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Fail-Safe Science Episode 32: Dr. Tracy Kijewski-Correa Transcript: Here Scientist Info: Tracy Kijewski-Correa University Profile: https://keough.nd.edu/about/faculty-staff-directory/tracy-kijewski-correa/ Fail-Safe Science Repository: https://risecenter.asu.edu/fail-safe International Postgraduate Mental Health Alliance (MHA): https://www.ispmha.com/ Mental Health Resources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/14G5m91FLPY5gZSHUzWXAQ4Jnm4uX9AS0yhypus3gsuQ/edit?usp=sharing Land Acknowledgement Resources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/10lLcxY7OSsuTnXyq_CSC5Wvst8MSMRurisBfX5hK7AI/edit?tab=t.0

2026-04-2721 min

Fail-Safe Science Episode 31: Dr. Haider Ali BhattiIn this episode, we hear from Dr. Haider Ali Bhatti, a postdoc at the University of California- Santa Cruz. Ali’s dissertation research focused on assessment in science education, where he looked at a course called “Bioinspired Design” at UC- Berkeley and measured student outcomes related to student success. His current work also focuses on assessment, but in the context of field courses, specifically biology field courses at UC- Santa Cruz and measuring the impact of those courses on student outcomes. Here, Ali opens up about the passing of his mom during his first year of graduate school, and how he...

2026-04-2020 min

Fail-Safe Science Episode 30: Dr. Simona KrabergerIn this episode, we hear from Dr. Simona Kraberger, an assistant research scientist at Arizona State University. Her dissertation research focused on the global dynamics of mastreviruses which are a group of agriculturally important plant infecting viruses. Now, her work focuses on evolution and ecology of viruses in animals, plants and environmental samples. Here, Simona talks about a time in her PhD where she struggled with a presentation and public speaking, and the lessons she learned from these struggles that she has since applied to future scenarios. Let’s listen! Transcript: Here Scientist Info: Simona Kraberger University Profile: ht...

2026-04-1312 min

Fail-Safe Science Episode 29: Dr. Jennifer BekkiIn this episode, we hear from Dr. Jennifer Bekki, a Professor in The Polytechnic School within the Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University who also serves as the Associate Dean of Inclusive Excellence for the Fulton Schools. Her dissertation research focused on modeling and analysis of semiconductor manufacturing, and her work now primarily focuses on understanding the impact of interpersonal and institutional support on the wellbeing and career trajectories of graduate students in STEM. Here, Jennifer shares what it was like to work on a modeling project that had unexpected results, and how she moved forward despite t...

2026-04-0618 min

Fail-Safe Science Episode 28: Dr. Nsa DadaIn this episode, we hear from Dr. Nsa Dada, an Assistant Professor in the School of Life Sciences at Arizona State University. Her PhD research focused on the interactions between mosquitoes and their associated microbes, specifically those that inhabit domestic water containers. She worked on the container dwelling mosquito Aedes aegypti in Southeast Asia, Thailand, and Laos, where she was interested in understanding the relationship between fecal contamination of those containers and mosquito production. Her work now continues to focus on mosquito and microbe interactions, specifically how microbes shape the response and adaptation of mosquitoes to evolutionary pressure. Here...

2026-03-3011 min

Fail-Safe Science Episode 27: Dr. Adam ReitzelIn this episode, we hear from Dr. Adam Reitzel, a Professor and the Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Education at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Adam’s PhD research focused on the ecology and evolution of sea anemones, and his work now focuses on the comparative genomics of marine invertebrates (particularly cnidarians) and mechanisms of animal-environment interactions. Here, Adam discusses navigating fieldwork in graduate school, and the imposter syndrome and challenges that came with his first field season. Let’s listen! Transcript: Here Scientist Info: Adam Reitzel University Profile: https://biology.charlotte.edu/directory/adam-m-reitzel-phd/ Lab W...

