Advertise on podcast: Sciographies

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 chat with Dr. Leanne Stevens (MSc'09, PhD'13), educator, university teaching fellow in Dalhousie's Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, and Associate Dean, Academic in the Faculty of Science.   Dr. Stevens shares her journey from growing up in Springhill, Nova Scotia, to becoming a leader in science education. She also reflects on the moment she discovered her passion for neuroscience, the role mentorship played in shaping her path, and how her experiences as a student led her toward teaching and leadership.   She also discusses how experiential learning and science communication are transforming the student experience and offers advice for those navigating their own path in science.

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. Simon Gadbois (PhD'02), a canid specialist and professor in Dalhousie's Department of Psychology and Neuroscience. Gadbois reflects on his journey from graduate student at Dalhousie to professor, and shares insights from his long-standing research on coyotes in Cape Breton. He also offers a glimpse inside his Wildlife Ethology and Canine Olfaction Lab, along with practical advice for pet owners and what lies ahead in his career at Dal. Dr. Gadbois' Wildlife Ethology and Canine Olfaction Lab: https://www.gadbois.org/simon/

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

In this episode of Sciographies, we talk to Karen Hudson (MES'02), an educator and principal of Auburn Drive High School and founder of the Africentric Math Cohort in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.   A Dalhousie alum and nationally recognized educator, Hudson has redefined education by integrating Afrocentric perspectives into the curriculum to inspire students of African ancestry to excel in advanced math and beyond.   In this episode, Hudson shares her journey, insights on breaking down educational barriers, and her commitment to creating a more inclusive learning environment.   --   Sciographies (dal.ca/sciographies) is presented by Dalhousie's Faculty of Science in partnership with campus community radio station CKDU 88.1FM in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

In this episode of Sciographies, we talk to Dr. Shannon Johnson and Dr. Alissa Pencer, psychologists and co-directors of the Dalhousie Centre for Psychological Health, a community-based clinic delivering vital psychological services to low-income Nova Scotians.   With a shared commitment to making mental health care more accessible, Drs. Johnson and Pencer discuss their unique journeys in psychology—from Dr. Johnson's pivot from engineering to the study of the brain, to Dr. Pencer's early inspiration from her father's psychology career in small-town Nova Scotia. Learn more about the collaborative efforts and dedication driving the Centre's work, as well as Johnson and Pencer's own research interests and future goals.   Learn more about the Centre:https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2024/09/12/celebrating-one-year-dalhousie-centre-psychological-health   --   Sciographies (dal.ca/sciographies) is presented by Dalhousie's Faculty of Science in partnership with campus community radio station CKDU 88.1FM in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

In this episode of Sciographies, we talk to Dr. Alex Veinot—chemist, Vanier Scholar, and assistant professor at Dalhousie University. Growing up in Middleton, Nova Scotia, Dr. Veinot developed a love for hands-on learning, exploring how things worked in his dad's workshop. An eye-opening conversation with his uncle about law enforcement vests sparked his passion for chemistry, setting him on a path toward an inspiring academic career. As a member of the Glooscap First Nation, Dr. Veinot shares his commitment to increasing Indigenous representation in the sciences and creating a future where diverse perspectives fuel innovation and discovery. Sciographies (dal.ca/sciographies) is presented by Dalhousie's Faculty of Science in partnership with campus community radio station CKDU 88.1FM in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

In this episode of Sciographies, we talk to Dr. Sian Kou-Giesbrecht, a biogeochemist and assistant professor at Dalhousie University. She reflects on how her early experiences growing up in a science-focused family in Waterloo, Ontario, shaped her passion for ecology and environmental science.    Dr. Kou-Giesbrecht discusses her research on nitrogen cycling in terrestrial ecosystems and its impact on Earth System Models, as well as her lifelong commitment to addressing climate change. She also emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in science, calling for more inclusive spaces to support underrepresented voices in the field.   Visit Dr. Sian Kou-Giesbrecht lab: https://siankou-giesbrecht.weebly.com/   --   Sciographies (dal.ca/sciographies) is presented by Dalhousie's Faculty of Science in partnership with campus community radio station CKDU 88.1FM in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

In this episode of Sciographies, we talk to Dr. Michael Metzger and Dr. Chongyin Yang, two physicists at Dalhousie University leading advancements in battery research.   Dr. Metzger details his journey from studying physics in Germany to becoming a trailblazer in lithium-ion battery technology, while Dr. Yang shares his academic path from China to his current role as Tesla's Research Chair at Dalhousie.   Together, they delve into their pioneering work aimed at improving battery longevity and safety, addressing the challenges and innovations shaping the future of electric vehicles.    Visit Dr. Metzger's research lab: https://www.metzger-group.com Visit Dr. Yang's research lab: https://www.yang-dal.com/   --   Sciographies (dal.ca/sciographies) is presented by Dalhousie's Faculty of Science in partnership with campus community radio station CKDU 88.1FM in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Saurabh Chitnis, a synthetic chemist at Dalhousie University. Dr. Chitnis reflects on his upbringing in Libya, India, and Canada, offering insights into his early fascination with the creative nature of chemistry. We delve into how fundamental principles, such as relativity, influence the color of metals like gold and contribute to molecular stability. We also explore his passion for cooking and his global journey in search of Indian cuisine.   Visit Dr. Chitnis' research lab: https://www.chitnislab.ca/   -- Sciographies (dal.ca/sciographies) is presented by Dalhousie's Faculty of Science in partnership with campus-community radio station CKDU 88.1FM in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Aaron MacNeil, a biologist and professor at Dalhousie University. Dr. MacNeil reflects on his formative experiences growing up in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, where summers spent at Rissers Beach ignited his early fascination with biology. He also shares how the mentorship of an influential high school biology teacher shaped his academic path, leading him to become a researcher in fisheries ecology.