Shows
Dave & Ethan's 2000" Weird Al PodcastRidiculously Self-Indulgent Bonus Episode 25 cm - Weird Al Chicago, IL Review (July 15)Dave, Ethan, and special guests Jeremy Samples, Chad Kelson aka METAL AL, Blair Freeman, and Jake Larson review the July 15, 2022 “Weird Al” Yankovic concert at Symphony Center - Orchestra Hall in Chicago, Illinois from The Unfortunate Return Of The Ridiculously Self-Indulgent Ill-Advised Vanity Tour.
ABOUTSince 2019, Dave & Ethan’s 2000″ Weird Al Podcast has covered all facets of the life, career, and fandom of “Weird Al” Yankovic. Hosted by Dave “Elvis” Rossi and Ethan Ullman, two Weird Al super fans, collectors, and historians - the podcast aims to spread the joy of Weird Al and his music while...
2022-08-272h 39
Abstract: The Future of ScienceSuccess & Failure ft. Jeremy UllmanThis is my second solo podcast, and features the full recording from a talk I gave at the "Seeking Success" event organized by the Center for Conscious Awareness. It's packed full of great quotes, as well as some of the main themes and takeaways from my non-linear academic and creative paths!
Quotes
1. If you find a path with no obstacles it probably doesn't lead anywhere. - Frank A. Clarke
2. Success is moving in the right direction, not getting 100% on the first try. - Karen Gazith
3. We should always be asking ourselves: is this something...
2022-05-2648 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 79 - Evolution: From Chimps to Chests ft. Éamon CallisonÉamon Callison, originally from Denver (elevation ~5280 ft), is finishing his PhD in Human Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Philosophy of Science at Washington University in St. Louis, followed by an MPhil in Human Evolutionary Studies at the University of Cambridge. His dissertation work has focused on understanding the form and function of the human chest. He is interested in how humans have evolved to breathe during sustained endurance activities, like running, and how selection has affected how we use our ribs to inhale and exhale. To answer these questions, he has...
2022-04-2444 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 78 - Nanoparticles & 3D Printing ft. Keroles RiadKeroles Riad is a former Public Scholar at Concordia University where he received a Ph.D in the Individualized Program (INDI) developing new materials (ex. nanoparticles) for 3D printing. His research leverages novel techinques like Flame Spray Pyrolysis and Stereolithography, among more traditional methods in chemistry, like combustion reactions. He led the “Waste Not, Want Not” initiative on campus for which he received the Quebec Lieutenant-Governor Youth Medal. Since the beginning of “Waste Not, Want Not” in 2016, the Concordia community doubled their annual composting, and each Concordian reduced their annual overall waste by 16%. Outside of academia, Kero's hobbies include reading...
2022-03-2736 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 77 - Gynecology & The Heart ft. Ida DerishIda Derish is a PhD candidate in the department of Experimental Surgery at McGill University. She is currently spearheading efforts to study patient-specific differences in heart disease under the supervision of Dr. Renzo Cecere, a cardiac surgeon. She's been passionate about science communication ever since starting graduate school and is proud to say that she's been the recipient of multiple presentation awards (2nd place @ McGill’s 3-Minute Thesis competition, 2021; 1st place @ Canadian Cardiovascular Congress, 2020). She is also the co-founder and CEO of GynAware, a start-up that focuses on developing a medical biopsy device that will enable women to make mo...
2022-02-2736 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 76 - Space Sexology ft. Simon DubéSimon Dubé is a Public Scholar and PhD candidate in Psychology at Concordia University specializing in human sexuality, sex-tech, and Erobotics – the study of human-machine erotic interaction and co-evolution. His work also explores Space Sexology, and how we can integrate sex research into space programs. He is a student representative of the International Academy of Sex Research and a general co-Chair of the International Congress on Love & Sex with Robots. He's that and a whole lot more as you're about to experience in the next 40 minutes. So sit back, strap in and hold on for dear life as we shoot...
2022-02-1339 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 75 - Beyond Grad School ft. Austin L'EcuyerFrom Academia to the Workforce. We discuss Austin L'Ecuyer's transition out of 7 years of engineering schooling and into the working world. You might remember Austin from his star performance on Ep. 21 where we discussed his own Master's research on Turbulence and Fluid Dynamics in great detail -- if you're curious to learn more about that, please check it out!
RESEARCH REVIEW
Turbulence & Turbulent Flows
Checkerboard Fans, Length Scales & Bonus Energy
TRANSITION: ACADEMIA --> WORK FORCE
Engineering Consulting & Drafting
Project Size & Pacing
Feedback
Supervision
LOOKING BACK
P...
2022-01-3032 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 74 - Astrodynamics & The 3-Body Problem ft. Noah SadakaNoah Sadaka is a Master’s student at Purdue University studying Astrodynamics. He's working on how resonant orbits in the circular restricted three body problem, or CR3BP, can be used in spacecraft mission design. He says that part of what is so exciting about working in this field is that trajectories and orbits originally simulated in the CR3BP are being used to fly actual missions, including the recently launched James Webb Space Telescope and the upcoming NASA Gateway space station around the Moon! To keep himself firmly grounded on Earth, you can find him cycling through Indiana co...
2022-01-0235 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 73 - Causality, Graph Theory & The Brain ft. Alex MarkhamAlex Markham is completing their Postdoc in the Math of Data and AI group at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden. Their research focuses on developing new algorithms for learning causal models from data. Causal inference is especially appealing to more applied researchers, because it offers an intuitive framework for reasoning about why stuff happens and how we can influence it to happen differently. Alex finds causal inference especially interesting because of the many different fields it draws from, including philosophy, cognitive science, and methodology, as well as computational and mathematical fields, like machine learning, statistics, graph theory...
2021-12-1234 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 72 - Goal Orientation Theory ft. Brandon KlaitmanBrandon Klaitman, like me, is pursuing an M.A. in Teaching and Learning (MATL) at McGill University. He is on the Social Science path while I am in the Math stream. We got together for a special episode this week to discuss Goal Orientation Theory and how it relates to student success.
Topics & Concepts
Goals
Goal Orientations
Mastery vs. Performance Goals
Approach vs. Avoidance Behavior
Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation
Teacher Influence
Factors of Effective Goal Setting in the Classrooms
Feedback, Framing & Acceptance
Subgoals
Work-Avoidant Learners
Mixed-Grade...
2021-10-3126 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 71 - Game Theory & Multiagent Systems ft. Rahul ChandanRahul Chandan is a fifth-year PhD student and UC Regents' Fellow in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). His research work uses game theory and optimization to study the coordination of multi-agent systems. His research interests are motivated by a desire to understand complex biological, social and technological systems composed of relatively simple agents, and to explore interesting applications of mathematics. In his spare time, Rahul enjoys biking the hills of Santa Barbara, cooking new and challenging dishes, and watching terrible Netflix movies with his friends.
Tune in...
2021-10-2438 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 70 - Neuroscience of Mental Disorders ft. NeurolingoWelcome to our 2nd ever panel discussion, this time discussing the intersection of Neuroscience and Mental Health! Our guests this week, Liam O’Leary, Tommy Markopoulos, Claudia Belliveau and Candice Canonne, are Neuroscience researchers studying brain anatomy, mental disorders and treatments for them. They have all been trained at Neurolingo, a science outreach initiative founded and managed by graduate students in the Integrated Program in Neuroscience at McGill University, to deliver effective science presentations to public audiences.
Tune in for answers to questions like...
How do we study the neuroscience of mental health?
