That's What I Call Science!

Episode 328: The Geology Behind Copper

Sun, 14 Jun 2026 16:00:00 +1000

Copper is all around us, from the wires in our homes to the technologies powering the transition to renewable energy. But where does it actually come from, and how do we find it?

In this episode, Dr Hannah Moore is joined by geologist Dr Yamila Cajal to explore the fascinating science behind copper. From her early career in mining and exploration in Chile to her current research at UTAS, Yamila shares what it’s really like to work as a geologist and how scientists uncover valuable resources hidden deep beneath our feet.

Together, they dive into how copper forms, why it’s considered a critical mineral, and the important role geology plays in building a more sustainable future.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week!

Host: Dr Hannah Moore (@volcanohannah)

Production: Dr Hannah Moore (@volcanohannah)

Media & Promotion: Emma Hamasaki (@EmmaHamasaki)

Episode 327: Digging into the groundwater beneath our feet

Sun, 07 Jun 2026 16:00:00 +1000

What is a hydrogeologist, why is groundwater important, and how can mine sites both contribute to and impact our hidden water sources? In this episode, Dr Elise Tuuri is joined by the recently conferred Dr Birte Moser, a hydrogeologist at Flinders University's National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training and the One Basin Cooperative Research Centre. Birte takes us into the hidden world of groundwater, from the surprising hydraulic evolution of pit lakes after mine closure, to banking surplus water underground in the Murray–Darling Basin as a resource to utilise in periods of drought.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week!

Host: Dr Elise Tuuri (Insta: @elisetuuri_)

Production: Dr Simin Salarpour

Media & Promotion: Zi Yi Kho

Episode 326: A Foray into Forensic Anthropology

Sun, 31 May 2026 16:00:00 +1000

Welcome back to another episode in sunny Oxford!

While Olly was in the UK, she visited St John’s College at the University of Oxford. There, she sat down with the College President, Professor Lady Sue Black, Baroness Black of Strome, to hear about Sue’s career in forensic anthropology and what it is like working as a scientist when your data can be used in the courtroom.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week!

Host: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)

Production: Richard Siu (Insta: richard.siu.photography)
Media & Promotion: Ella Burgun (@ebburgun)
Photography Credit: Robert Taylor

Episode 325: Avian influenza in Antarctica

Sun, 24 May 2026 16:00:00 +1000

This week, Dr Jane Younger returns to the TWICS mic to tell Olly about her recent adventures down south to Antarctica.

Unfortunately, the trip involved seeing staggering rates of avian influenza, affecting multiple species of seabirds as well as seals. Jane talked Olly through her experiences, as well as the science conducted to help understand what’s happening.

A bonus fact about the episode: despite the episode being about the most southern continent in the world, Jane and Olly recorded the episode when they crossed paths in the northern hemisphere.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week!

Host: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)

Production: Dr Simin Salarpour

Media & Promotion: Emma Hamasaki (@EmmaHamasaki)

Episode 324: Saving lives, one donor at a time

Sun, 17 May 2026 16:00:00 +1000

In this episode of That's What I Call Science, Dr. Elise Tuuri sits down with Dr. Andrew Turner, Medical Director of DonateLife Tasmania, to explore the life-saving world of organ and tissue donation. Tasmania is leading the nation in donation rates, with 25 donors saving the lives of 62 Australians in 2025 alone, and Dr. Turner unpacks what is driving that culture of generosity. From the science and logistics of donation to the deeply human connections between donors' families, recipients, and hospital staff, this episode explores what it really means to say yes to donation. We discuss the importance of registering as a donor, why telling your family your wishes matters more than you might think, and how medical teams support families through one of the hardest moments of their lives. Whether you've already registered or have never thought about it, this episode might just inspire you to have that conversation.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week!

Host: Dr. Elise Tuuri (Insta: @elisetuuri_)
Production: Richard Siu (Insta: richard.siu.photography)
Media & Promotion: Dr. Elise Tuuri

Episode 323: Pint of Science

Sun, 10 May 2026 16:00:00 +1000

With Pint of Science just around the corner, we’re joined by three of the presenters from Hobart’s 2026 event, “From Inner Workings to Icy Worlds” at Shambles Brewery.

First, sea ice researcher Dr Johannes Lohse takes us to the Arctic and Antarctic to explore how scientists study sea ice and why it matters for our changing climate.

Next, postdoctoral researcher Dr Vimarsha Kodithuwakku discusses how subtle changes in blood vessels during childhood may help detect cardiovascular disease risk earlier in life.

Finally, PhD candidate Rachel Breslin dives into Tasmania’s sand flathead populations, exploring how fishing pressure and environmental change may be shaping fish biology over time.

Join us for a fascinating journey from icy poles to human hearts and underwater worlds, all ahead of Hobart’s Pint of Science festival.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week!

Host: Dr Hannah Moore (@volcanohannah)

Production: Dr Hannah Moore

Media & Promotion: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)

Episode 322: Fungi of the Forest

Sun, 03 May 2026 16:00:00 +1000

Henna Tyyskä is a PhD student in Catalonia, Spain studying how historical land-use affects fungi under the forest floor.

Inspired to be a scientist after reading Gorillas in the Mist by Dian Fossey, Henna grew up in Finland, hanging out by lakes & collecting berries and mushrooms in the forest. Before her current position Henna developed a taxonomic key to identify plants from a group that lives in Borneo and worked as an environmental consultant for an engineering company in Scotland.

Hear about Henna’s fascinating past and current roles and the combination of history, genetics, fieldwork and labwork that underpins her PhD, including the fundamental question that guides the selection of her field sites; 'would I put my cows here?’

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week!

Host: Dr Kate Johnson (@kateplantphys.bsky.social)

Production: Dr Meredith Castles (@MeredithCastles)

Episode 321: Electrics, Leaves and Outer-Space

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 16:00:00 +1000

From Catalonia, PhD student Marc Busuldu grew up fascinated by the stars. Internships across Spain led him to a position at CREAF and to his current PhD on how characterising the electrical signal of leaves can help us to better understand and detect drought in forests through satellite imaging.

Marc’s project combines mathematics, electrics and biology reflecting his varied interests which span plants, philosophy and theatre. Join Dr Kate Johnson to hear about Marc’s research and why it matters in a changing climate, his reflections on the barriers to a scientific career and advice to others who may wish to pursue scientific research.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week!

Host: Dr Kate Johnson (@kateplantphys.bsky.social)
Production: Richard Siu (Insta: @richard.siu.photography)
Media & Promotion: Zi Yi Kho

Episode 320: Oceans, climate, and the weather

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 16:00:00 +1000

From the posters at the 2026 AMOS conference, we bring you a podcast episode with the latest science on oceans, the climate and weather! We hear from a range of experts who tell us about the science laid out on their data-filled posters, displayed in a crowded conference room of scientists.

We learn about all things climate and weather; from climate change communication in Australia to flood modelling in New Zealand to climate extremes in Antarctica. Join us for the newest poster session episode!

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week!

Host: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)

Co-Host: Tegan Clark (scientist.tegan)

Production: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)

Media & Promotion: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)

Episode 319: Science in the Park 2025

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 16:00:00 +1000

In this episode, Olly and Georgia journey to the Tasmanian ‘Science in the Park’ event held in late 2025. Science in the Park is a hands-on event where science comes alive in all its forms! Despite a day of rain, wind, and sunshine, visitors of all ages explored everything from AI and robots to Tasmanian fish identification and live dissections, flying drones, and the fascinating world of brains and neuroscience. We also learned about edible plants in the Tasmanian environment and even making a pH indicator from purple cabbage. This episode celebrates curiosity, discovery, and the joy of experiencing science in action, rain or shine!

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week!

Host: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)

Co-Host: Georgia Stewart

Production: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)

Media & Promotion: Katya Bandow (@katyabandow)

Episode 318: Leaders of The Present, Not The Future

Sun, 05 Apr 2026 16:00:00 +1000

In this episode, we speak with Alyssa Seckinger-Crow, who is studying Marine and Antarctic Governance at the University of Tasmania. Alyssa is the founder of the Tassie Student Science Communicators Network and Young Ocean Innovators, and serves on the Antarctic Youth Coalition Research Team. Her research examines how we can build communities that help young people grow into confident science communicators and leaders. As science engagement rapidly evolves through social media and short-form content, Alyssa explores how hands-on practice, good mentorship, and supportive spaces can help young communicators move from feeling unqualified or fearful to seeing themselves as capable leaders. With around 97% of teens using social media daily, online platforms are now among the primary pathways for science communication and climate-action inspiration. We discuss her journey from learning about the climate crisis to becoming a science communicator, the importance of youth representation in Antarctic governance, and her vision for reframing young people as "leaders of the present, not the future."

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week!

Host: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)

Co-Host: Emma Hamasaki (@EmmaHamasaki)

Production: Dr Simin Salarpour

Media & Promotion: Emma Hamasaki (@EmmaHamasaki)

Episode 317: Echoing Ecosystems

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 16:00:00 +1100

Raised on the coast of Maine, Dr Haley Viehman has been drawn to the ocean her whole life. Starting in civil and environmental engineering, she discovered her passion for marine science by studying how fish interact with tidal energy turbines in fast‑flowing waters. In this week’s episode, we hear how Haley uses hydroacoustics to uncover how fish move, behave, and adapt in extreme tidal environments. Now based in Tasmania as a Hydroacoustic Specialist at Echoview Software, she supports researchers around the world who use sound to understand aquatic life, renewable energy, and the rapidly growing blue economy.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week!

Host: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)

Co-Host: Ella Burgun (@ebburgun)

Production: Dr Hannah Moore (@volcanohannah)

Media & Promotion: Ella Burgun (@ebburgun)

Episode 316: Shark Codes and Sound Waves

Sun, 22 Mar 2026 16:00:00 +1100

In this week’s episode, we chat with Ella Burgun, our Social Media Team Coordinator and local science communicator! We dive into Ella’s path into science communication and explore her recently completed Master’s thesis in forensic shark genetics. Ella’s research focused on using molecular techniques to identify which shark species end up in liver oil and fish oil products, a critical step for understanding the impact on vulnerable deep‑sea species like gulper sharks. We also chat about her new role at Echoview Software and how she’s bringing her scientific expertise into the world of marine acoustics and communication.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week!

Host: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)

Co-Host: Ella Burgun (@ebburgun)

Production: Ryan Smith

Media & Promotion: Zi Yi Kho

Episode 315: Science communication with Scientell

Sun, 15 Mar 2026 16:00:00 +1100

This week, Dr Simon Torok and Dr Cintya Dharmayanti from Scientell join Olly to talk about their experiences in scicomm, what Scientell is, and the evolving landscape of communicating STEMM.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week!

Host: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)

Production: Dr Hannah Moore (@volcanohannah)

Media & Promotion: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)

Episode 314: Tropical Tales

Sun, 08 Mar 2026 16:00:00 +1100

Growing up excited for every visit to her grandparents’ farm where she could sit amongst the trees eating tropical fruits, Dr. Lucette Adet has always been fascinated by plants. Currently undertaking research in the Congo Basin in Cameroon, Lucette aims to understand how different tree species respond to their environment, in the context of changes in climate and land-use.

Join Dr Kate Johnson and hear Lucette’s exceptional story-telling as we journey through the ‘magic place’ of the tropical forest with ‘the wind flowing and the monkey’s jumping’, experiencing it as a place of research and wonder that requires our attention and protection.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week!

Host: Dr Kate Johnson (@kateplantphys.bsky.social)

Production: Dr Simin Salarpour

Media & Promotion: Katya Bandow (@katyabandow)

Episode 313: Busy Forests

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 16:00:00 +1100

Join Dr Kate Johnson and Laura Wynne Stewart to hear about the busy, beautiful forests that Laura is working to understand and advocate for. Growing up on islands, Laura’s curiosity and love for nature drove her to science and her current PhD position in forest ecology in Barcelona, Spain. Laura’s research focuses on understanding trees and forests using nifty tools such as satellites, lasers and tree-based sensors. Listen to hear about the joy of being in a forest, the broad reaching implications of Laura’s research and her excellent life advice.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week!

Host: Dr Kate Johnson (@kateplantphys.bsky.social)

Production: Ryan Smith

Media & Promotion: Ella Burgun (@ebburgun)

Episode 312: The Science of Science Fiction

Sun, 28 Dec 2025 16:00:00 +1100

Welcome to the last episode of 2025!

Earlier on in the year, we had a mini-series on literacy and numeracy. Today’s episode continues on from that theme as Olly is joined by Austin and Richard from the 2 To Ramble podcast. The three discuss the use of science in science fiction books and films, as well as the creator’s role of balancing being factual and imaginative.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week!

Host: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)

Production: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)

Media & Promotion: Ella Burgun

Episode 311: STEMM Solutions for Our Island

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 16:00:00 +1100

Join us to hear from the winners of our STEMM Solutions For Our Island Competition 2025!

STEMM Solutions For Our Island was open to grade 10, 11 and 12 students in lutruwita/Tasmania who identify as female, femme or non-binary, funded by Inspiring Tasmania. Entrants identified an issue in their local community or wider lutruwita/Tasmania, and pitched a creative solution.

Join Tegan Clark and Dr Olly Dove to hear from our talented winners: 1.) Abigail McCallum, a year 10 student at Sheffield high school on Tasmania’s north-west coast, who pitched solutions to combat the European rabbit plague in Kentish, Tasmania and 2.) 4 Taroona High School students located in Tasmania’s South (Maielle Schmidt, Maelys Mancini, Chloe Mongin, Olive Ransley) and their plan to tackle the invasive sea urchin in Tassie’s south east!

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week!

Hosts: Tegan Clark and Dr Olly Dove

Production: Ryan Smith

Media & Promotion: Ella Burgun, Dr Kate Johnson (@kateplantphys.bsky.social) and Emma Hamasaki (@EmmaHamasaki)

Episode 310: The Ethics of AI

Sun, 14 Dec 2025 16:00:00 +1100

Computer implants into human bodies powered by AI is no longer a dystopian, science fiction trope - it is real life. Whilst the fiction is gone, the dystopian still remains.

Associate Professor Frederic Gilbert answers our questions about the current state of human-computer interfaces, how our biological and neurological data is collected, and the ethics behind it all!

We explore how this technology was originally developed for medical purposes, and how it has been a game-changer for fighting against some neurological diseases. We question the ethical responsibilities of big-tech who are developing these technologies for non-medical purposes, and question what the future of this technology looks like in terms of regulations and policy.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week!

Host: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)

Co-Host: Tegan Clark (Insta: scientist.tegan)

Production: Dr Hannah Moore (@volcanohannah)

Media & Promotion: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)

Episode 309: Looking to the Future with Climate Engineering

Sun, 07 Dec 2025 16:00:00 +1100

“Engineers got us into this mess…it’s engineers who will get us out again.”

This is a catchphrase of one of our guests today, Associate Professor Evan Franklin. Along with Professor Tim Finnigan, Evan joined Sarah and Olly to talk about all things climate engineering, and why it’s so important that more engineers get involved.

This episode also marks a special occasion for us, as it’s Dr Sarah Lyden’s last time co-hosting at TWICS. We’re super grateful for Sarah’s time on the show, and hope the future is full of bright smiles ahead for her!

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week!

Host: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)

Co-Host: Dr Sarah Lyden

Production: Ryan Smith

Episode 308: What’s new with renewable energy?

Sun, 30 Nov 2025 16:00:00 +1100

Welcome back to our third week of climate engineering! This week, we’re joined by Dr. Pooyan Alinaghi Hosseinabadi, a lecturer and postdoctoral researcher in electrical engineering.

Pooyan’s work has taken him across the world and his current research focuses on renewable energy. Tune in to find out how we can be reducing emissions and you might just start looking at the electronics in your house in a whole new light.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week!

Host: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)

Co-Host: Dr Sarah Lyden

Production: Dr Simin Salarpour

Media & Promotion: Zi Yi Kho

Episode 307: Learning About Landslides

Sun, 23 Nov 2025 16:00:00 +1100

Landslides can bring devastating consequences to the communities they affect. Dr Ashley Dyson, a geotechnical engineer, joins Sarah and Olly for part two of our climate engineering series to explain how we can go about mitigating the risks of landslides and why it’s so important to have as much data as we can on soils, rainfall, and slopes.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week!

Host: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)

Co-Host: Dr Sarah Lyden

Production: Dr Meredith Castles (@MeredithCastles)

Media & Promotion: Emma Hamasaki (@EmmaHamasaki)

Episode 306: Shedding a light on agrivoltaics

Sun, 16 Nov 2025 16:00:00 +1100

Ever wondered what sheep and vineyards have in common? Turns out it’s agrivoltaic systems: generating solar power alongside agriculture.

Olly and Sarah are joined in today’s episode by Ganesh Pandey, who tells the two all about the implementation of solar panels in pastures and fields.

Today’s episode kicks off the first of our mini-series in climate engineering, so make sure you tap back in next week to hear about more engineering marvels!

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week!

Host: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)
Co-Host: Dr Sarah Lyden
Production: Richard Siu (Insta: richard.siu.photography)
Media & Promotion: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)

Episode 305: CoLab 2025 - Part 2

Sun, 09 Nov 2025 16:00:00 +1100

Welcome back to Part 2 of our CoLab 2025 double bill!

In case you missed last week’s episode, CoLab pairs scientists with high schoolers, who, after workshops and lab visits, make art out of research!

This week, Ella and Anna hear from scientists Danielle Zimmerman, Millie Goddard-Dwyer, and Katya Bandow about their experiences with CoLab. We also hear from the students themselves about how they found diving into the artistic side of science.

Photo credits: Beaker Street and Oi Studios

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week!

Host: Ella Burgun and Anna Abela (@annaoabela)

Production: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)

Media & Promotion: Katya Bandow (@katyabandow)

Episode 304: CoLab 2025 - Part 1

Sun, 02 Nov 2025 17:00:00 +1100

What happens when you pair research scientists with high schoolers? Incredible art, that’s what!

Through CoLab, six scientists are paired with two to three high schoolers each who, after a series of workshops, create art inspired by the scientists’ research. The results are then displayed at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery during the Beaker Street Festival.

This week, join Ella and Anna as they hear from scientists Esmat Sarafraz, Samantha Bramich, and Roisin Moloney about the exhibition as well as from the student artists themselves.

Make sure you come back next week to hear from the second half of this year’s cohort!

Photo credits: Beaker Street and Oi Studios

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week!

Host: Ella Burgun and Anna Abela (@annaoabela)

Production: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)

Media & Promotion: Emma Hamasaki (@EmmaHamasaki)

Episode 303: From Fact to Fiction

Sun, 26 Oct 2025 16:00:00 +1100

Arnold Schwarzenegger, popcorn, AND science?! What more could you want?

As part of National Science Week 2025, That’s What I Call Science hosted From Fact to Fiction: a live screening of Total Recall (1990) followed by a panel of STEMM experts. Tune in to hear from Associate Professor Frederic Gilbert, Dr Soonja Yeom, and Mikaela Green about their takeaways from the film and its reflections in our modern day society.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week!

Host: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)

Production: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)

Media & Promotion: Zi Yi Kho

Episode 302: Inspiring Women in STEMM 2025 Part 2

Sun, 19 Oct 2025 16:00:00 +1100

Last week, you heard from two of this year’s cohort of the Inspiring Women in STEMM Fellowship. This week, we have Rose Aawulenaa and Dilini Manage on the mic to share their PhD research topics and plans for the fellowship with you!

Rose is an Agricultural Science PhD candidate and Dilini is a supply chain decarbonisation PhD candidate. What do they have in common? Leading incredible projects in their home communities that can help raise up the next generation. Make sure you tune in to hear them chat with Olly about their incredible work!

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week!

Host: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)

Production: Dr Simin Salarpour

Media & Promotion: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)

Episode 301: Inspiring Women in STEMM 2025 Part 1

Sun, 12 Oct 2025 16:00:00 +1100

From the sea to how we see!

Barbara Labbe and Isabelly de Lima may have very different research fields, but what they do have in common is that they are both in the 2025 cohort of Inspiring Women in STEMM Fellows!

Tune in to today’s episode for Part 1 about this year’s fellows. You’ll hear about Barbara’s work with seaweed and her outreach in Chile, as well as about Isabelly’s work in paediatric cataract and her outreach in Brazil.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week!

Host: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)

Co-Host: Dr Hannah Moore (@HannahCMoore)

Production: Dr Simin Salarpour

Media & Promotion: Katya Bandow (@katyabandow)

Episode 300: TWICS turns 300!

Sun, 05 Oct 2025 17:00:00 +1100

We’re proud to share That’s What I Call Science’s 300th episode!

This milestone is an opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come since our café planning sessions in 2018 and first live broadcast in 2019. TWICS is a volunteer-led radio and podcast show created to provide a platform for people from under-represented backgrounds to share their work in STEMM.

What began as a small team in Hobart is now broadcast Australia-wide and downloaded in over 60 countries. Our team of 16 volunteers bring together skills in science communication, media production, and community engagement, and it truly takes a village to make each episode possible.

We are grateful to our team, our community, and our listeners for helping us highlight the diversity of people in STEMM. Here’s to the next 300 episodes.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod
Host: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)
Production: Dr Olly Dove, Richard Siu (Insta: richard.siu.photography)
Media & Promotion: Ella Burgun

Episode 299: The Roving Scientist Bar 2025

Sun, 28 Sep 2025 16:00:00 +1000

It’s that time of year again! Beaker Street Festival 2025 came to Hobart in August and, with other 100 events going on, the TWICS team wanted to pop in to say hi to the scientists sharing their work. Last year, we recorded at the Roving Scientist Bar and, this year, we’re back again!

From fear of sharks to rocks to brains, we’ve got a little bit of a lot of STEMM in today’s episode for you!

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week!

Host: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)

Production: Dr Hannah Moore (@volcanohannah)

Media & Promotion: Zi Yi Kho.

Episode 298: Ask A Scientist!

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 17:00:00 +1000

Ever had a burning question you’d hoped to ask a scientist? Dr Olly Dove and Katya Bandow answer your burning science questions in a candid conversation covering everything from sci-fi favourites to very old plants, and the not-so-glamorous reality of being early-career scientists living on a below-minimum wage.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week!

Host: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)

Co-Host: Katya Bandow

Production: Ryan Smith

Media & Promotion: Katya Bandow (@katyabandow)

Episode 297: Chasing Krill in a Changing Southern Ocean

Sun, 14 Sep 2025 16:00:00 +1000

Join us as we dive into the icy waters of the Southern Ocean aboard the Denman Voyage to Antarctica. In this episode, we chat with marine biologist Dr Haiting Zhang (IMAS & AAPP), who studies the physiology, biochemistry, and ecology of Antarctic krill. Haiting shares her experience leading a research team on board, investigating how krill respond to climate change using biochemical indicators and field sampling methods. We explore why these tiny creatures are so vital to Southern Ocean ecosystems, what the voyage could reveal about their future, and what life is really like on an Antarctic research expedition.
Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week!

Host: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)
Co-Host: Elise Tuuri (@elisetuuri_)
Production: Dr Hannah Moore (@HannahCMoore) & Richard Siu (@richard.siu.photography)
Media & Promotion: Elise Tuuri (@elisetuuri_)

Episode 296: Plastic governance in Antarctic regions

Sun, 07 Sep 2025 16:00:00 +1000

In the final episode of our plastics series, we head to the world’s most remote continent, Antarctica. PhD candidate Vaibhavi Dwivedi (University of Tasmania) joins us to explore how plastic pollution, including micro- and nanoplastics, is reaching the Southern Ocean. With a background in law and environmental management, Vaibhavi examines how plastics are governed across international treaties, national policies, and global agreements. We discuss the challenges of managing this pollutant in a global commons, the politics and dynamics shaping action, and what the Antarctic case can teach us about tackling plastic pollution. This episode weaves together science and governance to close our series looking at solutions and responsibility.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week!

Host: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)

Co-Host: Elise Tuuri (Insta: @elisetuuri_)

Production: Dr Hannah Moore (@HannahClareMoore)

Media & Promotion: Elise Tuuri

Episode 295: Engineering a Microplastic-Free World

Sun, 31 Aug 2025 16:00:00 +1000

This episode continues our microplastics mini-series with a focus on engineering solutions. Dr Anna Wróbel an environmental engineer from the School of Engineering at the University of Tasmania joins us to talk all things microplastics and the key role that engineers can play in reducing future microplastics and removing existing microplastics from the environment. We’ll explore a range of questions including if stopping using plastics tomorrow would solve the problem, and how engineers contribute to solving the challenges of microplastics.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week!

Host: Elise Tuuri (insta: @elisetuuri_)

Co-Host: Dr. Sarah Lyden

Production: Ryan Smith

Media & Promotion: Elise Tuuri

Episode 294: Engineering microplastics out of the food chain

Sun, 24 Aug 2025 16:00:00 +1000

In this episode we continue our microplastics mini-series, this time considering the intersection between agricultural systems and engineering. Our two guests, Sadique Bawa Anyame and Carmel Towns are PhD students studying different aspects of agricultural systems and microplastics. Both come from industry backgrounds, and share their extensive experience in their fields as well as the innovative work they are doing in their PhDs in this episode. Anyame is investigating microplastics in biosolids while Carmel is investigating how microplastics end up in farm systems with a focus on poultry, both are also considering how to engineer a solution. Tune in to learn more about how microplastics end up in the food chain and the innovative work these PhD students are doing to combat this.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week!

