BEaTS Research Radio's Podcast

Curious about the brain and wondering where that curiosity could take you? In this episode, Dr. Diane Lagace, Director of the University of Ottawa's Neuroscience Graduate Program, explains what makes the program stand out: research that spans fundamental to clinical neuroscience, a supportive community, cutting-edge facilities, flexible master's and PhD paths, and the wide range of caree...

Want to do real biomedical research before you finish your undergrad? In this episode, Dr. Jean-François Thibodeau, Associate Director of uOttawa's Translational and Molecular Medicine (TMM) program, explains how TMM gives upper-year undergraduates research-intensive training in small cohorts, connects them to Ottawa's research institutes and hospitals, and prepares them for careers in m...

Want to master anatomy and learn how to teach it? In this episode, Dr. Christopher Ramnanan, Director of uOttawa's Master of Applied Science in Anatomical Sciences Education, explains how the program combines hands-on cadaveric anatomy with teaching experience and education scholarship, and how it prepares students for health professional programs and careers as anatomy educators. Learn more...

What if your undergrad felt more like an apprenticeship in research? In this episode, Dr. Keith Wheaton, Director of uOttawa's Translational and Molecular Medicine (TMM) undergraduate program, explains how TMM uses small classes, active learning, a full-year lab course and real research placements to prepare students for medicine, graduate school and many other careers. Learn more : Translati...

Want to turn fundamental discoveries into real-world health solutions? In this episode, Dr. Erin Mulvihill, who leads uOttawa's Biochemistry graduate program, explains how the program combines fundamental and translational research, interdisciplinary training, strong infrastructure and close mentorship to prepare graduates for careers in academia, industry, government and health care. Learn m...

Thinking about grad school in health research, and wondering where to start? In this episode, Dr. Nadine Wiper-Bergeron, Vice-Dean of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies at uOttawa's Faculty of Medicine, gives the big picture on the Faculty's graduate programs: research-intensive, interdisciplinary training, mentorship from scientists and clinicians, professional skills development, and th...

Fascinated by viruses, bacteria or the immune system? In this episode, Dr. Michele Ardolino, Director of uOttawa's Microbiology and Immunology graduate program, explains how the program trains curious, critical thinkers through broad research in microbiology, immunology and cancer, strong mentorship and excellent facilities, and prepares them for careers in academia, industry and government....

Want to generate the evidence that shapes health care and health policy? In this episode, Dr. Beth Potter, Program Director of uOttawa's Epidemiology and Applied Health Research graduate program, explains how its shared core and six MSc concentrations, strong mentorship and Ottawa partnerships prepare students for careers in health research, public health, government and beyond. Learn more :...

Are you passionate about safeguarding the well-being of entire communities?  In this episode, Dr. Tara Elton-Marshall, an Associate Professor in the School of Epidemiology and Public Health at the University of Ottawa, provides an insightful look into the University of Ottawa’s Master of Public Health (MPH) program. We explore its three distinct concentrations: Public Health Practice, Global Healt...

What does it take to understand disease from every angle? In this episode, Dr. Balwant S. Tuana, Director of uOttawa's Cellular and Molecular Medicine graduate program, explains how the program brings several disciplines together to study disease, the hands-on workshops and mentorship students receive, the flexible master's and PhD paths, and what life as a grad student in Ottawa is like...

In this episode, we sit down with Bryce, a clinical psychologist and musician whose work crosses the borders of mind and body, science and art, structure and improvisation. From assessing cognitive function in the Epilepsy unit to composing and performing folk-rock and psychedelic music, he explores how perception, embodiment, and shared experience shape both therapy and music. Join us as we dive...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Madhukar Pai, a physician, researcher, and global health leader whose work has consistently crossed borders of geography, disciplines, and institutions to shape medical education and health equity globally. From his leadership at McGill International TB Centre to his widely read editorials on decolonizing global health, Dr. Pai has pushed the field to rethink...

