Dr. Smith discusses his journey to becoming a community ecologist, the struggles he faced along the way, and his passionate interest in seaweed. We talk about what marine protected areas are and why they are important as well as the steps in reaching out to professors to gain undergraduate research experience.

Dr. Valdés covers his background as a scientist in Spain and how he uses sea slugs as specimens to research evolution across the globe.

Dr. Edward Bobich talks to us about how he interests the general public in plant research, what a curator position at a university is, and how to have difficult conversations with parents, and yourself about switching majors. We also take a detour to talk about the Brea Tar Pits in LA since Dr. Bobich has research students conducting work there!

We talk to Dan McCarthy about teaching science education in k-12, the teaching credential process, and whats it like teaching middle schoolers? You never know, maybe its for you! We also cover SCUBA safety 101, common misconceptions, and the amazing life you can only see under the sea!

Dr. Erin Questad walks us through how she navigated the tumultuous parts of her academic career. Stories include how she found herself in Kansas for an REU program, temporarily left her graduate program to work in industry, then became the current biology chair at Cal Poly Pomona. Curious about academic admin and what responsibilities a department head has? We get into that too!

Dr. Mercer discusses her passion behind studying HIV to currently studying the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, the techniques students learn in her lab such as CRISPR, the classes she teaches, how to be successful in a career in science, and other interesting topics within Parasitology and Immunology.

Dr. Jeremy Claisse discusses his journey in academia and his work in the marine field.

Lab Website: https://www.claisselab.com/

Jennifer and Kim talk to Jennifer Alexander, the Animal Care Technician at Cal Poly Pomona. She takes us on her journey from being an animal lover to a graduate student to combining both. 

Dr. Alas talks about his journey from being a first-generation student from Southern California to entering the biomedical profession and now directing the Science Educational Enhancement Services (SEES) at Cal Poly Pomona.

The largest academic strike in history is happening at the UCs, but who is striking and what are they asking for? Jen and Kim cover the major facts and how it could affect you.

Check out the UAW website for more information: https://www.fairucnow.org/