Beyond the Bench

The SciCom club at UCR is proud to present a new science communication podcast, Across the Cline. Your host Jessica Maccaro and Catherine Nguyen bring together two experts for seemingly different fields to discuss the similarities their studies share. This voyage into what unites us in science will leave you wondering want else can be found just...Across the Cline.    Podcast to be released on the 1st of every month with new guest and newer discoveries. Production and sound editing by Joshua Reger. 

What does the job of an extension agent entail, and how can we develop repellent devices to control the Asian citrus psyllid? Lourdes Pérez Cordero, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension Agent of Highlands County, discusses growing up in Puerto Rico, how she was first inspired by agriculture and citrus specifically, and what it is like to be an extension agent and full-time master's student. Follow Lourdes on Twitter @AgroLouCris! Learn more about the tools used in the battle against huanglongbing and view research snapshots by other Citrus Series guests by visiting the Science for Citrus Health website and following along on Twitter and Instagram @sci4citrus. Learn more about the students producing this podcast and their science communication efforts by following us on Twitter @SciCommUCR and visiting our website.

How can social media be used as a science education platform, and how can we improve science education at the high school and collegiate levels? Tamara El-Hayek Ewing, Lab Manager and Instructional Support in the CSUSM Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, discusses effective practices to inspire and engage chemistry students, her use of social media as a science communication tool, and her path to becoming a chemistry educator. Follow Tamara on TikTok @chemis.te and Instagram @chemis.te and @elementandmolecule. Learn more about the students producing this podcast and their science communication efforts by following us on Twitter @SciCommUCR and visiting our website.

How can citrus genome editing help in the fight against huanglongbing, and how can we think outside the box to be better science communicators? Dr. Karl Haro von Mogel, a PostDoc in botany and plant sciences at the University of California Riverside and Science & Media Director of Biology Fortified, discusses his long-term research to protect citrus against huanglongbing and his recent research investigating face mask efficacy. He also shares how he communicates science by making awesome shirts. Follow Karl on Twitter @KarlHvM! Learn more about the tools used in the battle against huanglongbing and view research snapshots by other Citrus Series guests by visiting the Science for Citrus Health website and following along on Twitter and Instagram @sci4citrus. Learn more about the students producing this podcast and their science communication efforts by following us on Twitter @SciCommUCR and visiting our website.

What is it like to take high schoolers on paleontology digs and curate a museum on a high school campus? Dr. Andy Farke, Director of the Raymond M. Alf Museum of Paleontology at The Webb Schools, discusses the inspiration he gets from educating high schoolers, his home-brewing hobby and blog, and why it's essential to make science exciting even for people who will never become career scientists. Follow Andy on Twitter @AndyFarke. Learn more about the students producing this podcast and their science communication efforts by following us on Twitter @SciCommUCR and visiting our website.

How does one person lead a career that involves serving hundreds of faculty as dean of schools in two universities, creating over 70 U.S. and international patents, and publishing 140 peer-reviewed papers? What is it like to work at the intersection of academia and corporate business? Dr. Kathryn Uhrich, Dean of the College of Natural & Agricultural Sciences at the University of California Riverside, discusses the chemistry that initially inspired her to invent polymers for various industries (including drug delivery and personal care), what mentorship has meant throughout her career, and what it's like to be the dean of a college. Follow Kathryn on Twitter @kathrynuhrich. Learn more about the students producing this podcast and their science communication efforts by following us on Twitter @SciCommUCR and visiting our website.

Why is it important to figure out how citrus may become resistant to huanglongbing, and how can scientists be more approachable and relatable? Jess Trinh, a microbiology Ph.D. Candidate in the Coaker Lab at the University of California Davis, discusses her research on citrus immunity, her work as a science communicator, and cosplay. Follow Jess on Twitter @jess_trinh! Learn more about the tools used in the battle against huanglongbing and view research snapshots by other Citrus Series guests by visiting the Science for Citrus Health website and following along on Twitter and Instagram @sci4citrus. Learn more about the students producing this podcast and their science communication efforts by following us on Twitter @SciCommUCR and visiting our website.

