Yale College Voices: Exploring Diverse Roles and Innovative Projects of Our Staff

Teaching with Intention: Dr. Lauren Carpenter on Connection, Reflection, and Reimagining Education

In this episode of Yale College Voices, host Darice Corey welcomes Dr. Lauren Carpenter, Associate Director and Lecturer in the Education Studies Program at Yale University, for a thoughtful and engaging conversation about the heart of teaching and learning. Lauren shares her journey into education, from an unexpected start in the classroom to her early experiences teaching English language learners in New York City. What began as a practical career step quickly became a calling, shaped by real classroom challenges, deep reflection, and a commitment to supporting students in meaningful ways. Together, they explore what makes teaching both complex and deeply rewarding. Lauren offers insight into the power of classroom interaction, the importance of intentional teaching practices, and the role of self-reflection in becoming a more effective educator. She speaks candidly about the realities teachers face, from navigating diverse student needs to working within systems that are not always designed for equity. The conversation also touches on timely topics like the role of technology and AI in education, and how thoughtful implementation can support, rather than distract from, student learning. Now at Yale, Lauren works closely with students who are passionate about education as a field of impact. She reflects on what draws Yale students to this work, their commitment to equity and innovation, and the hope they bring to the future of education. This episode is warm, honest, and inspiring. It reminds listeners that education is not just about content or credentials, but about connection, intention, and the everyday moments that shape how people learn and grow. Podcast Host: Darice Corey | Senior Director of Web and IT Planning | Yale College Dean’s Office Staff Engagement Committee Co-Chair | Pierson College Fellow Podcast Guest: Dr. Lauren Carpenter | Associate Director and Lecturer | Yale’s Education Studies Program Video/Podcast Producer: Ryan McEvoy | Yale Broadcast Studio

Dr. Arielle Baskin-Sommers: Curiosity, Compassion, and the Human Experience

In this episode of Yale College Voices, host Darice Corey sits down with Dr. Arielle Baskin-Sommers, Professor of Psychology at Yale University, affiliated with Psychiatry, the Child Study Center, the Law School, and the Wu Tsai Institute, and Head of Silliman College. Together, they explore the journey that shaped her path into studying human behavior, from early exposure to conversations about crime and society to her work today at the intersection of psychology, neuroscience, and justice. The conversation opens with a look at how curiosity and lived experience can influence not only academic pursuits, but a lifelong commitment to understanding people more deeply. Throughout the episode, Dr. Baskin-Sommers shares insights from her research on impulsivity, risk-taking, and the complex interaction between the brain and environment. She reflects on her work with adolescents and incarcerated individuals, and how her findings are helping to inform more thoughtful and humane approaches to mental health care and the criminal justice system. As the conversation unfolds, she challenges common assumptions about behavior, encouraging listeners to move beyond simple narratives and consider the deeper factors that shape how people think, act, and make decisions. The discussion also highlights her role as an educator and residential college leader, where she supports students through both everyday challenges and more complex moments of growth. Dr. Baskin-Sommers speaks candidly about the importance of distinguishing between normal stress and more serious mental health concerns, while creating space for students to learn, make mistakes, and develop resilience. This episode is thoughtful, engaging, and inspiring, offering listeners a meaningful perspective on identity, behavior, and the importance of approaching others with curiosity, empathy, and understanding. Podcast Host: Darice Corey | Senior Director of Web and IT Planning | Yale College Dean’s Office Staff Engagement Committee Co-Chair | Pierson College Fellow Podcast Guest: Dr. Arielle Baskin-Sommers | Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry | Head of Silliman College Video/Podcast Producer: Ryan McEvoy | Yale Broadcast Studio

