Discovering Academia

How do businesses price the risks of climate change, from wildfires to hurricanes? UC Davis Professor Paul Griffin breaks down climate risk, corporate responsibility, and how tech like AI is changing environmental accountability. Tune in to understand the future of sustainable business and why facing reality is key.

For more information about this episode, see our website: https://www.discoveringacademia.com/episodes/paul-griffin

This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only.  Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

Erin Kinnally is a biological psychologist and core scientist at the California National Primate Research Center. Her work explores how early life experiences—like maternal care or social stress—can shape biology, behavior, and even gene expression through epigenetic mechanisms.

In this episode, we unpack how Erin studies primates to better understand human development, discussing the ways stress can become biologically embedded, how maternal traits like "friendliness" or "impulsivity" affect infant outcomes, and how interventions during early life may support resilience. We also dive into the ethics of primate research, the nuance of working across disciplines, and why behavioral assessments matter for both monkeys and people.

For more information about this episode, see our website: https://www.discoveringacademia.com/episodes/erin-kinnally

This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only.  Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

What do sea urchins, disappearing kelp forests, and coral gene editing have in common? In this episode, we sit down with UC Davis professor Marissa Baskett to explore how science can help restore and protect ocean ecosystems in a changing climate. She explains why kelp forests off the Northern California coast collapsed, how disease wiped out key predators like sea stars, and what scientists are doing now—like reintroducing predators, removing urchins, and even selecting heat-tolerant coral for future restoration. We also talk about how math and modeling help guide conservation decisions, and why working with local communities is key to success. If you care about the ocean and want to understand how real solutions come together, this episode is for you.

For more information about this episode, see our website: https://www.discoveringacademia.com/episodes/marissa-baskett

This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only.  Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

Today we talk with political scientist Lauren Young from UC Davis. She studies how people decide to dissent in the face of fear, repression, and uncertainty. Drawing from fieldwork in Zimbabwe, Nigeria, and Colombia, she breaks down what drives people to protest, how emotions like hope and anger shape political behavior, and how researchers can ethically study sensitive topics like political violence. From WhatsApp messages to mass movements, this episode explores how change begins—and what risks it carries.

For more information about this episode, see our website: https://www.discoveringacademia.com/episodes/lauren-young

This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only.  Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

Why do some development projects succeed while others fall short? UC Davis professor Amanda Crump shares insights from her work in over 37 countries, revealing how misguided innovations, flawed policies, and overlooked local voices impact progress. From improving post-harvest storage in Tanzania to introducing cookstove technology in Sierra Leone, Amanda explores what it really takes to create lasting change in agriculture and global development.

For more information about this episode, see our website: https://www.discoveringacademia.com/episodes/amanda-crump

This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only.  Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

In this episode, Professor Clare Cannon explores the complex intersections of environmental justice, climate change, and public health. From her work with marginalized communities in Kettleman City to advocating for multi-species justice, Clare shares insights on building trust, empowering communities, and addressing systemic inequalities. Discover how participatory research, data-driven solutions, and thoughtful collaboration can drive meaningful change.

For more information and resources discussed, see our website: https://www.discoveringacademia.com/episodes/clare-cannon

This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only.  Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

Olaf Groth is a Professor of Global Strategy, Innovation, and Economics at UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business and the founder of Cambrian Futures. In this episode, we dive into the evolving landscape of AI and its impact on global strategy, economic power, and geopolitical competition. Professor Groth unpacks the shift from globalization 1.0 to a fragmented world of competing economic blocs and explores how emerging technologies—AI, digital infrastructure, and supply chain intelligence—are reshaping industries and national policies. We also discuss his FLIP IT framework for navigating uncertainty, the role of design activist leaders, and how students can prepare for a rapidly changing global economy.

For more information and resources mentioned, see our website: https://www.discoveringacademia.com/episodes/olaf-groth

This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only.  Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

What makes a photograph truly timeless? How do curators decide which images define an era? In this episode, Rebecca Senf, Chief Curator at the Center for Creative Photography (CCP), takes us behind the scenes of photography curation. We dive into the legacy of Ansel Adams, the ongoing debate over photography as fine art, and how museums shape what the world remembers. Becky also unpacks the complex relationship between photographers and their subjects, the uniqueness (or not) of photographic prints, and why certain artistic trends—like the overuse of nudes—persist in the industry.

Whether you're a photographer, an art enthusiast, or just curious about the hidden world of museum curation, this episode offers a rare inside look at how photography is preserved, studied, and redefined for future generations.

For more information about Becky and this episode, please visit our website: https://www.discoveringacademia.com/episodes/rebecca-senf

This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only.  Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

In this episode, Anastassia Fedyk, Assistant Professor of Finance at UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, breaks down the psychology of financial markets, revealing how investors overreact to recombined news and inflated narratives. She also discusses her research on the risks of hype-driven investing and explores AI’s real impact on corporate growth, workforce dynamics, and innovation. Beyond finance, Professor Fedyk shares her work with the AI for Good Foundation, where she applies AI solutions to global humanitarian efforts, including war documentation and economic resilience in Ukraine.

For more information, see our website: https://www.discoveringacademia.com/episodes/anastassia-fedyk

This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only.  Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

In this episode, Professor Darren Zook takes us on a journey from his early days as a math student to becoming a global studies expert at UC Berkeley. He shares his unique approach to travel, emphasizing the value of immersion in local cultures to build trust and foster deeper understanding. Zook recounts pivotal experiences in India and North Korea, offering rare insights into cultural identity, comparative politics, and the complexities of societal structures. He also delves into the importance of addressing racism, the role of humor in bridging ideological divides, and how fostering open dialogue can lead to more inclusive and transformative learning.

For more information about this episode, see our website: https://www.discoveringacademia.com/episodes/darren-zook

This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only.  Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.