Why does the universe look the way it does, and how can we improve the demographic representation of STEM fields by supporting students with a nonlinear academic path? Bill Smith, a Fisk-Vanderbilt Master's-to-Ph.D. Bridge student, discusses his astrophysics research, the life experience that has influenced his career aspirations, and what he loves about the Master's-to-Ph.D. bridge program in which he is participating. Follow Bill on Twitter @smitwi05. Learn more about the students producing this podcast and their science communication efforts by following us on Twitter @SciCommUCR and visiting our website.

How can STEM professionals better support marginalized students and trainees, and why is gender a crucial factor in the study of neuroendocrinology? Dr. Troy Roepke, a professor in the Department of Animal Sciences at Rutgers, discusses the role of gender inclusivity in the study of estrogens and reproduction, how being a queer person has impacted their career path in the sciences, and the importance of visibility for LGBTQ+ people and their allies working in STEM and STEM-supporting jobs. Follow Troy on Twitter @DrGlitterbear. Learn more about the students producing this podcast and their science communication efforts by following us on Twitter @SciCommUCR and visiting our website.

How can we transform human spaces into thriving ecosystems, and why is inquiry-based teaching critical for engaging new scientists? Dr. Monika Egerer, a professor in Urban Productive Ecosystems at the Technical University of Munich, discusses how she leads community science investigations in urban gardens, the joys and struggles of being an early-career professor as a woman in Europe, and the magic and importance of good mentorship throughout anyone's career path. Follow Monika on Twitter @MonikaEgerer. Learn more about the students producing this podcast and their science communication efforts by following us on Twitter @SciCommUCR and visiting our website.

What is it like to study cell biology and physiology, and how is racism affecting nutrition? Ashley Aguillard, a graduate student in the Lorenzo Lab at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the Chair of Diversity for NutriBites, discusses nutrition, life as a graduate student, and the role of race in our healthcare system. Follow Ashley on Twitter @ashleymichxox! Learn more about the students producing this podcast and their science communication efforts by following us on Twitter @SciCommUCR and visiting our website.

How do we communicate scientific information related to emotional, contentious, and traumatizing issues such as the climate crisis? Why is it important for science communication practitioners to prioritize their emotional and physical selves? Dr. Faith Kearns, an Academic Coordinator at the California Institute for Water Resources and author of Getting to the Heart of Science Communication, discusses her new book, science writing about water, fire, and climate, and what it means to be a science communication practitioner. Follow Faith on Twitter @frkearns! Learn more about the students producing this podcast and their science communication efforts by following us on Twitter @SciCommUCR and visiting our website.

Why are monarchs and milkweed important, and what is it like to write a popular science book? Dr. Anurag Agrawal, a Professor of environmental studies at Cornell University and author of Monarchs and Milkweed, discusses insect-plant interactions, comparative biology, and tips for students in the biological sciences. Follow Anurag on Twitter @anuragasclepias! Learn more about the students producing this podcast and their science communication efforts by following us on Twitter @SciCommUCR and visiting our website.

What is it like to work in both a university and government setting, and what is some current research in the fight against the citrus disease huanglongbing? Dr. Michelle Heck, a Research Molecular Biologist at the Boyce Thomson Institute and USDA Agricultural Research Service, discusses parallels between the COVID-19 pandemic and the spread of huanglongbing, tips on mentoring students, and endurance cycling. Follow Michelle on Twitter @Michelle_Heck1! Learn more about the tools used in the battle against huanglongbing, and view research snapshots by Michelle and other Citrus Series guests, by visiting the Science for Citrus Health website and following along on Twitter and Instagram @sci4citrus. Learn more about the students producing this podcast and their science communication efforts by following us on Twitter @SciCommUCR and visiting our website.