Dr. Maurice L. Harris on Creative Leadership and Telling Stories That Matter

In this inspiring episode of Yale College Voices, host Darice Corey sits down with Maurice Harris, Deputy Director of the Yale Schwarzman Center, musician, and creative leader whose career spans corporate communications, nonprofit work, higher education, and music. Their conversation moves easily across these worlds, offering listeners an inside look at how leadership, creativity, and ethics show up in real life at Yale and beyond. Maurice reflects on growing up in an Air Force family and moving between England, Germany, and cities across the United States, experiences that shaped his comfort with change and his ability to build connection quickly. Darice explores how those early years led Maurice through corporate marketing, faith-based community work in Vermont, and ultimately to Yale, where his many paths began to make sense as part of a larger calling. Along the way, Maurice shares candid insights about restlessness, growth, and learning to trust that different chapters of a career can belong together. Throughout the episode, Maurice connects art-making and leadership, drawing from his doctoral work focused on the leadership philosophy of Martin Luther King Jr. and his Yale seminar, Art Making and Leadership: An Integrative Approach. He talks about creating space for artists and audiences at the Schwarzman Center, listening deeply to feedback, and leading with humility. From his experience producing Grammy-ballot music to advocating for student voices through digital exhibitions, Maurice offers thoughtful reflections on staying true to your work while serving a broader community. The episode closes with a reminder to take risks when opportunity appears and to keep moving forward, even when the steps feel small. Podcast Host: Darice Corey | Senior Director of Web and IT Planning | Yale College Dean’s Office Staff Engagement Committee Co-Chair | Pierson College Fellow Podcast Guest: Dr. Maurice L. Harris | Deputy Director | Yale Schwarzman Center Video/Podcast Producer: Ryan McEvoy | Yale Broadcast Studio

Teaching as Trust: Pam Schirmeister on Guiding the Next Generation

In this inspiring episode of Yale College Voices, host Darice Corey sits down with Pam Schirmeister, Deputy Dean of Yale College and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, as well as Dean of Undergraduate Education. Pam Schirmeister shares her fascinating journey from writing for the Yale Daily News and working as a journalist for Time magazine in Paris, to becoming a beloved teacher and leader at Yale. The conversation dives into her passion for storytelling, the impact of teaching and mentorship, and the ways in which education evolves for today’s world—including the challenges and opportunities presented by generative AI. Pam Schirmeister reflects on the importance of inspiring curiosity, meeting students where they are, and instilling a lifelong love of learning. Listeners also get a glimpse of Pam Schirmeister’s life outside Yale, her joy for skiing, family adventures, and her thoughts on balancing career and home life. With warm anecdotes and practical insights, this episode highlights the enduring values and new questions that drive Yale’s educational mission. Tune in to hear stories of growth, teaching, and community—plus a bit of personal history from one of Yale’s most dedicated academic leaders. Podcast Host: Darice Corey | Senior Director of Web and IT Planning | Yale College Dean’s Office Staff Engagement Committee Co-Chair | Pierson College Fellow Podcast Guest: Pamela Schirmeister | Deputy Dean of Yale College and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences | Dean of Undergraduate Education Video/Podcast Producer: Ryan McEvoy | Yale Broadcast Studio

Creating Home Away from Home: Carolina Davila’s Story and La Casa’s Impact

Join Darice Corey as she sits down with Carolina Davila, director of La Casa Cultural at Yale, for an inspiring and heartfelt conversation about leadership, belonging, and building community. Carolina Davila shares her journey from Puerto Rico to Boston, her experiences as a first-generation, low-income college graduate, and the powerful lessons learned from her upbringing and career in higher education. Discover how Carolina Davila has transformed La Casa into a vibrant and inclusive space that celebrates Latinx identity, supports students, and fosters connections across campus and beyond. The episode delves into the challenges and joys of creating “a home away from home,” the importance of accessible, student-informed programming, and the value of representation. Carolina Davila also discusses her personal path to becoming a certified doula, and how her commitment to advocacy and holistic support shapes her work both at Yale and in the wider community. Whether you’re interested in student life, cultural centers, or the personal journeys that shape leaders, this episode highlights the roots, resilience, and vision that drive Carolina Davila—and offers practical wisdom for anyone seeking to build meaningful, welcoming communities. Podcast Host: Darice Corey | Senior Director of Web and IT Planning | Yale College Dean’s Office Staff Engagement Committee Co-Chair | Pierson College Fellow Podcast Guest: Carolina Davila | Assistant Dean of Yale College and Director or La Casa Cultural Center Video/Podcast Producer: Ryan McEvoy | Yale Broadcast Studio