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College Matters. Alma Matters.
By Venkat RamanEducation
College Matters. Alma Matters. episodes
- About Majors: What is Sociology? With Prof. Jeanne Mekolichick of Radford University.
The goal of this series is to serve as a Primer for High Schoolers about a College Major, through our conversations with Faculty Experts in the various US Colleges and Universities.
We continue this series with Sociology, with Jeanne Mekolichick, Professor of Sociology at Radford University.
In particular, we discuss the following with her:
- What is Sociology ?
- Areas of Sociology
- Research Topics
- Skills Needed
- Job Opportunities
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introducing Prof. Jeanne Mekolichick, Radford [0:51]
- Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights [1:53]
- What is Sociology? [4:18]
- The History [5:32]
- What does Sociology Address? [7:42]
- Role of Sociology [10:15]
- Areas of Sociology [13:05]
- About Inequity [14:43]
- Research Topics [17:10]
- Environment Sociology [22:29]
- Skills to Study Sociology [24:50]
- Career Opportunities [27:35]
- Prof. Mekolichick’s Sociology Journey [30:54]
Our Guest: Jeanne Mekolichick is the Associate Provost and Professor of Sociology at Radford University. Jeanne is also the President of The Council on Undergraduate Research.
Memorable Quote: “I've told my students for years, we're giving you the superpowers of sociology and you know, you could do with them you know, you can go use them for good or evil”. Prof. Jeanne Mekolichick.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.
Suggestions for you: Primers on College Majors
Calls-to-action:
- Subscribe to our Weekly Podcast Digest.
- Follow us on Instagram.
- To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email [email protected].
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify.
42 min - Easiest Colleges To Get into With Smart Applicants in College News Fit to Digest. June 6, 2022.
Making sense of the College News of the week, curated by Alma Matters. Coronavirus continues to drive the news. Shveta Bagade, College Counselor gives us her take on the news.
Topics discussed in this episode:
- 39M Students Leave College without a Degree []
- North Carolina plans 2-year Free College []
- Easiest Colleges to get into with Smart Applicants []
- Int’l Applicants to the UK to rise by 46% by 2026
Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California.
Resources referred to in this episode:
- Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11]
- HigherDive []
- Fox46 News []
- 247WallSt []
- PIE News []
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.
Calls-to-action:
- Email your comments or questions on this episode to [email protected].
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations:, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, RadioPublic, Breaker, Anchor.
- For Transcripts of all our podcasts, visit almamatters.io/podcasts.
16 min - Maya Brooks on New York University: Economics, Global Liberal Studies and NY Annual Pillow Fight.
In high school Maya did a lot of different things including Languages, Theater, Musical Theater, Dance and Cheerleading. Maya was in high school at the time of the Great Recession of ‘08. So, when time came for college, she wanted to focus on whatever gave her the best chance of getting a job after graduating from college.
Maya Brooks is a graduate of New York University with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics. Now, as a member of the NYU Alumni, Maya shares her Undergraduate Experience.
In particular, we discuss the following with her:
- Choosing NYU
- Majoring in Economics
- Freshman Year in London
- Interest in Startups
- Advice to Aspirants
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introduction to Maya Brooks, New York University [0:47]
- Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights [1:48]
- Overall Experience [4:38]
- High School Interests [7:09]
- Transition to NYU - London [8:39]
- Transition to NYC Campus [12:36]
- Managing Challenges [14:45]
- The Academics [18:26]
- “Driven” Peers [20:10]
- Campus Living [21:57]
- Campus Activities [23:14]
- Summers [24:27]
- Majoring in Economics [26:49]
- Interest in Startups [29:22]
- NYU’s Impact [32:43]
- NYU Redo [34:49]
- Advice to High School Students [38:22]
- Memories [41:46]
Our Guest: Maya Brooks is a graduate from New York University with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics. Maya is currently a 2023 MBA candidate at Harvard Business School.