What are the...
2021-10-171h 03
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 69 - Why You Should Sleep ft. Jonathan CharestJonathan Charest is currently working on validating a sleep questionnaire for student-athletes as part of his postdoctoral research at the University of Calgary. Concurrently, he works with different sports teams and athletes to help them with their travel and jet lag for the upcoming Olympic Games next winter in Beijing. As an ex-track and field athlete, Jonathan is hugely interest in sport and student-athletes and believes that sleep is a crucial part of their success. In his free time, if and when it arises, he loves every outdoor activity including hiking, jogging, cycling and oh yeah, he loves craft...
2021-10-1038 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 68 - Stem Cells & The Pancreas ft. Jonathan BrassardJonathan Brassard obtained his Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering at Université Laval followed by a Master's in Bioengineering in Switzerland. Two years ago, he joined Prof. Corinne Hoesli at Mcgill University in Biological and Biomedical Engineering to work on combining stem cell biology and device engineering to treat type 1 diabetes. When he's not in the lab tending to his very needy stem cells, you can find him hiking, climbing or taking pictures of cute animals he encounters during his outdoor adventures!
Tune in for answers to questions like...
How did we discover stem cells and how ar...
2021-10-0333 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 67 - Ophthalmology & The Eye ft. Tina FelfeliTina Felfeli is a resident physician in the Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences at University of Toronto. Currently, she's completing a PhD degree in Clinical Epidemiology at the University of Toronto (UofT) as a part of the Integrated Physician-Scientist program. She is a Vanier Scholar and was recently awarded the Fighting Blindness Canada Clinician Scientist Emerging Leaders Award. She's also the author of the Toronto Guide to Clinical Ophthalmology (linked below), which is a textbook used in the ophthalmology curriculum for medical students at UofT. Her research interests include population-based studies, economic evaluations, and prediction models for outcomes...
2021-09-2641 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 66 - Quantum Computation ft. Alba Cervera-LiertaAlba Cervera-Lierta is a Postdoctoral fellow at the University of Toronto (Matterlab group). She earned her PhD in quantum computation and quantum information at the Universitat de Barcelona and is currently working on near-term quantum algorithms and high-dimensional quantum physics. Besides fundamental physics, she has a great interest in quantum technologies, education and public outreach activities including popular science talks, seminars, and newspaper and radio programs explaining what quantum computational scientists are doing! And now we've got her on Abstract -- what a treat!
Tune in for answers to questions like...
What does it mean to...
2021-09-1939 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceGratitude & The Good Life ft. Jeremy UllmanTune in for a peek behind the curtain and into my personal gratitude journal (and a little solo podcasting to change things up).
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Interested in a free core workout, every weekday @ 8:30am EST? Here's the Core Collective Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83608422966?pwd=M21BNXVGdEE4cmljUUl3cktOc09qZz09
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Does free will exist? Maybe. Regardless, please share your cherished feedback with me at abstractcast@gmail.com!
Liking the show? Drop us a juicy 5-star rating or a written review on Apple Podcasts!
Want to support...
2021-09-1214 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 65 - Hypersomnolence & Sleep Science ft. Jesse CookJesse Cook is a 5th year Clinical Psychology PhD student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His primary research program focuses on advancing the classification, assessment, and treatment of unexplained excessive daytime sleepiness, which is classified as either Idiopathic Hypersomnia or Hypersomnolence Disorder. Supplementarily, he has unique expertise in the capabilities and shortcomings of commercially available sleep tracking technology. He has a longstanding affiliation with the Sleep Research Society and previously served as the Sleep Research Society Trainee Member At-Large, while currently assisting efforts on the Communications Committee. In his free time, I loves to stay active by running, biking...
2021-09-0535 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 64 - The Future of Mentorship ft. Lauren Ortosky & Payton SmallLauren Ortosky is a PhD candidate in Social Psychology with diverse research interests exploring the interaction of personal and social identity in critical domains. Her primary research examines the passive influence of living in a nationalist country on the beliefs and behaviors of those who are or are not already sympathetic to that ideology. She is also involved in projects to improve diversity in the professoriate with culturally-sensitive training programs and mentorship, as well as work on reducing under-employment among returning veterans. In her free time she is a dedicated trail runner and rock climber - hobbies that combine...
2021-08-2936 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceTHE MECHATRONICS TRILOGY ft. Mitchell Kurnell, Ali Safaei & Eitan BulkaTHE MECHATRONICS TRILOGY =
Ep. 45 - Nuclear Physics & Cubesats ft. Mitchell Kurnell +
Ep. 39 - Autonomous Mobile Robots ft. Ali Safaei +
Ep. 11 - Drones & Aerospace Mechatronics ft. Eitan Bulka
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Topics & Concepts:
Nuclear Safety
Fission vs. Fusion
LIBS: Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy
Plasmas
Infrared & Ultraviolet Light
Observation Window
Deuterium & Heavy Water
Neutron Absorption
Zirconium Alloys
Pressure Tubes & Nuclear Reactor Malfunction
Mass Spectroscopy
Transtioning Research Fields
Cube Sats
Satellite Tracking & Orbital Decay
Space Junk & Deadly Debris
Altitude & At...
2021-08-222h 10
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 63 - Loyalty, Passion & Identity ft. Zachariah BerryZachariah Berry is a curious, developing, committed, and highly motivated 4th year PhD student at Cornell University studying Organizational Behavior. His research is broadly on morality and identity, and he's hoping to answer some big questions related to loyalty and passion for work. [On the loyalty side, he's studying when it is (or is not) okay to break one's loyalty-based obligations, how people navigate competing loyalties, and whether or not loyalty's obligations extend beyond one's direct ties. On the passion for work side, he's exploring both the psychology of giving-up and quitting, as well as how people navigate their...
2021-08-1529 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 62 - Death by Deferral ft. Tanya SinghTanya Singh is a PhD candidate in Marketing at the John Molson School of Business at Concordia University. She studies the psychological and behavioral consequences of putting off decisions. She's also interested in difficult trade-offs (ex. quality vs. quantity) and how consumers respond to resource scarcity. In addition to her current PhD, she also has a PhD from the University of Pennsylvania in Evolutionary Biology (you heard right). Tanya also secretly daydreams about owning an ice cream shop!
Tune in for answers to questions like...
What is the role of time in decision making?
What...
2021-08-0829 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 61 - The Prolific Pelvis ft. Mariel YoungMariel Young just graduated from Harvard University with a PhD in Human Evolutionary Biology! She completed her bachelor's degree at the University of Arkansas, followed by an MPhil in human evolutionary studies from Cambridge University. Her dissertation work focused on the evolutionary and developmental genetics of the pelvis and scapula--the hips and shoulders--and asked the question: what genes control the embryonic development of these structures, and how have they been under evolution in human ancestors?
Tune in for answers to questions like...
What makes humans unique?
What is the basic process bone formation and is...
2021-08-0131 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 60 - Peanuts & Allergenicity ft. Casey CohenCasey Cohen is pursuing a PhD in Experimental Medicine at McGill University. His research focuses on peanut allergy; he's evaluating different processing methods and their effects on allergenicity. The ultimate goal of his research is to develop a ‘modified peanut’ that can be used as a safer and more efficacious substrate for peanut allergy treatments. Yummy!
Tune in for answers to questions like...
What are the peanut processing methods and how do they affect allergenicity?
Where do allergies come from?
What is the difference, biochemically, between allergy to food and other allergies?
Why pean...
