WE ARE NORTH TEXAS

Dr. Sid O’Bryant, Executive Director of UNT Health Science Center’s Institute for Translational Research, is a global leader in better understanding health disparities in brain aging. After watching his grandmother suffer through Alzeheimer’s Disease, Dr. O’Bryant – a trained neuropsychologist – taught himself blood science and developed a test to detect the disease. Today, behind more than $60 million in research investments, he leads the world’s largest study on better understanding why more Mexican Americans and African Americans, proportionately, suffer from Alzheimer’s than their white counterparts.

Jeff Coffin, a 1990 graduate of the UNT College of Music, is a globally recognized saxophonist, composer, educator and member of the legendary U.S. rock group, Dave Matthews Band. You may also know him from his 14 years, and 3 Grammy Awards, with the genre-defying Bela Fleck & the Flecktones. Jeff has released 15+ solo CD's on his own Ear Up Records label and teaches improvisation at Vanderbilt University.

Dr. Michael Hinojosa, Dallas Schools Superintendent, discusses DISD’s consistent progress — despite the challenges of COVID-19. Hinojosa, who earned his master’s degree from UNT, shared how the recent bond election will help elevate DISD further, and he looks at the future of teaching and what that means to college students looking for jobs.

With COVID-19 cases spiking in North Texas and the holiday season now in full swing, Dr. Diana Cervantes – aka Dr. Microbe, head of UNT Health Science Center’s Epidemiology program – rejoins the podcast with the latest intel on coronavirus and how to best stay safe from infection. As positive cases climb to all-time highs, Dr. Cervantes provides guidance for staying safe during the winter holidays and shares her insights on COVID-19 vaccines, pandemic travel and what all this means to an epidemiologist.

Legendary baseball broadcaster Eric Nadel, the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation, UNT’s Mayborn School of Journalism and UNT’s Department of Media Arts recently announced the Eric Nadel Excellence in Sports Broadcasting Scholarship. Nadel, set to enter his 43rd season with the Rangers, joined the podcast to share details of the $30,000 scholarship, while also reflecting on the impact of COVID-19 on baseball and his passion for music.

Brought to you by the University of North Texas System, WE ARE NORTH TEXAS focuses on innovation, compassion, ideas and accomplishments in our home region of Dallas-Fort Worth. Hosted by UNT System Chief Communications Officer Paul Corliss.

Dr. Monica Williams, Vice President for University Advancement at UNT Dallas, has a big job – overseeing fundraising, alumni affairs, external relations, marketing/communications and sponsored research. But the most important job she's had in her life is being a mother, and that maternal instinct comes out in her work with UNT Dallas students.

With Election Day approaching, Elizabeth Oldmixon, UNT Professor of Political Science and Faculty Director for UNT at Frisco, visited the podcast to talk politics and preview the Presidential Election. Dr. Oldmixon also discussed her career path in higher education, the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on faculty and her administrative role at UNT's branch campus in Frisco.

Dr. Wesley Randall, Dean of UNT at Frisco, joined Paul Corliss to discuss how the new satellite campus is making an impact with forward-thinking degree programs and deep industry partnerships. Dr. Randall brings a unique skillset to Frisco, with both military and business experience, and he's eager to help the campus grow in conjunction with Collin County.

Kit Sawers, President of Klyde Warren Park in downtown Dallas, joined Paul Corliss to discuss the importance of outdoor spaces and safe activities during the coronavirus pandemic. Sawers shared exciting news regarding a significant donation to fund the park's expansions and shared how public/private partnerships have been essential to Klyde Warren Park's success.

This week, Paul Corliss is joined by David Mansdoerfer, Special Assistant to the President at UNT Health Science Center in Fort Worth. Mansdoerfer discussed his previous role working for the US Department of Health and Human Services and explained how his experience with the federal government has helped him make an impact in his role working with HSC President Michael Williams. Mansdoerfer's background working with significant public health crises helped him, and in turn HSC, hit the ground running in the university's efforts to serve the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.