The Curious Circuit

Barbara Doyle Prestwich
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Nature
  • Series

Ever wonder how science and culture intertwine in the most unexpected ways? 🌍🔬 The Curious Circuit takes you on a deep dive into fascinating topics, connecting the dots between discovery, innovation, and the human experience. 🔎 New episodes every two weeks—because curiosity never sleeps! In the first episode Dr James Richardson takes us on a journey of discovery from his early days as an undergraduate in the University of Leicester, to postgraduate studies in Kew Gardens and the University of Edinburgh, combined with projects across Africa, Asia and Latin America. In his early work he honed his skills in morphological and molecular analyses using both living and herbarium specimens. He has used phylogenies using DNA sequence data to investigate historical plant adaptation strategies in different biomes, with a particular focus on drought. His PhD focused on the effect of aridification on plants in Southern Africa, elucidating diversification patterns, work that resulted in a publication in Nature. His most recent work on the source plant of chocolate, Theobroma cacao, and their relatives, applies similar approaches to understand the evolution of these plants and how this might help address challenges in the chocolate industry including drought and disease.

  1. Episode 1

    The Story of Chocolate with Dr James Richardson

    In this episode Dr James Richardson takes us on a journey of discovery from his early days as an undergraduate in the University of Leicester, to postgraduate studies in Kew Gardens and the University of Edinburgh, combined with projects across Africa, Asia and Latin America. In his early work he honed his skills in morphological and molecular analyses using both living and herbarium specimens. He has used phylogenies using DNA sequence data to investigate historical plant adaptation strategies in different biomes, with a particular focus on drought. His PhD focused on the effect of aridification on plants in Southern Africa, elucidating diversification patterns, work that resulted in a publication in Nature. His most recent work on the source plant of chocolate, Theobroma cacao, and their relatives, applies similar approaches to understand the evolution of these plants and how this might help address challenges in the chocolate industry including drought and disease.

    The Story of Chocolate with Dr James Richardson

  2. Episode 2

    The Curious Circuit: Episode 2 From Root to Branch, Rethinking our Relationship with Trees

    Dive into a world where science and cultural heritage intertwine. Are you familiar with the phenomenon of ‘Plant Blindness’? Did you know that 25 % of modern medicines are extracted from plants? Did you also know that trees in Medieval Ireland were so revered that they formed the basis of the early ogham alphabet? Join me—Dr Barbara Doyle Prestwich (Plant Biotechnologist)—alongside Dr Eoin Lettice (Plant Scientist), Dr Claire Nolan (Archaeologist), and Ms. Gabriella Chisolm (Environmental Scientist) as we explore the vibrant role of arboreta and forests through a cultural and scientific lens. Discover how biodiversity and plant conservation, are vital to our world today. Supported by Research Ireland and in partnership with the Tree Council of Ireland, Coillte, the Office of Public Works, and the National Parks and Wildlife Service, ITEN is bringing invaluable living collections and resources to a wide audience. Ready to see nature in a whole new light? For more info, visit: https://www.ucc.ie/en/tree-explorers/about/

    The Curious Circuit: Episode 2 From Root to Branch, Rethinking our Relationship with Trees

  3. Episode 3

    The Curious Circuit Episode 3: In Conversation with Applied Plant Biology Students in University College Cork

    Unsure about which degree to choose in college? Why not hear directly from three final-year undergraduate students in Applied Plant Biology at the School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences (BEES), University College Cork? From their experience applying through the CAO (CK404), to exploring new and exciting subjects in first year, these students share their academic journey—from one-day field trips in second year (including Killarney National Park, Myrtleville Beach, and Blarney Castle), to hands-on laboratory classes, and a residential field course in the Algarve, Portugal in third year. They highlight the range of opportunities available, such as Erasmus-funded study abroad programmes, work placements, and the capstone research project in final year, which involves six months of independent research in field or laboratory settings. They discuss the supports they received throughout their studies—from peer mentoring to a dedicated and approachable academic staff—and of course, the vibrant social life, including the BEES Society and the annual BEES Ball. As Programme Director for CK404, it’s incredibly rewarding to hear how much these students have enjoyed their time at UCC. They’ve not only had a rich and fulfilling college experience but are also graduating with excellent career prospects, as demonstrated by our alumni who have gone on to work across a wide range of industries. But don’t just take my word for it—listen to Ella, Aniela, and Thomas share their story. Enjoy! Barbara

