Health and Human Science Matters

Struggling to figure out how much sleep your body actually needs? You’re not alone. Although sleep is among the strongest predictors of long-term health, 38% of Americans sleep less than 7 hours each night. In this episode of Health and Human Science Matters, Dr. Josiane Broussard, director of CSU’s Sleep and Metabolism Lab with the Department of Health and Exercise Science, breaks down the research behind sleep duration, why your ideal number might differ from someone else’s, and how sleep affects everything from metabolism to mood.Learn more about Dr. Broussard on her bio page!

Colorado State University former Provost and Executive Vice President, Dr. Marion K. Underwood, sits down with Matt and Avery to discuss the importance and value of higher education, how universities can innovatively integrate AI, and her academic and administrative journey.Learn more about Dr. Underwood on her bio page!

Dr. Cassandra Moseley, Vice President for Research at Colorado State University, sits down with Matt and Avery to discuss her expansive research and administrative career during which she specialized in Forest and climate policy, public lands governance, and sustainable rural development, and how her journey led her to CSU. Learn more about Dr. Moseley on her bio page!

On this episode, Matt and Avery sit down with Dr. James Folkestad, University Distinguished Teaching Scholar, professor, and director of the Center for the Analytics of Learning and Teaching in the School of Education at Colorado State University. Dr. Folkestad discusses his data-driven, innovative research, and UBehavior, a learning tool that empowers students to improve their performance and enrich their learning experience.Learn more about Dr. Folkestad on his bio page!

Dr. Laura Swink, assistant professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at Colorado State University, speaks with Matt and Avery about her research optimizing novel rehabilitation interventions to promote meaningful participation in everyday life, and to help individuals multi-task while reducing fall risk.Learn more about Dr. Swink on her bio page!

Dr. Kaigang Li, assistant professor in the Department of Health and Exercise Science, speaks with Matt and Avery about his research that covers a wide array of interventions to improve physical wellbeing for young adults, from driving safety and limiting risky driving behavior to biophilic design.Learn more about Dr. Li on his bio page!

Dr. John Wilson, assistant professor in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, speaks with Matt and Avery about his research on traditional fermentation techniques, the communal nature of fermentation, and how to use science to diversify modern food processing techniques. Learn more about Dr. Wilson on his bio page!

Dr. Jain Kwon, assistant professor in the Department of Design and Merchandising at Colorado State University, sits down with Matt and Avery to discuss her research in the Spatial Perception and Cognitive Experience laboratory and her use of technology and evidence-based design theory to optimize people's experiences in the built environment.Learn more about Dr. Kwon on her bio page!

Dr. Anne Williford, associate professor in the School of Social Work at Colorado State University, sits down with Matt and Avery to discuss her research to identify effective prevention and intervention strategies to mitigate risk and promote positive behavioral health outcomes in youth.Learn more about Dr. Williford on her bio page!

Dr. Ana Gutierrez-Colina, assistant professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at Colorado State University, sits down with Matt and Avery to discuss her research goal to improve the health of minoritized youth who are disproportionally affected by chronic stressors and adversity, with a specific focus on Hispanic youth and families living in rural areas. Learn more about Dr. Gutierrez-Colina on her bio page!

Dr. Mahmoud Shakouri, assistant professor and director of the Cement and Concrete Research Laboratory in Colorado State University's Department of Construction Management, sits down with Matt and Avery to discuss his research seeking sustainable materials and methods within the construction industry, specifically eco-friendly concrete and cement solutions.Learn more about Dr. Shakouri on his bio page!

On the season six premiere of Health and Human Science Matters, Matt and Avery sit down with Ph.D. candidates and 2024 CHHS Dean’s Doctoral Fellowship recipients, Ross Atkinson from the School of Education, Maureen Walsh from the Department of Health and Exercise Science, and Megan Moran from the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at Colorado State University.The doctoral students share how they discovered their passion for their areas of research, their journeys to CSU, and their aspirations to make a positive impact on people's lives through their work.Learn more about the CHHS Dean's Fellowship and the 2023-24 fellows.

