BBS Mindful Minutes
By BBS Podcast
BBS Mindful MinutesMay 12, 2022
Student Snooze: The University Edition of Sleep Deprivation
As finals season approaches, Jillian and Soumya explore the silent struggle behind late-night cram sessions: the tale of sleep deprivation in university life.💤 You know that feeling when you’re fighting a foggy mind, struggling to focus, and just trying not to doze off in class? 🥱 Joining us is Dr. William Marks, a UTD professor of Neuroscience, who is unpacking the intricacies of how sleep—or the lack thereof—affects people’s brain functioning. In this episode, we'll uncover the layers of sleep deprivation, discuss personal stories from Dr. Marks, and explore strategies to maintain proper sleep habits. So, whether you're a student, an educator, or just someone interested in both the psychology and neuroscience of brain health, this episode unlocks ground-breaking research.
Imposter Syndrome In Academia
In this episode, Brandon and Jillian dive deep into a topic that resonates with many of us in the academic world: Imposter Syndrome. Yes, that nagging feeling of self-doubt, that voice telling you you're not good enough, even when you're achieving great things. Joining us are Patricia and Natalie, both doctoral students who are delving into the intricacies of Imposter Syndrome in higher education. We'll uncover the layers of Imposter Syndrome, discuss personal stories from Patricia and Natalie, and explore strategies to overcome these challenging feelings. So, whether you're a student, an educator, or just someone interested in the psychology of learning, this episode will surely provide valuable insights.
Research Reels: The Neurobiology of Migraine
Brandon and Jillian sit down with Dr. Greg Dussor, neuroscience department head and trailblazer in the field of migraine research. Chances are you have experienced or know someone who suffers from migraines. In this episode, we delve into the intricate world of migraine attacks, which affect an astonishing one in six individuals, making it a widespread and often debilitating disorder. Dr. Dussor and his research lab aim to investigate the pathophysiology of migraines and search for potential therapeutic targets. In this episode, Dr. Dussor discusses what exactly differentiates migraines from headaches, our evolving understanding of migraine pathophysiology, current treatments, and future directions for migraine treatment.
Dr. Dussor's faculty profile website
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BBS Masters Program Series: Human Development and Early Childhood Disorders
To conclude our series on the BBS masters programs, we had the opportunity to interview Dr. Meridith Grant, program head for the Master of Science in Human Development and Early Childhood Disorders. This program equips students with necessary skills to support young children (from birth to five years) and their families in early childhood intervention programs, and provides them with parent education in various professional settings including schools, non-profit organizations, hospitals, and clinics. Masters of Human Development and Early Childhood Disorders website
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BBS Masters Program Series: Psychology
BBS Masters Program” series features Dr. Jackie Nelson, associate professor and program head for the Master of Science in Psychology program, which provides advanced training in psychology. A strong emphasis of this program is research training, helping serious student scholars become more competitive for nationally prominent doctoral programs in psychology, as well as for applied careers in areas such as program management, data analysis, and research science.
Master of Science in Psychology Website
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BBS Masters Program Series: Speech-Language Pathology
Welcome back to our BBS Masters Program series! In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Michelle Aldridge, program head of the Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) Master's program. Dr. Aldridge discusses how and when to apply to the SLP program, and various career opportunities the SLP field offers. She highly encourages students who are passionate about SLP to learn about and apply to the program! Speech-Language Pathology Masters Program Website Have any episode suggestions? Have any ideas for improvement? Fill out our survey
BBS Masters Program Series: Applied Cognition and Neuroscience
Kicking off our “BBS Masters Program” series, we sit down with Dr. Richard Golden, head of the Applied Cognition and Neuroscience graduate program, and discuss all the program has to offer. Dr. Golden covers how and when students can apply to the program, and what interested students can anticipate in a graduate level college program. We also highlight the broad range of concentrations and career paths offered by the Applied Cognition and Neuroscience degree plan, including neuroscience research, UX design, intraoperative monitoring, artificial intelligence, and many more. Dr. Golden emphasizes the program’s focus on the intersectionality of neuroscience related disciplines, as well as the program’s ability to allow students to create a degree plan custom tailored to their interests.
