A Degree Further

Welcome back to A Degree Further, the podcast from the Hood College Graduate School, where we explore the journeys, passions, and research shaping our community. Today, we’re thrilled to feature two incredible guests who are at the heart of innovation in the biomedical sciences here at Hood. First, we’re joined by Dr. Meredith Yeager, faculty member in the Biology Department and Director of the Biomedical Science program. Dr. Yeager brings decades of distinguished experience from the National Cancer Institute, where she led the Cancer Genomics Research Laboratory for more than 20 years. Her work spans cancer epidemiology, molecular evolutionary genetics, and the virology of human papillomaviruses. Now at Hood, she’s applying her expertise to a fascinating new frontier: the genetics of feline traits. Think coat color, patterns, and even the papillomaviruses that affect big cats. Her career is a powerful example of how curiosity and scientific rigor can uncover answers across species and disciplines. Joining her is Alisa Gorham, a senior biochemistry major and dedicated 4PLUS student set to graduate this January. Alisa has already secured her place in Hood College's Biomedical Science master’s program, where she’ll begin the thesis track in Spring 2026. With a lifelong passion for biomedical sciences, and a love for animals, this project is especially meaningful. Alisa represents the next generation of scientists eager to explore the genetic mysteries that shape the living world. Together, Dr. Yeager and Alisa are collaborating on research that bridges molecular genetics and animal biology, offering fresh insights into both scientific discovery and student/faculty mentorship.

Welcome back to A Degree Further, the official podcast of the Graduate School at Hood College.In this episode, we’re joined by Levi White, a dedicated advocate for inclusive and affirming mental health care. Levi earned his bachelor's degree in psychology from Hood College and is now pursuing his master's in clinical mental health counseling from the College. As a counseling intern and active member of Counselors for Social Justice (CSJ), Levi’s work centers on advancing equitable mental health services for transgender, nonbinary, and gender-expansive individuals.Levi’s academic journey reflects both scholarship and social impact — his recent publication explores how systemic factors influence the experiences of transgender clients in therapy, drawing from frameworks like the Minority Stress Model and the WPATH Standards of Care.We spoke with Levi about his path from psychology to counseling, his research on gender equity in mental health, and how he’s using his education at Hood to go further.

Calli Onest is an aspiring infectious disease researcher who completed her Biology degree at Kent State University before joining Hood College’s Biomedical Science program. Her time at Hood helped her build confidence in research, sharpen her lab skills, and prepare for the next step toward a PhD. With experience in both clinical and commercial microbiology, she’s passionate about using science to make an impact on global health. Calli lives in Maryland with her cat, Turnip, and her lizard, Sherman.

Nikki Scott, DSW is a proud mother and wife. She is also a social worker, self-published author, counselor, and college professor. Dr. Scott holds a doctorate in social work, an advanced certification in grief counseling, a certification in bereavement trauma, and has training in perinatal mental health. Dr. Scott is a proud member of the National Association of Social Workers, the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress, and the National Center for Crisis Management. She aspires to make the world a better place through kindness, compassion, and validating others on their life journeys. She lives in Michigan with her husband Cameron, their sons Liam, Brodie, and Zain, and their fur babies.You can click here to learn about Dr. Scott's book, 'Mama, Let's Talk About... All of It'Dr Scott's favorite books to learn more about death, dying and hospice include: 'Briefly Perfectly Human,' 'Nothing to Fear: Demystifying Death to Live More Fully,' 'The In-Between: Unforgettable Encounters During Life's Final Moments.'Dr. Scott also recommends visiting What's Your Grief, for interested listeners who would like to learn more about the grief.

Venkata Krishna Kandalai is a passionate and driven graduate student aspiring to build a career in the growing field of health informatics. He earned his undergraduate degree in Biology from George Mason University, where he developed a strong academic foundation in the life sciences. Now combining that background with data science, he is well-prepared to address the complex challenges of analyzing and interpreting health data using modern computational tools. His interests lie in the application of AI in healthcare and leveraging emerging technologies to reduce barriers to care and address health disparities.

