Podcasts

Episode 24
At UT Dallas, one leader is dedicated to improving student life and making campus feel a little more like home. Meet Dr. Adam J. Woods, the new Dean of BBS, who’s here to share his journey, his vision for building a stronger community, and his goals for the School. In this episode, we’ll explore Dean Woods’ background and how he plans to make a lasting impact on the student experience.

Episode 20
To conclude our series on the BBS masters programs, we had the opportunity to interview Dr. Meridith Grant, program head for the Master of Science in Human Development and Early Childhood Disorders. This program equips students with necessary skills to support young children (from birth to five years) and their families in early childhood intervention programs, and provides them with parent education in various professional settings including schools, non-profit organizations, hospitals, and clinics.

Episode 19
This episode of our “BBS Masters Program” series features Dr. Jackie Nelson, associate professor and program head for the Master of Science in Psychology program, which provides advanced training in psychology. A strong emphasis of this program is research training, helping serious student scholars become more competitive for nationally prominent doctoral programs in psychology, as well as for applied careers in areas such as program management, data analysis, and research science.

Episode 18
Welcome back to our “BBS Masters Program” series! In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Michelle Aldridge, program head of the Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) Master’s program. Dr. Aldridge discusses how and when to apply to the SLP program, and various career opportunities the SLP field offers. She highly encourages students who are passionate about SLP to learn about and apply to the program!

Episode 17
Kicking off our “BBS Masters Program” series, we sit down with Dr. Richard Golden, head of the Applied Cognition and Neuroscience graduate program, and discuss all the program has to offer. Dr. Golden covers how and when students can apply to the program, and what interested students can anticipate in a graduate-level college program. We also highlight the broad range of concentrations and career paths offered by the Applied Cognition and Neuroscience degree plan, including neuroscience research, UX design, intraoperative monitoring, artificial intelligence, and many more. Dr. Golden emphasizes the program’s focus on the intersectionality of neuroscience-related disciplines, as well as the program’s ability to allow students to create a degree plan custom-tailored to their interests.

Episode 15
Kicking off our “Student Org Profiles” series, we sit down with President Grace Moore and Event Coordinator George Kidane of the Neuroscience Student Association (NSA), which welcomes a community of students who love neuroscience. The NSA maintains a good balance of academic, social, and community events for members and non-members. Also in this episode, we debunk the common feelings of imposter syndrome and intimidation upon joining a student organization for the first time. Finally, we highlight some favorite neuroscience books! NSA encourages anyone to join and get involved. NSA Website NSA’s Instagram NSA’s email: utdnsa@gmail.com

Episode 21
Brandon and Jillian sit down with Dr. Greg Dussor, neuroscience department head and trailblazer in the field of migraine research. Chances are you have experienced or know someone who suffers from migraines. In this episode, we delve into the intricate world of migraine attacks, which affect an astonishing one in six individuals, making it a widespread and often debilitating disorder. Dr. Dussor and his research lab aim to investigate the pathophysiology of migraines and search for potential therapeutic targets. In this episode, Dr. Dussor discusses what exactly differentiates migraines from headaches, our evolving understanding of migraine pathophysiology, current treatments, and future directions for migraine treatment.

Episode 14
It’s spooky season! In this Halloween special, we seek to understand what exactly is so thrilling about being frightened. We are joined by associate professor Dr. Christa McIntyre to explore the neurobiology of fear, and why we are so drawn to fearful experiences. Dr. McIntyre’s lab is working to better understand the pathophysiology of fear disorders, and potential targets for treatments. We also discuss how over-activation of the fear system can lead to disorders like anxiety and PTSD. Enjoy this fang-tastic episode!

Episode 13
Brandon sits down with neuroscience rockstar, Dr. Yune Lee! An assistant professor and director of the Speech, Language, and Music (SLAM) Lab, Dr. Lee explores the strong relationship between music and cognition. The SLAM lab has developed clinical treatments like rhythm therapy for patients with motor and speech disorders. The lab has also developed an app which allow users to imbed certain sound frequencies into their favorite songs, in order to mitigate progressive cognitive decline. Dr. Lee also discusses his path from the music industry to pursuing groundbreaking research.

Episode 10
Michelle and Anisha sit down with Dr. Raúl Rojas to discuss the work and inspiration behind the Bilingual Language Lab, which investigates the intersection between the bilingual student experience and its effect on academic achievement and opportunity. Dr. Rojas explains his personal experience as an immigrant working his way from the bottom up to establishing a successful lab that is making a difference in the Latinx community.

Episode 9
Psychology associate professor Dr. Mandy Maguire introduces the research match portal, a tool to help connect students with research opportunities on campus. Then, neuroscience associate professor Dr. Ben Kolber speaks about the undergraduate research experience and gives advice for students who are looking to get involved.

