The 92 Report

Will Bachman

Conversations with the Harvard and Radcliffe Class of 1992, hosted by Will Bachman '92. Every member of the class has a story to tell, and the goal is to interview every one of them. There are 1,600 members of the class, so at a rate of one episode per week, this project will take 30 years. Register for email updates at 92report.com

  1. 6d ago

    175. Chana Gable Selmon, Medicine Without Borders

    Show Notes: Chana Gable Selmon explains she joined Harvard as a transfer student in 1990, overlapping two years with the class of 1992. She graduated in 1993 after completing science requirements due to her history concentration. Chana decided to go to medical school at Cornell, followed by an internship in Emergency Medicine at Bellevue NYU and residency at Harvard. Commuting between Jerusalem and New Jersey Chana had her first child in 2000 and continued working as an ER doctor. She describes her experience as a fourth-year resident at Brooklyn Hospital Center during 9/11. She later  moved to the suburbs with her husband and had four children. Chana and her husband decided to move to Israel for international experience, despite the challenges of practicing medicine in a different language. She commuted between Jerusalem and New Jersey for work until Covid, when she started working in a clinic in the West Bank. Working in the West Bank Chana describes her work in the West Bank as a general practitioner, dealing with patients from diverse backgrounds. She emphasizes the importance of understanding different perspectives and the complexity of the Israel-Palestine situation. She shares her personal connection to the region through her family history and experiences.  A Complex Cultural Heritage  Chana talks about her family's complex heritage, including her grandfather's Yemeni Arab background and her mother's Ashkenazi Jewish roots. She describes the impact of her family's history on her perspective and her desire to connect with different cultures. Chana discusses the challenges of raising her children in Israel and the importance of transmitting her cultural heritage. She highlights the importance of understanding the region's history and the impact of her family's experiences.  Cultural Differences and Challenges Chana reflects on the cultural differences and challenges of living in the Middle East. She describes the warmth and support of people in the region, despite the chaotic environment. Chana discusses the practical considerations of living in Israel, including the impact of political instability. She expresses her pride in her children's dedication to public service and their ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. Media Misinformation and Solomonic Problem Chana expresses her frustration with the misinformation spread through social media about the West Bank. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the small size and complexity of the region. Chana discusses the unsustainable nature of the current situation and the need for creative solutions. She calls for more informed discussions and less reliance on simplistic labels and slogans. Harvard Reflections Chana shares her experience as a transfer student from community college, facing opposition from her ultra-orthodox Jewish family. She describes the support she received from Professor Samuel Draper at Rockland Community College who helped her apply to Harvard. Chana mentions JJ Henkin at Harvard, and she discusses her involvement in the history department at Harvard and her participation in the curriculum committee. She also mentions CityStep with Trisha Perez Kennealy, and reflects on the impact of her Harvard education on her career and personal development. A Lifelong Commitment Chana reflects on her decision to stay in Israel despite the challenges and the support of her husband. She discusses the practical considerations of returning to the United States, including her children's education and her aging parents. Chana shares her ongoing interest in history and her commitment to lifelong learning. She expresses her willingness to connect with classmates and share her experiences. Timestamps: 02:32: Balancing Family and Career  06:38: Life in Israel and the West Bank  08:57: Family Background and Cultural Identity  10:44: Challenges and Rewards of Living in the Middle East  34:44: Educational Journey and Harvard Experience  44:13: Impact of Social Media and Misunderstandings  44:30: Personal Reflections and Future Plans  Links: Email:  cselmon@gmail.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chana-gable-selmon-2643907

