PODCAST · education
It's (Probably) Not Rocket Science
by The University of New Mexico
It’s (Probably) Not Rocket Science is a University of New Mexico podcast that explores some of the hottest and most complex topics impacting our society, through conversations with experts, artists, and researchers. And look, we get it: we know that some issues are tough to unravel and even tougher to comprehend. But on this podcast, we’ll peel away some of those complicated layers for a genuine conversation where we can arrive at understanding and answers. That way, we can honestly say no, it’s not rocket science—and we promise it won’t be. Well . . . probably.
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We R1: A conversation with UNM's Vice President for Research
Ellen Fisher, the Vice President for Research for The University of New Mexico, joins the show to discuss the state of research at the institution and to highlight some of the hidden gems in UNM's research portfolio.
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Part two: Project ECHO helping improve outcomes worldwide
Project ECHO, founded at The University of New Mexico in 2003, is a telehealth model that allows providers across the world to connect and improve outcomes for their patients. Andrea Zurawski and Matt Bouchonville join It's (Probably) Not Rocket Science to discuss their work around diabetes here in New Mexico and the spread of the ECHO model across the globe.
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Part one: Project ECHO helping improve outcomes worldwide
Project ECHO, founded at The University of New Mexico in 2003, is a telehealth model that allows providers across the world to connect and improve outcomes for their patients. Andrea Zurawski and Matt Bouchonville join It's (Probably) Not Rocket Science to discuss their work around diabetes here in New Mexico and the spread of the ECHO model across the globe.
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What is UNM's Office of Community Engagement?
University of New Mexico professor of architecture Tim Castillo discusses his role as the director of the UNM Office of Community Engagement, which was recently recertified with the Carnegie Foundation Classification for Community Engagement. Castillo discusses his background that led him to this role as well as the kind of work that comes out of OCE and all the different ways the office assists the community. Those interested in getting in contact with the Office of Community Engagement can visit engagement.unm.edu for more information.
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Part two: UNM professor helps shape signed language research
Erin Wilkinson, a professor of linguistics at The University of New Mexico, is helping to chart the future of signed language research. Wilkinson, who is deaf, discusses her recent research on the similarities between American Sign Language and Langue des Signes de Côte d’Ivoire as well as her path to academia and the impact of mobility on the deaf community in part two of her interview. For more on Wilkinson's work, click here. For the full video interview, visit UNM on Youtube.
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Part one: UNM professor helps shape signed language research
Erin Wilkinson, a professor of linguistics at The University of New Mexico, is helping to chart the future of signed language research. Wilkinson, who is deaf, discusses her recent research on the similarities between American Sign Language and Langue des Signes de Côte d’Ivoire as well as her path to academia and the impact of mobility on the deaf community. For more on Wilkinson's work, click here. For the full video interview, visit UNM on Youtube.
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Goals vs Rewards: What We Can Learn from Positive Reinforcement
James Cavanagh, a professor at The University of New Mexico, joins It's (Probably) Not Rocket Science to discuss his recently published theoretical review about the Reward Positivity brain signal and its role in linking high level control and low-level rewards processes together. Cavanagh worked alongside Clay B. Holroyd from Ghent University on the review, which was funded by a grant looking into anhedonia—the decreased ability to experience pleasure as it relates to clinical depression.
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Tamalewood: A Look at the Impact of the Film Industry in New Mexico
Gabriela Guajardo, a graduate student at The University of New Mexico in the Department of Chicana and Chicano Studies joins It's (Probably) Not Rocket Science to discuss her LoboBITES winning research, Tamalewood: The Sparkling Cinematography of Colonization in the New Southwest, where she looked into the increasing presence of the film industry and the impacts it has had on the state of New Mexico since the debut of Breaking Bad. Guajardo discusses her research, as well as her first hand experience working in the industry.
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Little Lanterns: The History of Farolitos and Luminarias
Luminarias, or Farolitos, are synonymous with the holidays in New Mexico. Dr. Carmella Scorcia Pacheco, a postdoctoral fellow at The University of New Mexico shares the history of these little lanterns, and of one of UNM's oldest traditions, Hanging of the Greens.