Host: Elise Tuuri (Insta: @elisetuuri_)
Co-Host: Sarah Lyden
Production: Richard Siu (Insta: @richard.siu.photography)
Media & Promotion: Elise Tuuri

Episode 293: Micro-plastics, big problem

Sun, 17 Aug 2025 16:00:00 +1000

Microplastics are everywhere, in the ocean, our food, and even the air we breathe. But what exactly are they, where do they come from, and why should we care? In this episode, we chat with Elise Tuuri, a marine scientist who has just submitted her PhD on microplastic pollution. Elise shares her journey into marine science, what sparked her interest in studying tiny plastics, and what she discovered about microplastics in Australian waters. We also discuss how these plastics affect marine life, what it’s like working in this field, and her hopes for the future of microplastics research. Tune in to learn more about these tiny plastics with big impacts, and what we can all do to make a difference.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week!

Host: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)

Co-Host: Dr. Sarah Lyden

Production: Ryan Smith

Media & Promotion: Elise Tuuri (@elisetuuri_)

Episode 292: Modelling Nature’s Complexity

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 16:00:00 +1000

How do you track the invisible spread of disease or predict the risks of invasive species? In this episode, we speak with ecological modeller, Nick Beeton, who uses maths, stats and a whole lot of code to make sense of complex environmental challenges. Nick shares his journey from growing up in Tasmania to working at CSIRO, where his projects have included modelling for wildlife disease like Devil Facial Tumor Disease on Tasmanian devils to genetically engineered mosquitoes for malaria prevention. It’s a fascinating dive into how numbers help us make better decisions for the planet.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week!

Host: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)

Co-Host: Zi Yi Kho (‪@ziyikho.bsky.social)

Production: Dr Simin Salarpour

Media & Promotion: Zi Yi Kho

How the Zebra Got its Stripes (and the Chemistry that made it happen)

Sun, 03 Aug 2025 16:00:00 +1000

In this episode, we’re exploring the fascinating world of oscillating chemical reactions — those rare reactions that don’t just proceed in one direction, but actually cycle, changing colours as they go.

Our guest is mathematical chemistry PhD candidate Heath Dimsey, who helps us unpack how these mesmerizing reactions work, why they defy what we think we know about chemical processes, and how they even help explain the patterns on animal coats — like the stripes of a zebra or the spots of a leopard.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week!

Host: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)

Co-Host: Georgia Stewart

Production: Dr Hannah Moore (@HannahCMoore)

Media & Promotion: Georgia Stewart

Episode 290: Breaking Down the Numbers

Sun, 27 Jul 2025 16:00:00 +1000

Returning guest Priya Kitchener joins us to unpack Australia’s PISA study results and what they say about how well our students are performing in mathematics.

With experience in both public and private school systems and now working as an engineer at a scientific software company, Priya shares her insights on how teachers, schools, and communities can use data to make meaningful change. From maths anxiety to student confidence, Priya dives into the complexity of maths education and the cultural shift that needs to happen for Tasmania to thrive.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week!

Host: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)
Co-Host: Zi Yi Kho. (‪@ziyikho.bsky.social‬)
Production: Richard Siu (Insta: richard.siu.photography)
Media & Promotion: Zi Yi Kho.

Episode 289: Learning Literacy

Sun, 20 Jul 2025 16:00:00 +1000

Nearly 50% of Tasmanians struggle with literacy. Kaitlyn shares her lived experience with literacy and the changes she decided to make for herself by joining 26Ten as an adult learner. She shares her past struggles, and we celebrate her newfound love of reading and writing.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week!

Host: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)

Co-Host: Anna Abela

Production: Ryan Smith

Media & Promotion: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)

Episode 288: AI Ethics & Information

Sun, 13 Jul 2025 19:00:00 +1000

Ever wondered why librarians tell you to only use sources from the last 5 years? Or what makes research "powerful"? Join us as we chat with a 25-year veteran librarian from the University of Tasmania who's been helping students crack the code of academic research for decades.

Our guest describes themselves as a "jack of all trades and a master of none," but don't be fooled - they're experts at turning confused students into research detectives! We dive into the fascinating world of information literacy, exploring everything from why research might have an expiration date to the mysterious differences between grey and black literature.

But here's where it gets really interesting - as AI tools like ChatGPT become everyday helpers for students, how do we use them ethically? Our librarian guest is at the forefront of figuring this out, and they share their honest thoughts about whether AI is friend or foe in academic research.

We also explore the dark side of research - fraudulent studies that can damage entire fields - and discover why librarians might be more important than ever in our AI-powered future.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week!

Host: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)

Co-Host: Emma Hamasaki (@EmmaHamasaki)

Production: Ryan Smith

Media & Promotion: Emma Hamasaki (@EmmaHamasaki)

Episode 287: Deadly Reptiles & STEM Yarns

Sun, 06 Jul 2025 16:00:00 +1000

In this episode, we sit down with proud Kamilaroi man, author, and science champion Corey Tutt to talk about his latest book Caution! This Book Contains Deadly Reptiles. We explore how this vibrant and educational book blends Indigenous knowledge with western science to inspire a new generation of curious minds - especially kids - about Australia’s most misunderstood creatures.

Corey shares his journey as founder of the award-winning charity Deadly Science, which provides science resources to remote schools across the country. We discuss the power of representation in STEM, the importance of sharing First Nations science, and how reptiles - feared by many - can become a gateway to deeper respect for Country and culture.

Get ready for a conversation that slithers between storytelling, science, and social change!

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Dr Olly Dove (@olly_dove)

Co-Host: Dr Meredith Castles (@MeredithCstles)

Production: Dr Meredith Castles (@MeredithCastles)

Media & Promotion: Ella Burgun (@ebburgun)

Episode 286: How quantum computing could break the world…and fix it again

Sun, 29 Jun 2025 16:00:00 +1000

Could you play Minecraft on a quantum computer?

In this episode, we’re joined by Professor Susan Coppersmith from the University of New South Wales to explore the strange and fascinating world of quantum computing.

We talk about why quantum computers are so different from the ones we use every day, what a qubit is, what makes this technology so powerful, and how it could reshape things like encryption and digital security.

This episode peeks into a future that’s already being built—qubit by qubit.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week!

Host: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)

Co-Host: Georgia Stewart

Production: Dr Simin Salarpour

Media & Promotion: Georgia Stewart

Episode 285: Into the Quantum Realm

Sun, 22 Jun 2025 16:00:00 +1000

How does your phone know when to turn off the screen? Why can we build ultra-fast computers and super-sensitive sensors? And how does a DSLR camera capture images? Well, it’s all to do with quantum mechanics! In 2025, we’re celebrating the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, so there’s no better time to explore the strange but powerful rules that govern the quantum world. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Sol Jacobsen from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology to break down what quantum mechanics really is, why it has a reputation for being difficult, and how it’s being harnessed in Sol’s research on spintronics—a quantum-based technology that could revolutionise the way we store and process information.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week!

Host: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)

Co-Host: Georgia Stewart

Production: Ryan Smith

Media & Promotion: Georgia Stewart

Episode 284: Rocking the Classroom with Hands-On Science

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 16:00:00 +1000

This week we chat with Jo Watkins, CEO of Australian Earth Science Education (AusEarthEd), a national not-for-profit bringing Earth and Environmental Science to classrooms around the country. From metro Perth to remote communities in the NT, Jo and her team are delivering hands-on STEM education through school incursions, teacher PD, and curriculum-aligned resources.

We talk about Jo’s journey from science teacher to education leader, the challenges of engaging students in Earth science, and what it takes to grow a grassroots program into a national success.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week!

Host: Dr Hannah Moore (@HannahClareMoore)

Media & Promotion: Emma Hamasaki (@EmmaHamasaki)

Episode 283: Fantastic Exoplanets and Where to Find Them

Sun, 08 Jun 2025 16:00:00 +1000

In this episode, we travel beyond our solar system to learn about the weird and wonderful world of exoplanets — planets orbiting stars far beyond our Sun. Our expert guest, Dr Erica Thygesen from the University of Tasmania, takes us on a tour through how we discover these alien worlds, where they’re hiding, and just how many we’ve found so far.
But finding exoplanets is just the beginning… Tracking them is a whole other challenge. We dive into the science of ephemeris refinement — the process of nailing down a planet’s orbit so we can predict exactly when to spot it next. Perfect timing is everything when you're trying to catch a glimpse of a distant world!

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week!

Host: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)
Co-Host: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)
Production: Richard Siu (Insta: richard.siu.photography)
Media & Promotion: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)

Episode 282: Diving for Data in Tasmania’s waters

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 16:00:00 +1000

Ever wondered what it’s like to do science underwater? In this episode, marine biologist and scientific diver Dr Jennie Smith joins co-host Hannah Moore and host Dr Olly Dove to talk all things scientific diving. Jennie is a Junior Research Fellow at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS), where she recently completed her PhD on the role of lobsters in controlling pest sea urchins in Tasmania’s coastal waters.

Jennie shares what it’s really like to collect data under the sea, the training and challenges involved in scientific diving, and how this kind of research helps protect Tasmania’s marine ecosystems. She also reflects on her journey from studying butterflies in the Amazon to managing lobsters in a “lobster hotel,” and her love of diving, outreach, and ocean life.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week!

Host: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)

Co-Host: Dr Hannah Moore (insta: @hannahclaremoore)

Production: Dr Meredith Castles (@MeredithCastles)

Media & Promotion: Zi Yi Kho.

Episode 281: Seafloor Study of a Submarine Eruption

Sun, 25 May 2025 16:00:00 +1000

In this episode, we dive deep (literally) into underwater volcanology with Associate Professor Rebecca Carey, a world-renowned volcanologist and researcher at the University of Tasmania. Co-host Dr Hannah Moore (also one of Rebecca’s past PhD students) and host Dr Olly Dove speak with Rebecca about her upcoming 2025 voyage aboard the RV Investigator to Tonga, where she and her team will study the aftermath of the catastrophic 2022 Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai eruption. The discussion unpacks how underwater eruptions are studied and what new discoveries might await on the seafloor.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week!

Host: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)

Co-Host: Hannah Moore (@HannahCMoore)

Production: Hannah Moore (@HannahCMoore)

Media & Promotion: Katya Bandow (@katyabandow)

Episode 280: Like father, like daughter

Sun, 18 May 2025 16:00:00 +1000

This week is a big one for our regular host, Olly, as she celebrates her 100th episode hosting That's What I Call Science!

To celebrate the milestone, Olly has invited her dad, Frederick Dove, onto the show to talk about his own career interviewing people across the world as a broadcaster on the BBC World Service. The two also talk about the drug that caused Fred's disability, Thalidomide, and the effects it had across the world.

Don't miss this special bring-your-dad-to-TWICS episode!

Show theme music: Kevin Macleod

Thank you for the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week!

Host: Dr Olly Dove (@olly_dove)

Production: Dr Olly Dove (@olly_dove)

Media & Promotion: Emma Hamasaki (@EmmaHamasaki)

Episode 279: Landmark Trees and Science Tourism

Sun, 11 May 2025 16:00:00 +1000

This week we’re joined by forest ecologist, tree climber, and science tour guide Yoav Daniel Bar-Ness, founder of Giant Tree Expeditions. From climbing the world’s tallest flowering plant to mapping Hiroshima’s atomic survivor trees, Yoav has spent decades exploring the lives and legacies of trees across the globe. In this episode, we explore how Tasmania’s towering forests can tell powerful stories and how Yoav is using science tourism to reconnect people with these extraordinary landscapes.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week!

Host: Dr Hannah Moore (@HannahClareMoore)

Production: Dr Simin Salarpour (@SalarpourSimin)

Media & Promotion: Ella Burgun

Episode 278: Avoidance - Is it all in our heads?

Sun, 04 May 2025 16:00:00 +1000

In today’s episode, we take a walk down an unusual road: the pathway inside our own brains.

Dr James Crane tells Olly about his work in neuroanatomy, how neural pathways and hormones can lead to avoidance behaviour, and how we even go about studying what’s in our heads to begin with.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week!

Host: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)
Production: Richard Siu (Insta: richard.siu.photography)
Media & Promotion: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)

Episode 277: A Microscopic Look at Learning

Sun, 27 Apr 2025 16:00:00 +1000

From marsupial reproductive biology to microscopic anatomy - aka histology - the scale of Dr Jamie Chapman’s work in how bodies function has gotten progressively smaller over the years.

What hasn’t gotten smaller is Jamie’s big-picture look at the teaching of histology within Australian medical degrees. In today’s episode, Jamie tells Olly and Meredith about histology’s place within the curriculum, as well as how technology and flexible learning opportunities can help students thrive.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week!

Host: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)

Co-Host: Dr Meredith Castles (@MeredithCastles)

Production: Ryan Smith

Media & Promotion: Zi Yi Kho

Episode 276: From Science Class to Scrubs

Sun, 20 Apr 2025 16:00:00 +1000

In today’s episode, Dr. Sam Rose opens the operating curtains to give us a glimpse into her journey of becoming a doctor.

Dr Sam tells Olly and Tegan about how she went from high school to medical school to becoming a paediatric advanced trainee! She talks about the highs and the lows of becoming a doctor and what her future as a doctor for kids might look like!

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week!

Host: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)

Co-host: Tegan Clark (Insta: scientist.tegan)

Production: Hannah Moore (@HannahCMoore)

Media & Promotion: Katya Bandow (Insta: @katyabandow)

Episode 275: Superstars of STEM

Sun, 13 Apr 2025 16:00:00 +1000

In this episode, we dive into the journeys of two Tassie scientists—TWICS’s own Dr. Meredith Castles and Dr. Jane Younger—who have been selected as part of Science & Technology Australia’s prestigious Superstars of STEM program. This initiative is designed to elevate the visibility of women and non-binary people in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, equipping them with media and leadership skills to become role models for future generations.

Meredith and Jane share their unique paths into STEM, the impact they hope to make as Superstars, and why representation in science communication is more crucial than ever. They also discuss the challenges women in STEM face, the power of mentorship, and how we can inspire the next generation of scientists.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Dr Olly Dove (@olly_dove)

Co-Host: Dr Meredith Castles (@MeredithCstles)

Production: Dr Simin Salarpour (@SalarpourSimin)

Media & Promotion: Emma Hamasaki (@EmmaHamasaki)

Episode 274: Breaking the Ice

Sun, 06 Apr 2025 15:00:00 +1000

In this episode of That's What I Call Science, hosts Dr. Olly Dove and Emma Hamasaki interview Ann Kristin Lund Johansen from the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies. Originally from Norway and having studied in the UK before coming to Tasmania, Ann Kristin discusses her PhD research on the drivers of ice mass loss in East Antarctica. She explains the importance of studying ice mass loss for accurate sea level rise projections, her use of Full Stokes equations in her research, and how her international academic journey has shaped her scientific perspective. Beyond her scientific work, Ann Kristin shares her passion for dance, outdoor activities, and poetry, highlighting how these artistic pursuits complement her scientific research.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Dr Olly Dove (@olly_dove)

Co-Host: Emma Hamasaki

Production: Ryan Smith

Media & Promotion: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)

Episode 273: Inspiring education in Tassie

Sun, 30 Mar 2025 16:00:00 +1100

“Education, perhaps more than anything else, is a passport to a better life” beautifully sums up the work and aim of the Peter Underwood Centre for Educational Attainment. In today’s episode, Kate and Tegan sat down with Georgia Sutton who is the Manager of the Children’s University Tasmania, a program under the Peter Underwood Centre that provides informal learning opportunities to schools and communities across Tasmania. Georgia talks about the important work delivered by the Children’s University and how it fosters important skills like confidence and curiosity. We also dive into how young people across Tasmania are engaging in STEM and what the future of education in Tasmania could look like.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week!

Host: Dr Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Co-Host: Tegan Clark (@scientist.tegan)

Production: Dr Simin Salarpour (@SalarpourSimin)

Media & Promotion: Zi Yi Kho

Episode 272: Science to Politics: Emma Hamasaki's Journey Through Marine Research and Communication

Sun, 23 Mar 2025 16:00:00 +1100

In this episode of That's What I Call Science, host Dr. Olly Dove interviews regular co-host Emma Hamasaki about her diverse career path. Emma shares her journey from studying marine science at the University of Tasmania to becoming a passionate science communicator involved with projects like Redmap and Curious Climate. She discusses her work with the Centre for Marine Socioecology, her experience performing at TedX, and her current role with the Greens party. This episode offers listeners insight into the intersection of science, communication, and politics through Emma's personal and professional experiences in lutruwita/Tasmania.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Dr Olly Dove (@olly_dove)
Co-Host: Emma Hamasaki
Production: Richard Siu
Media & Promotion: Katya Bandow (@katyabandow)

Episode 271: Co-manager catch up: Kate’s overseas adventures

Sun, 16 Mar 2025 16:00:00 +1100

Join TWICS’s three co-managers on a bus-turned-restaurant in a Hobart pub on a sunny day. With relaxing ambient pub sounds, Anna Abela and Dr Olly Dove chat with Dr Kate Johnson about her experience doing postdoctoral research in Switzerland and a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowship in Barcelona, Spain. Hear the challenges and highlights of Kate’s experience so far plus advice to ECRS considering applying for fellowships and conducting research overseas. Share in the joy of a rare in-person reunion of Olly, Anna and Kate!

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Dr Olly Dove (@olly_dove)

Co-Host: Anna Abela (@annaoabela)

Production: Hannah Moore (@HannahCMoore)

Media & Promotion: Emma Hamasaki (@EmmaHamasaki)

Episode 270: Bridging science and activism at COP29

Sun, 09 Mar 2025 16:00:00 +1100

The United Nations Climate Change Conference is the biggest climate conference in the world, bringing together Government officials, scientists, industry groups and civil society to solve the climate crisis. So how did a PhD student find herself travelling to Azerbaijan to fight for climate justice at COP29?

In this episode, Olly sits down with Tegan Clark to discuss her journey to COP29. She takes us behind the scenes of what it’s actually like to attend the biggest climate conference as a young person. Tegan also discusses her work with IncludeHer and advocating for better representation of diverse scientists in the Australian curriculum.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Dr Olly Dove (@olly_dove)

Production: Dr Meredith Castles (@MeredithCastles)

Episode 269: How to Code The Cosmos

Sun, 02 Mar 2025 16:00:00 +1100

Imagine having a little version of the cosmos living on your computer. In this week’s Ep we’re chatting about Active Galactic Nuclei (or AGN) with theoretical astrophysics PhD candidate, Georgia Stewart. Active Galactic Nuclei are some of the most powerful phenomena in the Universe but they also take millions of years to evolve 🐢. Running powerful computer simulations 💻is one way scientists can study them and it’s exactly what Georgia does. Tune in to find out how 🔭🌌

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Dr Olly Dove (@olly_dove)

Co-Host: Tia Ewen

Production: Ryan Smith

Media & Promotion: Georgia Stewart

Episode 268: From Journalism to Science Communication

Sun, 23 Feb 2025 16:00:00 +1100

After years of working in the media industry and navigating the highs and lows of journalism, Tia Ewen navigated her way to science communication. In this episode, Dr Olly Dove and Georgia Stewart sit down with Tia as she takes us behind the scenes in the newsroom, navigating her way through the media industry, her love and passion for science and how she eventually ended up in the classroom.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Dr Olly Dove (@olly_dove)

Co-Host: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)

Production: Dr Simin Salarpour (@SalarpourSimin)

Media & Promotion: Zi Yi Kho

Episode 267: Connecting with nature

Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:00:00 +1100

Sustainability, scicomm, and soccer: just three of the many hats of Dr Emily Flies!

With an interdisciplinary career traversing a myriad of -ologies, Emily now works in exploring how connecting with nature can be a leverage point for healthy and sustainable communities. She’s also an award-winning science communicator and the founder of Tasmania’s Inspiring Women in STEMM Fellowship Program, so make sure you tune in today to hear about her exciting career journey and fantastic outreach.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod
Host: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)
Production: Richard Siu
Media & Promotion: Katya Bandow (@katyabandow)

Episode 266: Science, Sustainability, and the Secret Lives of Eels

Sun, 09 Feb 2025 16:00:00 +1100

Join us as we explore climate action, coastal resilience, and… eels! This week, Dr. Malcolm Johnson shares his passion for climate adaptation, coastal resource management, and unique research on the fascinating freshwater eels of Tasmania. From working in the Huon Valley to community projects in the Philippines and CNMI, Malcolm’s journey highlights the power of local action in tackling global issues. Dive into the science of resilience and conservation—plus, discover why eels deserve a closer look!

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod
Host: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)
Co-Host: Emma Hamasaki
Production: Hannah Moore (@HannahCMoore)
Media & Promotion: Emma Hamasaki (@EmmaHamasaki)

Episode 265: The Seaweed Sommelier

Sun, 02 Feb 2025 16:00:00 +1100

Don’t you just hate it when you’re out for a lovely swim in the ocean when all of a sudden your stomach starts rumbling? Well, thanks to one researcher at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, we might be closer to understanding what snacks are out there in the waters of lutruwita/Tasmania!

Micah Landon-Lane joins Olly for today’s episode, in which he tells her all about sea grapes: seaweed with the appearance of grapes and the potential for deliciousness. Alongside his PhD, Micah also advocates for living wages for PhD candidates, including being a founder of the group Fair Go for PhDs. Tune in to hear all about it!

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Dr Olly Dove (@olly_dove)

Production: Dr Meredith Castles (@MeredithCastles)

Social Media: Ella Burgun (@ebburgun)

Episode 264: All Abuzz - Your Backstage Pass to Entomology Excellence

Sun, 01 Dec 2024 16:00:00 +1100

Join hosts Olly Dove and Emma Hamasaki as they flutter through the 2024 Australian Entomological Society Conference! In this special season finale, we're buzzing with excitement as we explore the latest discoveries in insect science through fascinating conversations with poster presenters. Broadcasting from lutruwita/Tasmania on Edge Radio, this episode showcases cutting-edge research that's creating quite a stir in the STEMM community. From microscopic marvels to groundbreaking discoveries, we're bringing you the best of Australia's entomological expertise!

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)

Co-Host: Emma Hamasaki

Production: Ryan Smith

Media & Promotion: Ella Burgen

Episode 263: The Australasian Cytometry Society

Sun, 24 Nov 2024 16:00:00 +1100

Join us for this week’s episode, in which Olly and Georgia make their way through the poster session at the Australasian Cytometry Society’s annual 2024 conference!

Cytometry may not be a word you’ve heard before, but is all about cells. And, by studying the cells in our bodies, the researchers in today’s episode have been making leaps and bounds in medical research in order to help the patients that need them.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)

Co-Host: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)

Production: Simin Salarpour (@SalarpourSimin)

Media & Promotion: Katya Bandow (@katyabandow)

Episode 262: Seeds, fire & biodiversity

Sun, 17 Nov 2024 16:00:00 +1100

Come and chat with two Australians (Dr Kate Johnson and Dr Ella Plumanns Pouton) on a bench in Catalunya, that may or may not be covered in ants! Ella talks about fire and seed banks, shifts in research, moving countries and writing science for the public. After an arts degree, Ella was driven to science through a desire to enact positive change for the natural world, particularly in a changing climate. Ella’s PhD revealed the impact of different fire frequencies on the seeds of diverse plant species in Australia, and she now works on rewilding and restoration of biodiversity at the Ecological and Forestry Applications Research Centre (CREAF) in Barcelona, Spain. In this episode you’ll hear about Ella’s research, publishing in ‘The Conversation’, when jargon is useful and when it’s not, how much slang Australians use, and more, take a listen!

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Dr Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Production: Hannah Moore (@HannahCMoore)

Media & Promotion: Ella Burgun

Episode 261: Bogs and Biophysics

Sun, 10 Nov 2024 15:00:00 +1100

Take a journey to the ‘liminal space between water and sky’ with Melissa Mai. From the pathways of water and sugar along a pine needle to the magical land of bogs and why they matter. This episode will transport you from a molecule in a leaf to peaty landscapes of Scotland and the USA. Learn about Melissa, her pathway to academia and future aspirations to influence policy or curate museum collections. Join Dr Kate Johnson and Melissa to hear about everything from biophysics to bog butter and bog bodies, there’s something for everyone in this episode!

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Dr Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Production: Ryan Smith

Media & Promotion: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)

Episode 260: Neurodivergence In STEMM: Part 2

Sun, 03 Nov 2024 15:00:00 +1100

This week, Anna and Ella are joined by Monique Mitchelson, a autistic/ADHD clinical psychologist from Brisbane, Australia, with a deep passion for supporting neurodivergent women and girls. Monique discusses her own podcast, The Neurodivergent Woman Podcast with Clinical Neuropsychologist Michelle Livock, a hit show with over a million downloads, as well as her consulting on the National Autism Strategy. We’ll dive into how Monique blends her interests in neurodiversity, trauma, and chronic illness with her practice, as well as her own experiences as a neurodivergent woman kicking goals!

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Anna Abela (@annaoabela)

Co-Host: Ella Burgun (@ebburgun)

Production: Simin Salarpour (@SalarpourSimin)

Media & Promotion: Emma Hamasaki (@EmmaHamasaki)

Episode 259: Neurodivergence In STEM: Part 1

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 16:00:00 +1100

In this episode, Anna and Ella chat to Heidi La Paglia Reid, a proud Autistic, queer and disabled consultant and advocate living Tasmania. With over a decade of experience in the disability and women’s rights sectors, Heidi brings a wealth of knowledge both from her professional roles and her personal journey navigating chronic health conditions and neurodiversity. This episode will dive into her work, explore the challenges she faced, and discuss how she’s driving real change through neuro-inclusive training, advocacy, and consultancy.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Anna Abela (@annaoabela)

Co-Host: Ella Burgun (@ebburgun)

Production: Dr Meredith Castles (@MeredithCastles)

Media & Promotion: Dr Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Episode 258: AMSA-NZMSS 2024: Part 2

Sun, 20 Oct 2024 16:00:00 +1100

In September 2024, the Australian Marine Sciences Association and the New Zealand Marine Sciences Society teamed up to deliver their annual conference, with 900 marine scientists, professionals, and students gathering in Hobart to celebrate all things oceanic.

