Seeds of Science Season 1: A new podcast exploring the experiences of UHN Research trainees and postdoctoral researchers
Podcast Summary:
UHN has over 1300 trainees and postdoctoral researchers performing research in seven different research institutes, at sites all across Toronto. However, trainees and postdocs often only get to know fellow trainees and postdocs in their labs or nearby labs. The Seeds of Science podcast was launched to connect more trainees and postdocs and to learn about their diverse experiences, backgrounds, research, and stories to share. As they grow & flourish in their respective scientific fields, they are the seeds of science.
Season #1 Summary:
This exciting season features several UHN Research trainees and postdoctoral researchers with unique experiences and goals. Each episode highlights their research achievements, obstacles and life outside of research. From the achievement of developing the protocol for a research project, the excitement of publishing your first paper, and tips for receiving awards at conferences, trainees share inspirational moments that can inspire undergraduates or those in earlier graduate studies to continue to pursue this path. Trainees and postdoctoral researchers also highlight real challenges related to work-life balance and concerns of having to always compete for funding in their future career. Check out the promo below for some teasers of what you’ll hear in Season #1:
Listen on:
Season 1 Episodes
Episode 1: Sriranga Kashyap
The first Seeds of Science guest is Sriranga Kashyap, a postdoctoral reearcher at the Techna Institute. Learn about Sriranga and listen to the podcast episode here.
Episode 2: Noor Al Kaabi
The second Seeds of Science guest is Noor Al Kaabi, a Masters student at Toronto General Hospital Research Institute. Learn about Noor and listen to the podcast episode here.
Episode 5: Kevin Robb
The fifth Seeds of Science guest is Kevin Robb, a PhD Candidate at the Krembil Research Institute. Learn about Kevin and listen to the podcast episode here.
Episode 6: Cristiana O’Brien
The sixth Seeds of Science guest is Cristiana O’Brien, a MSc student at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. Learn about Cristiana and listen to the podcast episode here.
Meet the Podcast Team:
Hosts:
Dr. Emily Mills
Dr. Emily Mills is a postdoctoral researcher in Dr. Karen Davis’ lab at Krembil Research Institute. Her research aims to use a variety of neuroimaging technologies, including MRI and magnetoencephalography, to explore underlying structural and functional neural connections that may help predict treatment outcomes in patients with chronic neuropathic pain.
Emily completed her undergraduate and PhD training at the University of Sydney, Australia. She loves all outdoor activities including hiking & rock climbing.
Rima El-Sayed
Rima El-Sayed is a graduate PhD student in Dr. Karen Davis’ lab at Krembil Research Institute, in the Institute of Medical Sciences. She has always been passionate about a career in neuroscience research and during her PhD she has collected various psychophysical and neuroimaging data from healthy individuals and those with chronic pain. Her research focus is on analyzing conditioned pain modulation (CPM) and Magnetoencephalography (MEG) collected before spinal cord stimulation treatment to discover predictors of treatment outcome. Outside of the lab, Rima loves playing table tennis and creating colorful and sparkly nail art!
Behind the Scenes:
Dr. Olivia Mekhael
Dr. Olivia Mekhael is a postdoctoral researcher under the supervision of Dr. Tereza Martinu and Dr. Stephen Juvet at Toronto Lung Transplant Program, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute. Her research investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms driving graft rejection in lung transplants. In particular, Olivia focuses on exploring the role of the airway epithelium in graft rejection, injury, and scarring.
Olivia is passionate about serving and mentoring youth in her community. In her spare time, she enjoys playing guitar and listening to alternative rock music.
Ariana Besik
Ariana Besik is the Clinical Research Coordinator for Karen Davis’ lab at Krembil Research Institute. She is responsible for managing lab operations and is currently learning about techniques to study differences in white matter structure between healthy controls and patients with chronic pain using diffusion weighted imaging. Ariana completed her Masters degree in Plant Physiology at the University of Toronto.
Outside of work, Ariana is an avid camper and general outdoor activity enthusiast. She also loves food and playing almost any sport.
Disclaimer: The Seeds of Science podcast is supported by UHN’s Office of Research Trainees (ORT). The views expressed in the podcast episodes are not necessarily those of UHN or ORT.