  2. Jul 6

    174. Jenny Davidson, Professor of English & Comparative Literature

    Show Notes: Jenny Davidson describes her continued passion for literature, reading, and writing, her interest in primatology, adventures in Tanzania, and her new hobbies.  Form and Technique in Powerlifting  She details her fitness routine, including powerlifting, running, swimming, triathlon, and yoga. Jenny shares her experience with a longstanding injury affecting her ability to do high-volume aerobic training. Jenny explains the basics of powerlifting, distinguishing it from Olympic lifting. She describes her favorite lift, the deadlift, and the other two main lifts: squat and bench press. Jenny shares her powerlifting achievements, including her recent competitions and her current lifting numbers. She emphasizes the importance of proper form and technique in powerlifting. Health and Community through Fitness Jenny discusses the impact of her exercise routine on her mood and energy levels. She describes how exercise helps her maintain a schedule and provides a sense of community through fitness activities. Jenny shares her experience with yoga and how it has become a significant part of her life. She mentions her weekly private Pilates sessions for therapeutic purposes. A Career in Literature Jenny talks about her career in literature, starting with her graduate studies at Yale. She specializes in 18th-century British literature and has been teaching at Columbia for 25 years. She mentions several books, including Clarissa and Moby Dick. Jenny enjoys teaching a mix of introductory and specialized classes, including comparative European novels and single-author classes. She shares her enthusiasm for teaching complex literary texts and the unique challenges they present.  Recommended 18th Century Literature Jenny recommends Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels and his other prose satires as essential reading. She highlights Frances Burney's novel Evelina and Edward Gibbon's History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. Jenny also recommends Adam Smith's Wealth of Nations and Edmund Burke's Reflections on the Revolution in France. She mentions Laurence Sterne's Tristram Shandy and A Sentimental Journey as accessible entry points to 18th-century literature. The Rise of Literacy Jenny discusses the rise of literacy and popular print in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. She explains how books like Pamela by Richardson were shared among multiple readers, increasing their reach. Jenny notes the evidence of reading among both elite and working-class individuals. She highlights the importance of marginalia and letters in understanding the reading habits of the time. Reading Habits Jenny shares her unusual relationship with reading, being a very fast reader from a very early age. She describes her reading habits, including rereading books she teaches and reading modern novels for pleasure. Jenny mentions her book, Reading Style: A Life in Sentences, which explores her life as a reader. She reflects on the challenges of finding enough reading material during demanding times of the semester. Primatology in Tanzania Jenny discusses her recent trips to Tanzania and her interest in primatology and being influenced by Jane Goodall from a young age. She shares her experience learning Swahili and conducting oral history interviews with Tanzanian field assistants. Jenny plans to create an oral history digital repository at Columbia and potentially publish essays or a book on her findings. She describes her collaboration with a Tanzanian guide, Rama, and their efforts to revive a tree-planting education program. AI in Humanities Education Jenny discusses the potential and limitations of AI in humanities education. She expresses concerns about students using AI for assignments, viewing it as a form of cheating. Jenny shares her positive experience with using AI for transcription of oral history interviews. She emphasizes the importance of creating a quiet mind and immersive reading environments for deep learning. Harvard Reflections Jenny talks about classes with Barbara Johnson, Elaine Scarry, and Writing Narrative History with Simon Schama. She also mentions the class Judith Clara taught on political obligation, and a class called The Development of the Modern State taught by Stanley Hoffman, Peter Hall, and Tom Ertman. Timestamps: 02:21: Powerlifting and Technique  07:45: Impact of Exercise on Personal Life  10:17: Career in Literature and Teaching  13:00: Recommended 18th-Century Literature  13:15: Reading Public in the 18th Century  26:45: Jenny's Reading Habits  29:09: Tanzania Research and Oral History  35:39: AI and Humanities Education  Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/214744151893608/user/112738 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-davidson-a89a7b1b5   *AI generated transcript and show notes.

