment, and on 2 April 1982, Argentina invaded the Falklands, which had been British territory for almost 150 years. What followed was a short, fast paced war, concluding with a British victory on 14 June 1982. Ryan’s research focuses on the empire-related no...
2021-07-06
28 min
GradCast
Special Episode: Executive Decisions Veep's Part 1
Have you heard of SOGS (Society of Graduate Students), but not really familiar with what SOGS is or what SOGS does? In this episode, hosts Elizabeth Mohler and Gavin Tolometti unpack all things SOGS and sit down with VP Student Services, Effie Sapuridis and VP Advocacy, Yousuf Hasan to learn more about their roles. Elizabeth and Gavin hear about Empower You, a free, confidential counselling program offered to all graduate students, and learn that the work of advocacy includes much more than speaking up for students. Want to know more, check out this episode at the link below., and s...
2021-06-18
35 min
GradCast
328 | The Resilience of Life
So often in media and in real life, meteorites (asteroids that do not burn up in the atmosphere) striking the surface of Earth often result in catastrophic consequences for all living things. However, Geology and Planetary Sciences PhD student Lauren Stone opts to reveal the whole picture. In this episode, hosts Liam Clifford and Gavin Tolometti learn how this destructive process, known as impact cratering, can paradoxically foster a habitable environment for microscopic organisms. By discovering the secrets of these endoliths (life that survives in rocks), Lauren's research demonstrates the resiliency of life to prosper in the unlikeliest of...
2021-06-02
28 min
Casual Space
Looking at Lava Tubes with Gavin Tolometti
What are lava tubes? What can they tell us about the rest of the solar system? Could lava tubes harbor life deep inside them on other planets? Ph.D. student Gavin Tolometti believes the best way to understand the surfaces of planetary bodies like the Moon, Mars, Io, and Venus is to study features like lava tubes on own planet Earth. “I study lava flows. In particular, I want to understand how we can infer how lava flows on Earth and on the Moon and Mars using remote data sets – in particular using radar, because it’s a...
2021-05-06
43 min
GradCast
323 | Digital Learning for Students with Disabilities
The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed a number of obstacles that students with disabilities face when accessing material online and participating in virtual courses. The shift to an almost to fully virtual format has made it challenging for students who relied on accessibility services on campus, and their ability to converse with fellow students and professors in person to overcome certain issues regarding navigating courses. Occupational Science PhD student Elizabeth Mohler is working on a way to get the word out and bring these issues to light. She has been reached out by Accessible Media Inc. (a not for profit...
2021-04-29
27 min
GradCast
#Gradlife XIII: COVID 19, One Year Later...
Over one year ago, the COVID-19 pandemic changed everything for graduate students. We were all introduced to a different world of research and communication, held back by lab and class restrictions, prevention of in-person evaluations and tests, and limiting our access to resources such as books, equipment, and computer programs. We all experienced changes that have both benefited and hindered our abilities to become the best of who we can be. Some students became fallen soldiers who lost the momentum and motivation to conduct research at a rate they could maintain while being in-person, while others thrived staying at...
2021-04-22
53 min
GradCast
#Gradlife XII: Finding and Preparing for Careers in a Pandemic World
Searching for jobs and networking with potential employers has always been a scary and intimidating process, and the COVID-19 pandemic has not made it any easier. As graduate students mark down the days towards the end of their degree, they begin to ask themselves, "How do I know I can stand-out in an interview over Zoom?", "How can I network with people if I cannot attend conferences in person?", and "Are their services on campus that can help me improve my résumé and CV?". These are questions that #GradLife what answered as well, and host Gavin Tolometti has re...
2021-03-29
29 min
GradCast
314 | A Stressful Bird Life
Contaminants in food sources can cause serious problems for wildlife physiology, especially for birds who feed of marine life and aquatic insects that are exposed to high levels of methylmercury (MeHg). On top of contaminants, birds experience food stress from many environmental factors such as predators, food shortage, unpredictable weather, and interaction with humans. Now, what happens when birds consume MeHg contaminants while experiencing food stress? Does this contaminant worsen the physiology of birds when under food stress or does it somehow counteract the effect? Biology PhD student Claire Bottini talks about her research on this topic with hosts...
2021-02-23
31 min
GradCast
313 | Jumping from Mars to Icy Moons
Sample return on Mars, an ancient lake, oceans beneath the surface of icy moons. These are among the topics talked about in this episode! In this episode, hosts Gavin Tolometti and Rhy Paterson talk with PhD student Leah Sacks in the Department of Earth Sciences and the Institute for Earth and Space Exploration. Leah recently defended her M.Sc where she studied how material ejected from impact events on Mars are deposited on the surface. Now, she starts her PhD research studying the icy moons in our outer solar system! As a bonus! We talk about the...
2021-02-19
28 min
GradCast
312 | Awareness of Storing Nuclear Waste
With the growth and increased use of nuclear energy in Canada, more research is being conducted to understand how nuclear waste should be stored safely and in permanent storage facilities. Hosts Elizabeth Mohler and Gavin Tolometti learn about nuclear waste storage from the Department of Chemistry PhD student Lindsay Grandy. Lindsay's research looks at the underlying processes of copper corrosion when it's exposed to ionizing radiation to be sure we understand how the copper layer will behave in this environment. If you would like to learn more about Canada's permanent plan to store nuclear waste and Lindsay's...
2021-02-17
28 min
GradCast
Special Episode: Indigenous Awareness Week 2021
For Western's 7th Annual Indigenous Awareness Week (IAW), GradCast hosted two Indigenous Graduate Students to chat about their research. IAW celebrates Indigenous presence and builds community between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. GradCast's IAW Special Episode has two parts: Part 1: Reconciliation – in progress? Riley Corbin (MA French Candidate) discusses how he wants to use the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s, TRC, 94 calls to action to explore whether or not these calls had any effect on Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada. Part 2: The Role of Housing in Enhancing Access to Post Secondary Education for Indige...
