educated but confused

Is science even real anymore? What is real? And do people still believe in science? Just when we thought grad school couldn’t get more chaotic, the NIH funding landscape threw us a curveball.This week, Avery and Yassine dive into the messy realities of pursuing science in uncertain times, from funding struggles to the bigger question of how we connect research to real-world impact. We also check in on our PhD journeys... and yes, we have updates on Avery’s dating life too.🧠 -As always, stay educated and seek confusion!Connect with us: 📩 educatedbutconfused@gmail.com 💸 Support: patreon.com/educatedbutconfused

It's Year 4 for the Educated But Confused podcast! Join Yassine and Avery for personal and professional updates, a deep dive into the challenges of transitioning after grant work or big deadlines, and the inside scoop on fourth year. Plus, we're spilling the tea and de-stressing with NeeDoh Gumdrops. As always, stay educated and seek confusion!Get connected with us:Contact us for educated thoughts or general confusions at educatedbutconfused@gmail.comSupport us by joining our patreon!patreon.com/educatedbutconfused

Hello, listeners—It is with the deepest honor, respect, and gratitude that we, Avery and Yassine, bring you this truly special episode. Our guest is none other than Dr. Daniel Tranel—Professor of Neurology, Psychological and Brain Sciences, Dean of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, Senior Director of the Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship, and Director of the Neuroscience Graduate Program at the University of Iowa. These titles barely scratch the surface of his contributions to science and mentorship, for which we owe him immense gratitude.Join us in this meaningful conversation as we celebrate Dr. Tranel’s impact on the scientific community, unpack his 2024 Carver College of Medicine Distinguished Mentor Award, explore his passion for mentorship, discuss the importance of scholarship, reflect on major scientific milestones, and gather invaluable advice for students. And if that wasn’t special enough—this episode was recorded to the minute on Dan’s birthday.Enjoy the magic of the Iowa Vibes!-As always, stay educated and seek confusion!Get connected with us:Contact us for educated thoughts or general confusions at educatedbutconfused@gmail.com & follow us on instagram @ebcpod :)Support us by joining our patreon!patreon.com/educatedbutconfused

In today’s episode, Yassine and Avery wrap up their third year of grad school, reflecting on key lessons learned and setting intentions for the year ahead. Join us as we look back, plan forward, and embrace the chaos and clarity of academic life.—As always, stay educated and seek confusion!💡 Get in touch: 📩 Email us at educatedbutconfused@gmail.com 🎙️ Support the show: Join our Patreon at patreon.com/educatedbutconfused

In this episode, Avery and Yassine catch up with Val, one of the original hosts of educated but confused who co-founded the show with them before leaving last year after completing his Master’s in Neuroscience at the University of Iowa. Val is now teaching at Southern Oregon University, and we dive into his journey and all the new directions he’s taken in life and work since stepping away from academia.We start off strong with Yassine's thought-provoking question: What are Val’s views on the gut microbiome, and how does it impact brain function, free will, and determinism? Val shares his insights, bridging science with philosophy in a discussion that’s both mind-expanding and full of practical implications.Next, we explore: How has Val’s sleep research from grad school influenced his teaching? Val tells us about a course he developed and taught called “Explorations of Foundational Health.” From neuroscience-informed stress management to exploring sleep, consciousness, and the nature of free will, Val brings a unique and holistic perspective to health and well-being.Finally, we ask: How has life shifted from the pressures of grad school to the world of professional teaching? Val reflects on the highs, challenges, and personal growth that have defined his transition from student to educator.Tune in to this inspiring episode that brings us full circle with an OG host, diving deep into the big questions and practical lessons on health, consciousness, and the future of science and education!-As always, stay educated and seek confusion!Get connected with us:Contact us for educated thoughts or general confusions at educatedbutconfused@gmail.com & follow us on instagram @ebcpod :)Support us by joining our patreon!patreon.com/educatedbutconfused

Hello ebc crew-Routines, repetitive behaviors, habits, good juju, whatever you want to call it, let’s unpack what exactly we do on our day-to-days as graduate students.In this episode, Avery and Yassine take a deep dive into evaluating their current routines, open up about adapting to changes in behaviors due to seasonal shifts, emotional states, and environmental influences, the importance of sticking with non-negotiables, implementing positive habits, and so much more.We also bring back the drinks of choice, so we hope you have your favorite beverage in hand, and invite you to take a sip with us as we all evaluate our personal growth in our routines. -As always, stay educated and seek confusion! Get connected with us: Contact us for educated thoughts or general confusions at educatedbutconfused@gmail.com & follow us on instagram @ebcpod :) Support us by joining our patreon! patreon.com/educatedbutconfused

