This Academic Life

<p><strong>Episode Notes: </strong></p><p>In this episode, we talk about the faculty–graduate student relationship, a unique bond shaped by mentorship, collaboration, and the challenges of the dissertation journey.</p><p><strong>Contact list:</strong> If you have any comments about our show or have suggestions for a future topic, please contact us at<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://pinecast.com/dashboard/podcast/this-academic-life/episode/816d523d-8f3e-4fc5-a119-28ced41f636c/mailto:[email protected]"> </a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a>. You can also find us on the webpage<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://thisacademiclife.org/"> </a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://thisacademiclife.org">https://thisacademiclife.org</a> and on Facebook group “This Academic Life”.</p><p><strong>Cast list:</strong></p><p><strong>Host: </strong></p><ul><li>Prof. Pania Newell (host) is an Associate Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at The University of Utah.</li><li>Prof. Lucy Zhang (host) is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)</li></ul><p><strong>Editing team:</strong></p><ul><li>Artwork is created using Canva (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://canva.com">canva.com</a>)</li></ul><p><strong>Disclaimer:</strong></p><p>The views, information, or opinions expressed during the This Academic Life podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of the employers (Howard University, The University of Utah, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute) and their employees. The employers are not responsible and do not verify for accuracy any of the information and content contained in the podcast available for listening. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate, support, and inform. This podcast does not constitute professional advice or services.</p><p>This podcast is available for private, non-commercial use only. Advertising which is incorporated into, placed in association with, or targeted toward the content of this podcast, without the expressed written approval and knowledge of This Academic Life podcast site assume no liability for any activities in connection with this podcast or for use of this podcast in connection with any other website, computer or playing device. </p>

<p>Shows Notes - Episode #89</p><p><strong>Episode Notes:</strong></p><p>In this episode, we talk about traditional research funding sources in the U.S. and discuss how creativity and resilience can help us navigate uncertain times.</p><p><strong>Contact list:</strong> If you have any comments about our show or have suggestions for a future topic, please contact us at<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://pinecast.com/dashboard/podcast/this-academic-life/episode/816d523d-8f3e-4fc5-a119-28ced41f636c/mailto:[email protected]"> </a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a>. You can also find us on the webpage<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://thisacademiclife.org/"> </a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://thisacademiclife.org">https://thisacademiclife.org</a> and on Facebook group “This Academic Life”.</p><p><strong>Cast list:</strong></p><p><strong>Host:</strong></p><ul><li>Prof. Pania Newell (host) is an Associate Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at The University of Utah.</li><li>Prof. Lucy Zhang (host) is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)</li></ul><p><strong>Editing team:</strong></p><ul><li>Artwork is created using Canva (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://canva.com">canva.com</a>)</li></ul><p><strong>References:</strong></p><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://ncses.nsf.gov/pubs/nsf24332">https://ncses.nsf.gov/pubs/nsf24332</a></li></ul><p><strong>Disclaimer:</strong></p><p>The views, information, or opinions expressed during the This Academic Life podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of the employers (Howard University, The University of Utah, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute) and their employees. The employers are not responsible and do not verify for accuracy any of the information and content contained in the podcast available for listening. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate, support, and inform. This podcast does not constitute professional advice or services.</p><p>This podcast is available for private, non-commercial use only. Advertising which is incorporated into, placed in association with, or targeted toward the content of this podcast, without the expressed written approval and knowledge of This Academic Life podcast site assume no liability for any activities in connection with this podcast or for use of this podcast in connection with any other website, computer or playing device. </p>

<p>Shows Notes - Episode #88</p><p><strong>Episode Notes:</strong></p><p>In this episode, we have a conversation with Dr. Laurel Kuxhaus, a program director at NIH who was among the thousands that got laid off by the federal government. She shares her insights as she navigates through setbacks and uncertainties.</p><p><strong>Contact list:</strong> If you have any comments about our show or have suggestions for a future topic, please contact us at<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://pinecast.com/dashboard/podcast/this-academic-life/episode/816d523d-8f3e-4fc5-a119-28ced41f636c/mailto:[email protected]"> </a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a>. You can also find us on the webpage<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://thisacademiclife.org/"> </a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://thisacademiclife.org">https://thisacademiclife.org</a> and on Facebook group “This Academic Life”.</p><p><strong>Cast list:</strong></p><p><strong>Guest:</strong></p><ul><li>Dr. Laurel Kuxhaus, Biomedical Engineer, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://laurelkuxhaus.com">laurelkuxhaus.com</a><strong>, </strong>email: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></li></ul><p><strong>Host:</strong></p><ul><li>Prof. Lucy Zhang (host) is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)</li></ul><p><strong>Editing team:</strong></p><ul><li>Artwork is created using Canva (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://canva.com">canva.com</a>)</li></ul><p><strong>References:</strong></p><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.kgou.org/health/2025-02-14/staff-at-cdc-and-nih-are-reeling-as-trump-administration-cuts-workforce">https://www.kgou.org/health/2025-02-14/staff-at-cdc-and-nih-are-reeling-as-trump-administration-cuts-workforce</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.justsecurity.org/114005/federal-court-halts-mass-layoffs-civil-service/">https://www.justsecurity.org/114005/federal-court-halts-mass-layoffs-civil-service/</a></li></ul><p><strong>Disclaimer:</strong></p><p>The views, information, or opinions expressed during the This Academic Life podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of the employers (Howard University, The University of Utah, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute) and their employees. The employers are not responsible and do not verify for accuracy any of the information and content contained in the podcast available for listening. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate, support, and inform. This podcast does not constitute professional advice or services.</p><p>This podcast is available for private, non-commercial use only. Advertising which is incorporated into, placed in association with, or targeted toward the content of this podcast, without the expressed written approval and knowledge of This Academic Life podcast site assume no liability for any activities in connection with this podcast or for use of this podcast in connection with any other website, computer or playing device. </p>

<p><strong>Episode Notes: </strong></p><p>In this episode, we explore the topic of overhead in academia, from its historical roots to its perceived benefits and challenges and discuss how lower overhead rates could impact the way research is conducted in the United States.</p><p><strong>Contact list:</strong> If you have any comments about our show or have suggestions for a future topic, please contact us at<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://pinecast.com/dashboard/podcast/this-academic-life/episode/816d523d-8f3e-4fc5-a119-28ced41f636c/mailto:[email protected]"> </a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a>. You can also find us on the webpage<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://thisacademiclife.org/"> </a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://thisacademiclife.org">https://thisacademiclife.org</a> and on Facebook group “This Academic Life”.</p><p><strong>Cast list:</strong></p><p><strong>Hosts: </strong></p><ul><li>Prof. Pania Newell (host) is an Associate Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at The University of Utah.</li></ul><ul><li>Prof. Lucy Zhang (host) is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)</li></ul><p><strong>Editing team:</strong></p><ul><li>Artwork is created using Canva (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://canva.com">canva.com</a>)</li></ul><p><strong>References:</strong></p><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.aau.edu/key-issues/frequently-asked-questions-about-facilities-and-administrative-costs">https://www.aau.edu/key-issues/frequently-asked-questions-about-facilities-and-administrative-costs</a></li></ul>

<p>In this episode, we'll be talking about a day we've been longing for - a day to unplug and unwind. We'll talk about why it is so difficult and yet so important to take a pause once a while from our daily grind.</p><p>Host: Lucy Zhang</p><p>References:</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://celesteheadlee.com/do-nothing-book/">https://celesteheadlee.com/do-nothing-book/</a></p>