The ACN Masters Program Website
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Love on the Brain with Dr. Heidi Kane
BBS Mindful Minutes is celebrating all forms of relationships in this Valentine’s Day special! We sat down with Dr. Heidi Kane, director of the Close Relationships and Health Lab, to talk about their research and motivation.
This episode dives into the building blocks of relationships, the types of relationships that exist, and most importantly, how these relationships affect our emotional and physiological well-being. Dr. Kane informs us of how to navigate conflict, and the red flags that can exist in a relationship. We recognize people stay in unhappy relationships for many reasons, and we explain there are ways to support those who are in those troubled relationships.
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Student Org Profiles: Neuroscience Student Association (NSA)
Kicking off our “Student Org Profiles” series, we sit down with President Grace Moore and Event Coordinator George Kidane of the Neuroscience Student Association (NSA), which welcomes a community of students who love neuroscience. The NSA maintains a good balance of academic, social, and community events for members and non-members. Also in this episode, we debunk the common feelings of imposter syndrome and intimidation upon joining a student organization for the first time. Finally, we highlight some favorite neuroscience books!
NSA encourages anyone to join and get involved.
- NSA Website
- NSA’s Instagram
- NSA's email: utdnsa@gmail.com
Research Reels: PTSD & The Neurobiology of Fear
It’s spooky season! 👻 In this Halloween special, we seek to understand what exactly is so thrilling about being frightened. We are joined by associate professor Dr. Christa McIntyre to explore the neurobiology of fear, and why we are so drawn to fearful experiences. Dr. McIntyre’s lab is working to better understand the pathophysiology of fear disorders, and potential targets for treatments. We also discuss how over-activation of the fear system can lead to disorders like anxiety and PTSD. Enjoy this fang-tastic episode! 🎃
Dr. Christa McIntryre's Profile
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Research Reels: Music and Cognition
Brandon sits down with neuroscience rockstar, Dr. Yune Lee! An assistant professor and director of the Speech, Language, and Music (SLAM) Lab, Dr. Lee explores the strong relationship between music and cognition. The SLAM lab has developed clinical treatments like rhythm therapy for patients with motor and speech disorders. The lab has also developed an app which allow users to imbed certain sound frequencies into their favorite songs, in order to mitigate progressive cognitive decline. Dr. Lee also discusses his path from the music industry to pursuing groundbreaking research.
Center for BrainHealth Profile: Dr. Yune Lee
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College Tips and Resources for New BBS Students!
Whether you are a first-year or a transfer student, it can be overwhelming to navigate a new campus with over 31,000 enrolled, including classes with new professors and student life. Anisha joins BBS advisor Catherine Boynton to discuss imposter syndrome, useful resources to stay ahead, and FAQs. Also, enjoy a brief Harry Potter fandom moment!
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Michelle's Mindful Minutes: A Farewell to the Founder
Get to know a co-host and founder of the BBS Mindful Minutes podcast: Michelle Hagenimana. As we say goodbye to Michelle, we reflect on her vision and purpose while curating the podcast, and her experiences in research, leadership, and networking at UT Dallas. Michelle also shares how students can "make [their] mark" on campus.
We wish Michelle the best of luck in all her future endeavors and know she will continue to make a difference, no matter where she is! Congratulations to Michelle and all of the UTD BBS Class of 2022!
Research Reels: The Bilingual Language Lab with Dr. Raul Rojas
Michelle and Anisha sit down with Dr. Raul Rojas to discuss the work and inspiration behind the Bilingual Language Lab, which investigates the intersection between the bilingual student experience and its effect on academic achievement and opportunity. Dr. Rojas explains his personal experience as an immigrant working his way from the bottom up to establishing a successful lab that is making difference in the Latinx community. He describes the rewards and challenges as a professional researcher in this candid and inspiring interview. Enjoy!
This episode is brought to you by the UTD School of Behavior and Brain Sciences. For more episodes, follow or subscribe to BBS Mindful Minutes on wherever you listen to your podcasts.