Hello, EBC crew!Avery and Yassine are back at it again with the green plan(t)z (bad meme reference, but stay with us). In this episode, recorded on a warm July evening in our favorite plant-filled bar, we catch up on our research and personal journeys. We dive into healthy ways to approach imposter syndrome, share our tips for creating an inspo repo and carving out time for intentional reflection, give updates on our research progress, and explore what it takes to be a good plant parent and a social magnet. Welcome to the melting pot—a pretty sustainable setup for growth, if you ask us (last plant pun, promise).-As always, stay educated and seek confusion! Get connected with us: Contact us for educated thoughts or general confusions at educatedbutconfused@gmail.com & follow us on instagram @ebcpod :) Support us by joining our patreon! patreon.com/educatedbutconfused

In this episode, Avery and Yassine reflect on the journey of launching the EBC podcast and share the personal significance this project holds for them. They then dive into updates on their current research endeavors, including Avery’s Prospectus preparation and Yassine’s dissertation project planning. As they explore these topics, they discuss the value of pausing amidst stress to evaluate emotions, emphasizing the need to recognize the challenges of transitioning between the highs and lows of the grad school marathon. So, sit back, grab your favorite drink, and join the conversation!-As always, stay educated and seek confusion! Get connected with us: Contact us for educated thoughts or general confusions at educatedbutconfused@gmail.com & follow us on instagram @ebcpod :) Support us by joining our patreon! patreon.com/educatedbutconfused Resources: 101 Ways to Change the Way You Think

Hello ebc crew!Step into the comforting ambiance of our favorite coffee haunt ~The Java House~ where the aroma of freshly brewed beans mingles with the warmth of candid conversation. With noses sniffly but spirits high, we embark on an enriching journey through the complexities of grant writing, the delicate dance of work-life balance, and the intriguing concept of "Conquering Mount Stupid." From navigating the intricacies of grant applications to sharing hard-won insights on maintaining equilibrium in our hectic lives, we brew up a stimulating blend of practical advice and introspective musings. So, pull up a chair, wrap your hands around a steaming cup, and join us as we explore, learn, and grow together in this lively coffee shop rendezvous.As always, stay educated and seek confusion! Resources: Writing a specific aims pageF31 examples Get connected: Contact us for educated thoughts or general confusions at educatedbutconfused@gmail.com & follow us on instagram @ebcpod :) Support us by joining our patreon! patreon.com/educatedbutconfused

Hello EBC Crew! Welcome to another episode where we embark on a journey, from the West to the East and back to the Midwest, exploring life beyond the laboratory. 🌍 Whether it's for better or worse, we're diving into the experiences awaiting us outside those lab walls. In this episode, we delve into a variety of topics, from the intricacies of the NIH’s F31 to the art of writing, maintaining focus, staying organized, and practicing mindfulness. 🧠✍️ We might even touch on some unexpected subjects, like... bad haircuts? 💇‍♀️💇‍♂️So sit back, relax, and join us on this adventure! We hope you enjoy the ride!As always, stay educated and seek confusion! Episode Resources: The Mindful Twenty-Something: Life Skills to Handle Stress... and Everything ElseHow to Focus to Change Your BrainGet connected: Contact us for educated thoughts or general confusions at educatedbutconfused@gmail.com & follow us on instagram @ebcpod :) Support us by joining our patreon! patreon.com/educatedbutconfused

Christmas is in the air this June, Yassine and Avery share how things went in November and plans for the winter break over some delicious boba tea (the sippage is crazy for you ASMR lovers :)). Yassine talks about F31 application prep, balanced with seeing family and attending conferences- as well as what makes a successful person. Avery discusses an emotional poster preparation, goals for the break and upcoming travel plans. Get connected: Contact us for educated thoughts or general confusions at educatedbutconfused@gmail.com & follow us on instagram @ebcpod :) Support us by joining our patreon! patreon.com/educatedbutconfused

Look at us. Hey. Look at us. Look at us. Huh. Who would’ve thought? Not me.EBC CREW WE ARE BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER WE HOPE YOU ARE AS EXCITED AS WE ARE!!Drumroll please! Now announcing the theme of season 3: cut the BS (lol get it), now reporting grad school unhinged. This season we bring you along our individual grad school journeys. In all honesty, the theme of this season is vulnerability and authenticity. We have found so much inspiration in connecting with others and their stories. We hope you will connect with something when listening to our experiences on our journeys becoming badass neuroscientists.We will share resources that we have found helpful along our journey, and share the shows you enjoy with your friends!In today’s episode, we talk about the end of season 2, our personal updates, the start of season 3 and the future of the pod. Stay tuned for highlights including stellar advice from Yassine’s grandfather, find out if we are depressed??, and what’s next for us (spoiler alert: is Yassine canceled?). Welcome to the chaos. We're glad you're here.Get connected: Contact us for educated thoughts or general confusions at educatedbutconfused@gmail.com & follow us on instagram @ebcpod :)Support us by joining our patreon! patreon.com/educatedbutconfused

