There are podcasts about science and then there’s Sciographies, a podcast and radio show that introduces listeners to the humans behind scientific inquiry.
Presented by the Faculty of Science and , Sciographies shares the stories that shape each guest’s winding path from childhood through to today, uncovering the opportunities, challenges, and breakthroughs that led to their research career. Guests include professors, graduate students, and alumni.
Season five premieres on Thursday, September 14 and kicks off with an episode featuring Dr. Chuck Macdonald, dean of science.
“Perhaps now more than ever, it’s critical that scientists work to build trust with the public,” says Dr. Macdonald. “On Sciographies, we’re not focused on sharing the latest science news. Instead, we’re telling the stories that make us human.”
Dr. David Barclay, an associate professor of oceanography, has been hosting Sciographies since its first season in 2018. Since then, he’s interviewed 36 scientists on the program.
“More often than not, their life story reveals a perspective that guides their approach toward doing research,” says Barclay, an underwater acoustics specialist. “It’s always fascinating to learn how and why people find and ask questions about the world.”
How to listen
New episodes will air on CKDU 88.1 FM in Halifax every Thursday at 4:30 PM ADT from September 14 - November 2, 2023.
Episodes can also be found on , , , , and other podcasting apps the same day.
Season Five Lineup
Chuck Macdonald – September 14
Dean of the Faculty of Science and a Dal chemistry alum (BSc’94, PhD’98).
Shannon Sterling – September 21
An environmental scientist and start-up founder who studies how restoring rivers can help reduce atmospheric CO2 levels.Â
Melanie Zurba – September 28
A researcher using social sciences and humanities to support communities and enhance equitable environmental governance.
Aaron Newman – October 5
A cognitive neuroscientist focused on research to understand how different language experiences shape the brain.
Erin Bertrand – October 12
A marine biogeochemist looking at the relationship between microbes and ocean metabolism.
Michael Freund – October 19
A materials scientist whose chemical research informs the design of sensors, electrical devices, and energy storage technologies.
Kevin Hewitt – October 26
The associate dean of equity and inclusion in the Faculty of Science and a physicist working on optical diagnostic tools for disease detection.Â
Will Burt – November 2
An oceanography alum (PhD’16) and the chief ocean scientist with Planetary Technologies, an industry partner working with pilipiliÂţ» to research an ocean-focused climate solution called ocean alkalinity enhancement.