2021-07-2531 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 59 - Superhydrophobia ft. Breno SequeiraBreno Sequeira is a Master's candidate in Chemical Engineering at McGill University. He is working as a researcher in the biomimetics surface engineering lab. His current research aims to manufacture nonstick and superhydrophobic food and waste plastic containers. I was blown away by the processes behind the production of these materials, and discovered my new favorite word!
*Note: Due to the visual nature of our discussion on the topic of "Contact Angle," please refer to the diagram at the following link for clarification: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Force-diagram-of-Youngs-equation-and-associated-Contact-Angle-measurement_fig1_280115341
Topics & Concepts
Biomimetics
...
2021-07-1827 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 58 - Compulsive Exercise & Eating Disorders ft. Laura HallwardLaura Hallward is a PhD candidate in Kinesiology specializing in Exercise and Health Psychology at McGill University. Her research focuses on better understanding lived experiences with compulsive exercise in individuals with eating disorders. She speaks directly with people with these pathologies and explores how these topics are discussed on social media!
Tune in for answers to questions like...
How do we diagnose compulsive exercise and eating disorders?
What makes food and exercise different than other addictions?
What is the role of social media in helping or hindering support?
How can I improve my...
2021-07-1129 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 57 - Black Holes & Neutron Stars ft. Abbie Stevens, PhDAbbie Stevens is an energetic, friendly and curious postdoctoral fellow in Astronomy and Astrophysics at the University of Michigan and Michigan State University. She studies black holes and neutron stars by looking at X-ray light coming from stars they're gobbling up!
Tune in for answers to questions like...
How do binary systems form?
What is the process of stellar evolution?
What are the different types of black holes and where do we find them?
How do stars die and what kind of remnants do they leave behind?
and many more!
...
2021-07-0432 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 56 - Moral Injury & Ethics ft. Joe InhaberJoe Inhaber is pursuing a PhD in Clinical Psychology at the University of Ottawa. His research is focused on the phenomenon of Moral Injury, and he's seeking better understanding of the kinds of things capable of violating a person’s sense of proper ethical conduct. He's the third of three life-long best friends to be on the show -- stick around to find out who's in the mystery trio!
Tune in for answers to questions like...
What is moral injury?
Can moral injury be self-inflicted, by action or even thought alone?
How is moral in...
2021-06-2738 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 55 - Biomaterials & Beyond ft. Bishakh RoutBishakh Rout is a self-professed highly motivated PhD researcher in Chemical Engineering at McGill University. He is studying the surface modification of biomaterials and the application of hydragels in contact lens technology! Get ready for a fast-paced 25-minute interview -- the shortest Abstract interview yet, and the first of many shorter-form interviews, for all you busy bees out there!
Tune in for Answers to Questions Like...
How does one deliver medication through the eyeball?
What is a hydrogel and what are its applications in biomaterials?
What similarities/differences do we find between surface and...
2021-06-2025 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 54 - Exoplanets & Telescopes ft. Lisa DangLisa Dang is an enthusiastic, outgoing and optimistic PhD student in Astrophysics at McGill University. During her graduate degree, she also held a research position at the NASA Spitzer Science Center at Caltech in Pasadena, California. Right now, she’s studying the diversity of exoplanets and their climate, with a variety of space telescopes, and most excitingly with the upcoming James Webb Space Telescope. She hopes to understand how planets form and evolve, to ultimately uncover the recipe for habitable planets! When she’s not busy scratching her head looking at copious amounts of data, you can find her trav...
2021-06-1338 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 53 - Decision-Making & Metacognition ft. Alexa RuelOur guest this week, Alexa Ruel, is completing her PhD in Psychology at Concordia University. Her research is focused on decision-making, making decisions about decisions and how that process changes across the lifespan. ALSO, for the first time ever we're joined by a high school student! Allegra is a bright eighth grader who sneaks insightful questions into the discussion throughout the episode, and keeps us accessible! You don't want to miss this (or any) episode!
Tune in for Answers to Questions Like...
How do we make decisions (about decisions)?
How does decision-making change across the...
2021-06-0636 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceRe-Release - Jean Westenberg on The Opioid CrisisAs year 1 of Abstract comes to a close we're getting ready for another 52 episodes of goodness over the next 52 weeks!
In honor of esteemed guest Jean Westenberg delivering the goods on what became the most streamed episode of the entire year, I'm re-releasing his 40 minutes of heaven, without breaks, maxing out the Jean : Jeremy air-time ratio!
Oh yeah, and since I first had Jean on the show, he's published the first half of his thesis -- check it out here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/eip.13155
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Our guest from Ep. 37, Jean We...
2021-05-3039 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 52 - Amphibian Ecology ft. Nathalie JreidiniOur guest this week, Nathalie Jreidini, is completing her PhD in Biology at McGill University. She has worked on diverse projects in Ecology throughout her graduate studies. She's now researching the causes of wild animal movements, and more specifically habitat dispersal! Join us for the final episode of Year 1 of Abstract -- cheers to Year 2 starting NEXT WEEK!
Tune in for Answers to Questions Like:
What's the distinction between reptiles and amphibians?
What do I do if I'm bitten by a tick?
What does it mean to be an endangered species? Is t...
2021-05-2339 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 51 - Archaeology & Civilization ft. Avery WarkentinOur guest this week, Avery Warkentin, is completing her Master's in Classical Archaeology at the University of Oxford. She's passionate about historical education, archaeological conservation and environmental sustainability. Her current research is focused on the artistic and archaeological manifestations of cultural interaction throughout the Roman provinces. She hopes to pursue a career in objects conservation upon completion of her Master's. Join Avery and myself as we dig deep into the history of humanity -- who know's what we'll unearth on this slightly-longer-than-usual episode of Abstract!
Questions Answered
What is Archaeology?
What and how does it...
2021-05-1644 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 50 - Geometry, Topology & Group Theory ft. Sam FisherOur guest this week, Sam Fisher, just completed his Master's in Mathematics at McGill University and is now embarking on a transatlantic PhD in Mathematics at the University of Oxford. He treats us to a journey through the conceptual underpinnings of his research in the field of Geometric Group Theory. Whether you're a math enthusiast, or just a curious mind, you'll find this episode to be refreshing reminder of the beauty and elegance of mathematics. Enjoy!
Tune in for Answers to Questions Like
What is Geometry, and what kinds of geometric spaces can we imagine?
...
2021-05-0939 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 49 - Linguistics & The Neurobiology of Language ft. Yev DiachekOur guest this week, Yev Diachek, is a PhD student studying Psychology at Vanderbilt University. After completing her undergraduate degree, Yev became interested in Psycholinguistics and the Neurobiology of Language so she took up multiple volunteer positions at Harvard and MIT. After completing her master’s, she worked as a full-time research assistant with Ev Fedorenko investigating how language interacts with other cognitive functions in the brain. In her Ph.D., Yev is now asking questions related to the structure and representation of conceptual knowledge and its relation to language. As a cognitive science major and linguistics enthusiast myself, th...
2021-05-0239 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 48 - Aging ft. The Brains Behind the WEPAbstract just took things to a whole new level with our first ever PANEL DISCUSSION: Our guests this week are none other than The Brains Behind the Wisdom Exchange Project: Alicia Duval, Danielle D'Amico, Emma Conway, Lauren Bechard, and Monica Vaillancourt. Buckle up for this episode where a group of bright Canadian graduate researchers bounce ideas off each other in this super special group interview on the aging process!
Questions Answered
How can we age gracefully?
What can we control and what's totally out of our hands when it comes to aging?
How do...
