The Science Bridge

Project Bridge at CU Anschutz
  • 5.0 (5)
  • SCIENCE
  • UPDATED 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. 1D AGO

    Dr. Bruce Mandt on Addiction Studies, Career Development Resources, and Following Your Passions

    In this special episode, Dr. Bruce Mandt, Associate Dean at CU Anschutz and our organization's faculty mentor, takes us through his exciting and, eventually non-traditional, journey in academia. His early interest in psychology and neuroscience led him to addiction studies and unpacking cocaine use in rodent models. While his interest in these science questions remained, Dr. Mandt discovered his true passion and unique skill-set for helping graduate students and post-docs find community, navigate a plethora of career options, and ultimately leave graduate school confident to enter the workforce, whether that be in academia, industry, or other sector of science. If you are curious about how scientist study addiction in mouse models, what your career options are as a PhD, or what a non-traditional but exciting job with a PhD looks like, then this episode is for you!     Date Recorded: 2/26/2026    🛠️ Resources & Links Mentioned:    https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucemandt/    https://www.cuanschutz.edu/offices/career-development    https://www.cuanschutz.edu/offices/postdoc    ✨ 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: Bre Bishop 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.

    57 min

  2. APR 1

    To See or Not to See, The Future of Stem Cell Therapy to Regenerate the Retina with Dr. Dominic Shayler

    In This Episode:   Can stem cells be used to repair and regenerate damaged retinas? And how close are we to restoring vision for those who have lost it?  Join hosts Jon Woodward and Preston Stafford for an engaging conversation with retinal organoid expert and postdoctoral fellow Dr. Dominic Shayler. Inspired by watching his father lose his sight to retinitis pigmentosa, Dr. Shayler shares his journey into vision science, his path to retinal research, his passion for organoid developmental biology, and his pursuit of translational stem cell therapies aimed at treating degenerative eye diseases. All this and more on The Science Bridge.  Date recorded: 2-25-26  🛠️ Resources & Links Mentioned:  https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu/ophthalmology/research/cellsight-program  https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu/ophthalmology/research/cellsight-program/research-groups/3dret-laboratory  Bsky: dominicshayler.bsky.social   ✨ Connect With Us:  Follow The Science Bridge Podcast on Instagram & BlueSky   Project Bridge Colorado Website  Follow Project Bridge Colorado on Instagram & BlueSky  Email us at sciencebridgepod@gmail.com if you have any inquiries  🎵 Credits:  Host(s): Jon Woodward and Preston Stafford  Editor(s): Breanna Bishop  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.

    59 min

  3. MAR 18

    Dr. Arjun Krishnan on ChatGPT, Computational Biology, and Artificial Intelligence

    Hosts Jeremy Fleck and Lauren Dunn sit down and chat with Arjun Krishnan, an Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Informatics, about all things related to AI, computer science, and using large datasets to answer complex biological problems. In this episode, they learn about Arjun’s background and his journey through science, and how he landed at the Anschutz campus. They also chat about large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, how they really work, and how we can use these tools to advance biological research forward, specifically in context of human disease. This is a super fun episode you won’t want to miss!   Recorded on: January 21, 2026  🛠️ Resources & Links Mentioned  Website: www.thekrishnanlab.org  Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/compbiologist.bsky.social  LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/compbiologist  ✨ Connect With Us:  Follow The Science Bridge Podcast on Instagram & BlueSky   Project Bridge Colorado Website  Follow Project Bridge Colorado on Instagram & BlueSky  Email us at sciencebridgepod@gmail.com if you have any inquiries  🎵 Credits:  Host(s): Lauren Dunn and Jeremy Fleck 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.

    53 min

  4. MAR 4

    Dr. Joanne Cole on the Genetics of Cravings and Taste

    In This Episode: Do your genetics change which foods you like and dislike? Is there a way we can make those unsatisfying, distasteful foods delicious for the masses? Join us on this episode of the Science Bridge with Dr. Joanne Cole as we dive into the genetics that drive our preferences for different types of food. Can broad population genetics be used to unlock why we all have such different preferences for food, from fruits to meat and veggies and everything in between? Tune in now and find out on the Science Bridge!   [Date recorded]: January 14, 2026  🛠️ Resources & Links Mentioned:  Jcolelab.com  ✨ Connect With Us:  Follow The Science Bridge Podcast on Instagram & BlueSky   Project Bridge Colorado Website  Follow Project Bridge Colorado on Instagram & BlueSky  Email us at sciencebridgepod@gmail.com if you have any inquiries