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The High Stakes of Sports Betting & Binge Drinking
Since sports betting became legal in most U.S. states, millions of fans now place wagers—often with a drink in hand. UNM psychologist Dr. Joshua Grubbs explains how sports gambling and binge drinking are more connected than you might think, and why this mix could reshape American sports culture.
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Inside UNM's Hidden Museum
Hidden in plain sight at the heart of the University of New Mexico’s campus lies a scientific treasure few people know about — the Museum of Southwestern Biology. Home to more than five million preserved animals and plants, this behind-the-scenes research powerhouse is shaping the future of biodiversity and conservation science.In this episode of It’s Probably Not Rocket Science, Christopher Witt, professor of biology and curator of the museum’s bird collection, shared how this hidden museum became a global hub for research. From uncovering new bird species in the Andes to preserving a record of life for future generations, Dr. Witt reveals the groundbreaking work happening just beyond the public eye — and why it matters more than ever in a changing world.
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Psychedelics and the Science of Suffering
University of New Mexico researchers are joining a multi-site clinical trial of an experimental psychedelic drug intended to alleviate the mental suffering many patients experience when they receive a life-altering disease diagnosis. In this episode of It’s Probably Not Rocket Science, lead researcher Dr. Lawrence Leeman, professor in the Department of Family & Community Medicine at the UNM School of Medicine, discusses the REKINDLE trial that will test the effectiveness of RE104, a synthetic “prodrug” that is chemically similar to psilocybin, the active ingredient in so-called magic mushrooms.
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Detained and Dismissed
A new study from The University of New Mexico’s Institute for Social Research shows nearly half of all people held in jail on a granted pretrial detention motion until their trial are not being convicted in Bernalillo County. According to the October 2024 study, "Bernalillo County Second Judicial Court Preventive Detention Motion Review," approximately 43% of people whose cases were granted a pretrial detention motion ultimately have their cases dismissed. In this episode of It’s Probably Not Rocket Science, lead researcher Paul Guerin joins us to talk about the findings and why he says this is a problem.
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Two paintings, 40 years, One unexpected homecoming
It was 1985 when a couple strolled into the Harwood Museum of Art in Taos, New Mexico, but they weren’t there to admire the creations. By the time they left, two paintings had vanished from the walls, stolen in broad daylight by a pair of now-notorious art thieves. For nearly four decades, the masterpieces were lost to history — until now. Thanks to the relentless work of an investigative journalist and an FBI case, the Aspens and Oklahoma Cheyenne are back home inside the Harwood. But the story doesn’t end there. Inside a remote home in Silver City, New Mexico, agents discovered more than just those two missing works.Who stole them? Where have they been? How did a cold case end in a homecoming? That’s all in today’s episode of It’s Probably Not Rocket Science, coming to you live from Taos at the scene of the crime. We’re sitting down with the museum's Executive Director, Juniper Leherissey and the L.A.-based Journalist, Lou Schachter, who helped crack the case.
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One Step Closer to a Cure for Cancer
Imagine a world without cancer. We can all agree that it would be a better place, and researchers are striving for that every single day. For centuries, doctors have been working to find a cure for cancer. While we still don’t have one, significant milestones have been reached, like at The University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center. Today, we’re sitting down with Dr. Sarah Adams, a Gynecologic Oncologist, talking about several collaborations to advance cancer research at UNM and how clinical trials are changing.
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Algorithm Matchmaker: Online Dating Leading to More Diverse Couples
From arranged marriages to swiping left and right on your phone, the so-called “traditional” way of dating has changed drastically over time. While most couples used to meet in person through family and friends, today their matchmaker is an algorithm. Research done by The University of New Mexico says most couples are now meeting online. In today’s episode, we’re sitting down with Sociology Professor Reuben Thomas, who is discussing his latest research connected to online dating and how dating apps are leading to more diverse couples in a handful of ways.
