Inspiration Dissemination

Your gastrointestinal tract is home to hundreds of bacterial species that play essential roles in digestion and metabolism. As this field of research expands it is becoming increasingly clear that these microbes influence systems beyond the gut: they can even impact brain functioning. These effects were once thought to occur indirectly over the span of minutes to hours through complex chemical signaling pathways. Over the past 15 years, however, scientists have discovered that gut bacteria can communicate directly with the brain via the nervous system, transmitting signals in a matter of seconds and reshaping how we understand the gut–brain axis. This week, we’re joined by Kevin Rice, a fourth-year PhD candidate in the Department of Microbiology, co-advised by Dr. Maude David and Dr. Kenton Hokanson. Kevin’s research focuses on how human gut cells interact with neurons and the role that the microbiome may play in influencing neurodevelopmental disorders. Through his work across both Microbiology and Biochemistry & Biophysics, he combines computational approaches with neuroscience techniques to better understand the big impact our microbial communities can have on human health. Tune in this Sunday, June 7th at 7 PM to hear Kevin talk about how pursuing scientific questions has shaped his perspective on what constitutes a worthwhile career and the implications of his work in understanding neurodevelopmental disorders.

Kelp are an important foundation species in Oregon, however are experiencing multiple stressors that may directly influence their biomass, including rising ocean termperatures and being preyed upon by sea urchins. Furthermore, Oregon is in talks of reintroducing sea otters back into the environment - what does this mean for kelp? In this episode, Andrés explains how he is assessing the interplay between kelp and sea urchins through simulation modeling with the goal of better informing agencies. Hailing all the way from Ecuador, listen in to hear the inspirational journey that led him to grad school in Oregon. Hosted by Matthew Vaughan and Hannah Stuwe.

How do you identify “an expert”? The answer to this question is more complex than you might think. Most of us might think of people with multiple degrees or extensive experience in a specific field as experts. However, as our guest this week is discovering, experts can be people with passion, people with connections or people with specific job titles. Recognizing the enacted and relationally valued characteristics of an expert is essential to creating systems where experts that reflect a community’s ideas and values are the ones making the decisions. One example is the community of people around and connected to the Puget Sound watershed region and the jurisdiction of the Puget Sound Partnership: an area spanning 12 counties and 28 recognized Tribal Nations. Large restoration efforts are underway to restore Puget Sound and prime the ecosystem for climate adaptation. These efforts hinge on not just access to climate adaptation knowledge, but who is recognized to apply such knowledge and the social structures to shape its uptake. Our guest this week is Krista Harrington, a 4th year PhD Candidate in the Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences. Krista utilizes political ecology and science, technology, and society theory in environmental natural resource management. During her Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree and time spent working in wildlife conversation, she kept asking herself “who are we going to for expertise?”. This question ultimately shaped the path of her PhD work and is how she is contributing to restoring Puget Sound. Hosted by Emilee Lance and Esteban Hernandez

Join us for a chat with Jazlee Crowley, a 4th year PhD student in Integrative Biology who takes us on a deep dive into the complex interactions of the bodhi tree. Jazlee's research takes us to Hawaii, but as we soon learn, relationships with the bodhi tree are prominent in many countries and cultures. As Jazlee investigates the role of the bodhi tree in Hawaii as an "invasive", it becomes apparent that her research sits at an intersection of science, philosophy, spirituality and culture. Hosted by Matthew Vaughan and Emilee Lance.

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Join us as we zoom into the "nano world" with Kelso Arthur, a third-year PhD student in Environmental and Molecular Toxicology at Oregon State University. In this episode we discuss nano and microplastic use in agricultural pesticides, what impacts they could have on environmental health, and how indicator species can help us assess their effects. Kelso shares their journey on how their roots in Kentucky helped pave their pathway into graduate school. Hosted by Matthew Vaughan and Esteban 'E' Hernandez.

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