2026-03-2313 min

Fail-Safe Science Episode 26: Dr. Karin EllisonIn this episode, we hear from Dr. Karin Ellison, a Clinical Professor in the School of Life Sciences at Arizona State University. She also directs the Ethics Program in the school, and is the Associate Director for the Center for Biology and Society. Her dissertation research focused on the history of Grand Coulee Dam and multiple purpose river development in the 20th century United States, while her work now focuses on research ethics education and practice. Here, Karin shares what it was like to navigate mental health struggles during graduate school while navigating different milestones, like comprehensive exams, teaching...

2026-03-1614 min

Fail-Safe Science Episode 25: Dr. Caren Quieroz SouzaIn this episode, we hear from Dr. Caren Quieroz Souza, a postdoc at Federal University of São Carlos in Brazil. Her dissertation research focused on conservation social science as an interdisciplinary approach for understanding socio-psychological factors related to pollinator conservation, and her work now focuses on understanding the role of citizen science for biodiversity conservation and human-nature connection through inter-transdisciplinary approaches, integrating social psychology and human sciences theories and methods. Here, Caren shares her experience receiving a paper rejection. She talks about the feelings that came up for her at the time, and ultimately how she coped to wo...

2026-03-0914 min

Fail-Safe Science Episode 24: Dr. Paige MadisonIn this episode, we hear from Dr. Paige Madison, who currently works for Complexly as a script editor for PBS Eons. She is also a science writer, most recently working with National Geographic. In addition, she is writing her first book, which is due to be published in 2027. Her dissertation research focused on paleoanthropology, or the science of human origins, specifically looking at controversial fossils in science’s history. Here, Paige talks about the difficulties she had writing and defending her prospectus during her PhD. Let’s listen! Transcript: Here Scientist Info: Paige Madison Author Profile: https://janklowandnesbit.co.u...

2026-03-0214 min

Fail-Safe Science Episode 23: Dr. Arvind VarsaniIn this episode, we hear from Dr. Arvind Varsani, a molecular virologist and a Professor in the School of Life Sciences at Arizona State University. For his PhD, Arvind focused on designing vaccines for human papillomavirus. Currently, his work focuses on the evolution of viruses across ecosystems. Here, Arvind recounts the challenges he experienced while running experiments in the lab during graduate school, and how he was able to change his outlook on failure. Let’s listen! Transcript: Here Scientist Info: Arvind Varsani University Profile: https://search.asu.edu/profile/3050059 Website: https://varsanilab.org/ Fail-Safe Science Repository: https://rise...

2026-02-2311 min

Fail-Safe Science Episode 22: Dr. Alice R. de MoraesIn this episode, we hear from Dr. Alice R. de Moraes, a postdoc at University of Campinas (UNICAMP) in Brazil. Her dissertation research focused on stakeholder perceptions and social-ecological dynamics of ecosystem services in a rural setting in southeast Brazil, and her work now focuses on co-producing local solutions for a grounded sociobioeconomy in the Brazilian Amazon. Here, Alice talks about how difficulties with field seasons and lab work added some roadblocks to her PhD, and how she moved forward despite these ups and downs. Let’s listen! Transcript: Here Scientist Info: Alice R. de Moraes Uni...

2026-02-1621 min

Fail-Safe Science Episode 21: Dr. Emily WebbIn this episode, we hear from Dr. Emily Webb, an Assistant Professor of Biology at Rockford University in Rockford, Illinois. Her research in graduate school focused on the physiology of color in birds. In her current position, she primarily focuses on teaching undergraduate biology courses, including Anatomy and Physiology, Genetics, and Intro Bio. Here, Emily discusses her experience with having a dissertation idea rejected by her committee and how she overcame this challenge. Let’s listen! Transcript: Here Scientist Info: Emily Webb University Profile: https://www.rockford.edu/campus-directory/webb-emily/ Website: https://theemilyaves.wordpress.com/ Fail-Safe Science Repository: http...

2026-02-0909 min

Fail-Safe Science Episode 20: Dr. Edauri Navarro PérezIn this episode, we hear from Dr. Edauri Navarro-Pérez, a postdoc at Arizona State University. Her dissertation research focused on roots, specifically how soil restoration treatments, in a greenhouse, affect root development. Now, her postdoc is through ESSA, Earth Systems Science for the Anthropocene, where she does various things including leading a seminar, mentoring an undergraduate, helping organize events for the community and students, and doing research in ecological-human relationships with water. Here, Edauri talks about an experimental failure, and how she navigated feeling delayed in her research due to these setbacks and the COVID-19 pandemic. Let’s lis...

