
College Matters. Alma Matters.
By Venkat Raman
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
Dr. Josh Cannon of Frederick Honors College: Helping Students Find Resources for Undergraduate Research.
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After finishing High School, Dr. Cannon joined the Marine Corps as an Arabic Cryptologic Linguist. Dr. Cannon loved the process of learning a language. So, after the Marine Corps, Dr Cannon attended the University of Pittsburgh where he discovered archaeology which he combined with his love for languages.
Dr. Cannon joins us on our podcast to talk about UG Research at Frederick Honors College, Research Infrastructure, Research Fellowships, Success stories, and Advice for High Schoolers.
Topics discussed in this episode:
Introducing Dr. Josh Cannon, University of Pittsburgh []
Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
Background []
Why Languages? []
Interest in Research []
Research Infrastructure and Resources []
Students’ Research Participation []
Fellowships []
Success Stories []
Advice for High Schoolers []
Our Guest: Dr. Josh Cannon is the Director of Research at Frederick Honors College, University of Pittsburgh.
Memorable Quote: “So if you're going to spend time doing this research, you really should present, or you should try to publish, or you should try to use it as kind of a launching pad for a different research project that you do by yourself or you do with another faculty member. So we kind of work with them on how would that, what would that look like? And how do you find a professional conference that you might want to present at? Oh, you found it now. How do you write an abstract? And how do you submit it?”Dr. Cannon.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.
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ToAsk the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email podcast@almamatters.io.
Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Spotify.

If it’s February, This must be College Visits, in College News Fit to Digest. February 19, 2025.
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Making sense of the College News. Shveta Bagade, College Counselor gives us her take.
Topics discussed in this episode:
College Visits and Why you should do them []
Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.
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Follow us on Instagram.
Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Spotify.
For Podcast Transcripts, visitalmamatters.io/podcasts.

Dr. Josh Cannon & Freshmen from Frederick Honors College at Pitt: Using the“Getting Started with UG Research” Workbook.
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In the Fall semester of 2024, Dr. Cannon used the Getting Started with UG Research Workbook as a resource in a class he taught the Honors College freshmen
In this special episode, we talk to Dr Cannon and 3 students - John, Preeti and Jacob about their experience with the workbook!
On our podcast, Dr Cannon talks about using the workbook, the students describe their experiences and suggestions, and finally some advice for high schoolers.
To learn more about the Workbook, please email using the subject line ‘UGR Workbook’ podcast@almamatters.io.using the subject line ‘UGR Workbook’)
In particular, we discuss the following with them:
- Dr. Cannon on Using the Workbook in a class
- Use of Podcast Stories
- Students’ Feedback on the Workbook
- Student Takeaways
- Advice for High Schoolers
Our Guests:
- Dr. Josh Cannon, Director of Research, Frederick Honors College, University of Pittsburgh.
- 3 Current Freshmen - John Logue, Preeti Rao and Jacob Halka.
Memorable Quote: “My biggest takeaway was really just seeing that process kind of laid out [in the Workbook]. I think coming in, I feel like the biggest obstacle for me was really understanding where to go to look for research. It seems there's not like a set way to just go about doing it. ”John Logue, Freshman.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.
Recommended Episodes:College Experiences
Calls-to-action:
- Follow us onInstagram.
- ToAsk the Guest a question, or tocomment on this episode, emailpodcast@almamatters.io.
- Subscribe orFollow our podcasts at any of these locations:Apple Podcasts,Spotify.

Dean Graeme Harper of Oakland University: Promoting AI Literacy.
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This episode is part of a series of conversations related to AI and Education.
In this Episode, Dean Harper shares a Historical Perspective on AI, An approach to Gen AI, AI related Courses, Digital Infrastructure, Policies, Faculty use, Impact on Admissions Applications, Ethics, and Future of AI in Higher Ed.
Topics discussed in this episode:
Introducing Dean Graeme Harper, Oakland University [] Historical Perspective [] Approach to Gen AI [] AI Courses [] Digital Infrastructure [] AI Policies [] Faculty Use of AI [] Admissions Impact [] Ethics [] Future with AI []Our Guest: Professor Graeme Harper is the Dean of the Oakland University Honors College, Rochester, Michigan. Dean Harper received the Bachelor of Arts degrees in History, English, Economic History from the University of Sydney. He then earned his Master of Letters from the University of New England (AU), PhD in Creative Arts from University of Technology Sydney. Dean Harper also received a PhD in from the School of English and American Studies from the University of East Anglia (UK).
Memorable Quote: “We can't assume that the students are going to be AI literate, and the faculty are not. That's a blanket assumption that we can't make. So it's actually about all of us. It's about staff as well.” Dean Harper.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.
Calls-to-action:
Follow us on Instagram. To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email podcast@almamatters.io. Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Spotify and others.
Dean Wink of UW Whitewater: Geography with Geology, Volcanic Rocks Research, and Carnegie Hall.
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I first spoke with Dean when he was a Sophomore at Whitewater.
Since then, his research experience has grown and he has found his own research to pursue in the form of analyzing volcanic rocks from Iceland. This has not only equipped him with a number of skills, it has opened opportunities to pursue Grad School or industry.
Dean joins our podcast to share his undergraduate college journey at the University of Wisconsin Whitewater, Getting started with Research, Volcanic Rock Research, Summer Internships, Minoring in Music, Performing at Carnegie Hall, and Advice for High Schoolers.
Check Out: The College Application Workbooks for Juniors and Seniors
In particular, we discuss the following with him:
- UW Whitewater Experience
- Volcano Rock Research
- Geography Major
- Advice to High Schoolers
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introduction to Dean Wink, UW Whitewater []
- Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
- Overall Whitewater Experience []
- Starting Research []
- Volcanic Research []
- Research Impact []
- Campus Activities []
- Summers []
- What Next? []
- Minoring in Music []
- Advice for High Schoolers []
- Memories []
Our Guests: Dean Wink is studying Geography with a Geology emphasis, and Minoring in Music and Environmental Studies at the University of Wisconsin Whitewater.
Memorable Quote: “The first time I think seeing my research abstract get accepted to present at the Geological Society of America was big for me. Now this conference is kind of like the big deal for us in the geology world.” Dean Wink.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.
Similar Episodes: College Experiences
Calls-to-action:
- Follow us on Instagram.
- To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email podcast@almamatters.io.
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Spotify.

Paula Dennis’ Takeaways from Podcast Story: Emily Woodland of Drexel University.
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In this series of episodes, College Counselors share their takeaways from College Alumni and Student stories featured in this Podcast.
In this episode, Paula shares her takeaways from the Podcast episode with Emily Woodland, Drexel University.
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introducing Paula Dennis, Jenks High School, OK []
- Emily’s Story Takeaways []
- A Question or Two to Reflect on []
- Closing Thoughts []
Our Guest: Paula Dennis is a College Counselor at Jenks High School in Oklahoma.
Memorable Quote: “...when Emily shared her own advice for students, it was even better, because a lot of times students would listen to someone that has just gone through the process, as Emily did last year.” Paula Dennis.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.
Calls-to-action:
- Follow us on Instagram.
- To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email podcast@almamatters.io.
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Spotify and others.

Kalen Sieja of CU Boulder: Political Science & Evolutionary Biology, Studio Lab, and TEDxCU.
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In High School Kalen took internationally focused courses. He loved Public Speaking and Debate and participated in a number of competitions and won the state championship in his senior year.
At 16, even though he couldn’t vote, he actively volunteered in political action organizations.
Kalen joins us on our podcast to share his UG Experience at CU Boulder, Studio Lab, UG Research in Political Science, TEDxCU, and Advice for High Schoolers.
In particular, we discuss the following with him:
- Overall Experience at CU Boulder
- Studio Lab & UG Research
- Majoring in Political Science & Evolutionary Biology
- Advice to High Schoolers
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introduction to Kalen Sieja, CU Boulder []
- Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
- Overall CU Boulder Experience []
- High School Interests []
- Interest in Political Advocacy []
- Transition to College []
- New Study Skills []
- Peers []
- Professors []
- UG Research with Studio Lab []
- The Research []
- The Research Difference []
- TEDxCU []
- Majoring in PoliSci and Evolutionary Biology []
- Grad School Plans []
- Advice for High Schoolers []
- Memories []
Our Guests: Kalen Sieja is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Memorable Quote: “And there's so many ways that you can customize your college experience to fit you, and you shouldn't be like, ashamed or scared or anything like that, to ask for help when you need it, and really make your college experience something that's going to benefit you long term, rather than just like, following the exact traditional path that's completely cookie cutter that other people follow. ” Kalen Sieja.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.
Similar Episodes: College Experiences
Calls-to-action:
- Follow us on Instagram
- To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode,email podcast@almamatters.io.
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Spotify.

