UNB in 30

Marc sits down with Nhu Trieu to discuss UNB's Microscopy and Microanalysis Facility - an important player in institutional and regional scientific research with a rich history and vital mission.Nhu Trieu is the Director of the Microscopy and Microanalysis Facility (MMF) at the University of New Brunswick (UNB). The MMF is an open access, interdisciplinary imaging and analysis platform that provides high-level training, subject matter expertise, and serves as the oldest centralized source of institutional and local research ecosystem knowledge for over 950+ internal UNB clients from 9 departments (biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, forestry, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, civil engineering) across 3 faculties (science, engineering, forestry) and 400+ external clients from other non-profit academic institutions, government, and industry of all sizes over the last 20 years. Nhu is a bioimaging and sample preparation generalist with over 10 years of experience in histology, confocal, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy and over 15 years of diverse research experience over multiple model and non-traditional organisms. As the fourth-generation director of the MMF since its establishment in 1966, Nhu oversees operation and strategic development, national and international collaborations, and still maintains biology expertise for the facility. She also actively contributes to the broader imaging community through her involvement as Counsellor at Large for the Microscopy Society of Canada (MSC), Executive Board member for Canada BioImaging (CBI), Eastern Canada Representative for the Canadian Network of Scientific Platforms (CNSP), and the inaugural Intern for Canada on the BioImaging North America Executive Board (BINA). 

In the second installment of our series on UNB graduate student research related to the Wolastoq, Marc speaks with Felix Eissenhauer, whose interest in freshwater ecology led to a PhD assessing the movement patterns, habitat use, and life-history traits of American eels in the lower Wolastoq, thus establishing essential baseline data for future conservation and management efforts. Felix conducted his study as part of the Mactaquac Aquatic Ecosystem Study, a collaboration between NB Power and the Canadian Rivers Institute to provide the research necessary to support informed, science-based decisions for the planned refurbishment of the Mactaquac Generating Station, a hydroelectric dam established across the Wolastoq about 20 kilometers west of Fredericton, New Brunswick.

The first in what we hope is a series of conversations about the intersection of UNB research and the Wolastoq, Percy Sacobie, UNB MEd 2022 and current Director of Education for St Mary's First Nation sits down with Marc to discuss his groundbreaking (dam shattering?) thesis that culminated in the YFC departure lounge situated mural "Glooscap and the Giant Beaver".

Get ready for the Fall semester with this short UNB in 30 episode! Naya shares practical tips for students on building community through clubs and societies, planning your course schedule, using campus resources, and more. If you are a new or returning student looking to start the Fall term strong, this episode is perfect for you!

Naya and Marc sit down to compare notes on their favourite and least favourite aspects of summer life on the UNB Fredericton Campus, eventually settling on a discussion of longstanding grounds keeping practices.

What happens after the cap and gown? For international students, the journey doesn’t end at graduation—it’s just the beginning. In this episode, host Abhi dives into the hopes, challenges, and dreams of international students as they navigate life after graduation.  Join us as we hear from Sanchit, a final-year BBA student, and Lois, a final-year Chemical Engineering student, as they share their post-graduation plans, from staying in Canada to returning home or exploring global opportunities.Whether you’re an international student, an educator, or just curious about the post-grad journey, this episode is packed with personal stories, practical advice, and reflections on what the future holds.  Tune in to UNB in 30 for 30-minute journeys towards 2030—for the students, by the students, and of the students.  

By tracing back to the impactful conversation and picking it up from where we left off, Segment 2 is officially here! Segment 2 - of our special two-part episode with Dr. John McLaughlin, President Emeritus of UNB, is now live! In this second installment, Dr. McLaughlin shares insights on calibrating a student’s mindset in the present world, a more detailed approach on deep change, and the key moments that shaped his journey. Whether you're a student, faculty member, or a leadership enthusiast, this episode is packed with wisdom and inspiration. Tune in now and be part of the conversation! 

In this episode of UNB in 30, host Naya Sabbagh brings together lower-year and upper-year students for an honest conversation about university life. First-year students ask the questions they’ve been wondering, like, "How do you know if you're in the right program? What happens when friendships don’t last?" while upper-year students share their hard-earned wisdom and advice. Whether you're just starting university or reflecting on how far you've come, this episode offers real stories, valuable insights, and a reminder that your story matters!

The wait is over! Segment -1 of our special two-part episode with Dr. John McLaughlin, President Emeritus of UNB, is now live!In this first installment, Dr. McLaughlin shares insights on leadership, transformative deep change, and the key moments that shaped his journey. Whether you're a student, faculty member, or a leadership enthusiast, this episode is packed with wisdom and inspiration.Tune in now and be part of the conversation!