2021-02-03
53 min
GradCast
Special Episode: #GlobalGrads Episode III: Endearing India
In the series' third episode, hosts Liam Clifford and Rhys Paterson speak to Earth Sciences Master's student Richa Agarwal about her time as a Western student. Originally from Pune, India, Richa endears her home by comparing its sights and sounds to those she has experienced in Canada. From Nova Scotia to Niagara Falls, her journey touches upon the highlights of her experiences and how nicely it complements the Western student body. If you would like to learn more about Richa's experience in Canada and her work, you can follow her on Instagram @doctorvworp19 ...
2021-01-27
28 min
GradCast
#Gradlife XI: How To Own Your Future
#GradLife is back with our first episode of 2021! Starting off the year strong, we bring an episode covering a topic that a lot of graduate students ask ourselves and each other probably every other day, "what job can I get with my degree?". We are all taught to focus on specific projects and problems and we never stop to think, "Can I apply my skills in other fields? or Will my specific skill set be a hinderance when applying for jobs?". I am pleased to tell you that no matter how specified your degree is, you have a stronger...
2021-01-14
31 min
GradCast
307 | Why Do We Make The Choices We Do?
On this episode, hosts Yousuf and Francesco discuss cognitive dissonance with Master’s of Psychology candidate, Mikayla Colthirst-Reid. With a background and industry experience in marketing, social media and communications, Mikayla is attempting to explore how our own self-perceptions affect our decision-making processes and behaviours. She discusses how this phenomenon could make our choices predictable to a certain extent and therefore exploitable by marketing campaigns. Mikayla is returning to school after 7 years of industry experience in both corporate and not-for-profit roles. She also continues to do freelance work as a social media strategist and consultant and hosts a podcast ded...
2021-01-13
27 min
GradCast
REBROADCAST 231 | Unlock the Secrets to Becoming a Poker Pro
On this episode, hosts Gavin and Greg discuss game theory with a PhD Candidate in Economics, Adam Rooney. From childhood, Adam has been an avid poker fanatic often hosting poker tournaments with his friends. When he came to university, he started with $50 in his bank account, which he used as a buy in for online poker tournaments. After winning many tournaments, he cashed out with an undergraduate degree education. Now he is in his PhD studying what he loves most, poker. And most importantly, he has many poker tips and tricks. Tune in to unlock the secrets of how...
2021-01-05
28 min
GradCast
#GradLifeX Holiday Special: Winter Facts and Food Wars
#GradLife is back with another winter holiday special episode! Graduate students get to use the holidays as a chance to put aside work and spend time with friends and family, eating mountains of homecooked food and catching up with stories. This year we face new challenges with COVID-19 restricting travel and making it harder to see extended family over the holidays. However, it is not all doom and gloom. Hosts Gavin Tolometti, Rhys Paterson and Nikol Posnov break open the winter holiday spirit with stories about holidays traditions, epic food wars, random and fun winter holiday facts, and learning...
2020-12-21
1h 07
GradCast
Special Episode: #GlobalGrads Episode II: Missing Mexico
In the second episode of GradCast's international student segment, hosts Liam Clifford, Nikol Posnov, and Rhys Paterson speak to Earth Sciences Master's student Karina Martinez about her experiences at UWO. Hailing from Mexico, Karina speaks to how Canada has both benefited her growth as an academic and increased her yearning for home. A subsequent discussion on food, social outings, and tequila seeks to broaden our horizons and educate us on how the Western community is enriched by the international student community. Full video available on YouTube Recorded on Dec 6, 2020 Produced by...
2020-12-09
30 min
How to PhD Podcast
How to PhD: Interview with Earth and Planetary Sciences PhD in Canada
This podcast episode is an interview with Gavin Tolometti who is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Earth and Planetary Sciences at the Western University in London, Ontario, Canada. Gavin is studying Lava Flows on Earth to understand Lava Flows on the Moon and Mars. Born in West London, Gavin's family has been in the North East of Scotland for 13 years. Academic pursuits make one travel far and wide, and Gavin is currently in North America! Gavin completed his undergraduate studies in Geology at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. He...
2020-12-08
59 min
GradCast
Special Episode: Power & Global Heath Day 2020 Part 2 - Dr. Samuel Wong
In this special episode, Dr. Samuel Wong joins hosts Liam Clifford and Francesco Colosimo to discuss his research in how COVID-19 is affecting mental health globally. As the keynote speaker at Power & Global Health Day 2020, he tells us about certain mental illnesses that the pandemic is exacerbating, particularly in populations whose mental health are being disproportionally affected by the pandemic, as well as potential interventions and strategies to improve mental health. Dr. Wong is a clinician with training in both Family Medicine and Public Health and has published over 160 original papers in international peer-reviewed journals. In addition, he serves...
2020-12-03
29 min
GradCast
Special Episode: #GlobalGrads The Inaugural Episode
Being an international grad student is an incredibly rewarding adventure but one consisting of a unique set of challenges. In a brand-new series debuting on GradCast during UWO International Week, hosts Liam Clifford, Nikol Posnov, and Rhys Paterson speak with Brazilian Political Science MA Ricardo Moll about the international student experience and what we can all learn from it. As the subsequent conversation highlights the obstacles surrounding travel in a global pandemic, the sights and sound of Canada, and subpar Tim Hortons coffee, Ricardo provides insightful context on how international students provide Western's community and the country with greater vib...
2020-11-16
30 min
GradCast
299 | Best Friend Elements
Do you want to know what it takes to work in the field of gold exploration in the Canadian Yukon Territory? An Arts degree, a failed calculus course, four exploration field seasons and a Masters in Geology. JUST KIDDING! It takes believing in yourself and a properly guided passion. Tune in to this week's GradCast episode with James Alexander to learn more about "best-friend" elements and minerals, instrumentation used to define gold mineralization, and if that's not for you, skip to the second half of the episode for reasons to visit the Yukon and some cheesy inspirational advice. The...
