The Root & STEM Podcast

In this episode of the Root & STEM podcast, Erin Keenan shares insight into the effort to protect marine wildlife in Northern Canada as manager of Arctic Marine Conservation at World Wildlife Fund (1:27). She details some of the threats posed to Arctic marine wildlife (3:20) and how they affect the people of nearby communities (6:28). Erin explains how the WWF works to keep a healthy relationship with Inuit communities (8:33) before offering some positive outlook on the present and future of marine conservation in Canada (11:32).

In this episode of the Root & STEM podcast, Nova Scotia-based artist Teresa Young shares her approach to creating art (1:25), and how her art creates emotional connections without a predetermined meaning (2:55). Teresa also talks about the unique way in which she discovered her Indigenous heritage and how it shows in her art (3:56). She talks about political issues relating to Indigenous art in Canada (5:22), before offering a piece of advice to young aspiring artists (11:49).

In this episode of the Root & STEM podcast, B.C. based writer Sofia Osborne brings light to the mysterious sea star wasting syndrome that has been killing an alarming number of starfish along the west coast of North America since 2013. Sofia speaks to educator Robyn Quaintance about the effects of the disease (1:25), and the data collection effort she organized to better understand it (2:53). She also chats with Melissa Miner, a researcher from UC Santa Cruz about what causes the disease (6:57), and how the sea stars react to it.

How can technology and the use of data improve urban ecosystems? In this episode of the Root & STEM podcast, PhD candidate Sophie Nitoslawski describes urban forestry (00:54) and explains how she uses data and technology to improve urban green spaces (04:26). She outlines the role that green spaces have in urban centers (08:37) and what leads to their success (11:13). Finally, Sophie offers some words of encouragement to students from all groups and communities (14:30).

How can different perspectives improve the study of astronomy? In this episode of Root & STEM podcast, we hear from Laurie Rousseau-Nepton, the Resident Astronomer at the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope and the Principal Investigator for SIGNALS. Laurie speaks on how Indigenous knowledge and methodologies have helped her understand the universe (01:19) and impacted the way she views the stars (03:41). Laurie also explains the SIGNALS project (05:51), the technology behind it (08:58), and why her work is so important (10:02). As the first Indigenous woman in Canada to earn a PhD in astrophysics, Laurie shares what the title means to her and offers words of encouragement to other underrepresented community members (12:24), as well as her hopes for the future (15:59).

How can different perspectives improve the study of astronomy? In this episode of Root & STEM podcast, Hilding Neilson, an astrophysicist and assistant professor at Memorial University in Newfoundland and Labrador, explores how we can bridge Indigenous methods of science with Western methods of science to broaden our understanding of space. Hilding offers an encouraging message to science lovers who want to learn more about space and life above us.

How much do we really know about the stars in the sky? In this episode of the Root & STEM podcast, Ininiw/Cree Star Knowledge Keeper and retired science educator Wilfred Buck shares his expertise on the origins behind multiple constellations like, Mista Muskwa (Great Bear) and Kokominakasis (Grandmother Spider, the netmaker), and discusses the lack of acknowledgement given for Indigenous knowledge in the field of Western astronomy. Wilfred also touches on his own pathway to the sky and the stories about the sky that have had the biggest impact on his life.

How can we use machine learning and artificial intelligence to improve and protect space technology and exploration? In this episode of the Root & STEM podcast, Kelsey Doerksen, a space system engineer for satellite operations at Planet, and a Ph.D student at the University of Oxford studying machine learning and artificial intelligence, explores the benefits of machine learning in space technology. From creating space weather alert systems for satellite protection to aiding rover missions, Kelsey dives into the impact that machine learning can have on space technology progression and innovation. She also discusses her STEM pathway and what advice she has for future space engineers.

How does one become an astronaut? In this episode of Root & STEM podcast, Sofia Osborne, a writer and audio producer based in B.C., interviews junior space operations engineer, Abby Lacson, about the path to becoming an astronaut and her professional experiences working with MDA Space, participating in Air Cadets, and pursuing her education in engineering. Abby offers advice to aspiring astronauts and shares her views on the importance of representation.

What are “hackathons” and how do they inspire innovation? In this episode of the Root & STEM podcast, John Stewart, digital producer and host, sat down with Glenn Ye and Leo Wang, two undergraduate students and the winners of the Best Game award for the University of Toronto’s Hack the Valley IV. They explore what their experience was like competing in a hackathon, including the pros and cons of working in a tight timeframe, and give advice for any future participants interested in creative problem solving.