A Degree Further

Welcome back to A Degree Further, the podcast from the Hood College Graduate School, where we explore the journeys, passions, and research shaping our community. Today, we’re thrilled to feature two incredible guests who are at the heart of innovation in the biomedical sciences here at Hood. First, we’re joined by Dr. Meredith Yeager, faculty member in the Biology Department and Director of the Biomedical Science program. Dr. Yeager brings decades of distinguished experience from the National Cancer Institute, where she led the Cancer Genomics Research Laboratory for more than 20 years. Her work spans cancer epidemiology, molecular evolutionary genetics, and the virology of human papillomaviruses. Now at Hood, she’s applying her expertise to a fascinating new frontier: the genetics of feline traits. Think coat color, patterns, and even the papillomaviruses that affect big cats. Her career is a powerful example of how curiosity and scientific rigor can uncover answers across species and disciplines. Joining her is Alisa Gorham, a senior biochemistry major and dedicated 4PLUS student set to graduate this January. Alisa has already secured her place in Hood College's Biomedical Science master’s program, where she’ll begin the thesis track in Spring 2026. With a lifelong passion for biomedical sciences, and a love for animals, this project is especially meaningful. Alisa represents the next generation of scientists eager to explore the genetic mysteries that shape the living world. Together, Dr. Yeager and Alisa are collaborating on research that bridges molecular genetics and animal biology, offering fresh insights into both scientific discovery and student/faculty mentorship.

Welcome back to A Degree Further, the official podcast of the Graduate School at Hood College.In this episode, we’re joined by Levi White, a dedicated advocate for inclusive and affirming mental health care. Levi earned his bachelor's degree in psychology from Hood College and is now pursuing his master's in clinical mental health counseling from the College. As a counseling intern and active member of Counselors for Social Justice (CSJ), Levi’s work centers on advancing equitable mental health services for transgender, nonbinary, and gender-expansive individuals.Levi’s academic journey reflects both scholarship and social impact — his recent publication explores how systemic factors influence the experiences of transgender clients in therapy, drawing from frameworks like the Minority Stress Model and the WPATH Standards of Care.We spoke with Levi about his path from psychology to counseling, his research on gender equity in mental health, and how he’s using his education at Hood to go further.

Calli Onest is an aspiring infectious disease researcher who completed her Biology degree at Kent State University before joining Hood College’s Biomedical Science program. Her time at Hood helped her build confidence in research, sharpen her lab skills, and prepare for the next step toward a Ph.D. With experience in both clinical and commercial microbiology, she’s passionate about using science to make an impact on global health. Calli lives in Maryland with her cat, Turnip, and her lizard, Sherman.

Nikki Scott, DSW is a proud mother and wife. She is also a social worker, self-published author, counselor, and college professor. Dr. Scott holds a doctorate in social work, an advanced certification in grief counseling, a certification in bereavement trauma, and has training in perinatal mental health. Dr. Scott is a proud member of the National Association of Social Workers, the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress, and the National Center for Crisis Management. She aspires to make the world a better place through kindness, compassion, and validating others on their life journeys. She lives in Michigan with her husband Cameron, their sons Liam, Brodie, and Zain, and their fur babies.

You can click here to learn about Dr. Scott's book, 'Mama, Let's Talk About... All of It'

Dr Scott's favorite books to learn more about death, dying and hospice include: 'Briefly Perfectly Human,' 'Nothing to Fear: Demystifying Death to Live More Fully,' 'The In-Between: Unforgettable Encounters During Life's Final Moments.'

Dr. Scott also recommends visiting What's Your Grief, for interested listeners who would like to learn more about the grief.

Venkata Krishna Kandalai is a passionate and driven graduate student aspiring to build a career in the growing field of health informatics. He earned his undergraduate degree in Biology from George Mason University, where he developed a strong academic foundation in the life sciences. Now combining that background with data science, he is well-prepared to address the complex challenges of analyzing and interpreting health data using modern computational tools. His interests lie in the application of AI in healthcare and leveraging emerging technologies to reduce barriers to care and address health disparities.

Welcome back to A Degree Further, the podcast where we highlight the inspiring stories of graduate students at Hood College and beyond.

Today’s guest is Peter Azorsa, a soon-to-be graduate of Hood College’s Biomedical Sciences Master’s program. Raised between Maryland and Arizona, Peter earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Arizona in 2015. 

Since then, he’s built an impressive career in both industry and government, focusing on groundbreaking work in cancer immunotherapy.

Now, Peter is preparing for an exciting new chapter, beginning his Ph.D. this fall at the University of Michigan through their highly competitive Programs in Biomedical Sciences (PIBS).

In this episode, we’ll talk about his academic path, what drives his research, and how his experiences have shaped his vision for the future of biomedical science.

Email: [email protected]

Toma Taylor Makoundou, the Founder and Principal Consultant of MAKSEC, leads her team in empowering organizations to forge robust cybersecurity defenses and expertly navigate complex compliance landscapes. She is profoundly committed to translating intricate security into accessible and practical solutions, making her a respected voice who actively shapes resilient digital environments across the business community.  

[email protected]

https://www.maksec.com

Today on A Degree Further, we’re joined by a local entrepreneur and proud Hood College alumnus who's making waves in Frederick’s small business scene.

Adam Weintraub is a recent graduate of Hood College’s MBA program—and a true Double Blazer, having also earned his bachelor’s degree in Integrated Marketing & Communications. During his time at Hood, Adam took full advantage of the ALTY scholarship, building a strong foundation in strategy, branding, and innovation.

Now, he’s putting that knowledge into action as the owner and curator of Two Coast Vintage, a thriving business where he buys, sells, and curates premium vintage clothing. Adam combines business savvy with a keen eye for style, transforming his passion into a thriving local brand.

We’re excited to hear more about his journey from the classroom to the entrepreneurial world, and how his Hood experience helped shape that path.

Welcome to the podcast, Adam!

Joining us is Ryan Riesmeyer, a coach, educator, and leadership advocate redefining what it means to support and shape student-athletes on and off the field.

Get ready for a conversation about coaching with purpose, leading with heart, and helping the next generation go a Degree Further.

Enjoy it!

Join us on A Degree Further, the official podcast of the Graduate School at Hood College, as we celebrate the journeys of our soon-to-be graduates!

In this episode, we sit down with Kendra Speicher-Eisenstark, a Clinical Mental Health Counseling student earning her Master’s this spring, along with a certificate in Thanatology.

Kendra is gaining hands-on experience through her internship at Catoctin Counseling and client work at the NCTC at Hood while also practicing in the community. She serves as the Graduate Assistant for the Counseling Department, President of Hood’s Counselors for Social Justice Chapter, and Associate Editor of the Journal of Counseling Sexology and Sexual Wellness.

Kendra will also be speaking at the Counselors for Social Justice conference this April on the role of hormone cycles in the counseling space.

In this episode, she shares her passion for mental health advocacy and the importance of social justice in counseling. If you're interested in career transformation, mental health, and advocacy, this is an episode you won’t want to miss! Tune in now and go A Degree Further with us! 🎧✨

If you want more information about CSJ, Counseling, or anything that Kendra shared with us, here is her email: [email protected]

Please don't hesitate to reach out; she will gladly help!