2020-11-10
30 min
GradCast
Special Episode: How COVID-19 Has Impacted Western Research Part 3
Hanna Grover and Amara Miles are both MA candidates in Occupational Therapy. They chat with hosts Yousuf Hasan, Elizabeth Mohler, and Gavin Tolometti about how COVID-19 has impacted their fieldwork over the summer. They also share with us how they have coped with these unprecedented times and found new ways to connect with people using online platforms. We talk about friendships, family, research, health activities, and much more. If you would like to learn more about Hanna and Amara's research and the Occupational Therapy program at Western, follow @western_ot and @grassro_ots on Instagram.
2020-11-04
29 min
GradCast
Special Episode: How COVID-19 Has Impacted Western Research Part 2
Anna Sui (PhD Candidate in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences) chats with us about a research project that has led to the increase of smartphone use during the pandemic. She joined hosts Elizabeth Mohler and Gavin Tolometti to discuss smartphone addiction and nomophobia (fear of not having your smartphone or not being able to use it). Yoah Sui (PhD graduate in Kinesiology, soon to be a post-doctorate fellow in Behavioural Medicine Lab at the University of Victoria) also joins the hosts to talk about his post-grad journey after the pandemic. He chats about how COVID-19 impacted his post-doc scholarship and...
2020-11-04
28 min
GradCast
Special Episode: How COVID-19 Has Impacted Western Research Part 1
In this episode of GradCast, hosts Gavin Tolometti and Francesco Colosimo chat with Kristin Prentice (a PhD Candidate in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences researching leisure activity in older adults) and Adam Debosscher (a PhD Candidate in English Literature studying popular fantasy literature), about the various struggles they have faced as students in the COVID-19 era. Together, they enlighten us about how the pandemic has affected their research, measures they undertaken to keep their projects moving forward and personal strategies they have to stay productive. If you want to learn more about Kristin Prentice's work you can email...
2020-11-04
32 min
GradCast
297 | How to Teach a Digital Brain to Pay Attention
When we listen to the world around us, we can tune the brain to focus on sounds or voices. Do you remember when you were last on the train or bus and there was a certain sound that stood out to you? You could figure out what that sound was right? That is you perceiving the surrounding environment. For the human brain, this is a complex yet routine ability and is something we do not think about on how it works. Now try teaching a machine the same ability. Sounds hard right? Well, in this episode, hosts Liam Clifford...
2020-10-28
27 min
GradCast
292 | Destructive or Life Harbouring? Hydrothermal Systems in Impact Craters
The aftermath of a meteorite striking the surface of a planetary body leaves behind a circular depression in the ground and plumes of dust and rock. The energy left over in the crater can heat up the water that passes through the rocks, creating an environment that could have been responsible for the emergence of microbial life on Earth over 3 billion years ago. In this episode, hosts Gavin Tolometti and Rhys Paterson talk with Earth and Planetary Science M.Sc student Tabetha Shepphard about how she studies the composition of fluids trapped within minerals from the West Clearwater impact structure...
2020-09-28
29 min
GradCast
#GradLife IX: Rejection Diaries
As a graduate student, we face academic rejection in various forms. From a journal declining your manuscript, being told you were not good enough to join a research lab or postgraduate institution, to rejection from peers because of your choices in course work. In this #GradLife episode, hosts Viki Tellios, Gavin Tolometti, and Monica Molinaro open the floor to GradCast committee members Ariel Frame, Rhys Patterson, Laura Beana, Elizabeth Mohler, Danica Martina, and Liam Clifford to share their academic rejection experiences and how graduate students can learn from them and cope with rejection in their lives. To...
2020-09-25
1h 12
GradCast
291 | Planting the Seed to Success
For university students, the question “what are you going to do after you graduate?” often proves to be the bane of their existence. This stems from not only its repetitiveness from friends and family members alike, but more so from the existential dread that it causes. They may have an idea of what they want to do, but nobody truly knows for certain what will transpire, especially in the era of COVID-19. However, fear not as PhD student Shannon McKechnie from the Faculty of Education reassures hosts Yousuf Hasan and Liam Clifford that there is in fact hope. Her focu...
2020-09-23
30 min
GradCast
290 | Use It or Lose It: Exercise for Osteoarthritis Relief
The amazing varsity cross-country runner, Jenna Schulz, discusses medial knee osteoarthritis (OA) and the effect of high tibial osteotomy (HTO) surgical intervention on changes in loading and inflammation. "Exercise is medicine" is a common phrase used by our guest which quickly became a hot topic discussed between Jenna and hosts Viki and Nikol. This episode is packed with lots of tips and tricks that Jenna encountered during graduate school, in particular related to the MPT/PhD program, time management and how to protect your knees, all of which have overall made her experience as rewarding as possible. To...
2020-09-11
29 min
GradCast
285 | Heads, Shoulders, Knees and…Actually, Just Shoulders
After having shoulder surgery, is seeing your surgeon an absolute necessity? And if it is, how can we make this process easier? Hosts Monica Molinaro and Ariel Frame are joined by Rochelle Furtado, an MPT/PhD student seeking to develop an app that makes the shoulder surgery process so much easier. Rochelle tells us what inspired the app, how the app can reduce travelling, waiting times and access to your surgeon, and how in a post-COVID world, an app like this will still be needed. Rochelle also explains how her previous expertise informed her decision to do a combined...