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Keeping up with Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence doesn’t need much of an introduction anymore. Today, some of us see AI in our daily lives, changing how we work, learn, and play at an alarming rate. In this episode, we’re sitting down with Dr. Leo Lo, the Dean of UNM’s College of University Libraries and Learning Sciences, who has been keeping tabs on Artificial Intelligence by researching all aspects of the technology, both in the education system and beyond. Learn more about AI research happening at The University of New Mexico.
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How a Higher Alcohol Tax Could Save Lives
It’s no secret drunk driving is a problem across the United States, and it seems to be an even bigger problem in New Mexico. According to statistics, New Mexico ranks within the top five states in the country with the most drunk-driving fatalities. So how do we fix it? While it wouldn't end drunk driving altogether, a University of New Mexico Professor says a higher alcohol tax in the state could be a step in the right direction, and he has the research to back it up. In this episode, we hear from Economics Professor Brady Horn, who walks us through his alcohol tax research. How it got started and where that information stands today.
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Black History: The More We Know, The More We Grow
When you think of February, you might associate the month with two things: Love and Black History. Black History Month was officially recognized in 1976 in the United States. 48 years later, the celebration continues across the country and at the University of New Mexico. In today’s episode, we are joined by Africana Studies Adjunct Professor Marsha Hardeman, who shares her personal stories from childhood to her time teaching in the classroom, as well as the research she has done and wants to see in the future on Black History.
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And the Oscar goes to UNM Students
It’s Hollywood's biggest night for filmmakers and film stars, honoring the best of the best in the movie industry. Since the 1920s, the Oscars have separated actor nominees by gender, but nearly 100 years later, several students from the University of New Mexico’s Constitutional Law class are trying to change that. What began as a class research project in 2023 has evolved into a 99-page proposal submitted to the Academy Awards in California, arguing that the century-long tradition of separating nominees by gender may be legally and socially flawed. Today, we hear from Professor Lawrence Jones, the instructor behind the research project, and Senior Abigail McCoy, one of the students tackling the Academy Awards. In this episode, they explain why these University of New Mexico students are urging award leaders to establish an official task force for the Oscars from now on.
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A Geological Timeline of the Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is beautiful, no matter what rim you see it from, but its history is even more mesmerizing. How the canyon was formed, how old the rocks are, and what the layers mean inside only make the national park more fascinating. In this episode, we hear from two UNM Distinguished Professors, Laura Crossey and Karl Karlstrom, experts on the Grand Canyon who are essentially rewriting textbooks with their new research on the beloved national treasure. To help better understand the concept of time, Karlstrom and Crossey created a geological timeline exhibit at the Grand Canyon for visitors young and old to walk nearly 2 billion years of Canyon history while getting up close and personal to the rocks inside of it. Learn more about the Grand Canyon's exhibit, Trail of Time. Visit podcast.unm.edu to learn more about It’s (Probably) Not Rocket Science.
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How Climate Change Impacts Wildfires
As climate change has impacted weather conditions around the world, forests have become increasingly susceptible to wildfires and eventually even people living thousands of miles away could be impacted. Today we hear from Matthew Hurteau, an expert in forestry and climate change mitigation about what these changes mean not just for those living near the forest, but for everyone in every city or town across the world. Learn more on podcast.unm.edu.
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Improving Road Safety for Pedestrians and Bicyclists
Where do you go when you leave your home and how do you get there? In the United States, there is often a car involved and even people who walk and bike to work or school have to exist near cars. Now transportation experts are faced with figuring out why pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities are increasing and how quickly they can stop the problem. In this episode, we hear from Nicholas Ferenchak, director of the Center for Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety and UNM associate professor of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering. Learn more about the Center for Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety. Visit podcast.unm.edu to learn more about the show.
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How the Internet Impacts Politics and the Election
How do the internet, social media and the news impact our political affiliations and the election? In this episode co-hosts Carly Bowling and Alexa Skonieski discuss tips and expertise from University of New Mexico Political Science Associate Professor Jessica Feezell. Dr. Feezell specializes in American Politics, Political Communication, and Political Behavior and Public Opinion. Explore the Election Experts series on elections.unm.edu.