2021-04-2553 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 47 - Spaceflight Dynamics ft. Shaziana KaderaliOur guest this week, Shaziana Kaderali, is a Master's candidate at McGill University in Aerospace Engineering. Her research is focused on Space Situational Awareness and Spaceflight Dynamics. She helps satellite operators avoid collisions, among much else! She's a jack of all trades and a master of all of them, and we've got her on the show to talk all things aerospace!
Questions Answered
What's an aerospace engineer thinking about first thing in the morning?
What do we mean by dynamics and specifically aerospace dynamics?
What's going on up there in orbit around our lovely...
2021-04-1835 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 46 - Cosmic Strings & The Early Universe ft. Bryce CyrOur guest this week, Bryce Cyr, is completing his PhD in Cosmology at McGill University. He's studying the theoretical structures known as cosmic strings (unrelated to string theory, but we discuss that too). They might shed light on the nature of the early universe and the origin of dark matter!
Questions Answered
How did the universe begin? Where did it come from and where is it going How far back can we look?
What's the big idea with the cosmic microwave background?
Why is gravity problematic?
What's the goal of string theory? What...
2021-04-1140 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceAudio Course Trailer: The Secret Life of Words ft. Jeremy UllmanFew things in life are more sacred than knowledge-sharing. Humans have evolved complex language, giving us the unique ability to propagate records of our discoveries, insights, and achievements. As an aspiring educator, my goal is to disseminate a combination of my personal experience, previous research, and independent readings to enrich the lives of others. During my Master's degree, my research centered around analyzing ambiguity in the written and spoken word. While I believe there is no concrete way to avoid ambiguity in our communications (or miscommunications), becoming aware of the shortcoming of our language system is the first step.
2021-04-0908 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 45 - Nuclear Reactors & CubeSats ft. Mitchell KurnellOur guest this week, Mitchell Kurnell, just started his PhD in Mechanical Engineering in the Aerospace Mechatronics lab (yeah you know the one, he's worked alongisde Eitan Bulka (Ep.11) and Ali Safaei (Ep.39)). Our discussion is split between his master's research on nuclear physics, and his PhD research on cube sats.
Questions Answered
Is nuclear energy a safe energy alternative and can we entrust our future in these fission reactors?
How can we use lasers to learn about a material's composition?
How big and how small are the satellites in orbit above our heads...
2021-04-0439 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 44 - Exploring Epilepsy ft. Nafisa HuseinOur guest this week, Nafisa Husein, recently graduated with a Master’s in Public Health and Epidemiology at the University of Montreal. Her thesis focused on the association between epilepsy and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the elderly. She's starting her PhD in Epidemiology this September, and her research will aim to uncover the causal variants between epilepsy and other comorbidities, as well as finding and presenting solutions to improve neurological health.
Questions Answered
What's happening in the brain during a seizure and how do we treat it? Do babies have seizures? (Do they?)
How do I...
2021-03-2836 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 43 - Degrowth & Our Finite Planet ft. Alex PettemOur guest this week, Alex Pettem, is completing a Master's of Political Science at the University of Montreal. His research focus is on Degrowth, and he's got his finger on the pulse of the Montreal chapter of the movement. Strap in for a super unique and insightful episode with my good friend and our first ever Political Scientist!
Questions Answered
What is the Degrowth movement and how can we propagate it?
How can we continue to make progress while simultaneously reducing our level of growth?
What does a degrowth future look like, and what...
2021-03-2137 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 42 - Counteracting CRISPR ft. Ada McVeanOur guest this week, Ada McVean, is pursuing a Master's of Chemistry at McGill University in the Damha Lab (alongside our good friend James Thorpe from Ep. 30!). Her current research is focused on creating small modified nucleic acid-based inhibitors (or SNuBs) of Cas9 using click chemistry, to interrupt the normal functioning of the CRISPR complex.
Questions Answered
Why might we want to prevent a CRISPR complex from editing our genes?
How do SNuBs interrupt a ribunucleic threesome?
If gene editing is a play, who are the characters and what sorts of hijinx do they...
2021-03-1439 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 41 - The Future of Lithium-ion Batteries ft. Jeremy DawkinsOur guest this week, Jeremy Dawkins, is completing his PhD in Chemistry at McGill University. His thesis is based on improving the ubiquitous Li-ion batteries, which are a key solution to the current climate crisis. Specifically, Jeremy is developing a methodology that would allow scientists to detect the Li-ions inside a battery while it’s operating!
Questions Answered
What's going on inside the batteries in my phone, my tv remote and my car?
Can we put a rocket in space fueled solely using lithium ion batteries?
How efficient is the recycling process and how sustai...
2021-03-0739 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 40 - Diabetes & Dietetics ft. Meryem TalboOur guest this week, Meryem Talbo, is a 2nd year PhD candidate in Dietetics at McGill University's School of Human Nutrition. Her research focus was on Type I diabetes, and how to best use technology as a tool to prevent and reduce both the fear and frequency of hypoglycemia.
Questions Answered
Where does insulin come from and who is it's biological partner in crime?
How do protein, fat and carbs interact in the process of digestion?
Will I develop diabetes and if so what can I do to avoid or dimish the likelihood of...
2021-02-2838 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 39 - Autonomous Mobile Robots & The Localization Problem ft. Ali SafaeiOur guest this week, Ali Safaei, is an Engineering postdoctoral fellow in the Aerospace Mechatronics Lab (Yes, the same lab that Eitan Bulka, Ep. 11, just graduated from!) at McGill University and HumanITAS Solutions. Ali is a force to be reckoned with: he's got a PhD and 23 scientific publications under his belt, as well as book coming up for publicaton later this year! Buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable tour through the wonderful world of unmanned aircraft and ground rovers...
Questions Answered
What's the secret to academic success?
How do we solve the localization...
2021-02-2137 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 38 - The Future of MRI ft. Matthew McCreadyOur guest this week, Matthew McCready, is a Master's student in Physics at Western University. He's developing, testing and implementing a revolutionary new dreMR coil, affectionately called "dreamer", for existing MRI machines that will usher in a new generation of neuroimaging!
Questions Answered
What's happening inside of an MRI machine?
How do we produce images of the body using giant magnets?
What does magnetic resonance imaging have to do with hills and rainbows?
What's the next big development in this kind of imaging, and how will a new coil solve many of our...
2021-02-1433 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 37 - Opioid Addiction, Crisis, Prevention & Treatment ft. Jean WestenbergOur guest this week, Jean Westenberg, is pursuing a Master's degree in Experimental Medicine at the University of British Columbia (UBC). He is currently working under the supervision of Dr. Michael Krauss in his addiction and concurrent disorders lab, focusing on improving health outcomes in populations of opioid users, as well as those at risk of developing an addiction.
Questions Answered
How do we distinguish between the nature of addiction to drugs vs. social media?
What makes Heroin so addictive and why is it so difficult to put it down?
How can we even...
2021-02-0737 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 36 - Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment ft. Samuel LittleOur guest this week is Samuel Little, a bioengineering PhD candidate at Concordia University. His current research is focused on developing an innovative treatment known as CAR-T Therapy, in which an individual's immune system is removed from the body, genetically modified, and reinserted into the body to fight off cancer with unprecedented strength and efficiency. Sam brings the heat and turns the knowledge volume up to 11, if that makes sense -- this is a crazy episode, in the best way possible. I've already listened to it thrice from start to finish! What are you waiting for? Hey are you...
