Christopher Boucher, who is doing an MSc. in Geophysics at Western, elaborated on his research on building maps meant to help reduce damages from earthquakes. He was co-interviewed by Nicholas Hadfield-Jones and Yousuf Hasan. Chris is especially focusing on mapping specific areas of Vancouver that are need of geological clarity in terms of us understanding what areas are more hazardous in case of an earthquake. His focus uses non-invasive tools to study and model these grounds. His research has other broader benefits as well.
Produced by Gavin Tolometti
Tyler Journeaux, an MA candidate at Western's Philosophy Department, shares his journey for truth and how his search for God led him to pursue research in the philosophy of time, science, and mathematics. Cohosts Connor Chato and Yousuf Hasan asked him questions about philosophy and theology. Tyler expressed his preferred argument for theism: an argument from contingency especially as discussed by Copleston and Bertrand Russell in their BBC Broadcast in 1948. He also explained why he was interested in the philosophy of time in particular. And finally, Tyler provided a response to a challenging problem for theism: the problem of evil, according to which the presence of apparently gratuitous evil makes the existence of an all-good,all-knowing, and all-powerful God unlikely. For more on what Tyler thinks on topics of philosophy and theology, please visit his blog: https://tylerjourneauxgraham.wordpress.com
(Correction by Tyler on a comment he made in the podcast: the definition of omniscience should have been: “for any true proposition P, God knows P, and for any false proposition Q, God does not believe Q.”)
For more about Tyler, check out his blog.
Produced by Ariel Frame
In this episode, hosts Gavin Tolometti and Gregory Robinson interview MSc student, Trent Gordon, in biomedical engineer about his research using slow dissolving polymer gels to treat osteoarthritis in the knee. Tune in to hear from Mr. Walter White himself. To learn more about Trent Gordon check out his Twitter @Flash_Gordon96 his Linkedin or the Gillies Research Group
Produced by Greg Robinson, Edited by Ariel Frame
Navid Afrasibian, an MSc. candidate at the Department of Applied Mathematics, shares his research on the motion of long-chained molecules with hosts Nick Handfield-Jones and Yousuf Hasan. Navid compares the movement of the long-chained molecules that need to go through super-tiny pores called nanopores with a spaghetti-noodle on plate that needs to somehow move through a small hole at the center of the pate. In his studies and mathematical exploration, he has made observations that would benefit DNA sequencing scientists as well.
Hosts: Yousuf Hasan, Nicholas Handfield-Jones
Producer: Connor Chato
This special episode covers 4 researchers picked fresh from the Neuroscience research day here at Western University. Join hosts Ariel Frame and Greg Robinson as they dive into the topics of what makes humans humans so good at using their hands? How does music trigger moments of lucidity in alzheimers patients? How do we fight brain cancer? and what are some of the rot causes which lead to Autism spectrum disorders? If you're interested in brains and all the wonderful things they do - tune in.
Sarah Klapman
Rajkamal Mann 
Spencer Aarbuckle 
Andy Olin
Produced by Connor Chato
Titan is not only the largest of Saturn's moons, but conditions on its surface are also remarkably similar to those on early Earth. Unfortunately, Titan is covered in thick clouds, which limits our ability to observe this peculiar satellite. So what's an astronomer to do? Jahnavi Shah, a master's student in geophysics and planetary science, is taking advantage of the similarities between our planet and Saturn's moon by using radar data from impact caters on Earth as an analogue for those on Titan. This week, hosts Nick Handfield-Jones and Yimin Chen probe some of the mysteries of Titan and learn that you should never ask a space scientist about astrology.
Produced by: Laura Muñoz-Baena
Alex Leonard has worked in the music industry in Montreal, flown drones around London, and followed elephants through Sri Lanka. What's next for someone who's done almost everything? Why, a Masters in Environment and Sustainability, of course! Today, hosts Connor Chato and Yimin Chen learn how to keep pesky elephants out of your crops and about the push for corporations to be more environmentally friendly.
Produced by: Laura Muñoz-Baena
When we hear the word "map" or "mapping", we instantly think of a map of the surface. However, not all maps in geography and geology mean looking for surface features or geologic formations on the surface. Sometimes they map features or formations underground. In this episode, hosts Gavin Tolometti and Ariel Frame talk with Earth Science MSc student Rhys Paterson about her work on using boreholes to locate a type of rock formation (known as the Clinton-Medina Group). Rhys explains how she uses borehole computer analysis and core logging to study the past environment of the rock formation, and how she came to this field of study.
If you want to learn more about Rhys's work and her borehole computer analysis you can find the OGSR data library on YouTube, Instagram and Twitter at @ogsrlibrary.
More information on the 3D Paleozoic Model of Ontario:
A 3-D Tour of the Paleozoic Bedrock Geology of Southern Ontario - Terry R. Carter
A First Look at Ontario's Geology in VR (short) 3D 360
Produced by Ariel Frame
So you're about to graduate with a Master's or a Ph.D. - but what happens after? Some might continue on their journey in academia, while others consider industry or private sector jobs. Regardless, many may feel lost or unprepared when navigating the next chapter of their lives. In this episode, hosts Monica and Viki welcome back Monica Munaretto, the manager of Graduate Student Life, along with Jennifer Baytor, career counsellor and psychotherapist with Careers & Experience, to discuss the challenges and misconceptions associated with job-hunting after graduate school. Highlights include how to market your graduate experience for the job market, and why you need to get started on your LinkedIn profile NOW!
To look more into the content of this episode, click on the following links:
Produced by Gavin Tolometti
We are bringing you another GradCast Undergrad to Grad Transition episode! In this episode, host Gavin Tolometti talks with masters student Meredith Fyfe and fifth year undergraduate student Hanna Rzyszczak about life for an earth science student after graduation. Meredith brings Hanna into the world of a graduate student, and discusses the thoughts and preparations you need to consider before you apply to grad school.
Produced by Connor Wilson
