About Mistakes, Missteps, and Mindsets: Stories of Failure and Resilience in Academia
Mistakes, Missteps, and Mindsets aims to address the stigma surrounding failure in academia. Every week hosts Alex Whyte and Dr. Krystal Nunes will interview Toronto Metropolitan University community members where we will dive into stories of their professional failures and how they bounced back and navigated those setbacks.
Episode 15: The Apple Doesn't Fall Far From the Pomologist with Dr. Meaghan Mechler
Welcome back to the podcast listeners!
On this episode we have Dr. Meaghan Mechler! Dr. Mechler is a course instructor in the Department of Chemistry and Biology, as well as the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, here at Toronto Metropolitan University. Prior to joining TMU last fall, Dr. Mechler completed her PhD in Pomology at the University of Guelph with a focus on apple replant disease. She obtained her MSc from the University of Waterloo in Geography studying agricultural soil, and undergraduate degrees in Biology and Environmental Studies from the University of Waterloo.
Welcome to the podcast, Dr. Mechler!
3 Sept 2025
Episode 14: The Systemic Nature of Language with Dr. Janelle Brady
Welcome back listeners! This episode we talked to TMU professor and president of the Ontario NDP, Dr. Janelle Brady. Dr. Brady is an anti-racist educator, activist, and Assistant Professor in the School of Early Childhood Studies, Faculty of Community Services at Toronto Metropolitan University.
Her research focuses on anti-Black racism in early childhood education and the experiences of Black mothers, Black early childhood educators, and Black Elders.
To learn more about Dr. Brady's work, her "Forgotten Voices" project and more visit: https://janellebrady.ca/
30 Apr 2025
Episode 13: The Shepherd of Human Data - Dr. Frances Wong
Welcome back Listeners! After a long hiatus we are back with an interview from Dr. Frances Wong! Dr. Wong is a former assistant professor in the department of chemistry and biology here at Toronto Metropolitan University. Her past research focused on cellular systems biology of early human placental development and today her academic interest lies in pedagogy in higher education. Dr. Wong has some very interesting insights on reproductive development and computation biology that we really think you’ll enjoy!
#MadeInToronto #WomenInStem #Toronto #TMU #ReproductiveDevelopment #WomensHealth #ComputationalBiology
20 Jan 2025
Episode 12: Learning How to Learn with Jocelyne Mendez-Guzman
Welcome back listeners! This week we have TMU molecular biology alum Jocelyne Mendez-Guzman on to talk about her journey through her Bachelors and Masters degrees, the art of balancing a part time job and full time school, and her passion for scientific communication.
To Learn More About Jocelyne's Research: https://linktr.ee/jmendezg
#MadeInToronto #Toronto #TMU #TorontometropolitanUniversity #WomenInStem
22 Jul 2024
Episode 11: Broadening Your Dimensions with Dr. Costin Antonescu
This Week on the Podcast we have Dr. Costin Antonescu. Dr. Antonescu is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biology at Toronto Metropolitan University. Aside from teaching Cell Biology, he holds the role of Undergraduate Biology Program Director, and serves as Chair for the TMU Dimensions program, an NSERC initiative to increase equity, diversity, and inclusion in postsecondary institutions.
His research investigates how chemical, mechanical, and metabolic cues may impact cellular processes, and how this can inform therapeutic treatments for cancer and targeted drug delivery.
To learn more about the Dimension's program to see how you can get involved check out:
https://www.torontomu.ca/dimensions/ (https://www.torontomu.ca/dimensions/)
or follow them on instagram @ fos.dimensions
4 Jul 2024
Episode 10: What Colour is Your Parachute with TMU Alum Andrew Harris
Today’s guest, is Toronto Metropolitan University alum Andrew Harris. Andrew completed his BSc with Honours in medical physics in 2016. During his undergraduate degree and following graduation, he worked in research labs at TMU in the Department of physics and chemistry, and Sunnybrook Hospital, largely assisting with computer programming. He has also engaged in research at Western University in the department of Medical Biophysics. His current role is in the audio-visual industry as a freelance technical director for the ROM and History, Toronto's newest music venue.