AI’s Role in College Applications 2024, in College News Fit to Digest. December 10, 2024.
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Making sense of the College News of the week, curated by Alma Matters. Shveta Bagade, College Counselor gives us her take on the news.
Topics discussed in this episode:
- How Students, Colleges and Counselors are using AI in College Applications 2024[]
Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.
Calls-to-action:
- Follow us on Instagram.
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Spotify.
- For Podcast Transcripts, visit almamatters.io/podcasts.

Thomas Athey of Davidson College: Founding MESA, The Pitch Competition, and Being An Entrepreneur.
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I last spoke to Thomas when he was a sophomore at Davidson and was pursuing an entrepreneurial venture called Portfolio Kings.
Thomas stayed entrepreneurial in the second half of his college years and co-founded MESA, a startup to provide independent musicians an administrative infrastructure and also ensure that all rights holders on music NFT get paid.
In this episode, Thomas shares his undergraduate & entrepreneurial journey at Davidson, co- founding MESA, Winning the Hub Pitch Competition, Building MESA, The Hub’s Role and What’s Next for MESA.
Check Out: The College Application Workbooks for Juniors and Seniors
In particular, we discuss the following with him:
- The Davidson College Experience
- Entrepreneurial Pursuits
- Co-founding Mesa
- Role of the Hurt Hub
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introducing Thomas Athey, Davidson College []
- Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
- The Davidson Experience []
- Portfolio Kings []
- Exploring Tech-based Ideas[]
- Co-founding Mesa []
- Winning The Hub Pitch Competition []
- Building Mesa []
- Raising Funds []
- Beta Testing []
- Campus Activities []
- What’s Next? []
- Memories []
Our Guest: Thomas Athey graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE), and History at Davidson College.
Memorable Quote: “...it's hard to figure out what you want, and it's also hard to not cave to sort of societal pressures of what you think you should do. And so I think you just got to stay strong in that process and trust yourself, and put the work in, right?” Thomas Athey.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.
Similar Episodes: College Experiences
Calls-to-action:
- Follow us on Instagram.
- To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email podcast@almamatters.io.
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Spotify.

Rebecca Youngers of UT Austin: Journalism, Study Abroad in Ireland, and Social Media Internships.
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When I last spoke with Rebecca, she had just graduated from High School and was headed to the University of Texas Austin.
Rebecca is a junior at UT Austin.
In this episode, Rebecca shares her undergraduate experiences at UT Austin, Her Internships, Study Abroad in Ireland, and Majoring in Journalism.
Check Out: The College Application Workbooks for Juniors and Seniors
In particular, we discuss the following with her:
- The UT Austin Experience
- Transition to College
- Journalism Major
- Advice for High Schoolers
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introducing Becca Youngers, University of Texas Austin[]
- Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
- The UT Experience []
- Transition to College []
- The classes []
- Professors []
- Internships []
- Study Abroad []
- Extracurricular Activities []
- Memories []
Our Guest: Rebecca Youngers is a junior at the University of Texas Austin.
Memorable Quote: “My study abroad? Oh, my gosh, literally, like the best experience ever. I'm like, I know everyone that goes abroad does not shut up about it, and I am included in that pool of people for sure. ” Becca Youngers.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.
Similar Episodes: College Experiences
Calls-to-action:
- Follow us on Instagram.
- To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email podcast@almamatters.io.
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Spotify.

Tom Stepkoski’s Takeaways from Podcast Stories: Lorena of Davidson College, Aidan of UCLA, and Avinash of Princeton.
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In this series of episodes, College Counselors share their takeaways from College Alumni and Student stories featured in this Podcast.
Tom Stepkoski picked the 3 episodes from “College Vignettes Tell Tales”, my handbook for sophomores and juniors.
In this episode, Tom shares his takeaways from Podcast episodes with Lorena of Davidson College, Aidan of UCLA, and Avinash of Princeton.
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introducing Tom Stepkoski, Westhill High School, CT []
- 3 Podcast Stories and Takeaways []
- A Question or Two to Reflect on []
- The Process of Picking 3 Stories []
- Closing Thoughts []
Our Guest: Tom Stepkoski is the Career and College Counselor at Westhill High School in Stamford, Connecticut. In addition, Tom also runs Tom Step Coaching for Personal Development.
Memorable Quote: “And I'm sure that you know, you've heard me say before on your podcast, that kids love to listen to kids. And I say kids, you know, I'm referring to students of 16, 17, 18, years old, or primarily, they're juniors in high school, and they're starting to look at colleges.” Tom Stepkoski.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.
Calls-to-action:
- Follow us on Instagram.
- To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email podcast@almamatters.io.
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Spotify and others.

Tracy Baynes of STEP: Guiding Hard Working, Low Income Students to College.
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Tracy got her PhD from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. For years after that, she taught college students in programs called “Semesters at Sea”. During that time she was also an instructor for the Outward Bound with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS).
She noticed that all her students were wealthy.
That insight led Tracy to found the STEP - an amazing program to provide guidance to high achieving, low income students to get to college.
Tracy joins us on our podcast to talk about her background, the origins of STEP, The Organization and the program, How to apply for STEP, Success Stories, and finally Tips for High Schoolers.
In particular, we discuss the following with her:
- Tracy Baynes’ Background
- Founding STEP
- How to Apply
- Learnings from STEP
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introducing Tracy Baynes, Founder, CEO of STEP []
- Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
- Background []
- Origins of STEP []
- The STEP Org []
- Becoming a STEP Student []
- Internal Motivation of Students []
- Engaging Parents []
- Success Stories []
- What makes STEP tick? []
- How Students have changed in 20 years? []
- What’s Next? []
- Closing Thoughts []
Our Guest: Tracy Baynes is the Founder and CEO of STEP - Student Expedition Program in Tucson Arizona.
Memorable Quote: “What we say is, we can't want this more than you do. Like in the end, you have to do the hard work, and you have to do the hard work when nobody's looking, you have to do the hard work when nobody's giving you accolades. And that's what it takes, right? Anything you want, is on the other side of hard work.” Tracy Baynes.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.
Similar Episodes: College Experiences, College Application Workbook
Calls-to-action:
- Follow us on Instagram.
- To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email podcast@almamatters.io.
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Spotify and others.

Squaring Lower Acceptance Rates with Enrollment Decline in College News Fit to Digest. November 4, 2024.
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Making sense of the College News of the week, curated by Alma Matters. Shveta Bagade, College Counselor gives us her take on the news.
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Lower Acceptance Rates at the Top US Colleges []
- Enrollment Decline []
Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California.
Resources referred to in this episode:
- Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11]
- EducationNext []
- New York Times []
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.
Calls-to-action:
- Follow us on Instagram.
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Spotify.
- For Podcast Transcripts, visit almamatters.io/podcasts.

Eva Mahajan and Emily Seo of Jenks High School: The Digital SAT Experience.
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Digital SAT is here.
Today we feature 2 high school seniors, Eva and Emily from Jenks High School to share their experiences with the Digital SAT.
They talk about the structure of the test, how they prepared for it, The differences between the Paper and Digital Test, and their Advice for Juniors.
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introducing Eva Mahajan, Emily Seo, Jenks High School []
- Digital SAT Overall Experience []
- Setup []
- Parts of the Test []
- Dynamic Modules []
- Eva “Prefers Paper” []
- Scratch Paper []
- Practice Tests []
- Differences between the Practice and Real Test []
- Paper versus Digital []
- Advice for Juniors []
- Retaking the Test? []
Our Guests: Eva Mahajan and Emily Seo, Senior Jenks High School, Tulsa OK.
Memorable Quote: “So first I would tell them to take as many practice tests as possible, because that's how I like to study. And I soon learned the grammar patterns and the formatting pretty well. And then I would also say, Make sure not to cram study the day or even week before, and to create a schedule over a longer period of time.” Emily Seo.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.
Calls-to-action:
- Follow us on Instagram.
- To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email podcast@almamatters.io.
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Spotify and others.

