The Science Bridge

Project Bridge at CU Anschutz
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Science
  • Biweekly

Join us as we explore groundbreaking research at the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, Colorado. Hosted by current research trainees, this biweekly podcast demystifies science through conversations with the people behind cutting-edge discoveries. From snake venom to vaccine breakthroughs and career paths in research, we cover it all. Whether you're curious about science or considering a career in research, The Science Bridge is your gateway to discovery.

  1. 3d ago

    The Many Mysteries of the Ovaries with Dr. Jen McKey

    In this episode, join hosts Grace Rodenberg and Preston Stafford as they dive into the mysterious re-discovered organ of the rete ovarii with leading female reproductive researcher Dr. Jen McKey. What is it like studying the vastly understudied and complex world of female fertility and the dynamics of the “ovarian reserve”. Come learn some egg-ccelent facts in this episode as we follow a young french researcher come home to the states to establish herself as a leading pioneer in modern female reproductive basic science only here on the Science Bridge!     Date Recorded:  September 22, 2026    🛠️ Resources & Links Mentioned:   www.mckeylab.com    www.linkedin.com/in/jen-mckey     🎙️ Other episodes you may like:    Blood, Cancer, and Collaboration with Cailin Collins     https://open.spotify.com/episode/11TSi2uCJheLgaMfYQWUSk?si=6f74f0fdceaf4def     Dr. Bruce Mandt on Addiction Studies, Career Development Resources, and Following your Passions    https://open.spotify.com/episode/1gczcHa3mwk9mjM9E0hpOD?si=a7835f2ac128480b     ✨ Connect With Us:   Follow The Science Bridge Podcast on Instagram & BlueSky    Visit our Linktree here   Project Bridge Colorado Website   Follow Project Bridge Colorado on Instagram & BlueSky   Email us at sciencebridgepod@gmail.com if you have any inquiries   🎵 Credits:   Hosts: Grace Rodenberg and Preston Stafford  Editor:  Jon Woodward Music By: Jeff Westcott   Cover Art By: Johnathan Biffar     Disclaimer:  The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guests and hosts and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Science Bridge, Project Bridge Colorado, or CU Anschutz Medical Campus. The information provided is for entertainment and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for specific guidance.

  2. Oct 21

    Dr. Kimberley Bruce on Lipid Metabolism and Disease

    In this episode, join hosts Breanna Bishop and Grace Rodenberg as we chat with Dr. Kimberley Bruce. Dr. Bruce is an Associate Professor in the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes at CU Anschutz. Her research aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms behind lipid and lipoprotein metabolism, with the goal of treating neurodegenerative and cardiometabolic diseases. She walks us through fat’s critical role in the brain and why some biomarkers, such as APOE4, are considered risk factors for Alzheimer's development. Join us in this action-packed episode on the Science Bridge!     Date Recorded:  September 16, 2026    🛠️ Resources & Links Mentioned:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberley-bruce/      🎙️ Other episodes you may like:    https://open.spotify.com/episode/3rrD3M7oP4NDJ1dMFJYUVd?si=a925af4f2d3e41bc    ✨ Connect With Us:   Follow The Science Bridge Podcast on Instagram & BlueSky    Visit our Linktree here   Project Bridge Colorado Website   Follow Project Bridge Colorado on Instagram & BlueSky   Email us at sciencebridgepod@gmail.com if you have any inquiries   🎵 Credits:   Hosts: Grace Rodenberg and Breanna Bishop  Editor: Grace Rodenberg  Music By: Jeff Westcott   Cover Art By: Johnathan Biffar     Disclaimer:  The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guests and hosts and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Science Bridge, Project Bridge Colorado, or CU Anschutz Medical Campus. The information provided is for entertainment and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for specific guidance.

  3. Oct 14

    Sparking Interest: Epilepsy, Energy and the Mitochondria Mystery with Anna Figueroa

    In this episode, we sit down with Anna Figueroa, a pharmacist-turned-researcher who's uncovering a surprising link between epilepsy and the "batteries" inside our cells. Anna studies Dravet syndrome, a severe form of childhood epilepsy caused by a genetic mutation that throws the brain's electrical signals out of balance. Her research points to an unexpected culprit: the mitochondria—the energy-producing structures in our cells—aren't working properly, forcing brain cells to burn through fuel in an inefficient, unsustainable way. By studying cells donated by real patients, Anna and her team are working to understand this energy crisis and develop new treatments that target it directly. We also hear her surprising path into science: she took time off after high school before eventually falling in love with research while studying an eye disease, and chose her PhD mentor because she wanted to learn from a pioneering woman scientist. Anna shares her hope that future disease research will zoom out to look at the whole picture instead of just one narrow piece—and yes, there's also a bit about beer, music, and our amazing home state of Colorado.     Date Recorded:  9.10.26    🛠️ Resources & Links Mentioned:   https://pharmacy.cuanschutz.edu/research/research-labs/patel-lab    https://www.clinicalkey.com/#!/content/playContent/1-s2.0-S1474442226000086?returnurl=https:%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS1474442226000086%3Fshowall%3Dtrue&referrer=     🎙️ Other episodes you may like:    ✨ Connect With Us:   Follow The Science Bridge Podcast on Instagram & BlueSky    Visit our Linktree here   Project Bridge Colorado Website   Follow Project Bridge Colorado on Instagram & BlueSky   Email us at sciencebridgepod@gmail.com if you have any inquiries   🎵 Credits:   Hosts: Grace Rodenberg and Natasha Shrivastava  Producer: Preston Stafford  Editor: Grace Rodenberg       Music By: Jeff Westcott   Cover Art By: Johnathan Biffar   Disclaimer:  The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guests and hosts and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Science Bridge, Project Bridge Colorado, or CU Anschutz Medical Campus. The information provided is for entertainment and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for specific guidance.

