Y Life Science

Dr. Julianne Grose is joined by graduate student, Kenneth Ewool and undergraduate student, Ciara Green as they discuss how microbiology can solve problems. Specifically, they discuss phages (virus that infects bacteria) and metabolism.  This episode was recorded on April 11, 2023

Dean Laura Bridgewater and undergraduate student, Emma Clawson, join Austen and Katy for this discussion about faith and science. Dean Bridgewater tells us about the learning objectives for a unique class taught in the College of Life Sciences which shares the title of this podcast episode, "Life Sciences and the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ." She also shares her goals for students wh...

Dr. Liz Bailey and graduate student, Sierra Nichols talk about their biological science education research. The studies below look at various gender gaps observed in both remote and in-person science classrooms. This episode was recorded on March 16, 2023. Female In-Class Participation and Performance Increase with More Female Peers and/or a Female Instructor in Life Sciences Courses Participation...

Dr. Rachel Buck and undergraduate student Sara Frutos discuss their wetlands research around Utah Lake. They talk about the problem with the invasive species, Phragmites, as well as their research methods, and field work. If you are interested in working with Dr. Buck, you can reach out to her at rachelbuck@byu.edu . This episode was recorded on February 23, 2023.

Dr. Rick Jellen and student researcher, Ryan Brady, talk about their genetic research with oats and quinoa. Dr. Jellen's research was recently featured on the cover of "Nature" and is linked below. They also discuss Bishop Gérald Caussé's talk in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints October 2022 general conference about Earth's stewardship. The mosaic oat genome...

Austin and Katy talk with Bill Rudy and Patrick Smith-LaBombard about the BYU recycling program. Learn what product BYU accepts for recycling and where it goes after you put it in the bin. If you are interested working with Bill as part of the BYU recycling team, email byurecycling@gmail.com. This episode was recorded on September 30, 2022.

Dr. Tom Smith from the Plant and Wildlife Sciences department at BYU talks about his research with bears. He also gives advice about how to avoid bear interactions and what to do if you are ever faced with a bear in the wild.  This episode was recorded on September 22, 2022.

BYU students, Olivia Burns, Chad Hyer, and Elias Johnson talk with host, Austen Lambert about the new Y talk initiative and how anyone and everyone can participate. To learn more go to sustainability.byu.edu or visit this link to track and submit your conversations.  This episode was recorded on November 2, 2022

Dr. Steven Peck and Dr. Michael Whiting talk about the history of teaching evolution at Brigham Young University. This episode was recorded on October 12, 2022.

Dr. Matt Arrington ( matt_arrington@byu.edu ) and undergraduate student, Nathan Grooms, talk to us about urban agriculture and the benefits of using a hydroponic system. You can read more about their research here: https://lifesciences.byu.edu/moving-agriculture-upward-for-urban-residents https://lifesciences.byu.edu/magazine/propagating-innovation-and-inspired-research This episode was recorded o...

After their amazing experience during spring term of 2022, Dr. Seth Bybee and four students, Eva Jasinski, Rachel Sutherland, Lily Gregson, and Cordon Wade discuss their study abroad in Vietnam. Students worked with either Dr. Bybee on team Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) or Dr. Gareth Powell on team beetle (Coleoptera).  This episode was recorded on July 17, 2022.

Maliea Holden and Kate Scanlan talk with hosts, Austen Lambert and Katy Knight about how to create energy from waste (yes, they work with poop) using extremophiles, or organisms that live in extreme environments. Maliea and Kate work in Dr. Zach Aanderud's lab at Brigham Young University. In this episode they share some stories about field and lab work as well as why they enjoy this research...

Teresa Gomez and Steve Schill talk about Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the importance of mapping for conservation purposes. They tell us about various projects they've worked on and how using maps and GIS can assist in research going on all over the world.  This episode was recorded on April 19, 2022.

This episode features Dr. Gareth Powell, a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Biology at Brigham Young University and Natalie Saxton, PhD student at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. They discuss their research, adventures doing field work, as well as the vast biodiversity of insects.  This episode was recorded on February 15, 2022.

Dr. Richard Gill and graduate students, Stau Segi and Kalai Ellis describe their research projects in the south pacific, specifically in Samoa and Hawaii. They discuss the importance of the connection between the work they're doing and traditional ecological understanding.  This episode was recorded on February 10, 2022.

Dr. Benjamin Abbott (benabbott@byu.edu), assistant professor of ecosystem ecology at Brigham Young University, joins Samuel Bratsman (sbratsmanx@gmail.com), plant and wildlife sciences graduate student, to discuss the history, ecology, and future of Utah Lake. This episode was recorded on Tuesday, January 18, 2022. The following links were either mentioned in the episode or are resources available...

In this episode we hear from Dr. Alison Whiting and Dr. Michael Whiting, both curators at the Bean Life Science Museum and faculty at Brigham Young University. They share how their love for science has taken them on adventures and influenced their kids. Nature Article: Loss and recovery of wings in stick insects This episode was recorded on December 13, 2021.

In this episode we interview Dr. Arden Pope, Mary Lou Fulton Professor of Economics at BYU. We discuss his research on air pollution. He also gives tips on ways to improve air pollution as a community and as an individual. Global Burden of Disease Report Lancet Commission on Pollution and Health Air Quality Guidelines from the World Health Organization Press release for the Air Quality Guidelines...

Dr. Michael Whiting is the new director at the BYU Life Science Museum. Join Dr. Whiting and the new associate director, Dr. Steve Leavitt,  as they talk about a new vision for the museum and how students at Brigham Young University have a unique opportunity to participate in designing exhibits and communicating science. This episode was recorded on September 30, 2021.

Dr. Hal Black (hal_black@byu.edu) and Dr. Janene Auger (janene_auger@byu.edu) talk about their experiences and research with Black Bears. Poem, “ Barter ” by Sara Teasdale Emma X3 All-terrain Wheelchair This episode was recorded on July 7, 2021.

Listen to Merrill Webb and Josh Day talk about why they love to watch and chase birds. They will also give tips on how to get started and some great resources to identify birds and keep lists of what you see. Some of these resources are linked below: Cornell lab of Ornithology American Birding Association American Bird Conservancy eBird (Cornell) Traditional field guides Peterson Sibley National G...

Ben Abbott (Plant & Wildlife Sciences department) and Bremen Leak (Associate Director, Sustainability & Continuity) join undergraduate student, Austen Lambert, to talk about sustainability on many different levels. They discuss the history of sustainability at BYU and the doctrinal foundations that support these principles. The following links provide resources which were mentioned in this...

Dr. Byron Adams and undergraduate student, Jinna Brim describe for listeners their experience in the Antarctica. The talk about their research and why this location is such a great place to collect and study Nematodes. For more information check out these links below: Surviving Earth's Extremes: How Antarctic Animals Freeze and Reanimate (YouTube) "Ghost creature" of Antarctica has...

In this episode Josh and Katy visit with Jamie Jensen and Seth Bybee about their research in teaching evolution in a religious setting. Visit their website for more resources about how to reconcile science and faith at recoevo.byu.edu and listen to Jamie's BYU devotional talk (November 3, 2020) here . This episode was recorded on March 23, 2021.

What is a lichen? Find out what lichens are and why two scientists from BYU have devoted their entire careers to studying these fascinating biological systems. Dr. Larry St. Clair and Dr. Steve Leavitt share why they love lichens, some fun stories about working in the field, as well as how lichens serve as bio-monitoring systems for air quality. You can also check out the following links to learn...