Beto Patino-Luna of UW Whitewater: Geography with Geology, UG Research, and The Welding Experience.
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Beto liked Math and Science classes in High School. He loved to play soccer.
In his senior year of high school, he started gravitating towards trade school and a career in welding. So, during the summer after high school, he started working as a welder.
But then things changed for him.
Beto joins our podcast to share his inspiring undergraduate college journey at the University of Wisconsin Whitewater, Landslide Research, Summer Internships, Choosing Geography with Geology Major, and Advice for High Schoolers.
Check Out: The College Application Workbooks for Juniors and Seniors
In particular, we discuss the following with him:
- UW Whitewater Experience
- Landslide Research
- Geography Major
- Advice to High Schoolers
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introduction to Beto Patini-Luna, UW Whitewater []
- Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
- Overall Whitewater Experience []
- Why UW Whitewater? []
- High School Interests []
- Deciding against Trade School []
- Freshman Courses []
- Transition to College []
- Academics []
- About Research []
- Landslide Research []
- Research Impact []
- Majoring in Geography with Geology emphasis []
- From Trade School to Grad School []
- Campus Activities []
- Advice for High Schoolers []
- Summer Internships []
- Memories []
Our Guests: Beto Patino-Luna is studying Geography with a Geology emphasis at the University of Wisconsin Whitewater.
Memorable Quote: “I had never heard about the research process before meeting Dr Juk. I didn't know what research was. I didn't know you could get a job out of it. So I learned all about that.” Beto Patino-Luna.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.
Similar Episodes: College Experiences
Calls-to-action:
- Follow us on Instagram.
- To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email podcast@almamatters.io.
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Spotify.

Heidi Clark-Smitley of Catholic Central on College Counseling: Planting A Seed And Having Options.
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As a junior In High School, Heidi was intrigued about College. Although her College Counselor wasn’t very motivating. And her parents were not College graduates.
Her parents paid for a College Counseling program at a local community college. Heidi found this exciting and inspiring.
Today, Heidi is the Director of College Counseling at Catholic Central High School in Michigan.
Heidi joins us on our podcast to talk about her background, Catholic Central, Counseling Approach, Challenges, Information Overload and her continued passion for Counseling.
Check Out: The College Application Workbooks for Juniors and Seniors
In particular, we discuss the following with her:
- Heidi’s Background
- Approach to College Counseling
- Challenges
- Staying Excited
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introducing Heidi Clark-Smitley, Catholic Central []
- Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
- Professional Background []
- Why Counseling? []
- Catholic Central []
- The Role []
- Approach to Counseling []
- Enticing Students to meet Application Deadlines []
- The Challenges []
- Information Overload []
- Reflecting on the 2 decades []
- Students’ Self-Awareness []
- Staying Excited []
Our Guest: Heidi Clark-Smitley, Director of College Counseling at Catholic Central High School, MI.
Memorable Quote: “I look at the student, and I go, you probably got your driver's license recently, or about to get your driver's license. So here's the deal, you are in the driver's seat of this college exploration and planning, and the rest of us are passengers. And although we might be backseat drivers at times, we are simply passengers.” Heidi Clark-Smitley.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.
Recommended Episodes: College Experiences, College Application Workbook
Calls-to-action:
- Follow us on Instagram.
- To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email podcast@almamatters.io.
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations:Apple Podcasts, Spotify.

Intentionally Delaying FAFSA in College News Fit to Digest. October 14, 2024.
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Making sense of the College News of the week, curated by Alma Matters. Shveta Bagade, College Counselor gives us her take on the news.
Topics discussed in this episode:
- FAFSA []
Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California.
Resources referred to in this episode:
- Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11]
- MSN []
- SC Daily Gazette []
- US News []
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.
Calls-to-action:
- Follow us on Instagram.
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Spotify.
- For Podcast Transcripts, visit almamatters.io/podcasts.

Teddy Hsieh of UT Austin: Electrical Engineering & Chemistry, Goldwater Scholar, and Goldwater Community Network.
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Teddy grew up loving the Sciences, especially Chemistry. He felt that Chemistry with the help of Math helped explain natural phenomena.
In addition, he enjoyed History, Orchestra and Quiz Bowl. He started to appreciate taking an interdisciplinary approach to learning.
Teddy joins our podcast to share his undergraduate experience at UT Austin, Interest Chemistry, Being a Dean Scholar, Fabricating 3D nano devices, Winning the Goldwater Scholarship, and Advice for High Schoolers.
In particular, we discuss the following with him:
- Overall UT Austin Experience
- 3D Nano Devices Research
- The Goldwater Scholarship
- Advice to High Schoolers
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introduction to Teddy Hsieh, UT Austin[]
- Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
- Overall UT Austin Experience []
- Why UT Austin? []
- Why Chemistry? []
- High School Interests []
- Transition to College []
- Dean’s Scholar Program
- Starting UG Research []
- The Research []
- Research over 4 years []
- Impact of UG Research []
- Applying for Goldwater Scholarship []
- Winning the Goldwater Scholarship []
- The GW Difference []
- Grad School []
- Advice for High Schoolers []
- Memory []
Our Guest: Teddy Hsieh is a Goldwater Scholar who graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and Chemistry from the University of Texas Austin. Teddy is currently pursuing his PhD at the MIT.
Memorable Quote: “Yeah, so this is one of the advice I give very often, and one that I myself was sort of guilty of, and that is go to office hours. Especially if you sort of vibe well with the professor, or you feel like you know either you like them or you're interested in the things they bring up in class. And that's what happened with me. ” Teddy Hsieh.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.
Similar Episodes: College Experiences , UG Research
Calls-to-action:
- Follow us on Instagram.
- To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email podcast@almamatters.io.
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Spotify.

How to Deal with College Rankings in College News Fit to Digest. October 8, 2024.
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Making sense of the College News of the week, curated by Alma Matters. Shveta Bagade, College Counselor gives us her take on the news.
Topics discussed in this episode:
- College Rankings []
Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California.
Resources referred to in this episode:
- Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11]
- US News []
- The Wall Street Journal []
- Forbes []
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.
Calls-to-action:
- Follow us on Instagram.
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Spotify.
- For Podcast Transcripts, visit almamatters.io/podcasts.

AI in High School: Bill Hancock of Cranbrook Kingswood High School, Michigan.
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This episode is part of a series of conversations related to using AI in Education.
How AI is changing High Schools, Colleges, learning and College Applications.What High Schools and Colleges are instituting in terms of policies and guidelines about the use of AI in student work.
In this Episode, Bill Hancock shares his views on AI, his early use of AI, the Do’s and Don’ts for students, Detecting AI, and Advice for College Applicants.
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introducing Bill Hancock, Cranbrook Kingswood High School []
- AI Uses []
- School AI Policies []
- AI & Counseling []
- Student Do’s & Don’ts wrt AI []
- AI Detection []
- Advice for College Applicants []
Our Guest: Bill Hancock is the Senior Associate Dean of College Counseling at Cranbrook Kingswood High School in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Bill has a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Union College, NY and a Master’s degree in Counseling from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania.
Memorable Quote: “ It's an incredibly powerful tool. I think it's in its nascent stages of development. So is it ready for prime time? I don't think it is quite yet. It does some wonderful things, but I don't think we've fully explored what it can do, how it can help, and once we have that figured out, then we have to train people to use it in the right way. And I just think we're at the beginning.” Bill Hancock.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.
Calls-to-action:
- Follow us on Instagram.
- To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email podcast@almamatters.io.
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Spotify and others.