Memorable Quote: “I wish I got to know my professors better. So if you're listening, and you haven't gotten to know some of your professors, I highly recommend leveraging their time and you know, taking the time to get to know them…” Maya Brooks.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.
Similar Episodes: College Experiences
Calls-to-action:
- Subscribe to our Weekly Podcast Digest.
- Follow us on Instagram.
- To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email [email protected].
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify.
46 min - John Mateja on The Barry Goldwater Scholarship: Identify, Encourage & Support Students doing Undergraduate Research.
In his sophomore year of college, John was losing interest in Physics. Then he stumbled upon UG Research that changed things completely for him. John subsequently went on to get his Phd in Nuclear Physics. Today he is the President of the Goldwater Scholarship and the Excellence in Education Foundation.
Set up in 1986 to honor Senator Barry Goldwater’s distinguished public service, the Scholarship promotes undergraduate research by awarding scholarships to students.
In this podcast, John gives us an overview of The Barry Goldwater Scholarship, How Students can Apply, What they look for in their Scholars, and Advice for High Schoolers.
In particular, we discuss the following with him:
- About Barry Goldwater Scholarship
- What are they looking for in their Scholars
- How to Apply
- What the Scholars receive
- Advice to Applicants
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introducing John Mateja, Barry Goldwater Scholarship [0:39]
- Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights [1:45]
- Professional Background [3:48]
- The Importance of UG Research [8:50]
- Barry Goldwater Scholarship [10:33]
- John’s Role as President [11:57]
- What do they look for in their Scholars? [13:13]
- The Application Process [15:11]
- Application Stats [16:51]
- What do Scholars get? [19:06]
- Success Stories [21:40]
- What’s Next? [25:34]
- Advice to High Schoolers [28:26]
- Close: Seek Research Opportunities [29:54]
Our Guest: John Mateja is the President of the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and the Excellence in Education Foundation. John holds a PhD in Nuclear Physics from the University of Notre Dame.
Memorable Quote: “The real gold in the Goldwater Scholarship is not the money. The real value in this scholarship is going through the application process, which forces you to think about your career in ways that many students don't think about their careers.” John Mateja.
Episode Transcript: Please visit this Episode’s Transcript.
Podcast Suggestions for High Schoolers: College Experiences
Calls-to-action:
- Subscribe to our Weekly Podcast Newsletter.
- Follow us on Instagram.
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify.
33 min - Colleen Koppes of Dowling Catholic on College Counseling: Questioning, Advocating, Sharing Knowledge.
Colleen went to a high school with about 1000 students in rural Iowa. She rarely interacted with her counselor, given the student volume. Her family, teachers and friends provided her the support and guidance as she mapped out her future
Colleen Koppes, College and Career Coordinator at Dowling Catholic High School in Des Moines, Iowa. On our podcast, Colleen shares her background, her counseling approach, dealing with Dream Colleges, the COVID impact, and advice to high school students.
In particular, we discuss the following with her:
- Colleen Koppes’ Background
- Approach to College Counseling
- Navigating Dream Colleges
- Advice for Rising Seniors
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introducing Colleen Koppes [0:41]
- Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights [1:38]
- Professional Background [4:27]
- Why Counseling? [5:46]
- Switching to High School [7:11]
- About Dowling Catholic High School [8:41]
- Role at the School [10:01]
- Approach to College Counseling [12:23]
- The Challenges [14:39]
- Dealing with Dream Colleges [18:03]
- Changes over the last decade [21:06]
- Going Undeclared [27:18]
- Early Application Strategy [29:54]
- COVID Impact [32:15]
- Advice for High Schoolers [34:25]
- Staying Excited [37:46]
Our Guest: Colleen Koppes is the College and Career Coordinator at Dowling Catholic High School in Des Moines, Iowa.
Memorable Quote: “...if I can have even the slightest impact on a young person's life throughout the support and advice I provide them, I think that makes all the difference to me and my fulfillment as a college counselor.” Colleen Koppes.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.