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How Do Scientific Discoveries Make it Into The Community? (LIVE from BioVenture)
From cancer treatments to technology to monitor exposure to UV, scientific discoveries each face a unique journey before they reach the public. Today we’re exploring how innovation makes it to the community with excerpts from the Clinical and Translational Science Center's annual BioVenture Pitch Competition. Pitch competitors:Dr. Eric Bartee- Associate Professor in the School of Medicine Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Molecular Medicine Dr. Kannan Ramaiyan- Research Associate Professor in the School of Engineering Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering Dr. Rita Serda- Research Assistant Professor in the School of Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center
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It (Actually) Is Rocket Science
How hard is rocket science? Fifty-five years after Apollo 11 landed on the moon, students at the University of New Mexico built and launched their own rocket. In this casual episode, we explore why rocket science may not actually exist. Then, we hear from Fernando "Doc" Aguilar, who served in the Air Force Space Command before developing UNM's rocket engineering course. Later, Hyein Choi, a Lobo Launch alumna, walks us through the harrowing journey students faced leading up to the 2024 Spaceport America Cup. Learn more about Lobo Launch. Explore more episodes of our show on podcast.unm.edu.
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Everything You Should Know About Microplastics
Microplastics have been found in human placentas, testicles, brains, and more, so what happens now? In this episode, we talk with Matthew Campen, Regents’ Professor in the UNM Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, about what these findings mean for our health, how we can (or can't) find avoid microplastics, and what happens next. Then we hear from Eliane El Hayek, Research Assistant Professor in the UNM Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, about ongoing research into the environmental impacts of plastics. Read more about microplastics research: Microplastics in Every Human Placenta, New UNM Health Sciences Research Discovers UNM Researchers Find Microplastics in Canine and Human Testicular Tissue Microplastics Make Their Way from the Gut to Other Organs, UNM Researchers Find Microplastics: Minimizing Exposure to An Invisible Health Threat Donate to the Pharmaceutical Sciences Department Activity Fund. Learn more about IPNRS and subscribe to the email newsletter on podcast.unm.edu.
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Can You Overdose on Ozempic or Wegovy?
Ozempic and Wegovy have exploded in popularity for their ability to help people lose weight. Now, Poison Control Centers around the country are sounding the alarm over a growing trend of semaglutide overdoses and incorrect use. We explore the problem and what consumers should know with Dr. Joseph Lambson, director of the New Mexico Poison and Drug Information Center. Learn more about Dr. Joseph Lambson and the New Mexico Poison and Drug Information Center. Read more from Dr. Lambson about semaglutide overdoses. Publications discussed in the episode: -Administration errors of compounded semaglutide reported to a poison control center-Case series -TikTok scam promises popular weight loss drugs without prescription -TikTok influencer accused of selling fake Ozempic and other weight loss drugs - Ozempic for weight loss: How does it work and who can use it?
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Finding Solutions for Uranium and Toxic Metals Exposure
The Western U.S. is home to thousands of abandoned hard rock and uranium mines that pollute nearby water, soil and air with radiation and create health problems in nearby communities. This episode of It’s (Probably) Not Rocket Science explores the research of the UNM METALS Superfund Research Center working to measure toxicity, address remediation, and mitigate health risks for tribal communities living near abandoned mines. Learn more about UNM METALS. Read about related projects: UNM project brings together diverse team to develop solutions to uranium waste in Native communities A new look at Grand Canyon springs and possible threats from uranium mining UNM College of Nursing Researcher Awarded Grant for Mine Dust Exposure Study Honors College faculty member Myrriah Gómez awarded a Southwest Book Award for Nuclear Nuevo Mexico
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Introducing PlaceKnowing with Dr. Ted Jojola
Today we're sharing the first episode of a brand new podcast with you called PlaceKnowing with Dr. Ted Jojola. The show is co-produced by the Indigenous Design and Planning Institute at The University of New Mexico and The Aunties Dandelion media organization. The six-episode production will examine the essential relationship between land, storytelling, and community and the importance of visioning and revitalization around brownfields (abused or neglected land). The podcast aims to inform and inspire listeners to lead change in their own spaces through Indigenous design methodologies. For new episodes, be sure to subscribe to PlaceKnowing with Dr. Ted Jojola on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Simplecast, or anywhere else you get your podcasts.