Welcome back to UNB in 30, 30-minute journey towards 2030. Your host Abhi is back with an exciting episode as  we dive into sustainability at UNB—both on campus and beyond. Join me a deep insightful conversation with Sedona Cluett, UNB's Manager of Sustainability, who shares her insights on the University's initiatives towards sustainability and a greater environmental impact. Together, we'll explore the challenges and successes of promoting sustainability in an academic setting, along with Sedona who offers practical tips on how we can all contribute to a greener future. Whether you're a student, staff member, or simply interested in sustainability, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable advice. Tune in now and learn how you can make a difference!  

Introducing UNB in 30: Graduate Edition Thematic explorations of graduate students' research and experiences, in their own words, at the University of New Brunswick. An opportunity for individuals to practice communication skills in the podcasting medium and for the UNB community to learn more about itself. Host Sam Hamza speaks with UNB in 30 producer Marc Bragdon on the goals of this new branch of the UNB in 30 family.

In this episode of UNB in 30, we dive into the world of campus stereotypes with students from diverse majors. Ever wondered if all art students are "daydreamers" or if engineering majors are "all work and no play"? Our guests tackle these labels head-on, debunking the myths and sharing their personal experiences. Listen as they discuss these stereotypes, how they impact their academic life, and why it's time to see students as more than just their fields of study. From surprising truths to heartfelt moments, this conversation will leave you thinking differently about the people you pass by on campus every day.

Welcome back to the university series- UNB in 30, 30 minute journeys towards 2030. I'm Abhi, your new host for this season and I'm extremely excited to take you all on a journey in my pilot episode, where we will be diving into the challenges faced by students during the mid-term season and the stress that comes with it. Join me as I chat with two insightful guests- Taabish, a 4th year undergraduate student who shares his firsthand perspective on managing academic pressure, and Mathew Stewart, a mental health strategist on campus, who offers expert advice on how to cope with stress and maintain well-being during this hectic time. Whether you're a student or just curious about mental health strategies, this episode provides practical tips and valuable insights to help you power through the mid-way term blues. Tune in now!

Dive into the waves of three different stories from our beloved UNB students along with our guest host Arshay, where they discuss, laugh up, and play back their favourite experiences of this past summer as international students in Fredericton. This episode encapsulates great moments, from a successful student-run lemonade stand to a boat flipping mid-river! Enjoy the fun...

The theme for Black History Month this year is Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate and a Future to Build. This month is about listening, learning, and celebrating the many achievements and contributions of Black Canadians and their communities who, throughout history, have done so much to make Canada a more culturally diverse country. The role of Black people and their communities in Canada has largely been ignored as a key part of Canada’s history.   In this episode, UNB in 30 Host, Kalkidan Burke sits down with Dr. Mary Louise McCarthy, a sixth-generation woman of African descent in New Brunswick and community leader who is committed to telling stories of her ancestors. Dr. Mary Louise McCarthy has received several accolades, she has received the Queen Elizabeth Platinum Jubilee Medal, an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from St. Thomas University, established and became executive director of REACH in NB (Remembering every African Cemeteries History) and received a Doctor of Philosophy from University of Toronto, with a specialty in Social Justice   Dr. McCarthy shares the importance of Black History Month, her family’s ancestral history, her lived experiences with racism and racial profiling and provides tips and tricks in how one can prevent burnout within the activism space.   Black History Month is more than just a month. The Research Commons encourages you to take the time to listen, learn, read, and educate yourself and others about the importance of keeping these stories alive.   

Parking has always been a hot topic at UNB that has created some controversy. Some believe it's an issue that has not been addressed nor considered a priority, while others believe that it's not an issue and more of a matter of encouraging those who live close to the university to find more eco-friendly ways to come to campus such as biking or walking. Some believe that it's a money grab and that it's unethical that UNB sells more parking spaces than they have spots available where others believe that creating more parking spaces would not be environmentally conscious. Both sides present compelling arguments. In this episode Kalkidan shares data from a Survey issued by the HIL Research Commons on Parking at the UNBF Campus! She also sits down with Des Dupuis, UNB’s very own Crime Prevention and Community Liaison Officer, where he shares insights on the nuances of the situation.

Get ready to dive back into the world of academia with UNB in 30’s host Kalkidan Burke! In this episode, Kalkidan gives a warm welcome to new and returning UNB students as well as delves into the heart of the UNB community, engaging with diverse campus groups such as UNB’s Student union and The International Student Association to uncover the excitement of their upcoming Orientation Festivities. As well, Kalkidan indroduces a new space to the Research Commons “The Filmmaker’s Studio!”    The FilmMaker studio is a bookable workspace for planning, shooting and editing video projects as well as teaching! If you have a project or just an interest in videography then this is definitely a space that you should check out! https://lib.unb.ca/researchcommons/filmmaker-studio    We have an exciting year of great podcast content! On behalf of the Research Commons we are wishing you a safe a successful school year ahead!

In this episode Kalkidan sits down and sparks a dialogue with upper level, domestic and international students on the impact that the Covid 19 pandemic had on them and their University experience. UNB students such as Emma Vail, Shauryaa Bhardwaj, Kyle Copp and Andrea Huete share their unique testimonies on how the pandemic affected their learning, mental health and social life. As well as highlight the silver lining.  Music from Soundcloud.

