Research Remix

How do jazz composers balance the technical capabilities of an instrument with the specific creative strengths of the performer? How does a jazz musician move through the stages of imitation and assimilation to reach innovation? In this episode of the Research Remix, Shawn Purcell invites listeners into a conversation about the creative research behind his latest album, the process of transcribing...

How do structured practice and music theory provide the foundation for a spontaneous jazz performance? Can improvisation be taught and learned as a universal skill? In this episode of the Research Remix, John Kocur invites listeners into a conversation about the cultural histories behind famous jazz tunes, the hidden spiritual legacy of Jamey Aebersold, and how rigorous research provides the found...

What creative research goes into the process of putting on a student jazz ensemble? How does jazz show up on a global stage? In this episode of the Research Remix, Darden Purcell invites listeners into a conversation about the rigors of creative research, the international language of jazz, and the discipline required to create something bigger than oneself. Don't forget to check out our ⁠ ⁠⁠c...

How do hidden "shadow networks" influence human smuggling and drug trafficking along the U.S.-Mexico border? Why is a mixed-methods approach essential for studying illicit trade? In this episode of the Research Remix, Guadalupe Correa-Cabrera invites listeners into a conversation about the intersection of trade and security, the geopolitical forces shaping migration policy, and the power...

How do journalists adapt to modern technologies and challenges? How can information literacy and open conversations improve the information landscape? In this episode of the Research Remix, Kimberly Meltzer invites listeners into a conversation about journalistic adaptation to change and key skills for navigating a modern information environment. Don't forget to check out our  ⁠⁠companion playlist...

In this episode, Briana Taylor shares research on genocide studies through the lenses of deconstruction and performance studies, with a goal of recentralizing overlooked bodies in the field. Taylor discusses issues with current genocide studies practices and suggests ways to refocus the field on the real humans it involves, especially those who often get ignored. Don't forget to check out our  ⁠⁠⁠...

How do digital tools, community-engaged teaching, and generative AI reshape writing instruction? How can asynchronous teachers leverage these tools without losing human connection? In this episode of the Research Remix, Tawnya Azar invites listeners into a conversation about pedagogy, technology, and engaging asynchronous teaching. Don't forget to check out our  ⁠companion playlist ⁠ ( https:/...

How do stand-up comedy and feminism intersect? What is the social purpose of humor? In this episode of the  Research Remix , Muge Yuce  invites listeners to take a look at power, humor, and stand-up in Istanbul and beyond. Don't forget to check out our  ⁠companion playlist ⁠ ( https://spoti.fi/3Zgsg6O ) and follow us so you never miss an episode! Download episode transcripts and resources for...

What does a 19th-century rebellion have to do with whether people trusted vaccines decades later? What evidence can be used to trace the roots of medical mistrust across generations? In this episode of the Research Remix , economic historian Noel Johnson invites listeners into a fascinating investigation of power, memory, and public health in colonial India. Don't forget to check out his contr...

For the final episode of our Spring 2025 semester, hear from doctoral candidate Alicia Cooper Ellis about her dissertation work building a theory of success for Black rural college students. Along the way, she shares inspiring local history that informs and inspires her research. For more of the story, check out her post on Substack: Robert Lee Vann: A Hidden Giant - Alicia J. Cooper Ellis (@buggs...

What is the recipe for resilience in the toughest situations? How do peacebuilders in crises around the globe maintain their strength in the face of struggle? In this episode, researcher Nick Sherwood shares findings from his dissertation and forthcoming book about resilience among peacebuilders. Don't forget to check out his contribution to our  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠companion playlist⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ( https://spoti.fi/...

Join Supriya Baily in a sneak peek of her new book, Bangalore Girls: Witnessing the Rise of Nationalism in a Progressive City. Baily explores the multi-dimensional impacts of rising nationalism through the lens of 35 women who grew up as classmates and have witnessed decades of a changing political climate in Bangalore, in southern India. Don't forget to check out her contribution to our  ⁠⁠⁠⁠...

Join Pierre Bowins and host Elise Mertz as they discuss Pierre's research on Black graphic designers throughout American history. From enslaved craftsmen to modern products, tombstones to 7-Up, the history of Black graphic design is full of rich stories and artwork. Don't forget to check out his contribution to our  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠companion playlist⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  (https://spoti.fi/3Zgsg6O) and follow us so you neve...

