Sciographies Podcast

In this episode of Sciographies, we chat with Tina Simpkin, a two-time Dal alum in physics and meteorology. Now a familiar voice across Nova Scotia as a meteorologist with CBC, Tina shares her journey from growing up in Spryfield to forecasting the province's ever-changing weather. She reflects on the influence of her grandparents, her adventures chasing storms, what drew her back to Halifax, and what continues to inspire her work today.

In this episode of Sciographies, we talk to Maxine Westhead — marine biologist, educator, marine spatial planner, and director of Dalhousie's Marine Affairs Program (MAP). After 25 years with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Westhead is now leading the growth of MAP and developing a new program in fisheries science. Westhead also shares insights on marine protected areas like "The Gully" and reflects on how her early years in the GTA and a lifelong commitment to health and fitness have shaped her career in science.

In this episode of Sciographies, we talk with Dr. Sarah Chisholm (BSc'06), educator, mathematician and current Chair of Dalhousie's Department of Mathematics and Statistics. Dr. Chisholm reflects on growing in Sackville Nova Scotia and how an early love of math shaped a very bright future, including teaching at Harvard's Department of Mathematics. Her love for the classroom, combined with her unique way of making math accessible earned her a 2025 Early Career Faculty Award of Teaching Excellence from Dalhousie University.

In this episode of Sciographies, we talk to Dina Rogers (BSc'23), a PhD candidate and biochemist at Dalhousie University. Rogers shares how a childhood split between cultures, years as a competitive swimmer, and an unexpected love of biochemistry shaped her journey as a scientist. From Halifax to the southern tip of Greece, Dina's path has been anything but linear. Today, she's exploring innovative ways to tackle plastic waste—combining "sticky" mushroom proteins with plastic-eating bacteria to imagine more sustainable recycling solutions.

In this episode of Sciographies, we talk to Dr. Rob Lennox, scientific director of the Ocean Tracking Network in Halifax, Nova Scotia. From childhood days exploring rivers and lakes to tracking Atlantic salmon on Norway, Lennox shares how curiosity and a bit of serendipity shaped his path into global aquatic research. Listeners will hear how cutting-edge tracking technology helps scientists understand fish migration, why hands-on experience matters for students, and how one pivotal university decision changed the course of his career.

To learn more visit: oceantrackingnetwork.org

In this episode, John Batt recalls his early years of growing up on the water in Prince Edward Island and how it ignited a passion for marine life. Today, he and his team at the Aquatron are leading the animal care of many species including the endangered Atlantic Whitefish. He has also been instrumental in the care of the animals at the new the Beaty Centre for Marine Biodiversity, a first-of-its-kind ocean science centre in Halifax.

To learn more visit: beatymarinecentre.ca