Join Kola as he shares his wild adventures planting trees in Western Canada and his journey as an international student, and get ready to be inspired by the incredible experiences of other international students, including Miguel Garay, a talented photographer and Psychology major at UNB, and Gabriel Ibara (El Tata), a software engineer at Cvent by day and a performing musician by night. Plus, don't miss out on hearing from Sohan Kobiri, a 3rd year Mechanical engineering student at UNB, entrepreneur, human rights activist, and co-founder of the groundbreaking human rights initiative, Shades of Change.

February is Black History Month, a time of celebration, reflection and education. In this episode Kalkidan celebrates and honours Black History Month by shinning light on the experiences of Black University Students. The Black Experience is not a singular one, nor is it linear, it is diverse, and unique to the individual. Kalkidan amplifies this through various interviews with the following guests; Olivia Rowinski, Jazmyne McLaughlin, Gayo Isaya, Emmanuel Ogunlola Joseph and UNB’s very own Diversity and Wellness coordinator, Marcus Lees. Music is from sound trap.

This is Marc Bragdon coming to you from the Harriet Irving Library Research Commons Audio Studio, where I produce the UNB in 30 podcast and support student sound projects.  I want to invite you to a hands-on podcasting workshop the afternoon of Thursday, March 9, from 1 to 4pm, during reading week.   Why would you take time from all the studying you're planning to do?  Maybe you have an idea for a project involving interviews out in the field, or maybe you want to get the word out about your research and know, from listening to them, that podcasts can be a very engaging medium. Or perhaps you are just curious about sound recording and editing and haven't yet had a chance to try it - whatever the reason, this is the workshop to get you going. In 3 hours or less - with generous breaks - we will cover the basics of: Microphones - what they are and how to choose and use them in various recording environments Software for recording and editing - we will use Audacity since it is freely available for Mac and PC but also talk about more advanced options and why you would consider them Principals of audio story telling - i.e., how sound shapes a narrative and how to write and edit for an audience of ears    Sound design - adding music and special effects that serve your story rather than distract from them - and where to find these All you need is a laptop or tablet and by the end of our time you'll have your first - albeit very short - podcast along with many ideas and tips for going further. This is an in person workshop taking place in the Digital Scholarship Hub, Room 320A of the Harriet Irving Library Research Commons.  To register, please email [email protected]

In honor of Men’s Mental Health Month, UNB in 30’s newest host,  Kalkidan Burke sheds light on Men’s Mental Health and the challenges that Men in the UNB community are faced with. Kalkidan sparks meaningful conversation by amplifying the voices of 3 UNB Male students; Alex Chaisson, a 5th year Engineering student, Kola Ojo , 3rd year Electrical Engineering Student, Reese Zorogoleé, 4th Year Psychology Student and member of UNB Mens Varsity Reds Basketball team and UNB’s very own Mental Health Strategist Matthew MacLean. Kalkidan believes that conversation is the first step in de-stigmatization and encourages everyone to join the conversation. Music by Soundtrap

Kola speaks with Eve Chamberlain, the New Brunswick university student who organized a petition to re-instate NB EI Connect, about the impact of the provincial government's decision to terminate this program.  He chats as well with UNB Student Union President Kordell Walsh regarding his dealings with the provincial government on the matter. Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/sensho/good-times License code: 2WT2SRUN0L3R0VBI

A new season, a new outlook.  Kola speaks with fellow UNB student and podcaster Ayden Fitzgerald on the summer that was and how to make the best of a new academic year. Music credits; https://uppbeat.io/t/augustine/another-life License code: 2UGYSJW5CJ1S6HDY https://uppbeat.io/t/sensho/good-times License code: 2WT2SRUN0L3R0VBI

In our final episode of the Winter 2022 season, Kola speaks with fellow Electrical Engineering student and good friend Alexandre Banks who, on the cusp of graduation, reflects on experiences at UNB, which have included working on the Atlantic Student Research Journal, interning at the Biomedical Research Institute, and being President of the Undergraduate Engineering Society.  This is a great conversation to listen in on for the positivity, funny stories, and general celebration of life as a UNB student.

Kola speaks with Ang Perdue, UNB grad student and founder of UpYOURS, a recycling and upcycling initiative on campus and across the capital city region, about the value of so many things we might otherwise discard and the place of community in tackling what might otherwise seem like unsurmountable challenges.

Welcome to our inaugural episode, where Kolawole interviews Ayden Fitzgerald, UNB Arts student and creator of the Long May She Reign podcast, a programme devoted to giving a voice to all the influential women in history books that don't usually have their side of the story told.  In this conversation, we learn about Ayden's trajectory as a popular podcaster and storyteller, and where creative endeavours and university academic life intersect. Long May She Reign is available here:  https://open.spotify.com/show/1ZIPMBVZPGXykBcRQmOx9y https://anchor.fm/ayden-fitzgerald