Dr. Rama Bala of Chance to Change Lives (CCL): Bringing Undergraduate Research to Smaller Colleges.
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Dr. Bala read “Comet” by Dr. Carl Sagan when she was probably in middle school. The book captured her imagination and she was fascinated by astronomy. Over time her curiosity led her to physics and ultimately becoming a Professor of Physics at Roanoke College, VA.
On our podcast, Dr. Bala joins us on our podcast to talk about her background in academia, Physics and Research, Importance of doing UG Research, About CCL and commitment to UG Research, and finally Advice for High Schoolers.
In particular, we discuss the following with her:
- Dr. Rama Bala’s Background
- Academia
- Importance of UG Research
- About CCL
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introducing Dr. Rama Bala []
- Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
- Professional Background []
- Why Physics? []
- Choosing Academia []
- Academic & Research Experiences []
- Getting Students to do Research []
- Benefits of UG Research to Students []
- UGR & Career Trajectory []
- Founding CCL []
- What is CCL []
- What’s Next? []
- Advice for High Schoolers []
Our Guest: Dr. Rama Bala, President and CEO, Chance to Change Lives, Pittsburgh, PA. Dr. Bala has more than 25 years of experience working in academia, most recently as Professor of Physics at Roanoke College in Virginia. Dr. Bala has taught at Stanford University, Harvard University, Georgetown University, and James Madison University.
Memorable Quote: “I think research really exposes students to develop a new and unique way of thinking when there are no answers, they’ve got to discover for themselves.” Dr. Bala.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.
Similar Episodes: UG Research
Calls-to-action:
- Follow us on Instagram.
- To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email podcast@almamatters.io.
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Spotify and others.

AI in High School: Jodi Foxx Director of College Counseling at Charlotte Christian School.
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This is the First in a series of conversations related to using AI in Education.
How AI is changing High Schools, Colleges, learning and College Applications.What High Schools and Colleges are instituting in terms of policies and guidelines about the use of AI in student work.
In this Episode, Jodi Foxx shares her views on AI, her own experiments with AI, the Do’s and Don’ts for students, and Advice for College Applicants.
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introducing Jodi Foxx, Charlotte Christian School []
- Jodi’s Perspective on AI []
- Experiments with AI []
- School AI Policies []
- Student Do’s & Don’ts wrt AI []
- Using AI as a Starting Point for Essays []
- Advice for College Applicants []
- Takeaways from Jodi’s AI Experiment []
Our Guest: Jodi Foxx is the Director of College Counseling at Charlotte Christian School, North Carolina.
Memorable Quote: “I think if AI is used, well, it can make you more efficient, for sure, and it can potentially yield a better product, or maybe just as good of a product, still a quality product.” Jodi Foxx.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.
Calls-to-action:
- Follow us on Instagram.
- To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email podcast@almamatters.io.
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Spotify and others.

10X International Student Research Stories: Digital Safety, Detecting Credit Card Fraud With AI, and AI Transformers.
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10X International School uniquely offers Experiential Programs to High Schoolers, To do research, build products, and in the process get a really good idea of what college program or career they want to pursue.
On this Episode we feature 3 Grade 12 Student Researchers on a range of topics from Digital Safety in marginalized communities, Detecting CC fraud using AI, and Transformers in AI.
The students are Pranav Morisetty, Pratosh Tiwari, and Saachee Moholkar. We are also joined by Aparna Chandrasekharan, Head of Placements at 10X.
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introductions []
- Student Research projects []
- Impact of Research []
- How 10X nurtures research []
- Close []
Our Guests:
- The students from 10X International School, Bengaluru India. Pranav Morisetty, Pratosh Tiwari, and Saachee Moholkar.
- Aparna Chandrasekharan, Head of Placements, 10X International.
Memorable Quote: “When I first heard about even doing research, it was extremely terrifying for me. Because, you know, I always had this mindset that research was, you know, extremely high level work, and I didn't think I was capable of doing that honestly.” Saachee Moholkar, 10X International.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.
Calls-to-action:
- Follow us on Instagram.
- To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email podcast@almamatters.io.
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Spotify and others.

ACT Goes Digital and More in College News Fit to Digest. August 26, 2024.
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Making sense of the College News of the week, curated by Alma Matters. Shveta Bagade, College Counselor gives us her take on the news.
Topics discussed in this episode:
- ACT is Offering Digital Version of the Test []
- State of Test Optional []
Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California.
Resources referred to in this episode:
- Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11]
- US News []
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.
Calls-to-action:
- Follow us on Instagram.
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Spotify.
- For Podcast Transcripts, visit almamatters.io/podcasts.

Iswari Natarajan, President St. Mary’s Academy Colorado: Where Girls Find Their Voice & Use It.
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Even as an engineer, Iswari found herself explaining concepts to her peers. Teaching gave her a purpose. She became a certified Montessori educator and later Director of a Montessori school.
Iswari believes it was that all-girls school she went to that built her self-confidence. Today as President of St. Mary’s Academy, Iswari is helping her students build theirs.
Iswari joins us on our podcast to share her professional background, journey from engineering to teaching, St. Mary’s Academy Flagship Programs, All Girls School, AI Impact, and her Advice for High School students.
In particular, we discuss the following with her:
- Iswari Natarajan’s Background
- St Mary’s Academy - All Girls High School
- Flagship Programs
- Advice for High Schoolers
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introducing Iswari Natarajan, St. Mary’s Academy []
- Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
- Professional Background []
- Engineering to Education []
- The St Mary’s Academy Opportunity []
- Educator versus Engineer []
- Flagship SMA Programs []
- SMA Student Interests []
- Experiential Learning []
- Impact of AI []
- All girls High School []
- How Students are Handling 10X? []
- Advice for High Schoolers []
Our Guest: Iswari Natarajan, President of St. Mary’s Academy, Denver Colorado.
Memorable Quote: “If you ever want to truly find joy, I always go and pretend I have an emergency in the kindergarten classroom. So that's where you can find joy. If you want to get sobered up and you want a reality check, that's Middle School, because they'll tell you, like what it is, and truly, if you want hope for the future, right? If you want to say what you know, like our world, no matter what's going on, is in good hands, you have to visit our high school.” Iswari Natarajan.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.
Recommended Episodes: College Experiences
Calls-to-action:
- Follow us on Instagram.
- To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email podcast@almamatters.io.
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations:Apple Podcasts, Spotify.

Jai Singh of Brown University: Philosophy & Biology, Acute Lung Injury and Sepsis Research, and UTRA.
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For High School, Jai went to United World Colleges ISAK in Japan. He got to meet students from different parts of the world, live and study with them.
He was very interested in Philosophy. He started a Philosophy club and wanted to grow up to be Professor.
In this episode, Jai shares his undergraduate experiences at Brown University, Interest in Philosophy, Mice models, Majoring in Philosophy and Biology, and Advice for High Schoolers.
Check Out: The College Application Workbooks for Juniors and Seniors
In particular, we discuss the following with him:
- The Brown Experience
- Transition to College
- Philosophy & Biology Major
- Advice for High Schoolers
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introducing Jai Singh, Brown University[]
- Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
- The Brown Experience []
- High School Interests in UWC []
- Applying to Colleges []
- Transition to Brown []
- Profs & Classes []
- Doing Research []
- Impact of Research []
- Motivation for Research []
- Interest in Philosophy []
- Campus Activities []
- Advice for High Schoolers []
- Memories []
Our Guest: Jai Singh is a rising junior at Brown University.
Memorable Quote: “I think the nice thing about studying medicine, I think, is that you really can in undergrad study anything else. I mean, you're going to be doing, you know, medicine, the biology and sciences for a long, a long time. And so I think it's, it's worth it. I think it's definitely worth it if you can in college to to study something else, studying it's a humanity subject.” Jai Singh.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.
Similar Episodes: College Experiences
Calls-to-action:
- Follow us on Instagram.
- To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email podcast@almamatters.io.
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Spotify.