How did social media help Black mental health during the COVID pandemic? What insights does research offer for supporting mental health in the Black community? Hear from researchers Latasha Eley Kelly and Brandie Lee about their past research and their goals for the future. Don't forget to check out their contribution to our  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠companion playlist⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  (https://spoti.fi/3Zgsg6O) and follow...

How do expectations shape outcomes for individuals with disabilities? And how can we change to world to empower expectations of success? Hear from researcher Grace Francis about this and more as she recounts her multiple research projects. Don't forget to check out her contribution to our  ⁠⁠⁠⁠companion playlist⁠⁠⁠⁠  (https://spoti.fi/3Zgsg6O) and follow us so you never miss an episode! Downlo...

Welcome back to the Research Remix for our spring 2025 semester! This week, we have faculty member Sharon Doetsch-Kidder and two of her student research assistants, Taylor Alexander and Emilija Flay. They're sharing their work creating a podcast of their own, Spirit of Social Change , to share their interviews of intersectional activists from the D.C. area. Don't forget to check out their contribu...

How have Andean artists used abstraction in their art? How did they connect with other artists worldwide? And how does abstract art even work? Hear all about it from Michele Greet, former director of George Mason's Art History program. Don't forget to check out her contribution to our  ⁠⁠⁠companion playlist⁠⁠⁠  (https://spoti.fi/3Zgsg6O) and follow us so you never miss an episode! Download episode...

How do Southern authors and filmmakers portray shame? When is it harmful, and when is it used to good effect? Find out from Andy Hoefer as he discusses his research on the South Carolina documentary Corridor of Shame. Don't forget to check out his contribution to our  ⁠⁠companion playlist⁠⁠  (https://spoti.fi/3Zgsg6O) and follow us so you never miss an episode! Download episode transcripts and...

How do themes of motherhood and absent mothers shape Korean writing on themes of diaspora? From  Crying in H Mart  by Michelle Zauner to  If I Had Your Face  by Frances Cha, Denia Fraser's research explores this prominent theme. Don't forget to check out her contribution to our  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠companion playlist⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  (https://spoti.fi/3Zgsg6O) and follow us so you never miss an episode! Download episode tr...

How can researchers in the social sciences conduct their research with respect for and reciprocity with the community they are engaging? How are Central American immigrant mothers in northern Virginia advocating for their families and themselves? Learn more about both these topics from Rachael Goodman, Bethany Letiecq, and Colleen Vesely, who have partnered with Latine immigrant communities in Ale...

What are the affective experiences of childless women? How do people from doctors to strangers react to them? Find out from Courtney Wooten as she describes a few key findings from her book Childfree and Happy . Don't forget to check out her contribution to our ⁠⁠⁠companion playlist⁠⁠⁠ (https://spoti.fi/3Zgsg6O) and follow us so you never miss an episode! Download episode transcripts and resou...

How do you save an endangered language? Ph. D. researcher Nilima Hakim Mow shares how she, her colleagues, and the Indigenous inhabitants of St. Lawrence Island, Alaska are collaborating on the preservation of their endangered language, Akuzipik (also called St. Lawrence Island Yupik and Central Siberian Yupik). Don't forget to check out her contribution to our ⁠⁠⁠companion playlist⁠⁠⁠ (https:...

How can college administrators make sure that their resources are actually reaching students? Hear from Jeff Grim about his research with first-generation college students, and the communication insights he recommends so that colleges can empower first-gen students with the resources they need to succeed. Don't forget to check out his contribution to our ⁠⁠⁠companion playlist⁠⁠⁠ (https://spoti...

Welcome to the fall season of the Research Remix, your one-stop shop for arts and humanities research at George Mason University. To get us started, Kate Shuster shares her fascinating, sometimes creepy research into George Washington's hair, and the many ways people have obtained and presented it as a patriotic souvenir. Don't forget to check out her contribution to our ⁠⁠companion playli...

History, science, and theater intersect in the 100th Meridian Project. Hear from CVPA Dean Rick Davis about the political and personal drama from the 1800s that launched this project, and about the vibrant collaboration between science and the arts that it unlocks. Don't forget to check out his contribution to our ⁠⁠companion playlist⁠⁠ (https://spoti.fi/3Zgsg6O) and follow us so you never mis...