Episode 19: SCSU Bridging Pathways Conference - Part 2

Episode 19: SCSU Bridging Pathways Conference - Part 2

This episode of Creative Journeys was recorded at the Bridging Pathways Conference, hosted by the SCSU Innovation Hub, where students, educators, and professionals came together to explore creativity, mentorship, leadership, and the many pathways that shape meaningful work. In this conversation, Melissa Jagrosse reflects on her journey from SCSU alum to Ph.D. scientist working in bioanalytical research and diagnostics at Alexion Pharmaceuticals/AstraZeneca. She shares how childhood interests in paleontology, cancer research, astronomy, biology, and chemistry eventually converged into a career at the intersection of science, problem-solving, and discovery. Along the way, Melissa offers honest insight into graduate school, burnout, choosing the right advisor, building resilience, and making room for passions beyond work—reminding us that even the most ambitious pathways are rarely linear and always leave room for learning. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Episode 18: SCSU Bridging Pathways Conference - Part 1

This episode of Creative Journeys was recorded at the Bridging Pathways Conference, hosted by the SCSU Innovation Hub, where students, educators, and professionals came together to explore creativity, mentorship, leadership, and the many pathways that shape meaningful work. In this conversation, Marcus Paca reflects on his own nonlinear career journey, from marketing and telecom to workforce development, higher education, and strategic healthcare partnerships. He shares how mentorship, storytelling, relationship-building, and creative risk-taking can open doors for students and young professionals, especially those who may not yet see a clear path into fields like healthcare. Along the way, Marcus offers a powerful reminder that failure is not the opposite of success, but part of the creative process that helps us grow, build trust, and “fail up” into new possibilities. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Episode 17: Curiosity in the Wild: Frogs, Field Research, and the Creativity of Science

In this episode of Creative Journeys, Steven Brady joins the conversation to explore creativity through the lens of science, curiosity, and the natural world. As he reflects on his work studying wood frogs and the environmental pressures they face, the discussion opens into bigger questions about research, discovery, and what it means to follow ideas wherever they lead. It’s a thoughtful episode about creativity in unexpected places—and about how wonder, observation, and care for the world can shape both science and everyday life. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Episode 16: Innovation, Creativity, and the Quantum Future

In this episode of Creative Journeys, Dave and Melanie sit down with Peter Dimoulas, Program Administrator for Southern’s Innovation Hub, to talk about creativity where you might not expect it: in science, technology, and workforce development. Peter shares how the Innovation Hub connects students, faculty, and industry partners, helping ideas move from classroom curiosity to real-world possibility. They explore what creativity looks like in STEM fields, why industries need designers and communicators just as much as biologists and chemists, and how emerging technologies like quantum computing will reshape the future. From networking wisdom to unexpected career paths, Peter offers a refreshing perspective on collaboration, opportunity, and embracing the unknown. A great listen for students, educators, and anyone curious about how innovation happens—and how creative thinking drives it forward. Tune in! ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Episode 15: Language, Culture, and Learning Through Experience

In this episode of Creative Journeys, Dave and Melanie sit down with Dr. Jesse Gleason, Associate Professor of Spanish in the World Languages and Literatures Department at Southern Connecticut State University, for a conversation that explores creativity through language, technology, and cultural connection. Jesse shares her path from studying linguistics in Chile to earning her doctorate in applied linguistics and technology, and how that journey shapes her teaching today. They dive into podcasting in the classroom, the role of technology in learning languages, and the power of immersive experience—including a life-changing student trip to Patagonia. Together, they reflect on how language learning expands identity, builds confidence, and opens students to entirely new ways of seeing the world. It’s an inspiring reminder that creativity isn’t just about making things—it’s about meaning, connection, and the stories we build across cultures. Tune in to discover how Jesse helps students find their voice in another language, and why experiential learning continues to transform lives. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.