  3. Jun 29

    173. Teresa Nakra, Exploring Music through Culture, Technology, & Creative Coding

    Show Notes Teresa shares her background as a music major at Harvard, focusing on conducting. She discusses her decision to apply for the Michael C. Rockefeller Fellowship to study Indian classical music in India. Teresa describes her year in India, living with a family and studying North Indian classical music. Exploring Indian Classical Music Teresa explains her experience with the violin, which was introduced to Indian classical music by the Portuguese in the 1500s. She details the differences between Western tonal harmony and Indian classical music, including the use of a drone and melodic improvisation. Teresa describes her daily routine of practicing the violin and taking lessons in the Indian tradition. She mentions her journaling and pen pal correspondence with Rachel Berger who was in Zimbabwe at the same time. Working at MIT Teresa recounts her return to the U.S. and a phone call from Tod Machover at MIT, leading to her enrolment at MIT. She describes her work at MIT, inventing new technologies for music making, including a conductor's jacket with sensors. Teresa discusses her collaboration with Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops, using the conductor's jacket in a concert. She explains the insights gained from the conductor's jacket, including the use of force and muscle tension in conducting gestures. Working as a Freelance Music Technologist Teresa shares her experience as a freelance music technologist and starting her own nonprofit organization. She describes her role as the first music technologist hired in a music department at the College of New Jersey. Teresa explains the different categories within music technology, including audio engineering, digital signal processing, and composition. She discusses the use of digital audio workstations (DAWs) for multi-track composition and recording. She talks about her book and the inspiration behind it.  Personal Habits and Wellness Teresa shares her personal habit of taking regular walks in nature to maintain mental health. She reflects on the importance of wellness habits, especially during stressful times of the year. Teresa also discusses the importance of taking risks and making job changes in mid-career. She encourages others to pursue new opportunities and continue growing professionally. Harvard Reflections Teresa highlights the influence of professors like Graeme Boone and Jan Swafford on her career. She shares her appreciation for their support and mentorship throughout her academic journey. Teresa reflects on the impact of specific courses, and how it inspired her to go to India and her musical interests. She emphasizes the importance of personal connections with faculty members in fostering a love for music. Music that Stands the Test of Time Teresa discusses her personal music listening habits, focusing on classical music, jazz, and world music. She mentions her daughter's influence in introducing her to contemporary music. Teresa reflects on the diversity of her music playlists and her ongoing exploration of new genres. She emphasizes the timeless quality of great music and its role in her personal and professional life.  Timestamps: 02:39: Learning Indian Classical Music 06:48: Return to the U.S. and MIT  13:58: Teaching and Music Technology 19:57: Personal Projects and Publications  23:44: Impact of Technology on Music Education  28:16: Personal Habits and Wellness  30:30: Influential Professors and Courses  34:44: Personal Music Preferences  Links: Teresa's Book (Constructing Music: Musical Explorations in Creative Coding) https://www.amazon.com/dp/0197669190?tag=oxacglobal-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1 Oxford University Press website: https://academic.oup.com/book/55879 Academic Page at Stevens Institute of Technology: https://www.stevens.edu/profile/tnakra *AI generated transcript and show notes