In this episode, we explore the work of Dr. Vishna Devi V Nadarajah, a global leader in health professions education whose career crosses borders of science, pedagogy, and geography. From biomedical research to institutional leadership, her work bridges disciplines, nations, and communities of practice. Prof. Vishna Devi V Nadarajah has transitioned to the role of Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic a...

In this episode, we’ll be exploring the work of Dr. Saleem Razack, an innovator in changing discriminatory practices and systems in health education and healthcare. His work exists at the intersection of academic and clinical work - from leadership roles as well as research through/in residency programs to faculty advising. He also strives to bridge the gap between research and the application of...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Lorenzo Madrazo, a General Internist and Clinical Scholar whose journey to medicine was shaped by his deep roots in music and education. We explore his research on resident leadership, physician wellness, and the formation of professional identity in healthcare, as well as how his relationship with the arts shapes his perspective. 

In this episode, we’ll be exploring the work of Dr. Foluso Ishola, an internationally trained physician helping to transform global health and health systems through education, research, and policy. She has unique insights into how systems at various levels, from the local to international, shape health as well as how to navigate these spaces in a way that achieves the intended goals while maintai...

In this episode, we speak with Sheena Doyle, a Master of Science in Nursing student at McGill University and a Labor and Delivery Nurse Clinician. We explore how she uses the arts as a powerful tool for critical reflection and health advocacy. Join us as we discuss her commitment to decolonizing healthcare and advancing ethical, relational models of care through research and community engagement.

Global challenges like climate change demand urgent action, and chemistry is at the center of these emerging solutions. However, graduates starting chemistry-based careers often leave the classroom unprepared to tackle complex global issues. In this podcast, we speak with Dr. Alison Flynn, Principal Investigator of the Flynn Research Group, about how her team is developing strategies to create mor...

In this episode of the BEaTS Research Radio, Annie Xiang from the University of Ottawa sits down with Dr. Marcelo Vazquez, radiobiology section head at the Canadian Nuclear Laboratories. Together, they explore how cosmic and proton radiation affects the human body as astronauts prepare for missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Dr. Vazquez shares his journey from aspiring astronaut to NASA resear...

Ananya Jain from the University of Ottawa interviews Dr Adam Rudner about advances in temperate bacteriophage research. Dr. Rudner is a researcher and associate professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Ottawa. He also co-leads the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Science Education Alliance-Phage Hunters Advancing Genomics and Evolutionary...

Jack Cowan from the University of Ottawa interviews Dr. Morgan Fullerton, a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, on behalf of his team in the TMM4950 Science Communication course. Dr. Fullerton discusses dysregulated cholesterol metabolism, a hallmark of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. He delves into his lab’s recent study examining whether AMPK, the c...

In this episode, TMM students discuss the hidden declines in long-term care, drawing on insights from Dr. Daniel Kobewka, Dr. Sandy Shamon, and Dr. Susan Mitchell. Through examining changes in mental and physical function, the study highlights how this knowledge can guide more informed, dignity-focused decisions for residents and their families. Learn more: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.5635   Soun...

In this episode, James Humber, a Translational and Molecular Medicine student from the University of Ottawa, interviews Dr. Simon Hatcher on behalf of his team for the TMM 4950 Science Communication course. Dr. Hatcher is a psychiatrist at the Ottawa Hospital and Medical Director of Psychiatry at Ottawa Inner City Health. He’s also a scientist at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute and a profes...

Mattea Abou Faiçal from the University of Ottawa interviews Dr. Marisa Azad. Dr. Marisa Azad is an Associate Clinical Scientist at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, and a Mayo Clinic Research Collaborator. She is also an Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at The Ottawa Hospital. In this episode, Dr. Marisa Azad shares her research on phage therapy and how...

Katya Krykunova from the University of Ottawa interviews Dr. Marisa Azad from The Ottawa Hospital about the first use of phage therapy in Canada. Dr. Azad's patient developed a life-threatening periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) of her hip implant. She was allergic to most major antibiotics; the culprit bacteria were resistant to all others, and further surgery would risk her life. All conv...