Colorado State University’s 16th President Amy Parsons joins Matt and Avery to discuss her journey from studying political science as an undergraduate at CSU and pursuing her law degree, to becoming the university’s president.During the conversation, President Parsons emphasized the importance of CSU as a modern land-grant university and its role to serve students, faculty, staff, and our communities in Colorado while cultivating an engaging atmosphere for connection, democracy, expression, and intellectual curiosity.Get to know more about President Parsons on her bio page. Also, learn about the "Democracy and Higher Education: A Presidential Conversation with Johns Hopkins President, Ronald Daniels" event on Thursday, April 18, 2024.

On this special episode of Health and Human Science Matters, Matt and Avery sit down with Ph.D. candidates and CHHS Dean’s Doctoral Fellowship recipients, Mohammad Teymouri from the Department of Construction Management, Elliot Graham from the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, and Heidi Tseng from the Department of Human Development and Family Studies.The three doctoral students share their journeys to Colorado State University, what it's like to pursue a Ph.D., and the impact they hope to have with their research.Learn more about the CHHS Dean's Fellowship and the fellows here: https://chhs.source.colostate.edu/csu-college-of-health-and-human-sciences-2022-23-deans-fellows-recognized-for-their-research-excellence/

Dr. Mohammed Mehany, associate professor in Colorado State University's Department of Construction Management, sits down with Matt and Avery to discuss his fascinating, cross-cultural journey from Cairo, Egypt to Colorado and his research studying more sustainable infrastructure and mental health in the construction industry. Learn more about Dr. Mehany on his bio page!

Dr. Karyn Hamilton, professor in Colorado State University's Department of Health and Exercise Science, associate director for the Columbine Health Systems Center of Healthy Aging, and director of the Translational Research on Aging and Chronic Disease Lab, speaks with Matt and Avery about her integrative approach to studying age-associated chronic diseases.Learn more about Dr. Hamilton on her bio page!

Dr. Sarah A. Johnson, registered dietician nutritionist and associate professor in Colorado State University's Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, speaks with Matt and Avery about her research on functional foods - such as blueberries and microgreens - to benefit human health across the lifespan.Learn more about Dr. Johnson on her bio page!

Dr. Paula Alaszkiewicz, assistant professor in Colorado State University's Department of Design and Merchandising and curator of the Avenir Museum of Design and Merchandising, speaks with Matt and Avery about her research and creative scholarship exploring the structures, spaces, and practices of exhibiting fashion and historic textiles.Learn more about Dr. Alaszkiewicz on her bio page!

Dr. Jen Currin-McCulloch, assistant professor and director of the Serious Illness and End-of-Life Narratives Research Lab in Colorado State University's School of Social Work, speaks with Matt and Avery about her research to uncover the disparities in access to health care and mental health services for young adults with advanced cancer and terminal illnesses.Learn more about Dr. Currin-McCulloch on her bio page!

Dr. Lauren Shomaker, associate professor and director of the Adolescent Wellness Team in Colorado State University's Department of Human Development and Family Studies, sits down with Matt and Avery to discuss her research on optimizing mental and physical health for adolescents and her role as a mentor to early-career scholars.Learn more about Dr. Shomaker on her bio page!

Dr. Andy Persch, associate professor in Colorado State University's Department of Occupational Therapy and director of the Transition, Employment, and Technology Lab, speaks to Matt and Avery about his research focused on improving the transition to adulthood and employment among individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He also discusses the Vocational Fit Assessment and VocFit.com created in partnership with colleague, Dr. Dennis Cleary, a tool to help inform job placement and customized employment decision-making.Learn more about Dr. Persch on his bio page!

Dr. Susana Muñoz, associate professor and coordinator of the Higher Education Leadership doctoral specialization in Colorado State University's School of Education, sits down with Matt and Avery to discuss her journey through academia and her research on college persistence, access, equity, and identity development for undocumented Latinx college students.Learn more about Dr. Muñoz on her bio page!

Dr. Mehmet E. Ozbek, professor in Colorado State University's Department of Construction Management and holder of the Joseph Phelps Endowed Chair, sits down with Matt and Avery to discuss his research in sustainable infrastructure, construction asset management, and the future of the built environment.Learn more about Dr. Ozbek on his bio page!