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How Combining Race and Ethnicity Could Make Equity Research Harder
The Office of Management and Budget announced it would be combining race and ethnicity questions on all Federal forms, but one UNM scholar says the change could impact the ability to research and understand equity issues ranging from poverty to housing discrimination in the U.S. In this episode, Professor of Sociology Nancy López explains intersectionality in research and how the new Federal question format could complicate things in a major way. Learn more about Professor Nancy López or her work with the Institute for the Study of “Race” and Social Justice. Read more about OMB’s published revisions to Statistical Policy Directive No. 15 from the White House and from the U.S. Census. More information and an example of the proposed question is available in NPR’s story, Next U.S. census will have new boxes for ‘Middle Eastern or North African,’ ‘Latino.
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With Liberty And Justice For High Schoolers
What should a 16-year-old say if a police officer asks to search them? Law students from the UNM chapter of the Marshall-Brennan Constitutional Literacy Project have spent months teaching students from underserved high schools about their constitutional rights, how to interact with law enforcement and what a career in the legal field might look like. Soon, the group of high schoolers, their law student coaches, and UNM School of Law faculty will travel to compete in a national moot court competition in Washington D.C. Learn more about Professor Maryam Ahranjani. Learn more about the Marshall-Brennan Constitutional Literacy Project at UNM or the national organization. Donate to UNM School of Law’s Marshall-Brennan Constitutional Literacy Project chapter. Learn more about the show on podcast.unm.edu and follow it on Instagram and TikTok
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How To Be Happy: Tips From A Positive Psychology Professor
How can mindfulness and the hero's journey help make us happier? A professor of Positive Psychology discusses proven strategies for happiness, thriving, and resilience to hardship with tips and exercises he teaches students at The University of New Mexico in one of the most popular courses offered at UNM. Dr. Bruce Smith has researched, taught classes and written workbooks in Positive Psychology for more than two decades. In this episode, he walks us through some of the proven strategies for developing resilience to hard times and discusses how students were impacted by the pandemic. Learn more about him and his work in resilience, the hero's journey, and mindfulness interventions here. Learn more about his Positive Psychology workbook, "From Surviving to Thriving," here. UNM will host the Western Positive Psychology Association's 8th annual conference March 22-24th. Learn more about the conference here.
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Exploring James Webb Space Telescope Results with Nobel Laureate John C. Mather
Take a trip to outer space as we discuss early results of the James Webb Space Telescope, what astrophysicists think about astrology and how an expert in space optics suggests you clean your iPhone. In this episode, we speak with Dr. John C. Mather, a Nobel Laureate and senior astrophysicist with NASA Goddard Space Flight Center about the James Webb Space Telescope results and with Tony Hull, a UNM adjunct professor and former JWST Program Manager at Tinsley who led the team that meticulously polished the mirrors in the James Webb Space Telescope. This special episode of It’s (Probably) Not Rocket Science is also available as a video podcast. Read more about the James Webb Space Telescope. Learn more about Dr. John C. Mather, Nobel Laureate and Senior Project Scientist Emeritus for the Webb Telescope. Dr. Mather earned the 2006 Nobel Prize in Physics for his role with the COBE Satellite (Cosmic Background Explorer). Learn more about Tony Hull, UNM adjunct professor of Physics and Astronomy and former JWST Program Director at Tinsley and the role of the mirrors in the James Webb Space Telescope. Interested in learning more about the space research happening at The University of New Mexico? Visit loboday.unm.edu/2024. Special thanks to NASA and the James Webb Space Telescope team for the images and videos used in the episode.