  4. Oct 7

    Dr. Jamie Nichols on Being Open to the Unexpected

    In this episode, we interview Dr. James Nichols, a tenured professor here on the Anschutz campus. We dive into the fascinating world of zebrafish research and craniofacial development, exploring how studying fish can help us understand the development of our own faces. We talk about the importance of being open to the unexpected in science, including our guest’s unique journey from working as a fishing deckhand to studying fish in the lab. We also discuss why developmental biology deserves more attention alongside the study of aging, and what facial diversity can teach us about survival and evolution. It’s a conversation about curiosity, unexpected career paths, and how asking questions about development can reveal surprising insights into who we are.     Date Recorded:  9.3.2026    🛠️ Resources & Links Mentioned:   nicholslab.org    🎙️ Other episodes you may like:    Katie Kantuzzo- https://open.spotify.com/episode/4nVZwdnO5LabQmClc4pKBl?si=QpJeYwRoS5SKz5aksY94-A   Casse Minne- https://open.spotify.com/episode/4LEl2fkT06Ru8e4Jg2fPtF?si=2cf445ae5d324186    ✨ Connect With Us:   Follow The Science Bridge Podcast on Instagram & BlueSky    Visit our Linktree here   Project Bridge Colorado Website   Follow Project Bridge Colorado on Instagram & BlueSky   Email us at sciencebridgepod@gmail.com if you have any inquiries   🎵 Credits:   Hosts: Preston Stafford and Breanna Bishop  Producer: Lauren Dunn  Editor:  Jon Woodward Music By: Jeff Westcott   Cover Art By: Johnathan Biffar   Disclaimer:  The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guests and hosts and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Science Bridge, Project Bridge Colorado, or CU Anschutz Medical Campus. The information provided is for entertainment and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for specific guidance.

  5. Sep 30

    Science is for Everyone with Shelby Fainelli

    In this episode, join hosts Lauren Dunn and Breanna Bishop as they sit and chat with Shelby Fainelli, a fourth-year student in the Pharmacology and Molecular Medicine program. Shelby discusses their research on Neurexins, a special protein in the brain that acts as a bridge or connection point between neurons. Efficient communication between neurons is key for our day-to-day functioning, and Shelby is exploring the role of neurexins in this critical process and how mutations might make communication go wrong. Also, Shelby provides great words of wisdom about fostering a sense of belonging and confidence in science. We discuss how good mentorship, outreach at local science fairs, and supportive professional relationships can help ward off imposter syndrome and build resiliency in the face of a lot of failure. Shelby provides a clear message that all of us in science need to know and strive to make a reality- “Science is for everyone”.    Date Recorded:  8.26.26    🛠️ Resources & Links Mentioned:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelby-fainelli-b1ba501a7/    🎙️ Other episodes you may like:    https://open.spotify.com/episode/06hge8K97F5CiWc3Qjc32k?si=41e103f302234c66    ✨ Connect With Us:   Follow The Science Bridge Podcast on Instagram & BlueSky    Visit our Linktree here   Project Bridge Colorado Website   Follow Project Bridge Colorado on Instagram & BlueSky   Email us at sciencebridgepod@gmail.com if you have any inquiries   🎵 Credits:   Hosts: Lauren Dunn and Breanna Bishop  Producer: Grace Rodenberg       Editor: Preston Stafford   Music By: Jeff Westcott   Cover Art By: Johnathan Biffar     Disclaimer:  The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guests and hosts and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Science Bridge, Project Bridge Colorado, or CU Anschutz Medical Campus. The information provided is for entertainment and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for specific guidance.

