Podcast explores why UB faculty are ‘driven to discover’

A new podcast series from University Communications (UC) explores what inspires today’s innovators. Whether it stems from a well-loved LP of the historic moon landing (episode one with aerospace engineer John Crassidis) or from frequent visits to the zoo as a child (episode two with biological anthropologist Stephanie Poindexter), UB faculty share what is it that led them to their chosen field of research.

As New York’s flagship institution, UB has a diverse array of prominent scholars and experts. The university’s renowned faculty are consistently in the news for their innovative discoveries and scholarship. But how did it all start? In each episode of “Driven to Discover,” a host from UC sits down with a faculty member to learn what originally sparked their interest, what drove them to focus their life’s work on their subject, and what makes their subject meaningful for the world at large.

“We want the podcast to be approachable,” says Laura Silverman, director of content strategy at UC and managing editor of the podcast. “We try to make each episode feel like a compelling conversation that’s taking place in your living room with a friend who happens to be a faculty expert, doing important work in a fascinating field.”

The podcast, produced by UC and UB’s Video Production Group, is available to stream or download on Buzzsprout, Apple, Google and Spotify, and will also appear in UBNow. There will be 10 episodes a year, on a monthly basis, with a break over the summer. 

“We think the UB community will enjoy hearing stories of inspiration and exploration from colleagues, mentors and teachers who make this university great,” adds John Della Contrada, vice president for communications.

Listen to episode one of “Driven to Discover” with John Crassidis here.