What makes a good bicycle tire, how can we keep the aesthetics in athletics, and why is the activity of biking much more than racing and new technology? Ronnie Romance, a bicycle lifestyle influencer, product designer, and Official Bike Scientist, discusses his approach to bike builds and product design, and the joys of leisurely bike riding and aesthetics! Follow Ronnie on Instagram @ultraromance, shop Ultradynamico tires, and purchase his other bike products and custom bike builds at ronsbikes.com. Learn more about the students producing this podcast and their science communication efforts by following us on Twitter @SciCommUCR and visiting our website.

What does the long-term management of the citrus disease huanglongbing entail, and what are the benefits of working with a multidisciplinary group of scientists when running a lab? Dr. Lukasz Stelinski, a professor of entomology and nematology at the University of Florida Citrus Research and Education Center, discusses his approach to combating huanglongbing throughout his career, how his immigration from Poland shaped his approach to his work, and tips for staying creative and balanced throughout anyone's career. See Lukasz's fishing photos on Instagram @polkfish1! Learn more about the tools used in the battle against huanglongbing, and view research snapshots by Lukasz and other Citrus Series guests, by visiting the Science for Citrus Health website and following along on Twitter and Instagram @sci4citrus. Learn more about the students producing this podcast and their science communication efforts by following us on Twitter @SciCommUCR and visiting our website.

How can TikTok be used as a science communication platform, and what is the current and future state of cannabis research? Riley Kirk, a Natural Product Chemistry Ph.D. Candidate at The University of Rhode Island (URI), answers some fascinating questions about the chemistry of cannabis, discusses her recent (quite successful) introduction into the world of TikTok, and shares her hopes and dreams for the future directions of cannabis science in the U.S! Follow Riley on TikTok @cannabichem and learn more about the URI Certificate in Cannabis Studies here. Learn more about the students producing this podcast and their science communication efforts by following us on Twitter @SciCommUCR and visiting our website.

What kinds of interesting questions can you investigate as a biology graduate student, and what is day-to-day life like in this role? Ayala Berger, Sam Levell, and Annika Rose-Person from the University of California Riverside's (UCR) Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology discuss their experience as graduate students, how they got interested in specific biological questions, and the role of biologists in today's society. Learn more about UCR's Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology here. Learn more about the students producing this podcast and their science communication efforts by following us on Twitter @SciCommUCR and visiting our website.

What is a Farm Management Specialist, and how can economics education help agricultural scientists? Christopher Narayanan, a Farm Management Specialist at The University of Tenessee Institute of Agriculture, discusses how his diverse career experiences (including U.S. Marine Corps infantry and Wall Street analyst and banker) have led to his current position and how he uses his knowledge of agricultural commodity markets to improve Tenessee farms! Follow Christopher on Twitter @Chris_Narayanan. Learn more about the students producing this podcast and their science communication efforts by following us on Twitter @SciCommUCR and visiting our website.

What is integrated pest management, and what is it like working for a non-profit public garden? Dr. Ryan Gott, Associate Director of Integrated Pest Management at the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, discusses plant health care, how to make your yard more insect-friendly, why we need more resources for helping graduate students apply to non-academic jobs, and why the visibility of LGBTQ+ people and their allies working in STEM and STEM-supporting jobs is important! Follow Ryan on Twitter @Entemnein. A career exploration and planning tool for the humanities and social sciences Optimize your resume for your next interview Guidance for all things Ph.D.: graduate school, job market, and careers Learn more about the students producing this podcast and their science communication efforts by following us on Twitter @SciCommUCR and visiting our website.

Why are plant and insect identification services essential, and how much fun is it to work at a plant disease and insect clinic? (Hint: a lot of fun.) Dr. Matt Bertone, Director and Diagnostician at the NCSU Plant Disease & Insect Clinic, discusses all things insect identification, specifically with flies. He also gets into why spiders are awesome, and he shows us some of his beautiful macro photography! Follow Matt on Twitter @Bertonemyia. Learn more about the students producing this podcast and their science communication efforts by following us on Twitter @SciCommUCR and visiting our website.

