The Science Lens

Let’s tackle a very specific subset of a very big subject: AI. Let’s look into how generative AI is impacting higher education and research. In today’s episode, we are discussing how generative AI affects meaningful teaching and learning, how researchers are looking into the relationship between humans and AI, and whether you should let generative AI write your resume and prepare your coffee. Em-dashes and Oxford commas are also up for debate! Our guests are Dr. Brenda M. Stoesz and Rafiat Bamimore Akodu. Stoesz is a Research Lead - Science of Teaching and Learning at the Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning (CATL) at UM. She heads up projects that help strengthen teaching at the university, digging into topics like academic integrity, VR-based training for soft skills, and how students feel about learning tech. Akodu is an MSc student in Computer Science from the Human Computer Interaction (HCI) Lab under the supervision of Dr. Houda Elmimouni. She holds a master's degree in Collective Intelligence from the School of Collective Intelligence, University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P), Morocco, as well as a Bachelor of Engineering in Agricultural and Bio-Resources Engineering. Her primary research interest is in HCI, where she focuses on designing intelligent, human-centred systems that enhance user experiences and contribute to sustainable solutions. This episode is hosted by Kimia Shadkami, digital content and communications lead and Michelle Perner-Lemire, research grants facilitator. What we are not necessarily covering in this episode is the scientific aspect of AI technology and some of the ethical and environmental concerns around it. We would strongly recommend checking out the latest episode of “What’s the Big Idea!” hosted by President Michael Benarroch with the Head of Computer Science Department, David Gerhard, as the guest and featuring excerpts from the Q&A section of the recent Knight Lecture with Professor Geoffrey Hinton.

Change is the only constant in our lives, and we don't talk enough about the fear that comes with it. Not only to find solutions that would work for us, but also to find community.When it comes to changes in our academic or professional paths, even the slightest changes can feel extreme, and sometimes they are. In this episode, we talk about why change is needed, how our personal experiences have been shaped by embracing change, and why you should give it a try!Our guests are Dr. Xinli Wang and Elayna Paddock Thiessen. Wang is an instructor at the department of mathematics and teaches entry-level math courses. Her teaching career in Canada began in 2016 after she moved here from Singapore. She is passionate about utilizing Open Educational Resources and Open Educational Practices in her teaching. Paddock Thiessen is a genetics honours student in their final term of study in the Faculty of Science. They have been a student in science since 2019 with an academic interest in healthcare equity and disability justice. They are involved in the UM science community as one of the current co-presidents of the biology undergraduate students' association (BUGS) and hope to pursue a career in genetic counselling after graduation.This episode is hosted by Kimia Shadkami, digital content and communications lead, and Taylor Owen, academic advisor at UM Faculty of Science.

Have you ever paused to think where your science education can take you? Are you wondering if getting a MSc or PhD is worth it? Did you ever think that you had to go out of Manitoba to do something big? Well, hold that thought because today’s guest might surprise you. With a PhD in Physics from the University of Manitoba, Michael Lang specializes in cutting-edge advancements applicable to medical imaging and instrumentation. As a driving force behind Taumedis, Michael is committed to establishing the company as a global leader in intraoperative medical imaging solutions. He is passionate about forging industrial and academic relationships, creating research opportunities for students and emerging professionals that lead to fulfilling careers, and giving back to the local community.This episode is hosted by Kimia Shadkami, digital content and communications lead and Daniel Heschuk, program development specialist from the Faculty of Science.Join us to discover the unknown and invent the future!

The University of Manitoba (UM) is the largest university in Manitoba, Canada, both by student enrollment and campus area. UM has been ranked among the Top 5 in Canada for Student Services per Maclean’s 2025 University Rankings and has been recognized for 14th consecutive year as one of Manitoba’s Top Employers for 2025.So, what is it like to study and work on one of the most beautiful campuses at the largest university in Manitoba, Canada? Where are the hidden gems on campus? Where can you buy a great cup of coffee? And what should you do if you get lost in the tunnels?In this episode of The Science Lens, we are joined by Dr. Erwin Heubner, professor emeritus of biological sciences and artist-in-residence at the School of Art at the University of Manitoba, and Nishita Das a third-year Bachelor of Science student majoring in Psychology at the University of Manitoba who currently serves as the Director of Special Events for the Science Students’ Association (SSA).This episode is hosted by Kimia Shadkami, digital content and communications lead and Nicolle Amyotte, events coordinator from the Faculty of Science.Join us to discover the unknown and invent the future!

Where do scientists get their ideas from, and where do they go from there? How do their careers change throughout the years? What are their hopes and dreams for the future of their field? But most importantly, tea or coffee while working on the next paper?These and so many other questions are answered in the first episode of The Science Lens, the UM Faculty of Science podcast.This episode is hosted by Kimia Shadkami, digital content and communications lead and Michelle Perner-Lemire, research grants facilitator. Our guests are Houda Elmimouni, assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science, and Abishek Iyer, assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry.