Podcast: The Academic Minute
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James Druckman, University of Rochester – Does American Political Hostility Threaten Democracy?
On University of Rochester Week: Is democracy under threat in today’s political climate? James Druckman, the Martin Brewer Anderson professor of political science, explores this. James Druckman is a professor of political science at the University of Rochester and has published approximately 200 articles and book chapters in political science, communication, economics, science, and psychology…
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Hafsa Kanjwal, Lafayette College – Colonized to Colonizers
Can an oppressed people who gain independence, end up becoming the oppressor of others? Hafsa Kanjwal, associate professor of South Asian History at Lafayette College, examines this in a hotly contested area of the world. Hafsa Kanjwal is an associate professor of South Asian History at Lafayette College. As a historian of modern Kashmir, she…
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Magdalene Isabel Smith, University of Southern California Dornsife – Toxic Mercury in Arctic Permafrost
A danger is lurking under the permafrost in the Arctic. Magdalene Isabel Smith, PhD student in Earth Sciences at the University of Southern California Dornsife, examines what lies beneath. Magdalene Isabel Smith is a PhD student in Earth Sciences. She is interested in geochemistry and hydrology and is currently studying permafrost in Alaska, looking specifically…
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Jeanette Tran, Drake University – Going “No-Contact” in King Lear
Not everyone gets along with their family members, and literature is no exception. Jeanette Tran, associate professor of English at Drake University, explores one play that may give some answers. Jeanette Tran is a scholar of early modern English Literature. She has published on major early modern dramatists—Shakespeare, Marlowe, and Fletcher—and more recently on the…
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Leia Minaker, University of Waterloo – Kids, Stores and Junk Food Promotions
Stores and restaurants are targeting children with ads for unhealthy foods. Leia Minaker, associate professor in the school of planning at the University of Waterloo, says know what to look for when shopping with your children. Dr. Leia Minaker is an Associate Professor in the School of Planning at the University of Waterloo, Canada. Her…
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Anya Jabour, University of Montana – Katharine Bement Davis, “Childless Cat Lady”?
Motherhood was a big topic in the news this year. Anya Jabour, Regent’s professor of history at the University of Montana in Missoula, examines this. Anya Jabour is Regents Professor of History at the University of Montana, where she teaches US women’s history, the history of American families and children, and the history of gender…
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Jared Del Rosso, University of Denver – Waiting For Whip-poor-wills
What is behind the disappearance of the Whip-poor-wills? Jared Del Rosso, associate professor and chair of sociology and criminology at the University of Denver, examines this loss and the meanings behind it. Jared Del Rosso is a cultural sociologist in the Department of Sociology & Criminology at the University of Denver. He is currently writing…
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Sally Harris, University of Tennessee-Knoxville – Teaching the Detectives
On this Uncommon Courses segment: Critical thinking can be taught in many ways. Sally Harris, teaching professor of English at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, leans into storytelling to make the pitch. Sally C. Harris is a Teaching Professor in the English Department at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Dr. Harris teaches workplace writing, technical…
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Gunnar Babcock, Cornell University – The Fields That Direct Us
Are we closer to answering some of the Big Questions in life? Gunnar Babcock, lecturer in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University, explores this through science. Gunnar Babcock (he/him) received a PhD in philosophy from the University at Albany, SUNY and he has taught courses in applied ethics, philosophy of biology,…
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Han Xiao, Rice University – Sticky Microorganisms Enhancing Plastic Degradation
Plastics can stay around for ages after being discarded. Han Xiao, director of SynthX Center and associate professor within the department of chemistry at Rice University, discusses a possible solution. Han Xiao serves as the Director of the SynthX Center and holds the position of Associate Professor within the Department of Chemistry, Biosciences, and Bioengineering…