What is the role of science policy in today's America, and how can scientists transition from academia into the policy world? Dr. Brian Gray, a former Congressional Science Fellow, discusses his path from being an evolutionary biology Ph.D. student in California to working with legislators in D.C., why science policy impacts every person's life, and how scientists can play a role in shaping policy! Connect with Brian. Learn more about the students producing this podcast and their science communication efforts by following us on Twitter @SciCommUCR and visiting our website.

What complexities play into the management of weeds in crop systems, and what does a weed scientist do for their job on a daily basis? Dr. Lynn Sosnoskie, a weed scientist at the Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, discusses the variety of tactics she employs to control weeds, why weed management is more complex than people typically think, and how she got into the field of agricultural science in the first place! Follow Lynn on Twitter @LynnSosnoskie. Learn more about the students producing this podcast and their science communication efforts by following us on Twitter @SciCommUCR and visiting our website.

In this episode, Dr. Noah Whiteman, an Evolution Professor at UC-Berkeley, shares his story of growing up in northern Minnesota, being a 1st-generation college student, navigating starting his lab while being the first out LGBTQIA+ faculty member in his departments at the University of Arizona and UC-Berkeley, and finding joy and unexpected discoveries through his research on various organisms. Learn more about The Whiteman Laboratory here. Learn more about the students producing this podcast and their science communication efforts by following us on Twitter @SciCommUCR and visiting our website.

How can America's wartime victory gardens be reimagined to inform an increasingly uncertain future, and how can digital tools be used to create compelling narratives around food and farming? Dr. Rose Hayden-Smith - an Emeritus University of California (UC) Cooperative Extension Advisor in Digital Communications in Food Systems & Extension Education, the Editor of the UC Food Observer, and a Food and Society Policy Fellow - discusses how her journey through a Ph.D. in US history and working with many forms of technology led to a career in extension, how she started the UC Food Observer, and how gardens are an engaging first step towards uniting our communities and joining up the thinking between policy areas! Learn more about Rose, The Victory Grower, here. Learn more about the students producing this podcast and their science communication efforts by following us on Twitter @SciCommUCR and visiting our website.

How can scientists play a critical role in public policy, and how can grad students get involved? Morgan Dundon and Stephanie Piper from UC Riverside's Center for Science to Policy discuss their experience in public policy as graduate students, the professional development opportunities they host on campus, and what they have learned from legislators! Learn more about UC Riverside's Center for Science to Policy here. Learn more about the students producing this podcast and their science communication efforts by following us on Twitter @SciCommUCR and visiting our website.

How can we enable a global response to disease by creating low-cost vaccines using plant viruses? Dr. Larry Grill, the Dean of Research and a Research Professor at the Keck Graduate Institute, discusses his research in vaccine development and disease diagnostics in developing countries, how his experience founding Large Scale Biological Corporation led to the development of vaccine production technology, and his undergraduate teaching philosophy! Watch Larry's TEDx talk on enabling a world response to disease here. Learn more about the students producing this podcast and their science communication efforts by following us on Twitter @SciCommUCR and visiting our website.

How do transposable elements contribute to gene and genome evolution, and what are the benefits of a hands-on laboratory education for undergraduates? Dr. Sue Wessler, a Professor of Genetics at the University of California Riverside and Home Secretary of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), discusses her career researching fragments of DNA that can insert into new chromosomal locations, how she has helped to make the NAS more inclusive, and the Dynamic Genome course-based undergraduate research experience that she developed and implemented at two universities! Learn more about the Wessler Lab at wesslerlab.ucr.edu. Learn more about the students producing this podcast and their science communication efforts by following us on Twitter @SciCommUCR and visiting our website.

