NC Wesleyan University - Deep End Podcast

Send us Fan MailDr. Aaron Allen of the Math Program joins us to talk about growing up loving mathematics, mentors who shaped him, the challenges of teaching math, and, of course, both Pi and Pie!Dropping on 3.14 at 1:59.  

Send us Fan MailJoe Lane interviews Dr. Tyana Ellis (Communication) about how she developed her interests in Public Health and Communication.  

Send us Fan MailJoe Lane interviews Dr. Benjamin Hiskes, Assistant Professor of Psychology, about his work at the intersection of literary studies and neuroscience.  

Send us Fan MailIn this insightful episode, Provost Joe Lane interviews Dr. Emily Weber, Shaw Assistant Professor of Biology and Coordinator of the Biomedical Science Track at North Carolina Wesleyan University. Dr. Weber shares her journey from immunology research to a passion for student-centered teaching and academic advising.Key Highlights:Academic Background & Passion for Virology: Dr. Weber earned her PhD in biomedical science, focusing on immunology and viruses like HIV. Her fascination with the complexity and diversity of viruses continues to inspire her teaching.Focus on Student Success: Now deeply invested in educational research, Dr. Weber explores how soft skills—like time management, collaboration, and introspection—impact student performance and readiness for competitive graduate programs.Technology in Learning: She discusses the evolving role of AI tools like ChatGPT in education, emphasizing thoughtful use to enhance learning rather than replace critical thinking.Building Academic Community: Dr. Weber highlights the importance of peer support and small-group learning, noting how Wesleyan’s intimate environment fosters meaningful student connections and shared strategies for success.Career Guidance & Personal Fit: Drawing from her own shift from nursing to biology, she encourages students to reflect on their passions and strengths to find the right career path—whether in medicine, public health, or other science-related fields.Vision for the Future: Dr. Weber hopes to see students graduate not only with strong academic foundations but also with the confidence and tools to thrive in diverse professional environments.This episode offers a compelling look at how personalized education, curiosity, and thoughtful mentorship can transform student experiences and outcomes.

Send us Fan MailIn this engaging episode, Provost Joe Lane sits down with Dr. Daniel Elias, Associate Professor of Environmental Science at North Carolina Wesleyan University, to explore his journey, research, and impact on students.Highlights include:Academic Journey: Dr. Elias shares his unexpected path from agronomy in Peru to environmental science in the U.S., culminating in a PhD focused on the effects of pesticides on freshwater ecosystems.Building a Program: As the first faculty member dedicated to environmental science at Wesleyan, Dr. Elias developed a robust curriculum, expanding course offerings to better prepare students for careers in ecotoxicology, conservation, and more.Student-Centered Research: He emphasizes hands-on learning, guiding undergraduates through real-world research projects that lead to conference presentations and publications—an uncommon achievement at the undergraduate level.Environmental Impact Studies: Dr. Elias discusses his work studying the effects of common pharmaceuticals and microplastics on aquatic organisms like snails, highlighting the broader implications for ecosystems and human health.Citizen Science & Fieldwork: From beach trips to collect microplastics to muddy adventures in local waterways, Dr. Elias brings environmental science to life, making learning tangible and memorable.Advice for Aspiring Scientists: He encourages students to explore environmental science early, noting the wide range of career paths—from government and industry to education and conservation.This episode showcases Dr. Elias’s infectious enthusiasm for science and teaching, his dedication to student success, and his commitment to addressing real-world environmental challenges.

Send us Fan MailIn the inaugural episode, Dr. Shane Thompson, Assistant Professor of Religion and Biblical and Near Eastern Studies, shares his academic journey and passion for ancient cultures, languages, and lived religion. With expertise spanning Mesopotamian texts to Late Bronze Age Syria, Dr. Thompson discusses how his diverse background—including fieldwork and multiple master’s degrees—shapes his classroom approach. He also highlights his recent honor as a Kershaw Lecturer with the Archaeological Institute of America and reflects on the value of teaching at a small liberal arts institution like NCWU.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of NC Wesleyan's Academic Affairs Podcast, The Deep End at North Carolina Wesleyan, host Dr. Joe Lane is joined by two faculty members from seemingly unrelated disciplines—biology and public health—who have discovered surprising intersections in their research. Dr. Ami Thompson, Assistant Professor of Biology, brings her expertise in dragonflies and aquatic ecosystems, while Dr. Meredith Gringle, Assistant Professor of Public Health, focuses on maternal and child health.Together, they share how their collaborative project bridges the natural and human worlds, revealing how interdisciplinary partnerships can spark innovation and deepen understanding. Whether you're fascinated by wetlands or public health, this conversation offers a compelling look at the creative potential that emerges when academic boundaries are crossed.Visit ncwu.edu/academics to learn more about what our faculty are doing and how they are impacting higher education. 

Send us Fan MailDoreen Thierauf, Ph.D., Associate Professor of English, discusses what brought her to the United States for graduate study at the University of North Carolina and eventually settling in at NC Wesleyan University. She is also serves as the General Education Program Coordinator,  Assistant Director of the Teaching and Learning Center and Editor of Omnium: The Undergraduate Research Journal at NCWU. Dr. Thierauf shares her academic journey from aspiring astrophysicist in Germany to literature scholar in the U.S. She recounts how her early fascination with science shifted to a passion for English literature, sparked by reading Jane Austen in high school. The episode offers insights into her background, her love for language, and her path to becoming a dedicated educator and researcher.