Across the two poster sessions at the conference, Olly met 24 attendees presenting their incredible science. The content was just too good for one episode, so here’s Part 2 of our double bill at AMSA-NZMSS 2024!

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)

Production: Hannah Moore (@HannahCMoore)

Media & Promotion: Katya Bandow (@katyabandow)

Episode 257: AMSA-NZMSS 2024: Part 1

Sun, 13 Oct 2024 16:00:00 +1100

Across the two poster sessions at the conference, Olly met 24 attendees presenting their incredible science. The content was just too good for one episode, so here’s Part 1 of our double bill at AMSA-NZMSS 2024!

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)

Production: Hannah Moore (@HannahCMoore)

Media & Promotion: Ella Burgun

Episode 256: Turtles, Seabirds, and Connection to Place

Sun, 06 Oct 2024 16:00:00 +1100

Out on Bruny Island one rainy and windy night, Edith Shum rested in a cosy cabin after a busy day out in the field. Joined by Olly on her adventure, the two took up the chance while warming themselves by the fire to talk about Edith’s past adventures.

Having worked in Queensland with sea turtles, Edith now works in Tasmania on exploring how species shape our connection to places in the context of environmental change. Tune in to hear all about it!

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)

Production: Simin Salarpour (@SalarpourSimin)

Media & Promotion: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)

Episode 255: Forensic Cases and Rugby Phases

Sun, 29 Sep 2024 16:00:00 +1000

We love a good science and sport cross-over. In this episode, Olly and Georgia chat to forensic scientist, Craig Gardner about his dual passion for science and rugby union refereeing. What does it take to solve a crime with science? How do you analyse the evidence and importantly, how do you know you’re right? Craig has all the answers for us. Plus, we talk about Craig’s other passion; rugby union refereeing. We learn what it’s like to referee rugby tournaments around the country and how a scientific mindset can help you in high-pressure situations.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)

Co-Host: Georgia Stewart (@georgi1a_stewart)

Production: Ryan Smith

Media & Promotion: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)

Episode 254: Modelling the Unseen Universe

Sun, 22 Sep 2024 16:00:00 +1000

Space is full of amazing stuff we can’t see with the naked eye! Join Olly and Georgia in this episode as they embark on a journey to the distant reaches of the universe with Sophie Young, a first-year PhD student in astrophysics. Sophie shares insights into her award-winning research on Active Galactic Nuclei—the powerful galaxy centres known for emitting massive jets of superheated plasma that can’t be seen with the naked eye. We talk about how Sophie’s passion for theoretical astrophysics and how she uses powerful supercomputers to study these cosmic jet streams.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@olly_dove) & Georgia Stewart (@georg1a_stewart)

Production: Meredith Castles (@MeredithCastles)

Media & Promotion: Georgia Stewart (@georg1a_stewart)

Episode 253: Beaker Street Festival 2024: Part 2

Sun, 15 Sep 2024 16:00:00 +1000

In August each year, a horde of science communicators arrive in lutruwita/Tasmania, ready to share their work with the public at the Beaker Street Festival. One of the many special events across the festival is the Roving Scientist Bar.

With a table per scientist and the public free to move between them, the room quickly fills with the sounds of STEMM-tastic stories being shared. Join Olly and Simin for Part 2 of our Beaker Street double bill, to meet even more of the incredible scientists involved.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)

Co-Host: Simin Salarpour (@SalarpourSimin)

Production: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)

Media & Promotion: Ella Burgun

Episode 252: Beaker Street Festival 2024: Part 1

Sun, 08 Sep 2024 16:00:00 +1000

With a table per scientist and the public free to move between them, the room quickly fills with the sounds of STEMM-tastic stories being shared. Join Olly and Georgia in Part 1 of our Beaker Street double bill, as they meet some of the incredible scientists involved.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)

Co-Host: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)

Production: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)

Media & Promotion: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)

Episode 251: Let's Talk SciComm

Sun, 01 Sep 2024 16:00:00 +1000

Unsurprisingly, we love science communication here at That’s What I Call Science, as do the hosts of the Let’s Talk SciComm podcast at The University of Melbourne. Naturally, we thought this made for a perfect chance to have a crossover episode!

Join Olly as Let’s Talk SciComm co-hosts and science communicator extraordinaires Jen Martin and Michael Wheeler tell her all about their exciting show as well as their own personal experiences and adventures in scicomm.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)

Production: Ryan Smith

Media & Promotion: Dr Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Episode 250: Neurodiversity and Inclusive Comms

Sun, 25 Aug 2024 16:00:00 +1000

In this episode, we catch up with Anna, a co-manager and founding member of TWICS. After switching gears from tech to communications, Anna opens up about her late ADHD diagnosis and what it means to live and work with neurodiversity. And we get a peek into what’s been happening behind the scene at TWICS!

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)

Production: Ryan Smith

Media & Promotion:Katya Bandow (@katyabandow)

Episode 249: Urban Trees

Sun, 18 Aug 2024 16:00:00 +1000

Urban tree ecophysiologist Dr Christoph Bachofen tells us how plants, chemistry, physics and art are intertwined through the lens of city trees. Join Christoph and Dr Kate Johnson to learn how trees and humans experience the urban environment and find out answers to questions such as; why would a student walk around Geneva with a high-tech backpack? How do trees alter the environment in cities? Do dense buildings heat or cool cities? Will you be able to hear from trees in the future?

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Dr Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Production: Simin Salarpour (@SalarpourSimin)

Media & Promotion: Ella Burgun

Episode 248: Persuading Change Through Technology

Sun, 11 Aug 2024 16:00:00 +1000

Have you ever used a FitBit? Quit an addiction using an app? Did you wonder why they are so successful at helping people change their behaviours? These technologies are called ‘Persuasive Technologies’, applications specifically designed using behavioural psychology to help people alter the things they do. Our guest this week is researching how to make sure technology designers make more effective apps in the future by studying what works and what doesn’t work so well.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)

Co-Host: Dr Meredith Castles (@MeredithCastles)

Production: Dr Meredith Castles (@MeredithCastles)

Media & Promotion: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)

Episode 247: Solving It Yourself With Digital Competency

Sun, 04 Aug 2024 16:00:00 +1000

Ever been faced with technology problems you have no idea how to fix? Error messages popping up, got another call to fix your nan’s remote control, your new smart tv making you feel…not so smart? Our guest this week is researching how you approach these different tech problems and model a way to make future tech problems easier to solve. Join us to find out how this is being done.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)

Co-Host: Dr Meredith Castles (@MeredithCastles)

Production: Dr Meredith Castles (@MeredithCastles)

Media & Promotion: Emma Hamasaki (@EmmaHamasaki)

Episode 246: Intercepting Bad Decisions with AI

Sun, 28 Jul 2024 16:00:00 +1000

The online world is full of great content to consume. But for every piece of useful information, there are innumerable sources of harmful and disturbing content that can be accessed. Content that is not just harmful to the consumer but to the people being exploited in the creation of it. What is standing between that harmful content and the person trying to access it? The answer is not much. Our guest, Dr Joel Scanlan who is a Cyber Security expert, and his colleagues have developed a ChatBot AI that attempts to act as a conscience for those consumers. Popping up to steer them in the right direction.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)

Co-Host: Dr Meredith Castles (@MeredithCastles)

Production: Dr Meredith Castles (@MeredithCastles)

Media & Promotion: Katya Bandow (@katyabandow)

Episode 245: Inspiring Women in STEMM Fellowship 2024

Sun, 21 Jul 2024 16:00:00 +1000

Each year, Science in the Pub Tasmania’s Inspiring Women in STEMM Fellowship not only recognises incredible women working in STEMM in Tasmania, but also provides the chance for them to conduct outreach in their home community.

In today’s episode, Olly hears from the 2024 fellows, Ella Smalley, Esmat Sarafraz, and Saranya Viswanathan, as they tell her all about their incredible projects.

It’s safe to say that she was left feeling more than just a little inspired, and there’s a good chance you will, too.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)

Production: Simin Salarpour (@SalarpourSimin)

Media & Promotion: Anna Abela (@annaoabela) and Ella Burgun

Episode 244: Shipboard Stories Part 4: A Drop in the Ocean

Sun, 14 Jul 2024 16:00:00 +1000

Welcome, listeners, to Part 4 of our mini-series recorded on the CSIRO research vessel (RV) Investigator!

There’s a lot of water out there in the ocean, and the scientists in today’s episode are determined to understand as many drops of it as they can. With robust equipment, they can collect water from thousands of metres below sea level. What they do with the water after that, you’ll just have to tune in to find out!

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)

Production: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)

Media & Promotion: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)

Episode 243: Shipboard Stories Part 3: The Tech of the Sea

Sun, 07 Jul 2024 16:00:00 +1000

Welcome, listeners, to Part 3 of our mini-series recorded on the CSIRO research vessel (RV) Investigator!

You’ve likely learnt long ago to keep electronics as far away from water as possible. But, in this week’s episode, we’re going to hear from two teams that use a whole lot of technology right in the middle of the ocean.

From seeing never-before mapped seafloors to making sure everyone aboard can work to the best of their technological ability, these teams are the unsung heroes of ocean science, so join us as we hear their stories.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)

Production: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)

Media & Promotion: Emma Hamasaki (@EmmaHamasaki)

Episode 242: Shipboard Stories Part 2: Fishing for Rocks

Sun, 30 Jun 2024 16:00:00 +1000

Welcome, listeners, to Part 2 of our mini-series recorded on the CSIRO research vessel (RV) Investigator!

Have you ever tried your hand at a lucky dip? What about hook-a-duck? In this week’s episode we’re going to hear about the deepest lucky dip possible: scooping rocks with a net on the bottom of the ocean.

Chief Scientist Professor Jo Whittaker tells us about how this is possible, and is joined in the episode by fellow geologists and the crew on board who help facilitate the work. And, afterwards, join Olly as she’s taken on a tour of the ship’s galley and stores!

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)

Production: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)

Media & Promotion: Dr Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Episode 241: Shipboard Stories Part 1: The Students

Sun, 23 Jun 2024 16:00:00 +1000

Welcome, listeners, to Part 1 of our mini-series recorded on the CSIRO research vessel (RV) Investigator!

In March 2024, Olly headed out to sea and interviewed not 1, not 2, but 26 of the adventurers aboard! Over the next four weeks, you’ll be hearing from scientists, staff, crew, and students on the ship.

This week, we’re starting with the undergraduate students. Led by senior lecturer Dr Pier van der Merwe, the students went to sea to experience life as a marine scientist, undertaking a range of projects, alongside a healthy dose of backgammon and Catan games.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)

Production: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)

Media & Promotion: Katya Bandow (@katyabandow)

Episode 240: From Olympian to Engineer

Sun, 16 Jun 2024 16:00:00 +1000

What does it take to be an Olympian, and where do you go afterwards? In this episode, join Olly and Georgia for a compelling conversation with former Australian Olympic rower turned civil engineer Meagan Volker. Tune in as Meaghan shares the incredible journey that led her to compete in the 2016 Rio Olympics, rowing in the women's eight for Australia. Learn how the discipline and determination ingrained in her as an athlete have propelled her success in her career as an engineer, from road-building projects to irrigation schemes across Tasmania.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)

Co-Host:Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)

Production: Meredith Castles (@MeredithCastles),

Media & Promotion: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)

Episode 239: Symphony of Fire and Water

Sun, 09 Jun 2024 16:00:00 +1000

Explore Dr Anna Matala's extraordinary journey from violinist to pioneering scientist in this compelling episode. From her groundbreaking work in pyrolysis modelling to her pivotal role at Tasmania's Fire Centre and Hydro Tasmania, Dr Matala seamlessly bridges the worlds of fire and water. Discover the fascinating intersections between her passions and the profound impact of her multidisciplinary approach. Tune in to uncover the inspiring insights of this exceptional polymath.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)

Co-Host: Simin Salarpour (@SalarpourSimin)

Production: Simin Salarpour (@SalarpourSimin)

Media & Promotion: Emma Hamasaki (@EmmaHamasaki)

Episode 238: Nature by Numbers

Sun, 02 Jun 2024 16:00:00 +1000

Join us in this engaging episode as we delve into the fascinating world of mathematical modelling with David Horsley, a portfolio optimisation analyst at Hydro Tasmania. From statistical models of climate change to stochastic optimisation for hydro scheduling, David shares insights from his extensive experience. With a PhD in Applied Maths from UTAS and previous work on NASA's Space Geodesy Project, his expertise is unparalleled. Discover how David navigates the intersection of mathematics and nature, all while enjoying the beauty of Tasmania's outdoors.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)

Co-Host: Simin Salarpour (@SalarpourSimin)

Production: Dr Meredith Castles (@MeredithCastles)

Media & Promotion: Dr Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Episode 237: The Science of Storms

Sun, 26 May 2024 16:00:00 +1000

How do you build a storm? Dr Courtney Quinn’s maths journey has taken her all over the world, and she has combined this passion with her fascination of extreme weather events. She’s now an expert in the field of dynamical systems where she models the complexities of atmospheric and large-scale weather systems. In this episode, Olly and Georgia discover what goes into the mathematical building blocks of a cyclone and how the rate of changes of our climate can affect these large weather systems.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)

Co-Host: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)

Production: Simin Salarpour (@SalarpourSimin)

Media & Promotion: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)

Episode 236: Elements of a Scientist

Sun, 19 May 2024 17:00:00 +1000

The hot, dry Mediterranean, the depths of the tropics and the computer screen, Dr Helena Vallicrosa works in a range of environments to understand how chemical elements, the building blocks of the earth, cycle through ecosystems. The ‘annoying kid’ who always asked questions, a lack of representation in science meant that Helena didn’t always think a career in science was available to her. Now Helena uses ‘big data’ to find patterns and answer big questions about where plants can live and why in the complex landscape of a changing climate. Listen to hear Helena break-down her research, motivations as a scientist, and a career in science (academia vs industry) into their core elements.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Dr Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys),

Production: Ryan Smith

Media & Promotion: Dr Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Episode 235: Innovating with Electromagnetics

Sun, 12 May 2024 16:00:00 +1000

In this episode, Olly and Sarah explore the world of electromagnetics with expert guest Dr Antony Lui. Antony’s career in research has focused on applications related to electromagnetic theory, including medical diagnosis, and antennas for sensing and communications.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)

Co-Host: Sarah Lyden

Production: Simin Salarpour (@SalarpourSimin)

Episode 234: Jetpacks, Mass-spectrometers and Brownies!

Sun, 05 May 2024 16:00:00 +1000

Join Olly in Sarah in this episode as they talk to engineer and chemist Tim Jessup about Jetpacks, Mass-spectrometers and applying the scientific method to creating the ultimate brownie recipe.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)

Co-Host: Sarah Lyden

Production: Ryan Smith

Media & Promotion: Katya Bandow (@katyabandow)

Episode 233: Records in Radio

Sun, 28 Apr 2024 16:00:00 +1000

Rex Moncur graduated in Communications Engineering. He was Director of the Australian Antarctic Division from 1988 to 1998. Rex was awarded the Australian Public Service Medal and is a Fellow of the University of Tasmania for helping set up Antarctic Research at the University. On retirement his interest is Amateur Radio and he holds a number of World records.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Georgia Stewart

Co-Host: Sarah Lyden

Production: Meredith Castles (@MeredithCastles)

Media & Promotion: Emma Hamasaki (@EmmaHamasaki)

Episode 232: Fuelling Change

Sun, 21 Apr 2024 16:00:00 +1000

In this episode, Georgia and Sarah learn all about hydrogen energy technology and its role in Australia’s sustainable future. Our guest is Dr Krystina Lamb, a leader in renewable and hydrogen energy technology research, now working for Jupiter Ionics. Tune in to hear about Krystina’s journey and learn how hydrogen can be used to store energy, where it can be put to use and the many benefits it can have for a sustainable future.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Georgia Stewart

Co-Host: Sarah Lyden

Production: Ryan Smith

Media & Promotion: Georgia Stewart

Episode 231: Cracking the Shell of Engineering

Sun, 14 Apr 2024 16:00:00 +1000

Join Olly and Sarah in this episode as they dive into an interesting engineering application involving lobsters. Our expert guest Charles Sutherland is a PhD student in the School of Engineering and has been working on enabling technology to identify pre-moult lobsters. Through this episode Charles shares the engineering journey he has been on in developing low-cost technology for this cross-disciplinary application area.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)

Co-Host: Sarah Lyden

Production: Ryan Smith

Media & Promotion: Emma Hamasaki (@EmmaHamasaki)

Episode 230: Palm Invasion

Sun, 31 Mar 2024 16:00:00 +1100

In the paradise of Ticino, Switzerland palms line the foothills of the alps, but why are they here and are they a problem? Thibaut Juillard studies what makes these palms successful for his PhD in the PERL (Plant Ecology Research Laboratory) at EPFL (the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, Switzerland). Dr Kate Johnson and Katya Bandow ask Thibaut about ‘his’ palms and how he studies them, and what he’s doing here in Tasmania both in and outside of work. Listen to hear Thibaut’s adventures around the lakes and mountains, the push and pull between predators and temperatures that will decide the fate of an invasive palm species, and a frank conversation on the differences between doing a PhD in Switzerland vs. Tasmania.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys) and Katya Bandow (@katyabandow)

Production: Meredith Castles (@MeredithCastles)

Media & Promotion: Katya Bandow (@katyabandow)

Episode 229: Breaking New Ground

Sun, 24 Mar 2024 16:00:00 +1100

Join us as we journey through time and space to unlock Earth's dynamic history with expert guest Dr. Sheree Armistead. In this episode, we delve into Sheree’s groundbreaking research, from unravelling the mysteries of supercontinent Gondwana's tectonic evolution in Madagascar, India, and East Africa during her PhD studies, to exploring the ancient links between supercontinents and ore formation in Canada during her postdoctoral research. Now, Sheree’s focus turns to the rugged landscapes of northwest Tasmania, where she investigates the region's past ties to North America.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)

Co-Host: Hannah Moore (@HannahCMoore)

Production: Simin Salarpour (@SalarpourSimin)

Media & Promotion: Emma Hamasaki (@EmmaHamasaki)

Episode 228: Early Earth Eras Tour

Sun, 17 Mar 2024 16:00:00 +1100

Welcome to the third instalment of our 'Geoscience Mini-Series', a four-part journey where we engage with geoscientists from Tasmania and across Australia. This week, we're thrilled to chat with Dr. Indrani Mukherjee, a geology lecturer and researcher at the University of New South Wales. Join us as we explore Indrani’s work unravelling the intricate connections between early Earth evolution, the emergence of complex life forms, and the genesis of valuable mineral deposits. We also delve into Dr. Mukherjee's innovative ideas for engaging young people in geology, drawing surprising comparisons to the relatability of Taylor Swift!

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Hannah Moore (@HannahCMoore)

Co-Host: Emma Hamasaki (@EmmaHamasaki)

Production: Ryan Smith

Media & Promotion: Hannah McCleary

Episode 227: Unearthing a Greener Future

Sun, 10 Mar 2024 16:00:00 +1100

Welcome to our second instalment of the ‘Geoscience mini-series’, a four-part series where we talk to geoscientists based in Tasmania and elsewhere in Australia. Dr. Owen Missen, a Lecturer in Environmental Geology, shares insights into the role of critical metals, such as Cobalt and Tellurium, in Australia’s sustainable future.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)
Co-Host: Hannah Moore (@HannahCMoore)
Production: Meredith Castles (@MeredithCastles)
Media & Promotion: Anna Abela

Episode 226: Rock Solid Education

Sun, 03 Mar 2024 16:00:00 +1100

Welcome to our first instalment of the ‘Geoscience mini-series’, a four-part series where we talk to geoscientists based in Tasmania and elsewhere in Australia. This episode’s guest, Izzy Von Lichtan, is an esteemed expert in earth sciences, serving as curator at the Rock Library & Geological Museum and associate lecturer at the University of Tasmania. With over two decades of experience in teaching undergraduate programs, Izzy's passion lies in nurturing the curiosity of budding scientists in a supportive and encouraging environment.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)

Co-Host: Hannah Moore (@HannahCMoore)

Production: Simin Salarpour (@SalarpourSimin)

Media & Promotion: Anna Abela, Georgia Stewart

Episode 225: Feeling the Heat

Sun, 25 Feb 2024 16:00:00 +1100

Drones, Aussie mangroves and pine forests in the Swiss mountains; come on a journey around the world with Parisian Ecophysiologist Dr Alice Gauthey. Find out how Dr Gauthey investigates the impacts of climate change including drought, heat and increasing CO2 on plants in this interview with fellow-plant-lover Dr Kate Johnson. You’ll also hear Dr Gauthey’s insights into the joys and challenges of researching plants across the globe and navigating the wilds of academia.

Episode 224: Let it Beetle

Sun, 18 Feb 2024 16:00:00 +1100

Welcome to our first new episode of 2024! We’re kicking off the year by delving into the captivating world of beetles and bugs with Tessa Smith, a PhD candidate at the University of Tasmania. Tessa's not just an insect expert, she's also a rockstar in the science communication scene! From co-hosting "That's What I Call Science" to organising the super cool "Science in the Pub Tasmania," she's been buzzing around making science fun and accessible.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)
Co-Host: Hannah Moore (@HannahCMoore)
Production: Hannah Moore (@HannahCMoore)
Media & Promotion: Emma Hamasaki (@EmmaHamasaki)

Episode 223: Eureka Part 4 - Dr Lila Landowski

Sun, 17 Dec 2023 16:00:00 +1100

Our Australian Museum Eureka Prize miniseries wraps up this week with part 4, where we interview Lila Landowski. Lila was a finalist for the Celestino Eureka prize for Promoting Understanding of Science. A neuroscientist by day, she’s also presented a Tedx Talk with nearly 2 million views, and appears as a regular guest science communicator on major radio and television broadcasts.

Tune in to hear how Lila turned an interest in fish slime into an award-winning career and how understanding neuroscience can help you in your everyday life!

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)

Co-Host: Ryan Smith

Production: Ryan Smith

Media & Promotion: Emma Hamasaki (@EmmaHamasaki)

Episode 222: Eureka Prizes Part 3 - The Sea Slug Census

Sun, 10 Dec 2023 16:00:00 +1100

For week three of our four-part Eureka Prizes mini-series, we’re joined by two members of the Sea Slug Census team: Dr Nicole Mertens and Professor Steve Smith.

The Sea Slug Census was a finalist for the Innovation in Citizen Science category at the Eureka Prizes 2023, and brings together slug enthusiasts across the country to find these wonderful critters of all different sizes and colours.

Tune in to the episode to hear Nicole and Steve tell Olly all about why sea slugs are so incredible, and how we can all be a part of their story.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)

Production: Ryan Smith

Media & Promotion: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)

Episode 221: Eureka Prizes Part 2 - 1 Million Turtles

Sun, 03 Dec 2023 16:00:00 +1100

For week two of our four-part Eureka Prizes mini-series, we’ve got a million things to talk about. More specifically, we’ve got 1 Million Turtles to talk about!

Joined by three team members from the 1 Million Turtles project (James Van Dyke, Deborah Bower, and Ricky Spencer), we hear all about freshwater turtles in Australia, and how we can help them survive and thrive. We also hear what winning a Eureka Prize earlier this year means to the team.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)

Production: Hannah Moore (@HannahCMoore)

Media & Promotion: Hannah McCleary (@mccleary_hannah)

Episode 221: Eureka Prizes Part 2 - 1 Million Turtles

Sun, 03 Dec 2023 16:00:00 +1100

For week two of our four-part Eureka Prizes mini-series, we’ve got a million things to talk about. More specifically, we’ve got 1 Million Turtles to talk about!

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod
Host: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)
Production: Hannah Moore (@HannahCMoore)
Media & Promotion: Hannah McCleary (@mccleary_hannah)

Episode 220: Eureka Prizes Part 1 - Back to beginnings

Sun, 26 Nov 2023 16:00:00 +1100

Robyn Williams is a legend in science journalism. For over 50 years he has brought science stories to the airways through ABC National’s Science Show.
As the founder of Australia Museum’s Eureka Prize, he joins Anna and Olly for part one of four episodes in the Eureka Prizes mini-series. They discuss the history of STEMM communication, cultural changes, and what’s kept Robyn passionate across his career.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod
Host: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)
Co-Host: Anna Abela (@annaoabela)
Production: Simin Salarpour (@SalarpourSimin)
Media & Promotion: Anna Abela (@annaoabela)

Episode 219: Tasmania’s Botany Wizard

Sun, 19 Nov 2023 16:00:00 +1100

Welcome to our final episode of the Conservation of Tasmanian Plants mini-series.

Today, our botany hosts Kate and Katya have the incredible privilege of chatting with Professor Greg Jordan, a paleobotanist and plant science lecturer at the University of Tasmania. Greg shares some of his career highlights and his love for Tasmanian native flora, and shows us why Tassie is such a unique place to study both fossil and living plants. His lifelong passion for botany is utterly contagious, so we guarantee you’ll walk away wanting to learn more about plants!