How can we use quantitative modeling to solve plant disease issues around the world, particularly huanglongbing? Dr. Neil McRoberts, a Professor of Plant Pathology at UC Davis, discusses the intersectionality of his epidemiology research, how he got interested in the field of plant pathology at an early age while growing up in a small Scottish town, and how there's room for everyone in science, even those who despise labwork! Follow Neil on Twitter @UnderGardener1. Learn more about the tools used in the battle against huanglongbing, and view research snapshots by Neil and other Citrus Series guests by visiting the Science for Citrus Health website and following along on Twitter and Instagram @sci4citrus. Learn more about the students producing this podcast and their science communication efforts by following us on Twitter @SciCommUCR and visiting our website.

Why is plant virology important for biosecurity, and how can we form international professional connections at conferences and via Twitter? Dr. Adrian Fox, a Senior Plant Virologist at Fera Science Ltd., discusses his research and plant diagnostic work, what it's like to be an industry scientist, how he communicates science via his dog's Twitter account, and his myriad of activities outside of science, including playing the trombone and baking. Follow Adrian on Twitter @Blisteredcanker and his dog @PlantpathDog. Learn more about the students producing this podcast and their science communication efforts by following us on Twitter @SciCommUCR and visiting our website.

What particular challenges do first-generation college students face, and how can science education impact their experience? Alex Cortez, the Academic Coordinator and Instructor of the Dynamic Genome Program at UC Riverside, discusses his educational journey, the importance of undergraduate research experiences, and advice for other first-generation college students. Follow Alex on Instagram @ill_profe. Learn more about the students producing this podcast and their science communication efforts by following us on Twitter @SciCommUCR and visiting our website.

What is the psychological toll of COVID-19, and what can we do to support each other during this time? Dr. Erin Berman, a Clinical Psychologist at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), discusses how isolation is affecting the mental health of people of all ages and walks of life and what steps we can take to get through this time. Learn more about the NIMH and get the latest COVID-19 information here. Learn more about the students producing this podcast and their science communication efforts by following us on Twitter @SciCommUCR and Instagram at scicommucr, and visiting our website.

How can underrepresented students in academia best be prepared to succeed in their professional lives? Dr. Gabriella Sanguineti, a Research & Outreach Coordinator and Adjunct Professor of Chemistry at PRISM at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, has endless advice from her journey through academia and experience advocating for students! Dr. Sanguineti recognizes the many people who helped her get to her current position, and the general importance of networking and mentorship in one's career path. Learn more about Dr. Sanguineti and PRISM here. Learn more about the students producing this podcast and their science communication efforts by following us on Twitter @SciCommUCR and Instagram at scicommucr, and visiting our website.

What does a virologist do, and how is the University of California Riverside (UCR) working to keep people safe from COVID-19? Dr. Juliet Morrison, an Assistant Professor of Microbiology and Plant Pathology at UCR, discusses her research on host responses to viral pathogens, the COVID-19 pandemic, and her journey into virology after she moved from Jamaica to the United States! Follow Juliet on Twitter @JumoDr. Learn more about the students producing this podcast and their science communication efforts by following us on Twitter @SciCommUCR and Instagram at scicommucr, and visiting our website.

When it comes to dragonfly evolution, are all the questions answered? No! Dr. Jessica L. Ware, an Assistant Curator in Invertebrate Zoology at the American Museum of Natural History, discusses her research on the evolution of insects (dragonflies, in particular), her journey of overcoming barriers throughout her education as an African American woman, and the importance of increasing access to science, technology, engineering, and math education for People of Color, young and old. Follow Jessica on Twitter @JessicaLWareLab and learn more about her work at the American Museum of Natural History. Learn more about the students producing this podcast and their science communication efforts by following us on Twitter @SciCommUCR and Instagram at scicommucr, and visiting our website.

