Curious Campus aims to demystify research conducted at the University of Toronto. As a research institution brimming with ideas from various academic fields, knowledge is just waiting to be shared. Rest assured, you’ll learn something new!
Care, Language, and Human Connection with Ian Williams
In this episode, Professor Ian Williams joins us to discuss his CBC Massey Lectures, What I Mean to Say: Remaking Conversation in Our Time. Williams explores the role that conversation plays in shaping how we relate to one another, from everyday social exchanges to difficult discussions about sensitive topics. We talk about the inspirations behind the lecture series, how conversations have evolved over time, and why care, listening, and curiosity are essential for meaningful dialogue.
Ian Williams is a Professor of English, director of the Creative Writing program and academic advisor for the Massey College William Southam Journalism Fellowship at the University of Toronto, where he also completed his PhD. Williams is the author of several acclaimed books of fiction, poetry and nonfiction. He is also a trustee for the Griffin Poetry Prize.
15 Jan 2026
Bridging Science and Philosophy with Cory Lewis
In this episode, Professor Cory Lewis joins us to discuss his research on the generality of scientific models and his teaching, touching on experiential learning, AI, and some hands-on activities conducted in his class. Professor Lewis shares insights into the relationship between philosophers of science and scientists, bridging the gap between the humanities and STEM. We also touch on the courses he teaches, and the changes he foresees within the classroom due to AI and our relationships with one another as technology blurs who we truly interact with online.
Cory Lewis is an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto, where he teaches at the Institute for the History and Philosophy of Science and Technology. Cory Lewis received his PhD in 2017 from the IHPST. His research focuses mainly on generality and contingency in scientific theories.
5 Sept 2025
Anushka Ataullahjan on Gender, Climate, and Health
In this episode, Professor Anushka Ataullahjan joins us to explore the gendered impact of climate change, with a focus on her recent research in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which was severely affected by the 2022 summer floods. Professor Ataullahjan shares insights into how these floods have affected women’s health and wellbeing, offering a deeper look into the intersection of climate, gender, and public health. We also discuss the cultural factors that shape health outcomes and get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the research process on the ground.
Anushka Ataullahjan is an Assistant Professor in the School of Health Studies in the Faculty of Health Sciences at Western University and an Assistant Professor (status-only) at the Social & Behavioural Health Sciences Division at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto. Professor Anushka Ataullahjan is a critical qualitative researcher whose research explores the health of women, children, and adolescents in low- and middle-income countries, particularly Pakistan.
28 Jul 2025
Referrals, Resumes, and Self-Presentation with Santiago Campero
In this episode, Professor Santiago Campero joins us in a discussion on the dynamics of hiring in the high-tech labour market. In these highly competitive fields, Santiago examines how factors such as social networks, status, and reputation influence opportunities for job seekers, particularly in industries where certain groups are underrepresented. It is a topic at the heart of his research, where he investigates labour market inequality and organizational behaviour. Today, he brings a thoughtful lens to how network referrals and self-presentation impact the hiring process in the high-tech labour market.
Santiago Campero is an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto’s Centre for Industrial Relations and Human Resources. His research focuses on labour market inequality and organizational dynamics, with a particular interest in the high-tech startup sector. Campero also taught at HEC Montréal and worked as a management consultant at McKinsey & Company.
14 Jul 2025
The Trouble about Talent with Joseph Baker
In this episode, Professor Joseph Baker joins us to explore the question: Is it time to retire ‘talent’ from discussions of athlete development?—a topic he also addresses in his paper of the same name. Though widely used in sports, talent is a vague and often misunderstood concept. Does our fixation on natural ability distract us from what truly supports the progression of both elite and novice athletes? Professor Baker unpacks the implications of relying on this notion in high-performance sport. Together, we examine how talented is defined, its role in athletic success, and the ongoing debate around its relevance in sports science.
Joseph Baker is a Professor of Sports Science at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education. His research focuses on the optimal development of the human body, how one can achieve ultimate performance, and how someone can maintain that degree of performance. Baker is also the Tanenbaum Chair in Sport Science, Data Modelling and Sports Analytics at the University of Toronto, and is the Past President of the Canadian Society for Psychomotor Learning and Sport Psychology.
3 Jul 2025
Gym Goals and Social Roles with Kyle Ganson
Professor Kyle Ganson discusses his research on muscle-building behaviors among young adults, revealing phases in their journeys and the impact of social environments in this interview episode.
3 Jun 2025
Cosplay, Crowds, and Culture: The Comic-Con with Felan Parker
Professor Felan Parker discusses his "Swarming San Diego Comic-Con" research project, exploring Comic-Con's role in media pop culture, research methodology, and key takeaways in this interview.
30 May 2025
Joshua Pilzer on Music and Lived Experience
Professor Joshua Pilzer discusses his book on the musical anthropology of "Korea's Hiroshima," revealing the human impact of nuclear bombing and the musicality of everyday practices in this interview.
6 May 2025
Global Ties, Local Ripples with Harald Bathelt
In this episode, Professor Harald Bathelt joins us in discussing his article, “The nature, causes, and consequences of inter-regional inequality” along with research in “Creating Knowledge over Distance: The Role of Temporary Proximity,” “Global subsidiary linkages and cluster networks in a turbulent world,” and “Communities in the internationalization process”. Through this discussion, we gain insights into the research pertaining to interregional inequality while touching on the impact of globalization and knowledge sharing in an increasing internationalized world.
Harald Bathelt is a Professor in the University of Toronto’s Department of Geography & Planning and Zijiang Visiting Chair at East China Normal University. Bathelt’s research and teaching interests are in the areas of economic geography, political economy and methodology, specifically in the analysis of industrial clustering, knowledge generation/innovation over distance, regional impacts of national/international investments, and regional impacts of industrial/institutional change.