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Dr. Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Co-Host: Katya Bandow (@KatyaBandow)

Production: Ryan Smith

Media & Promotion: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)

Episode 218: Conservation at Botanical Gardens

Sun, 12 Nov 2023 16:00:00 +1100

It's week two of the Conservation of Tasmanian Plants mini-series, and this week Katya and Olly are chatting to Dr. Laura Williams from the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. In this episode, Laura talks us through the unique plant collections found at the gardens and the many conservation initiatives she is involved in. We also hear a little bit about her previous work monitoring plants on Macquarie Island, and her roles in natural resource management in Australia and New Zealand.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)

Co-Host: Katya Bandow (@katyabandow)

Production: Ryan Smith

Media & Promotion: Hannah McCleary (@mccleary_hannah)

Episode 217: Plants Preserved for Good

Sun, 05 Nov 2023 17:00:00 +1100

Kicking off our three part mini-series on the Conservation of Tasmanian Plants, today we are talking to Dr. Miguel de Salas from the Tasmanian Herbarium, a branch of the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG). Join us as we chat about botany curation, plant taxonomy, dinoflagellates, and how you can get involved with plant conservation using the iNaturalist app.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)
Co-Host: Katya Bandow (@katyabandow)
Production: Hannah Moore (@HannahCMoore)
Media & Promotion: Emma Hamasaki (@EmmaHamasaki)

Episode 216: Sailing through RV Investigator’s 100 Voyages

Sun, 29 Oct 2023 16:00:00 +1100

Australia’s national research vessel, the RV Investigator, recently celebrated a special milestone; it set sail on its 100th voyage!

Hannah and Olly sit down with Dr Ben Arthur from CSIRO’s Marine National Facility to celebrate, hear about the various voyages which have taken place over the last nine years, and ask how you might be able to join a voyage on the Investigator!

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)

Co-Host: Hannah McCleary

Production: Ryan Smith

Media & Promotion: Hannah McCleary

Episode 215: FameLab Australia 2023

Sun, 22 Oct 2023 16:00:00 +1100

In September 2023, twelve early career researchers from across Australia were brought together in Perth to battle it out for the FameLab Australia National Finals 2023.

While a winner did emerge from the competition, the real winners were the friends we made along the way. Join Olly as she hears from the finalists about their wholesome experiences in FameLab and their passions for science communication.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)

Production: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)

Media & Promotion: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)

Episode 214: Centre for Marine Socioecology Showcase

Sun, 08 Oct 2023 16:00:00 +1100

Recently, Hannah and Olly from the TWICS team attended the Centre for Marine Socioecology (CMS) Showcase Day. CMS (www.marinesocioecology.org) is a multi- and transdisciplinary research collaboration based in lutruwita/Tasmania, made up of individuals from various backgrounds and experience, from undergraduate students to experienced researchers.

The focus of CMS’s Showcase Day was all about looking forward and thinking about the future of our world, oceans, and climate. In this episode, hear from a number of CMS Showcase Day attendees about their experience of the day and key messages they took away.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)

Co-Host: Hannah McCleary (@mccleary_hannah)

Production: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)

Media & Promotion: Hannah McCleary (@mccleary_hannah)

Episode 213: Inclusion in Botany and STEMM

Sun, 01 Oct 2023 17:00:00 +1100

Fossils, plants and big data are three things Dr Matilda Brown loves and brings together in their position in the Conservation Assessment and Analysis team at the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew in London. Join Dr Kate Johnson to hear about Matilda’s work in a wonderland of palm-houses and rooms full of pressed plants where she seeks not only to improve the inclusion of plants in world-wide data-sets but also the inclusion of people in STEMM . Matilda’s aspirations are the academic triple-threat of research, teaching and improving inclusion, and also to finish the jumper she started knitting three years ago.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Kate Johnson (KatePlantPhys)

Production: Meredith Castles (@MeredithCastles)

Media & Promotion: Katya Bandow (@katyabandow)

Episode 212: Ice Core Chronicles

Sun, 24 Sep 2023 18:00:00 +1000

In this episode, we embark on an icy adventure with Meg Harlan, a dual-degree PhD candidate exploring the secrets locked within polar ice cores. Join us as we decode Earth's ancient climate history, from the hidden chemistry of ice cores to their role as climate proxies. Meg takes us on a journey to coastal East Antarctica, where she investigates volcanic eruptions' impact on iron fertilisation and phytoplankton productivity. Tune in for a chilly but captivating journey through Earth's frozen past.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)
Co-Host: Hannah Moore (@HannahCMoore)
Production: Hannah Moore (@HannahCMoore)
Media & Promotion: Emma Hamasaki (@EmmaHamasaki)

Episode 211: Wild Discoveries: Exploring Tasmanian Plant Chemistry

Sun, 17 Sep 2023 16:00:00 +1000

Join Bianca on a journey through Tadmania’s wilderness as she shares her passion for plant chemistry and more. From using coffee machines to uncover ancient plant secrets you’ll get an insight into the world of botanical science.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)

Co-Host: Emma Hamasaki

Production: Ryan Smith

Media & Promotion: Emma Hamasaki (@EmmaHamasaki)

Episode 210: Family, Formulas, and Phylogenetics

Sun, 10 Sep 2023 16:00:00 +1000

Evolutionary trees hold a dual meaning in the life of mathematician, Dr Julia Shore.

During her PhD journey in phylogenetics, she used mathematical techniques to model intricate processes found in nature. But here's the twist - she did all of this while raising three children!

In this episode, we explore the field of phylogenetics, where maths meets evolution. We explore Julia’s work and hear about her experiences of navigating the world of academic research while starting and raising a family.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)

Co-Host: Georgia Stewart

Production: Ryan Smith

Media & Promotion:Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)

Episode 209: Lights, Camera, Action: Science Goes Live

Sun, 03 Sep 2023 16:00:00 +1000

Dr Meredith Castles takes an unorthodox approach to communicating science, she livestreams a ‘conversational science’ show to anyone who wants to learn. Essentially, she crowdsources science information from around the world by discussing what people find interesting using Twitch, an online gaming entertainment platform.

In this episode we delve into the world of online communities and how to create safe, inclusive and educational spaces – alongside learning about some innovative research being conducted into crowdsourcing informal information to keep education relevant in our world of fast-moving technology.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Dr Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)
Co-Host: Dr Meredith Castles (@MeredithCastles)
Production: Dr Meredith Castles (@MeredithCastles)
Media & Promotion: Ellie Clapham (@EleanorClapham1)

Episode 208: Zooming in on Zooplankton

Sun, 27 Aug 2023 16:00:00 +1000

Sylvie King is a master's student at the Institute of Marine and Antarctic Science (IMAS), in affiliation with the Australian Antarctic Partnership Program (AAPP) and the Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS). In this episode we dive deep into her world researching and modelling zooplankton in the southern ocean.

What are zooplankton and why should we be continuously monitoring them? What is it like spending months on a research vessel in the southern ocean, never seeing land? How can we bring Antarctic research back home and make the science done down there accessible?

Learn all this and more in this week's episode with Sylvie!

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)
Co-Host: Katya Bandow (@katyabandow)
Production: Hannah Moore (@HannahCMoore)
Media & Promotion: Katya Bandow (@katyabandow)

Episode 207: Philosophy Unveiled: Science & Ethics

Sun, 20 Aug 2023 16:00:00 +1000

Join Dr Ann Thresher, a Philosopher, as she dives into the heart of science's workings and scientists' ethical responsibilities in technology. Explore telescope placements, altering species for climate, gene drive risks, and our duties toward invasive species. Delve into climate change's bounds with geo-engineering and terraforming, and the risks we dare to rescue our world. Uncover philosophical musings in this episode that simplifies complexity.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)

Co-Host: Simin Salarpour (@SalarpourSimin)

Production: Simin Salarpour (@SalarpourSimin)

Media & Promotion: Ellie Clapham (@EleanorClapham1)

Episode 206: Sci-Comm Queen, Zoe Kean

Sun, 13 Aug 2023 16:00:00 +1000

Zoe Kean loves science so much, she jumped into a profession where she can learn about all of it! As an award-winning journalist and science communicator, her work spans radio, science writing, content creation, and more. Plus, she’s a soon-to-be-published author!

In this episode, we dip our toes into the expansive world of Sci-Comm. We get insight into how to begin a career in the profession - and keep it going, what ‘a day in the life’ looks like, alongside systematic issues that come up when trying to communicate science.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@littledove440)

Co-Host: Anna Abela (@annaoabela)

Production: Ryan Smith

Media & Promotion: Anna Abela (@annaabela.jpg)

Episode 205: ESA Darwin Part 2

Sun, 06 Aug 2023 16:00:00 +1000

In July 2023, hundreds of ecologists from across Australia flocked to Darwin. It wasn’t just by coincidence, but for the Ecological Society of Australia’s annual conference. TWICS’ Olly was one of those ecologists, and she took the microphone with her to capture the exciting ecological work happening across Australia.

In part 2 of this double bill, you’ll hear from Challis Pulotu from the School of Science and Technology at the Pacific Adventist University and his work researching Traditional Ecological Knowledge and the Raggiana Bird of Paradise in Papua New Guinea. Up next, we have Dr Elodie Camprasse from Deakin University and we get to hear all about her work investigating the behaviour of the enigmatic Giant Spider Crab (Spider Crab Watch). We then head back to the poster session for snapshot interviews with a dozen more ecologists!

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)

Production: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)

Media & Promotion: Emma Hamasaki (@EmmaHamasaki)

Episode 204: ESA Darwin Part 1

Sun, 30 Jul 2023 16:00:00 +1000

In part 1 of this double bill, you’ll hear from Professor Euan Ritchie from Deakin University and his opinion that scientists should be allowed to have opinions. Up next, we have Suzannah, Lorinna, Alexandria, and Cara from the Warddeken Land Management team and their roles as rangers monitoring wildlife. The episode rounds out with snapshot interviews with as many poster session attendees as Olly could chase down with the mic.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)

Production: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)

Media & Promotion: Hannah McCleary (@mccleary_hannah)

Episode 203: Translating for plants and people

Sun, 23 Jul 2023 16:00:00 +1000

How do we understand how stressed a plant is, or decide when it needs water? First, we need to ask, then we need to translate. Originally from Morocco, having studied in France and now in Tasmania, Dr Ibrahim Bourbia speaks many languages of plants and people and shares his journey to plant science + experience and advice for moving countries for research. Join Dr Kate Johnson to hear how Ibrahim uses cameras to understand how plants use and lose water, which will help farmers decide when to irrigate their crops and more.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Dr Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)
Production: Simin Salarpour (@SalarpourSimin)
Media & Promotion: Katya Bandow (@katyabandow)

Episode 202: Sealing the deal on seal diets

Sun, 16 Jul 2023 16:00:00 +1000

Did you know that a whisker can reveal what takeaway you ate last? That is, if you had whiskers!

Antarctic fur seals do indeed have whiskers and PhD candidate Noémie Friscourt sat down with Olly this week to tell us how she’s using them to understand their diet and foraging behaviour. Make sure you tune in for this seal-ly great episode!

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@littledove440)

Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles)

Media & Promotion: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)

Episode 201: Insights from drone flights

Sun, 09 Jul 2023 16:00:00 +1000

Get ready to take off into the world of remote sensing as we’re joined by Emiliano Cimoli, a researcher at the Australian Centre of Excellence in Antarctic Science (ACEAS). Emiliano tells us about his work employing cutting-edge remote sensing techniques with unmanned aerial vehicles (drones!) to unlock the secrets of our planet's marine and terrestrial landscapes.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@littledove440)
Co-Host: Hannah Moore (@HannahCMoore @hannahclaremoore)
Production: Hannah Moore (@HannahCMoore @hannahclaremoore)
Media & Promotion: Emma Hamasaki (@ehamasaki)

Episode 200: TWICS hits the big two hundred

Sun, 02 Jul 2023 16:00:00 +1000

That’s right, listeners, the episode title hasn’t lied to you. That’s What I Call Science has officially hit 200 episodes!

It’s a huge milestone for a podcast, so the TWICS team got together this week to talk about the joy that the past 199 episodes have brought to us. We wouldn’t be here without our listeners tuning in each week, so a huge thank you to each and every one of you for your ongoing love and support.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Hosts: Olly Dove (@littledove440), Hannah Moore (@HannahCMoore), Anna Abela (@annaoabela), Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25), Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Production: Olly Dove (@littledove440)

Media & Promotion: Anna Abela (@annaoabela)

Episode 199: The Mount Pleasant Radio Observatory

Sun, 25 Jun 2023 16:00:00 +1000

After two weeks of episodes at the Grote Reber Museum, we’re headed next door to the Mount Pleasant Radio Observatory for our final episode in the space mini-series!

Brett Reid, manager of the University of Tasmania's radio telescopes, and Dr Patrick Yates-Jones, research associate at the School of Natural Sciences at the University of Tasmania, tell us all about their work at the Observatory, as well as take us into the exciting world of the Control Room.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@littledove440) and Simin Salarpour (@SalarpourSimin)

Production: Meredith Castles (@MeredithCastles)

Media & Promotion: Georgia Stewart (@katyabandow)

Episode 198: The Grote Reber Museum

Sun, 18 Jun 2023 16:00:00 +1000

It’s week two in outer space for the TWICS team as Olly and Simin sit down with museum manager Karen Bradford inside the Grote Reber Museum in Cambridge, Tasmania. Surrounded by fascinating memorabilia from the past, Karen tells the hosting duo about her work at the museum, and even gives the pair a recorded tour!

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod
Host: Olly Dove (@littledove440) and Simin Salarpour (@SalarpourSimin)
Production: Hannah Moore (@HannahCMoore)
Media & Promotion: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)

Episode 197: From Geodesy Mysteries to Astronomy Histories

Sun, 11 Jun 2023 16:00:00 +1000

Join us for part 1 in a space mini series as we delve into the incredible world of geodesy and cutting-edge research into Very Long Baseline Interferometry (try saying that 5 times fast) with new PhD graduate, Simin Salarpour. From her native Iran to Tasmania, we talk about her remarkable journey, the challenges she faced and the triumphs she achieved. We explore the power of science outreach, empowering women in science, and Simin's work at the Grote Reber radio astronomy museum in rural Tasmania.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@littledove440)

Co-Host: Georgia Stewart

Production: Ryan Smith

Media & Promotion: Georgia Stewart

Episode 196: Fun and Feathers

Sun, 04 Jun 2023 16:00:00 +1000

This week, Olly and Emma took a trip out of the studio and over to Clarence Arts and Events for the Fun and Feathers workshop! There, they met budding scientists and got to play drama games, make crafts, and learn about birds with a group of local school children.

Across the workshop, the kids had a chance to present a story about two unexpected bird neighbours and even got to be radio hosts for the day!

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@littledove440) & Emma Hamasaki (@ehamasaki)

Production: Olly Dove (@littledove440)

Media & Promotion: Emma Hamasaki (@ehamasaki)

Episode 195: From stars to bats & bird-song

Sun, 28 May 2023 16:00:00 +1000

From distant space to earthly bats and bird-song, how is Dr Jim Lovell using his training in astrophysics to innovate how we track and locate wildlife? Join Dr Kate Johnson to hear how black holes are necessary for navigating on earth and how astrophysics techniques can be used to monitor animals by mapping sound (and why that matters).

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Dr Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Production: Dr Simin Salarpour (@SalarpourSimin)

Media & Promotion: Ellie Clapham (@EleanorClapham1)

Episode 194: Bugs, Beetles and Blazes

Sun, 21 May 2023 16:00:00 +1000

Join us for an exciting episode with Dr. Shasta Henry, an intrepid Entomologist, educator, and inspiring science communicator. From exploring the Amazon to guiding white water rafts in Canada, Shasta shares her adventures with us. As a winner of the Inspiring Women in STEM fellowship in 2022, she enlightens us about the world of insects and her research on the impact of fire on insect communities in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Additionally, Shasta shares her personal journey of overcoming ADHD struggles. This episode is a must-listen for everyone!

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod
Host: Olly Dove (@littledove440)
Co-Host: Hannah Moore (@HannahCMoore)
Production: Hannah Moore (@HannahCMoore)
Media & Promotion: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)

Episode 193: Inspiring Women in STEMM 2023: Mona Jalali

Sun, 14 May 2023 16:00:00 +1000

It’s our last week with this year’s Inspiring Women in STEMM Fellows, so join us as Mona Jalali from the University of Tasmania tells Olly about her work in organic chemistry and organometallics, as well as her plans in Iran with the grant awarded through the fellowship.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@littledove440)

Production: Olly Dove (@littledove440)

Media & Promotion: Emma Hamasaki (@ehamasaki)

Episode 192: Inspiring Women in STEMM 2023: Vimarsha Kodithuwakku

Sun, 07 May 2023 04:00:00 +1000

For part 2 of our International Women in STEMM Fellows 2023 mini-series, join us as Vimarsha Kodithuwakku tells Olly all about her journey through STEMM from her time studying in Sri Lanka to now being a PhD researcher studying vascular ageing at the Menzies Institute for Medical Research here in Hobart, Tasmania.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@littledove440)

Production: Ryan Smith

Media & Promotion: Ellie Clapham (@EleanorClapham1)

Episode 191: Inspiring Women in STEMM 2023: Marlee Wells

Sun, 30 Apr 2023 16:00:00 +1000

This week we are joined by Inspiring Women in STEMM Fellow Marlee Wells. Marlee is a PhD Candidate at the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre and faced many challenges growing up as a young girl interested in science in a small town. Now, Marlee hopes to use her experience to inspire other young people from rural areas to follow a similar path to her and achieve their dreams.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod
Host: Olly Dove (@littledove440)
Production: Simin Salarpour (@SalarpourSimin)
Media & Promotion: Hannah McCleary (@hannahsmccleary)

Episode 190: Antarctica's Seismic Symphony

Sun, 23 Apr 2023 16:00:00 +1000

In this episode, Olly and new co-host Georgia venture to the southernmost continent and explore all things Antarctica with geophysicist Anya Reading. Anya takes us through her exciting career path and her current work using seismometers to discover what’s going on underneath the ice sheet. We learn about Anya’s recent trip to Antarctica and everything you might need to think of when going on such an adventure.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@littledove440)
Co-Host: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)
Production: Hannah Moore (HannahCMoore)
Media & Promotion: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)

Episode 189: Citizen science is science!

Sun, 16 Apr 2023 16:00:00 +1000

What actually is citizen science? How accurate is the data it produces? Dr Kate Johnson chats with Dr Clare Hawkins, a conservation biologist who’s working to assess biodiversity in lutruwita/Tasmania, to find out!

Hear about Clare’s travels around the world to understand citizen science, what ‘Where Where Wedgie’ and ‘Bioblitz’s’ are all about, and how you can get involved!

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Dr Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Production: Olly Dove (@littledove440)

Episode 188: Family Farm to Future Physician

Sun, 09 Apr 2023 16:00:00 +1000

This week we introduce you to one of our TWICS team members, Ryan Smith. Hailing from the beautiful northwest coast of Tassie, Ryan is a first-year medical student, after deciding to make the shift after completing his undergraduate degree in science and Honours in medical research. We take you through Ryan’s journey in higher education after growing up in a farming family and ask Ryan what it’s like editing the episodes you hear every week!

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Co-Host: Hannah McCleary (@hannahsmccleary)

Production: Ryan Smith

Media & Promotion: Hannah McCleary (@hannahsmccleary)

Episode 187: When Art and Science Collide

Sun, 02 Apr 2023 15:00:00 +1000

Sarah El idrissi is an emerging artist with a passion to uncover the overlap between science and art. Her practice evolves as she dives deeper into the world of science as she completes her artist residency in nipaluna/Hobart.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@littledove440)

Co-Host: Emma Hamasaki (@ehamasaki)

Production: Hannah Moore (@HannahCMoore)

Media & Promotion: Emma (@ehamasaki)

Episode 186: Feather Boas and Feral Felines

Sun, 26 Mar 2023 16:00:00 +1100

Alex Paton is a wildlife lover, science communicator and pioneer of using feather boas to aid feral cat management. Listen as Dr Kate Johnson finds out how Alex’s PhD uses cameras deployed in remote bushland across lutruwita/Tasmania, her diverse field-work experiences, and what we can do to protect our wildlife from non-native predators.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Dr Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Production: Ryan Smith

Media & Promotion: Ellie Clapham

Episode 185: Sea-ing the Big Picture

Sun, 19 Mar 2023 16:00:00 +1100

Matt Testoni is a multi-talented marine biologist, underwater photographer, and podcast host. Dive into this episode to learn about his research and his science communication show Seacreatures, based in lutruwita/Tasmania

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@littledove440)

Co-Host: Anna Abela (@annaoabela)

Production: Ryan Smith

Media & Promotion: Hannah McCleary

Episode 184: Tips and tricks from a communication professional

Sun, 12 Mar 2023 16:00:00 +1100

In this episode, Olly and Emma talk to science communicator, Louise Creely, about her journey as a communication professional and how it has shaped her life. Lou walks us through her experiences as a storyteller from writing her own magazines in her bedroom as a child, to communicating complex science at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, and shares a few tricks to becoming a successful communicator.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@littledove440)

Co-Host: Emma Hamasaki (@emmahamasaki)

Production: Olly Dove (@littledove440)

Media & Promotion: Emma Hamasaki (@emmahamasaki)

Episode 183: Diving into the mysterious lives of seabirds

Sun, 05 Mar 2023 16:00:00 +1100

As animals of the land and sea, seabirds live a life of adventure in both worlds. Needing to find food draws them into the oceans, but raising chicks requires them to keep returning home.

Tune in this week to hear Dr Marcus Salton from the Australian Antarctic Division talk with Olly about his work understanding the behaviour of these incredible animals, and his stories of the chilly places his work has taken him down south.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@littledove440)

Production: Hannah Moore (@HannahCMoore)

Media & Promotion: Ellie Clapham

Episode 182: The bigger the fish, the bigger the mouth to feed

Sun, 26 Feb 2023 18:00:00 +1100

We know that fish come in all shapes and sizes, but have you ever thought about how their size affects their behaviour?

Dr Amy Coghlan from the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies tells Olly this week all about her work in sized-based marine ecology, and the depths she’s (literally!) gone to for her research.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@littledove440)

Production: Ryan Smith

Media & Promotion: Anna Abela

Episode 181: The Dove that studies how birds dive

Sun, 19 Feb 2023 16:00:00 +1100

Two and a half years after joining the TWICS family, it’s finally time for Olly Dove to tell us about her own work in STEMM!

As a PhD candidate at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, Olly researches the diving behaviour of two seabirds living here in Tasmania: little penguins and short-tailed shearwaters. Join Kate as she asks Olly all about her adventures in zoology and scicomm!

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Co-Host: Olly Dove (@littledove440)

Production: Olly Dove (@littledove440)

Media & Promotion: Anna Abela (@annoabela)

Episode 172: The Coding Sisterhood

Sun, 29 Jan 2023 16:00:00 +1100

Inspired by her own experiences breaking into the field of coding and front-end development, Kah Men co-founded The Coding Sisterhood, a safe and inclusive group that encourages women to try coding. Starting with three female coders, the group has grown to over 300 members.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@littledove440)

Co-Host: Anna Abela (@annaoabela)

Production: Ryan Smith

Media & Promotion: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_), Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys), Ellie Clapham (@EleanorClapham1) Anna Abela (@annoabela)

Episode 160: Galactic Jets

Sun, 22 Jan 2023 16:00:00 +1100

Join us this week for part two of our mini-series in celebration of the James Webb Space Telescope! This time around, we meet with Georgia Stewart, a PhD student at UTAS, studying Active Galactic Nuclei. These objects are used by Georgia and her colleagues to age and classify stellar and star-forming regions, as well as the black holes, central to these galaxies.

Listen in as Georgia discusses her pathway into astrophysics, as well as what it means to be a young woman in the field.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS)

Co-Host: Ryan Smith

Production: Olly Dove (@littledove440)

Media & Promotion: Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Episode 180: Fulbright - USA to Tas

Sun, 18 Dec 2022 16:00:00 +1100

Cade Kane is an American, but he’s spending 10 months living in Tasmania as part of his Fulbright fellowship. Listen for application info + tips and to get an idea of what a Fulbright experience can be like! He also drops some sweet tourist tips, including “the best museum [he’s] ever been to”!

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Ryan Smith

Production: Ryan Smith

Media & Promotion: Ellie Clapham (@EleanorClapham1)

Episode 179: Fulbright: TAS to US

Sun, 11 Dec 2022 16:00:00 +1100

9 months, 15 US states, 4 countries (including the US and AUS) and 3 homes, a brief summary of Kate’s wild 2022! Ryan Smith and Dr Kate Johnson chat, separated by 17000km, about Kate’s experience as a Fulbright postdoctoral researcher in the USA. Listen for application info + tips and to get an idea of what a (very fun) Fulbright experience can be like, from start to finish!

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Ryan Smith

Production: Ryan Smith

Media & Promotion: Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys) and Anna Abela

Episode 178: Connecting communities with transport engineering

Sun, 04 Dec 2022 16:00:00 +1100

In this episode, Olly and Sarah talk to Young Professional Engineer of the Year for Tasmania in 2022 Samantha Chapman about transportation and connecting communities. Sam walks us through the holistic aspects of her engineering job, how transport design involves the flow of unpredictable humans, and gives us lots of examples of how events and disruption to connections have shaped our state.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@littledove440)

Co-Host: Sarah Lyden

Production: Sarah Lyden

Media & Promotion: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)

Episode 177: Science affecting management: fish farms

Sun, 27 Nov 2022 16:00:00 +1100

Local marine scientist, Dr Camille White, sits down with Olly Dove and Ellie Clapham to talk about the science behind fish farming. Camille explains how and why her team conducts their research on the salmon farms in Tasmania, and talks about the work that goes into connecting the food and science industries. Camille explains some of her team’s research findings by describing the effects that fish farms have on their local marine environment, and how to manage these effects.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@littledove440)

Co-Host: Ellie Clapham (@EleanorClapham1)

Production: Olly Dove (@littledove440)

Media & Promotion: Ellie Clapham (@EleanorClapham1)

Episode 176: Volcanology Rocks!