It's time for a hiatus. Join hosts Val, Avery, & Yassine in a discussion about transitions. There are big changes on the horizon for each, so tune-in to hear this roundtable chat and navigate this transition with us!Follow us on twitter @theEBCpod; we appreciate the love. Join our email list to get notified when new episodes drop (and merch in the near future). Thanks for listening, and as always, stay educated and seek confusion!

Season 2 - we are interviewing people who inspire us. In today's episode, our guest of honor is... Don Robin. Avery and second guest, Noah Waller, talk with Don about our experiences with mentorship. Follow us on twitter @theEBCpod :); we appreciate the love. Thanks for listening :) As always, stay educated and seek confusion. Join our email list to get notified when new episodes drop (and merch in the near future).FACT CHECK!At some point we said that all science holds a materialist view. This is not necessarily true. There are other views such as dualism that are held, however materialism is the most common- especially among cognitive scientists. You can read more here. Randy Schroeder was the associate director and educational counselor with TRIO at The University of New Hampshire. Don states that schools with formal mentorship programs retain faculty 40-50% better than those without. While I couldn’t find this exact study, there was a study that assessed the impact of a formal mentorship program on junior faculty satisfaction and productivity. They found that mentees were 34% more likely to hold senior faculty positions compared to the control group.Did we miss anything? Contact us at educatedbutconfused@gmail.com

Season 2 - we are interviewing people who inspire us. In today's episode, our guest of honor is... Teon Brooks! We discuss Teon’s educational journey and experience as a data scientist. Follow us on twitter @theEBCpod :); we appreciate the love. Thanks for listening :) As always, stay educated and seek confusion. Join our email list to get notified when new episodes drop (and merch in the near future).FACT CHECK!Did we solve physics?Nothing is wrong with physics to our knowledge, but it's fun to pretend we solved it!Are there less than a thousand MEG systems in existence?It's true! In 2022, there were only an estimated 200 MEG systems worldwide. https://tinyurl.com/4475m33fAre people more interested in image resolution than everything else (temporal or spatial)?Image resolution matters quite a bit, but depending on the questions investigators are attempting to answer, it may or may not be of importance to maximize image resolution. That said, degree and type of interest in resolution is wholly up to those investigators.Is twitter charging for API?It does appear that twitter will now be charging folks to take full advantage of their API. There is still free access to the API, but it is severely limited compared to the ~$100 Basic plan.https://tinyurl.com/4ck34cnhHave the number of tenure track positions gone down?Within the last several decades, tenure density has been decreasing in the US. https://tinyurl.com/359796umDid we miss anything? Contact us at educatedbutconfused@gmail.com

Join our email list to get notified when new episodes drop (and merch in the near future). In today's episode, our guest of honor is... Justin Sipla! We discuss Justin's neuroanatomy course and the concept of free will. Follow us on twitter @theEBCpod :); we appreciate the love. Thanks for listening :) As always, stay educated and seek confusion.FACT CHECK!Do we have volition over walking?Yes, we do have volition, or the ability to make conscious choices, over walking. Walking is an activity that is primarily controlled by our motor cortex and cerebellum, which are parts of the brain involved in voluntary movement. While some aspects of walking, such as maintaining balance and coordinating limb movements, are automated to some extent, we can consciously choose when and where to walk, as well as modify our walking patterns or speed.Explore more in this paper: Petersen, T H et al. “The motor cortex drives the muscles during walking in human subjects.” The Journal of physiology vol. 590,10 (2012): 2443-52. doi:10.1113/jphysiol.2012.227397Is there scientific merit to Wim Hof breathing?From the Wim Hof Website “What "The Iceman" Wim Hof is capable of was long viewed as scientifically impossible. It wasn't until the first Radboud University study in 2011 that things really kicked off. The study showed that by using his method, Wim was able to voluntarily influence his autonomic nervous system - something which until then was thought impossible. This ground-breaking finding, published in PNAS, established credibility, quite literally rewrote biology textbooks and piqued scientists' curiosity.”Read more here: https://www.wimhofmethod.com/scienceFree will article: Libet B, Gleason CA, Wright EW, Pearl DK. Time of conscious intention to act in relation to onset of cerebral activity (readiness-potential). The unconscious initiation of a freely voluntary act. Brain. 1983;106 (Pt 3):623-642. doi:10.1093/brain/106.3.623Kavli Summer Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience https://sicn.cmb.ucdavis.edu/ Did we miss anything? Contact us at educatedbutconfused@gmail.com

