MiSC Society Podcast

In Episode 7 of the MiSC Society Podcast, we’re joined by Chris Rathgeber, someone every student who has taken Microbiology is familiar from first and second year labs.We dive into what its like having students in a lab for the first time with everything from Bunsen burners and bacterial cultures to the chaos, confusion, and learning curves that come with being a new science student. We also discuss common mistakes students make, how to adjust to university-level learning, and what professors actually notice in the classroom.Along the way, we share some of the funniest and scariest moments from Chris' lab experiences! Whether you’re in your first year or looking back on it, this episode is a reminder that everyone starts somewhere, and that you’re definitely not alone in the process.

In Episode 6 of the MiSC Society Podcast, we’re doing something a little different.We join UMFM 101.5 during their Pledge-O-Rama week, an annual fundraiser supporting campus and community radio, and get the chance to be interviewed by the station manager Jared!In this episode, we go behind the scenes and flip the roles as we share the story behind the MiSC Society Podcast. We talk about how it started, what inspired us, and what it’s been like building this platform as students. We also want to give a huge thank you to UMFM for making this opportunity possible and for supporting student voices and initiatives like ours.

On Episode 5 of the MiSC Society Podcast, we’re taking a closer look at what research is actually like as an undergraduate student.From Undergraduate Research Awards, co-op placements, and honours projects to reaching out to professors, we cover it all. We also share our own experiences working in labs, how we got started, what we expected going in, and what surprised us along the way.We talk about the highlights, the challenges, and the reality of research where things don’t always go as planned, and failure is often part of the process. Whether you’re already in a lab or just starting to explore your options, this episode gives an honest look at what undergraduate research really looks like.

In Episode 4 of the MiSC Society Podcast, we’re joined by the president of Active Minds at the University of Manitoba, a student-led organization dedicated to promoting mental health awareness on campus.We get into the pressures students face, the normalization of burnout, and how comparison culture can quietly affect the way we see ourselves. We also talk about recognizing when you’re struggling, knowing when to take a step back, and small, realistic ways to take care of your mental health. This is an honest conversation, one that we hope makes students feel seen, understood, and a little less alone.

In Episode 3 of the MiSC Society Podcast, we are joined by Diana Mlinar, an instructor in biology, biochemistry, and microbiology at the University of Manitoba, and someone many science students will recognize from the classroom. We talk about her journey from being a student at U of M to becoming a well-known instructor,  dive into her fourth-year course, Infectious Diseases Around the World, global health, and why science isn’t just about the lab.

In Episode 2 of the MiSC Society Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Miguel Uyaguari, a professor at the University of Manitoba, to explore the world of microbiology and research. We talk about his career path and journey into science, what research actually looks like, and the role of microbiology in real-world issues like water systems and antibiotic resistance.We cover everything from lab life and student advice, and of course a few of MiSC's fun segments along the way!

Welcome to the very first episode of the MiSC Society Podcast! Join your hosts Tali, Ishdeep, and Hubert as they introduce the Microbiology Students' Club (MiSC) and share what the club, and this podcast is all about! From supporting students in microbiology, genetics, biochemistry, and life sciences to building community and exploring different career paths, MiSC is here to help you discover what’s out there in science.In this episode, we talk about why microbiology matters, share our personal journeys into the field, and discuss some of our favourite classes throughout our degrees. We also introduce some of our fun segments, including MiSC & Match, and Microbe of the Week!Tune in as we kick off the MiSC Society Podcast!