Hidden Figures (Canada)

Episode #19: Dr. Allan E.S. Lumba

Dr. Allan E.S. Lumba is an Assistant Professor of History at Concordia University. His latest book "Monetary Authorities: Capitalism and Decolonization in the American Colonial Philippines" is available from Duke University Press, or at the open access at the link below. In this episode, Dr. Lumba chats with Joe and Annie about the importance of history in understanding contemporary issues, especially as they relate to race and power. He emphasizes the need for institutional change within academia to better serve communities and address issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and discusses his research on the American colonial Philippines and his upcoming projects on infrastructural history in Manila. https://library.oapen.org/handle/20.500.12657/58913 [https://library.oapen.org/handle/20.500.12657/58913]

Episode #18: Dr. Sylvia Santosa

Dr. Sylvia Santosa, Canada Research Chair in Clinical Nutrition at Concordia University, joins the Hidden Figures team to discuss her journey into academia and how she became interested in researching fat tissue, obesity, and metabolic disorders. This conversation covers the challenges of bias and inequity in academia and within the discipline itself, but also highlights positive shifts towards inclusivity and a growing recognition of diverse experiences. Dr. Santosa also shares her insights on the evolving criteria for evaluating success, such as grants and peer review processes, that are contributing to a more equitable and inclusive academic environment.

Episode #17: Dr. Alejandro Hernandez

In this episode, Dr. Alejandro Hernandez discusses his journey in academia, starting from his motivation for pursuing a PhD to his experiences as a postdoctoral fellow. He reflects on the complexities and challenges within academia, particularly regarding the neo-liberalization of education and the hierarchies present within institutions. Dr. Hernandez shares insights on his research projects and the structural barriers that impact the ability to conduct research in Canada. He also highlights issues related to faculty hiring practices in sociology departments, emphasizing the preference for non-Canadian candidates over Canadian ones.

Episode #16: Dr. Ethel Tungohan

In this episode, Dr. Ethel Tungohan discusses what motivates her, her experiences with tenure processes, and the relevance of her research in a polarized political environment. Dr. Tungohan shares her approach to making research accessible to broader communities and discusses socially engaged research practices. The podcast also touches on the challenges and biases in academic disciplines and the importance of uplifting marginalized scholars in the field. Dr. Tungohan also discusses the way that her podcast “Academic Aunties” is form of community support, and she tells Nathan and Joe to start a Hidden Figures band. https://www.academicaunties.com/

Episode #15: Dr. Raywat Deonandan

In this episode, Dr. Raywat Deonandan talks with Annie about his journey from childhood in Guyana to pursuing a career in science and academia. He reflects on the importance of being brutally honest about personal goals and motivations in choosing a career path, and also emphasizes the role of academia in public health communication, the need for knowledge translation, and the challenges of balancing well-considered research with rapid responses in emergencies. Dr. Deonandan advocates for engaging conversations and meaningful relationships in knowledge exchange and highlights the complexities of knowledge mobilization and the importance of accessibility in academia.