    The Curious Circuit Episode 3: In Conversation with Applied Plant Biology Students in University College Cork

  4. Episode 4

    Episode 4: A Casual Conversation on Research Life, Funding, and Opportunities

    Thinking about studying or pursuing a research career at UCC? In episode 4 of The Curious Circuit Podcast, host Dr Barbara Doyle Prestwich is joined in the studio by Dr Bikal Ghimire (visiting researcher from NORCE, Norway) and Dr Raghu Badmi (former postdoctoral researcher at UCC’s School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Sciences, now a Research Officer at the university). Together, they share their experiences of conducting research across different countries and offer valuable advice on navigating funding opportunities. Dr Barbara Doyle Prestwich is a Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor and Vice Head of the School of Biological Earth and Environmental Sciences at University College Cork. She is currently a Senator of the National University of Ireland. Dr Raghu Badmi is a Research Officer in the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation at University College Cork. Dr Bikal Ghimire is a researcher at NORCE in Norway norceresearch.no and is currently a visiting researcher in the labs of Dr John Mackrill, Department of Physiology, and Dr Barbara Doyle Prestwich, School of BEES, UCC. This episode was co-recorded for Dr. Bikal Ghimire’s YouTube channel, which you can check out here: https://www.youtube.com/@drbikalphd/videos. The Curious Circuit Podcast takes you on a deep dive into fascinating topics, connecting the dots between discovery, innovation, and the human experience.

    Episode 4: A Casual Conversation on Research Life, Funding, and Opportunities

  5. Episode 5

    Driving an Innovation Culture in University College Cork, Ireland.

    Attention all students, seasoned researchers and the business community, find out more about Innovation at UCC. UCC has a strong innovation culture focused on impactful research. In episode 5, Dr David Corkery, Head of Operations at UCC Innovation, discusses the office’s role and how it can help the UCC research community across all disciplines create real-world impact from their ideas and expertise, including: Technology licensingConsultancy and spin-out supportGateway UCC and IGNITE programmesSprint Accelerator, Start-Up Labs, and Ideas for ImpactIn this episode, David outlines opportunities for students, researchers and academic staff to engage with innovation and benefit from the supports they offer. To connect with UCC researchers, email uccinnovation@ucc.ie, reach David at D.Corkery@ucc.ie or book a time on the website (Innovation at University College Cork) which has a bookings page UCC Research and Innovation has achieved: #1 in Ireland for industry research investment21 active spin-outs25 ERC grants93 start-ups28 patents grantedOver 16,000 publications Learn more: Research and Innovation and keep an eye out for our Innovation Week which is held each April. Details: UCC Innovation (www.ucc.ie/en/innovation)

    Driving an Innovation Culture in University College Cork, Ireland.
See All Season 1 (5)

About

Ever wonder how science and culture intertwine in the most unexpected ways? 🌍🔬 The Curious Circuit takes you on a deep dive into fascinating topics, connecting the dots between discovery, innovation, and the human experience. 🔎 New episodes every two weeks—because curiosity never sleeps! In the first episode Dr James Richardson takes us on a journey of discovery from his early days as an undergraduate in the University of Leicester, to postgraduate studies in Kew Gardens and the University of Edinburgh, combined with projects across Africa, Asia and Latin America. In his early work he honed his skills in morphological and molecular analyses using both living and herbarium specimens. He has used phylogenies using DNA sequence data to investigate historical plant adaptation strategies in different biomes, with a particular focus on drought. His PhD focused on the effect of aridification on plants in Southern Africa, elucidating diversification patterns, work that resulted in a publication in Nature. His most recent work on the source plant of chocolate, Theobroma cacao, and their relatives, applies similar approaches to understand the evolution of these plants and how this might help address challenges in the chocolate industry including drought and disease.

Information

  • Creator
    Barbara Doyle Prestwich
  • Episodes
    5
  • Seasons
    1
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Barbara Doyle Prestwich 2025
  • Show Website
    The Curious Circuit