Recommended Episodes: College Experiences
Calls-to-action:
- Subscribe to our Weekly Podcast Digest.
- Follow us on Instagram.
- To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email [email protected].
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations:Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify.
42 min - Colleges Find Ways to Help with Tuition in College News Fit to Digest. May 9, 2022.
Making sense of the College News of the week, curated by Alma Matters. Coronavirus continues to drive the news. Shveta Bagade, College Counselor gives us her take on the news.
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Colleges Find Ways to Help with Tuition []
- MSU goes Test Optional []
- Berkeley Housing Shortage []
Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California.
Resources referred to in this episode:
- Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11]
- Nasdaq []
- KRQE []
- Fox47News []
- BerkeleySide []
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.
Calls-to-action:
- Email your comments or questions on this episode to [email protected].
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations:, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, RadioPublic, Breaker, Anchor.
- For Transcripts of all our podcasts, visit almamatters.io/podcasts.
14 min - Prof. Juk Bhattacharyya of UW Whitewater on UG Research: Tackling Real-World Problems.
While doing her graduate program in Geology, Prof. Bhattacharyya found that Research shaped her understanding of her discipline. While teaching undergraduate classes, she wanted to bring that research experience to undergraduate students.
That drew her to UW Whitewater.
Prof. Bhattacharayya joins us on our podcast to talk about UG Research at UW Whitewater, CUR’s role, Infrastructure for Students & Faculty, success stories, and finally the skills needed to do research.
In particular, we discuss the following with her:
- Prof. Juk Bhattacharyya’s Background
- UG Research at UW Whitewater
- Student Success Stories
- Skills for High Schoolers
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introducing Prof. Juk Bhattacharyya, UW Whitewater [1:01]
- Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights [2:28]
- Professional Background [5:25]
- Value of UG Research [6:42]
- Why Academia? [8:56]
- CUR’s Role [12:13]
- UG Research Infrastructure [15:25]
- Introducing UG Research at Freshman Orientation [22:43]
- Student Participation [23:20]
- Success Stories [24:53]
- Impact on Students [27:35]
- Research vs Classroom [31:18]
- What’s Next? [36:10]
- Participation across Disciplines [39:44]
- Advice for High Schoolers [42:25]
Our Guest: Juk Bhattacharyya is a Professor of Geology at the University of Wisconsin Whitewater. Prof. Bhattacharyya graduated with a Master’s degree in Geology from the University of Calcutta and her PhD in Geology from the University of Minnesota.
Memorable Quote: “ Don't be afraid to talk to Professors. Professors don't bite and would love to have you come catch us in the hallways or in classes.” Prof. Bhattacharyya.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.
Calls-to-action:
- Subscribe to our Weekly Podcast Digest.
- Follow us on Instagram.
- To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email [email protected].
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations:, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify.
48 min - Kayla and David Suisse on Utah State: Undergraduate Research on Medicinal Benefits of Sagebrush, and Discovering Humanities.
In High School, Kayla loved every course she took. She was quite stressed trying to figure out what course to pursue. David on the other hand, was pretty set on studying medicine early on. He loved the Sciences.
Kayla and David join us on our podcast to share their Undergraduate Research experiences, their work with Sagebrush-based research, and their college journey at Utah State University.
In particular, we discuss the following with them:
- Choosing Utah State University
- Benefits of doing UG Research
- Majoring in Biology, Global Communication
- Advice to Freshman and High Schoolers
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introduction to Kayla, David Suisse, Utah State Univ [0:38]
- Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights [1:53]
- Overall Experience at USU [4:24]
- Why Utah State? [6:48]
- High School Interests [8:03]
- Giving Things Time…[11:13]
- Transition to USU & UG Research [13:27]
- Kayla and David’s Research [17:41]
- Sagebrush-based Research [22:46]
- What’s Next for Sagebrush Research? [30:37]
- Kayla - Science meets Social Science [32:34]
- Impact of UG Research [34:27]
- The Future [39:06]
- Why Freshman should do UG Research [41:53]
- Advice for High Schoolers [45:27]
- Fav Memories [48:46]
Our Guests:Kayla Suisse is a graduating Senior majoring in Biology from Utah State University.
