Faculty Stories – Tell Me Your Why

Abby Zbikowski, Ohio State graduate and associate professor in the Department of Dance, talks about her life as the leader of a dance company, building trust with students and community, and her path to conducting research and being creative in academia.

Katelyn Swindle-Reilly, PhD, speaks with host Patrick Louchouarn about her non-traditional start in academia, incorporating entrepreneurship into her courses, and how following her heart and passion drives her professional pursuits.

Stephen Quaye, professor in the Higher Education and Student Affairs Program, talks about his journey to Ohio State, the importance of support from colleagues in processing impactful situations and working through significant feelings and events, and how he has blended personal interest with broader impact in his research.

Mary Rodruguez, PhD, Provost’s Midcareer Scholars: Scarlet and Gray associate professor of Community Leadership in CFAES, talks with host Patrick Louchouarn about forming solid connections to the community and engaging with people from different backgrounds, the vital role that mentors played in her academic growth, and her experience in higher education as a first-generation American.

Dr. Bart Elmore, professor in the Department of History, joins the podcast to talk about putting an environmental lens on history, how nature shapes the course of human events, and how his spiritual journey set him up for thinking about the big picture.

Dr. Korie Little-Edwards, a distinguished professor in the Department of Sociology, joins the podcast to discuss the “why” of her scholarly work on race, ethnicity, and religion in the United States, the importance of working on something you’re passionate about, and viewing scholarship as something that affects the world.

College of Medicine faculty members (and identical twins) Carmen Quatman and Katie Quatman-Yates join the podcast to discuss their sources of motivation and inspiration, taking risks and being courageous, and advocating for themselves, their students and immediate community.

Terry Esper, professor of logistics in the Department of Marketing and Logistics at the Fisher College of Business, joins the podcast to talk about his educational and professional journey, and how his trajectory was enhanced when he stepped back to focus on his “Why?”