2026-02-0215 min

Fail-Safe Science Episode 19: Dr. Ramesh LaunganiIn this episode, we hear from Dr. Ramesh Laungani, an Associate Professor at Marist University in the School of Science in the department of Environmental Science and Policy. His dissertation research focused on nitrogen and carbon cycling in grasslands. Now, his work with undergraduates primarily focuses on the ecological impacts of biochar, a potential solution to climate change and long term carbon sequestration. Here, Ramesh talks about how he got through an error that cost him a whole field season’s worth of data. However, Ramesh was able to cope with it and now uses the experience to inform hi...

2026-01-2614 min

Fail-Safe Science Episode 18: Dr. Gwen IaconaIn this episode, we hear from Dr. Gwen Iacona, an Assistant Research Professor at Arizona State University, where she serves as the Assistant Director for the Center for Biodiversity Outcomes. She also serves on the advisory board for the National Parks Service, where she promotes data-driven ecological decision-making. Gwen’s dissertation research focused on the costs and benefits of managing protected areas for conservation, and her work now primarily focuses on how we can support conservation decision makers in achieving the outcomes they are looking for. Here, Gwen talks about her struggles with her prospectus exam, and how she bo...

2026-01-1912 min

Fail-Safe Science Episode 17: Dr. Xyonane SegoviaIn this episode, we hear from Dr. Xyonane Segovia, an Assistant Teaching Professor at Arizona State University. Her dissertation research focused on malaria, specifically looking at resistance evolution of the malaria parasite. Now, she’s in a position where she teaches various subjects including evolutionary medicine, global health and biology. Here, Xyonane talks about navigating an experiment failure while working on her Ph.D., as well as how she coped with feelings of imposter syndrome throughout graduate school, which included strategies like therapy, medication, exercise, and, as she notes perhaps most of all, talking to other graduate students. Let’s li...

2026-01-1216 min

Fail-Safe Science Episode 16: Dr. Hong WangIn this episode, we hear from Dr. Hong Wang, a Professor in the Department of Physics at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC. Her PhD research focused on atomic force microscope imaging of protein and DNA complexes, and her current work focuses on single molecule studies of DNA repair. Here, Hong talks about what it was like for her to navigate pregnancy (with twins) while in graduate school, and how she adjusted her research and expectations for herself leading up to the birth, as well as after becoming a new mom. Let’s listen! Transcript: Here Scientist In...

2026-01-0516 min

Fail-Safe Science Happy Holidays and 2025 Wrap-Up!Hello Fail-Safe Science listeners! This is Olivia Davis- one of the co-founders of Fail-Safe Science. We hope you are all getting some much deserved rest and practicing self-care after a long year. We don’t have a new episode dropping this week, but we still wanted to pop on and check in with you all. In the meantime, if you are looking for mental health resources this holiday season, please check out our show notes. If you’d like to catch up on Fail-Safe Science before our new episodes drop, you can find all of the episodes we’ve releas...

2025-12-2903 min

Fail-Safe Science Episode 15: Dr. Holly MolinaroIn this episode, we hear from Dr. Holly Molinaro. Holly is currently a consultant for General Mills and Blue Buffalo dog food company where she assists on understanding animal behavior to create better products. Her PhD research focused on animal emotions, specifically dogs, and her work now is focused on broadly helping people help their animals, whether in zoos, shelters, or industry partners. She has also been working on starting her own consulting firm, Animal Wellbeing Solutions, which focuses on animal welfare in these contexts. Here, Holly discusses what it was like to navigate receiving feedback on one of...