2021-01-3138 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 35 - Musical Complexity, Predictability & Enjoyment ft. Alexander AlburyOur guest this week is Alexander Albury, PhD candidate in Psychology at Concordia University. His research is focused on uncovering the relationship between complexity, predictability and liking of music! Tune in for:
Questions Answered
Is music more of an art or a science?
Can we tell the difference between human-made and artifical music?
What makes music complex and how do you even quantify complexity?
How do we differentiate the same note played on different instruments?
How do we meaure musical learning?
Who are the better predictors of melody: Jazz or Classical...
2021-01-2438 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 34 - Pain Perception, Venoms & The Peripheral Nervous System ft. Stephanie Mouchbahani-ConstanceOur guest this week, Stephanie Mouchbahani-Constance, is working towards her PhD in Physiology at McGill University. Her current research is focused on characterizing the sensation of pain inflicted by lionfish stings, as well as the pathways through the nervous system along which they travel. She's an endless repository of animal facts and has nearly boundless knowledge of the peripheral nervous sytem, it's kinda scary, and very impressive. Need I say any more? Keep reading...
Questions Answered:
Where does pain originate in the body and how is it perceived?
What can facial expressions tell us about...
2021-01-1740 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 33 - Vaccine Design, Antibodies & COVID ft. Audrey KassardjianOur guest this week, Audrey Kassardjian, is completing her PhD in Immunology at the University of Toronto. Join us this week for a hyper-relevant discussion surrounding vaccine design, antibodies, spike proteins, parasites and the immune system!
Questions Answered
What goes into vaccine design?
How do we differentially target parasites versus viruses?
What's so abnormal about COVID-19?
What are the types, functions and morphologies of antibodies?
Does our lymphatic system have a memory of its own, independent of the central nervous system?
and much, much, much, much, much.... more!
Topics & Co...
2021-01-1137 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 32 - Sustainable Engineering & The Buildings of the Future ft. Sam ShulmanOur guest this week, Sam Shulman, is completing his Master's of Sustainable Engineering in the Faculty of Forestry at the University of British Columbia (UBC). His research is focused on developing an advanced, multi-material connection for prefabricated mass timber buildings that allows for efficient assembly/disassembly at the building’s end-of-life.
Questions Answered:
Can we construct a fire-resistant building out of wood?
What are some of the biggest mass-timber structures we can build?
What does sustainable infrastructure look like?
Are we going to run out of concrete?
How can we maximize the ren...
2021-01-0338 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 31 - Harvard Astrophysics: Machine Learning & Interstellar Dust Clouds ft. Andrew SaydjariOur guest this week, Andrew Saydjari, is midway through his PhD in Astrophysics at Harvard University. Andrew's research lies at the intersection of Astrophysics and Machine Learning, and he's studying the massive dust clouds in our very own galaxy. Tune in to tap into the wealth of knowledge that Andrew's bringing to Episode 31!
On this week's episode we answer questions like:
Why should you care about interstellar dust clouds that are a million times as wide as the earth's orbit around the sun?
What do spectrums of light tell us about the molecular make-up o...
2020-12-2738 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 30 - Mechanochemistry & DNA Synthesis ft. James ThorpeOur guest this week is a McGill University PhD in Bioorganic Chemistry. Say hello, to James Thorpe. "Hi James!" On today's episode we answer the big questions, like:
How does a farmer's definition of Organic differ from that of a chemist?
How do you patent a scientific methodology?
Will we ever be able to eradicate the use of toxic solvents?
Can you grow DNA at the push of a button?
Why is 99% of our DNA absolutely useless
Topics & Concepts
Green Chemistry
Mechanochemistry
Oligonucleotide Synthesis
"Organic" Chemistry
...
2020-12-2036 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceRapstract | "Best Of" Behavioral Neuroscience ft. PcennaRapstract is a rap album study tool, conceived, written, recording and performed by yours truly (Jeremy Ullman AKA Pcenna) for the McGill University undergraduate Psychology course PSYC 211: Intro to Behavioral Neuroscience.
This is a compilation of some highlights from the album.
All 10 tracks are available on the Abstract podcast page.
I also released an album this year called Life As We Know It, available now on SoundCloud, BandCamp and YouTube for your listening pleasure.
I'd love to hear what you think, so PLEASE send any and all feedback, whether positive, constructive o...
2020-12-1706 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 29 - The Neurobiology of Mental Disorders ft. Ilya DemchenkoOur guest this week is Ilya Demchenko, a graduate from McGill University's MS Neuroscience program. With a strong background in biology, he ventured into the world of the brain sciences, gaining a keen interest in psychology, psychiatry and neuroscience with a research focus on the Neurobiology of Mental Disorders. Join us for a winding discussion from interventional psychiatric programs, to social role playing, brain imaging and beyond!
Topics & Concepts
Defining Clinical Research
From Molecular to Macroscopic Systems
Novel interventional psychiatry program
Treatment resistance depression
Brain Stimulation, Ketamine Injection, Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
T...
2020-12-1338 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 28 - Surgical Innovation & Heart Pumps ft. Andrea SanchezOur guest this week is Andrea Sanchez, and she comes fresh with tales from the OR, and insights on the future of heart surgery!
School: McGill University
Program: Experimental Surgery, MSc.
Concentration: Surgical Innovation
Topics & Concepts
Emerging Heart Pump: Disruptive, Innovative Design & Geometry
Medical Devices: From Toothbrushes to Transplants
Heart Pump Configurations: Centrifugal or Axial (LVAD)
Traditional Heart Pump Side-Effects: Hemolysis, Thrombosis, and more
In-silico vs. In-vitro Experimentation
Blood Flow Simulation
Materials & Biocompatibility
Heart Volume Output & Exercise
Cardiac Conundrums
The Future of Heart...
2020-12-0634 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 27 - Breathless ft. Lauren TraceyOur guest this week is M.Sc. Lauren Tracey, coming to us live from beautiful Montreal, Canada. She holds a graduate degree in Exercise Science and just started McGill Medical School! Her primary research focus was on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), taking an exercise testing perspective, looking at risk factors for, and the human experience of, the disease. I met Lauren in High School and have known her for well over a decade. It was a real treat to have her on the show, and let me tell you, she delivered. Check it out for yourself, and feel...
2020-11-2936 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 26 - Ants vs. Humans ft. Angelly VasquezOur guest this week is Angelly Vasquez, a PhD student studying Myrmecology at McGill University! What is Myrmecology? You'll just have to listen to find out (psst the episode title might give you a hint).
Topics & Concepts
Complexity in Nature
Interdisciplinarity
The Eco-Evo-Devo Approach
Myrmecology
Sociobiology
Eusociality
Ant Altruism vs. Human Individualism
The Effect of Sociality on Brain Development Across Species
Superorganisms
Policing & The Death of the Queen
Haploid/Diploid Chromosomal Make-up
Caste Systems: Morphology, Physiology, Behavior
Notes: Ants are pretty much...
2020-11-2239 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 25 - Life Transitions & Mental Health ft. Sarah Newcomb AnjoOur guest this week is Concordia University Clinical Psychology PhD and now practicing Psychologist Sarah Newcomb-Anjo! We discuss stress, mental health and life transitions, with a big emphasis on mindset. Sarah also shares with us her favorite question she likes to ask her patients, which actually stems from her graduate research.
Tune in now for a real treat of an episode!
Topics & Concepts
Risk Factors for Mental Health
Protective Factors for Mental Health
Depression and Anxiety
Change and Uncertainty
Graduation and Life Transitions
Contextual Factors
Personality: Optimism, Grit, N...
