Sagebrushers

University of Nevada, Reno President Brian Sandoval sits down with Tami Brancamp, founder of the Aphasia Center of Nevada and associate professor of audiology and speech pathology at the University School of Medicine.

Dr. Brancamp explains the language disorder aphasia, which can happen after a stroke, a brain injury, a tumor or a neurological disease, and can severely inhibit the ability to speak or understand language. She explains how people with aphasia are historically excluded from and underrepresented in research, leading to reduced understanding of the condition and its impacts on daily life. 

University of Nevada, Reno President Brian Sandoval sits down with Daryl Lawson, professor and director of the School of Public Health’s new Doctor of Physical Therapy Program (DPT), which is now accepting applications for its launch in the fall of 2027. 

University of Nevada, Reno President Brian Sandoval and Professor of Linguistics Valerie Fridland explore common misconceptions about language, from stereotypes tied to regional speech to the history of English accents. Fridland highlights how accents have evolved over time and how language, identity and society intersect. 

In this episode of Sagebrushers, University of Nevada, Reno President Brian Sandoval speaks with College of Engineering Dean Dr. Tom Weller and Dr. Russ Renzas, director of the Davidson Foundation Cleanroom.

Together, they discuss the College of Engineering’s role in preparing students for careers. As companies continue to expand in Northern Nevada, so does the partnership between the University and industry-related companies.

Renzas highlights the University’s nanofabrication cleanroom and how hands-on research is helping drive innovation in semiconductor and quantum technologies while supporting the growth of industry locally. Weller also shares his vision for the College of Engineering, emphasizing experiential learning, use-inspired research and student preparation to meet industry needs both in Nevada and across the country.

In this episode of Sagebrushers, University of Nevada, Reno, President Brian Sandoval speaks with Dr. Beth Leger, a foundation professor and the director of the University’s Museum of Natural History.

During the episode, Leger shares her passion for researching desert plants and what inspired her career path as a researcher. She also shares with listeners the importance of starting the state’s first native seed bank and how collecting native seed will benefit generations to come. She also discusses the creation of the Museum of Natural History on campus, which sees thousands of visitors each year.

In this episode of Sagebrushers, University of Nevada, Reno President Brian Sandoval speaks with Dr. Linda Curcio-Nagy, associate professor of history, and Dr. Chris von Nagy, teaching associate professor of history and head of the University's Shared History Program.

Curcio-Nagy discusses her research on the cultural and religious history of colonial Mexico. She also shares her teaching strategies that bring history to life, including classroom games and a student documentary project.

von Nagy details his anthropological and archaeological work across Mesoamerica, from Olmec sites in Tabasco to cave art in Guerrero. von Nagy also highlights the 60-year-old Shared History Program and the importance of oral history.

Curcio-Nagy and von Nagy also expand on the upcoming summer mini-course to Mexico City, which will immerse students in museums and cultural sites while exploring how history is presented throughout Mexico.

Sagebrushers is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other major podcast platforms, with new episodes every month.

In this episode of Sagebrushers, University of Nevada, Reno President Brian Sandoval speaks with Casilde Isabelli, dean of the College of Liberal Arts, and Rick Trachok, executive director of the Center for Constitutional Law.

They discuss the evolving role of liberal arts education, a new college branding initiative, and the launch of the Center for Constitutional Law, including its speaker series, partnerships and academic programming. The conversation highlights the value of the arts, humanities and social sciences, the College’s history and its future at the University of Nevada, Reno.

In this episode of Sagebrushers, University of Nevada, Reno President Brian Sandoval speaks with Dr. Gi Yun, dean of the Reynolds School of Journalism, and Brian Duggan, general manager of KUNR Public Radio. Yun and Duggan discuss the importance of local and global journalism, the role of student journalists, and the evolving media landscape. 

In this episode of Sagebrushers, University of Nevada, Reno President Brian Sandoval speaks with Heather Speed, vice president of the Division of Student Services, and Carmina Aglubat, president of the Associated Students of the University of Nevada (ASUN).

Speed and Aglubat discuss the importance of finding a community on campus. Aglubat shares different ways to get involved, noting that the University offers more than 250 clubs and organizations. 

In this episode of Sagebrushers, University of Nevada, Reno, President Brian Sandoval speaks with Dr. Donald Easton-Brooks, dean of the College of Education and Human Development, and Dr. Mandi Collins, associate professor and master teacher with the NevadaTeach program. Easton-Brooks and Collins provide insight into NevadaTeach, the dual-degree program preparing highly qualified educators, strengthening STEM education across Nevada.