Did you miss us?? We are back with a new season where we focus on talking with people who inspire us! Sign up for our mailing list! Contact us for educated thoughts or general confusions at educatedbutconfused@gmail.com & follow us on twitter @theEBCpod :)

In today's episode, our guest of honor is... Lex Gómez! We discuss Lex's experience finished her dissertation and starting as a postdoctoral position.Join our email list! Follow us on twitter @theEBCpod; we appreciate the love. Thanks for listening :) As always, stay educated and seek confusion.Fact check!While Pennsylvania and Iowa are close in latitude, they are not the same. Pennsylvania is located on latitude 41 and Iowa is on latitude 42.SourceIt seems as though men’s pant sizing, generally across brands, follows a Waist/Length measurement, where Waist is the circumference of a person’s waist in inches and Length is the inseam length in inches. So, 30/28 would be a 30 inch waist with a 28 inch inseam. While some women’s brands do follow this convention, it is more often not the same for women’s sizing. In many cases, a number is assigned to a specific waist circumference. These sizes vary by brand.SourceVal is, in fact, allowed to take the whole day off following an overnight study. This applies to lab work, but that does not mean he is excused from coursework. So, careful planning is necessary.Did we miss anything? Contact us at educatedbutconfused@gmail.com

In today's episode, our guest of honor is... Bill Milanick! We discuss Bill's experience with his prospectus.Follow us on twitter @theEBCpod; we appreciate the love. Thanks for listening :) As always, stay educated and seek confusion.Fact check!While in space, do bones lose density?Up to 2% of bone density per month is lost when astronauts spend prolonged periods of time in space.SourceDoes weightlifting increase bone density?During weight training, the added weight can stress bones, thus increasing density in response. This also can reduce the risk of osteoporosis.SourceIs a brandy stout aged in brandy?Imperial stouts are aged in bourbon barrels most often. However, breweries may double-age stouts in other types of barrels as well; brandy happens to be one of those.SourceIs academia the 2nd longest running institution?Though human history is awfully extensive, it is true that higher education has been around for quite a long time. The Guinness World Record for oldest existing and continually operated educational institution is held by the University of Karueein in Fez, Morocco, which dates back to 859 AD.SourceDid we miss anything? Contact us at educatedbutconfused@gmail.com

In today's episode, our guest of honor is... Gage Liddiard! We discuss Gage's experience taking his comprehensive exam.Follow us on twitter @theEBCpod; we appreciate the love. Thanks for listening :) As always, stay educated and seek confusion.Fact check!Does Yassine glow in the dark?Yassine does not in fact glow in the dark - trust us, we tried.Resveratrol health benefits?Resveratrol has been detected in more than 70 plant species, especially in grapes’ skin and seeds, and was found in discrete amounts in red wines and various human foods. Resveratrol possesses a very high antioxidant potential and exhibits antitumor activity. SourceHow do you take caffeine away from coffee and tea?Swiss Water Process, is based solely on water and carbon filtration. The coffee beans are first immersed in hot water to extract their caffeine and flavorful components. The initial beans are then discarded, and the resulting flavor-rich water (called “green coffee extract”) is passed through a carbon filter that is sized to capture only the large caffeine molecules. SourceHow are waffle fries made?For crinkle-cut fries, simply slice potatoes vertically with a crinkle cutter, also called a wavy chopper or serrated slicer. For waffle fries, after making one vertical slice, rotate the potato 90°, and make another vertical slice. SourceWhy does the bride stand on the left and the groom on the right during weddings?This tradition dates back to the Middle Ages, when grooms kept their sword-fighting right hand open for combat. SourceWhy are string instruments more expensive than brass instruments?They aren’t particularly. Any handmade instrument requires intensive labor, specific materials, and the time of a highly trained professional. There are certain antique violins with a legend surrounding them that go for ridiculous sums, but they’re rare, unusual, historical artifacts. Source 1, Source 2Music while studying?Listening to music while studying can be an extremely helpful tool for some students in improving their focus. More so classical quiet music with no lyrics over high intensity lyrical music. Source 1, Source 2Yoda speech?Anastrophe, when the words in a sentence or phrase are deliberately mixed up. This is the type of speech Yoda uses. Laconic speech, as defined by Mirriam-Webster, involves the use of minimal words in a concise manner to the point of seeming rude or mysterious.Did we miss anything? Contact us at educatedbutconfused@gmail.com