Sydney Wilhelmy of Frederick Honors College University of Pittsburgh: Political Science, Voyager Scholarship, and Languages.
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Sydney grew up surrounded by different cultures, languages which shaped his interests. He worked summers in the High School and used that money to travel.
Sydney joins our podcast to share his University of Pittsburgh Honors journey, the Honors College, Getting the Voyager Scholarship, Majoring in Political Science, and his Advice for High Schoolers.
Check Out: The College Application Workbooks for Juniors and Seniors
In particular, we discuss the following with him:
- Overall Undergraduate Experience
- Honors College
- Voyager Scholarship
- Advice to High Schoolers
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introduction to Sydney Wilhelmy, U of Pittsburgh []
- Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
- Overall Experience at Pitt []
- High School Interests []
- Honors at Pitt []
- Transition to College []
- Academics & Honors Program []
- Doing Research []
- Voyager Scholarship []
- Dept of Education Scholarship []
- Interest in Languages []
- Majoring in Political Science []
- After Graduation []
- Advice for High Schoolers []
- Memory []
Our Guests: Sydney Wilhelmy graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the Frederick Honors College University of Pittsburgh.
Memorable Quote: “ …but last year, I did start working with a professor in the Political Science Department. That's been so rewarding. And I really kind of wish I would have started earlier, but, yeah.” Sydney Wilhelmy.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.
Similar Episodes: College Experiences
Calls-to-action:
- Follow us on Instagram.
- To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email podcast@almamatters.io.
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts wherever you get your podcasts.

Mary Angbanzan of Frederick Honors College University of Pittsburgh: Health Services Management, Social Innovation, and David C. Frederick Scholarship.
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In school Mary played rugby and took part in speech and debate. She was always interested in healthcare, and participated in Youth Partnership for health. Overall, she was committed to doing service and justice, and was very much grounded in Jesuit values.
Mary joins our podcast to share her University of Pittsburgh Honors journey, Why Pitt?, Transferring to Pitt, Joining the Honors College, Social Innovation, Majoring in Healthcare Services Management, and her Advice for High Schoolers
Check Out: The College Application Workbooks for Juniors and Seniors
In particular, we discuss the following with her:
- Overall Undergraduate Experience
- Honors College
- Social Innovation Program
- Advice to High Schoolers
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introduction to Mary Angbanzan, U of Pittsburgh []
- Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
- Overall Experience at Pitt []
- Picking Pitt []
- High School Interests []
- 1st College []
- Transition to College []
- Being a Transfer Student []
- Academics []
- Getting into Honors College []
- Social Innovation Program []
- Back Full Time at Pitt []
- Summers - John Lewis UG Scholarship []
- Advice for High Schoolers []
- Memories []
Our Guests: Mary Angbanzan graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Health Services Management from the Frederick Honors College University of Pittsburgh.
Memorable Quote: “I think Pitt does an amazing job, honestly, with the transfer students. I think that they are very intentional about making sure that the transfer students kind of have the same experience as the first year students. So then it's almost like, Oh, we're not transfer students, this is like, their first years. We are first year’s. You know what I mean?” Mary Angbanzan.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.
Similar Episodes: College Experiences
Calls-to-action:
- Follow us on Instagram.
- To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email podcast@almamatters.io.
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts wherever you get your podcasts.

About College and Beyond: Mary Sarah Mounsey of St. Mary’s Academy, Colorado.
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Acting and Public Speaking were Mary Sarah’s passions while growing up.
She loved to sing, dance and act.
Theater honed her acting skills, so when she started to think about college, she was interested in pursuing Acting Programs.
In this Podcast, Mary Sarah talks about her High School Journey, her interest in Acting and Theater, her college search process, and her advice for high schoolers.
Check Out: The College Application Workbooks for Juniors and Seniors
In particular, we discuss the following with her:
- Who is Mary Sarah Mounsey?
- Extracurricular Interests
- College Process
- Advice for High Schoolers
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introducing Mary Sarah Mounsey, St. Mary’s Academy, CO []
- Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
- Who is Mary Sarah Mounsey? []
- High School Interests []
- Public Speaking and Acting []
- College Criteria []
- College Process []
- Visiting Schools []
- Challenges []
- Deciding the College []
- Communication versus Acting []
- College Readiness []
- Advice to High Schoolers []
Our Guest: Mary Sarah Mounsey is a recent graduate of St. Mary’s Academy, Colorado. Mary Sarah will be a Freshman at Loyola Marymount University in Fall 2024.
Memorable Quote: “ So a lot of people are very math oriented or very science oriented, and that's kind of how their brain, where their brain leads them. But that's not how it is for me. So I've kind of pushed myself to find other ways that I could, that I could really enjoy school, and find ways to do things that I would love, that where I didn't feel like I was falling behind.” Mary Sarah Mounsey.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.
Similar Episodes: College Experiences
Calls-to-action:
- Follow us on Instagram.
- To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email podcast@almamatters.io.
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Spotify.

Anton McFadden of Cheyney University: Biology, Community College, and 7 Years of Research.
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In middle school Anton fell in love with Stem Cells. He knew he wanted to go to college and pursue this more. Unfortunately, he did not have the means to pay for college.
On this podcast Anton shares his undergraduate journey from High School, to Community College of Philadelphia and now Cheyney University, High School Interests, Research & Internships over 7 years, Majoring in Biology and Advice for High Schoolers.
Check Out: The College Application Workbooks for Juniors and Seniors
In particular, we discuss the following with him:
- Introducing Anton McFadden
- Community College of Philadelphia
- Internships & Research
- Advice for High Schoolers
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introducing Anton McFadden, Cheyney University []
- Overall Experience []
- High School Interests []
- Transition to Community College of Philadelphia []
- CCP Experience []
- More Internships []
- Finding Internships []
- Skills Gained []
- How Cheyney U Became Possible []
- What’s Next? []
- Advice for High Schoolers []
Our Guest: Anton McFadden is studying Biology at Cheyney University in Pennsylvania.
Memorable Quote: “ So don't give up. Keep going. Love what you do and learn as much as you can.” Anton McFadden.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.
Calls-to-action:
- Follow us on Instagram.
- To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email podcast@almamatters.io.
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Spotify and others.

About College and Beyond: Mark Leschinsky, 2024 Coke Scholar, Bergen County Academies High School, New Jersey.
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Every year the Coca Cola Scholars Foundation awards a select set of High School Seniors the Coca Cola Scholarship. Chase is a 2024 Coke Scholar.
In this Podcast, Mark talks about his passion for filmmaking and student-run film festival SWIFF, Winning the Coca-Cola Scholarship, his college search process, and his advice to High Schoolers. #CokeScholars
Check Out: The College Application Workbooks for Juniors and Seniors
In particular, we discuss the following with him:
- Who is Mark Leschinsky?
- Filmmaking & Student Film Festival
- Winning the Coke Scholarship
- College Process
- Advice for High Schoolers
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introducing Mark Leschinsky, Coke Scholar []
- Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
- Who is Mark Leschinsky? []
- High School Interests []
- Filmmaking Passion []
- Student Film Festival []
- Why Coke Scholarship? []
- The Interview []
- Winning the Coke Scholarship []
- Other Scholarships []
- The College Process []
- Choosing Stanford []
- College Readiness []
- Advice for High Schoolers []
Our Guest: Mark Leschinsky is a 2024 Coke Scholar, and a recent graduate of Bergen County Academies High School, New Jersey. Mark will be a Freshman at Stanford University in Fall 2024.
Memorable Quote: “ I mean, I've always really enjoyed, you know, working with other people, working towards a common goal.” Mark Leschinsky.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.
Similar Episodes: College Experiences
Calls-to-action:
- Follow us on Instagram.
- To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email podcast@almamatters.io.
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Spotify.

About College and Beyond: Suraj Reddy, 2024 Coke Scholar, Charter School of Wilmington, Delaware.
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Every year the Coca Cola Scholars Foundation awards a select set of High School Seniors the Coca Cola Scholarship. Chase is a 2024 Coke Scholar.
In this Podcast, Suraj talks about his passion for STEM and Innovation, ISMER Research, Winning the Coca-Cola Scholarship, his college search process, and his advice to high schoolers. #CokeScholars
Check Out: The College Application Workbooks for Juniors and Seniors
In particular, we discuss the following with him:
- Who is Suraj Reddy?
- ISMER
- Winning the Coke Scholarship
- College Process
- Advice for High Schoolers
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introducing Suraj Reddy, Coke Scholar []
- Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
- Who is Suraj Reddy? []
- High School Interests []
- ISMER []
- The Back Story []
- Delaware Space Association []
- Gold Medal Congressional Award[]
- Why Coke Scholarship? []
- The Coke Scholarship Application []
- The Interview []
- The Coke Scholarship Difference []
- Other Scholarships []
- The College Process []
- Choosing MIT []
- Why not Material Science? []
- Future Readiness []
- Advice for High Schoolers []
Our Guest: Suraj Reddy is a 2024 Coke Scholar, and a recent graduate of Charter School of Wilmington, Delaware. Suraj will be a Freshman at MIT in Fall 2024.
Memorable Quote: “...I was always really inspired by my seniors, you know, people who I could look up to and say, Oh, that's a cool thing that they did. You know, maybe, oh, I didn't know this was possible. You know, it really showed me that, you know, these people who are making changes, as you know, age, age didn't matter for them, you know, it was just something that they did.” Suraj Reddy.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.
Similar Episodes: College Experiences
Calls-to-action:
- Follow us on Instagram.
- To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email podcast@almamatters.io.
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Spotify.