  4. Jun 22

    172. Michael Lim, Physicist, Mentor, Traveler

    Show Notes: Kim Goyette reflects on Michael Lim's  early days at Harvard, starting with their time in Dorm Crew. They met in Lionel Hall and became friends, with Michael being a physics major and Kim a sociology major. Their relationship began tentatively in their sophomore year, with many ups and downs before they officially became a couple by graduation. From Harvard to the University of MIchigan After graduation, Michael went to the University of Michigan for his PhD in physics, while Kim went to Tulane University for her MA in sociology. They maintained their relationship during their separate graduate studies, visiting each other frequently. Eventually, they both ended up at the University of Michigan, where they completed their degrees. Kim shares the challenges and joys of their time in Ann Arbor, including the harsh winters and the support they provided each other. A Move to Philadelphia After graduation, Kim started her career at Temple University, while Michael became a postdoc at the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST). They got married in Washington, D.C., and planned to find a city where they could both work together. They had their first child , and Michael later moved to Philidelphia. Teaching Physics in New Jersey Michael became a postdoc at Bryn Mawr College and later a physics professor at Rowan University in New Jersey. He was dedicated to mentoring first-generation students and built a lab where he conducted experiments with students. Michael established a relationship with a lab in Singapore, bringing students there for summer research experiences. Kim highlights the impact Michael had on his students, many of whom went on to successful careers in physics, and attributed their success to Michael's mentorship and dedication.   Facing Cancer with Courage Michael was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer two years before his death, at the age of 55. The diagnosis came after he experienced gastrointestinal troubles and jaundice. Kim and Michael sought multiple opinions and clinical trials, starting chemotherapy and trying various treatments. Despite the aggressive nature of the cancer, Michael maintained a calm and scientific perspective, viewing his illness as part of natural processes. Michael approached his illness with equanimity, seeing it as part of the natural laws that govern the world. He lived his life without regrets, seizing opportunities and never deferring experiences. Kim shares that Michael was proud of his children and the impact he had on his students at Rowan University.  Pride in Mentorship Michael's final year was marked by his participation in clinical trials and the eventual progression of his cancer. Michael's final days were spent on hospice, with Kim and their family preparing for his death. Kim reflects on the conversations they had, with Michael expressing gratitude for his life and the opportunities he had. Michael was proud of his work at Rowan and the students he mentored, many of whom had successful careers.  Harvard Reflections Kim talks about Michael's role as a Big Brother and how he kept in touch with the boy he spent time with. She mentions how Michael was inspired by the challenge for physics.  Michael J. Lim Memorial Lab Scholarship at Rowan University Kim shares stories of Michael's love for travel, snorkeling, and body surfing, as well as his appreciation for local cuisines. Michael's impact on his students and colleagues was significant, with many expressing gratitude for his mentorship. For all who want to support future students and contribute to Michael's legacy, Kim introduces the Michael J. Lim Memorial Lab Scholarship at Rowan University, established to support students working in a lab. An Invitation to Michael's Celebration of Life Kim has provided an invitation to Michael's Celebration of Life that takes place on Sunday, June 28, 2026, 1-4:30 pm, at Haverford College, located just 8 miles from Philadelphia.  Timestamps:  04:20: Career Beginnings and Family Life  05:45: Michael's Career at Rowan University  09:54: Michael's Diagnosis and Final Year  16:46: Michael's Scientific Perspective and Final Reflections  20:42: Michael's Legacy and Final Days  27:51: Michael's Impact and Memorial  Links: Celebration of Life: https://canva.link/eaxs96ur97sncsm The scholarship fund: https://share.remembermyjourney.com/public-memorials/EaXD4gpz The Scholarship QR code: https://secure.rufoundation.org/s/1653/02-alumni/giving/interior.aspx?sid=1653&gid=2&pgid=4617&cid=7997&dids=1142&appealcode=PLBC