Welcome back to A Degree Further, the podcast where we highlight the inspiring stories of graduate students at Hood College and beyond.Today’s guest is Peter Azorsa, a soon-to-be graduate of Hood College’s Biomedical Sciences Master’s program. Raised between Maryland and Arizona, Peter earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Arizona in 2015. Since then, he’s built an impressive career in both industry and government, focusing on groundbreaking work in cancer immunotherapy.Now, Peter is preparing for an exciting new chapter, beginning his Ph.D. this fall at the University of Michigan through their highly competitive Programs in Biomedical Sciences (PIBS).In this episode, we’ll talk about his academic path, what drives his research, and how his experiences have shaped his vision for the future of biomedical science.Email: paa6@hood.edu

Toma Taylor Makoundou, the Founder and Principal Consultant of MAKSEC, leads her team in empowering organizations to forge robust cybersecurity defenses and expertly navigate complex compliance landscapes. She is profoundly committed to translating intricate security into accessible and practical solutions, making her a respected voice who actively shapes resilient digital environments across the business community.  consulting@maksec.comhttps://www.maksec.com

Today on A Degree Further, we’re joined by a local entrepreneur and proud Hood College alumnus who's making waves in Frederick’s small business scene.Adam Weintraub is a recent graduate of Hood College’s MBA program—and a true Double Blazer, having also earned his bachelor’s degree in Integrated Marketing & Communications. During his time at Hood, Adam took full advantage of the ALTY scholarship, building a strong foundation in strategy, branding, and innovation.Now, he’s putting that knowledge into action as the owner and curator of Two Coast Vintage, a thriving business where he buys, sells, and curates premium vintage clothing. Adam combines business savvy with a keen eye for style, transforming his passion into a thriving local brand.We’re excited to hear more about his journey from the classroom to the entrepreneurial world, and how his Hood experience helped shape that path.Welcome to the podcast, Adam!

Joining us is Ryan Riesmeyer, a coach, educator, and leadership advocate redefining what it means to support and shape student-athletes on and off the field. Get ready for a conversation about coaching with purpose, leading with heart, and helping the next generation go a Degree Further.Enjoy it!

Join us on A Degree Further, the official podcast of the Graduate School at Hood College, as we celebrate the journeys of our soon-to-be graduates! In this episode, we sit down with Kendra Speicher-Eisenstark, a Clinical Mental Health Counseling student earning her Master’s this spring, along with a certificate in Thanatology.Kendra is gaining hands-on experience through her internship at Catoctin Counseling and client work at the NCTC at Hood while also practicing in the community. She serves as the Graduate Assistant for the Counseling Department, President of Hood’s Counselors for Social Justice Chapter, and Associate Editor of the Journal of Counseling Sexology and Sexual Wellness. Kendra will also be speaking at the Counselors for Social Justice conference this April on the role of hormone cycles in the counseling space. In this episode, she shares her passion for mental health advocacy and the importance of social justice in counseling. If you're interested in career transformation, mental health, and advocacy, this is an episode you won’t want to miss! Tune in now and go A Degree Further with us! 🎧✨If you want more information about CSJ, Counseling, or anything that Kendra shared with us, here is her email: kls37@hood.eduPlease don't hesitate to reach out; she will gladly help!

Welcome to A Degree Further! In today’s episode, we’re thrilled to have Dr. Dimitoglou, a longtime educator and leader in cybersecurity at Hood College. Since joining Hood in 2004, Dr. Dimitoglou has shared his expertise in information security and cryptography, applying his extensive background from government and industry. As the founding faculty director of Hood’s graduate cybersecurity program, Dr. Dimitoglou brings a passion for emerging technologies and a keen focus on evaluating their security, ethical, and societal implications. His work includes a unique academic perspective on election methods and technologies—viewing them strictly as systems to be secured, without political leanings.  His approach is grounded in historical and clinical analysis. He always advocates for the responsible use and innovation of these critical systems. Join us as we explore Dr. Dimitoglou’s insights on the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, the future of secure technology, and its importance in the elections system.

Our guest's journey into the helping profession was sparked by a profound realization about human sexuality. She discovered how culture, education, gender, and religion, among other factors, influence our self-perception and relationships. This insight led her to a mission of promoting self-acceptance, tolerance, and beauty in diverse sexual expressions, filling a gap in social discourse. Armed with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Hood College, our guest is a licensed clinician in Washington, DC, and Maryland. But her role doesn't end there. She also serves as an adjunct professor, teaching a course titled “Intro to Sexual Wellness in Counseling.” In this capacity, she imparts the knowledge and sensitivity necessary for future counselors to navigate this vital aspect of mental health. Please join us in welcoming Jennifer Keilholtz to the podcast! If you like the episode and you are interested in a follow-up, here is Jennifer's information: Email: Jennifer@thepeaktherapy.com Website: https://thepeaktherapy.com/ Workshop Info: https://thepeaktherapy.com/peak-eroticism-peak-you

