Science Spotlight: Purdue Fort Wayne

🦇 What can bats, zoos, and hands-on learning teach us about conservation?

In this episode of Science Spotlight: PFW, Dean Ron Friedman sits down with Dr. Scott Bergeson from the Department of Biological Sciences to discuss his research, his fascinating work with bats, and PFW’s Zoo Immersion course in partnership with the Fort Wayne Zoo.

Tune in to learn how Dr. Bergeson brings research beyond the classroom and gives students the opportunity to experience biology and conservation in action! 🔬🌿

🎧 Listen to the full episode now!

Dr. Jordan Marshall from the Department of Biological Sciences sits down with College of Science Dean Ron Friedman for a conversation about his journey in biology, his work at Purdue Fort Wayne, and the people and experiences that have shaped his career.

\Tune in to get to know Dr. Marshall and hear how his passion for science continues to inspire his work with PFW students! 🧬🔬

In this episode of Science Spotlight, we welcome Dr. Shannon Bischoff and Dr. Mary Encabo Bischoff for a conversation that connects local classrooms to global advocacy.

Dr. Mary Encabo Bischoff shares how her background in international educational development led her to direct the Tunnel Program (Teaching English as a New Language), supporting multilingual learners and preparing future English language educators.

Dr. Shannon Bischoff discusses his work in mathematical, computational, and linguistic anthropology, focusing on Indigenous and lesser-studied languages. His research and advocacy led to partnerships with the United Nations and UNESCO, including Purdue University Fort Wayne serving as a sponsor during the 2019 International Year of Indigenous Languages.

The episode explores how scholarship, human rights advocacy, refugee community engagement, and international collaboration intersect. From hosting global leaders and Indigenous delegates on campus to connecting Southeast Asian communities with local students, this conversation highlights how academic research can extend far beyond the classroom.

In this episode of Science Spotlight, we sit down with Dr. Amy Perkins to explore the fascinating world of psychology. From behavior to brain function, discover how researchers use animal models to uncover the secrets of learning, memory, and development.

Join Dean Friedman for a thoughtful conversation with three recent College of Science graduates—Manal Ali, Surraya Wagner, and Liv Hope. These accomplished students share the academic paths they followed at Purdue Fort Wayne, from rigorous coursework and research projects to mentorships and campus engagement.

Hear how their time in the College of Science helped shape their academic identities, built their confidence, and inspired their next steps beyond graduation. This episode offers a meaningful look at the student experience through an academic lens.

In this episode of Science Spotlight, Dean Friedman sits down with Dr. Carl Drummond to explore his fascination with the physical sciences and the path that led him to a career at PFW. Long before becoming Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at Purdue University Fort Wayne, Dr. Drummond was a curious student captivated by the rocks that help shape our planet. Join us as we talk with Dr. Drummond about discovering a passion for geology, and his journey. From sedimentary rocks to scholarly resilience, Dr. Drummond shares a compelling story about the power of science, persistence, and place.

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Join us as we dive into the life and work of Dr.Frank Paladino, Jack W. Schrey Distinguished Professor of Biology at Purdue University Fort Wayne. With over 35 years dedicated to the study and conservation of leatherback sea turtles, Dr. Paladino shares insights from his groundbreaking research in Costa Rica, his role in establishing the Las Baulas National Marine Park, and the ongoing challenges these ancient marine reptiles face in a changing world. Discover how science, passion, and perseverance converge in the fight to save one of the ocean's most majestic creatures.

In this episode of Science Spotlight: PFW, we dive into the world of paleontology with Drs. Ben Dattilo, James Farlow, and Scott Bergeson. Join us as we explore their groundbreaking research, the thrilling discovery of mastodon bones in Indiana, and how these incredible fossils found their way to the PFW campus. Discover what these ancient remains reveal about our prehistoric past and the work being done to preserve them for future generations.

Join us in this episode as we chat with Dr. Patrick Murphy, a proud PFW alumnus and new faculty member. Dr. Murphy shares his journey from growing up in a rural community to discovering his passion for psychology and realizing his dream of working in higher education. We also dive into his return to PFW, his current research, and his advice for aspiring psychologists. This is one conversation you won’t want to miss!

This week, we're diving into the fascinating world of forensic psychology, cutting-edge research, and compelling storytelling with Dr. Michelle Drouin from Purdue Fort Wayne's Department of Psychology. Join us as we explore her educational journey, groundbreaking work in Psychology, and the stories behind her TED Talks and her book, Out of Touch: How To Survive an Intimacy Famine. Whether you're a true crime aficionado, psychology enthusiast, or just curious about the human mind, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.