  5. Jun 15

    171. Chuck Hughes, The Road To College

    Show Notes: Chuck Hughes talks about his role on the Harvard Hockey team, being intimidated by recruiting processes and obtaining his teaching certificate while at Harvard. He taught maths, science, and english at a high school. He earned a masters in political science at Boston College.  Working in Harvard Admissions Chuck talks about his transition to Harvard Admissions in 1995, influenced by a friend's job offer in Stanford Admissions. He describes his experiences in admissions, including visits to remote areas like Alaska and interactions with diverse applicants. Chuck highlights his role in admissions, living on campus, and his interactions with notable students like BJ Novak. He reflects on the challenges and rewards of working at Harvard, including the financial constraints he faced despite his role. Moving to Monster.com Chuck discusses his move to Monster.com as a product manager, focusing on high school and college businesses. He shares his experience writing a book about college admissions, What It Really Takes to Get into the Ivy League & other highly selective colleges." At the time, he had not planned to go into education consulting, but the need was there, and Chuck founded his education consulting firm, Road to College, in 2003. The firm helps students navigate the college admissions process. He reflects on the personal and professional challenges of running his own business, including mentoring students and building long-lasting relationships. The Harvard Admissions Process Chuck shares insights into Harvard admissions and explains the difficulty of selecting a class from a large pool of applicants. He talks about changes that affect the process, such as the introduction of technological innovation, and applicants who qualify for financial aid. He mentions the importance of balancing various interests, including academic excellence, athletics, and social diversity, and he highlights the role of financial aid in admissions and the challenges of predicting the future success of applicants. Chuck emphasizes the importance of self-motivation and independence in applicants, rather than being overly influenced by helicopter parents. Student Athletics at Harvard When asked about Harvard's approach to athletics and the financial success of student-athletes, Chuck explains the challenges of maintaining Division I athletic programs while upholding academic standards. He shares his involvement with the Friends of Harvard Hockey and the financial support raised for the program. Chuck reflects on the balance between athletic success and academic excellence, emphasizing the need for special students to excel in both areas. Balancing Family and Work  Chuck shares his personal journey, including his divorce, remarriage, and raising two daughters. He discusses the challenges of balancing work, family, and personal well-being, including his commitment to physical fitness. Chuck reflects on the importance of finding passion and purpose in life, despite the pressures of professional and personal responsibilities. He emphasizes the value of mentorship and relationships in guiding students through the college admissions process. Navigating the College Admissions Process Chuck provides advice for parents and students navigating the college admissions process. He emphasizes the importance of exploring personal interests and developing a clear vision for the future. Chuck discusses the need for intentionality in academic and extracurricular activities, balancing ambition with realistic goals. He highlights the role of mentors and advisors in supporting students through the admissions process. A Focus on Education Consulting Chuck describes his approach to education consulting, focusing on mentorship and personalized guidance. He emphasizes the importance of understanding each family's unique needs and goals. Chuck discusses the challenges of working with motivated students who may face rejection despite their efforts. He reflects on the satisfaction of helping students find success and achieve their academic and career aspirations. Fundraising for Harvard Hockey Chuck shares his ongoing involvement with Harvard Hockey, serving as the lead fundraiser for the program. He discusses the importance of alumni engagement and the role of donations in supporting the program. Chuck reflects on the challenges and rewards of working with student-athletes and maintaining connections with the university. He emphasizes the value of community and collaboration in achieving success in athletics and academics. Harvard Reflections Chuck mentions Psychology of Law with Ellsworth Fersch and Greg Nash.  Timestamps: Transition to Monster.com and Education Consulting  06:00: Insights into Harvard Admissions 13:15: Harvard's Approach to Athletics and Financial Success  21:45: Chuck Hughes' Personal Journey and Entrepreneurial Ventures 27:12: Advice for Parents and Students 28:45: Approach to Education Consulting  34:30: Personal Development Habits 43:55: Harvard Reflections Links: Company website:  www.roadtocollege.com

