Science Talks

Transdisciplinary research unites researchers from different backgrounds to integrate and move beyond discipline-specific approaches to address today’s grand bioscience and biomedical challenges. Dr. Taylor Edwards , clinical manager and development scientist at the University of Arizona Genetics Core , shares how the UAGC core facility brings together researchers and samples across the university...

Gastrointestinal cancers collectively represent one of the greatest public health challenges, accounting for more than one-quarter of all global cancer cases and more than 35% of all cancer-related deaths. Many of these cancers, including pancreatic and biliary, have been historically hard to treat. Dr. Rachna Shroff , Associate Dean of clinical and translational research and chief of GI medical o...

Bacteria were among the first forms of life on earth, and while some strains cause infection or spoil food, others are essential to providing nutrients to plants, fermenting foods, and supporting our gut and reproductive health. Dr. Melissa Herbst-Kralovetz , associate professor of basic medical sciences , as well as obstetrics and gynecology at the College of Medicine – Phoenix , explains how the...

Pursuing a doctorate in STEM doesn’t mean one is destined for a life at the lab bench. Dr. Brittany Uhlorn , coordinator of marketing and communications at the BIO5 Institute , shares why she transitioned to science communication after obtaining a doctorate in cancer biology. She also discusses how her training as a bench scientist benefits her new career writing stories for lay audiences and co-h...

Some of the biggest challenges in STEM are so large that they can’t be addressed at the lab bench. Dr. Walter Piegorsch , director of statistical research & education at the BIO5 Institute and professor of mathematics and public health shares how he uses the power of data science and informatics for environmental and health risk assessment.

Ever wonder why pregnant people shouldn’t scoop kitty litter? They might come into contact with toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that infects up to one-eighth of the world’s population that can cause lifelong infection in the central nervous system. Dr. Anita Koshy , associate professor of neurology and immunobiology and BIO5 member, talks about her research to better understand this pesky parasite....

By engaging students in hands-on experiential learning and providing them with a world-class education, these budding young minds can blossom into productive members of the STEM workforce.  Ryan Hun t has taken advantage of several opportunities provided by the  BIO5 Institute , including the  KEYS  high school internship program, undergraduate research, and a student job with...

Microbes living in the soil play a vital role in global photosynthesis by producing and consuming trace gasses in our atmosphere.  Dr. Laura Meredith , assistant professor of ecosystem genomics, genetics, global change, and hydrology and atmospheric sciences, discusses her work to better understand the relationship between microbes, plants, and the atmosphere. She talks about her  curren...

High school and undergraduate students are tested academically and personally by lessons learned during these transformative years. While seasoned professionals can help to guide students by sharing their knowledge, near-peer mentors can often have a bigger impact through similar experiences.  BIO5  Public Affairs Student Assistant Jordan Pilch discusses how her roles in the  KEYS &...

Budding professionals, especially those representing historically underserved identities, greatly benefit from mentorship and programs designed to advance their educations and careers. Dr. Michael Johnson , assistant professor of immunobiology at the BIO5 Institute , discusses his passion for mentoring and outreach, as exemplified by two successful programs that he’s spearheaded in recent years: t...

Most high school students - let alone college students - ever receive the opportunity to apply lessons learned in their STEM textbooks to solving real-world problems. Keep Engaging Youth in Science (KEYS) coordinators Brooke Moreno and Kelle Hyland discuss how the BIO5 Institute’s flagship high school research internship program solves this problem. They’re also joined by two KEYS Crew leaders - B...

Not all career paths are linear, and most budding professionals need support along the way. Dr. Uwe Hilgert , associate research professor and director of Industry Relations, Workforce Development and STEM Training at the BIO5 Institute , discusses his career journey from the lab bench to working in education and outreach. He also talks about his essential roles in two Discover BIO5 events and mak...

In the era of precision medicine, scientists and physicians are constantly looking for ways to innovate and personalize disease treatment. Dr. Yves Lussier, former BIO5 Associate Director and Associate Vice President and Chief Knowledge Officer at UArizona Health Sciences , discusses how technology and a bioinformatics approach can help us better understand diseases like COVID-19 and tailor treatm...

Today’s biggest scientific questions cannot be conducted "in a vacuum.” Dr. Kate Rhodes , a postdoctoral fellow in the laboratory of Dr. Maggie So ’s lab, shares how the BIO5 Institute fosters the cross-disciplinary work that is necessary to solve these problems. She also talks about her research on a bacterial strain that causes gonorrhea, a highly prevalent sexually transmitted infection. Dr. Rh...

The emergence of a novel vaccine can be both a scientific triumph and point of uncertainty for the general population. Dr. Robert Jackson , a postdoctoral fellow in the laboratory of Dr. Koenraad Van Doorslaer , discusses his research on human papillomavirus - the most common sexually transmitted virus and cause of 5% of all cancers worldwide. Dr. Jackson, a recipient of the BIO5 and Canadian NSER...

Human cytomegalovirus persists in the majority of the population worldwide and is the leading cause of infectious disease-related birth defects. Dr. Felicia Goodrum , a professor of cellular and molecular medicine , cancer biology , genetics , and molecular and cellular biology, discusses her work on this public health concern. She also shares how she “infects” others with a love for science throu...

Now a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, we're eager to return to life as it once was - but is that possible? If not, what does our "new normal" look like? Dr. Bonnie LaFleur , a BIO5 member and research professor of biostatistics , discusses how the different COVID-19 testing methods and vaccination efforts will enable us to one day go back to our old ways of lives. She also stresses that building...

Over the past year, many have become more interested in ways to support their mental, physical and emotional well-bring. Dr. Floyd "Ski" Chilton , BIO5 member and Director of the Precision Nutrition and Wellness Initiative discusses the upcoming Precision Wellness in the Time of COVID-19 public series that aims to educate the public and help them pursue health, both during the pandemic and for yea...

Soon after the pandemic started,  more than half a million dollars was rapidly reallocated  to supply 13 interdisciplinary teams with immediate funding to pursue basic science, technology, clinical or population-based research projects that directly address COVID-19. Dr. Jianqin Lu , BIO5 member and assistant professor in the  College of Pharmacy , discusses his two BIO5 C...

Soon after the pandemic started, more than half a million dollars was rapidly reallocated to supply thirteen interdisciplinary teams with immediate funding to pursue basic science, technology, clinical or population-based research projects that directly addressed COVID-19. During the course of this and future episodes, we will learn more about the inspiration behind some of the team projects, what...