Discovery Dialogues

Finding your Path by Saying “Yes” to the Unknown with Heather Hartmann

In this episode of Discovery Dialogues, Dr. Heather Hartmann shares her journey from chemistry undergraduate to Vanderbilt graduate student and postdoctoral scholar, highlighting the experiences that shaped her career in biomedical research. She discusses her groundbreaking work on thyroid cancer biomarkers and the effects of PFAS “forever chemicals,” as well as her current research on drug metabolism and Cytochrome P450 enzymes. Heather also reflects on the transition from graduate student to postdoc, the importance of mentorship, and how Vanderbilt's collaborative research environment has helped her develop new skills and explore diverse career possibilities. Along the way, she offers practical advice for trainees about embracing uncertainty, seeking out new experiences, and finding the right fit in research and mentorship.

Don’t Give Up on Basic Science with Soren Emerson

In this episode of Discovery Dialogues, neuroscience PhD candidate Soren Emerson shares how personal experiences and a passion for helping others led him to study addiction and brain function at Vanderbilt. He explores how cocaine changes the brain and how his research could uncover new paths for treating substance use disorders. Along the way, Soren reflects on the challenges, collaboration, and resilience that define life as a graduate researcher.

Preparing for Disaster with Joshua McDuffie

Go beyond blueprints and into the human side of engineering as PhD candidate Joshua McDuffie explores how people make life-changing decisions in the face of disasters. From personal experiences with flooding to groundbreaking research on risk perception and trust, this episode reveals why the biggest challenges aren’t always technical—they’re human. It’s a powerful story of resilience, community, and discovering the impact you can make when you understand both systems and the people within them.  For more information about Discovery Dialogues and show notes from this episode, visit the Discovery Dialogues [https://gradschool.vanderbilt.edu/discovery-dialogues/] website. Copyright 2026, Vanderbilt University. This podcast was recorded in Studio 608 at Vanderbilt University, with the assistance of JT Spangler. This podcast is produced by Anna Thomas, Nick Hyer, and Stacey Satchell in the Graduate School at Vanderbilt University, with audio editing by Ben Hill. The perspectives shared in this episode are those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of Vanderbilt University. Follow the Vanderbilt Graduate School on Social Media. [https://www.instagram.com/vugradschool/]

Exploring Madness and Embracing Providence with Caleb Kobosh

Step into the fascinating intersection of religion, politics, and mental health as PhD candidate Caleb Kobosh uncovers how “madness” was understood in early modern England. Through the gripping story of George Tross, this episode explores how personal crisis, faith, and identity collide—and what that reveals about how we still think about mental health today. It’s a thought-provoking conversation about research, resilience, and the courage to follow where curiosity leads.  For more information about Discovery Dialogues and show notes from this episode, visit the Discovery Dialogues [https://gradschool.vanderbilt.edu/discovery-dialogues/] website. Copyright 2026, Vanderbilt University. This podcast was recorded in Studio 608 at Vanderbilt University, with the assistance of JT Spangler. This podcast is produced by Anna Thomas, Nick Hyer, and Stacey Satchell in the Graduate School at Vanderbilt University, with audio editing by Ben Hill. The perspectives shared in this episode are those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of Vanderbilt University. Follow the Vanderbilt Graduate School on Social Media. [https://www.instagram.com/vugradschool/]

Exploring Philosophical Conundrums with José Zepeda

From chaotic double pendulums to the mysteries of the brain, PhD candidate Jose Zepeda shares his journey into neuroscience and addiction research at Vanderbilt University. He explores how tiny, little-understood neural circuits may hold the key to understanding motivation, behavior, and the roots of addiction. Along the way, he reflects on mentorship, failure, and the curiosity-driven science that fuels discovery.  For more information about Discovery Dialogues and show notes from this episode, visit the Discovery Dialogues [https://gradschool.vanderbilt.edu/discovery-dialogues/] website. Copyright 2026, Vanderbilt University. This podcast was recorded in Studio 608 at Vanderbilt University, with the assistance of JT Spangler. This podcast is produced by Anna Thomas, Nick Hyer, and Stacey Satchell in the Graduate School at Vanderbilt University, with audio editing by Ben Hill. The perspectives shared in this episode are those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of Vanderbilt University. Follow the Vanderbilt Graduate School on Social Media. [https://www.instagram.com/vugradschool/]