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Developing a Vaccine to Lower Cholesterol
Scientists at The University of New Mexico have developed a groundbreaking vaccine targeting high cholesterol, a leading cause of heart disease and stroke. The vaccine, aimed at lowering LDL cholesterol levels by targeting the PCSK9 protein, offers a potentially more affordable treatment option compared to current drugs like PCSK9 inhibitors. Join the discussion on how this innovative vaccine could revolutionize cardiovascular care and global health. Learn more about the cholesterol-lowering vaccine or Bryce Chackerian's lab. Read the study published in NPJ Vaccines. Donate to the UNM Big Give from now through 11:59 p.m., February 21. Learn more about the show on podcast.unm.edu and follow it on Instagram and TikTok.
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How To Deal With Seasonal Depression
Millions of Americans experience seasonal affective disorder each year. In this episode, we explore the cause, symptoms, and tips for both dealing with SAD and improving mental health with Dr. Kristina Sowar, a psychiatrist and Associate Professor in the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center. Learn more at podcast.unm.edu and follow us on Instagram and TikTok.
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Reclaiming Spanish: Learning a language you grew up hearing
What does a language mean to a culture? In this episode, we learn about why it can be difficult to keep heritage languages like Spanish alive in the U.S. and how programs like the Spanish Heritage Language program at UNM can help students reclaim their cultural identity. Learn more about Spanish as a Heritage Language program. Learn more about Damián Vergara Wilson. Learn more about Liliana Alva Regalado. Read New Mexico is Losing a Form of Spanish Spoken Nowhere Else on Earth from The New York Times. Read more information about languages spoken at home as reported in the U.S. Census. Visit podcast.unm.edu for more information.
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Cradle of culture: How do children learn Navajo?
A baby’s first words are an exciting milestone, but how does the language the child is learning play a role in what sounds and words they learn first? Linguists have long studied these topics in majority languages, but few studies have explored Navajo and other indigenous languages. Dr. Melvatha Chee, director of the UNM Indigenous Child Language Research Center, is working to change that while empowering indigenous groups to conduct their own language work. This episode also features Saad K’idilyé, a Navajo language nest located in Albuquerque working to provide Navajo families with a place where their babies can be cared for and immersed in the Navajo language all day long. Topics discussed in this episode: Learn more about the UNM Indigenous Child Language Research Center. Learn more about the Navajo Language Program at UNM. Learn more about Dr. Melvatha R. Chee. Learn more about Saad K’idilyé. Find It’s (Probably) Not Rocket Science on X, Instagram, TikTok and podcast.unm.edu.
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Spooky Folklore and the Psychology of Horror
Welcome to the Spooky Spectacular! In this episode we’ll share some of New Mexico’s classic ghost stories and folklore, then we’ll talk about what it means to be horrified and why the horror movie genre is not quite what it seems. This Halloween podcast episode delivers eerie expertise just in time for spooky season. Gabino Noriega, a Ph.D. Candidate in the Department of Chicano and Chicana Studies, tells the stories of La Llorona and the Devil at the Dance and discusses how these stories have been seen around the world throughout history and how these stories are an integral part of New Mexico’s culture. Find him on Instagram. Learn more about La Malinche. Learn more about the Aztec Cihuateotl. Ditch Witch campaign: In the 1980s, the Albuquerque Metropolitan Arroyo Flood Control Authority (AMAFCA), the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District, Bernalillo County and the City of Albuquerque combined efforts to create a public safety education campaign to teach children to stay out of ditches and arroyos. Brochures, bumper stickers and signs conveyed: "Ditches are Deadly--Stay Away" and "Expect the Unexpected." The Ditch Witch and Water Monster characters visited schools and events. See an image of the campaign on podcast.unm.edu. David Witherington, associate professor in the Department of Psychology, discusses how we develop fear as children, why horror is different than fear and how horror films can offer a sense of catharsis.
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What is a substance use disorder and what treatments are available?
