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Hear from graduates and faculty members as they celebrate the classes of 2020, 2021, 2022! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

What is it like to be an astronaut living in space? Several APUS students got a taste of being an astronaut when they were selected to be analog astronauts as part of the APUS Analog Research Group. In this episode, Dr. Gary Deel talks to graduate student Scott Van Hoy about his experience as an analog astronaut and his research into space human factors including psychological and physiological impacts. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

There are more than 800,000 strokes every year. Preventing a stroke requires a holistic approach to health and wellbeing. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to APU Associate Dean and nurse Dr. Stacey Malinowski about the different types of strokes and the common signs of a stroke. She also shares action to take if you suspect someone is having a stroke as well as ways to prevent a stroke through healthy habits, blood pressure management, and medicine. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

There are plenty of things individuals can do to have positive impacts on the planet. In the second part of this series, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to APU professor Dr. Kristin Drexler about the value of acting individually and locally and how when done collectively, can have a huge impact on a global scale.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Climate change is a global problem, and the solution lies in the choices of every individual. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to professor Dr. Kristin Drexler about the power of personal choice, taking more personal responsibility, and changing your mindset to be more resourceful and less wasteful. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

What is health literacy and why does it matter? In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to Assistant Dean and nurse Dr. Stacey Malinowski about how strong health literacy skills helps people make well-informed decisions about their health. Learn why healthcare providers must work to assess their patients’ health literacy, ensure they’re presenting information simply and clearly, and making sure patients feel comfortable asking questions. Learn tips to improve your own health literacy by writing down questions ahead of your appointment, repeating back information to your doctor, bringing along a reliable family member or friend, keeping a medical binder, and more. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Now is an exciting time to study space, thanks to the development of powerful instruments and technologies. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to APU Space Studies professor Dr. Kristen Miller about the skills needed in the space field including mathematics, physics and team-based research experience. Learn about APU’s powerful 24-inch, high-caliber telescope that provides students with the experience of using real-time telescope data in their research. Also learn about the university’s many communities aimed at helping students connect with each other and other professionals in the space field. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

People in different countries have varying perspectives on climate change. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to APU professor Dr. Mary Ellen Cooper about her experience living in China and the startling questions she got from students asking if stars were real because the pollution was so bad, they had never seen a clear night sky. Learn more about geographical and generational differences related to climate change and environmental issues. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

There are more than 100 different specialties in nursing, providing nurses with a variety of career options to pursue. In this episode, APU’s Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to Assistant Dean and nurse Dr. Stacey Malinowski about her career path and the numerous ways students can pursue a nursing education. Learn about what questions to ask when pursuing a nursing education including acceptance of transfer credits, accreditation, online course options, and more. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Are there habitable planets or moons that could sustain human life? In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to professor Dr. Gary Deel about space exploration and the effort to find celestial bodies where humans could potentially live. Learn about overcoming challenges like differences in gravity, temperature, atmosphere as well as some of the possibilities like Mars, Venus and various moons. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Heart disease remains one of the top causes of deaths in the United States. For Heart Health Month, APU’s Stacey Malinowski provides many great ways to improve your overall health starting with knowing your risk factors by measuring you BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure and cholesterol. She offers ways to improve your health through increased activity and portion control, but also learning to be more mindful of what you’re eating, how you’re eating, what’s causing you stress, and what your body is telling you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Emergencies can come in many different forms and strike at any time. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to APU health science professor Dr. Jameelah Powell about emergency preparedness. Whether it’s an earthquake, pandemic, hurricane, snowstorm, house fire, or just a broken-down vehicle, it’s important to be prepared so you can get through any emergency situation. Learn what to include in an emergency kit, the importance of developing an emergency contact plan, suggestions for talking to children about emergencies, and more. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.