David Suisse is a graduating Senior majoring in Global Communication and Pre-Medical Studies from Utah State University.
Memorable Quote: “...people will tell us, well, you're gonna have to pick one. You can't just have so many interests and be able to do all those things. I disagree. I see places where I wish that this professional had this skill, you know. I'll meet with a doctor and say, Wow, I really wish that they had greater communication or writing skills…”. David & Kayla.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.
Similar Episodes: College Experiences
Calls-to-action:
- Subscribe to our Weekly Podcast Digest.
- Follow us on Instagram.
- To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email [email protected].
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify.
55 min - Elizabeth Eill: How Undergraduate Research Propelled her from Community College to a PhD.
Elizabeth says she wasn’t a very good student in high school. When time came for college, her family recommended that she attend the local Finger Lakes Community College. This would turn out to be a Life Changer. She met Prof James Hewlett and discovered undergraduate research in his BioTech lab.
Elizabeth received her PhD in Microbiology and Immunology from State University of New York Upstate Medical University. She shares her amazing college journey in this podcast.
In particular, we discuss the following with him:
- Going to Finger Lakes Community College
- Discovering UG Research at FLCC
- Channeling Passion for Biology
- Majoring in Biomedical Sciences
- Advice to High Schoolers
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introduction to Elizabeth Eill [0:50]
- Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights [2:19]
- Overall Experience in UG Research [5:00]
- High School Interests [6:32]
- Going to Finger Lakes [8:14]
- The FLCC Program [10:40]
- Prof. James Hewlett [13;37]
- Red-Tailed Hawk Project 2.0 [14:40]
- Research-driven Transformation [17:25]
- Transition to Rochester Institute of Technology [19:59]
- Peers and Classmates [22:38]
- Campus Activities [24:24]
- Research at RIT [25:52]
- Summers [28:38]
- Majoring in Biomedical Sciences [29:43]
- Grad Program [31:11]
- FLCC Impact on Career [34:06]
- UG Redo [37:32]
- Advice for High Schoolers [39:50]
- Memories [45:01]
Our Guest: Elizabeth Eill graduated with an AS degree in Biotechnology from Finger Lakes Community College, NY, and then a Bachelor’s degree in BioMedical Sciences from Rochester Institute of Technology. Elizabeth then did her Master’s in Biological Sciences from SUNY Brockport and PhD in Microbiology and Immunology from State University of New York Upstate Medical University.
Memorable Quote: “...if I was ever going to donate any money to any of the schools that I went to, it would be FLCC [Finger Lakes Community College]. Because they really had the biggest formative impact on my life.” Elizabeth Eill.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.
Similar Episodes: College Experiences
Calls-to-action:
- Subscribe to our Weekly Podcast Digest.
- Follow us on Instagram.
- To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email [email protected].
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify.
51 min - College Students’ Housing Struggle in College News Fit to Digest. May 2, 2022.
Making sense of the College News of the week, curated by Alma Matters. Coronavirus continues to drive the news. Shveta Bagade, College Counselor gives us her take on the news.
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Stevens Institute Attracts More Applicants []
- Cost and Stress Drive Enrollments Down []
- College Students Struggle to Find Housing []
Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California.
Resources referred to in this episode:
- Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11]
- Inside Higher Ed []
- Ed Source []
- College News []
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.
Calls-to-action:
- Email your comments or questions on this episode to [email protected].
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations:, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, RadioPublic, Breaker, Anchor.
- For Transcripts of all our podcasts, visit almamatters.io/podcasts.
12 min
About College Matters. Alma Matters.
From the publisher's feed
Podcast for High Schoolers about College. We chronicle personal experiences on College Life, College Preparation with College Alumni, Faculty, Admissions and Counselors. The goal of these stories is…
to Inform & Inspire students all over the world to pursue their college dreams.