Research Reels: The Research Match Portal and the Research Experience
Tune in to Research Reels! A series all about undergraduate involvement in BBS research at UTD. This episode features discussions with associate psychology professor Dr. Maguire and associate neuroscience professor Dr. Kolber. In the first conversation, Dr. Maguire introduces the research match portal, a tool to help connect students with research opportunities on campus. Then, Dr. Kolber speaks about the undergraduate research experience and gives advice for students looking to get involved.
Research Reels: The CCF REU Student Experience
Tune in to Research Reels! A series all about undergraduate involvement in BBS research at UTD. In this episode, BBS students, Michelle and Brandon, sit down with students in the Center for Children and Families REU program and discuss how the REU has shaped their professional and academic goals and given them a supportive academic community. We also discussed under-representation in research, and how the work we do can impact the communities we come from.
Research Reels: The CCF REU Program
Tune in to Research Reels! A series all about undergraduate involvement in BBS research at UTD. In this episode, BBS students, Michelle and Anisha, sit down with Dr. Maguire, an associate professor and researcher to discuss the Center for Children and Families REU program. We talk about student eligibility, application advice, and the highlights and details of this unique research experience!!
Research Reels: The Ensure program
Tune in to Research Reels! A series all about undergraduate involvement in BBS research at UTD. In this episode Michelle and Anisha sit down with Dr. Burton, an assistant professor and neuroscience researcher, to discuss the Enhance Neuroscience Undergraduate Research Experiences (ENSURE) program. We talk about student eligibility, application advice, and the highlights and details of this unique research experience!
Meet the Dean: A Conversation with Dr. Steven Small Pt. 2
We are back to continue our insightful conversation with Dean Small, the Dean of the UTD School of behavioral and brain sciences. In this episode, we will learn more about what it takes to be a leader and the most important advice he would give to students completing their education. Stick around to the end as he shares his favorite and current reads as well!
Meet the Dean: A Conversation with Dr. Steven Small Pt. 1
Meet Dr. Steven Small, the Dean of the UTD School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences. Learn more about Dean Small's academic career and how he got to where he is now!
How to Best Prepare for Finals
In this episode, we discuss the most productive ways to prepare for finals– including organization and study tips, as well as health and wellness. BBS advisor Mr. Kevin Jackson also shares his insight on the most common mistakes students make as well as what to do when contemplating your academic career path. This episode is a good one!
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Good luck with your exams, and Happy Holidays!
Show Notes:
- Time Management resources:
- https://bulletjournal.com/blogs/bulletjournalist
- https://www.notion.so/
- https://www.notion.so/blog/back-to-school-templates-2021
Study Resources:
- Spaced Repetition/Active recall
- Pomodoro
Wellness Resources:
Back on Campus: How to Navigate Through “The New Normal” Pt. 2
This is Part 2 of our interview with Dr. Ybarra where we discuss realistic ways to practice emotional equilibrium and mindfulness.
If you have not listened to Part 1, we highly recommend that you listen to it first. In Part 1 we discuss the roots of anxiety and stress, and why we still feel uncertainty after living with the pandemic for over a year.
If you like this podcast, feel free to follow or subscribe, and stay tuned for future episodes.
Back on Campus: How to Navigate Through “The New Normal” Pt. 1
This is Part 1 of our interview with Dr. Ybarra where we discuss how to navigate uncertainty and anxiety as we go back to campus. It can feel weird enough to be back on campus in the midst of so much uncertainty. Dr. Ybarra, a psychology professor at UT Dallas and a professional counseling psychologist, helps us understand our mixed feelings of stress, anxiety, and excitement by breaking down core components of stress and anxiety, differences and similarities between the two, and how this knowledge may apply to how we feel going back to school when we are in the middle of the pandemic.
Next episode will be part two of the interview with Dr. Ybarra where we discuss the best ways to realistically maintain emotional balance.
If you like this podcast, feel free to follow or subscribe on anywhere you listen to podcasts, and stay tuned for future episodes.