Sun, 20 Nov 2022 16:00:00 +1100

Join us this week as we check in with our newest member of TWICS, Hannah Moore! She’s a UTas PhD student studying volcanology, and has just returned from fieldwork in New Zealand. Listen closely and you might even learn that you can visit an old volcano in the home of the show, nipaluna/Hobart!

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@littledove440)

Co-Host: Ryan Smith

Production: Hannah Moore

Media & Promotion: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_)

Episode 175: Tasmanians in the USA

Sun, 13 Nov 2022 16:00:00 +1100

Coming to you from 3500 m above sea level, two Pika-chasing Tasmanians chat about mountain research. Listen to hear from Dr Rose Brinkhoff, find out what Pikas are, what it’s like to work in an alpine meadow, and why we urgently need to understand how ecosystems respond to warming. Dr Rose Brinkhoff and host, Dr Kate Johnson also share some US highlights and provide some handy tips for Aussies coming to the USA.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Production: Ryan Smith

Media & Promotion: Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Episode 174: Snow and stingy stipends

Sun, 06 Nov 2022 17:00:00 +1100

PhD candidates produce research outputs for universities, and are a valuable part of the academic workforce. Yet, they remain to be seen only as ‘students’ and therefore do not qualify for an income, only a stipend.

Did you know that the Australian federal government has the baseline for PhD stipends at 6% below the poverty line? Sadly, many universities don’t see reason to pay above this legal minimum.

Danielle Udy, having recently completed her PhD at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (a faculty at the University of Tasmania) has been a force for good in Tasmania, bringing this issue to the public eye in recent months.

Tune in this week to hear Danielle and Olly candidly talk about the shocking reality for PhD candidates that have to struggle through at least three years on an unreasonable income. Danielle also tells us about the fantastic work she did within her PhD on the relationship between Australian rainfall and Antarctic snow, and her recent award for it.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@littledove440)

Production: Olly Dove (@littledove440)

Media & Promotion: Ellie Clapham (@EleanorClapham1)

Episode 173: Sea bird, research bird

Sun, 30 Oct 2022 16:00:00 +1100

At the beginning of her PhD, Megan Grant joined us at That’s What I Call Science to talk about her seabird research. Now nearing the end, Megan has been awarded as one of the two University of Tasmania’s College of Sciences and Engineering Current HDR Candidate awards.

Tune in this week to hear Megan tell Olly all about the adventures she’s had during her PhD on Lord Howe Island and the emotions involved in studying plastic pollution.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@littledove440)

Production: Olly Dove (@littledove440)

Media & Promotion: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)

Episode 172: The Coding Sisterhood

Sun, 23 Oct 2022 16:00:00 +1100

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@littledove440)

Co-Host: Anna Abela (@annaoabela)

Production: Ryan Smith

Media & Promotion: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_), Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys), Ellie Clapham (@EleanorClapham1) Anna Abela (@annoabela)

Episode 171: A Catalyst for Zero Waste

Sun, 16 Oct 2022 16:00:00 +1100

In this episode we talk to Eve Poland about her research in chemistry, her advocation for zero waste in Tasmania, and her impressive music career. Interestingly, she describes her goal to combine her chemistry skills and passion for waste reduction to help large scale carbon repurposing. Tune in to learn about organic chemistry, some simple steps to reduce your waste, and how music can enrich your science experience.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@littledove440)

Co-Host: Ellie Clapham (@EleanorClapham1)

Production: Ryan Smith

Media & Promotion: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_), Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys), Anna Abela (@annoabela)

Episode 170: Maths Anxiety

Sun, 09 Oct 2022 16:00:00 +1100

Tasmania has some of the worst results in maths testing across Australia with drastic drops in results year after year. We speak with Priya Kitchener, a passionate maths educator, about the testing results, maths anxiety and the processes that need to be put in place to improve maths education.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@littledove440)

Co-Host: Anna Abela (@annaoabela)

Production: Sarah Lyden

Media & Promotion: Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Episode 169: Health Services in America and Australia

Sun, 02 Oct 2022 16:00:00 +1100

Dr Niamh Chapman got into the nitty gritty of healthcare delivery and measures of success with Dr Alistair Fyfe. Dr Fyfe is from Tasmania and completed his medical training here but has spent most of his time practising in America. Niamh and Alistair talk about pursuing a career to improve health for individuals and societies as a whole - just how much can you really change a system to improve health?

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS)

Production: Olly Dove (@littledove440)

Media & Promotion: Anna Abela (@annoabela)

Episode 168: Harvard Forest

Sun, 25 Sep 2022 16:00:00 +1000

A science journey that started with pens, how & why trees twist and bend, how bugs unite us all + how one bug is killing entire forests. Join Dr Kate Johnson for chats with researchers in the Forest. We meet Sophie Everbach,a PhD student at Harvard who tells us about how trees bend and Lorelei Wolf, an undergraduate student at Harvard College, who tells us about her research on eastern hemlock and the US’s National Science Foundation’s summer program that brought Lorelei and ~ 20 other students to the forest.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Production: Ryan Smith

Media & Promotion: Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Episode 167: Edible Sound

Sun, 18 Sep 2022 16:00:00 +1000

Dr Julia Drouhin is an Artist and curator with the incredible ability to manipulate and reinvent sound. From radiophonics, to edible objects, transformed technology from past generations and an exhibiton based on “my husband is a dead icecream”, we get a peek into Julia’s artistic process, her abstract inspirations and how her art is connected with science.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS)

Co-Host: Anna Abela (@annaoabela)

Production: Sarah Lyden

Media & Promotion: Ellie Clapham (@EleanorClapham1) Anna Abela (@annoabela)

Episode 166: Making music out of thin air

Sun, 11 Sep 2022 16:00:00 +1000

Have you ever heard the wind howling, and imagined the howl being converted to be played on piano? Or watched a tree flutter in the wind, and pictured the branch holding a pencil and trying to draw as it flutters?

On this week’s episode, Olly hears from Professor Donald Fortescue from the California College of the Arts about how his work transforms nature and science into art to help engage us in the world around us, including his current artist residency on Flinders Island, Tasmania, and his past work down at the South Pole.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@littledove440)

Production: Olly Dove (@littledove440)

Media & Promotion: Anna Abela (@annoabela)

Episode 165: Antarctica isn’t just about the penguins

Sun, 04 Sep 2022 16:00:00 +1000

The Australian Antarctic Festival was here in Hobart last week, including an exhibition at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies. As part of the festivities, Olly led up a panel with four expert guests that come from different corners of the Antarctic workforce: Katie Marx, Dr Nicole Hill, Megan Woods, and Dr Sophie Bestley.

When we think of Antarctic research, we often think of penguins and sea ice, or of the scientists that go on exciting adventures ‘down south’. But, as we hear from our panellists, there’s so much more to Antarctica, and you can be just as much a part of the community from right here in Hobart.

Megan Woods would like to acknowledge her views on diversity in Antarctic and Southern Ocean work have been powerfully influenced by Meredith Nash’s work in this area, especially Moore and Nash (2021) and Nash (2022).

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@littledove440)

Production: Olly Dove (@littledove440)

Media & Promotion: Liv (@LivHolloway_)

Episode 164: Engineering a way to the bottom of the Ocean

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 16:00:00 +1000

Join Sarah and Niamh in this episode as they talk with Phil Durbin from Finite Elements. Phil shares his experiences in mechanical engineering including using tools like finite element analysis and computational fluid dynamics within exciting projects like the DeepSea Challenger.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS)

Co-Host: Sarah Lyden

Production: Sarah Lyden

Media & Promotion: Ellie Clapham (@eleanorclapham)

Episode 163: AUS meets USA: Yale Part 2

Sun, 21 Aug 2022 16:00:00 +1000

From earth’s natural solar cells to freezing frogs, join Dr Kate Johnson for the second edition of chats with Yale researchers. Aleca Borsuk studies leaves revealing new information about their incredible internal structure, while Yara Alshwairikh focusses on wood frogs and their amazing ability to tolerate freezing. You’ll also hear Kate, Aleca and Yara chat paths to science and Australian/ US research.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Production: Ryan Smith

Media & Promotion: Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Episode 162: AUS meets USA: Yale Part 1

Sun, 14 Aug 2022 16:00:00 +1000

This week you’ll hear what it’s like to do research at Yale, whether Australians call stuffed-animals ‘stuffies’ and more! Join host Dr Kate Johnson to hear about Joseph Zailaa’s and Dr Leila Fletcher’s research on plants and climate change and what led them to science. Listen as Kate, Joseph and Leila exchange questions about Australia and the USA.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Production: Ryan Smith

Media & Promotion: Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Episode 161: Exploring the Early Universe

Sun, 07 Aug 2022 16:00:00 +1000

Join us for the final part of our mini-series in celebration of the first images released from the James Webb Space Telescope!

Andrew discusses his draw to our quaint little island with a huge scientific platform. He also shares some stories of his key moments as an astronomer in Tasmania, including manning the only observatory in the world to witness a star death!

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS)

Co-Host: Ryan Smith

Production: Ryan Smith

Media & Promotion: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_)

Episode 160: Galactic Jets

Sun, 31 Jul 2022 16:00:00 +1000

Listen in as Georgia discusses her pathway into astrophysics, as well as what it means to be a young woman in the field.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS)

Co-Host: Ryan Smith

Production: Olly Dove (@littledove440)

Media & Promotion: Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Episode 159: Taking Out The [Space] Trash

Sun, 24 Jul 2022 16:00:00 +1000

In this week’s episode, we sit down with PhD candidate, Mars Buttfield-Addison, to discuss the interesting world of computer science and machine learning. Mars takes us on a journey into understanding how her work centres around the important role of tracking the ever-growing amount of satellites and debris orbiting the Earth. Most importantly though, she talks about how all of this can be done from remote locations in her beloved (and now home) state of Tasmania.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS)

Co-Host: Ryan Smith

Production: Ryan Smith

Media & Promotion: Ellie Clapham (@eleanorclapham)

Episode 158: What is a happy brain, Jane?

Sun, 17 Jul 2022 16:00:00 +1000

In our fourth episode of the RHHRF miniseries we talk with expert guest Associate Professor Jane Alty who is an RHHRF funded researcher in neurodegenerative diseases, a senior lecturer at Wicking Dementia Centre, and a neurology consultant at the Royal Hobart Hospital.

In this episode we start at the very beginning by answering the question ‘what is neurology?’, and then explore ideas around diagnosing and managing Alzheimer’s disease and how to have a happy and healthy brain.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS)

Co-Host: Ellie Clapham (@EleanorClapham1)

Production: Olly Dove (@littledove440)

Media & Promotion: Anna Abela (@annaoabela)

Episode 157: Tasmanians at Risk

Sun, 10 Jul 2022 16:00:00 +1000

This week, as part of our RHHRF series, we interview Dr Andrew Black. He is a cardiologist at the RHH, as well as undergoing a PhD with UTAS. His ongoing work with the Tasmanian STEMI network is leading the way toward a better future for healthcare in remote areas of Tasmania.

In this episode, we discuss Andrew’s career, some of his previous research and his unique lens as a cardiologist who is also paving a way for previously unseen medical interventions for Tasmanians who may not have close access to a hospital in the event of heart problems.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS)

Co-Host: Ryan Smith

Production: Ryan Smith

Media & Promotion: Ellie Clapham (@eleanorclapham)

Episode 156: Cancer genetics with Jo

Sun, 03 Jul 2022 16:00:00 +1000

This week, as a part of our @RHHRF series, we interview a Tasmanian Medical Researcher, Jo Dickinson. Jo is a cancer genetics researcher whose study on ‘Precision Medicine for Men with Prostate Cancer’ received a ‘2022 New Projects Grant’ from the @Royal Hobart Hospital Research Foundation.

In this episode we discuss Jo’s career in Medical Research, the technology of genetics testing, the science behind her cancer genetics research, and her personal hopes and ambitions for the cancer research space.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS)

Co-Host: Ellie Clapham (@eleanorclapham)

Production: Ryan Smith

Media & Promotion: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_)

Episode 155: Funds for Research

Sun, 26 Jun 2022 16:00:00 +1000

This week we look at scientific research from a whole new perspective! CEO of the Royal Hobart Hospital Research Foundation, Heather Francis, explains how funding bodies like @rhhresearchfoundation allow local Tasmanian scientists to undertake important medical research.

This episode discusses the entire spectrum of funding intricacies; including increased interest from large corporate bodies, to the impact that greater scientific engagement has on a community level. We also discuss how @rhhresearchfoundation makes maximises the capacity building support they provide to local Tasmanian scientists.

Tune in to learn how science comes to life through funding!

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS)

Co-Host: Ellie Clapham (@eleanorclapham)

Production: Ryan Smith

Media & Promotion: Ellie Clapham (@eleanorclapham)

Episode 154: Mechanical Engineering

Sun, 19 Jun 2022 16:00:00 +1000

Join Sarah and Niamh in this episode as they talk with Dr Sabrina Sequeria from Lightning Protection International. Sabrina was the recipient of the 2021 Exceptional Woman in Tasmanian Manufacturing Award, and shares her diverse journey through engineering in this episode.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS)

Co-Host: Sarah Lyden

Production: Sarah Lyden

Media & Promotion: Anna Abela

Episode 153: Creativity In Tech

Sun, 12 Jun 2022 16:00:00 +1000

Technology and Creativity seem like an odd match, but we speak to Annie Gatenby, a Senior UX Designer, whose experiences as a creative in tech have spanned over 10 years, starting surprisingly from a Fine Arts degree. Joined by returning co-host Anna Abela who also followed the path from art to tech.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS)

Co-Host: Anna Abela (www.linkedin.com/in/anna-abela-46a826177)

Production: Sarah Lyden

Media & Promotion: Eleanor Clapham

Episode 152: Isolated Power Systems

Sun, 05 Jun 2022 16:00:00 +1000

Join Niamh and Sarah in this episode as they talk to Dr Evgenii Semshikov about his PhD research into isolated power systems, and what lessons we might be able to learn from these systems to transition our urban grid infrastructure towards more renewable energy.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS)

Co-Host: Sarah Lyden

Production: Sarah Lyden

Media & Promotion: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_)

Episode 151: Electric Vehicles

Sun, 15 May 2022 16:00:00 +1000

Join Niamh and Sarah in this episode as they talk to Assoc. Prof Evan Franklin about the challenges and barriers to electric vehicles.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS)

Co-Host: Sarah Lyden

Production: Sarah Lyden

Media & Promotion: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_),

Episode 150: Tassie Plant People: Ben

Sun, 24 Apr 2022 16:00:00 +1000

Kate chats to Dr Ben Halliwell, lizard-and-plant-man and postdoctoral researcher in the centre for Plant Success, based at UTAS. Hear about Ben’s research into understanding the evolutionary relationships between plants and animals and how he combines his passions for both science and family in the final of our four part series highlighting plant science research in Tasmania!

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Production: Sarah Lyden

Media & Promotion: Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Episode 149: Kate’s Planty PhD

Sun, 17 Apr 2022 16:00:00 +1000

Hear about TWICS team-member Kate’s PhD research from zapping trees, to the findings, highlights, challenges and advice to other PhD students. A love of words, the excitement of looking inside of plants, along with a passion for understanding and protecting plants drives Kate’s continued love for research. We are sure you’ll feel the passion through the airwaves in this interview with Dr Niamh Chapman and (nearly Dr) Kate Johnson.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS)

Production: Sarah Lyden

Media & Promotion: Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys) and Mibu Fischer (@miburose)

Episode 148: Tassie Plant People: Vanessa

Sun, 10 Apr 2022 16:00:00 +1000

A passion for plants and science communication, saving a key Eucalyptus species from drought, plant computer games, moving to Australia to do a PhD and more! Listen to this week’s episode where Kate talks to PhD candidate Vanessa Tonet, an associate of the ARC center for Plant Success.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Production: Olly Dove (@littledove440)

Media & Promotion: Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys) and Mibu Fischer (@miburose)

Episode 147: Tassie Plant People: Tim

Sun, 03 Apr 2022 15:00:00 +1000

Feeding the world, fieldwork in wild forests, navigating field-specific scientific languages, the critical importance of plants, and more as Kate talks to Professor Tim Brodribb from the University of Tasmania about plant science and an exciting new collaborative research project.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Production: Olly Dove (@littledove440)

Media & Promotion: Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys) and Mibu Fischer (@miburose)

Episode 146: A moment with Mibu

Sun, 27 Mar 2022 16:00:00 +1100

This week Niamh interviews TWICS co-host and marine scientist Mibu Fischer. Mibu is a Quandamooka woman with a connection to sea country, her work has focused on the impacts of climate change on Indigenous communities. At TWICS Mibu has been a creative genius and a strong advocate for Indigenous knowledge on the show. She is a powerful, quiet leader in our community and a champion of increased representation of women, Indigenous people and other under represented groups in STEM.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS)

Production: Sarah Lyden

Media & Promotion: Mibu Fischer

Episode 145: Paramedic to Entrepreneur

Sun, 20 Mar 2022 16:00:00 +1100

Dr Niamh Chapman interviewed paramedic turned entrepreneur George Polous from Jay-Nik. George is from north-west Tassie and from working in emergency settings saw there was a need to improve the way medications were delivered to patients in these high stress environments. George and co-founder Clare found a simple yet innovative way to adapt the typical syringe used to give medications to make it easier to track what medications were delivered and to who. Listen in to hear how the journey from frontline health worker to medical technology innovator.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS)

Production: Sarah Lyden

Media & Promotion: Mibu Fischer

Episode 144: Tales from Wedge Island: Part 2

Sun, 13 Mar 2022 16:00:00 +1100

Last week, we heard a mountain of exciting fieldwork stories from Olly and her fantastic team of volunteers: Madi McLatchie, Javed Riaz, Benjamin Viola, Sophia Volzke, and Jas Allnutt. The team are camping out on Wedge Island in southeast Tasmania as part of a large seabird project, and have taken a break from getting bitten by seabirds to tell us about their time out there.

For Part 2 of the double bill, join the team as they continue to take you on a trip through the glorious and gross life of field biology!

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@littledove440)

Production: Olly Dove (@littledove440)

Media & Promotion: Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys), Mibu Fischer (@miburose), Olly Dove (@littledove440)

Episode 143: Tales from Wedge Island: Part 1

Sun, 06 Mar 2022 16:00:00 +1100

Venturing out from the usual recording room, Olly is camping on the uninhabited Wedge Island in order to research the behaviour of two seabirds: little penguins and short-tailed shearwaters. To help her are five fantastic volunteers: Madi McLatchie, Javed Riaz, Benjamin Viola, Sophia Volzke, and Jas Allnutt.

For Part 1 in a double bill, join Olly and her volunteers as they take you through some of the highs and lows of field biology. It’s not a glamorous life, but it sure is an exciting one.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@littledove440)

Production: Olly Dove (@littledove440)

Media & Promotion: Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys), Mibu Fischer (@miburose), Olly Dove (@littledove440)

Episode 142: World Engineering Day

Sun, 27 Feb 2022 16:00:00 +1100

Tasmanian Young Professional Engineer of the Year David Ewers from VEC Civil Engineering joins Niamh and Sarah to discuss sustainable engineering practice in this special episode for World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS)

Co-Host: Sarah Lyden

Production: Sarah Lyden

Media & Promotion: Mibu Fischer (@miburose), Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Episode 141: Journey of a geodesist

Sun, 20 Feb 2022 16:00:00 +1100

Premiers Tasmanian Researcher of the Year 2021, Professor Matt King chats with Niamh and Mibu about navigating a career in STEM and also explains the importance of geodesy (and what it is!).

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS)

Co-Host: Mibu Fischer (@miburose)

Production: Sarah Lyden

Media & Promotion: Mibu Fischer (@miburose), Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Episode 140: Bioblitz: Exploring Nature

Sun, 19 Dec 2021 16:00:00 +1100

From the smallest spider to the tallest tree, join Kate Johnson, Lucile Leveque, and primary school children as they explore the bush around Hobart College. Listen to hear what the school children are learning from expert scientists, what a Bioblitz is, and why they matter.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Hosts: Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys) and Lucile Leveque (@lucile_leveque)

Production: Olly Dove (@littledove440)

Media & Promotion: Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys) and Mibu Fischer (@miburose)

Episode 139: Science in the Park

Sun, 12 Dec 2021 16:00:00 +1100

Stomping around the park and learning about science, what could be more fun? Join Kate Johnson and Lucile Leveque at Science in the Park. You’ll hear from children who are learning about science by observing worms through microscopes, looking at buried underpants, making beeswax wraps and walking through the park!

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Hosts: Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys) and Lucile Leveque (@lucile_leveque)

Production: Olly Dove (@littledove440)

Media & Promotion: Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys) and Meredith Castles (@MeredithCastles)

Episode 138: Hands across the seafloor

Sun, 05 Dec 2021 16:00:00 +1100

Handfish are a type of anglerfish endemic to Australia. Most species are considered endangered and little is known about them. This week Niamh and Mibu chat with Tyson Bessell about his research into the Red Handfish.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS)
Co-Host: Mibu Fischer (@miburose)
Production: Meredith Castles (@MeredithCastles)
Media & Promotion: Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys), Sophie Calabretto (@sophluidynamics), Mibu Fischer (@miburose)

Episode 137: Earth from a Distance

Sun, 28 Nov 2021 16:00:00 +1100

Join Niamh and Sarah in this episode as they talk to Brian Salmon about satellites and engineering. Brian takes us through how satellite images are processed to become useful and what some of the key applications of these images are.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS)

Co-Host: Sarah Lyden

Production: Sarah Lyden

Media & Promotion: Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys), Mibu Fischer (@miburose)

Episode 136: For the love of gardening

Sun, 21 Nov 2021 16:00:00 +1100

Gardening is an age-old pastime, but what can it teach primary school students? This week, Kate Johnson and Lucile Leveque talk to some of the children at Moonah Primary who are cooking and gardening their way to a greater understanding of food, biology, sustainability, and so much more in their school garden.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Hosts: Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys) and Lucile Leveque (@lucile_leveque)

Production: Olly Dove (@littledove440)

Media & Promotion: Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys) and Meredith Castles (@MeredithCastles)

Episode 135: Bloomin’ Phytoplankton

Sun, 14 Nov 2021 16:00:00 +1100

The Southern Ocean is not bound by any continent, so how do bushfires from Australia influence marine productivity 1000s of kilometres offshore? This week Olly Dove and Mibu Fischer had a chat with Jake Weis about the role of deserts and fire in phytoplankton production.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Olly Dove (@olsdove)

Co-Host: Mibu Fischer (@miburose)

Production: Sarah Lyden

Media & Promotion: Sophie Calabretto (@sophluidynamics) , Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys), (Mibu Fischer @miburose)

Episode 134: The drips & drops of water management

Sun, 07 Nov 2021 17:00:00 +1100

“Rain, rain, go away. Come again another day.”

But what if it doesn’t? From flood prevention to water supply in drought conditions, hydrology and hydraulics protect and help us every day, yet most of the engineering work behind them remains under-appreciated or unnoticed.

Join Niamh and Olly as they learn from professional engineer Alice Hines about the ways that water management affects our everyday life and chat about the low numbers of women in engineering.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Dr Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS)

Co-host: Olly Dove (@littledove440)

Production: Olly Dove (@littledove440)

Media & Promotion: Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys), Mibu Fischer (@miburose)

Episode 133: Techno Criminology

Sun, 31 Oct 2021 16:00:00 +1100

Citizen Science is the new hotness that explores how ‘non-experts’ can research alongside scientists. ‘Big data’ means there is now more data than can humanly (and computationally) be processed by experts alone.

This week, Niamh and Meredith speak to Criminology lecturer Dr Vicky Nagy about her use of Citizen Science to help process the massive amount of historical crime data, simultaneously increasing student engagement in the data and providing transcription services to the archivists!

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS)
Co-Host: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles)
Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles)
Media & Promotion: Sophie Calabretto (@sophluidynamics) & Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Episode 132: Physically looking inside (of you)

Sun, 24 Oct 2021 16:00:00 +1100

A future of faster, safer, and smarter medical imaging is being paved by … physicists??