2020-11-1537 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceRapstract Ch. 11 | Emotion | Intro to Behavioral Neuroscience ft. PcennaChapter 11: Emotion. is most likely the last chapter that I will be releasing as part of the PSYC 211 album. As this has been a volunteered gig, my continuation has been contingent on increasing or at least sustained listership. While things started strong, engagement has dwindled significantly since the project's inception. It's been a blast, and I hope you enjoy the 10th installation of Rapstract Season 1 on Emotion.
Listen close and follow along with the lyrics (if you're not in PSYC 211, shoot me an email and I'll gladly send them your way). Study hard, study smart. Shoot me...
2020-11-1503 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 24 - Computational Neuroimaging & Shape Analysis ft. Pulkit KhandelwalOur guest this week is University of Pennsylvania Biomedical Engineering PhD Candidate Pulkit Khandelwal. His primary research focus is neuroimaging and specifically shape analysis of brain structures! If you haven't checked out Episode 22 with Nadia Blostein, feel free to check it out for a bit more background in neuroimaging before tackling this more technical episode! That said, if you've got a background in the brain sciences then you should be all set.
This is our second episode featuring passages from Marcus Aurelius' Meditations! Let us know what you think about the addition -- you can drop us a...
2020-11-0938 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceRapstract Ch. 10 | Sex & Reproduction | Intro to Behavioral Neuroscience ft. PcennaChapter 10: Sex & Reproduction. This is most likely the second to last chapter that I will be releasing as part of the PSYC 211 album. As this has been a volunteered gig, my continuation has been contingent on increasing or at least sustained listership. While things started strong, engagement has dwindled significantly since the project's inception. It's been a blast, and chapter 10 is coming next week. Unless things change in the next week or so, that will be the last one. Thank you and enjoy!
Listen close and follow along with the lyrics (if you're not in PSYC 211, shoot...
2020-11-0905 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 23 - Epidemiology & The First Cured Virus ft. Adam PalayewOur guest this week is Epidemiology PhD Candidate Adam Palayew, coming to us live (during recording,) from Seattle, Washington! Listen in on the magical and utterly fascinating discussion we had on the topics below.
As always we'd love to get your feedback on today's (or any) episode! WHat did you like? What could we have done better?
Are you a local artist looking to get your music or written work featured on the podcast? Reach out to us at abstractcast@gmail.com and we'd be happy to discuss features on future episodes.
Enjoy...
2020-11-0238 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceRapstract Ch. 9 | Sleep | Intro to Behavioral Neuroscience ft. PcennaChapter 9: Sleep. Listen close and follow along with the lyrics (if you're not in PSYC 211, shoot me an email and I'll gladly send them your way). Study hard, study smart. Shoot me some feedback at abstractcast@gmail.com! If you like what you hear, shoot me an e-tran$fer at abstractcast@gmail.com or pcennamusic@gmail.com!
Got a favorite lyric? Shoot me an email at abstractcast@gmail.com. Do you make beats and want to collaborate? Send me an email at abstractcast@gmail.com. Enjoy sending emails? Email me at abstractcast@gmail.com. You get the...
2020-11-0204 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 22 - Brain Structures: Shape, Volume and Heritability ft. Nadia BlosteinOur guest this week is McGIll Master's of Neuroscience candidate, Nadia Blostein, in an episode dedicated to subcortical brain structures, brain imaging, physical features of the brain and its evolution up the phylogenetic tree! You don't want to this delightful interview with a fresh-faced graduate student -- this could be you one day!
Bullet Point Topics:
Brain Volume + Shape
Hippocampus
Imaging Techniques - MRI, fMRI, PET
Evolutionary Brain Development
The science behind nature vs. nurture
Subcortical brain structures: striatum, thalamus, global pallidus
Phylogenetic tree
Trait preservation due to g...
2020-10-2635 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceRapstract Ch. 7 | The Senses | Intro to Behavioral Neuroscience ft. PcennaChapter 7: The Senses. Listen close and follow along with the lyrics (if you're not in PSYC 211, shoot me an email and I'll gladly send them your way). Study hard, study smart.
Got a favorite lyric? Shoot me an email at abstractcast@gmail.com. Do you make beats and want to collaborate? Send me an email at abstractcast@gmail.com. Enjoy sending emails? Email me at abstractcast@gmail.com. You get the point: I want to hear from you.
You'll notice that Rapstract is available here on my podcast page, Abstract. I interview graduate students on...
2020-10-2506 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 21 - Turbulence & Fluid Dynamics ft. Austin L'EcuyerOur guest this week is Mechanical Engineering Master's candidate Austin L'Ecuyer. His current research is primarily focused on Turbulent Systems, falling under the broader category of Fluid Dynamics. On today's episode we discuss the theoretical underpinnings as well as the applications of turbulence in natural and artifical systems. It was a real treat having Austin on the show: I'm sure you'll feel the same!
If you or someone you know is a graduate student and interested in sharing your knowledge and current research projects on the podcast, please reach out and connect with us at abstractcast@gmail...
2020-10-1835 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceRapstract Ch. 6 | Vision | Intro to Behavioral Neuroscience ft. PcennaChapter 6: Vision. Listen close and follow along with the lyrics (if you're not in PSYC 211, shoot me an email and I'll gladly send them your way). Study hard, study smart.
Got a favorite lyric? Shoot me an email at abstractcast@gmail.com. Do you make beats and want to collaborate? Send me an email at abstractcast@gmail.com. Enjoy sending emails? Email me at abstractcast@gmail.com. You get the point: I want to hear from you.
You'll notice that Rapstract is available here on my podcast page, Abstract. I interview graduate students on their...
2020-10-1806 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 20 - Functional Connectivity & The Default Mode Network ft. Alex BaileyOur guest this week is recent undergraduate and winner of CJAP's 2020 Podcast Guest Opportunity Award, Alex Bailey. It was an absolute treat to have Alex on the podcast this week and our conversation was truly eye-opening: ear candy for all! We answer questions like: What is functional connectivity and the network theory of the brain? What is the Default Mode Network and the nature of resting brain activity? What is fMRI and when/why do we use it? We also discuss how our brain compares to the "Reptilian" brain, the future of research using multimodal techniques, and the role...
2020-10-1135 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceRapstract Ch. 5 | Methods | Intro to Behavioral Neuroscience ft. PcennaChapter 5. Listen close and follow along with the lyrics (if you're not in PSYC 211, shoot me an email and I'll gladly send them your way). Study hard, study smart.
Got a favorite lyric? Shoot me an email at abstractcast@gmail.com. Do you make beats and want to collaborate? Send me an email at abstractcast@gmail.com. Enjoy sending emails? Email me at abstractcast@gmail.com. You get the point: I want to hear from you.
You'll notice that Rapstract is available here on my podcast page, Abstract. I interview graduate students on their research...
2020-10-1103 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 19 - PTSD, Psilocybin & Depression ft. Emily GarfinkleThis week we're graced by the likes of Clinical Psychology PhD candidate Emily Garfinkle, hailing from beautiful sunny San Francisco, California. We cover many topics on today's episode, including but not limited to: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (or PTSD); different types of stress (acute vs. chronic); mental illness and trauma; treatment programs (ex. Cognitive Processing Therapy and Prolonged Exposure Treatments) and meditation; veterans and clinical populations; the DSM and the most critical diagnostic criterion; and the resurgence of hallucinogenic drugs in clinical psychology (ex. Psilocybin, LSD, MDMA).