2025-12-2214 min

Fail-Safe Science Episode 14: Dr. Kat MagnoneIn this episode, we hear from Dr. Kat Magnone, who at the time of this recording was an adjunct Chemistry instructor at Cincinnati State. Their dissertation research studied high school students learning about sodium chloride dissolution using molecular level animations. Here, Kat discusses their experience failing their qualifying exams on their first try at the second institution they went to for their PhD. They then share how going through this challenge inspired them to change not only their approach to science and research but also their approach to mental health. Let’s listen! Transcript: Here Scientist Inf...

2025-12-1511 min

Fail-Safe Science Episode 13: Dr. Raúl Araya-DonosoIn this episode, we hear from Dr. Raúl Araya-Donoso. At the time of recording, Raúl was a Postdoctoral scholar at Arizona State University, but he has since moved on to a Postdoc position at Yale. His dissertation research focused on the genomic and ecological factors affecting speciation rates on lizards, and his ASU postdoc kept exploring that same topic. At Yale, he will be going further on that question, and try to integrate how behavior also plays a role in shaping the evolution of organisms. Here, Raúl talks about how he navigated completing a PhD in a p...

2025-12-0813 min

Fail-Safe Science Episode 12: Dr. Kate WeissIn this episode, we hear from Dr. Kate Weiss, an Assistant Professor of Environmental Science at Marist University. Her PhD research focused on understanding how wild carnivores make decisions about what they eat in urban environments. Now, her work focuses on understanding how to promote more sustainable futures for people and wildlife species by incorporating social, ecological, and evolutionary approaches. Here, Kate talks about the obstacles she faced while finishing her dissertation, and how she overcame the expectations she set for herself based on what she thought grad school was going to look like for her, and what it...

2025-12-0117 min

Fail-Safe Science Episode 11: Dr. Mercy SalamiIn this episode, we hear from Dr. Mercy Salami, a senior lecturer in the Department of Agricultural Economics and Farm Management at the University of Ilorin in Nigeria. Her dissertation research focused on the contribution of wild tree species to food security in northwestern Nigeria. Since then, her research has focused on the issues of development economics. Mercy specifically works on food security, poverty, and gender, specifically among rural areas and marginalized populations. Here, she talks about how she felt when she disappointed her supervisor while defending her PhD thesis, and how she was able to process and move...

2025-11-2412 min

Fail-Safe Science Episode 10: Dr. Logan GinIn this episode, we hear from Dr. Logan Gin, the Assistant Director for STEM in the Sheridan Center for Teaching and Learning at Brown University. His dissertation research focused on the experiences of STEM students with disabilities, and since graduating he’s been in this position working with graduate students and postdocs on professional development mostly around teaching and learning. Here, Logan discusses disappointing his advisor, and how he navigated challenges with one of his first research projects in graduate school. Let’s listen! Transcript: Here Scientist Info: Logan Gin Profile: https://sheridan.brown.edu/people/logan-gin-phd Fail-Safe Scien...

2025-11-1712 min

Fail-Safe Science Episode 9: Dr. Max LiboironIn this episode, we hear from Dr. Max Liboiron, a Professor in Geography at Memorial University of Newfoundland in Canada, where they run the CLEAR lab, the Civic Laboratory for Environmental Action Research. Max’s dissertation research focused on the emerging state of plastic pollution as a field, and their work now focuses on creating tools and infrastructures for community-based plastic pollution research now that it is an established field. They are also the author of the book Pollution is Colonialism. Here, Max revisits the time they almost left graduate school during the first week, and what it took fo...

2025-11-1016 min

Fail-Safe Science Episode 8: Dr. Patricia RankinIn this episode, we hear from Dr. Patricia Rankin, a Chair and a Professor in the Department of Physics at Arizona State University. Her PhD research focused on particle physics, specifically charm photo production, and her work now primarily focuses on science policy, especially paving the way for women in STEM. Here, Patricia shares what it was like to work on lab experiments during graduate school, and the lessons she was able to learn throughout her PhD work despite not finding the particles she may have hoped or expected. Let’s listen! Transcript: Here Scientist Info: Pat...