This week, Sophie talks biomedical imaging, ACROBEAT, and pig spines for safer surgery, with physicist Dr Tess Reynolds.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Sophie Calabretto (@sophluidynamics)
Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles)
Media & Promotion: Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys), Mibu Fischer (@miburose)

Episode 131: Walk this way

Sun, 17 Oct 2021 16:00:00 +1100

We all know that physical activity is important for a healthy life right? This week, Niamh interviews Associate Professor Verity Cleland about how we can be more physically active and what role our communities play in supporting us to do this.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS)

Production: Olly Dove (@littledove440)

Media & Promotion: Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys), Sophie Calabretto (@sophluidynamics)

Episode 130: Improving maternal health

Sun, 10 Oct 2021 16:00:00 +1100

In this episode we interview Dr Andrew Ottaway, the founder of Health Volunteers International. Andrew’s charity aims to improve medical education and capacity building to improve quality of health care in African countries. With particular focus on improving maternal health and access to safe deliveries.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS)

Production: Sarah Lyden

Media & Promotion: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_), Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys), (Mibu Fischer @miburose)

Episode 129: Embracing age

Sun, 03 Oct 2021 17:00:00 +1100

In this episode, we chat about ageism with sociologist Dr Peta Cook. Ageism is a type of discrimination based solely on age and has a significant impact on our society. We speak about ageist stereotypes and the consequence this has on physical and mental health.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS)

Production: Olly Dove (@littledove440)

Media & Promotion: Sophie Calabretto (@sophluidynamics), Mibu Fischer (Mibu Fischer @miburose), Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys), Liv Holloway (@LivHolloway_)

Episode 128: The Problems with Maths

Sun, 26 Sep 2021 16:00:00 +1000

The number of people studying higher level maths in Australia is in decline. Why?
This week, Sophie talks to maths teaching specialist Dr Hayden Tronnolone about maths phobia and maths education in Australia.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Sophie Calabretto (@sophluidynamics)
Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles)
Media & Promotion: Sophie Calabretto (@sophluidynamics), Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys), Hannah McCleary (@mccleary_hannah)

Episode 127: Fire and Us

Sun, 19 Sep 2021 16:00:00 +1000

Kate chats to Dr Penny Jones about her research monitoring air quality, communicating and understanding the intersection of humans and our environment, making decisions about living with fire, and her experience working in STEMM.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)
Production: Meredith Castles (@MeredithCastles)
Media & Promotion: Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys), Mibu Fischer (@miburose), Kelsey Picard (KelseyOnScience)

Episode 126: Quantitative Marine Ecology

Sun, 12 Sep 2021 16:00:00 +1000

This week Niamh and Hannah interview quantitative marine ecologist Dr Nicole Hill. Together they take a deep dive into Nicole’s research, including her career highlights such as diving into Antarctic waters and encountering diverse wildlife.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS)

Co-Host: Hannah McCleary (@mcleary_hannah)

Production: Sarah Lyden

Media & Promotion: Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys), Mibu Fischer (@miburose), Kelsey Picard (@KelseyOnScience)

Episode 125: Plants, fungi and pathogens

Sun, 05 Sep 2021 16:00:00 +1000

This week, Niamh and Hannah are joined by Associate Professor Kara Barry from the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture at the University of Tasmania, to explore her work around plants and their relationships (good and bad) with fungi and pathogens.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS)
Co-Host: Hannah McCleary (@mccleary_hannah)
Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles)
Media & Promotion: Sophie Calabretto (@sophluidynamics), Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys), Hannah McCleary (@mccleary_hannah)

Episode 124: Engineering, Architecture and Sound

Sun, 29 Aug 2021 16:00:00 +1000

Join Sarah and Niamh in this episode as they talk to Assoc. Prof. Damien Holloway from the School of Engineering at UTAS about architectural acoustics. Damien’s diverse engineering career has spanned from ship hydrodynamics to structural health monitoring to architectural acoustics. In this episode we focus on research work into the acoustics of concert halls and the experience of musicians in these spaces.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS)

Co-Host: Sarah Lyden

Production: Sarah Lyden

Media & Promotion: Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys), Sophie Calabretto (@sophluidynamics), Hannah McCleary (@mccleary_hannah)

Episode 123: Science Poetry of Tasmania: Part 2

Sun, 22 Aug 2021 16:00:00 +1000

Tune in to hear science and poetry combined and meet the authors behind the poems!

This is the second of two episodes where Kate talks to Tasmanian-based poets reading the poems that they entered in ‘The Poetry of Science’: a science-themed poetry competition for National Science Week 2021.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Production: Olly Dove (@littledove440)

Media & Promotion: Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys), Mibu Fischer (@miburose), Kelsey Picard (KelseyOnScience)

Episode 122: Science Poetry of Tasmania: Part 1

Sun, 15 Aug 2021 16:00:00 +1000

Tune in to hear science and poetry combined and meet the authors behind the poems!

This is the first of two episodes where Kate talks to Tasmanian-based poets reading the poems that they entered in ‘The Poetry of Science’: a science-themed poetry competition for National Science Week 2021.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)
Production: Olly Dove (@littledove440)
Media & Promotion: Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys), Mibu Fischer (@miburose), Kelsey Picard (KelseyOnScience)

Episode 121: Designing a Women in ICT Pathways Model

Sun, 08 Aug 2021 16:00:00 +1000

What do you do when you know what the plethora of diversity problems facing Women in ICT are and how to fix them, but it seems like an insurmountable task? You bring together a team of stellar women tech entrepreneurs and diversity champions to get the job done!

This week, Niamh and Meredith speak to innovation champion and ICT workforce developer Dr Tristan Richards about the first cultural change pathways model for women entering the ICT industry that has been created and trialled in Tasmania.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Episode 120: Environmental Engineering

Sun, 01 Aug 2021 16:00:00 +1000

Join Sarah and Niamh while they talk to environmental engineer Robyn Bussey. Robyn’s diverse experiences shows the range and scope of work in the environmental engineering, from runways and infrastructure projects to wastewater and wetlands. Discover what you can do to ensure environmental concerns are at the forefront of engineering projects.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS)

Co-Host: Sarah Lyden

Production: Sarah Lyden

Media & Promotion: Sophie Calabretto (@sophluidynamics), Hannah McCleary (@mccleary_hannah), Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Episode 119: Biostatistics: it’s good for the heart

Sun, 25 Jul 2021 16:00:00 +1000

How can we use data to assess cardiovascular risk in Australia?

This week, Niamh and Sophie talk to biostatistician and public health researcher Dr Karen Lamb about the design, analysis, and reporting of medical research in Australia.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS)
Co-Host: Sophie Calabretto (@sophluidynamics)

Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles)

Media & Promotion: Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys), Mibu Fischer (@miburose), Kelsey Picard (KelseyOnScience)

Episode 118: Family History Piecing together the past

Sun, 18 Jul 2021 16:00:00 +1000

Convict ancestry, adoption and skeletons in the closet, find out about the tensions and joys of delving into your family’s past, along with the resources that State Libraries Tasmania have to offer, in preparation for family history month in August!

Kate Johnson and Niamh Chapman interview Archivist, Dr Alicia Marchant and family history researcher Beverley Morritt from Libraries Tasmania about Genealogy (Family History) in all its complexities!

Host: Niamh Chapman and Kate Johnson

Production: Sarah Lyden

Promotion: Kate Johnson, Mibu Fischer, Kelsey Picard

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Episode 117: By the by-catch: mitigation and risk

Sun, 11 Jul 2021 16:00:00 +1000

By the by-catch, it’s more possible to reduce the harmful side effects of commercial fishing than you might have previously thought!

This week, Dr Sheryl Hamilton talks to Niamh and Olly about her work researching mitigation techniques for reducing marine mammal bycatch in commercial fishing gear. She also regales us with tales of her vast experience in monitoring wild marine animal populations, including a few sneaky seabirds hiding under ground.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS)
Co-Host: Olly Dove (@littledove440)
Production: Olly Dove (@littledove440)
Media & Promotion: Sophie Calabretto (@sophluidynamics), Hannah McCleary (@mccleary_hannah), Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Episode 116: Fisheries, freezers & forensics

Sun, 04 Jul 2021 16:00:00 +1000

Do you understand how commercial fisheries are monitored? Mibu Fischer and Niamh Chapman chat with Dr Madi Green about her efforts in assisting the commercial fishing sector to monitor fisheries catch to better understand world fish stocks.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS)
Co-Host: Mibu Fischer (@miburose)

Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles)

Media & Promotion: Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys), Sophie Calabretto (@sophluidynamics), Mibu Fischer (@miburose)

Episode 115: Tremendous Turbo Chooks

Sun, 27 Jun 2021 16:00:00 +1000

Native hens, turbo chooks, whatever you know them as they are a distinctive character in the Tasmanian landscape, but despite their abundance, their populations on Maria Island are shrinking.

Kate Johnson and Niamh Chapman interview PhD student Lucile Leveque from the University of Tasmania to learn about her research into the factors that are contributing to their decline.

Host: Niamh Chapman and Kate Johnson

Production: Sarah Lyden

Promotion: Kate Johnson, Hannah McCleary, Kelsey Picard

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Episode 114: Putting pressure on gut health

Sun, 20 Jun 2021 16:00:00 +1000

The importance of good bacteria in our gut may be more important than ever. Dr Niamh Chapman talks to Associate Professor Francine Marques from Monash University about how gut health impacts heart health and what we could do to harness the important role of the gut to prevent heart attack and stroke.

Host: Niamh Chapman

Production: Meredith Castles

Promotion: Kate Johnson, Mibu Fischer, Kelsey Picard

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Episode 113: The buzz around bee health

Sun, 13 Jun 2021 16:00:00 +1000

One third of the world's food production relies on bee pollination. There is global concern that agricultural sprays may be negatively affecting bee health and foraging behavior.

Kelsey Picard and Niamh Chapman interview PhD student Meng Yong Lim from the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, and learn about how the bees gut microbiome may be affecting their foraging behaviour and overall health.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS) & Kelsey Picard (@KelseyOnScience)
Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles), Olly Dove (@littledove440) & Sarah Lyden
Media & Promotion: Sophie Calabretto (@sophluidynamics), Hannah McCleary (@mccleary_hannah) & Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Episode 112: Heart health and fitness

Sun, 06 Jun 2021 16:00:00 +1000

Ever wondered how fitness and exercise actually benefit health?

This episode, Dr Niamh Chapman talks fitness, heart health and more with guests Dr Rachel Climie and Dr Martin Shultz, exercise physiologists and researchers.

Listen to find out all about fitness, heart health, blood pressure and the benefits of becoming physically active today!

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS)
Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles) & Olly Dove (@littledove440) & Sarah Lyden
Media & Promotion: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_) & Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Episode 111: Ecological decision science

Sun, 30 May 2021 16:00:00 +1000

When, where and what action should we take in order to maximise the impact of our biodiversity conservation efforts?

This week, Niamh and Sophie speak to mathematician Dr Kate Helmstedt about using decision science for biodiversity conservation, and how mathematics is being used to understand ecosystems, how we interact with them, and how they should be managed.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS) & Sophie Calabretto (@sophluidynamics)
Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles), Olly Dove (@littledove440) & Sarah Lyden
Media & Promotion: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_), Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Episode 110: The Downfalls of Doping

Sun, 23 May 2021 16:00:00 +1000

We’ve all seen headlines of athletes disgraced by a doping scandal, but what exactly is it the athletes are taking, and why?

This week, Kate McMaster from the University of Tasmania talks to Niamh and Olly about her work researching the effects of insulin on an athlete’s performance, and the not-so-dope world of doping in sport. Kate is also the President of the newly formed UTAS Women’s Society and talks to us about the importance of a supportive feminist network.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS) & Olly Dove (@littledove440)
Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles), Olly Dove (@littledove440) & Sarah Lyden
Media & Promotion: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_), Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Episode 109: Food allergies and phones

Sun, 16 May 2021 16:00:00 +1000

For Pint of Science 2021, Dr Niamh Chapman interviewed Dr Jordi Nelis about his innovative approach to food safety.

Smartphone-based devices for allergen detection have the potential to empower people with food allergies to check if food is safe themselves. For technology like this, accuracy is so important particularly as sensing allergens can be extremely difficult in processed foods as the shape and way we identify the allergen is changed with things like heating, cooling or fermenting. Tune in to hear more.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Episode 108: Stories, Science & the Southern Ocean

Sun, 09 May 2021 16:00:00 +1000

Niamh Chapman and Kate Johnson talk to award winning illustrator and author Coral Tulloch. We learn how creating a picture book is remarkably similar to working on a scientific project, involving observation, collaboration and extensive research. We hear about Coral’s experience of Antarctica and Macquarie Island, the subject of some of her books, along with her collaborations with both Australian author Alison Lester and the many scientists she has worked with along the way.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS) & Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)
Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles), Olly Dove (@littledove440) & Sarah Lyden
Media & Promotion: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_), Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Episode 107: Smelling Soil

Sun, 02 May 2021 16:00:00 +1000

From Antarctica to volcanoes, microbes are everywhere in our environment! Dr Shane Powell from the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture studies how these microbes can benefit us - from cleaning up oil spills, to improving soil health on farms. Hosted by Dr Niamh Chapman and Kelsey Picard.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS) & Kelsey Picard (@KelseyOnScience)
Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles), Olly Dove (@littledove440) & Sarah Lyden
Media & Promotion: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_), Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Episode 106: Building Information Modelling

Sun, 25 Apr 2021 16:00:00 +1000

In this episode Sarah and Niamh interview expert guest Klaus Stroehl from Gandy and Roberts, and Dr Assaad Taoum from School of Engineering at UTAS, on Building Information Modelling (also known as Building Information Management). See how this approach is transforming the construction industry and new technological developments including using Virtual and Augmented Reality in the construction industry.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS) & Sarah Lyden
Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles) & Olly Dove (@littledove440) & Sarah Lyden
Media & Promotion: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_) & Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Episode 105: Taking a dive into fisheries science

Sun, 18 Apr 2021 16:00:00 +1000

Tun-a in to hear Olly and Niamh chat with Craig Proctor about the bubbly underwater world of fisheries science!

Across multiple decades, Craig’s career has led him from learning Indonesian in the classroom, to working as an international fisheries scientist in Indonesia, to being back in the classroom inspiring future scientists while encouraging them to keep up their language skills. His pathway took a few unexpected turns along the way, so join us to hear his fishy tale.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Hosts: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS) & Olly Dove (@littledove440)
Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles) & Olly Dove (@littledove440) & Sarah Lyden
Media & Promotion: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_) & Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Episode 104: Exploring the world of 5G

Sun, 11 Apr 2021 16:00:00 +1000

Join Niamh and Sarah in this episode to learn all about 5G with our expert guest PhD candidate Zac Harrold from the School of Engineering at the University of Tasmania. We’ll discuss the differences between 3G, 4G and 5G, what we can expect with the introduction of 5G and the future of cellular communications.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Episode 103: Ice, ice, maybe?

Sun, 04 Apr 2021 15:00:00 +1000

Ice shelves can be as large as a small country, so how can ocean waves and sea ice contribute to their catastrophic destruction?

This week, Dr Niamh Chapman and Dr Sophie Calabretto speak to multi-award-winning applied mathematician Associate Professor Luke Bennetts about wave science, sea ice modelling, and their link to catastrophic destruction of ice shelves on the Antarctic Peninsula.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS) & Sophie Calabretto (@sophluidynamics)
Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles) & Olly Dove (@littledove440) & Sarah Lyden
Media & Promotion: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_) & Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Episode 102: Science & Engineering Challenge

Sun, 28 Mar 2021 16:00:00 +1100

The Science and Engineering Challenge is an outreach program to change students' perceptions of science and engineering. The day involves fun and competitive hands-on activities. It lets students see that science and engineering are more than just equations and theory but requires creativity, innovation, problem solving and teamwork!

We chat with students from Clarence High school, Montrose Bay High school, Oatlands District High School and Woodbridge School about what challenges they undertook and what they took away from the day.

The Challenge is coordinated by the University of Tasmania in collaboration with the University of Newcastle, and is supported by Rotary International Clubs (in Hobart, Launceston and North West Tasmania) with generous financial support from the Tasmanian Government, TasWater and the University of Tasmania.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS) and students from Clarence High school, Montrose Bay High school, Oatlands District High School and Woodbridge School
Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles) & Olly Dove (@littledove440) & Sarah Lyden
Media & Promotion: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_) & Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Episode 101: Drought’s effect on how plants carry and use water

Sun, 21 Mar 2021 16:00:00 +1100

Plants are made up of 80-90% water, so it is no surprise that they are vulnerable to drought conditions. Dr Madeline Cairns-Murphy from the University of Tasmania researches how plants are affected by drought, to better inform farmers of when to grow their crops. Listen to our latest episode to hear about the challenges drought pose to Australian farmers in the face of a changing climate.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS) and Kelsey Picard (@KelseyOnScience)
Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles) & Olly Dove (@littledove440)
Media & Promotion: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_) & Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Episode 100: Cultural Connections & Fisheries

Tue, 09 Mar 2021 12:00:00 +1100

This week Dr Niamh and Mibu had a deep yarn with Dr Emma Lee from Swinburne University. They touched on topics that related to the importance of cultural fisheries and for Traditional Knowledge to be accepted into western systems to create better futures for all Australians. They also touched on the systemic barriers as women in STEMM, but also as Aboriginal women in STEMM and how we can all challenge the norm to create a safer and more inclusive STEMM environment.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS) and Mibu Fischer (@miburose)
Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles) & Olly Dove (@littledove440)
Media & Promotion: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_) & Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Episode 99: COVID-19 and Mental Health

Sun, 07 Mar 2021 16:00:00 +1100

It is no surprise that mental health disorders have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hear from Professor Susan Rossell from Swinburne University about tracking the mental health of Australian adults throughout the pandemic.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS) & Hannah McCleary (@mccleary_hannah)
Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles) & Olly Dove (@littledove440)
Media & Promotion: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_) & Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Episode 98: Transportation Engineering

Sun, 28 Feb 2021 16:00:00 +1100

Tune in to hear Sarah and Niamh chat with Mathew Brooks about all things transportation engineering.

Mathew Brooks is a Senior Associate Transport Engineer with Jacobs and was awarded Tasmanian Professional Engineer of the Year in 2019 and Young Engineer of the Year in 2016. He has worked on many significant transport and civil infrastructure projects and shares his professional insights into all our traffic related questions in Hobart and more widely.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS) & Sarah Lyden
Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles) & Olly Dove (@littledove440)
Media & Promotion: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_) & Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Episode 97: The Ambitious Crossover of Maths and Biology

Sun, 21 Feb 2021 16:00:00 +1100

Tune in to hear Olly and Niamh chat with Dr Shane Richards about the most exciting crossover in history: mathematical biology!

Dr Shane Richards is a senior lecturer at the University of Tasmania and helps us explore how scientists can create statistical models of animal behaviour using data they are able to collect in order to predict patterns of the natural world around us. It’s impossible to know everything, but mathematical biology can sure help us fill in a lot of the gaps.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS) & Olly Dove (@littledove440)
Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles) & Olly Dove (@littledove440)
Media & Promotion: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_) & Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Episode 96: When too much nature can be bad

Sun, 14 Feb 2021 16:00:00 +1100

Tune in to hear Mibu and Niamh chat about the complexity of beauty products with Michelle Wong from Lab Muffin Beauty Science.

Michelle has a PhD in synthetic organic chemistry (medicinal chemistry), and uses her science know-how to interpret skincare and beauty ingredients in a simplistic way, so you can make informed choices as to what chemicals you are putting on your skin.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS) and Mibu Fischer
Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles) & Olly Dove (@littledove440)
Media & Promotion: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_) & Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Episode 95: Fluids behaving badly: the maths of fluid flow

Sun, 07 Feb 2021 16:00:00 +1100

Join Niamh as she chats with our newest co-host (and applied mathematician) Dr Sophie Calabretto. Sophie is a fluid mechanist who uses maths to help us understand why fluids flow the way they do, knowledge that has the potential to impact fields like aerodynamics, climate science, health, and industry.

Tune in to find out what pendulums have to do with predicting the weather, what it takes to be a good mathematician, and why we need supercomputers to solve a million-dollar problem.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS)
Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles) & Olly Dove (@littledove440)
Media & Promotion: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_) & Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Episode 94: Future Scientists and Climate Change

Sun, 31 Jan 2021 16:00:00 +1100

Check out this Youth takeover with Hannah, Phoebe, Eli and Eleni from Mount Carmel College as they grill Dr Penny Jones on how climate change can affect our health and whether we’re doing enough to stop it!

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Hosts: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS), Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_) and Hannah, Phoebe, Eli and Eleni from Mount Carmel College
Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles) & Olly Dove (@littledove440)
Media & Promotion: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_) & Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Episode 93: Future Scientists and Space

Sun, 24 Jan 2021 16:00:00 +1100

Assisted by regular co-host Meredith, this episode featured youth hosts Zoe, Darcy and Hwee-Lin from St. Michael’s Collegiate Middle School interviewing Astrophysicist Karlie Noon. The girls explore the science of space and Indigenous astronomy.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Hosts: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS), Meredith Castles (@MeredithCastles) and Zoe, Darcy and Hwee-Lin from St. Michael’s Collegiate Middle School
Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles) & Olly Dove (@littledove440)
Media & Promotion: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_) & Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Episode 92: Future Scientists and Food Safety

Sun, 17 Jan 2021 16:00:00 +1100

Assisted by regular co-host Hannah, featured youth hosts Isabella, Ruby and Allegra from St. Michael’s Collegiate Middle School interview Dr John Bowman. The girls explore how microbes differ from other organisms, characteristics of microbes, and where they can be found as well as food safety and its importance in a changing climate.

Host Niamh also talked to leader of digital content at St. Michael’s Collegiate, Anna Abela, about the school’s perspective on youth workshops.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Hosts: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS), and Isabella, Ruby and Allegra from St. Michael’s Collegiate Middle School
Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles) & Olly Dove (@littledove440)
Media & Promotion: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_) & Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Episode 91: Dynamic Devils and Moving Mammals

Sun, 13 Dec 2020 16:00:00 +1100

We ask behavioural ecologist David Hamilton how and why the Devil Facial Tumour Disease spreads through devil populations, as well as find out how the Tasmanian Devil got its name, and ask if we should ship our devils to the mainland and welcome koalas to our island.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Hosts: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS) & Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)
Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles) & Olly Dove (@littledove440)
Media & Promotion: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_) & Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Episode 90: Food facts with Dr Emma Beckett!

Sun, 06 Dec 2020 16:00:00 +1100

Niamh interviewed Dr Emma Beckett from the University of Newcastle. Emma is a prominent scientist and famed for sharing her food facts themed with her clothes every day on Twitter (@synapse101). Niamh and Emma get into the nitty gritty of how researchers are trying to figure out if we really are what we eat.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS)
Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles) & Olly Dove (@littledove440)
Media & Promotion: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_) & Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Episode 89: Eagles and engineering

Sun, 29 Nov 2020 16:00:00 +1100

Have you ever seen reflecting devices on power lines or birds perched above the lines? These engineering solutions are part of a push towards sustainability in the power system to reduce the risk that threatened birds, like the Wedge-tailed Eagle, will be injured by the power lines. Listen to this episode to learn more about the risk mitigation approaches and engineering practices which TasNetworks takes with guests Mandy Fish and Thomas Webster, and to learn more about what you can do to support this sustainability effort.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Image Credit: Dean Hohn

Hosts: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS) & Dr Sarah Lyden
Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles) & Olly Dove (@littledove440)
Media & Promotion: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_) & Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Episode 88: Space Tech: Exploring Mars

Sun, 22 Nov 2020 16:00:00 +1100

Mars, The Red Planet, the 4th Rock from The Sun…it has captured the imaginations of generations of humans and is now being explored by robots who are discovering amazing things about our closest planetary neighbour. Meredith and Niamh talk technology, Rovers and space exploration in this week’s episode with Griffith University’s Professor Paulo de Souza.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Hosts: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS) & Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles)
Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles) & Olly Dove (@littledove440)
Media & Promotion: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_) & Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Episode 87: Meat the microbiologist reducing food waste

Sun, 15 Nov 2020 16:00:00 +1100

Australia is the world’s largest exporter of sheep meat products. Transporting the vacuum-packed meat over long journeys causes huge costs to the industry through spoilage. Hear how interest in research application led Laura Rood to a PhD project in prolonging the shelf life of meat products by investigating the microbial organisms that cause meat to go bad.

Hosts: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS) & Kelsey Picard (@KelseyOnScience)
Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles) & Olly Dove (@littledove440)
Media & Promotion: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_) & Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Episode 86: Following aspirations to new heights

Sun, 08 Nov 2020 16:00:00 +1100

Gangalu woman and award-winning systems engineer Taylah Griffin oozes inspiration and leadership. Niamh and Hannah talk to Taylah about how she came to pursue aerospace engineering and her passion for promoting greater uptake of STEM subjects in Indigenous communities.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Hosts: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS) & Hannah McCleary (@mccleary_hannah)
Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles) & Olly Dove (@littledove440)
Media & Promotion: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_) & Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Episode 85: Making lighting design human centric

Sun, 01 Nov 2020 17:00:00 +1100

In this episode we explore the world of lighting design in buildings approached from a human centric perspective. Our guest Landon Bannister, who has over 20 years experience in lighting design, provides insights into how existing lighting standards don’t match our current environments and how lighting design can be approached in a way that considers the humans using the space. This new field builds on studies from the early 2000’s showing the effect that lighting can have. Examples of lighting design are discussed including the outcomes of a change in lighting design in a classroom.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Hosts: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS) & Dr Sarah Lyden
Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles) & Olly Dove (@littledove440)
Media & Promotion: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_) & Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Episode 84: The humanity of maths

Sun, 25 Oct 2020 16:00:00 +1100

What is the link between maths, first life on earth and creativity? Listen to find out how maths is all around us. Niamh Chapman and first time co-host but previous guest on the show, Mibu Fisher interview Dr Rowena Ball about her passion for and lifelong dedication to maths. Tune in to hear maths like you've never heard it before.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Hosts: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS) & Mibu Fisher (@miburose)
Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles) & Olly Dove (@littledove440)
Media & Promotion: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_) & Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Episode 83: Songs of Science

Sun, 18 Oct 2020 16:00:00 +1100

Music and science meet in the life of Emily Sheppard, a classical musician and environmental scientist who composes music about nature and plays in caves, fields and forests. Emily, Kate and Niamh talk about the nexus of science and art and how emotion can be used for powerful communication.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Hosts: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS) & Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)
Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles) & Olly Dove (@littledove440)
Media & Promotion: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_) & Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Episode 82: Forecasting Australia’s climate future

Sun, 11 Oct 2020 16:00:00 +1100

Hear Dr. Carly Tozer from the CSIRO explain how models are used to predict the future of Australia’s climate to inform the nation's farmers and industries to better deal with climate variability and climate extremes.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Hosts: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS) & Kelsey Picard (@KelseyOnScience)
Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles) & Olly Dove (@littledove440)
Media & Promotion: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_) & Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Episode 81: The Science of Water and Wastewater Engineering

Sun, 04 Oct 2020 16:00:00 +1100

In this episode we interview Phoebe Nash a chemical engineer who works in the water and wastewater engineering field. With Phoebe we explore how water is treated before it reaches our taps, what happens when water enters the sewers and measures towards increasing sustainability in the industry.