  6. Jun 8

    170. Jessica (McBee) Kerrigan, CASA Staff and Volunteer

    Show Notes: Jessica Kerrigan (formerly Jessica McBee) shares that she applied for an internship with the American Symphony Orchestra League but didn't get it, leading her to work with the Greater Boston Youth Symphony. She moved to Iowa City to be with her boyfriend, Wade Kerrigan, who was in law school, and worked at American College Testing. Jessica got engaged, married, and moved to Kansas City, where she worked for Andrews McNeil Publishing as a contract administrator. From Publishing to Nonprofit Work Jessica describes her transition from publishing to nonprofit work. She took some time off to stay at home with her daughters when they were young. She started doing social media posts for her knitting club and a fellow knitter like her posts and asked her to do part-time social media marketing for Jackson County CASA. She now works in the fundraising department. Jessica explains the role of Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) in representing children in foster care and advocating for their best interests. Jessica details the funding sources for CASA, including grant funding, state and county funding, and individual and corporate donations.  The Role of CASA Volunteers Jessica elaborates on the role of CASA volunteers, who visit children in foster care regularly and report back to attorneys. She contrasts the resources of CASA with those of the state's children's divisions, highlighting the consistency and depth of CASA's advocacy. Jessica discusses the potential differences in recommendations between the state, the child's attorney, and the CASA advocate. She shares success stories of CASA's impact, including a young woman who graduated through an online program and a child who reunified with a parent and later got adopted by a grandmother. Recruiting Volunteers Jessica talks about the challenges of recruiting volunteers and the effectiveness of community outreach and storytelling in attracting them. She highlights the diverse profiles of CASA volunteers, including retirees, young people, active moms, former professionals, and attorneys. Jessica explains the support system for volunteers, including advocate supervisors who help with practical needs. She reflects on the increased need for volunteers as CASA takes on more cases and the importance of having volunteers to support the attorneys. At Home in Kansas Jessica shares how her understanding of the world has changed through her work with CASA, particularly in understanding the root causes of child abuse and neglect. She describes her experience as a stay-at-home mom and the various volunteer roles she took on, including teaching knitting classes. Jessica recounts a story from her time at a knitting store, emphasizing the joy of teaching and problem-solving for customers. She discusses her love for Kansas City, including its central location, sports teams, and local barbecue spots. Personal Development and Family Responsibilities Jessica talks about her commitment to exercising through the Bar Method, which has improved her strength, back pain, and mobility. She shares her hiking trips with college roommates and how they inspired her to get in better shape for future adventures. Jessica reflects on the importance of staying active and healthy, especially as her children have grown older. She mentions the challenges and joys of balancing personal development with family responsibilities. Harvard Reflections Jessica recalls her time at Harvard, including the Introduction to Russian Civilization class where she met her husband. She highlights a sophomore tutorial in history and literature with Bob Lamb and Mark Dolan, which taught her the value of a deep dive into complex texts. Jessica admits that her interest in history and literature has waned since graduation, but she still tries to keep up with some classmates' writing. She shares her current reading habits, focusing on shorter pieces in The New Yorker and other publications. Final Thoughts Jessica encourages listeners to connect with her on LinkedIn and to consider volunteering as a CASA advocate. She emphasizes the importance of meaningful volunteer opportunities and the support provided by CASA programs for volunteers. Jessica reflects on the lasting impact of her Harvard education and the value of deep engagement with challenging subjects. Timestamps: 04:47: Transition to Nonprofit Work  07:27: Role and Impact of CASA  13:58: Challenges and Successes in Volunteer Recruitment  18:26: Personal Growth and Community Involvement 24:27: Health and Personal Development  27:44: Reflections on Harvard and Personal Interests  31:09: Connecting with Classmates and Volunteer Opportunities  Links: CASA website: https://nationalcasagal.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-kerrigan-b5398811/ CASA program: CASAKC.org

