Curious Campus

Care, Language, and Human Connection with Ian Williams

In this episode, Professor Ian Williams joins us to discuss his CBC Massey Lectures, What I Mean to Say: Remaking Conversation in Our Time. Williams explores the role that conversation plays in shaping how we relate to one another, from everyday social exchanges to difficult discussions about sensitive topics. We talk about the inspirations behind the lecture series, how conversations have evolved over time, and why care, listening, and curiosity are essential for meaningful dialogue. Ian Williams is a Professor of English, director of the Creative Writing program and academic advisor for the Massey College William Southam Journalism Fellowship at the University of Toronto, where he also completed his PhD. Williams is the author of several acclaimed books of fiction, poetry and nonfiction. He is also a trustee for the Griffin Poetry Prize.

Bridging Science and Philosophy with Cory Lewis

In this episode, Professor Cory Lewis joins us to discuss his research on the generality of scientific models and his teaching, touching on experiential learning, AI, and some hands-on activities conducted in his class. Professor Lewis shares insights into the relationship between philosophers of science and scientists, bridging the gap between the humanities and STEM. We also touch on the courses he teaches, and the changes he foresees within the classroom due to AI and our relationships with one another as technology blurs who we truly interact with online. Cory Lewis is an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto, where he teaches at the Institute for the History and Philosophy of Science and Technology. Cory Lewis received his PhD in 2017 from the IHPST. His research focuses mainly on generality and contingency in scientific theories.

Anushka Ataullahjan on Gender, Climate, and Health

In this episode, Professor Anushka Ataullahjan joins us to explore the gendered impact of climate change, with a focus on her recent research in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which was severely affected by the 2022 summer floods. Professor Ataullahjan shares insights into how these floods have affected women’s health and wellbeing, offering a deeper look into the intersection of climate, gender, and public health. We also discuss the cultural factors that shape health outcomes and get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the research process on the ground. Anushka Ataullahjan is an Assistant Professor in the School of Health Studies in the Faculty of Health Sciences at Western University and an Assistant Professor (status-only) at the Social & Behavioural Health Sciences Division at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto. Professor Anushka Ataullahjan is a critical qualitative researcher whose research explores the health of women, children, and adolescents in low- and middle-income countries, particularly Pakistan.

Referrals, Resumes, and Self-Presentation with Santiago Campero

In this episode, Professor Santiago Campero joins us in a discussion on the dynamics of hiring in the high-tech labour market. In these highly competitive fields, Santiago examines how factors such as social networks, status, and reputation influence opportunities for job seekers, particularly in industries where certain groups are underrepresented. It is a topic at the heart of his research, where he investigates labour market inequality and organizational behaviour. Today, he brings a thoughtful lens to how network referrals and self-presentation impact the hiring process in the high-tech labour market. Santiago Campero is an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto’s Centre for Industrial Relations and Human Resources. His research focuses on labour market inequality and organizational dynamics, with a particular interest in the high-tech startup sector. Campero also taught at HEC Montréal and worked as a management consultant at McKinsey & Company.

The Trouble about Talent with Joseph Baker

In this episode, Professor Joseph Baker joins us to explore the question: Is it time to retire ‘talent’ from discussions of athlete development?—a topic he also addresses in his paper of the same name. Though widely used in sports, talent is a vague and often misunderstood concept. Does our fixation on natural ability distract us from what truly supports the progression of both elite and novice athletes? Professor Baker unpacks the implications of relying on this notion in high-performance sport. Together, we examine how talented is defined, its role in athletic success, and the ongoing debate around its relevance in sports science. Joseph Baker is a Professor of Sports Science at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education. His research focuses on the optimal development of the human body, how one can achieve ultimate performance, and how someone can maintain that degree of performance. Baker is also the Tanenbaum Chair in Sport Science, Data Modelling and Sports Analytics at the University of Toronto, and is the Past President of the Canadian Society for Psychomotor Learning and Sport Psychology.