About College and Beyond: Chase Hartman, 2024 Coke Scholar, Sickles High School, Florida.
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Every year the Coca Cola Scholars Foundation awards a select set of High School Seniors the Coca Cola Scholarship. Chase is a 2024 Coke Scholar.
In this Podcast, Chase talks about his initiatives on Educational Inequities Eco Brothers, Winning the Coca-Cola Scholarship, his college search process, and his advice to high schoolers. #CokeScholars
Check Out: The College Application Workbooks for Juniors and Seniors
In particular, we discuss the following with him:
- Who is Chase Hartman?
- Educational Inequities
- Winning the Coke Scholarship
- College Process
- Advice for High Schoolers
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introducing Chase Hartman, Coke Scholar []
- Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
- Who is Chase Hartman? []
- High School Interests []
- Eco Brothers []
- Educational Inequities []
- Gold Medal Congressional Award[]
- Why Coke Scholarship? []
- Winning the Coke Scholarship []
- The Application []
- Other Scholarships []
- The College Process []
- Choosing Univ of Florida []
- Advice for High Schoolers []
Our Guest: Chase Hartman is a 2024 Coke Scholar, and a recent graduate of Sickles High School, Florida. Chase will be a Freshman at the University of Florida in Fall 2024.
Memorable Quote: “ You might think that this one school that you've wanted to go to since sixth grade is the school that you're going to end up at, and it's your dream school, so you have to go there. But in reality, there might be another school that is offering you something else that's way better, and that is going to be a way better experience for you in the end, and it's going to benefit you a lot more.” Chase Hartman.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.
Similar Episodes: College Experiences
Calls-to-action:
- Follow us on Instagram.
- To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email podcast@almamatters.io.
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Spotify.

Phil Gentry of St. Mary’s Academy on College Counseling: Embracing the Unpredictability.
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Phil started coaching kids at Colorado Academy sometime after college. He deferred his admission to Law School to do this. But Phil found himself enjoying coaching. He enjoyed working with kids.
Today, 3 decades later, Phil is the Director of College Counseling at St. Mary’s Academy.
Phil joins us on our podcast to talk about his background, St Mary’s Academy, Counseling Approach, Challenges, Success Stories, and his Advice for High School students.
Check Out: The College Application Workbooks for Juniors and Seniors
In particular, we discuss the following with him:
- Phil Gentry’s Background
- Approach to College Counseling
- Challenges
- Advice for High Schoolers
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introducing Phil Gentry, St Mary’s Academy []
- Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
- Professional Background []
- Why Counseling? []
- St Mary’s Academy []
- Approach to Counseling []
- Starting Early vs Later []
- The Challenges []
- Test Optional & FAFSA Delays []
- Reflecting on the 27 years []
- Success Stories []
- Advice for High Schoolers []
- Staying Excited []
Our Guest: Phil Gentry is the Director of College Counseling at St Mary’s Academy in Colorado..
Memorable Quote: “ You know, I would say it would seem like it should be the predictability of the job, but it's the unpredictability of the job.” Phil Gentry.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.
Recommended Episodes: College Experiences, College Application Workbook
Calls-to-action:
- Follow us on Instagram.
- To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email podcast@almamatters.io.
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations:Apple Podcasts, Spotify.

Emily Woodland of Pennoni Honors College, Drexel University: Biomedical Engineering, Infant Heart Research, and Co-Op Experience.
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In High School, Emily was a theater kid. She was into music. She was in a number of clubs ranging from National Honor Society to Science Olympiad.
Her favorite subjects were STEM courses, but she was really confused about what major to pursue in college. But Emily was clear that she wanted to do UG Research, from Day One in college!
Emily joins our podcast to share her undergraduate college journey at the Honors College at Drexel University, Infant Heart Research, Co-Op, Choosing Biomed engineering Major, and Advice for High Schoolers.
Check Out: The College Application Workbooks for Juniors and Seniors
In particular, we discuss the following with her:
- Drexel Honors College Experience
- Infant Heart Research
- Biomed Engineering Major
- Advice to High Schoolers
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introduction to Emily Woodland, Drexel U []
- Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
- Overall Drexel & Honors College Experience []
- Why Drexel? []
- High School Interests []
- Transition to College []
- Academics []
- The Honors Program []
- Infant Heart Research []
- Majoring in Biomedical Engineering []
- Co-Op Experience []
- Advice for High Schoolers []
- Memories []
Our Guests: Emily Woodland is studying Biomedical Engineering at Pennoni Honors College, Drexel University in Philadelphia.
Memorable Quote: “So I think happiness is a large part of success. Because if you're motivated, and you're excited to wake up every day and study what you're studying, you're going to do great things.” Emily Woodland.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.
Similar Episodes: College Experiences
Calls-to-action:
- Follow us on Instagram.
- To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email podcast@almamatters.io.
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Spotify.

About College and Beyond: Shilpi Bardhan Of Jenks High School, Oklahoma.
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Shilpi has a varied set of interests. In High School, Shilpi pushed herself academically taking a heavy load of AP courses, did credit card research as part of AP Capstone.
She started a cricket club in her Freshman year which grew to 50 people.
In this Podcast, Shilpi talks about her High School Journey, her interest Quilting, Choosing Math as a Major, her college search process, and her advice for high schoolers.
In particular, we discuss the following with her:
- Who is Shilpi Bardhan?
- Extracurricular Interests
- College Process
- Advice for High Schoolers
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introducing Shilpi Bardhan, Jenks High School, OK []
- Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
- Who is Shilpi Bardhan? []
- High School Academic Interests []
- Extracurricular Activities []
- Passion to Quilt []
- Research []
- Major? []
- College Search Process []
- Challenges & Surprises []
- Applying for Scholarships []
- Why Case Western? []
- Ready for College? []
- Advice to High Schoolers []
Our Guest: Shilpi Bardhan is a recent graduate of Jenks High School, Oklahoma. Shilpi will be a Freshman at Case Western Reserve University in Fall 2024.
Memorable Quote: “I probably applied for a total of 50, outside of college specific scholarships, including colleges probably would go up to around 60 or 70.” Shilpi Bardhan.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.
Similar Episodes: College Experiences
Calls-to-action:
- Follow us on Instagram.
- To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email podcast@almamatters.io.
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Spotify.

Looking Back with College Counselors: The 2023-24 College Application Season.
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The 2023-24 College Application Season is almost in the books. It is a good time to step back and reflect for the benefit of the next set of high school seniors and parents.
And who better to help us than the College Counselors who guided the current graduating seniors through the college process. I talked to over half-dozen High School College Counselors from across the US to put together this episode.
Check Out: The College Application Workbooks for Juniors and Seniors
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introducing The Look Back Episode []
- FAFSA Impact []
- No of Selective Colleges is Growing []
- Fashioning College Lists - Deliberately []
- About Majors []
- Standardized Testing []
- Advice for Rising Seniors []
Our Guests:
- Sean Kennedy of Ravenscroft High School
- Bill Hancock of Cranbrook Kingswood Upper School
- Jodi Foxx of Charlotte Christian
- Sandra Foy of Seattle Prep
- Colleen Koppes of Dowling Catholic High School
- Tom Stepkoski of Westhill High School, and
- Shveta Bagade, Private Counselor.
Memorable (& Prescient) Quote: “I think the FAFSA, the opening of the application period being delayed to December[2023] is really a kind of sleeping giant…”, Sean Kennedy of Ravenscroft School, June 2023.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.
Calls-to-action:
- Follow us on Instagram.
- To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email podcast@almamatters.io.
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts wherever you get your podcasts.