What are heterogeneous catalysts, and how can they help address the world's environmental and energy challenges? Dr. K. Leslie Abdul-Aziz, an Assistant Professor in Chemical and Environmental Engineering at the University of California Riverside, discusses her research on sustainable catalysis and materials, her entrepreneurial spirit, and the importance of research groups that have a diversity of backgrounds encompassing unique experiences and identities. Follow Leslie on Twitter @GAALabatUCR and learn more about her Sustainable Catalysis and Materials Group. Learn more about the students producing this podcast and their science communication efforts by following us on Twitter @SciCommUCR and Instagram at scicommucr, and visiting our website.

How can we fight against citrus greening disease? Dr. Emilyn Matsumura, a postdoctoral researcher at UC Davis, discusses her research on plant and insect viruses and the importance of finding community as an international scholar. Follow Emilyn on Twitter @MatsumuraEE. Learn more about the tools used in the battle against huanglongbing, and view research snapshots by former Citrus Series guests by visiting the Science for Citrus Health website and following along on Twitter and Instagram @sci4citrus. Learn more about the students producing this podcast and their science communication efforts by following us on Twitter @SciCommUCR and visiting our website.

How can we use genetic engineering to combat plant disease? Dr. Jim Thomson, a research geneticist at the USDA, explains his research on using genetic engineering to improve citrus greening disease tolerance and the perks of working as a government scientist for the USDA. Learn more about the tools used in the battle against huanglongbing, and view research snapshots by Jim and other Citrus Series guests, by visiting the Science for Citrus Health website and following along on Twitter and Instagram @sci4citrus. Learn more about the students producing this podcast and their science communication efforts by following us on Twitter @SciCommUCR and visiting our website.

How can engineered genes escape plants? Dr. Norm Ellstrand, a distinguished professor and geneticist at UC Riverside and the director of the California Agriculture and Food Enterprise (CAFE), discusses his career-long fascination in applied plant evolutionary biology, his process for writing popular science, and his love of birding. Follow Dr. Norm Ellstrand on Twitter @ellstrand and read his book, Sex on the Kitchen Table, to learn more about the romance of plants and our food. Learn more about how CAFE is improving lives with science while having fun at cafe.ucr.edu and on Twitter @CAFE_UCR. Learn more about the students producing this podcast and their science communication efforts by following us on Twitter @SciCommUCR and visiting our website.

What is huanglongbing, and what are scientists doing to combat it? Dr. Beth Grafton-Cardwell, a research entomologist at UC Riverside and the director of the Lindcove Research and Extension Center, gives an overview of integrated pest management - how scientists fight pests that threaten our crops - and shares her experience as one of the first women in agricultural entomology. Follow Beth on Twitter @UCANRBethGC. Learn more about the tools used in the battle against huanglongbing, and view research snapshots by Beth and other Citrus Series guests by visiting the Science for Citrus Health website and following along on Twitter and Instagram @sci4citrus. Learn more about the students producing this podcast and their science communication efforts by following us on Twitter @SciCommUCR and visiting our website.

Why are native bees important, and what can we learn from studying their physiology? Dr. Hollis Woodard, an assistant professor of entomology at UC Riverside, discusses her research on bumble bees, the challenges and rewards of being a principal investigator, and the evolutionary questions that initially set her on a path to becoming a scientist. Follow the Woodard Lab on Twitter @woodardlab and visit their website at woodardlab.com. Learn more about the students producing this podcast and their science communication efforts by following us on Twitter @SciCommUCR and visiting our website.

What does an extension specialist do, and how can good mentorship be career-changing? Dr. Monique Rivera, an extension specialist at UC Riverside, discusses her love of agriculture, her career path from art-enthusiast to scientist, and her experiences with mentorship. Follow Dr. Monique Rivera on Twitter @moniquejrivera. Learn more about the tools used in the battle against huanglongbing, and view research snapshots by Monique and other Citrus Series guests, by visiting the Science for Citrus Health website and following along on Twitter and Instagram @sci4citrus. Learn more about the students producing this podcast and their science communication efforts by following us on Twitter @SciCommUCR and visiting our website.