Rocks for Jocks

I host David Zabner, 4th year PhD Candidate at Tufts University to tell me all about his research — improving Computer Science education! I start with an intro about why this subject specifically can be so challenging to teach and learn, then David tells me about his background and different research projects he’s done to improve education at different levels. He emphasizes the importance of interactive and practical learning, comparing it to learning a second language.

Enjoy, thanks for listening, and send this episode to a friend!

00:00 Intro & Background

06:15 Learning Theories and Teaching Methods

11:49 Challenges in Computer Science Education

36:31 Impact of Large Language Models

41:08 Future Projects

Music: 368 by Dyalla

In this episode, I host Amanda Calhoun, PhD candidate in the Earth and Planetary Sciences program at Harvard! In one project, Amanda uses carbon isotopes to uncover signs of ancient life. In another project, Amanda uses pyrite (fool’s gold!) to understand Earth’s oxygen history. 

Listen to hear about the history of both our atmosphere and life itself!

00:00 Intro and Overview

02:46 Research Projects Explained

05:41 Fieldwork and Sample Collection

12:35 Goals & Implications of projects

15:27 Origins of Life, Applications, and Environmental Impact

21:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Music: 368 by Dyalla

Today is a solo episode with your host, Alex Chansky! I talk about why I do this show — in addition to some personal reasons, this channel is a great opportunity to make scientific research more accessible and understandable to the public!

This is especially important in recent months as research funding cuts are proposed and our country’s top research institutions are cutting people & projects. So why is science funding important? Listen to find out more!

00:00 Why I do this show

01:20 Why Public Understanding of Science matters

05:36 Current Funding Threats

08:51 Long-term Funding cut impacts

15:30 Ask Some Questions

Music: 368 by Dyalla

In this week’s episode, I host Catherine Knox, PhD candidate at Tufts University, to discuss water diplomacy and decision-making! We talk about different ways to think about water management, especially when it stretches across multiple boundaries. Catherine goes on to discuss her work on sea-level rise adaptation in Boston and also how decisions can be made under both uncertainty and ambiguity.

For example, me saying “I have no idea what to write next in this description” is uncertainty. Saying “this description is funny” is ambiguous. Listen and subscribe for more great jokes!

02:55 Water Diplomacy and Transboundary Water Management

04:04 Sea Level Rise Adaptation Project

11:14 Regional Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement

17:48 Public-Private Partnerships and Model Applications

23:47 Paper 2: Decision Making under Uncertainty & Ambiguity

38:27 Personal Insights and Future Directions

Music: 368 by Dyalla

In this episode, I interview Danielle Eng, an environmental scientist at the EPA! Danielle shares her experiences in light pollution control, water testing, and environmental consulting. We talk in detail about her role at the EPA, working with tribes in the Great Lakes region using Clean Water Act grants and conducting water quality sampling. Perhaps most excitingly, Danielle  discusses her senior thesis on native and domestic bee interactions! Tune in for an in-depth look at careers in environmental science and the impact of ecological conservation efforts.

00:00 Intro

01:51 EPA: Water Quality & Field Work Adventures

16:18 EPA's Broader Impact

21:07 Dark Skies Project

27:18 Graduate School

36:21 Bee Research

Music: 368 by Dyalla

This week, I reunite with Christina Sanon, a researcher and PhD candidate at Tufts University, to discuss her journey and recent research developments! Christina discusses a recent seminar and her ~groundbreaking~ earthquake research. We also talk about water diplomacy, a recent Maine Earthquake, and the practical applications of Christina’s projects. Subscribe to hear more scientists discuss climate and natural hazards research projects!

00:00 Intro and Water Diplomacy

06:00 PhD Journey and Career Aspirations

16:54 Earthquake Loss Estimation Project

22:40 Understanding Hazard Maps and Soil Amplification

28:14 Real-World Earthquakes and Damage State Probabilities

35:14 Communicating Science Effectively

Music: 368 by Dyalla

In this episode of Rocks for Jocks, I chat with Dr. Matt Curran, a recent doctorate in physical therapy. Together, we talk through aspects of the physical therapy field, including the differences between hospital and outpatient settings, nerve repair, and cadaver dissections. Matt shares what it’s like working with patients of different age groups, his research on post-stroke rehabilitation, and his transition into home care. If you like the episode, please subscribe and share it with a friend!

00:00 Intro and Matt's Journey

09:16 Cadaver Dissections and Unique Cases

21:38 Clinical Experiences and Working in Hospitals

26:45 Transition to Home Care

35:09 Reflections and Advice for Upcoming PTs

I welcome back Aidan Bailey, a close friend and first-year MD/PhD student at Wayne State University! Aidan shares his experiences in medical school, reflecting on his study strategies, dissecting cadavers, and balancing extensive coursework. He discusses the structure and goals of the MD/PhD program, the value of both degrees, & his future research plans. Our conversation also touches on life in Detroit, highlighting its vibrant culture and sports!

00:00 Intro and Guest Background

01:20 Med School Journey Begins

08:32 Anatomy Lab and Clinical Skills

15:38 Favorite Professors & Classes

18:50 Program Structure and Classmates

30:29 Choosing the Right Advisor

32:30 Benefits of an MD-PhD

37:40 Life in Detroit

I interview Peter Sousounis, an atmospheric scientist who now works as a climate and catastrophe modeling consultant. We discuss the recent January 2025 Los Angeles, California Wildfires, global catastrophe modeling, and the rising impacts of secondary perils (like smoke damage). Peter explains the factors contributing to winter wildfires in California and highlights the broader implications on human health and insurance in the region. 

00:53 Introducing Dr. Peter Sousounis

04:36 Catastrophe Modeling

08:46 Winter Wildfires

14:48 Mitigate and Prepare

22:15 Future Outlook

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Danielle LeBlanc, a researcher at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Danielle and I discuss her journey from studying petroleum engineering to her PhD research on ocean sediments. Danielle explains why she studies sediment components to understand Earth's climate history, ice sheet dynamics, and ice-rafted debris. She also talks about the challenges of her research and offers advice for rising scientists. 

If you like this episode, please subscribe and share it with friends!

04:30 Paleoclimate Research

08:14 Isotopes Explained

14:59 Laurentide Ice Sheet

26:42 Career Reflections and advice 

32:34 Opportunities for Future Scientists

Note: the cosmic flux consists of high-energy particles originating from both our sun and other sources in space. Danielle also discusses "sun rays," which she uses here to refer to ultraviolet rays. Ultraviolet rays consist of lower energy particles relative to cosmic rays (or radiation), which consist of higher energy particles.

Music: 368 by Dyalla

Disclaimer: all opinions are our own and not representative of any companies or organizations.