Andrew walks us through his journey as a mature student in the sciences, taking the MCAT just for fun, and how sometimes the person who gave you the task doesn't even know what the purpose of the task is.
25 Jun 2024
Episode 9 - The Cat is Both Dead and Alive with Dr. Stefania Impellizzeri
This week on the podcast we have Dr. Stefania Impellizzeri! We discuss changing academic paths, Schrödinger's cat, and the motivation that comes with being told you "can't" do something.
Dr. Impellizzeri is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biology at Toronto Metropolitan University. In addition to her faculty role at TMU, she also holds the position of Jet Ice Research Chair in Sustainable Materials Chemistry.
Her research combines organic, physical and materials chemistry, photochemistry, and chemical physics, and specifically investigates novel ways to develop photoactive chemical tools to solve problems in materials and biological science.
To learn more about Dr. Impellizzeri's research visit: https://www.impellizzerilab.com/s-impellizzeri (https://www.impellizzerilab.com/s-impellizzeri)
#MadeInToronto #Toronto #TorontoMetropolitanUniversity #TMU #JetIceResearch #WomenInStem #WomenInAcademia #EDI #WomenInChem #Chemistry #Canada
2 Apr 2024
Episode 8: The Experts are The People with Lived Experiences with Dr. Areej Al-Ha
We are back from the brink of the end-of-semester slump with a brand new episode featuring Dr. Areej Al-Hamad!
Dr. Al-Hamad is an Assistant Professor at the Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing at Toronto Metropolitan University and an adjunct professor at the University of Calgary in Canada and Qatar. She holds two doctorate degrees: the first in Rural and Northern Health from Laurentian University and the second in Nursing from the University of Western Ontario. Her research program focuses on social justice and the intersectionality of healthcare for equity deserving populations, including women and refugees.
To learn more about Dr. Al-Hamad's research, visit: https://www.torontomu.ca/nursing/about/people/faculty/areej-al-hamad/ (https://www.torontomu.ca/nursing/about/people/faculty/areej-al-hamad/)
#MadeInToronto #Toronto #TorontoMetropolitanUniversity #TMU #Nursing #RefugeeCare #EquityDeservingGroups #WomenRefugees #WomenInStem #WomenInAcademia
30 Mar 2024
Hey Friends! Fill out our Survey!
Hey Friends!
The last 2 weeks have been crazy but we still have some episodes to release! I will be releasing 2 episodes this upcoming week to make it up to you.
Please fill out our survey through this anonymous Google Form: https://forms.gle/jmefuvLsnVB4K28s6 (https://forms.gle/jmefuvLsnVB4K28s6)
The survey consists of multiple choice and short answer questions and will take 5-10 minutes to complete. Participants can enter to win an Amazon gift card (grand prize of $100, two additional $50 prizes)! The survey will remain available until March 31, 2024.
We hope you enjoy the podcast!
- Dr. Krystal Nunes and Alex Whyte, hosts of Mistakes, Missteps, and Mindsets
13 Mar 2024
Episode 7: Overcoming Barriers with Élyse Comeau
This week we talked with Élyse Comeau a PhD candidate in Geography and Planning at the University of Toronto. Élyse works in urban planning, specializing in transportation policy, planning, and equity. Her current research focuses on the intersection of transportation planning and accessibility, and her dissertation work is specifically focused on accessible student transportation.
She works as a Research Affiliate in the Engagement & Planning for Inclusive Communities Lab (EPIC Lab) at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. Previously, she worked at Sajecki Planning as an urban planner and is also TMU alum, receiving her Masters of Planning in Urban Development in 2018.
#Torontomade #Toronto #TorontometropolitanUniversity #TMU #SSHRC #Discovergrant #UofT #Urbanplanning
6 Mar 2024
Episode 6: At Least I'm Not A Duck with Dr. Bryan Koivisto
This week we talked to Dr. Bryan Koivisto, an associate professor here at TMU in the Department of Chemistry and Biology.
Dr. Koivisto talks about the struggle that was his undergraduate journey, failing the very course he teaches today, how he dealt with parental pressure, and how sometimes all you need is a duck to bring you back from the brink.