We're always looking to get your feedback. If you've got an i...
2020-10-0439 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceRapstract Ch. 4 | Drugs | Intro to Behavioral Neuroscience ft. PcennaDon't be fooled by the short track length. Chapter 4 is JAM PACKED and FASTER than ever. Listen close and follow along with the lyrics (if you're not in PSYC 211, shoot me an email and I'll gladly send them your way). Study hard, study smart.
Got a favorite lyric? Shoot me an email at abstractcast@gmail.com. Do you make beats and want to collaborate? Send me an email at abstractcast@gmail.com. Enjoy sending emails? Email me at abstractcast@gmail.com. You get the point: I want to hear from you.
You'll notice that Raptract i...
2020-10-0403 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceRapstract Ch. 3 | Neuroanatomy | Intro to Behavioral Neuroscience ft. PcennaWelcome back. Here's Chapter 3, total runtime 6:20 with a little message at the end when you make it through!
Got a favorite lyric? Shoot me an email at abstractcast@gmail.com. Do you think you would benefit from a rap song like this for all of the chapters of the course? Please send me an email at abstractcast@gmail.com. Do you make beats and want to collaborate? Send me an email at abstractcast@gmail.com. Enjoy sending emails? Email me at abstractcast@gmail.com. You get the point: I want to hear from you.
The...
2020-09-2707 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 18 - Sensation, Perception & Memory ft. Jamie SnytteJamie Snytte is a PhD researcher in the field of Clinical Psychology, with a background in Neuroscience, and his current work is focused on memory and Alzheimer's Disease. On today's episode we discuss a range of topics, including but not limited to: the emergence of behavior from brain activity; sensation, perception and memory, and different memory systems; the famous case studies of H.M. and London taxi drivers; relational vs. conceptual memory; autobiographical, semantic and procedural memory; the four mnemonic horsemen of depression; and more!
You'll notice that today's episode is shorter than usual, and that was...
2020-09-2736 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceRapstract Ch. 2 | Cells: Structure & Function | Intro to Behavioral Neuroscience ft. PcennaWelcome back. Here's Chapter 2, so get ready to hear the words "potential", "ion channel" and "potassium" repeated a great many times.
If you think you would benefit from a rap song like this for all of the chapters, please send me an email at abstractcast@gmail.com so I can gauge interest. If I hear from enough of you then I will gladly write the rest, however, if this doesn't appeal to a large enough audience, then I may have to scrap the project.
The first few chapters of Rapstract are already written and will...
2020-09-2105 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 17b - COVID, CRISPR & Cancer ft. Owen DunkleyAnd we're back with Part 2 of 2 with Owen Dunkley. This time we've got an alliterative bonus episode covering COVID, CRISPR and COVID! Here are some of the subtopics we hit on within each:
CANCER: Mutations, somatic vs. germ-line cells, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, personalized medicine and the future of drug therapy.
CRISPR: Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats, the CAS-9 complex, genomes, viruses and bacteria, plasmids, gene editing, NHEJ and HDR, prime editing.
COVID: SARS-CoV-2 vs. SARS-CoV-1: the original SARS, positive single-stranded RNA viruses, infectious diseases, monitoring and the job of global health organizations...
2020-09-2050 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 17a - Life, Cells and Retroviruses ft. Owen DunkleyAs humans change the way we interact with animals and the environment, we are faced with increasingly common spillover events of infectious disease from animal to human. These events have led to human outbreaks of Tuberculosis, Influenza, Ebola, COVID-19 and HIV/AIDS, among others. As there is no way of knowing what the next big outbreak will be, new platforms are needed to quickly develop customizable drugs against infection. Our guest this week believes he might know the kind of therapy we need.
That guest is none other than the immensely knowledgeable Owen Dunkley, a broadly interested...
2020-09-201h 09
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 16 - Cannabis, Pregnancy & Neuroimaging ft. Lani CupoOur guest this week is Lani Cupo, a multifaceted and tempestuous PhD student in Neuroscience. In this episode we discuss the seduction of the cognitive sciences, the integrated program in neuroscience offered through the Montreal Neurological Institute, the effect of perspective-taking on the perception of Native American art using priming, quantitative and qualitative analysis, the suppression of unwated thoughts, what it means to be WEIRD, biased and prejudiced; we talk animal vs. human research, taking pictures of the brain with giant magnets and other imaging techniques, the effects of maternal illness and THC (the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, weed...
2020-09-1359 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceRapstract Ch. 1 | Origins | Intro to Behavioral Neuroscience ft. PcennaDear McGill PSYC 211 students,
I graduated from McGill in Cognitive Science back in 2018. I am volunteering some time this semester to create a rap album that accompanies your course material this fall: here's the first chapter! This course changed the way I thought about science and the world at large; you will get out of this course exatly what you put it, so pay attention and enjoy the process.
If you think you would benefit from a rap song like this for all of the chapters, please send me an email at abstractcast@gmail.com s...
2020-09-1305 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 15 - Learning, Human Performance & Mental Health ft. Nadine BekkoucheOur guest this week is dedicated and cooperative PhD candidate Nadine Bekkouche, studying the structures and processes of graduate education. We cover a plethora of topics of the show this week including, but not limited to: the limitations on human linguistic abilities, two consciousness-changing insights having to do with learning, the importance of a nurturing supervisor (especially at the beginning of your academic career), the personal experience of pain, environmental effects on behavior and emotional state, mental health in academia, teaching versus tutoring, empathy, instructional design and educational technology, what academic institutions can learn from Apple and Google, a...
2020-09-061h 02
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 14 - Building Bones ft. Daniella MarxOur guest this week is fun-loving, energetic and tenacious Phd student Daniella Marx. Daniella is working towards her degree in Biomedical Engineering at Ryerson University in Toronto, Ontario. We take a deep dive into the nature of bone and what makes it solid, building bone tissue in a petri dish, bioactive bone cements and their biological effects and applications, the cutting edge in implant technology, the secret life of Strontium, the difference between good and bad inflammation; we also run the gamut on a whole bunch of metals, some of which are found in your body, and others which...
2020-08-3152 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 13 - Simulating the Human Brain ft. William Scott ThompsonOur guest this is week is none other than expert listener and pattern-seeking PhD candidate William Scott Thompson. Will is interested in understanding recurring motifs in the brain, rather than its specific functions. He is currently working in a lab at a research institute in Sweden, contributing to the longterm multinational goal of mapping the human brain! On today's episode we discuss the Human Brain Project, what goes into building a high-resolution, three-dimensional atlas of the brain, the forebrain structures known as the Basal Ganglia and the evolution of such structures, pain mapping, the difference between epigenetics and gene...
2020-08-2358 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 12 - Relationship Dynamics & Well-being ft. Ryan PersramOn this week's episode I sit down with ambitious, caring and creative postdoc Ryan Persram. We discuss the nature of sibling conflict, the general and three specific sub-types of trust, tools for conflict mediation, the importance of promoting positive interactions with other people, empathy, collaboration, friendships, family dynamics, nesting, identify development and we close it out with a deep dive into defining and characterizing work-life balance! Moving forward, Ryan hopes to contribute to the creation of new policy and design of outreach programs to educate adults and parents on child develpment, well being and relationship building.
NOTE...