Dr. Jamie White serves as the Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer of Frederick Health, a 257 licensed-bed hospital and health system with a multispecialty medical group, home care, hospice, and other ambulatory services. Dr. White joined Frederick Health in 1997, and she has served the organization in many capacities, advancing through several clinical and administrative roles. Dr. White earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Messiah University in 1996, master’s in nursing from Walden University in 2007, and then earning a Doctorate in Nursing in 2014 from Capella University. She is board certified as a Nurse Executive-Advanced. Jamie is patient-centered, staff-centered, and mission-driven—all of which makes her an effective nurse leader for the division of nursing. She partners with her colleagues to drive improvements in patient experience and quality across the health system. Thanks for listening to A Degree Further, the official podcast of The Graduate School at Hood College. A Degree Further features accomplished alums, innovative faculty, and successful students.    Listen to our previous episodes at hood.edu/adegreefurther and follow us on Instagram @hoodgradschool. 

Amanda Dymek has served as the Director of Wellness for Hood College for 3 years. In her role she supports the wellbeing of Hood's undergrad and graduate students, faculty and staff through programs and policies. Specifically, she has led campus-wide walking challenges, mindfulness programs, and hosted events to build community in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Amanda received her master's of science in public health from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, MD. After receiving her master's and prior to coming to Hood College, Amanda worked in community nutrition and employee wellness. Her office is on the first floor of the JH Apple Resource Building (room 4) and her email is wellness@hood.edu. Resources Follow Hood College Wellness  on Instagram @hoodcollege_wellness! Visit the GradCare website for information and resources on all of the dimensions of wellness. Students with a dining plan can make an appointment with Brandy Stayman, a dietician with Aramark. Contact the Graduate Student Success Coordinator, Autumn Smith for personalized, 1:1 support (asmith@hood.edu) Rev. Beth O'Malley, Dean of the Chapel, offers many opportunities to practice and develop mindfulness. Lactation room is available on the first floor of the JH Apple Resource building (room 8B ). The space is available first come, first served (no appointment necessary). Yoga classes on Tuesdays at noon!

Thanks for listening to A Degree Further, the official podcast of The Graduate School at Hood College. A Degree Further features accomplished alums, innovative faculty, and successful students.    Listen to our previous episodes at hood.edu/adegreefurther and follow us on Instagram @hoodgradschool.  Daniel Sierra-Sosa es Ingeniero Físico de la Universidad EAFIT y tiene un Doctorado en Física de la Universidad Nacional de La Plata, en Argentina. Es Qiskit Advocate e instructor certificado en Computación Cuántica, Ciencias de los Datos e Inteligencia Artificial de IBM SkillsBuild. Adicionalmente, es profesor en el Departamento de Ciencias Computacionales y Tecnologías de la Información de Hood College en Maryland, Estados Unidos. Es un investigador activo en computación cuántica, procesamiento de imágenes médicas y análisis de datos. Es autor de 64 artículos científicos que cuentan con más de 900 citaciones. Ha participado en múltiples iniciativas de investigación con industria y pares académicos, participando en proyectos de investigación que incluyen el desarrollo de aplicaciones móviles, realidad virtual, imágenes médicas y análisis predictivo.

Thanks for listening to A Degree Further, the official podcast of The Graduate School at Hood College. A Degree Further features accomplished alums, innovative faculty, and successful students.    Listen to our previous episodes at hood.edu/adegreefurther and follow us on Instagram @hoodgradschool.  Daniel Sierra-Sosa is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Information Technology at Hood College. Daniel is an active researcher with a wide-ranging expertise spanning Quantum Computing, Medical Imaging, and Data Analytics.  His contributions extend beyond academia, involving collaborations with industry partners, and engaging in diverse research projects that encompass mobile application development, virtual reality, medical imaging advancements, and predictive analysis. Daniel has also taken on significant responsibilities in mentoring both graduate and undergraduate students. Adding to his achievements, Daniel is a co-author and lead author of several published manuscripts in esteemed journals.  Beyond his academic pursuits, he's a Qiskit Advocate and an instructor at IBM Skills Academy, teaching Quantum Computing, Data Science, and Artificial Intelligence. Daniel is from Colombia. He studied engineering physics at EAFIT University in Medellin City, before moving to Argentina, where he received his Ph.D. from the Science Faculty, School of Physics at the National University of La Plata  Join me in welcoming Daniel Sierra-Sosa, whose dedication to interdisciplinary research and education is truly inspiring.