  6. Sep 23

    Following the Signals: In Science and Beyond with Dr. Katie Fantauzzo

    In this episode, join hosts Preston Stafford and Jon Woodward as they sit and chat with Dr. Katie Fantauzzo. Dr. Fantauzzo tells our hosts about her research involving craniofacial developement and how alterations in genetics can lead to cleft lip and palate, for example. She tells us about her PhD research and how a discovery made there lead her to postdoc studies. She shares with us what its like to sit on an NIH study section, and co-lead a summer course at the famous Cold Springs Harbor laboratory.  If you've ever wondered what life as a faculty member is like, this is a great episode for you!    Date Recorded:  8.19.26    🛠️ Resources & Links Mentioned:   https://www.fantauzzolab.org   🎙️ Other episodes you may like:    Cassie Minne:  https://open.spotify.com/episode/4LEl2fkT06Ru8e4Jg2fPtF?si=f7e82b6672464e6a     ✨ Connect With Us:   Follow The Science Bridge Podcast on Instagram & BlueSky    Visit our Linktree here   Project Bridge Colorado Website   Follow Project Bridge Colorado on Instagram & BlueSky   Email us at sciencebridgepod@gmail.com if you have any inquiries   🎵 Credits:   Hosts: Jon Woodward and Preston Stafford  Editor: Lauren Dunn  Music By: Jeff Westcott   Cover Art By: Johnathan Biffar   Disclaimer:  The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guests and hosts and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Science Bridge, Project Bridge Colorado, or CU Anschutz Medical Campus. The information provided is for entertainment and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for specific guidance.

  7. Sep 16

    When Cancer Runs Out of Oxygen: The Science of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer with Kate Matlin

    In this episode, join hosts Natasha Shrivastava and Grace Rodenberg as they gain perspective from PhD candidate Kate Matlin on what it’s like being an informatician in the field of breast cancer research. We dive into hypoxia and protein translation with the hopes of leveraging this research to develop targeted therapies for hard-to-treat triple-negative breast cancer. We also discuss life in public health research and how scientists can better communicate our findings to combat misinformation and public distrust. Plus, some insight on life as a PhD student here at CU Anschutz, including navigating a co-mentorship. This is an episode you don’t want to miss!      Date Recorded:  August 18, 2026    🛠️ Resources & Links Mentioned:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/katematlin  https://www.cell.com/cell-reports/fulltext/S2211-1247(25)01415-9  🎙️ Other episodes you may like:      Amber Baldwin: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6twOQavCJ8v1nXgSZpt7AM?si=996b36325ab34249    Megan Pearson: https://open.spotify.com/episode/39ZtOkJABkRWXGhNnU9JjR?si=77ad80ce7043491a    Neel Mukherjee: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2tBo070C6q1rW1DSlg6Xux?si=c815fd7d99c34130    ✨ Connect With Us:   Follow The Science Bridge Podcast on Instagram & BlueSky    Visit our Linktree here   Project Bridge Colorado Website   Follow Project Bridge Colorado on Instagram & BlueSky   Email us at sciencebridgepod@gmail.com if you have any inquiries   🎵 Credits:   Hosts: Grace Rodenberg and Natasha Shrivastava  Editor: Grace Rodenberg  Music By: Jeff Westcott   Cover Art By: Johnathan Biffar   Disclaimer:  The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guests and hosts and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Science Bridge, Project Bridge Colorado, or CU Anschutz Medical Campus. The information provided is for entertainment and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for specific guidance.

  8. Sep 9

    Six Feet of Turmoil, DNA Handling, and its Implications with Dr. Ally Nguyen

    In this episode, join hosts Grace Rodenberg and Natasha Shrivastava as we dive into the wonders of cell division and the implications of unique molecules called cohesions in the development of cancer with Assistant Professor of Cell, Stem Cell, and Developmental Biology at CU Anschutz, Ally Nguyen. Conversation ranges from tortoises to CRISPR, so there is something here for everyone! Only here on the Science Bridge! Date Recorded:  8.4.26  🛠️ Resources & Links Mentioned:   https://nguyenlab.org/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-nguyen-09ba0a1a/    🎙️ Other episodes you may like:    Our 50th episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1fQ0aBr1K17DMctJurPau5?si=dfc69d1f86964160 Neel Mukherjee: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2tBo070C6q1rW1DSlg6Xux?si=2d281b25a748406d ✨ Connect With Us:   Follow The Science Bridge Podcast on Instagram & BlueSky    Visit our Linktree here   Project Bridge Colorado Website   Follow Project Bridge Colorado on Instagram & BlueSky   Email us at sciencebridgepod@gmail.com if you have any inquiries   🎵 Credits:   Hosts: Grace Rodenberg and Natasha Shrivastava  Producer: Preston Stafford  Editor: Grace Rodenberg       Music By: Jeff Westcott   Cover Art By: Johnathan Biffar   Disclaimer:  The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guests and hosts and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Science Bridge, Project Bridge Colorado, or CU Anschutz Medical Campus. The information provided is for entertainment and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for specific guidance.

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About

Join us as we explore groundbreaking research at the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, Colorado. Hosted by current research trainees, this biweekly podcast demystifies science through conversations with the people behind cutting-edge discoveries. From snake venom to vaccine breakthroughs and career paths in research, we cover it all. Whether you're curious about science or considering a career in research, The Science Bridge is your gateway to discovery.

Information

  • Creator
    Project Bridge at CU Anschutz
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    60
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Project Bridge at CU Anschutz
  • Show Website
    The Science Bridge