Episode 8
BBS students, Michelle and Brandon, sit down with students in the Center for Children and Families REU program and discuss how the REU has shaped their professional and academic goals and given them a supportive academic community. We discussed under-representation in research, and how the work we do can impact the communities from which we come.

Episode 7
In this episode BBS students interview Dr. Mandy Maguire, an associate professor and researcher, to discuss the Center for Children and Families REU program. We talk about student eligibility, application advice, and the highlights and details of this unique research experience!!

Episode 6
BBS students sit down with Dr. Michael Burton, an associate professor and neuroscience researcher, to discuss the Enhance Neuroscience Undergraduate Research Experiences (ENSURE) program. They talk about student eligibility, application advice, and the highlights and details of this unique research experience!

Episode 24
At UT Dallas, one leader is dedicated to improving student life and making campus feel a little more like home. Meet Dr. Adam J. Woods, the new Dean of BBS, who’s here to share his journey, his vision for building a stronger community, and his goals for the School. In this episode, we’ll explore Dean Woods’ background and how he plans to make a lasting impact on the student experience.

Episode 23
As finals season approaches, Jillian and Soumya explore the silent struggle behind late-night cram sessions: the tale of sleep deprivation in university life. You know that feeling when you’re fighting a foggy mind, struggling to focus, and just trying not to doze off in class?

Joining us is Dr. William Marks, a UTD professor of Neuroscience, who is unpacking the intricacies of how sleep—or the lack thereof—affects people’s brain functioning. In this episode, we’ll uncover the layers of sleep deprivation, discuss personal stories from Dr. Marks, and explore strategies to maintain proper sleep habits. So, whether you’re a student, an educator, or just someone interested in both the psychology and neuroscience of brain health, this episode unlocks ground-breaking research.

Episode 22
In this episode, co-hosts Brandon and Jillian talk with doctoral students Patricia and Natalie about strategies to overcome that nagging feeling of self-doubt. Listen as they uncover the layers of Imposter Syndrome, discuss personal stories, and explore these challenging emotions.

Episode 16
BBS Mindful Minutes is celebrating all forms of relationships in this Valentine’s Day special! We sat down with Dr. Heidi Kane, director of The Close Relationships and Health Lab, to talk about their research and motivation.

This episode dives into the building blocks of relationships, the types of relationships that exist, and most importantly, how these relationships affect our emotional and physiological well-being. Dr. Kane informs us of how to navigate conflict and the red flags that can exist in a relationship. We recognize people stay in unhappy relationships for many reasons, and we explain there are ways to support those who are in those troubled relationships.

Episode 12
Whether you are a first-year or a transfer student, it can be overwhelming to navigate a new campus with over 31,000 enrolled, including classes with new professors and student life. Anisha joins BBS advisor Catherine Boynton to discuss imposter syndrome, useful resources to stay ahead, and FAQs. Also, enjoy a brief Harry Potter fandom moment!

Episode 11
Get to know a co-host and founder of the BBS Mindful Minutes podcast: Michelle Hagenimana. As we say goodbye to Michelle, we reflect on her vision and purpose while curating the podcast, and her experiences in research, leadership, and networking at UT Dallas. Michelle also shares how students can “make [their] mark” on campus.

Episode 5
We are back to continuing our insightful conversation with Dr. Steven Small, the former Dean of the UTD School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences. In this episode, we will learn more about what it takes to be a leader and the most important advice he would give to students completing their education. Stick around to the end as he shares his favorite and current reads as well!

Episode 4
Meet Dr. Steven Small, the former Dean of the UTD School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences. Learn more about Dean Small’s academic career and how he got to where he is now!

Episode 3
In this episode, we discuss the most productive ways to prepare for finals– including organization and study tips, as well as health and wellness. Former BBS advisor Mr. Kevin Jackson also shares his insight on the most common mistakes students make as well as what to do when contemplating your academic career path. This episode is a good one!

Episode 2
This is Part 2 of our interview with Dr. Regina Kakhnovets Ybarra where we discuss realistic ways to practice emotional equilibrium and mindfulness.

Episode 1
This is Part 1 of our interview with Dr. Regina Kakhnovets Ybarra where we discuss how to navigate uncertainty and anxiety as we go back to campus. It can feel weird enough to be back on campus in the midst of so much uncertainty. Dr. Ybarra, a psychology professor at UT Dallas and a professional counseling psychologist, helps us understand our mixed feelings of stress, anxiety, and excitement by breaking down core components of stress and anxiety, differences and similarities between the two, and how this knowledge may apply to how we feel going back to school when we are in the middle of the pandemic.