Thanks for listening to A Degree Further, the official podcast of The Graduate School at Hood College. A Degree Further features accomplished alums, innovative faculty, and successful students.    Listen to our previous episodes at hood.edu/adegreefurther and follow us on Instagram @hoodgradschool.  I am excited to welcome Amani Al Dajane to our podcast! With more than 15 years of experience in international higher education, she's dedicated to empowering students globally. Originally from Palestine, Amani's journey took her from Kuwait to Canada, earning an Honours BA from @UofT and an MBA from @HoodCollege. 🎓 🔍 A trailblazer, Amani, bilingual in English and Arabic, is passionate about creating opportunities for students. As the Director of International Student Services & PDSO at the Graduate School since Nov '21, she's shaping policies and programs for a diverse, global community. 🌐 👩‍💼 Join us as we delve into Amani's experience at Hood and her participation as the director and organizer of the international education week that is taking place right now.! 🎙️ Enjoy it! #Education #InternationalStudents #PodcastGuestSpotlight #HigherEdJourney

Thanks for listening to A Degree Further, the official podcast of The Graduate School at Hood College. A Degree Further features accomplished alumni, innovative faculty, and successful students.    Listen to our previous episodes at hood.edu/adegreefurther and follow us on Instagram @hoodgradschool.  Today, we have a truly exceptional guest joining us, and I couldn't be more thrilled to have her on the podcast. Our guest is Dr. Shannon Shoemaker, an accomplished associate professor at Hood College.  Her journey through academia and extensive professional experience is nothing short of remarkable.  Dr. Shoemaker holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Education in Counselor Education from Bridgewater State College.  Her academic prowess culminated in a Counselor Education and Supervision doctorate from The Pennsylvania State University. What truly sets Dr. Shoemaker apart is her impressive track record of over a decade in the field, where she's made a profound impact within school systems, community counseling services, and in her work with adults, adolescents, and families. Today, she will talk with us about her new position as the Director of the new Ph.D. program in counseling. So, get ready for a captivating conversation filled with wisdom as we delve into the counseling world with Dr Shoemaker!

Thanks for listening to A Degree Further, the official podcast of The Graduate School at Hood College. A Degree Further features accomplished alumni, innovative faculty, and successful students.   Listen to our previous episodes at hood.edu/adegreefurther and follow us on Instagram @hoodgradschool.  Dr. Jennifer Cooper is an Associate Professor and Department Chair for Nursing at Hood College.    Her extensive experience in community and public health nursing practice and her dedication to nursing education form the bedrock of her professional journey, enriching her teaching, scholarship, and service.  Dr. Cooper's focus centers on designing, implementing, and evaluating evidence-based strategies and programs to prevent and manage chronic diseases.  Her impressive record of accomplishment includes serving as the Past President of the Association of Public Health Nurses and acting as a liaison to the national Million Hearts® initiative.  Beyond academia, Dr. Cooper is an influential Board Member of the Maryland Nurses Association and has recently been appointed as a liaison for nursing to the Frederick County Board of Health.    Her academic credentials include a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from George Washington University, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN (Master of Science in Nursing)) from Rush University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Cedarville University.  Today, we are thrilled to have Dr. Cooper with us to shed light on this remarkable project, which is devoted to equipping and guiding nurses who are passionate about making a meaningful impact on community health.   We hope this conversation serves as both motivation and a valuable resource, answering any questions you may have about this transformative program. 

Thanks for listening to A Degree Further, the official podcast of The Graduate School at Hood College. A Degree Further features accomplished alumni, innovative faculty, and successful students.  Listen to our previous episodes at hood.edu/adegreefurther and follow us on Instagram @hoodgradschool. If you are passionate about health, technology, or both, this episode is for you. We are happy to introduce Dr. Timothy Coffin. Dr. Timothy Coffin is the Director of the new Health Informatics Program. He is also the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Celtiq, LLC, a consulting firm specializing in government healthcare solutions. His educational journey boasts a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the US Air Force Academy, a Master of Public Administration from the University of Dayton, and a Ph.D. in Health Research Sciences from George Mason University, complemented by various certifications related to the health informatics field. With a profound understanding of Health Research Science, particularly in the realms of Knowledge Discovery and Health Informatics, Dr. Coffin has been a trusted advisor to numerous federal entities. His expertise spans healthcare, technology innovation, national security, and counter-terrorism measures.  Dr. Coffin's dedication to research is evident in his academic endeavors, which include modeling depression, precision medicine, and suicide risk detection within the veteran community. Moreover, he's at the forefront of AI-based methodologies aimed at identifying rare diseases and combatting opioid addiction. Today, we dive deep into the world of Health Informatics with Dr. Coffin, the visionary behind the new program in this field. This episode is brimming with invaluable insights and cutting-edge technology that will undoubtedly pique your interest. Dr. Coffin's personal journey is equally inspiring, making this conversation a must-listen for those aspiring to make a difference in healthcare or excel in the realm of IT.