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It’s incredible what one conversation with the right person can do. For University of Canterbury marine biologist Dr John Pirker, it was a kōrero with his neighbour and some of his Ngāi Tahu kaumātua that set him on the path of becoming a scientist. John’s now on a mission to “ignite the flame of learning” in today’s rangatahi. Learn more in our latest episode of UC Science Radio.

A wonder gel for wound healing, birth control for possums, and beating antibiotic resistance in cattle worms – it’s all part of the job for UC chemist and entrepreneur Prof Rudi Marquez, on this episode of UC Science Radio.

Award-winning teacher and glaciologist Dr Heather Purdie talks about studying endangered glaciers, research, passion for the environment, and why virtual teaching will never replace real-life experiences with nature.

What if, instead of being a source of stress – our work (and workplaces) were good for us? In this episode, University of Canterbury Professor of Psychology Katharina Naswall talks about the world of work in uncertain times, how to increase health and wellbeing in the workplace, and what it takes to make sure our work is good for us.

What’s the difference between a poet and an astronomer? Nothing, if you’re astrophysicist and creative writer Dr Michele Bannister – our latest guest on UC Science Radio.

When it comes to food – we often think of our bodies first. But what about our brains? The food we eat, our environment and stress levels all impact our brain function and mental health. In this episode, University of Canterbury Professor of Clinical Psychology, Julia Rucklidge, discusses the fascinating relationship between nutrients and mental health, and explains the research she’s been doing to help reverse the mental health epidemic.

Dark matter makes up the majority of the universe but remains a mystery to science. In this episode, physicist Dr Chris Gordon shares his passion for the shadowy substance, and how studying the universe benefits us here on earth – like giving us WiFi and the World Wide Web.

Lightweight, strong, waterproof – plastic is a wonder material, but it’s not so wonderful for nature. In this episode, University of Canterbury environmental chemist Dr Sally Gaw explains what plastic is doing to our environment, where it’s ending up, and how we can fix the problem.

University of Canterbury volcanologist Associate Professor Ben Kennedy, an internationally recognised expert in physical volcanology and award-winning teacher, says his research and teaching are “driven by a love of volcanoes and fuelled by experiments and projects that are fun, exciting and important to society”. In this episode, Ben talks about the science behind eruptions, his travels to the world's volcanic hotspots, and how teaching can be driven by fun, and games.

Forget love at first sight – finding the perfect match is all in the genes. Well, if you’re an animal on the brink of extinction that is.As a conservation genetist, aka ‘genetic matchmaker’, it’s Tammy Steeves' job to find the ideal mate for some of Aotearoa New Zealand's most endangered native species.  In this episode, Dr Steeves, Associate Professor in the School of Biological Sciences at UC, talks about her fascinating work and how she’s helping to preserve the genetic diversity of some of our rarest taonga species – including the kakī or black stilt and kēwai or freshwater crayfish. Tammy also talks about the Kindness in Science Collective she started along with some of her fellow scientists, and how kindness can and is changing the way we do science – for the better.  #kindnessinscience

Structural chemist Associate Professor Sarah Masters talks about her work as a molecular detective: she investigates how molecules behave, what they do, and how we can use them to create everything from new technologies and materials to life-saving vaccines.

Professor Simon Kingham studies people and how we move around our towns and cities. In this podcast, Simon talks about the impact of city spaces on our mental health; why cycleways are thriving in Christchurch, New Zealand; and his role as Chief Science Advisor for the Ministry of Transport.