Rishika Kartik of Brown University: Custom Major Design, Disability & Design, and Community.
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It is not often that I get to go back and have a follow up conversation with a guest. When I last spoke with Rishika, she had just won the Coke Scholarship, just graduated from High School and was headed to Brown University.
Rishika has just completed her sophomore year at Brown.
In this episode, Rishika shares her undergraduate experiences at Brown University, Passion for Disability & Design, Research, and Custom Design Major.
Check Out: The College Application Workbooks for Juniors and Seniors
In particular, we discuss the following with her:
- The Brown Experience
- Transition to College
- Custom Design Major
- Advice for High Schoolers
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introducing Rishika Kartik, Brown University[]
- Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
- The Brown Experience []
- Transition to Brown []
- The Academics []
- Peers []
- Profs []
- Activities & Interests []
- Extracurricular Activities []
- Research []
- Summers []
- Custom Design Major []
- Picking Courses []
- The Process []
- Memories []
Our Guest: Rishika Kartik is a rising junior at Brown University.
Memorable Quote: “So the biggest thing I learned throughout college is that a good life consists of good days.” Rishika Kartik.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.
Similar Episodes: College Experiences
Calls-to-action:
- Follow us on Instagram.
- To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email podcast@almamatters.io.
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Spotify.

Brian Rogers of CSU Long Beach: Electrical Engineering, Honors Program, and Southern California Edison Internship.
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Brian was a long distance runner in High School. He was the co-president of the Outdoor Adventure Club.
In the classroom, he enjoyed STEM courses. He decided to attend CSU Long Beach which offered him the Presidential Scholarship and it was close to home.
Brian joins our podcast to share his undergraduate college journey at the Honors Program CSU Long Beach, The Presidential Scholarship, Transition to College, Internship, EE Major, and Advice for High Schoolers.
Check Out: The College Application Workbooks for Juniors and Seniors
In particular, we discuss the following with him:
- CSU Long Beach Honors Experience
- Presidential Scholarship
- Electrical Engineering Major
- Internship
- Advice to High Schoolers
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introduction to Brian Rogers, CSULB Honors []
- Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
- Overall CSU Long Beach Experience []
- Why CSULB ? []
- High School Interests []
- Honors Program []
- Summer Internships []
- CSULB Redo? []
- Advice for High Schoolers []
- Memories []
Our Guests: Brian Rogers graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the Honors Program at CSU Long Beach.
Memorable Quote: “I wanted to do something to help my community. And I want to tackle those problems that don't have answers right now, I want to be the one at the forefront, trying to solve everything that's out there, and that's unknown currently.” Brian Rogers.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.
Similar Episodes: College Experiences
Calls-to-action:
- Follow us on Instagram.
- To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email podcast@almamatters.io.
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Spotify.

Nia Sequeira Of Creighton University: Biochemistry, Undergraduate Research, and Being an International Student.
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In the 9th Grade while in High School in India, Nia decided that she wanted to pursue college abroad. She was interested in Biology, Math. She was part of Model UN.
When it was time to apply for college, Nia approached Education USA for guidance.
Nia joins us on our podcast to share her freshman experience at Creighton, Transition to Creighton, Research, Campus Activities, and Advice for International Applicants.
Check Out: The College Application Workbooks for Juniors and Seniors
In particular, we discuss the following with her:
- Freshman Experience at Creighton University
- Transition to a US College
- Majoring in Biochemistry
- Advice to International Applicants
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introduction to Nia Sequeira, Creighton U []
- Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
- Overall Creighton Experience []
- Why Creighton? []
- Major Switch! []
- High School Interests []
- Why US College? []
- Transition to US College []
- Profs []
- Research []
- Clubs, Organizations []
- Advice for Int’l Applicants[]
- Memory []
Our Guests: Nia Sequeira, an International Student, is a rising sophomore at Creighton University.
Memorable Quote: “… I was super interested in research ever since I landed in the US. My advisors back at Education USA kept telling me to engage in research and they were like getting involved in research in your freshman year would be really good.” Nia Sequeira.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.
Similar Episodes: College Experiences
Calls-to-action:
- Follow us on Instagram
- To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email podcast@almamatters.io.
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Spotify.

Taylor Miller-Ensminger of Loyola University Chicago: Bioinformatics, Goldwater Scholar, and Love For Research.
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Taylor has always loved Science. Particularly Biology & Math. In High School, she discovered Photography, which provided her with a creative outlet.
Taylor discovered research through a summer program in high school, something that has shaped her education career so far.
Taylor joins our podcast to share her undergraduate experience at Loyola University Chicago, Interest in Viruses and Diseases, Winning the Goldwater Scholarship, and Advice for High Schoolers.
In particular, we discuss the following with her:
- Overall Loyola University Chicago Experience
- Insects and Diseases Research
- The Goldwater Scholarship
- Advice to High Schoolers
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introduction to Taylor Miller-Ensminger, Loyola University []
- Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
- Overall Loyola Experience []
- Why Loyola? []
- High School Interests []
- Interest in Viruses and Diseases []
- Transition to College []
- Peers []
- Profs []
- Starting UG Research []
- The Research []
- Applying for Goldwater Scholarship []
- The GW Difference []
- Majoring in Bioinformatics []
- Impact of Research []
- Research Skills Gained []
- Advice for High Schoolers []
- Memory []
Our Guest: Taylor Miller-Ensminger is a Goldwater Scholar who graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Bioinformatics from Loyola University Chicago. Taylor is currently pursuing her PhD at the University of Pennsylvania.
Memorable Quote: “Yeah, so bioinformatics really sits at this interesting intersection of biology, computer science and statistics. So it takes a lot of different fields and combines them so that we're able to ask some really complex biological questions. I think that's the beauty of informatics too, is if you're someone who's situated in that field, you kind of have one of three choices on where you end up research wise.” Taylor Miller-Ensminger.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.
Similar Episodes: College Experiences , UG Research
Calls-to-action:
- Follow us on Instagram.
- To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email podcast@almamatters.io.
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Spotify.

Prof. John Weldon of Towson University: Undergraduate Research Helps Bridge Academics to the Real World.
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Prof. Weldon got his start in research early. As a sophomore in High School, he worked at the National Institutes of Health.
He pursued Biology in college leading up to his doctorate. During his post-doctoral fellowship at the National Cancer Institute, Prof Weldon became very interested in Protein Engineering.
Prof. Weldon joins us on our podcast to talk about UG Research in Biological Sciences at Towson University, CUR’s role, Impact of Research on UG Students, Success stories, and finally Advice for High Schoolers.
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introducing Prof. John Weldon, Towson University []
- Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
- Background []
- The Importance of UG Research []
- Departmental Role []
- UG Research Programs []
- CUR’s Role []
- Success Stories []
- Students Doing UG Research []
- Skills Gained through UG Research []
- Advice for High Schoolers []
Our Guest: Prof. John Weldon of the Department of Biological Sciences at Towson University in Maryland. Prof. Weldon earned his PhD in Biology from Johns Hopkins University, Maryland.
Memorable Quote: “ Every week in a lab meeting, I asked my students to get up and talk about their project to everybody else. And then eventually, they're asked to do it on a larger scale at these poster presentations, and sometimes even oral presentations. And it really helps them to slowly become confident in what they're doing.” Prof. Weldon.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.
Calls-to-action:
- Follow us on Instagram.
- To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email podcast@almamatters.io.
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Spotify.