Dr. Kari Dockendorff, an assistant professor in Colorado State University's School of Education, sits down with Matt and Avery to discuss their research critically examining the trans* student experience by developing survey tools that measure trans* inclusive behaviors, attitudes, and knowledge of staff in their interactions with trans* students.Learn more about Dr. Dockendorff on their bio page!

Dr. Michelle Foster, a professor in Colorado State University's Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition and Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice within CSU's College of Health and Human Sciences joins Matt and Avery to discuss her higher education journey, her research studying obesity and energy, and her most recent venture advocating for inclusion as assistant dean.Learn more about Dr. Foster on her bio page!

Dr. Maria Delgado, assistant professor in Colorado State University's Department of Design and Merchandising, sits down with Matt and Avery to discuss her research and creative scholarship in developing tiny homes, utilizing augmented and virtual reality in architecture, and prioritizing accessibility in design.To learn more about Dr. Delgado, visit her bio page!

Dr. Rachel Lucas-Thompson, associate professor in Colorado State University's Department of Human Development and Family Studies, sits down with Matt and Avery to discuss her research and work as a developmental psychologist seeking solutions to reduce stress in adolescents through mindfulness interventions.To learn more about Dr. Lucas-Thompson, visit her bio page!

Susan Mingils, a Ph.D. student in CSU's Department of Occupational Therapy, sits down with Matt and Avery to discuss her research studying the potential positive impacts music and rhythm can have on physical and cognitive functions, as well as her experience as a Dean's Fellow in the College of Health and Human Sciences.To learn more about Susan, visit her bio page!

Dr. James Graham, director of the Center for Community Partnerships (CCP) within Colorado State University's Department of Occupational Therapy, sits down with Matt and Avery to discuss his unique path through higher ed and his research mission to support the long-term health and independence of adults with disabilities and chronic health conditions.Learn more about Dr. Graham and the CCP on his bio page!

Dr. Marc Winokur, director of the Social Work Research Center within Colorado State University's School of Social Work, talks to Matt and Avery about his research in kinship care, child maltreatment prevention, and how he builds strong relationships within the social work community.Learn more about Dr. Winokur by visiting his bio page!

Dr. Brett Fling, director of the Sensorimotor Neuroimaging Lab within Colorado State University's Department of Health and Exercise Science, sits down with Matt and Avery to discuss his unique path through academia, his mentoring style, and his lab's research strategies that promote brain neuroplasticity and functional motor recovery in individuals with traumatic brain injury and multiple sclerosis. Click this link to learn more about Dr. Fling and the Sensorimotor Neuroimaging Lab!

In the season four premiere of Health and Human Science Matters, CSU interim executive vice president, Dr. Rick Miranda, joins Matt and Avery to discuss his 40-year career at Colorado State University and the university's bright future.Chronicling his time as a professor in CSU's Department of Mathematics in the 1980s up to his appointment as the university's interim president in 2022, discover how Dr. Miranda has championed research and interdisciplinary partnership during his journey through academia and administration.

How well do you know science lingo? After listening to Health and Human Science Matters, you'll know plenty! Starting Friday, March 3, join Matt and Avery for another season of incredible conversations with researchers, scholars, and special guests at Colorado State University.

In the season three finale of Health and Human Science Matters, Dr. Alan Rudolph, the Vice President for Research at Colorado State University, reflects on his expansive career in science with Matt and Avery.From his Ph.D. in Zoology and his time with DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) to his entrepreneurial accomplishments and decade of service for the Office of the Vice President for Research at CSU, learn about Dr. Rudolph's journey, and discover more about him on his bio page!

Tricia Grady-Dominguez, a Ph.D. student in CSU's Department of Occupational Therapy, sits down with Matt and Avery to discuss her academic trajectory from biochemistry to occupational therapy, and her experience as a Dean's Fellow in the College of Health and Human Sciences.To learn more about Tricia, visit her bio page!

Dr. Kristen Morris, associate professor at Colorado State University's Department of Design and Merchandising, discusses her teaching and research on developing inclusive, adaptive apparel and products for disabled and diverse communities.To learn more about Dr. Morris, visit her bio page!