Phoebe Nash received the 2019 Engineers Australia Tasmania Young Professional Engineer of the Year Award.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Episode 80: Stroke of genius to save Australian lives

Sun, 27 Sep 2020 16:00:00 +1000

Niamh interviews Associate Professor Seana Gall about her $5 million grant to prevent stroke and save lives. Seana is using a collaborative approach working with researchers and healthcare workers across Australia and New Zealand to address the causes of stroke and improve surveillance.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Hosts: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS)
Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles) & Olly Dove (@littledove440)
Media & Promotion: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_) & Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Ep78: Working on Water P3: Mibu Fischer

Sat, 15 Aug 2020 16:00:00 +1000

Hannah talks with Mibu Fischer, Quandamooka woman and CSIRO scientist. Mibu’s specific interests are around utilising Traditional Knowledges and management practices are considered within modern day fisheries, coastal and conservation management. Her goal is to bridge a gap that draws attention to the indigenous communities facing the frontline of impacts and changes to coastlines, ecosystems and livelihoods from climate change impacts.
This series was produced for National Science Week with thanks to the Australian Government’s Inspiring Australia program.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Hosts: Hannah McCleary (@mccleary_hannah)
Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles) & Olly Dove (@littledove440)
Media & Promotion: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_) & Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Ep79: Working on Water P4: Megan Hartog

Sat, 15 Aug 2020 16:00:00 +1000

Kate interviews Megan Hartog, Marine scientist working at the CSIRO Marine National Facility as a Voyage Operations Manager. Megan tells us what it’s like organising different voyages and arranging research out at sea.
This series was produced for National Science Week with thanks to the Australian Government’s Inspiring Australia program.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Hosts: Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)
Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles) & Olly Dove (@littledove440)
Media & Promotion: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_) & Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Ep77: Working on Water P2: Mary-Anne Lea

Sat, 15 Aug 2020 16:00:00 +1000

Today, Olly talks with marine ecologist Associate Professor Mary-Anne Lea about her incredible career in marine science. Mary-Anne talks us through life out on remote islands with seals and seabirds, as well as how a support network can make all the difference in the sciences.
This series was produced for National Science Week with thanks to the Australian Government’s Inspiring Australia program.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Hosts: Olly Dove (@littledove440)
Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles) & Olly Dove (@littledove440)
Media & Promotion: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_) & Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Ep76: Working on Water P1: Claire Butler

Sat, 15 Aug 2020 16:00:00 +1000

Olly talks with expert guest Claire Butler on what transitioning from research to working in the marine industry is like, as part of a collaboration between That’s What I Call Science! and The Royal Society of Tasmania for National Science Week 2020.
This series was produced for National Science Week with thanks to the Australian Government’s Inspiring Australia program.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Hosts: Olly Dove (@littledove440)
Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles) & Olly Dove (@littledove440)
Media & Promotion: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_) & Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Ep75: Fact vs Fiction: our future generation look at the facts

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 08:00:00 +1000

Is fake news a deadly threat during the pandemic?

For many people the pandemic has been their first experience of witnessing the scientific method first hand. As the scientific community has rapidly investigated the novel coronavirus, government policy and recommendations have changed in response to emerging evidence.

This week the show is taken over by Elizabeth College students Harrison, Sarah and Angela who interview Associate Professor Darren Saunders about the impact of misinformation on the pandemic.

This is part of a 3-part series for National Science Week Tasmania 2020. The team are running a webinar with leading experts in science, technology and engineering to discuss how we arm ourselves against fake news and phonies!
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/316633542792311/

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Hosts: Harrison, Sarah and Angela from Elizabeth College
Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles) & Olly Dove (@littledove440)
Media & Promotion: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_) & Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Ep74: Fact vs Fiction: the role of tech in spreading fake news

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 08:00:00 +1000

Is social media deceiving you and spreading fake news?

With much of the world in lockdown we are using social media and devices more and more to stay connected. While these devices are useful, there are some technologies that help provide a gateway for damaging misinformation to reach the masses. In this episode Meredith and Niamh chat with social media Psychology academics to find out how we can know what to trust online.

This is part of a 3-part series for National Science Week Tasmania 2020. The team are running a webinar with leading experts in science, technology and engineering to discuss how we arm ourselves against fake news and phonies! More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/316633542792311/

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Hosts: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS) & Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles)
Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles) & Olly Dove (@littledove440)
Media & Promotion: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_) & Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Ep73: Fact vs Fiction: why do people believe fake news?

Sun, 09 Aug 2020 16:00:00 +1000

What is misinformation and why do people believe it?

Niamh and Kate chat about misinformation in the digital age with UTAS Philosopher and senior lecturer, Dr David Coady. We ask David about the debate around climate change and he gives us insights into conspiracy theories (and if we should really call them that), rumours and information spread.

This is part of a 3-part series for National Science Week Tasmania 2020. The team are running a webinar with leading experts in science, technology and engineering to discuss how we arm ourselves against fake news and phonies! More info:https://www.facebook.com/events/316633542792311/

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Hosts: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS) & Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)
Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles) & Olly Dove (@littledove440)
Media & Promotion: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_) & Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Episode 72: From testing explosives to COVID testing

Sun, 02 Aug 2020 16:00:00 +1000

Many airports are equipped with a device that can detect traces of explosive substances. Now the creators of this device are using the technology to detect the presence of viruses faster and more accurately than ever before. Professor Michael Breadmore and Mostafa Adel talk us through their ingenious invention.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Hosts: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS) & Allanna Russell (@AllannaRussell)
Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles) & Olly Dove (@littledove440)
Media & Promotion: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_) & Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Episode 71: Exploring the world of biomedical engineering

Sun, 26 Jul 2020 16:00:00 +1000

In this episode we explore the world of biomedical engineering, starting with discussing what a biomedical engineer does and some interesting projects occurring in this space in Tasmania. Work completed by local Tasmanian engineers in the development of “OxyGenie” technology which is used in neonatal ventilators is a key component of this episode.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Episode 70: A link between food security and health

Sun, 19 Jul 2020 16:00:00 +1000

One in four respondents to The Tasmania Key findings Project’s Food Survey reported running out of food because they could not afford to buy more during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr Katherine Kent tells us about the Tasmania Project’s findings, and what the pandemic has meant for the food insecurity of Tasmanian households.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Episode 69: NAIDOC Week: Corey Tutt and Deadly Science

Sun, 12 Jul 2020 16:00:00 +1000

In this week’s episode Hannah and Niamh are joined by Deadly Science founder, NSW Young Australian of the Year, and all-round legend Corey Tutt. Corey is a Kamilaroi man, who is passionate about increasing opportunities for education in STEMM for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, particularly those in rural areas.

That’s What I Call Science acknowledges the postponement of NAIDOC Week 2020 by the National NAIDOC Committee to November 2020. TWICS has chosen to go ahead with our celebrations and use this week to increase and highlight Indigenous visibility on the show. We will also be celebrating NAIDOC Week in November, and we acknowledge the extensive contributions made by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to STEMM fields.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Hosts: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS) & Hannah McCleary (@mccleary_hannah)
Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles) & Olly Dove (@littledove440)
Media & Promotion: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_) & Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Episode 68: NAIDOC Week: The Sociology of Indigenous Inequity

Sun, 05 Jul 2020 16:00:00 +1000

Health and social inequities are huge issues in Australia, between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. The public is often shown the ‘what’ of the issue, in the form of statistics and facts, but very rarely the ‘why’, and the root of the issue. We join Professor Maggie Walter to discuss this, as well as exploring her own personal journey as an Aboriginal woman studying higher education in Australia.

That’s What I Call Science acknowledges the postponement of NAIDOC Week 2020 by the National NAIDOC Committee to November 2020. TWICS has chosen to go ahead with our celebrations and use this week to increase and highlight Indigenous visibility on the show. We will also be celebrating NAIDOC Week in November, and we acknowledge the extensive contributions made by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to STEMM fields.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Hosts: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS) & Hannah McCleary (@mccleary_hannah)
Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles) & Olly Dove (@littledove440)
Media & Promotion: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_) & Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Episode 67: The invisible doctors: Pathologists

Sun, 28 Jun 2020 16:00:00 +1000

These doctors diagnose 100% of cancers and inform 70% of all medical decisions, so why don’t we know who they are? This episode we chat to two expert pathologists, Dr Dan Owens and Dr Eileen Long, to find out how medical tests are analysed behind the scenes.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Hosts: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS) & Allanna Russell (@AllannaRussell)
Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles) & Olly Dove (@littledove440)
Media & Promotion: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_) & Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Episode 66: There’s an app for that!

Sun, 21 Jun 2020 16:00:00 +1000

In this episode, Niamh and Meredith talk to UTAS technologist and lecturer Dr Lindsay Wells who specialises in mobile application development. They discuss the way the world is increasingly going mobile, and the benefits and risks that move opens up for us all.

They delve into the recent controversy surrounding the Government’s COVID app and the distrust of data handling that sparked it, and the wonderful world of User Experience (UX) design and how the tech industry continues to undervalue the end-user when it comes to the design of tech.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Hosts: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS) & Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles)
Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles)
Media & Promotion: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_) & Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Episode 65: A most important measure

Sun, 14 Jun 2020 16:00:00 +1000

Cardiovascular disease including heart attack and stroke kills more people worldwide and in Australia than any other disease. Blood pressure is the single most important risk factor yet measuring it can be extremely difficult.

Niamh interviews Prof. James Sharman and Dr. Dean Picone about their work that showed there are nearly 1,000 different blood pressure devices available to Australians but only 1 in 5 of those are tested for accuracy. This is hugely important as accurate blood pressure measurement is crucial for helping doctors decide to start lifesaving medications.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Host: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS)
Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles)
Media & Promotion: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_) & Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Bonus Episode: Top tips for PhD students

Sun, 14 Jun 2020 10:00:00 +1000

Our Founding Director Niamh Chapman recently submitted her PhD thesis, she’s officially on the home stretch! Tune in to hear Niamh and her supervisor Professor James Sharman reflect on her PhD. The show is sure to provide some helpful hints on how to overcome common PhD challenges and also how to make the most of the opportunities that come your way.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Hosts: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS)
Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles) & Olly Dove (@littledove440)
Media: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_) & Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Episode 64: Magnificent Microbes

Sun, 07 Jun 2020 16:00:00 +1000

What does beer, bread and sauerkraut have in common? Fermentation! Microbiologist Dipon Sarkar (@DiponSarkar10) explains the good and the bad bacteria in our food, how they affect the flavours and chemistry of the food and explains the craze about sourdough bread.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Hosts: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS) & Kelsey Picard (@KelseyOnScience)
Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles)
Media: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_)

Episode 63: Mental Health While Social Distancing

Sun, 31 May 2020 17:00:00 +1000

Niamh and Kate talk to clinical psychologist Dr Kimberley Norris about how people cope in extreme and unusual environments like isolation. Kim’s research looked at Antarctic scientists and NASA astronauts, but her findings are relevant for all of us to maintain good mental health while social distancing.

This week we are launching a new feature and bringing you a how-to guide for coping with relaxed restrictions. Check it out here: https://thatsscience.org/thats-what-i-call-science-blog/

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod
Image credit: freekpik.com People vector created by pch.vector - www.freepik.com

Hosts: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS) & Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)
Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles)
Media: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_)

Episode 62: The Turbulent Home Life of Lizards

Sun, 24 May 2020 17:00:00 +1000

The family lives of lizards are more complex than it seems. In this episode Niamh, Kelsey, and Olly talk to ecologist Tom Botterill-James, about his work studying lizards in east Tasmania, researching how social dynamics are affected by environmental changes and how these social traits have evolved in animals.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

To listen on demand or to access all previous episodes visit our podcast webpage via this link: https://thatssciencetas.buzzsprout.com/

For more updates follow us on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThatsScienceTAS/
Twitter: @ThatsScienceTAS

Hosts: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS), Kelsey Picard (@KelseyOnScience) & Olly Dove (@littledove440)
Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles)
Media: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_)

Episode 61: Celebrating Women in Mathematics

Sun, 17 May 2020 17:00:00 +1000

May 12th is an important opportunity to celebrate women in mathematics with the goal of inspiring women’s achievements in mathematics and to encourage an inclusive mathematics community. That’s what I call Science interviewed local early-career researcher Dr Venta Terauds to find out more about her work as a biological mathematician. Venta is using mathematics to understand changes in the genes of bacteria. Tune in to find out more!

To listen on demand or to access all previous episodes visit our podcast webpage via this link: https://thatssciencetas.buzzsprout.com/

For more updates follow us on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThatsScienceTAS/
Twitter: @ThatsScienceTAS

Host: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS)
Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles)
Media: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_)

Episode 60: Miraculous Marine Life in Macquarie Harbour

Sun, 10 May 2020 17:00:00 +1000

In this episode Niamh and Hannah talk to elasmobranch ecologist David Moreno, about his work with shark and skate species in Macquarie Harbour here in Tasmania. The unique and challenging environment of Macquarie Harbour has made the species that inhabit it adapt and become unique from anywhere else in extremely interesting ways.

We discuss how climate change is a huge issue for our marine life and how they are responding to this challenge over time, as well as society’s stereotypical views of sharks and how this is often misleading.

To listen on demand or to access all previous episodes visit our podcast webpage via this link: https://thatssciencetas.buzzsprout.com/

For more updates follow us on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThatsScienceTAS/
Twitter: @ThatsScienceTAS

Hosts: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS) & Hannah McCleary (@mccleary_hannah)
Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles)
Media: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_)

Episode 59: Can't see the forest for the drones!

Sun, 03 May 2020 17:00:00 +1000

Camera drones are quickly becoming one of the most popular consumer technologies for people of all ages. In research and industry, drones are proving to be invaluable tools with their use bounded only by imagination. What are some of the tasks that drones are being used for in Tasmania?

Niamh and Meredith talk to University of Tasmania PhD Candidate Sean Krisanski who is using drones to map forests from under the top of the canopy to be able to view difficult to access areas of Tasmania’s dense forests.

To listen on demand or to access all previous episodes visit our podcast webpage via this link: https://thatssciencetas.buzzsprout.com/

For more updates follow us on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThatsScienceTAS/
Twitter: @ThatsScienceTAS

Hosts: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS) & Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles)
Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles)
Media: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_)

Episode 58: Raven mad! Birds in the Bass Strait

Sun, 26 Apr 2020 17:00:00 +1000

How does the change in land use affect the types of birds that thrive in Tasmania, and what are we missing when birds go extinct? These are some of the eggciting questions Matt Fielding (@mattwfielding & @ecol_evo) is trying to answer in his research.

To listen on demand or to access all previous episodes visit our podcast webpage via this link: https://thatssciencetas.buzzsprout.com/

For more updates follow us on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThatsScienceTAS/
Twitter: @ThatsScienceTAS

Hosts: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS) & Kelsey Picard (@KelseyOnScience)
Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles)
Media: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_)

Episode 57: How a Tasmanian pearl of wisdom saved the Australian oyster industry

Sun, 19 Apr 2020 17:00:00 +1000

Love them or hate them, the loss of the oyster industry would have huge impacts on the Tasmanian economy. When a global oyster virus began to wipe out the French oyster industry, Tasmania was one step ahead. Hear from Lewa Pertl from the Australian Seafood Industry about how a Tassie breeding solution saved the oyster industry from the Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome.

To listen on demand or to access all previous episodes visit our podcast webpage via this link: https://thatssciencetas.buzzsprout.com/

For more updates follow us on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThatsScienceTAS/
Twitter: @ThatsScienceTAS

Hosts: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS) & Kelsey Picard (@KelseyOnScience)
Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles)
Media: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_)

Episode 56: Small island BIG energy!

Sun, 12 Apr 2020 17:00:00 +1000

In this episode we explore all things hydro power related including the exciting opportunities of pumped hydro. Wind and Solar are renewable resources which vary significantly based on the weather, so technology to store this energy for use when demand increases is becoming important. While batteries have limitations to store all this extra renewable energy, pumped hydro presents an improved large-scale energy storage solution.

To listen on demand or to access all previous episode visit our podcast webpage via this link: https://thatssciencetas.buzzsprout.com/

For more updates follow us on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThatsScienceTAS/
Twitter: @ThatsScienceTAS

Hosts: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS) & Sarah Lyden
Production: Meredith Castles (@meredithcastles)
Media: Olivia Holloway (@LivHolloway_)

Episode 55: Health Literacy starts young

Sun, 05 Apr 2020 16:00:00 +1000

Health literacy helps us access, understand and use information to make decisions
about our health and medical care. Our health literacy is not an individual skill but
an asset for the individual and the community.

This week Niamh Chapman interviewed Dr Rosie Nash, health literacy expert,
pharmacist and public health lecturer from the School of Medicine at the University
of Tasmania.

To listen on demand or to access all previous episode visit our podcast webpage
via this link: https://thatssciencetas.buzzsprout.com/

For more updates follow us on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThatsScienceTAS/
Twitter: @ThatsScienceTAS

Host: Niamh Chapman

Production: Meredith Castles

Media: Olivia Holloway

Episode 54: Mindfulness - more important now than ever?

Sun, 29 Mar 2020 17:00:00 +1100

Mindfulness is a practice that has shown positive benefits for stress management and health, but what’s it all about?

Tune in to hear Niamh Chapman and Dr. Larissa Bartlett discuss what is mindfulness, how can one develop the skill of being mindful and how this could help to cope with stress both in and out of the workplace!

To listen on demand or to access all previous episode visit our podcast webpage via this link: https://thatssciencetas.buzzsprout.com/

For more updates follow us on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThatsScienceTAS/

Twitter: @ThatsScienceTAS

Hosts: Niamh Chapman

Production: Meredith Castles

Media: Olivia Holloway

Episode 53: The Science of Likes: Social Media Tech

Sun, 22 Mar 2020 17:00:00 +1100

In this week's episode Niamh and Meredith chat to Dr Emily Lowe-Calverly, a researcher from the University of Tasmania, about the science of 'Likes' and how psychology might be the driving force behind social media or social connection in the digital age.
They break down the positive and negative aspects of social media use and the design of the technology that enforces addictive behaviours, and take a look at the effects social media is having on society and our interactions.

To listen on demand or to access all previous episode visit our podcast webpage via this link: https://thatssciencetas.buzzsprout.com/

For more updates follow us on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThatsScienceTAS/

Twitter: @ThatsScienceTAS

Host: Niamh Chapman

Production: Meredith Castles

Media: Olivia Holloway

Episode 52: Inspiring women in Kenya

Sun, 15 Mar 2020 17:00:00 +1100

Celebrating women - final installation of our International Women's Day series.

The team from Science in the Pub recently awarded an Inspiring Women in STEM grant to an international PhD student to allow her to go back to her home country and share her research. This week we chat to Dr Emily Flies from Science in the Pub and the winner of the grant, Mercy Ndalila about how the grant has allowed Mercy to inspire a new generation of Kenyan girls. Mercy studies pyrogeography, the science of wildfires, and she hopes her study of Tasmanian bushfires will help Kenyan scientists understand wildfires in their own country.

To listen on demand or to access all previous episode visit our podcast webpage via this link: https://thatssciencetas.buzzsprout.com/

For more updates follow us on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThatsScienceTAS/

Twitter: @ThatsScienceTAS

Host: Allanna Russell

Production: Meredith Castles

Media: Olivia Holloway

For more updates follow us on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThatsScienceTAS/

Twitter: @ThatsScienceTAS

Host: Allanna Russell

Production: Meredith Castles

Media: Olivia Holloway

Episode 51: International Women's Day Part 2 - Australian of the Year TAS

Sun, 08 Mar 2020 17:00:00 +1100

For the second installation for our 3 part International Women’s Day miniseries we were lucky enough to interview the 2019 Australian of the Year for Tasmania, Dr Jess Melbourne-Thomas. We’re talking about Jess’s research, her experience as a women in STEM and her advocacy work in that space.

Jess is a passionate advocate for greater diversity and increased women in leadership in STEM, an excellent science communicator and a champion for policy engagement.

Jess has demonstrated excellence in research into marine ecosystems and how they are influenced by human activity and was Lead Author for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report on the Oceans & Cryosphere in a Changing Climate (2019).

Show some love, like, subscribe and/or review wherever you get your podcast it really increases the visibility of our show and would help grow our audience to share the good word of STEM <3

For more updates follow us on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThatsScienceTAS/

Twitter: @ThatsScienceTAS

Hosts: Niamh Chapman and Kelsey Picard

Production: Meredith Castles

Media: Olivia Holloway

Episode 50: International Women's Day Part 1 - The Co-Hosts

Sun, 01 Mar 2020 17:00:00 +1100

In celebration of International women’s day (8th of March), we have an awesome 3-part special!

To kick it off, we have an episode with ALL of our team members at TWICS.

Tune in to get to know the women working hard behind the scenes to bring weekly content covering all things STEM. We will also introduce a team member each day of this week and highlight the contributions women are making to our science community - follow us on Facebook or Twitter for updates search (@ThatsScienceTAS) or use the links below.

Hannah McCleary is our newest member and wasn't in this recording - check out the Indigenous Knowledge episode we recently recorded with her!

You can catch all of our podcasts here: http://bit.ly/ThatsScienceTAS

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThatsScienceTAS/

Twitter: @ThatsScienceTAS

Hosts: Niamh Chapman, Dr. Sarah Lyden, Kelsey Picard, Allanna Russell, Meredith Castles and Olivia Holloway.

Production: Meredith Castles

Media: Olivia Holloway

Episode 49: Behind the curtain, the science and tech of AI

Sun, 23 Feb 2020 12:00:00 +1100

There are a lot of misconceptions out there about what Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are and what they can be used for. To dispel some of the myths, Niamh sat down with Tasmanian games development company Secret Lab's Dr Paris Buttfield, Dr Tim Nugent and Dr Jon Manning who along with co-host Meredith Castles presented a successful PAXAUS 2019 panel in which they trained an AI live on stage to hundreds of people. The episode delves into the science and tech of AI and some of the uses it has in shaping our world.

The link to the YouTube video of the PAXAUS panel is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jf0N6kWBzhs

Hosts: Niamh Chapman and Meredith Castles

Guests: Dr Paris Buttfield-Addison, Dr Jon Manning, Dr Tim Nugent – Secret Lab

Production: Meredith Castles

Media: Olivia Holloway

Image credit: Photo by Matan Segev from Pexels

Episode 48: Intercept of Indigenous Knowledge and Marine Science

Sun, 16 Feb 2020 17:00:00 +1100

There is a wealth of Indigenous Knowledge in Australia, today we are talking about the intersection between Indigenous Knowledge of sea country and marine science. Host Niamh Chapman interviewed three guests from CSIRO: Engagement Programs Coordinator Dr. Ben Arthur, Palawa woman and Coordinator of the Indigenous Time at Sea Scholarship Hannah McCleary and Quandamooka woman and researcher at CSIRO Mibu Fischer.

For more information:

The link to the ITSS program is: https://mnf.csiro.au/en/Education/ITSS-Scholarship

The link to info on the first voyage is: https://mnf.csiro.au/en/Voyages/IN2019_T03

Hosts: Niamh Chapman

Production: Meredith Castles

Media: Olivia Holloway

Image credit: Hannah McCleary CSIRO

Episode 47: Novel Coronavirus

Sun, 09 Feb 2020 10:00:00 +1100

In this week’s episode we discuss the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) that was first reported from Wuhan, China, on the 31st of December 2019. With the internet being strife with fake science and conspiracies, we decided to talk to a specialist in immunology and virology. With the help of our guest, Associate Professor, Guna Karupiah, from the Tasmanian School of Medicine, we delve into the science behind the 2019-nCoV outbreak and the production of vaccines.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThatsScienceTAS/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThatsScienceTAS

Hosts: Niamh Chapman and Olivia Holloway

Production: Meredith Castles

Media: Olivia Holloway

Episode 46: Engineering solutions for bushfire resilience

Sun, 02 Feb 2020 17:00:00 +1100

Can power grids cause bushfires and what advances have made engineering climate change resilient infrastructure a possibility for our communities? Niamh Chapman and Dr. Sarah Lyden interviewed Samantha Vahedi from Hydro Tasmania and Jason King from Tas Networks about the challenges for engineers in the face of a changing climate and increased bush fire risk.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThatsScienceTAS/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThatsScienceTAS

Hosts: Niamh Chapman and Dr. Sarah Lyden

Guests: Samantha Vahedi, Hydro Tasmania and Jason King from Tas Networks

Production: Meredith Castles

Media: Olivia Holloway

Episode 45: Wildlife conservation and bushfires

Sun, 26 Jan 2020 17:00:00 +1100

There have been harrowing sights of wildlife loss over the course of the catastrophic bushfire season. This episode we interviewed Dr Sue Baker, Research Fellow in forest ecology at the University of Tasmania and Greg Irons, Director of Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. We will cover the way plants, animals and insects have evolved with bushfire in Australia and the impact of a prolonged fire season on their survival.

For more updates follow us on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThatsScienceTAS/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThatsScienceTAS

Hosts: Niamh Chapman and Kelsey Picard

Production: Meredith Castles

Media: Olivia Holloway

Episode 44: Climate Change and Bushfire Risk

Sun, 19 Jan 2020 17:00:00 +1100

The first episode of 2020 covers the topic on everyone’s lips this summer – the Australian bushfires. We chat with Dr Grant Williamson and Dr Bec Harris from the University of Tasmania about the role that climate change is having on bushfire occurrences and severity, and what that means for Australia into the future.