2025-11-0321 min

Fail-Safe Science Episode 7: Dr. Sarah HabibiIn this episode, we hear from Dr. Sarah Habibi, the founder of Mito &Co, a children’s STEM education company based out of Toronto, Canada. Her dissertation research focused on characterizing novel drug targets in parasitic worms, and specifically looked at the parasite Haemonchus contortus, which infects livestock across North America. Now, her work focuses on science communication and STEM education, where she provides kid-friendly science experiments and activities for parents to do at home with their children. Here, Sarah talks about struggling with lab work in graduate school, and what it was like to navigate through the challenges th...

2025-10-2715 min

Fail-Safe Science Episode 6: Dr. Nigel RothfelsIn this episode, we hear from Dr. Nigel Rothfels, who is now retired (huge congrats!), but at the time of this interview was a Professor of History and Acting Vice Provost for Research at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. His dissertation research focused on how animals have been thought about in different historical times, but now his scholarly work is squarely in the humanistic study of animals and culture – often called Animal Studies. Here, Nigel discusses his experiences struggling with finishing his dissertation and going on the job market at the end of graduate school. Let’s listen! Transcript: Here...

2025-10-2012 min

Fail-Safe Science Episode 5: Dr. Michele ClarkIn this episode, we hear from Dr. Michele Clark, who is an American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Science & Technology Policy Fellow at the Department of Energy in Washington D.C. Her PhD research focused on the drivers of invasive plant species and plant distribution within community forests in subtropical Nepal, where she lived and did research as a Fulbright scholar. Specifically, she focused on how these factors related to the lives and livelihoods of rural people around community forests. Michele is also a Critical Response Process, or CRP, facilitator, which helps people learn how to give...

2025-10-1317 min

Fail-Safe Science Episode 4: Dr. Sara BrownellIn this episode, we hear from Dr. Sara Brownell, a Professor and biology education researcher at Arizona State University, where she studies how students and instructors navigate concealable stigmatized identities in academic science. Sara transitioned to studying undergraduate biology education during her postdoc. She received her Master’s from The Scripps Research Institute and her PhD from Stanford University, both focused in neuroscience. Here, she discusses the challenges she had with her comprehensive exams, both during her Master’s and PhD. Let’s listen! Podcast Resources Transcript: Here Scientist Info: Sara Brownell University Profile: https...

2025-10-0516 min

Fail-Safe Science Episode 3: Dr. Fernando Salinas-QuirozDr. Fernando Salinas-Quiroz is currently an Assistant Professor in the Eliot-Pearson Department of Child Study and Human Development at Tufts University. Their dissertation research focused on assessing the quality of Mexican daycare. In their current position, they study with and for trans youth (you can check out more of their work on their website here: https://www.transfermative.com/ ). In this video, Fer discusses their experience navigating academic bureaucracy and how it affected their dissertation project. Podcast Resources: Transcript: Here Scientist Info: Fernando Salinas-Quiroz Website: https://www.transfermative.com/ University Profile: https://as.tufts.ed...

2025-09-2918 min

Fail-Safe Science Episode 2: Dr. Leah Jones- CrankDr. Leah Jones-Crank is an Assistant Professor in the School of Environment, Resources, and Sustainability at the University of Waterloo in Canada. Her PhD research focused on collaborative governance of the food-energy-water nexus in Phoenix, Arizona, and Cape Town, South Africa. Currently, she is expanding that research to focus on the environmental and ecological impacts of the food-energy-water nexus in Southern Ontario. In this video, Leah discusses her experience with a change of plans in fieldwork for her dissertation during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Podcast Resources: Transcript: Here Scientist Info: Leah Jones-Crank U...

2025-09-2111 min

Fail-Safe Science Episode 1: Dr. Matt WundDr. Matt Wund is a Professor in the Biology Department at The College of New Jersey, a primarily undergraduate institution, in Ewing, NJ. Matt’s PhD research focused on echolocation in bats, and during his postdoc, switched to behavior, evolution, and phenotypic plasticity in stickleback fish, which he continues now. Here, Matt discusses his experience with failing his comprehensive exams on his first attempt. Music: Auroras by Steven Beddall (courtesy of Artlist.io) Podcast Resources: Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10MZ4YKmA15tCSEeiGZkXmnsd4I6_HxRw/view?usp=drive_link...

2025-09-1512 min