Dr. Tiffany Jones, assistant professor at Colorado State University's School of Social Work, sits down with Matt and Avery to discuss her work addressing racial inequities, particularly in K-12 schools, as well as her passion for the arts.To learn more about Dr. Jones, visit her bio page!

In this special two-part episode in collaboration with the Columbine Health Systems Center for Healthy Aging podcast, Living Healthy Longer, College of Health and Human Sciences' Dean Lise Youngblade and Dr. Nicole Ehrhart, director of the Columbine Health Systems Center for Healthy Aging, discuss their academic and professional journeys, mentorship, and their roles as leaders on campus.Listen to part two of this episode on the Living Healthy Longer podcast here!

Dr. Jessica Gonzalez-Voller, associate professor in the Counseling and Career Development master's degree program within CSU's School of Education, sits down with Matt and Avery to discuss her research in multicultural competence training for counselors, serving historically marginalized communities, and her family life.To learn more about Dr. Gonzalez-Voller, visit her bio page!

Dr. Deborah "Debbie" Fidler sits down with Matt and Avery to discuss her research in studying neurodiversity and intellectual disabilities - specifically the cognitive phenotype associated with Down syndrome - and her passion for serving the community.To learn more about Dr. Fidler, visit her bio page!

Dr. Svetlana Olbina, associate professor in Colorado State University's Department of Construction Management, discusses her journey from Serbia to the United States, her passion for teaching and implementing virtual reality in construction education and research, and her joyous life off-campus.To learn more about Dr. Olbina, visit her bio page!

Dr. Tom LaRocca, assistant professor in CSU's Department of Health and Exercise Science and director of the Healthspan Biology Lab at CSU, sits down with co-hosts Matt and Avery to discuss his journey from teaching high school chemistry to becoming a healthspan researcher. Dr. LaRocca addresses neurodegenerative diseases like ALS and Alzheimer’s through his research.To learn more about Dr. LaRocca, visit his bio page!

Dr. Jaclyn Stephens, assistant professor in CSU's Department of Occupational Therapy, sits down with co-hosts Matt and Avery to discuss her academic journey and how she combines her neuroscience studies and occupational therapy training to support individuals with traumatic brain injuries (TBI). She also discusses the department's big plans at CSU's new Spur campus in Denver, Colorado.To learn more about Dr. Stephens, visit her bio page!

Dr. Megan Mueller, an assistant professor in CSU's Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, discusses her research in identifying and informing systems, policy, and environmental approaches to obesity prevention, with a focus on helping children and families.To learn more about Dr. Mueller, visit her bio page!

Get your headphones ready; Health and Human Science Matters is back for a third season! Like in seasons one and two, Matt and Avery speak with Colorado State University's College of Health and Human Sciences researchers to discuss their journeys to becoming impactful scientists. But now, we're dropping episodes every other Friday, starting today! Set yourself a reminder, and stay tuned for an exciting new season of Health and Human Science Matters!

Dr. Vincent Basile, faculty in CSU’s School of Education and the co-director of CSU's RISE Center, discusses his unconventional journey to becoming a tenured professor, his love of Hip-Hop culture, and his important research on the decriminalization of students of color.To learn more about Dr. Basile, check out his bio page!

Colorado State University One Health Institute Director and University Distinguished Professor, Dr. Sue VandeWoude, discusses her research journey through veterinary medicine and the mission of the One Health Institute to advance health for humans, animals, and the environment.To learn more about Dr. VandeWoude, visit her webpage!

Reagan Miller, a Ph.D. student in CSU’s Department of Human Development and Family Studies, talks with hosts Matt Hickey and Avery Martin about being one of the inaugural Dean’s Fellows of the College and her research on mindfulness to help adolescents cope with stress and trauma.To learn more about Reagan, visit her bio page!

Dr. Paula Yuma, a faculty member in CSU’s School of Social Work and Director of the Center for Lifelong Learning, Outreach, and Education (CLOE), discusses her research on "closing the health gap" through social work, and increasing equity and access of resources for all.To learn more about Dr. Yuma, visit her bio page!

Dr. Patti Davies from CSU’s Department of Occupational Therapy discusses her research on children with neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD and autism, and how music therapy can help them develop, grow, and thrive.To learn more about Dr. Davies, visit her bio page!