Hosts: Niamh Chapman and Kelsey Picard
Production: Meredith Castles
Media: Olivia Holloway

Episode 43: Seed Banks - security for our future

Sun, 22 Dec 2019 17:00:00 +1100

This week we caught up with budding botanist, Fiona Walsh from Utas School of Natural Science. Listen in as Kelsey and Niamh explore what seed banks are, how they how they might be used and how they can hold the key to ecological and food security for our future.

Hosts: Niamh Chapman and Kelsey Picard
Production: Meredith Castles
Media: Olivia Holloway

Episode 42: Goodbye MS - The team tackling a devastating disease

Sun, 15 Dec 2019 17:00:00 +1100

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that is complex and can be debilitating. Here in Hobart, we have a comprehensive approach to MS research, spanning many scientific disciplines, to improve our understanding of the disease and improve the way it is managed.

This week we have caught up with 4 experts each from different fields of research based at the Menzies Institute for Medical Research to discuss their work into MS as part of the MS Research Flagship programme. From bench to bedside, we will give you a glimpse into the vital research conducted on our doorstep.

Host: Niamh Chapman

Guests: Suzi Claflin, Jac Charlesworth, Kaylene Young and Andrew Palmer.

Production: Meredith Castles

Media: Olivia Holloway.

Episode 41: Hay Fever - there's an app for that!

Sun, 08 Dec 2019 17:00:00 +1100

The summer season is here (or is it in Tassie?!), with it that typically means higher pollen that will trigger allergic reactions in many people.
Hay fever affects up to 1 in 5 Aussies at some point and can be really debilitating. This week we caught up with Penny Jones and Lachlan Tegart from the Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania to talk about their work to understand the causes of hay fever.

Host: Niamh Chapman

Production: Meredith Castles

Media: Olivia Holloway

Episode 40: STEM Awards

Sun, 01 Dec 2019 17:00:00 +1100

This week we interviewed the winners of the Tasmanian STEM excellence awards. These awards highlight and acknowledge our local science community and showcase the amazing achievements happening right here in Tassie. Congratulations to all Tasmanian STEM Excellence Awards finalists, and particularly to winners; Dr Stephen R. Rintoul from CSIRO, Dr Carlie Cullen from the Menzies Institute for Medical Research, Dr Lila Landowski from University of Tasmania, Kristy Tidey of Invermay Primary School and Madiyantika Varma of Launceston College, as well as Australian Seafood Industries.

Director: Niamh Chapman

Hosts: Olivia Holloway, Allanna Russell

Production: Meredith Castles

Media: Olivia Holloway

Episode 39: Going off grid

Sun, 24 Nov 2019 17:00:00 +1100

This week we bring you an engineering special as the isolated power systems workshop brought engineering leaders from around the world to Hobart, Tasmania. What are isolated power systems? Essentially, they are any system that supplies electricity to those off the main electricity grid supply. From small scale operations to one or two households to more complex solutions for small to medium size regional communities, our special guest Dr Gwen Holdman Director of the Alaska Center for Energy and Power fills us in on the creativity to develop sustainable power systems.

Hosts: Niamh Chapman and Dr. Sarah Lyden

Production: Meredith Castles

Media: Olivia Holloway

Photo by NASA on Unsplash

Episode 38: Tech For Good

Sun, 17 Nov 2019 17:00:00 +1100

Off the back of the Facebook Community Boost events held across Tasmania between October 29th and November 1st 2019, we gathered together the event panelists from Hobart to discuss the global reach of communication technologies and the ways in which tech can be used for the betterment of society. Niamh caught up with Associate Professor Kristy de Salas from the University of Tasmania, Tasmanian entrepreneur and founder of Bitlink James Riggal and Mechanical Product Design Lead at Oculus VR at Facebook Mikal Greaves to understand how these Tasmanians forged careers in technology.

Host: Niamh Chapman

Production: Meredith Castles

Media: Olivia Holloway

Episode 37: Diabetes, causes, complications and prevention.

Sun, 10 Nov 2019 16:00:00 +1100

280 Australians develop diabetes every day, that’s one person every 5 minutes! World Diabetes Day falls on November 14th 2019 so we caught up with some local experts on diabetes, Dr Dino Premilovac and Brooklyn Fraser. We’ll be covering the causes and effects of diabetes and what you can do to prevent it, starting from childhood right through to old age.

Hosts: Niamh Chapman and Allanna Russell

Production: Olivia Holloway

Episode 36: Let's vent, the wonder of volcanoes!

Sun, 03 Nov 2019 15:00:00 +1100

This week's show is a preview of the upcoming Science in the Pub event! We interviewed two volcanologists, Dr Karin Orth and Dr Martin, from the University of Tasmania. Both Karin and Martin vent their expert knowledge of volcanic eruptions, mysterious underwater volcanoes, the formation of new islands and of course, all the ways you can die from a volcano.

Be sure to tune in. You're bound to lava it!

Check out the Science in the Pub event link below.

https://www.facebook.com/events/392834044720163/

Episode 35: Printing organs or using samples, how do we protect people in research?

Fri, 25 Oct 2019 17:00:00 +1100

Research pushes the boundaries of medicine and biology.

Bioethics safeguards the participants that take part in experiments to test new technologies or medicines. This week we interviewed three guests passionate about the role of ethics in research; Dr. Rebekah McWhiter, Dr. Lisa Eckstein and Dr. Frederic Gilbert.

A jam-packed episode covering the ethical considerations for printing organs, genetic research and clinical trials.

Host: Niamh Chapman
Production: Olivia Holloway

Episode 34: Putting the M in STEM

Sun, 20 Oct 2019 16:00:00 +1100

Today’s episode is all about the M in STEM, mathematics.

We’re talking about why maths is more than just equations and numbers, that it surrounds us in nature and why it has such a bad stigma attached to it.

To help us explain this topic we’re joined by Barbara Holland, an associate professor and mathematician. Barbara works within the Theoretical Phylogenetics research group in the School of Natural Sciences at the University of Tasmania.

We were also incredibly lucky to have been able to interview the 2018 Australian local hero of the year and math teacher youtube sensation, Eddie Woo. Eddie gave us insight into why maths has such a bad stigma and why he finds such joy in teaching it.

Tune in to hear why maths is more than just numbers and how we can destigmatise the subject.

Episode 33: Killer Whales: Diets, Chemistry & Secrets from the Deep.

Sun, 13 Oct 2019 13:00:00 +1100

Killer whales: highly intelligent, social and elusive. Surely this is the perfect challenge for a marine scientist? Especially when killer whales spend a mere 2% of their lives on the surface of the ocean! Tune in this week as we chat killer whales with Ben Sellers, PhD researcher from the Institute for Marine & Antarctic Science at the University of Tasmania. Ben is a passionate researcher & science communicator, and this week we delve into their complex lives, covering ecology, chemistry & conservation. Citizen science also plays a key role in Ben's research, with the not-for-profit group Killer Whales Australia a great way to report sightings of killer whales for research efforts. Join us this week for fresh perspective on these stunning marine mammals.

Ben's research is funded by Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment with Wild Ocean Tasmania, Killer Whales Australia and CETREC (Cetacean Research) as major collaborators.

Special Guest: Ben Sellers (IMAS, UTAS)

Episode 32: Dirty talk - just poo it!

Sun, 06 Oct 2019 18:00:00 +1100

This week we are unpacking the importance of just pooing it. Co-host Allanna Russell caught up with Dr Dan Owens at MONA, Tasmania. Dan is keen advocate of the importance of returning your free bowel cancer screening kit. Tune in to learn more.

Episode 31: Human engineering - putting people at the heart of solutions

Sun, 29 Sep 2019 17:00:00 +1000

Dr Sarah Lyden and Niamh Chapman cover why human-centered engineering is crucial for designing solutions and the work of Engineers Without Borders with special guests Andrew Koolhof and David Pointing. We also caught up with some first-year engineering students who have just taken part in a project to put people at the heart of engineering solutions. The first team was MArtin Croall, Joe Bailey, Martin Blengsli and Izaac Denholm who had a simple yet innovative solution for power supply (cover image). The second team was Dominic Brown and Thomas Little who filled us in on a solution for water purification.

For more info on the work of Engineers Without Borders visit: https://www.ewb.org.au/

Episode 30: Kelp, I need somebody!

Sun, 22 Sep 2019 17:00:00 +1000

Global strikes for action on climate change occurred this Friday 20th September so this week we bring you a show that unpacks the impact of climate change in Tassie waters. Dr Cayne Layton from the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies is a marine ecologist who studies the kelp forests that are the foundation of the spectacular, but often overlooked, Great Southern Reef. Kelp plays a vital role for marine life in temperate (colder) waters. Tune in to hear why a species of kelp specific to Tasmania is endangered. With Tasmania's eastern and southern waters warming 4 times faster than the rest of the world we need to know what effect this has for local marine life.

Image: Dr Cayne Layton https://www.utas.edu.au/profiles/staff/imas/cayne-layton

Host: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS)

Show Production: Olivia Holloway

Episode 29: Journey to Mars

Sun, 15 Sep 2019 16:00:00 +1000

Join us this week as we delve into what it takes to get to Mars... and what happens from there? Special guest Josh Richards, a top-100 candidate for the Mars One mission, discusses his motivations for signing up for a one-way trip to the red planet, the selection process and what's next! A physicist and engineer, Josh has diverse skills from his background in STEM, and more recently has established himself as a stand-up comedian. This could be one interesting trip to Mars!

Hosted by Niamh and Bianca

Special guest: Josh Richards

Image: WikiImages

Episode 28: 3 years of research in 3 minutes

Wed, 04 Sep 2019 16:00:00 +1000

Tune in this week for an exclusive show with the University of Tasmania's 3-minute thesis finalists. From lizard lovemaking to the influence of periods on ultra-endurance performance, we span 4 different projects in this feature episode. Guests included Brianna Atto, Thomas (Tom) Botterill-James, Tess Nikitenko and Kate Edwards giving us the inside scoop on their exciting research.

Cover image: Kate Edwards courtesy of UTAS

Episode 27: Biosecurity in Tasmania

Sat, 31 Aug 2019 20:00:00 +1000

What should you do about that apple with an unknown disease in your garden? How are problematic pests and diseases from Mainland Australia being stopped at the border? In this week's episode Niamh and Tessa interviewed Dr Ryan Wilkinson about the work of Biosecurity Tasmania to protect Tassie's environment and industries from introduced pests and diseases, and some of the science that informs their work. We focused on the outbreak of Queensland Fruit Fly in 2018-19 and the science used to predcit and plan for future biosecurity challenges.

Show hosted by Niamh Chapman and Tessa Smith.

Audio production by Olivia Holloway.

Photo by James Niland

Episode 26: Scientists of the Future!

Sun, 25 Aug 2019 00:00:00 +1000

In this week's episode, we spoke to some amazing budding scientists from the University of Tasmania, Elizabeth College and St Mary's College. Our guests ranged from inspiring engineers, astrophysicists and chemists who spoke about what inspires them and what they're doing to follow their passion. Tune in to hear from Jess Priest, Luzie Gillard, Daniel Searle and Lucy Eade.

Episode 25: Young Tassie Scientists: Who and What?

Sun, 18 Aug 2019 15:00:00 +1000

This week we caught up with Liam Burt, Silvia Vincenzi, Dr Cayne Layton and Laura Sutton to tell you all about the Young Tassie Scientist program that takes place throughout the month of August as part of Science Week.

Since its inception in 2003, the YTS program has involved more than 250 young scientists giving presentations in countless classrooms all over Tasmania. These scientists have also taken part in University Open Days, national Science Week events, career expos and science/ art programs, reaching many thousands of people. Media coverage has also increased over the years, and contributes to the high public awareness of National Science Week in Tasmania.

In August 2017, over 27,000 Tasmanians spoke with a Young Tassie Scientists face-to-face; that’s 5% of the state population!

Episode 24: Beaker St: A Night at the Museum

Sun, 11 Aug 2019 14:00:00 +1000

Prepare to be entranced by live music, zoological oddities, wandering scientists, and amazing food and drink as the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery comes alive after dark on Friday 16th and Saturday 17th August in Hobart. For this 2019 Science Week special we chatted to some of the people that help bring this captivating event alive, including Dr Margo Adler, the founder of Beaker Street; two scientists who are delivering engaging talks on the main stage, Associate Professor Barbara Holland and Dr Indrani Mukherjee; a musical genius who will be showing off his newly invented instrument at the event, Dr Alon Ilsar; and an amiable wandering scientist with a love for jellyfish, Dr Lisa-ann Gershwin. Tune in to learn all about what’s in store at this year’s pop-up science bar, Beaker Street.

To find out more visit www.beakerstreet.com.au

Acknowledgements:

Cover photo by Beaker Street and Dahlia Foo

Intro music: adapted Kevin McLeod Retro Future Nasty.

Episode 23: Festival of Bright Ideas - a science feast!

Mon, 29 Jul 2019 12:00:00 +1000

The Festival of Bright Ideas 2019 (aka FoBI) hits Hobart on August 9th &10th! A celebration of all things science, this is a not-to-be-missed event for all ages, with over 40 exhibitors showcasing why Tasmania is a hub for science & innovation, plus demonstrations on the big stage & workshops! This episode we caught up with three special guests that will be on hand at FoBI 2019, including Engineers Australia, and MONA's 24 Carrot Garden Project. Dr. David Pointing from Engineers Australia discusses the key role of science outreach events such as FoBI for challenging perceptions of STEM and in particualr engineering, inspiring communities & the core role of innovation. We also shine a light on MONA's 24 Carrot Garden Project, a fantastic initiaitive that integrates school curricula in a hands-on kitchen garden environment. Project manager for the 24 Carrot Garden program Reuben Parker-Greer provided an exciting background and aims for the program, with Billy Rankin from Windermere Primary School working directly with students & seeing incredibly positive outcomes first-hand. Make sure you check out https://festivalofbrightideas.com.au/ for all program details for the public day on Saturday 10th August, and to book tickets!

Episode 22: Discovery is at our core: Prof. Elizabeth Blackburn

Sun, 28 Jul 2019 07:00:00 +1000

We have an absolute treat for you this week as we interviewed Hobart born, Nobel Laureate, Prof. Elizabeth Blackburn. Prof. Blackburn is the first Australian Woman and only Tasmanian to receive the Nobel Prize and we interviewed her about her ground-breaking work, the impact of her work for human health, the role Tasmania played in her love for science and her experience as a woman in STEM.
This episode is part of our special feature for Tasmanian's National Science Week campaign. Science Street Party on Saturday 3rd August from 4-8pm in Good Grief Studios focuses on celebrating the work of Tasmanian scientists by installing a street art piece with a mural of Elizabeth Blackburn. Come along to meet local scientists and see some wonderful art and science cross over. For more info or to book tickets:
https://www.facebook.com/sciencestreetparty/
https://www.facebook.com/events/1081049775420106/

Episode 21: There's a Hack for that!

Sun, 21 Jul 2019 17:00:00 +1000

What happens when you mix crazy good skills with creativity and technology?

Paranormal investigations, microwave kilns, a wonderful safe space in the community to gain life skills and a place for children to realise their insane ideas. We’re talking about the Hobart Hackerspace.

We have special guest Dr Tanya Mclahlan-Troup joining us on-air and clips from Hobart Hackerspace Committee members - Shane Dalgleish, Brian Marriot, David Craig and Mark Steele.

For more information about Hobart Hackerspace visit https://www.hobarthackerspace.org.au/

Episode 20: Diamonds from the deep.

Sun, 14 Jul 2019 17:00:00 +1000

Whether you're the hardest beauty around, a diamond in the rough, or perhaps a girl's best friend, there's no doubting the reputation of the most sought after mineral on earth. But how do diamonds come to exist, where do they travel from, and are there any in Tasmania? These are some of the core questions that we cover in this week's episode when we're joined by special guest geologist Adam Abersteiner, PhD researcher from the University of Tasmania. Listen in for a journey that takes up from the depths of the Earth, with extreme temperature and pressures yielding some of the most precious and scientifically-scintillating rocks! This week's geological discussions also showcase the key role of Tasmanian research towards the search for diamonds & finding what lies beneath us, beyond the physical limits of exploration!

Special guest: Adam Abersteiner, PhD researcher, University of Tasmania

Image: Diamond in situ within kimberlite rock (courtesy of Adam Abersteiner)

Intro music: adapted from Kevin McLeod Retro Future Nasty

Episode 19: Knocking heads

Sun, 07 Jul 2019 16:00:00 +1000

This week we're talking about a risk factor for developing dementia-related diseases; traumatic brain injuries. We hear from two current PhD candidates from the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre; Ross Langley and Olivia Holloway.
Get in touch with the team with questions, feedback or future topic suggestions:
Twitter: @nowscienceTAS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nowscienceTAS/
Instagram: @nowsciencetas_

Episode 18: Stepping stones to a waste free future

Sun, 30 Jun 2019 17:00:00 +1000

This week we cut through the jargon about bioplastics. We interviewed Councillor Bill Harvey about the impending plastics crisis, the processes occurring in the Hobart City Council to remedy these issues and Hobart's green waste future.

Episode 17: Gaming for health.

Sun, 23 Jun 2019 16:00:00 +1000

Gamers are only those that sit on their computers delving into a virtual world for hours on end right? Nope! Gamers includes a wide variety of people and the potential of gaming to enhance a multitude of tasks by making them more fun applies broadly. This week we are looking at using technology based games for health from helping to motivate people to do their stroke rehab recovery to supporting people to quit smoking. Listen in to hear about the many ways gaming is applied to health in Tasmania and some of the challenges faced by those who have tried to put it into practice.

Episode 12: How (scientifically) dope is medical marijuana?

Sun, 19 May 2019 00:00:00 +1000

Although recreational marijuana is illegal in Australia, medical marijuana has been legalised here since 2016. But what’s the difference? And why can’t you just go ask your doctor for a script right now? Join us as we puff on about the science behind medical marijuana and the ground-breaking research on it happening right here in Tassie! This week we hear from Dr Sandra Garland, an agricultural researcher working on growing Tasmanian medical marijuana, and Luke Ney, a medical research PhD student working on the natural cannabinoids in the human body.

Hosts: Niamh Chapman and Allanna Russell

Episode 11: Under pressure, a simple measure to save lives

Sun, 12 May 2019 00:00:00 +1000

The blood coursing through your body carries so much information that can tell a story about your health. Today, we are talking about blood pressure. Have you ever wondered how fast your blood flows and how much pressure it is putting on your heart and arteries? We will be covering what we measured when we look at blood pressure, how people develop high blood pressure and the problems that can lead to and how local researchers are looking for solutions to improve blood pressure measurement.

We are lucky to have Dr Dean Picone joining us in studio and have feature interviews with Prof. James Sharman and Matthew Armstrong.

Host: Niamh Chapman

Episode 10: You've got to be krill to be kind!

Sun, 05 May 2019 00:00:00 +1000

This week we have a special co-host Nicole Hellessey from the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies. Nicole’s work has focused on Antarctic krill oils and the krill fishery. For more information about Nicole follow her on Twitter (@PolarNicole). We interviewed Professor Stephen Nicol to ask the important questions, the krill fishery is sustainable? Here’s a link to more information on krill from his new book (https://islandpress.org/books/curious-life-krill).

We also interviewed Laura Sutton on the use of krill oil for osteoarthritis. More info about trials running on this can be found here: https://www.menzies.utas.edu.au/research/diseases-and-health-issues/research-projects/karaoke

Acknowledgements:

Episode cover image: Stephen Nicol

Intro music: adapted Kevin McLeod Retro Future Nasty.

Episode 9: Sexual pleasure, the science that gets you going!

Sun, 28 Apr 2019 00:00:00 +1000

What’s happening in your body when you’re getting down and dirty? Why does it feel so good when you do your favourite bedroom moves? During this week’s explicit episode, we discuss the science behind sexual pleasure with excellent insights from a Tasmanian sexologist, Richelle Menzies from Sensual Potential.

Acknowledgements:
Episode cover image: Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash
Intro music: adapted Kevin McLeod Retro Future Nasty.

Episode 7: Plastic pollution: seabirds show us the ocean.

Sun, 14 Apr 2019 00:00:00 +1000

Join us as we explore the plastic polluting our oceans, from local shores to the deep blue sea. We met with Tasmanian based researchers, Catarina Serra Goncalves, Megan Grant and Peter Puskic from Institute for Marine and Antartic Studies UTAS and Adrift Lab - Save Our Seabirds.

We'll be talking about how seabirds help us uncover the scale of plastic pollution in the sea as the fill us in on their research projects ranging from the hidden effects of plastic pollution, the impact on nutrition for wildlife and policies that could promote positive change.

For more information:

https://adriftlab.org

Twitter: @AdriftLab

Instagram: adriftlabscience

Facebook: adrift lab - save our seabirds.

Image credit: Peter Puskic.

Episode 6: More than a feeling - is your gut telling you more than you think?

Sun, 07 Apr 2019 14:00:00 +1000

Most of us know that there are bacteria and other bugs breaking down food in our gut, but did you know these bacteria can affect everything from inflammation to your mental health? We discuss how the digestion of fibre in the gut can lead to changes elsewhere in the body, and how the bacteria in your gut can change across your lifetime. And how could we discuss gut bacteria without touching on the emerging science of poo transplants? Join us to find out what they are, how they work, and how they are already curing diseases!

Special Guests:
Olivia Swann – PhD candidate at the Menzies Institute for Medical Research
Associate Professor Raj Eri – Head of Biomedical Sciences at UTAS Newnham Campus

Acknowledgements:
Intro music: adapted Kevin McLeod Retro Future Nasty.

Episode 4: Cider Science!

Sun, 24 Mar 2019 15:00:00 +1100

Let’s get busy with the fizzy! This week we serve you a refreshing blend of history & horticulture (a.k.a. garden science), genetics, microscopic creatures & a pinch of chemistry, as we delve deeper into making of this popular beverage. Behind the flavours and fizz, there’s a complex symphony of science, and we’ll discuss current research that enhances our understanding processes that make this product.

Special Guest:

Madeleine Way – PhD student from the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA), University of Tasmania.

Acknowledgements

Episode Cover Image: Bianca Deans

Intro music: adapted Kevin McLeod Retro Future Nasty.

Episode 3: Mental health, what happens in your brain?

Sun, 10 Mar 2019 15:00:00 +1100

Did you know the shape and size of your brain can be altered when you are experiencing mental health issues? Or that hormones, naturally occurring in your body, can make you more likely to experience mental health issues? In recent years, considerable effort have focused on raising awareness about how common and serious mental health issues can be. This work is essential to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and promote a positive culture where people can talk openly about issues they may be experiencing and seek help when needed.

We invite you to explore the ways our brain is affected by stress and trauma that can change our biochemistry and over time the structure of brain seen in some mental illnesses.

Special guest:

Luke Ney – PhD student in the Department of Psychology, University of Tasmania.

If you have been affected by any of themes discussed in our show we encourage you to seek support from the following sources:

Beyond Blue:

Telephone 1300 22 4636

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/about-us/contact-us

For 12 – 25 year olds, get in touch with Headspace, Hobart.

Telephone: 03 6231 2927

https://headspace.org.au/headspace-centres/hobart/

Acknowledgements:

Episode cover image: https://pixabay.com/illustrations/mental-health-brain-mind-mental-3332122/

Intro music: adapted Kevin McLeod Retro Future Nasty.

Episode 2: Celebrating women in science

Sun, 03 Mar 2019 15:00:00 +1100

International Women’s Day is Friday 8th March 2019, to celebrate we have dedicated this week’s show to discuss women in science and technology. There are fewer women in leadership roles in the sciences compared to men. Women also get paid less for the same work as their male peers and are more likely to leave the sector. We discuss some of the problems that women face in science and technology through the experiences and profiles of women in science that we admire.

For more info you can head to the following links:

https://www.chiefscientist.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/Infographic.pdf

https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-019-00611-1

https://www.vox.com/science-and-health/2018/6/13/17453360/sexual-harassment-report-science-metoo

https://scienceandtechnologyaustralia.org.au/science-gender-pay-gap-too-wide-and-job-insecurity-persists-new-report/

https://www.sciencegenderequity.org.au/

Acknowledgements:

Intro music by Kevin McLeod and edited by Allanna Russell.

Episode Cover image by https://medium.com/nevertheless-podcast/stem-role-models-posters-2404424b37dd

Episode 1: Tasmanian Bushfires, fire fuel and fresh air.

Sun, 24 Feb 2019 15:00:00 +1100

In light of recent Tasmania’s recent bushfires, we delved into two key aspects of fire, fuels and planning and the effects of smoke on human health.

We interview James Furlaud about how we understand fires and the way research into fires informs how we prevent and manage them in the future.

James is a PhD student at the School of Natural Sciences and Fire Centre at the University of Tasmania.

The Fire Centre Research Hub was established by the University of Tasmania last year with the aim of connecting scientists and relevant research with government, weather and emergency services. It also aims to assist communities to prepare for fire, and to understand traditional fire management by engaging with local Indigenous communities. For more information: https://firecentre.org.au/

Next we interview Dr Fay Johnston, associate professor at the Menzies Institute for Medical Research, about the health risks of smoke exposure and what steps to take if you are at risk. For more information: (http://www.utas.edu.au/profiles/staff/menzies/fay-johnston)

Acknowledgments:

Intro music credit: Kevin McLeod Retro Future Nasty

Episode image credit: Nick Monk Photography.