It's (Probably) Not Rocket Science

How hard is rocket science? Fifty-five years after Apollo 11 landed on the moon, students at the University of New Mexico built and launched their own rocket. In this casual episode, we explore why rocket science may not actually exist. Then, we hear from Fernando "Doc" Aguilar, who served in the Air Force Space Command before developing UNM's rocket engineering course. Later, Hyein...

Microplastics have been found in human placentas, testicles, brains, and more, so what happens now? In this episode, we talk with ⁠Matthew Campen⁠ , Regents’ Professor in the UNM Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, about what these findings mean for our health, how we can (or can't) find avoid microplastics, and what happens next. Then we hear from ⁠Eliane El Hayek⁠ , Research Assistant Pro...

Ozempic and Wegovy have exploded in popularity for their ability to help people lose weight. Now, Poison Control Centers around the country are sounding the alarm over a growing trend of semaglutide overdoses and incorrect use. We explore the problem and what consumers should know with Dr. Joseph Lambson, director of the New Mexico Poison and Drug Information Center. Learn more about Dr. Joseph La...

The Western U.S. is home to thousands of abandoned hard rock and uranium mines that pollute nearby water, soil and air with radiation and create health problems in nearby communities. This episode of It’s (Probably) Not Rocket Science explores the research of the UNM METALS Superfund Research Center working to measure toxicity, address remediation, and mitigate health risks for tribal communities...

Today we're sharing the first episode of a brand new podcast with you called PlaceKnowing with Dr. Ted Jojola. The show is co-produced by the Indigenous Design and Planning Institute at The University of New Mexico and The Aunties Dandelion media organization. The six-episode production will examine the essential relationship between land, storytelling, and community and the importance of visi...

The Office of Management and Budget announced it would be combining race and ethnicity questions on all Federal forms, but one UNM scholar says the change could impact the ability to research and understand equity issues ranging from poverty to housing discrimination in the U.S. In this episode, Professor of Sociology Nancy López explains intersectionality in research and how the new Federal quest...

What should a 16-year-old say if a police officer asks to search them? Law students from the UNM chapter of the Marshall-Brennan Constitutional Literacy Project have spent months teaching students from underserved high schools about their constitutional rights, how to interact with law enforcement and what a career in the legal field might look like. Soon, the group of high schoolers, their law st...

How can mindfulness and the hero's journey help make us happier? A professor of Positive Psychology discusses proven strategies for happiness, thriving, and resilience to hardship with tips and exercises he teaches students at The University of New Mexico in one of the most popular courses offered at UNM. Dr. Bruce Smith has researched, taught classes and written workbooks in Positive Psycholo...

Take a trip to outer space as we discuss early results of the James Webb Space Telescope, what astrophysicists think about astrology and how an expert in space optics suggests you clean your iPhone.  In this episode, we speak with Dr. John C. Mather, a Nobel Laureate and senior astrophysicist with NASA Goddard Space Flight Center about the James Webb Space Telescope results and with Tony Hull, a U...

Scientists at The University of New Mexico have developed a groundbreaking vaccine targeting high cholesterol, a leading cause of heart disease and stroke. The vaccine, aimed at lowering LDL cholesterol levels by targeting the PCSK9 protein, offers a potentially more affordable treatment option compared to current drugs like PCSK9 inhibitors. Join the discussion on how this innovative vaccine coul...

Millions of Americans experience seasonal affective disorder each year. In this episode, we explore the cause, symptoms, and tips for both dealing with SAD and improving mental health with Dr. Kristina Sowar, a psychiatrist and Associate Professor in the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center. Learn more at podcast.unm.edu and follow us...

What does a language mean to a culture? In this episode, we learn about why it can be difficult to keep heritage languages like Spanish alive in the U.S. and how programs like the Spanish Heritage Language program at UNM can help students reclaim their cultural identity. Learn more about Spanish as a Heritage Language program. Learn more about Damián Vergara Wilson . Learn more about  ⁠ Liliana Al...

A baby’s first words are an exciting milestone, but how does the language the child is learning play a role in what sounds and words they learn first? Linguists have long studied these topics in majority languages, but few studies have explored Navajo and other indigenous languages. Dr. Melvatha Chee, director of the UNM Indigenous Child Language Research Center, is working to change that while em...

Welcome to the Spooky Spectacular! In this episode we’ll share some of New Mexico’s classic ghost stories and folklore, then we’ll talk about what it means to be horrified and why the horror movie genre is not quite what it seems. This Halloween podcast episode delivers eerie expertise just in time for spooky season. Gabino Noriega , a Ph. D. Candidate in the Department of Chicano and Chicana Stud...

Substance use disorders are complicated. This episode includes discussions on factors that contribute to substance use, research on treatments, how substance use impacts the brain, and how we can all help reduce the stigma around this topic by talking about it more openly. The episode features Dr. Doug Ziedonis, CEO of The University of New Mexico Health System, and Dr. Katie Witkiewitz, a clinica...

Class is in session for Water 101. John Fleck, a professor of practice and expert on the governance and management of the Colorado River discusses what is happening with water in the West. Then, Heather Himmelberger from the Southwest Environmental Finance Center walks us through how water reaches homes, schools and businesses through water utility systems. About John Fleck: Keep up with the  work...

Faculty experts discuss the impacts of artificial intelligence on higher education and criminal justice. Leo Lo, dean of the College of Libraries and Learning Sciences, discusses how AI will change education and how people can set themselves up for success. Then, Sonia Gipson Rankin, professor of law, discusses how algorithms and AI have been used in criminal justice and what actions may need to b...

It’s (Probably) Not Rocket Science  is a University of New Mexico podcast that explores some of the hottest and most complex topics impacting our society, through conversations with experts, artists, and researchers. And look, we get it: we know that some issues are tough to unravel and even tougher to comprehend. But on this podcast, we’ll peel away some of those complicated layers for a genuine...