Substance use disorders are complicated. This episode includes discussions on factors that contribute to substance use, research on treatments, how substance use impacts the brain, and how we can all help reduce the stigma around this topic by talking about it more openly. The episode features Dr. Doug Ziedonis, CEO of The University of New Mexico Health System, and Dr. Katie Witkiewitz, a clinical psychologist and Director of the UNM Center on Alcohol, Substance Use, and Addiction. Resources for anyone interested in finding support for substance use: Find treatment near you A list of resources from CASAA Substance Use and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline Topics discussed with Dr. Doug Ziedonis: Adverse Childhood Experiences Social Determinants of Health Project Echo New Mexico Alcohol Research Center UNM College of Pharmacy Substance Use Research and Education Center Topics discussed with Dr. Katie Witkiewitz: The UNM Center on Substance Use, Alcohol, and Addiction Motivational interviewing Research on the health impact of alcohol consumption
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Water 101: How does the West get its water?
Class is in session for Water 101. John Fleck, a professor of practice and expert on the governance and management of the Colorado River discusses what is happening with water in the West. Then, Heather Himmelberger from the Southwest Environmental Finance Center walks us through how water reaches homes, schools and businesses through water utility systems. About John Fleck: Keep up with the work at the Utton Center. Check out his blog about water, journalism and living in New Mexico. Learn more about the book Water is for Fighting Over (and Other Myths About Water in the West) and his book Science Be Dammed: How Ignoring Inconvenient Science Drained the Colorado River. About Heather Himmelberger and the Southwest Environmental Finance Center: Check out Heather Himmelberger’s bio. Learn more about the Southwest Environmental Finance Center. SWEFC received a $4 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency. News discussed in the episode: New York Times: Deal is Reached to Keep the Colorado River from Going Dry, for Now. Environmental Protection Agency: Learn about the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. NM Political Report: Eastern New Mexico water pipeline enters its next phase. More information about the Eastern New Mexico Water Utility Authority (ENMWUA) pipeline expansion: ENMWUA pipeline expansion ENMWUA water portfolio August 2022 ENMWUA update to Water and Natural Resources Committee Learn more about UNM research into water issues.
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How Will Artificial Intelligence Impact Higher Education and Criminal Justice?
Faculty experts discuss the impacts of artificial intelligence on higher education and criminal justice. Leo Lo, dean of the College of Libraries and Learning Sciences, discusses how AI will change education and how people can set themselves up for success. Then, Sonia Gipson Rankin, professor of law, discusses how algorithms and AI have been used in criminal justice and what actions may need to be taken long term to protect people's rights. Find transcripts and more episodes on podcast.unm.edu. ——— AI resources discussed in the episode: AI Resources from the UNM University Libraries and Learning Sciences UNM Artificial Intelligence (AI) In Education Lib Guide ——— Leo Lo's publication on the CLEAR framework for enhancing AI prompt engineering Sonia Gipson Rankin's publications about Artificial Intelligence: The MiDAS Touch: Atuahene's "Stategraft" and the Implications of Unregulated Artificial Intelligence” Technological Tethereds: Potential Impact of Untrustworthy Artificial Intelligence in Criminal Justice Risk Assessment Instruments ——— Learn more about the news discussed in this episode: Reuters- New York lawyers sanctioned for using fake ChatGPT cases in legal brief
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It's (Probably) Not Rocket Science Trailer
It’s (Probably) Not Rocket Science is a University of New Mexico podcast that explores some of the hottest and most complex topics impacting our society, through conversations with experts, artists, and researchers. And look, we get it: we know that some issues are tough to unravel and even tougher to comprehend. But on this podcast, we’ll peel away some of those complicated layers for a genuine conversation where we can arrive at understanding and answers. That way, we can honestly say no, it’s not rocket science—and we promise it won’t be. Well . . . probably. New episodes drop every other week beginning September 12.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
It’s (Probably) Not Rocket Science is a University of New Mexico podcast that explores some of the hottest and most complex topics impacting our society, through conversations with experts, artists, and researchers. And look, we get it: we know that some issues are tough to unravel and even tougher to comprehend. But on this podcast, we’ll peel away some of those complicated layers for a genuine conversation where we can arrive at understanding and answers. That way, we can honestly say no, it’s not rocket science—and we promise it won’t be. Well . . . probably.
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The University of New Mexico
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