  7. Jun 1

    169. Ian F. McNeely, Historian of Knowledge and Dean

    Show Notes: Ian McNeely talks about his academic path, including a PhD in History from the University of Michigan and a position in the Society of Fellows at Harvard. He met his wife at Harvard, and they both found work at the University of Oregon where they became professors. They raised a family and lived there for 24 years. In 2024, Ian moved to UNC Chapel Hill, where he continues as a professor of history and oversees undergraduate education.  The Society of Fellows When asked about the Society of Fellows,  Ian explains that he thought of it as a mystique during his undergraduate years. The Society was conceived in the 1930s as an alternative to the PhD, offering young men (later women) a three-year fellowship with no academic requirements. Ian attended lavish dinners and lunches with other fellows, including senior fellows from Harvard faculty. He met his wife at the Society, and the fellowship allowed him to convert his dissertation into a book, which was crucial for his tenure. Exploring  the History of Knowledge Ian explains how he and his wife co-wrote a book on the history of knowledge, covering various institutions like libraries, monasteries, and universities. He describes the different definitions of knowledge across these institutions, from written debates in libraries to scientific experiments in laboratories. Ian emphasizes the importance of institutions in defining what counts as knowledge. He discusses the role of vernacular knowledge and how it has been institutionalized over time. A Fellow's Activities Ian talks about his activities as a fellow. He describes his monastic approach, focusing on conversations with people outside his field. Ian interacted with particle physicists, art historians, and other disciplines, which broadened his perspective. He bonded with his wife, who is a medieval historian, over their mutual disdain for the Renaissance. Ian values the diverse group of equals in the Society of Fellows and the opportunity to explore various aspects of knowledge. The Politicization of Higher Education The conversation turns to Ian's current role as Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education at UNC Chapel Hill. He discusses the politicization of higher education and the challenges of the proliferation of knowledge. Ian emphasizes the importance of helping students diversify their intellectual portfolios to hedge against unpredictability, and he expresses optimism that AI will be a force multiplier rather than a replacement for human judgment and expertise. The Impact of AI on Undergraduate Education Ian believes AI will not replace human judgment but will be a force multiplier for routine tasks. He stresses the importance of communication skills, teamwork, ethical judgment, and aesthetic judgment in the face of AI. Ian advises students to use AI as a refinement tool after doing cognitive heavy lifting themselves. He emphasizes the importance of preserving curiosity-driven knowledge alongside applied knowledge, and he states  that rote-type learning will not be needed while high-level skills will be sought by employers.  The Changing Definition of Knowledge  Ian explains that, over the past two decades,  the shift towards justifying knowledge in economic or scientific terms, especially in the United States. He talks about the value of interpretation and judgement, and how he is concerned that students are losing the ability to do the cognitive heavy lifting of assessing research and determining the gaps in information. Ian's administrative career reflects his efforts to balance these two aspects of knowledge. Ian advises students to use AI as a refinement tool after doing their own cognitive heavy lifting, but he stresses the importance of taking time in nature to write by hand and give the mind time to think.  The Meeting of Medieval and Modern History Ian talks about the difference between his wife's studies in medieval history  to his own. Creative thinking plays a role in the study of medieval history where there are gaps in knowledge and errors of interpretation; this contrasts with Ian's field of study which drew research from  a high level of bureaucracy. He explains why he structured their book, Reinventing Knowledge,  to combat information overload. Ian shares his experience of empowering others in his professional life and giving up the desire to control outcomes. Ian also reflects on the importance of humility and the value of learning a new language to gain a deeper understanding of other cultures. Harvard Reflections Ian mentions Math 25 with Mark McConnell, which taught him rigorous thinking and precision, and he highlights a course on European Political development 1850 to 1950 by Peter Baldwin, which inspired him to become a European historian. Ian states that he  values the bridge between the arts and sciences provided by these courses. Timestamps: 02:09: The Society of Fellows at Harvard  04:07: Ian's Research and Book on the History of Knowledge  09:43: Ian's Experience as a Fellow and Interactions with Other Disciplines  11:21: Ian's Role as Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education at UNC Chapel Hill  12:11: The Impact of AI on Higher Education  23:29: Ian's Perspective on the Evolution of Knowledge  28:17: Ian's Personal Reflections and Recommendations  32:56: Influential Courses and Professors at Harvard Links: Book: https://www.amazon.com/University-Unfettered-Public-Education-Disruption/dp/0231220588 Book: https://www.amazon.com/Reinventing-Knowledge-Alexandria-Ian-McNeely/dp/0393337715 Contact: https://history.unc.edu/person/ian-f-mcneely/ This episode on The 92 Report:  AI generated show notes and transcript