2020-08-22
29 min
GradCast
284 | Light Bright Mice
In this episode Tyler Dexter, PhD student in Neuroscience, speaks with Ariel Frame and Laura Baena about his research on goal directed cognition in mice. Tyler discusses how he uses touch screens and optogenetics to investigate the role of particular neurons in the brain. To find out more from Tyler follow him on Twitter @TylerDexter13 or learn about rodent touch screens at touchscreencognition.org Full Video Available on YouTube Recorded on Aug 11, 2020 Produced by Laura Baena and edited by Gavin Tolometti Theme song provided by https://freebeats...
2020-08-19
32 min
GradCast
283 | Lava-ing What I Do
Besides its obvious destructive properties, lava can tell us a lot about Earth and other planetary bodies in our solar system. Changing our relationship with molten rock could have implications far beyond the confines of our solitary planet. As hosts Yousuf Hassan and Liam Clifford learn from Earth Sciences PhD Gavin Tolometti, analyzing volcanic and impact melt flows increases our understanding of surface processes on the Moon and Mars by studying lava flows in Idaho and Iceland. In addition, as Gavin concludes his PhD, he speaks to his future aspirations and why this research is important for the wider...
2020-08-11
29 min
GradCast
282 | The Rwandan Genocide
In April 1994, the small Central African country of Rwanda would begin to spiral uncontrollably into the darkest period of its short history. What ensued over the course of the next three months was a genocide supported by the incumbent regime that slaughtered an estimated 500,000-1,000,000 people. With so many murdered, how could this have happened? In a fascinating conversation with PhD candidate John Trafford from UWO’s Political Science department, it is revealed how artificial constructions of identity left to ferment can have dire consequences. Hosts Ariel Frame and Liam Clifford engage with John's discussion of the historical differences bet...
2020-08-05
30 min
GradCast
277 | Seeing Green: Economics and the Environment
How do you turn capitalism into a force for environmental protection? Join hosts Yousuf Hasan and Sarah Klapman as they talk to Economics Ph.D. candidate Emmanuel Murray Leclair about economics, international relations, pollution havens, philosophy, psychology, neuroscience, and everything in between. If you would like to contact Emmanuel and learn more about his research you can find him on Facebook and Twitter @EmmanuelMurrayL Full video available on YouTube Recorded on July 7th, 2020. This episode was produced by Gavin Tolometti
2020-07-15
29 min
GradCast
Special | Western Research Forum 2020 part 1
In this episode Yimin Chen and Yousuf Hasan interview four students who had been selected to present at the Society of Graduate Students annual Western Research Forum for 2020 had it not been cancelled due to COVID-19: Navjot Gill (MSc Physical Therapy) tells us about her investigation into how wellness of older-adults relates with health-seeking behaviours. Her findings may help better guide them to age-in-place. To find out more about Navjot find her on LinkedIn Jaclyn Siegel (PhD Social Psychology) explains the detrimental effects of body shaming and the need for having a reliable self-report instrument...
2020-06-25
1h 02
GradCast
272 | Simulating Moon Material
Xiaochen Zhang is a Masters student in geology and planetary science. Xiaochen tells Nick Handfield-Jones and Ariel Frame about her research on artificial lunar regolith and why it is important to ensure it is as similar to true material from the Moon if we want to conduct experiments on Earth, which will facilitate humans inhabiting the Moon in the future. For more about Xiaochen, check out her personal YouTube channel Xiaochen to the Moon or follow her on Twitter @xchanggg and Instagram @xiaochentothemoon. Full video available on YouTube Recorded on June 9, 2020. This ep...
2020-06-17
28 min
GradCast
271 | Do rovers make good Geologists?
What's new in space this month? What's the deal with SpaceX's Dragon Endeavour spacecraft I've been hearing so much about? Is there a way for rover spacecraft on Mars to detect rocks of interest without the help of a human? Should I be worried about artificial intelligence taking over the Earth? If any of these questions have crossed your mind lately (or not), join hosts Gavin Tolometti and Nikol Posnov as they interview Alexis Pascual about his novel Space-Engineering PhD research and his opinions on popular space news. If you want to learn more about Alexis's research and the pr...
2020-06-10
28 min
GradCast
269 | Mars Exploration, with Ice!
Colonizing Mars has been a dream for planetary scientists for decades, expanding the presence of human kind in our solar system. However, for us to colonize Mars, we need to use resources available on the red planet. In this episode, hosts Gavin Tolometti and Yousuf Hasan chat with PhD candidate Shannon Hibbard from the Institute for Earth and Space Exploration about how we can search for buried ice on Mars and use it for drinking water, breathable air, and rocket fuel! To learn more about Shannon and her research, check out her website https://www.shannonmars.com/ or...
2020-05-28
28 min
GradCast
267 | What can't we map?
Maps have helped us find our way home and discover new places around the world. When we think of maps, we picture large sheets of paper with an image of all of the continents. Nowadays, with technology advancing and the digital era approaching, maps and mapping have started to become available online, without the need for large tables to set your maps on. Ask yourself, is there a way for you to access maps digitally? Well this is the episode for you! In this episode, hosts Gavin Tolometti and Sarah Klapman talk with part-time MSc student Liz Sutherland, who w...
2020-05-12
27 min
GradCast
265 | 50 Shades of Tourism
Historical sites such as Chernobyl and Auschwitz hold a dark past, and require respect and remembrance from visiting tourists. In this decade, social media has brought upon a new type of tourism known as dark tourism, where reeducation is needed to explain to tourists why these sites must be respected and not used as social media photo spots. In this episode, hosts Gavin Tolometti and Rhys Paterson talk with MA Public History student Kaitlyn MacDonald about how she is working with the public to provide education about dark tourism in Canada and around the world. To find out more from K...