25 Apr 2025
Decoding Climate Data: Steve Easterbrook on Modeling, Forecasting, and Solutions for a Changing World
In this episode, Professor Steve Easterbrook joins us in discussing his book, "Computing the Climate," where he shares what he learned during his time at renowned climate labs in Europe and the US, especially as a computer scientist trying to understand the software providing data and predictions on the climate. Through this discussion, we touch on the history of climate modelling, the difference between climate and weather forecasting, and solutions that exist to help communities navigate changing climate.Steve M. Easterbrook is Director of the School of the Environment at the University of Toronto, where he teaches courses on environmental decision-making, systems thinking, and climate literacy. He received a PhD in Computing from Imperial College London and served as lead scientist at NASA’s Katherine Johnson Independent Verification and Validation Facility in West Virginia. Easterbrook has been a consultant for the European and Canadian Space Agencies, and a visiting scientist at many climate research labs in the United States and Europe.
6 Apr 2025
Property Ownership, Authority and the Law with Larissa Katz
In this episode, Professor Larissa Katz joins us in discussing her paper, "Property: Authority Without Office?," where she dives into property law, specifically looking into the notion of authority that occurs within property ownership. Through this discussion, we gain insights into some of the nuances that live within the property law space, while touching on Professor Katz’ background and interest in property law. Larissa is the Professor of Law and Canada Research Chair in Private Law Theory. She is also the Associate Dean, Graduate Programs at the University of Toronto, and is cross-appointed to the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy. Prior to joining the Faculty of Law, Professor Katz clerked for the late Justice Charles D. Gonthier at the Supreme Court of Canada and worked in litigation at Sullivan & Cromwell LLP (NYC). Professor Katz writes about moral, political and social issues relating to private law generally and property law in particular.
4 Mar 2025
Health Policy and Politics: Understanding Universal Healthcare with Joseph Wong
In this episode, Professor Joseph Wong joins us in discussing his article, "The Politics of Universal Health Coverage," where he explores the influence of government systems on healthcare. We delve into Professor Wong's research on health policy, focusing on its effects on the majority of the population and then considering the challenges of providing healthcare to harder-to-reach groups.
Joseph is a Professor in the Department of Political Science, and the Vice President, International, for the University of Toronto. His research interests are in comparative public policy and political economy. The founder and PI for the Reach Alliance, Professor Wong is currently working on several projects relating to poverty, innovation and development.
8 Feb 2025
Understanding Heritage Language Education and Jamaican Creole in Toronto with Shawna-Kaye Tucker
In this episode, Professor Shawna-Kaye Tucker joins us in discussing her paper “Beyond “Sea, Sun, and Fun”: Exploring the Viability of Jamaican Creole Heritage Language Education in Toronto,” talking about the experiences in including Jamaican creole in heritage language education. She highlights the difficulties in counting JamC as a heritage language and interviews conducted with Jamaican natives about their views of including JamC in formal heritage language education. Shawna is an Assistant Professor within the Department of Curriculum, Teaching and Learning at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, at the University of Toronto. As a Caribbean native, she has a keen interest in language and literacy development of children in creole-speaking contexts as well as in the role of home and community literacy practices in learner outcomes.
21 Jan 2025
The Anthropocene Meal: Connecting City Dwellers to Nature with Soren Brothers
In this episode, Dr. Soren Brothers joins us in discussing his article, "A meal to ameliorate the Anthropocene,” highlighting his work on the Anthropocene and his connection to Crawford Lake. We talk about his idea of an “Anthropocene meal,” and engaging city dwellers with the environment around them. Soren is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Toronto and the Allan and Helaine Shiff Curator of Climate Change at the Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto. Soren’s research examines the effects of climate change on lakes, and how changes in aquatic systems can influence their greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere.
9 Dec 2024
Code, Chords & Clues: Steve Engels on AI-Powered Music and Forensic Games
Professor Steve Engels shares insights on AI-powered music generation and forensic games, leveraging video games to enhance education and creativity.
23 Oct 2024
Harboring History: Discussing the Preservation of Heritage Sites with Aziza Chaouni
In this episode, Professor Aziza Chaouni joins us in discussing her book, "Modern Heritage Under Pressure: Perspectives from the Global South,” elaborating on her work on preserving heritage sites; notably, that of the Sidi Harazem Thermal Bath Complex in Fez, Morocco, while also touching on local sites in Toronto, Canada. Through this discussion, Aziza emphasizes the importance of preserving these historical locations as vital connections to our collective memories.
Aziza is an Associate Professor at the Daniels School of Architecture, Landscape and Design at the University of Toronto, where she leads the Designing Ecological Tourism Lab. She is also the principal of Aziza Chaouni Projects, with offices in both Fez and Toronto. Her work has earned several prestigious awards, including the Holcim Gold Award for Sustainable Construction in 2009. Notably, she is responsible for the Sidi Harazem Thermal Bath Complex CMP, a key project discussed in her book.
11 Oct 2024
AI Takes the Stage: Exploring Theatre with Douglas Eacho
In this episode, Professor Douglas Eacho joins us in discussing his article, "Performativity without theatricality, experiments at the limit of staging AI,” and how his work as Assistant Director of the BMO Lab in Creative Research explores the fascinating intersection of AI and theatre. We discuss the inspiration behind his research and the future implications of merging artificial intelligence with performance.
Eacho is an assistant professor at the Centre for Drama, Theatre, and Performance Studies at the University of Toronto. He also serves as Assistant Director, Academic of the BMO Lab, where his work focuses on how the performing arts have historically responded to the rise of computational media and what this convergence means for the future of theatre and performance.
Who has been a guest on Curious Campus
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Kyle Ganson
Felan Parker
Joshua Pilzer
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