  8. May 25

    168. Peter Schmidt, From Math to Neuroscience

    Show Notes: Peter Schmidt talks about his senior year during the Iraq War, and how the news on the problem of jobless recovery led him to consider graduate school.  The Journey from Student to Dean Peter studied biomechanics at Cornell, focusing on the mathematics of biological systems and modeling clinical trials in orthopedics. He was admitted into  a fellowship program in New York at an orthopedic  hospital where he worked on total joint replacement.  His career path led him to neuroscience, where he led clinical research and worked for a nonprofit before becoming the vice dean of a medical school. He then moved on to running clinical trials and drug development.  A Focus on Parkinson's Disease Pete shares his interest in Parkinson's disease and explains that Parkinson's affects a tractable part of the brain, the basal ganglia, which is easier to model mathematically. He enjoys thinking about neuronal signaling and the microstructure of the brain, which helps in understanding the macro structure. Pete's PhD work involved modeling bone at the cellular level, and he applies similar thinking to the basal ganglia in Parkinson's disease. Research on Neurodegenerative Diseases Pete discusses the challenges in determining whether a question in neurodegenerative diseases is a question of science or engineering. He explains the historical focus on stem cells and extracellular proteins as solutions for diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Pete emphasizes the need to understand the role of extracellular proteins and the importance of scientific inquiry. He mentions the Nobel Prize-winning discovery of prion diseases and the subsequent focus on characteristic proteins in neurodegenerative diseases, which led to initiatives focused on proteins.  The Brain's Micro and Macro Structures Pete discusses the current focus on extracellular proteins and the challenges in proving their role in diseases like Parkinson's. He mentions the drug Lecanemab for Alzheimer's, which slows the disease but does not reverse it. Pete predicts that future research will focus on intracellular proteins and the need to restore lost cells in the brain. He highlights the importance of understanding the microstructure to inform the macro structure of the brain. The Logistics of Running Clinical Trials Pete explains that success in clinical trials is more about logistics than science, with 90-95% of the work being logistical. He discusses the challenges of recruiting subjects and the importance of working with academic medical centers that have a high volume of patients. Pete emphasizes the need for fast-moving ethics boards and efficient contracting to ensure the success of clinical trials. Incentives for Physicians When asked about the incentives for physicians to participate in clinical trials, Pete explains that most physicians are driven by scientific interest rather than financial incentives. He mentions the importance of academic leaders who can influence the participation of residents and fellows in trials. Pete highlights the passion of physicians in diseases like Huntington's and cystic fibrosis, which drives their engagement in research. The Role of Pharma Companies in Clinical Trials Pete talks about his role at East Carolina University where he oversaw clinical care and research at the medical school. He discusses the changing role of pharma companies in running clinical trials. He explains that many drugs are now discovered in labs, leading to a shift in the need for pharma companies to own their data. Pete mentions the issue of trial fraud, where fake patients are used to inflate data, and the importance of tighter control over trial data. He shares his experience of rescuing a trial from fraudulent data and the challenges of identifying such issues. Life on the Family Farm The conversation turns to Pete's family life, and Pete shares that his youngest child recently went to college, and he inherited a family farm that has been in his wife's family for 200 years. He enjoys working with his hands, doing woodworking, and using a skid steer for various tasks on the farm. Pete describes his role as the farm handyman, fixing things and maintaining the farm equipment. Harvard Reflections Pete mentions taking a quantum mechanics course and a material science class with X-ray interferometry. He highlights the impact of a physics class on fits and tolerances, which taught him about the importance of clearance and interference fits. Pete also shares his experience taking a folklore course with his roommate, which was his only pass/fail course at Harvard.  Pete explains the concept of fits and tolerances in engineering. He discusses the importance of understanding whether a fit needs to be tight or loose and planning accordingly. Pete uses examples from finance to illustrate the principle of having a cushion in budgeting. He emphasizes the need to know the target fit (tight or loose) to optimize engineering and design solutions. This episode on The 92 Report:https://92report.com/podcast/168-peter-schmidt-from-math-to-neuroscience/ Timestamps: 02:40: A focus on Parkinson's Disease  05:10: Challenges in Neurodegenerative Disease Research 09:50: The Role of Extracellular Proteins and Future Directions  17:34: Running Clinical Trials and Logistics  27:58: Incentives for Physicians to Participate in Clinical Trials  32:16: Pharma Companies and Clinical Trial Data  38:53: Personal Life and Farming  42:30: Reflections on Harvard Courses 46:23: Fits and Tolerances in Engineering  Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pnschmidt https://www.instagram.com/pnschmidt

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About

Conversations with the Harvard and Radcliffe Class of 1992, hosted by Will Bachman '92. Every member of the class has a story to tell, and the goal is to interview every one of them. There are 1,600 members of the class, so at a rate of one episode per week, this project will take 30 years. Register for email updates at 92report.com

Information

  • Creator
    Will Bachman
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    174
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2022
  • Show Website
    The 92 Report

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