2020-04-28
28 min
GradCast
263 | A Journey Through Spacetime: Interstellar and Star Formation
Mohammad Chamma is a PhD candidate at Western’s Physics and Astronomy Department. He was interviewed by cohosts Yousuf Hasan and Gavin Tolometti about his research on early star formation. Mohammed explains how studying these early processes help us gain insight about how the stars will develop. His research can also help us know more about the galaxies that are constituted by certain types of stars. And finally, Mohammed tells us what he thinks about Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar movie and how accurate it is. To find out more about Mohammed, follow him on Twitter @hmsmohammed Pr...
2020-04-13
26 min
GradCast
261 | Creating Geo-Maps: Reducing Damages from Earthquakes
Christopher Boucher, who is doing an MSc. in Geophysics at Western, elaborated on his research on building maps meant to help reduce damages from earthquakes. He was co-interviewed by Nicholas Hadfield-Jones and Yousuf Hasan. Chris is especially focusing on mapping specific areas of Vancouver that are need of geological clarity in terms of us understanding what areas are more hazardous in case of an earthquake. His focus uses non-invasive tools to study and model these grounds. His research has other broader benefits as well. Produced by Gavin Tolometti
2020-03-30
28 min
GradCast
259 | Yeah Mr. White! Yeah Science!
In this episode, hosts Gavin Tolometti and Gregory Robinson interview MSc student, Trent Gordon, in biomedical engineer about his research using slow dissolving polymer gels to treat osteoarthritis in the knee. Tune in to hear from Mr. Walter White himself. To learn more about Trent Gordon check out his Twitter @Flash_Gordon96 his Linkedin or the Gillies Research Group Produced by Greg Robinson, Edited by Ariel Frame
2020-03-18
29 min
GradCast
255 | Mapping Rocks Underground, But Not Magma
When we hear the word "map" or "mapping", we instantly think of a map of the surface. However, not all maps in geography and geology mean looking for surface features or geologic formations on the surface. Sometimes they map features or formations underground. In this episode, hosts Gavin Tolometti and Ariel Frame talk with Earth Science MSc student Rhys Paterson about her work on using boreholes to locate a type of rock formation (known as the Clinton-Medina Group). Rhys explains how she uses borehole computer analysis and core logging to study the past environment of the rock formation, and...
2020-02-17
30 min
GradCast
#GradLife VI: Finding a Job After Grad School
So you're about to graduate with a Master's or a Ph.D. - but what happens after? Some might continue on their journey in academia, while others consider industry or private sector jobs. Regardless, many may feel lost or unprepared when navigating the next chapter of their lives. In this episode, hosts Monica and Viki welcome back Monica Munaretto, the manager of Graduate Student Life, along with Jennifer Baytor, career counsellor and psychotherapist with Careers & Experience, to discuss the challenges and misconceptions associated with job-hunting after graduate school. Highlights include how to market your graduate experience for the job...
2020-02-13
1h 05
GradCast
254 | Transition from Undergrad to Grad Student, Earth Science Edition
We are bringing you another GradCast Undergrad to Grad Transition episode! In this episode, host Gavin Tolometti talks with masters student Meredith Fyfe and fifth year undergraduate student Hanna Rzyszczak about life for an earth science student after graduation. Meredith brings Hanna into the world of a graduate student, and discusses the thoughts and preparations you need to consider before you apply to grad school. Produced by Connor Wilson
2020-02-11
27 min
GradCast
251 | Chemical Engineering Grad to Be
Gavin Tolometti and Ariel Frame hear from a burgeoning chemical engineer, Connor Wilson, about his experience during his undergraduate degree at Western. Furthermore, Connor enlightens us on the differences between internship, grad school and undergrad experiences. To find out more from Connor, you can contact him through his chemical engineering club or brew crew club (https://www.facebook.com/westernchemengclub/). Produced by Ariel Frame
2020-01-29
33 min
GradCast
250 | Not just for the bones, Calcium in the heart
In this episode, hosts Greg and Viki interview Matt Novello, a Master’s student in Physiology and Pharmacology. Matt is a molecular biologist that studies how protein structure can effect function. More specifically, he studies stromal interaction molecule 2 (STIM2), a protein important in calcium regulation in the heart. Tune in to find out more. If you want to get in contact with Matt Novello and learn more about his research and lab group, follow him using the Twitter handle and sites below: @mattnovello Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.ca/citations?user=RybzX6MAAAAJ&hl...
2020-01-16
28 min
GradCast
REBROADCAST #GradLife Episode I: Impostor Syndrome and Feeling Like Garbage
This week we’re bringing you our very first #Gradlife episode! Based on popular demand, our first episode is on Impostor Syndrome! Impostor Syndrome, or feeling like you are a fraud, affects many graduate students, regardless of their success or accomplishments. In this episode, hosts Viki Telios, Monica Molinaro, and Gavin Tolometti discuss their experiences of feeling like frauds in their time in graduate school, and talk about what helps them when they experience peaks of impostor syndrome. They also discuss triggers and tricks for impostor syndrome submitted by other graduate students. YouTube video version available here....
2020-01-02
52 min
GradCast
249 | Many Stories of the Trans Identity
On tonight’s exciting episode, hosts Connor Chato and Joyla Furlano are joined by Anthropology master’s student Evelyn Newland. Evelyn's ethnographic work examines the lives of transgender people from a medical, political and cultural perspective, and explores topics such as self-conceptions and pre-conceptions within the transgender community. Produced by Gavin Tolometti
2019-12-17
28 min
GradCast
248 | Caring for Caregivers
Neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's can make everyday tasks like getting dressed and going to the bathroom immensely challenging, which is why most people with the disease rely on informal caregivers, often family members, to help maintain their quality of living. But what's it like to be a caregiver for someone with a long-term illness? Lisa Moszczynski, master's student in Health and Rehabilitation Science, has been researching the difficulties caregivers face - feelings of invisibility, lack of agency, and inability to access support - in order to work towards providing more effective resources to these invaluable informal workers. This week, h...