    48 min

  5. FEB 18

    PhD Candidate Sam Greenfield on the Mysteries of DNA Replication

    In this episode, we sit down with Sam Greenfield, a PhD candidate studying DNA replication in yeast, to explore what happens when cells copy their genetic “book” and certain sections are unexpectedly delayed. Sam uses creative analogies to break down complex molecular biology and explains how these rare replication events may connect to cancer, development, and aging. We also hear about his unconventional path to grad school, from an organic chemistry meltdown to studying extreme microbes and working at a major biorepository. Along the way, we talk career pivots, industry vs. academia, and how to turn scientific curiosity into a career. It’s a fun conversation about persistence, passion, and finding your place in science.   Date Recorded: November 19, 2025  🛠️ Resources & Links Mentioned:  https://www.mcclurelabdna.org/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-greenfield-0219251b6/    https://www.goldengooseaward.org/01awardees/thermus-aquaticus   ATCC    🎙️ Other episodes you may like:   https://open.spotify.com/episode/4LEl2fkT06Ru8e4Jg2fPtF?si=899ff8969f584a8c  https://open.spotify.com/episode/3rrD3M7oP4NDJ1dMFJYUVd?si=24ff8092502444be ✨ 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 Jon Woodward  Editor: Breanna Bishop  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.

    51 min

  6. FEB 5

    Ep #27: Dr. Blake Hill on the Powerhouse of the Cell!

    In This Episode: Have you ever wondered what mysteries underlie one of the most recognizable organelles of the cell, the mitochondria? Ever wanted to know what it's like to apply for faculty leadership positions in academia? Join hosts Jon and Preston as we interview one of the leading faculty and chair of pharmaceutical sciences here at Anschutz, Dr. Blake Hill, as we dive into the cutting protein DRP1 that drives mitochondrial fission, the journey to becoming a department chair, and all things metabolism, only here on The Science Bridge!   Date recorded: 11-4-25  🛠️ Resources & Links Mentioned:  Hill Lab- https://pharmacy.cuanschutz.edu/research/research-labs/hill-lab LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-hill-58b55330/ ✨ Connect With Us:  Follow The Science Bridge Podcast on Instagram & BlueSky   Project Bridge Colorado Website  Follow Project Bridge Colorado on Instagram & BlueSky  Email us at sciencebridgepod@gmail.com if you have any inquiries    🎵 Credits:  Host(s): Lauren Dunn, Ginny Fogg, Jeremy Fleck, Preston Stafford, Jon Woodward, and Breanna Bishop  Editor(s): Jade Young   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.

    56 min

  7. JAN 21

    Episode #26 PhD candidate Cassie Minne on Mapping the Genetics of the Human Face and the Power of RNA

    In This Episode:  In this episode of the Science Bridge podcast, hosts Lauren Dunn and Jeremy Fleck welcome Cassie Minne, a PhD candidate on the Anschutz campus studying craniofacial biology. Cassie shares insights into her research on how genetic and molecular factors shape the development of the human face, including discussions on conditions like cleft lip and palate. The conversation explores her journey into science, highlighting the influence of mentorship and her passion for RNA biology. Cassie also discusses the broader impact of RNA research, including mRNA vaccines and industry trends. Finally, the episode touches on her commitment to science communication and outreach, especially through the Think Like a Scientist initiative.    Episode recorded on: October 30, 2025    🛠️ Resources & Links Mentioned:  Cassie's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassandra-minne/   Fantauzzo lab website: https://www.fantauzzolab.org   TLaS website: https://tlasprogram.wordpress.com   Denver DG Alumnae website: https://denver.deltagamma.org   Cassie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cassieminne?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=MTRmanI3Yms0dWJ2cg==   An interesting face development video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFY_KPFS3LA  ✨ Connect With Us:  Follow The Science Bridge Podcast on Instagram & BlueSky   Project Bridge Colorado Website  Follow Project Bridge Colorado on Instagram & BlueSky  Email us at sciencebridgepod@gmail.com if you have any inquiries  🎵 Credits:  Host(s): Lauren Dunn, Ginny Fogg, Jeremy Fleck, Preston Stafford, Jon Woodward, and Breanna Bishop  Editor(s): Jade Young   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.

    49 min

  8. JAN 7

    Ep #25: Dr. Courtney Wilson on taste bud structure

    Welcome to season 2! What does it mean to taste something? How does our perception of taste even start? Come join us on a dive into the unexpected complexity in the structure of the taste bud!  In this episode, we follow Dr. Courtney Wilson’s non-traditional journey as she discusses her path to becoming an assistant research professor in the Cell & Developmental Biology program at CU Anschutz Medical Campus. Her passion in art and science helped her find this specific research niche where she utilizes novel methodologies to map out the structure of human taste buds, helping to uncover their functions. Discover the latest on human taste with us as Dr. Wilson outlines its importance to our quality of life and the future of research on this important yet understudied field!   [Date recorded]: 10/21/25  🛠️ Resources & Links Mentioned:  ✨ Connect With Us:  Follow The Science Bridge Podcast on Instagram & BlueSky   Project Bridge Colorado Website  Follow Project Bridge Colorado on Instagram & BlueSky  Email us at sciencebridgepod@gmail.com if you have any inquiries  🎵 Credits:  Host(s): Deviyani Rao, Lauren Dunn, Ginny Fogg, Jeremy Fleck, Preston Stafford, Jon Woodward  Editor(s): 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.

    49 min
See All (33)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

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
    33
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Project Bridge at CU Anschutz
  • Show Website
    The Science Bridge