2020-08-161h 06
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 11 - Drones & Aerospace Mechatronics ft. Eitan BulkaOur guest this week is self-professed "fairly laid back" PhD student Eitan Bulka. He is rapidly approaching the end of his PhD at McGill University, where he has spent over half a decade developing a breadth and depth of knowledge in robotics -- and he shares that with us in an hour of blissful pedagogy! We talk about how airplanes generate lift, the benefit of a high thrust to weight ratio, the kinds of people you find in the robotics community, what it means to do research in an Aerospace Mechantronics lab, the ubiquity of Newton's second law of...
2020-08-1057 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 10 - Aircraft Design, Modification & Development ft. Andrea CartileOur guest this week is PhD candidate, professional procrastinator and aerospace industry expert Andrea Cartile! In a nutshell, she does stuff with airplanes, but more specifically she optimizes communication in the domain of aircraft modification. Her research lies in information management, and she seeks to answer questions like "how do you take an existing airplane and make changes to it?" and "what do you need to prove that an aircraft modification is equally safe or safer than the original design?" Andrea never shies away from a challenge, in fact, she specifically seeks out the hard stuff! She's gritty, has...
2020-08-021h 01
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 9 - Consumer Psychology ft. Austin TrudeauOur guest this week is the ever optimistic Austin Trudeau, the man who inspired this very podcast. He is our second graduate student business owner after Shauna (Ep. 4), and he has been studying emotional decision-making in a marketing context. His focus is on the phenomenon of delayed discounting -- which he breaks down for us in great detail -- and the effects of sexual imagery on people's spending habits. Austin is chock full of great pearls of wisdom; strong mindset, perspective and time management skills are the cornerstones of Austin's philosphy. He also believes that you are an average...
2020-07-271h 10
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 8 - Climate History & Tree Rings ft. Alex PaceOur guest today is the curious Mr. Alex Pace, a recent Master's graduate from Concordia University's Environmental Geography program. He's been studying the history of climate through the analysis of tree-rings in Quebec. We run the gamut on the climate crisis, outlining its 5 main components: climate science, impacts on humans, impacts on nature, individual solutions and systems solutions. We talk greenhouse gases, the Gaia Hypothesis, jurassic sustainability, tropical Antarctic fossils and so much more! We answer the question of which natural phenomena allow us to know the climate of the past. We close our discussion with the big picture o...
2020-07-201h 04
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 7 - Artificial Intelligence ft. Jacob BuckmanThis week we're treated to the likes of Jacob Buckman, a PhD canditate researching Reinforcement Learning in the domain of Artificial Intelligence. We begin by defining AI: a relatively new phenomenon with the primary goal of automating specific tasks. Where the industrial revolution lightened the load of physical labor for humans, some people believe AI will soon take over the more burdensome mental tasks that plague us. Next, we outline three types of learning: Machine Learning, Reinforcement Learning, and Deep Learning, as well as what is actually meant by 'Deep'. By the end of the hour we will have c...
2020-07-121h 00
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 6 - Virtual Reality & Immersion ft. Michael SmilovitchAs a master's student, Michael became a full-time virtual-reality entrepreneur. Solving the problem of engagement on three different levels. In virtuality, immersion is everything, and Michael worked to take immersion to the next level with his Cross-Platform Asymmetric Virtual Reality Communication Game. It's not just another game: it's innovative, pushing VR forward and even introducing a performative element with a custom chicken-themed headset attachment! We discuss how cross-platform play increases immersion, how asymmetry promotes teamwork, and how communication improves the gameplay experience for everyone involved. We also go behind the scenes of VR game development. When it comes to...
2020-07-061h 04
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 5 - Learning & Dopamine ft. Alexandra UsypchukAlexandra is a quirky, curious, ambitious, and high-energy Master's student at Concordia University. Groundbreaking research is happening everywhere all the time, and Alexandra's lab is no exception. She's studying the role of dopamine in learning using optogenetics - or the manipulation of genes using light! On today's episode we discuss everything from neutransmitters to models of Pavlovian conditioning to exposure therapy and context. What are Serotonin and Dopamine? What are the benefits of studying rats? And how does it all relate to finding a crisp $50 bill on the side of the road? Answers to these and more on episode 5...
2020-06-2854 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 4 - The Psychology of Injury Prevention ft. Shauna EricksenOur guest today is a passionately curious hobbyist and the first of hopefully many graduate-researcher-business-owner guests we'll have on the podcast. She is studying how stress and anxiety can affect decision-making skills in the world of sport and how to reduce injury risk in your athletes through mindfulness and meditation, cognitive behavioral therapy, and imagery! Oh yeah, and you should all be training to move better, even if you're a fit 20-something (and especially if the golden years are rapidly approaching).
You can reach Shauna on Twitter: @shaunalea_22
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2020-06-2249 min
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 3 - Theory of Mind ft. Eliza DutempleIn this episode, Eliza Dutemple weaves together a rich and coherent picture of the three predominant theories of Theory of Mind (ToM), aka. the ability to assess others' thoughts. Follow us down the ToM rabbit hole, and learn about Change Blindness, Violation of Expectation, and staying organized, in and out of academia!
Reach out to Eliza on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DutempleEliza
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2020-06-151h 07
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 2 - Cognitive Effort ft. Sean DevineSean just finished his Master's degree in Psychology, where his research focus was on the role of individual differences in decision making. On today's episode, we discuss the Practicality Crisis in academia; Ego Depletion and self-control; cognitive effort and the Effort Paradox; what your pupils tell us about how hard you're thinking; and the importance of making daily progress towards your goals.
Got a question for Sean? Drop him a line at: seandamiandevine@gmail.com
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2020-06-071h 09
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 1 - Drug Seeking ft. Alexandra ChisholmAlexandra Chisholm is a Ph.D. Candidate in Experimental Psychology at Concordia University. Her research explores the neural mechanisms involved in heroin seeking and relapse using a new technology that uses receptors designed to be exclusively activated by designer drugs. What happens in the brain that affects drug seeking behavior? Lets find out!
Want To Improve Your Academic Writing For Free? Alexandra Recommends: https://www.coursera.org/learn/sciwrite
Reach Out To Alexandra On Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamalexchisholm
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2020-05-301h 08
Abstract: The Future of ScienceEp. 0 - Welcome to Abstract ft. Jeremy UllmanHere on Abstract we're translating months and years of graduate research and reading into 40 minutes of accessible knowledge. New episodes are released every Sunday on a brand new topic, with a brand new guest! If you're a graduate student and interested in talking about your research in a way that's accessible to listeners from all backgrounds, drop us a line at abstractcast@gmail.com.
If you like what you heard or have suggestions for topics on future episodes, shoot us a message at the same address!
Enjoy responsibly, for ages 0+.
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2020-05-1400 min
Dave & Ethan's 2000" Weird Al PodcastStrings Attached Bonus Episode 4 cm - Fans React to Strings AttachedIn this bonus episode, fans react to seeing Weird Al's June 6, 2019 Strings Attached Tour show in Fort Lauderdale, FL at Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Fan reactions include Jeremy Wein, Terri Monahan, Jeremy Samples, and Margarita!
ABOUTSince 2019, Dave & Ethan’s 2000″ Weird Al Podcast has covered all facets of the life, career, and fandom of “Weird Al” Yankovic. Hosted by Dave “Elvis” Rossi and Ethan Ullman, two Weird Al super fans, collectors, and historians - the podcast aims to spread the joy of Weird Al and his music while digging deep and learning from those w...
2019-06-1706 min
This My ShowEpisode 34 - Raviv UllmanThis week we are joined by actor Raviv Ullman as we discuss his past as the star of the Disney channel series Phil of The Future, The role that religion has played in his life, and starring in the new play Russian Transport now playing at The New Group
2012-03-0237 min