2019-12-17
28 min
GradCast
246 | The Graveyard of Scientific Theories
Yousuf Hasan, PhD student at Rotman Institute of Philosophy, tells hosts Ariel Frame and Gavin Tolometti about his research on 20th century history of science and mathematics. Yousuf discusses how scientists need think about current best theories given how many past theories have gone from being considered the best to completely falsified. In addition, Yousuf explains how empiricists explain mathematical knowledge. To find out more about Yousuf, go to the Rotman UWO website. Produced by Nick Handfield-Jones
2019-12-05
27 min
GradCast
Special Episode: BGRF 2019 - Mutant Flies & Model Bees
This episode, hosts Joyla Furlano and Gregory Robinson interview two guests from the Biology Graduate Research Forum (BGRF) on October 18th, 2019. Josh Isaacson, the first guest, talks about his research on mutating tRNAs in Drosophila, which are important building blocks of proteins. Our second guest, Vonica Flear, shares with us her research on modelling altruistic behaviour as seen in bee colonies. Tune in to learn more! Produced by Gavin Tolometti and Gregory Robinson
2019-11-24
28 min
GradCast
242 | On the Origin of Viral Genes
Given that viruses have a profound impact on every living organism, understanding how viruses evolve is crucial to understanding life itself. In this episode, hosts Gavin Tolometti and Nick Handfield Jones interview PhD student Laura Muñoz from the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. Laura introduces us to the world of virus genomes, bioinformatics and how her passion for evolution and virus diversity brought her to Canada. Produced by Ariel Frame
2019-11-13
28 min
GradCast
Special Episode: BGRF 2019 Keynote - Bones, Joints and Super Healing Mice
DID YOU KNOW: Cartilage injuries to joints, ears, and the nose heal much worse than cartilage injuries to bone or muscle? In this episode, hosts Gavin Tolometti and Joyla Furlano interview Dr. Roman Krawetz about what processes occur on a cellular level when these types of cartilage injuries attempt to heal. The keynote speaker at this year’s Western Biology Graduate Research Forum and a Western Alumni himself, Dr. Krawetz is an Associate Professor in the Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy at the University of Calgary as well as a member of the McCaig Institute for Bone and Jo...
2019-11-13
28 min
GradCast
239 | Its a Bird, it's a Plane, No it's Flying Microbe Particles!
This episode, hosts Nikol Posnov and Gregory Robinson interview guests Matthew Svensson and Mohammed Chamma who are part of the High Altitude Balloon initiative from the Institute for Earth and Space Exploration at Western University. Matt and Mo and the rest of the team built an apparatus to collect and study microbe particles found in the stratosphere well above the tallest buildings but within our atmosphere. Tune in to hear more about these high flying microbes. If you want to get in contact with Matt, Mo and the team to learn more about the High Altitude Balloon...
2019-10-25
28 min
GradCast
238 | From the Arctic to Mars
On this episode, Gradcast hosts Connor Chato and Nikol Posnov interview Chimira Andres, an intrepid researcher of space ice! We learn what it's like to do field work in the Canadian Arctic, what ice on Earth can tell us about its equivalent on other planets and how it's important to stay creative as a researcher, because in the words of Albert Einstein: "Creativity is Intelligence Having Fun" If you want to learn more about Chimira Andres research you can follow her on Twitter - @RocksNRockets Produced by Gavin Tolometti
2019-10-22
28 min
GradCast
#GradLife Episode III: What Can PSAC610 Do For You?
In this episode, hosts Monica Molinaro and Gavin Tolometti are joined by PSAC President, Katelyn Mitri! PSAC, or the Public Service Alliance 610, is the Graduate TA and Postdoctoral Union at Western University. They discuss how PSAC works, what is done behind the scenes to advocate for graduate students, and how PSAC can help when having a difficult TA experience. If you’d like to learn more about PSAC and their services, visit www.psac610.ca. Produced by Gregory Robinson
2019-10-12
1h 25
GradCast
234 | Cataloging Without Plato
Hosts Gavin Tolometti and Monica Molinaro talk with PhD student Alex Mayhew in the Library Catalogue Science studies department in the Faculty for Information and Media Studies. Alex wants to design a new library catalogue system for the public that does not have a Platonic view of literature, media and information. He wants to be able to semantically link information and allow readers to understand the connection between texts. If you would like to get ahold of Alex, email him at amayhew@uwo.ca Produced by Nick Handfield-Jones
2019-09-18
27 min
GradCast
Special Episode: CanMoon - Lunar Sample Return Analogue Mission
CanMoon is a Canadian Lunar Analogue Mission funded by the Canadian Space Agency, run by the CPSX program at Western in collaboration with The University of Winnipeg. Hosts Nikol and Greg chat with Cassandra Marion, the mission's "MOM", about what's it's like to simulate controlling a rover on the Moon, and more interestingly, how do you even train graduate students to do this. Tune in and hear about the team's experience working 10 hour night shifts controlling a rover from Western's control room, who knows maybe it's the perfect career for you! Produced by Gavin Tolometti
2019-09-14
29 min
GradCast
231 | Unlock the Secrets to Becoming a Poker Pro
On this episode, hosts Gavin and Greg discuss game theory with a PhD Candidate in Economics, Adam Rooney. From childhood, Adam has been an avid poker fanatic often hosting poker tournaments with his friends. When he came to university, he started with $50 in his bank account, which he used as a buy in for online poker tournaments. After winning many tournaments, he cashed out with an undergraduate degree education. Now he is in his PhD studying what he loves most, poker. And most importantly, he has many poker tips and tricks. Tune in to unlock the secrets of how...
