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In this engaging episode, Provost Joe Lane sits down with Dr. Daniel Elias, Associate Professor of Environmental Science at North Carolina Wesleyan University, to explore his journey, research, and impact on students.

Highlights include:

• Academic Journey: Dr. Elias shares his unexpected path from agronomy in Peru to environmental science in the U.S., culminating in a PhD focused on the effects of pesticides on freshwater ecosystems.
• Building a Program: As the first faculty member dedicated to environmental science at Wesleyan, Dr. Elias developed a robust curriculum, expanding course offerings to better prepare students for careers in ecotoxicology, conservation, and more.
• Student-Centered Research: He emphasizes hands-on learning, guiding undergraduates through real-world research projects that lead to conference presentations and publications—an uncommon achievement at the undergraduate level.
• Environmental Impact Studies: Dr. Elias discusses his work studying the effects of common pharmaceuticals and microplastics on aquatic organisms like snails, highlighting the broader implications for ecosystems and human health.
• Citizen Science & Fieldwork: From beach trips to collect microplastics to muddy adventures in local waterways, Dr. Elias brings environmental science to life, making learning tangible and memorable.
• Advice for Aspiring Scientists: He encourages students to explore environmental science early, noting the wide range of career paths—from government and industry to education and conservation.

This episode showcases Dr. Elias’s infectious enthusiasm for science and teaching, his dedication to student success, and his commitment to addressing real-world environmental challenges.

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In the inaugural episode, Dr. Shane Thompson, Assistant Professor of Religion and Biblical and Near Eastern Studies, shares his academic journey and passion for ancient cultures, languages, and lived religion. With expertise spanning Mesopotamian texts to Late Bronze Age Syria, Dr. Thompson discusses how his diverse background—including fieldwork and multiple master’s degrees—shapes his classroom approach. He also highlights his recent honor as a Kershaw Lecturer with the Archaeological Institute of America and reflects on the value of teaching at a small liberal arts institution like NCWU.

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In this episode of NC Wesleyan's Academic Affairs Podcast, The Deep End at North Carolina Wesleyan, host Dr. Joe Lane is joined by two faculty members from seemingly unrelated disciplines—biology and public health—who have discovered surprising intersections in their research. Dr. Ami Thompson, Assistant Professor of Biology, brings her expertise in dragonflies and aquatic ecosystems, while Dr. Meredith Gringle, Assistant Professor of Public Health, focuses on maternal and child health.

Together, they share how their collaborative project bridges the natural and human worlds, revealing how interdisciplinary partnerships can spark innovation and deepen understanding. Whether you're fascinated by wetlands or public health, this conversation offers a compelling look at the creative potential that emerges when academic boundaries are crossed.

Visit ncwu.edu/academics to learn more about what our faculty are doing and how they are impacting higher education. 

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Doreen Thierauf, Ph.D., Associate Professor of English, discusses what brought her to the United States for graduate study at the University of North Carolina and eventually settling in at NC Wesleyan University. She is also serves as the General Education Program Coordinator,  Assistant Director of the Teaching and Learning Center and Editor of Omnium: The Undergraduate Research Journal at NCWU. 

Dr. Thierauf shares her academic journey from aspiring astrophysicist in Germany to literature scholar in the U.S. She recounts how her early fascination with science shifted to a passion for English literature, sparked by reading Jane Austen in high school. The episode offers insights into her background, her love for language, and her path to becoming a dedicated educator and researcher.