To learn more about Dr. Koivisto's work visit:
https://www.torontomu.ca/solar/ (https://www.torontomu.ca/solar/)
#podcast #womeninstem #failure #growthmindset #academia #education #organicchemistry #madeintoronto #TMU #Torontometropolitanuniversity #SSHRC #chemistry #biology #biochem #green energy
28 Feb 2024
Episode 5: Choosing the Path that's Right for You with Dr. Kateryna Metersky
This week we interviewed Dr. Kateryna Metersky, an assistant professor from Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing at Toronto Metropolitan University.
Dr. Metersky talks to us about her work studying people-centered care and the intersectionality between health and socioeconomic standing, the struggles she had explaining to her parents her choice to pursue academia, and how she finally made them proud all these years later.
To learn more about Dr. Kateryna Metersky visit: https://www.torontomu.ca/nursing/about/people/faculty/kateryna-metersky/#!accordion-1626877069286-publications (https://www.torontomu.ca/nursing/about/people/faculty/kateryna-metersky/#!accordion-1626877069286-publications)
#podcast #womeninstem #nursing #TMU #academia #stem #Torontometropolitanuniversity #torontomade #SSHRC
14 Feb 2024
Episode 4: Strategic Quitting with Dr. David Kinahan
This week we talked to Dr. David Kinahan, the Senior Director of Development Communications here at Toronto Metropolitan University. David walks us through his journey of self discovery, from leaving dental school to pursuing a PhD in English Literature, Dr. Kinahan doesn't look at his pass failures as a negative thing but instead looks at them as strategic moves that culminated in his future success.
6 Feb 2024
Episode 3: The Unconventional Journey with Dr. Eden Fussner-Dupas
This week we talk to Dr. Eden Fussner-Dupas is an Assistant Professor of Teaching in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at UBC and former TMU instructor about her unconventional journey to becoming a professor.
From failing her first chemistry exam, to ultimately obtaining a PhD in biochemistry, Dr. Fussner-Dupas frames her setbacks as stepping stones that have ultimately led her to becoming a professor who aims to revolutionize the way learning happens in the classroom.
To learn more about Dr. Fussner-Dupas' work visit: https://biochem.ubc.ca/faculty-2/eden-fussner-dupas/ (https://biochem.ubc.ca/faculty-2/eden-fussner-dupas/)
#podcast (https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/podcast/) #stem (https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/stem/) #womeninstem (https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/womeninstem/) #failure (https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/failure/) #academia (https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/academia/) #toronto (https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/toronto/) #torontometropolitianuniversity (https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/torontometropolitianuniversity/) #TMU (https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/tmu/)
#sshrc (https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/sshrc/)
30 Jan 2024
Episode 2: Ment Projects - Making Mentorship More Accessible with Julia Pia
In this episode we interview Julia Pia, a Toronto Metropolitan alum, who completed her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry in 2020. Following her undergraduate degree, Julia received a Master of Science in chemistry from the University of Toronto in 2022. Today, Julia is the CEO and founder of Ment Projects, a mentorship business that enhances career development through innovation and collaboration.
22 Jan 2024
Episode 1: Fish Are Not Air Breathing Mammals With Dr. Lynda McCarthy
This week we interviewed Toronto Metropolitan University professor Dr. Lynda McCarthy about her journey from visiting the Canada Center for Inland Waters with her elementary school to becoming a great lakes ecotoxicologist and professor. Dr. McCarthy details the struggles she faced going from an institution with unlimited resources to a burgeoning start-up university, having her research shut down under questionable circumstances, and how crucial it is to "Let Your Voice Be Heard!".
To learn more about Dr. McCarthys research visit: https://www.torontomu.ca/mccarthy-research-lab/
16 Jan 2024
Episode 0: I Forgot To Write a Hypothesis with Your Hosts Dr. Krystal Nunes and Alex Whyte
Cohosts Dr. Krystal Nunes and Alex Whyte talk about the goal of the podcast and interview each other about their academic journeys and the roadblocks they've encountered along the way.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Spotify
5.0 / 5
13 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 9 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
7
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
27
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