2019-09-03
28 min
GradCast
230 | There's No Plankton Like Zooplankton
Second year biology master's student Rosie Savage is passionate about plankton! From the Pacific coast of Western Canada to the genetics lab at the University of Western Ontario, hosts Yimin Chen and Ariel Frame hear all about Rosie's adventures collecting, sequencing, and studying tiny marine zooplankton and their even tinier parasites. Produced by Gavin Tolometti
2019-08-27
27 min
GradCast
229 | The Art of Sound
Hosts Ariel Frame and Roger Hudson welcome our first Visual Arts Department student to the show, Ellen Moffat. After 20 years of working as a professional artist, Ellen tells us how she is now doing both theoretical and practical work towards getting a PhD in Studio. In this episode, find out how Ellen makes art from her creative research on acoustic properties of various materials. To hear a sample of the sound produced in a few of Ellen’s art pieces you can listen on SoundCloud. To find out more about Ellen, check out her website www.ellenmoffat.ca
2019-08-20
28 min
GradCast
225 | The Svelte Fool Who Works on Melt Pools
Hosts Nikol Posnov and Ariel Frame speak with Will Yingling, an MSc student in geology and planetary science, about his work on impact melt pools on Mars. Using various sources of data from Mars orbiters, Will explains what he is learning about mapping the topography of Mars (the landscape) and how meteorite impacts have shaped its surface. To find out more about Will you can contact him on twitter @mars_mapper or take a look at his website willyingling.com Hosts: Ariel Frame & Nikol Posnov Produced by Gavin Tolometti
2019-07-16
29 min
GradCast
222 | Sick of Suffering with Staph? Perk up with PurR
In this episode, hosts Roger Hudson and Monica Molinaro talk to Dr. Mariya Goncheva, a post-doctoral fellow in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. Our hosts and Mariya talk about the infamous Staphylococcus aureus. They discuss the mutant purr gene that Mariya studies, how antibiotics work, and her experience finishing her PhD and starting her post-doc as an international student in Canada! To learn more about Dr Mariya Goncheva research and her lab go to https://www.heinrichslab.com Hosts: Roger Hudson & Monica Molinaro Produced and edited by Gavin Tol...
2019-06-18
29 min
GradCast
#GradLife Episode I: Impostor Syndrome and Feeling Like Garbage
This week we’re bringing you our very first #Gradlife episode! Based on popular demand, our first episode is on Impostor Syndrome! Impostor Syndrome, or feeling like you are a fraud, affects many graduate students, regardless of their success or accomplishments. In this episode, hosts Viki Telios, Monica Molinaro, and Gavin Tolometti discuss their experiences of feeling like frauds in their time in graduate school, and talk about what helps them when they experience peaks of impostor syndrome. They also discuss triggers and tricks for impostor syndrome submitted by other graduate students. Youtube video coming soon. ...
2019-05-24
52 min
GradCast
215 | An Astrobiology Tale on the Great Moon Titan
In order for microbial life to develop and grow it needs an environment and world that can habit them. Presence of an energy source, liquid water or another solvent, appropriate temperature conditions, and protection from outside harm. In this episode, hosts Gavin Tolometti and Connor Chato talk with Earth Science PhD student Josh Hedgepeth about Titan, Saturn's largest moon, and the mystery and complicated thoughts on astrobiology. Hosts: Connor Chato & Gavin Tolometti Produced by Roger Hudson
2019-05-05
28 min
GradCast
214 | Transitioning from Undergrad to a STEM's Master's
Today’s unique episode features science graduate student John Palmer, who provides undergraduate student Aida Noorbakhsh with advice on transitioning to grad school. For those of you interested in learning more about what first year of grad school is all about, including helpful graduate resources available on campus, this episode is for you! Hosts: Connor Chato & Joyla Furlano Producer: Gavin Tolometti
2019-04-30
29 min
GradCast
213 | Behind the Scenes Experience of Health Care Providers in Pediatric Oncology
We’re welcoming our newest host and GradCast Committee member, Monica Molinaro! Monica is a PhD Candidate in the Health Promotion stream of the Health and Rehabilitation Sciences graduate program, and a qualitative health researcher. In this episode, hosts Roger Hudson and Gavin Tolometti talk with Monica about the use of narrative methodology to understand the experiences of health care providers caring for children with cancer. Monica discusses how storying experience often highlights more than just the story itself, how long it takes to transcribe an interview, and her experiences throughout her time in graduate school! If you'd like to...
2019-04-26
28 min
GradCast
211 | Craters, Carbonates, and Bears in the Field!
In this episode, hosts Monica Molinaro and Gavin Tolometti talk with Earth and Planetary Science PhD student Nicolas Garroni about meteorite impacts and their effect on carbonate rocks, and what it’s like to work out in the field. Hosts: Monica Molinaro & Gavin Tolometti Produced by Gregory Robinson
2019-04-16
27 min
GradCast
210 | Locating The Homes of Extinct Martian Microbes
Hosts Gavin Tolometti and Joyla Furlano talk with Earth Science MSc student Nikol Posnov about the search for extinct microbial life on Mars. Nikol studies the minerals in bioalterated volcanic rocks in Brazilian impact structures, and the Martian environment to infer where in craters on Mars microbial life may have sparked and thrived. Hosts: Gavin Tolometti & Joyla Furlano Produced by Gregory Robinson
2019-04-09
27 min
GradCast
207 | Chillin' with Arachnids
How do arachnids handle freezing temperatures? Susan Anthony, a PhD candidate in the biology department and past chair of GradCast, tells Gavin Tolometti and Ariel Frame the answer to this elusive question. Susan discusses the difficulty researchers have studying in the field during winter and about some of her favourite animals, including red velvet spider mites, pseudoscorpions, tarantulas and sharks. If you'd like to read more about Susan and her research you can contact her on twitter @suzanthony, by email at santho2@uwo.ca. Hosts: Ariel Frame & Gavin Tolometti Produced by Ariel Frame & Chantal Lemire
2019-03-27
29 min
GradCast
206 | To Bee or Not to Bee
This week, GradCast continues its interview with students studying eusocial insects, this time exploring the incredible social structures of honeybees. Hosts Roger Hudson and Nick Handfield-Jones interview Anthony Gallo, from the Department of Biology, about his research into honeybee genetics. Specifically, he wonders how genes make certain types of bees have ovaries, and some not. Don't miss this episode: you won't Bee-lieve what you hear! To know more about Anthony's research, you can follow him on Instagram @anthonygallo1424 or email him at agallo9@uwo.ca Hosts: Nick Handfield-Jones & Roger Hudson Produced b...
2019-03-19
29 min
GradCast
203 | The Ethics of Pragmatic Clinical Trials
In this episode Cory Goldstein, PhD student at Rotman Institute of Philosophy, discusses how clinical trials of different styles need or need not obtain informed consent. Cory tells Ariel Frame and Gavin Tolometti about his work with an interdisciplinary group of professionals and patients. To contact Cory for more information you can find him on Twitter @coryegoldstein or read his most recent work: When and how should we cluster and cross over: methodological and ethical issues Accommodating quality and service improvement research within existing ethical principles Hosts: Ariel Frame & Gavin Tolometti Produced by Chantal Lemire
2019-02-27
28 min
GradCast
202 | The Rock Superstar
Hosts Gregory Robinson and Gavin Tolometti talk with PhD candidate in the Department of Geography, Rebecca Doyle about lake sediments and how their isotopic chemistry provides us a glance on how the lake climate has changed for the last 1000 years. For more info, check out Rebecca's blog https://lakenerd.com/ or twitter account @lake_nerd. Hosts: Gregory Robinson & Gavin Tolometti Produced by Nick Handfield-Jones
2019-02-20
27 min
GradCast
200 | The Catcher in the Mind
Hosts Gavin Tolometti and Chantal Lemire dive into the world of post-1945 American literature with english literature PhD candidate Jeremy Johnston. In this episode we look at how adolescent mental health is portrayed in American literature and how it has changed to the modern day. Hosts: Chantal Lemire & Gavin Tolometti Produced by Gregory Robinson
2019-02-06
29 min
GradCast
196 | Time to Track AIDS
On this episode, hosts Taniya Nagpal and Gavin Tolometti talk with Connor Chato about his MSc research locating AIDS using a computer code algorithm, which can help provide treatment and understand the origin of the AIDS virus in patients. Hosts: Taniya Nagpal & Gavin Tolometti Produced by Produced by Viki Tellios
2019-01-08
25 min
GradCast
192 | Knockin' on Truth's Door
Roger Hudson and Gregory Robinson speak with Marie Gueguen about how to discern between conflicting ideas in science and arrive at informed conclusions in terms of describing the observable universe. Hosts: Roger Hudson and Gregory Robinson Produced by Gavin Tolometti
2018-12-05
28 min
GradCast
191 | Ontario Works with Elena Hillman
Chantal Lemire and Yimin Chen interview Elena Hillman from the Masters' in Public Administration program about her research on Ontario’s Social Assistance Program, Ontario Works, and discuss how different funding models for social services might impact not only the kinds of programs available to those in need, but also the employment success rate of those who utilize said services. Produced by: Gavin Tolometti
2018-11-30
28 min
GradCast
189 | The Mental Health Maverick
Let's go behind the scenes of the Society or Graduate Students (SOGS) as Madison Bettle tells us about her time as former VPSS. On this week's episode, hosts Chantal Lemire and Nick Handfield-Jones explore Madison's tenure as Vice President - Student Services of SOGS. Madison tells us about the strides she made in representing Western graduate students. Specifically, she explains that including grad students in mental health programs was a great accomplishment, but that more work needs to be done. Finally, hear her tips on how grad students can take care of their mental health and what kind of...
2018-11-14
28 min
GradCast
185 | Walking the Plank
Let's all walk the plank with Abdullah Al-Jaja as he shares his research with us. This week hosts Nick Handfield-Jones and Gavin Tolometti learn about Abdullah's journey immigrating to Canada from Lebanon and is now investigating dopaminergic signaling and anxiety in Parkinson's disease, which involves patients walking on a small plank to induce stress. All the while, Abdullah walks his own plank every day balancing the rigor of graduate studies at Western and the devotion of being a father. To learn more about his research, go to www.jessicagrahn.com or www.pennymacdonald.net. Hosted by: Nick Ha...
2018-10-19
28 min
GradCast
181 | Billie Jean is Not My Lava
How do you study rocks up in space? Look at comparable formations here on Earth! Hosts Yimin Chen and Viki Telios learn about the work that Earth and Planetary Science PhD student Gavin Tolometti has been doing with Western's Centre for Planetary Science and Exploration (CPSX). On this episode: lava, impact craters, karaoke, and Scrabble! Hosted by: Yimin Chen & Viki Telios Produced by: Ariel Frame
2018-09-19
28 min
GradCast
Special Episode: Mission Weather Balloon
Taniya and Nav interview an Interdisciplinary team of engineers and scientists (Alexis Pascual, Gavin Tolometti, Liam Innis, and Matthew Svensson) who have come together to study microorganisms in the atmosphere by launching a weather balloon in April! Hosts: Navneeth Mohan & Taniya Nagpal Produced by: Chantal Lemire
2018-04-07
26 min
GradCast
152 | The hot and cold of lava
We heard that Gavin Tolometti works with lava, and we thought you should hear about that too. He's smashed solid lava with a hammer. Has melted it in a furnace. Sliced it into hair-thin discs. Because somewhere in there is the key to understanding our moon and many extraterrestrial planets. Join Susan and Navaneeth as they discover how to research on the rocks. Look for more info on Gavin's work on his blog at http://gavintolometti.wixsite.com/gdtcpsx And on Twitter @GavinOnTheMoon Hosts: Susan Anthony and Navaneeth Mohan ...
2018-02-09
27 min