Tarana Pahlajani of SCAD: Architecture, Universal Studios Internship, and Backstage Theme Park Tours.
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Tarana’s family love to travel and explore. Touring Sainte Chapelle in Paris, for example, made a lasting impression on young Tarana.
In her High School in India, Tarana found herself drawn to the theater and arts. She especially enjoyed the creative aspects like script writing, set production design.
When time came for guidance on US colleges, Tarana turned to Education USA. Advisor Deborah Rosario guided & helped her with the college process.
Tarana joins us on our podcast to share her undergraduate experience at SCAD, Interest in Art & Design, Transition to SCAD, Outside Activities, Summers, and Advice for International Applicants.
In particular, we discuss the following with her:
- Overall Experience at SCAD
- Interest in Arts and Design
- Majoring in Architecture
- Advice to International Applicants
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introduction to Tarana Pahlajani of SCAD []
- Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
- Overall SCAD Experience []
- Why SCAD? []
- High School Interests []
- Transition to US College []
- Academics []
- Peers []
- Outside Class Activities []
- Summers []
- IPAL []
- Work study []
- Advice for High Schoolers []
- Memory []
Our Guests: Tarana Pahlajani is graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Architecture from Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD).
Memorable Quote: “ … stay in touch with your peers and your professors, even from high school, if they can give you referrals, if they can give you recommendations, things like that. They are always going to be invaluable sources for advice, and support as well as job opportunities down the line.” Tarana Pahlajani.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.
Similar Episodes: College Experiences
Calls-to-action:
- Follow us on Instagram
- To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email podcast@almamatters.io.
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Spotify.

NCUR 2024 Undergraduate Research Stories Part 3: College Athlete Brand, Japan Study, Web Comics, and Music for the Hard of Hearing.
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This April, I had the privilege of doing a series of conversations with undergraduate researchers at NCUR 2024 in Long Beach, California.
This is the last in a series of 3 episodes based on those conversations.
On this Episode we feature 4 Student Researchers on a variety of topics from College Athlete Brand Valuation, Impact US Military base presence in Japan Study, Web Comics and Music Curriculum for the Hard of Hearing.
The students are Mikes LeBlanc of Northern Arizona University, Levi Mahler of CSU Monterey Bay, Starr Swanson of LA City College, and Ryan Lofland of University of Michigan Ann Arbor.
Our Guests:
- The students are Mikes LeBlanc of Northern Arizona University, Levi Mahler of CSU Monterey Bay, Starr Swanson of LA City College, and Ryan Lofland of University of Michigan Ann Arbor.
Memorable Quote: “I'm a very firm believer that just because someone's deaf or hard of hearing does not mean they can, they can't experience music. It might be a little different than how an abled hearing person would be, but it's not something that they can't do, and they can equally do it as much as anyone else.” Ryan Lofland, UMichigan Ann Arbor.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.
Calls-to-action:
- Follow us on Instagram.
- To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email podcast@almamatters.io.
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Spotify and others.

NCUR 2024 Undergraduate Research Stories Part 2: Hospitals, Medicaid, Biological Tools, and School Boards.
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This April, I had the privilege of doing a series of conversations with undergraduate researchers at NCUR 2024 in Long Beach, California.
This is the Second in a series of 3 episodes based on those conversations.
On this Episode we feature 4 Student Researchers on a range of topics from Hospitals to School Boards.
The students are Tobi Ojo of Virginia Commonwealth University, Susanna Kim of Johns Hopkins University, Tim Schulz of St. Catherine University in MN, and Natalie Castro of University of Colorado Boulder.
Our Guests:
- The students are Tobi Ojo of Virginia Commonwealth University, Susanna Kim of Johns Hopkins University, Tim Schulz of St. Catherine University in MN, and Natalie Castro of University of Colorado Boulder.
Memorable Quote: “I think one primary skill that I learned is self confidence. I think where I went to school for my first undergrad, it just created such a stigma that you had to be a certain type of person to, mainly a hard sciences type person, like lab research, bench research, that sort of thing, to be a researcher. And when I saw the effects that I could have with populations just with analyzing data, and making recommendations to public health agencies and both private and public. I thought I saw how much capability I have to affect the world and affect change.” Tim Schulz, St. Catherine University.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.
Calls-to-action:
- Follow us on Instagram.
- To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email podcast@almamatters.io.
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Spotify and others.

NCUR 2024 Undergraduate Research Stories Part 1: Education, Voting, and Changing Neighborhoods.
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This April, I had the privilege of doing a series of conversations with undergraduate researchers at NCUR 2024 in Long Beach, California.
This is the First in a series of 3 episodes based on those conversations.
On this Episode we feature 3 Student Researchers. Their research is broadly related to Inequities in society.
Our Guests:
- The students are Lucas Wolk of Moravian University in Pennsylvania, Sriman Thangarajan of American Univ in DC, and Willem Flaugher of UW OshKosh.
Memorable Quote: “ And everyone's like, Oh, you're gonna become a teacher? And I was like, No, I'm gonna just keep fighting to make sure that kids across the state have better educational opportunities, like as a whole.” Lucas Wolk, Moravian University.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.
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
Maura Jarvis of Drexel University: Custom Design Major, Co-Op Experiences, and Environmental Sustainability.
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In High School. Maura was known for 2 things: Environment Sustainability and an obsession with Japan. She was the president of the Ecology club. She was creative. Good at Science. Math, not so much. So, she felt she wouldn’t be successful as a technical environmental professional.
Maura joins our podcast to share her undergraduate college journey at the Honors College at Drexel University, Environmental Sustainability, Co-Ops Experiences, Custom Design Major, and Advice for High Schoolers.
Check Out: The College Application Workbooks for Juniors and Seniors
In particular, we discuss the following with her:
- Drexel Honors College Experience
- Co-Op
- Custom Design Major
- Advice to High Schoolers
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introduction to Maura Jarvis, Drexel []
- Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
- Overall Drexel & Honors College Experience []
- Why Drexel? []
- High School Interests []
- Transition to Drexel []
- Peers []
- Co-Op Experience []
- Campus Activities []
- Drexel Redo []
- Custom Design Major []
- Advice for High Schoolers []
- Memories []
Our Guests: Maura Jarvis graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Custom Design Major from Honors College at Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Memorable Quote: “Like even if you go to Drexel, I feel like everybody can have a truly unique experience, even if you're in the same major as somebody else, you guys could do completely different things based off of what your Co Ops are, ended up doing study abroad, what things you do on campus. So yeah, I just thought that was the coolest thing. ” Maura Jarvis.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.
Similar Episodes: College Experiences
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- To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email podcast@almamatters.io.
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Spotify.

Christina McBride of Haverford College: Chemistry, Goldwater Scholar, and Natural Product Biosynthesis.
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Christina was involved in a lot of activities in High School. She was at Science Fairs. She was on the Tennis team, quiz bowl. She did choir, theater, acapella, and leadership roles.
But Science was her main thing.
Christina joins our podcast to share her undergraduate experience at Haverford College, Interest in Research, Winning the Goldwater Scholarship, and Advice for High Schoolers.
In particular, we discuss the following with her:
- Overall Haverford Experience
- Natural Product Biosynthesis Research
- The Goldwater Scholarship
- Advice to High Schoolers
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introduction to Christina McBride, Haverford College []
- Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
- Overall Haverford Experience []
- Why Haverford? []
- High School Interests []
- Research in High School []
- Transition to College []
- Peers & Profs []
- Starting UG Research []
- The Research []
- Research Outcomes []
- Applying for Goldwater Scholarship []
- Winning The Goldwater Scholarship []
- The GW Difference []
- Research Impact []
- Majoring in Chemistry []
- Campus Activities []
- Advice for High Schoolers []
- Memory []
Our Guest: Christina McBride is a Goldwater Scholar who graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Haverford College in Pennsylvania. Christina is currently pursuing her PhD in Chemical Biology at the University of Michigan Ann Arbor.
Memorable Quote: “I can say my main thing is to really explore and to kind of take that jump, even if you feel unprepared, or that you don't necessarily have the skills that other people do, because you want to be able to explore so many different areas. Because even if something is tough, that doesn't mean that it's impossible. ” Christina McBride.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.
Similar Episodes: College Experiences , UG Research
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- To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email podcast@almamatters.io.
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
Aparna Chandrasekharan of 10X International School: Financial Aid For College Study in the US.
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US Colleges cost quite a bit, to put it mildly. For International Students, cost is quite often the primary factor. Given Aparna’s experience guiding Int’l students, we turned to her for a Primer and tips on Financial Aid for International students.
On our podcast, Aparna gives us an overview of Financial Aid for Int’l Students, College Cost, Merit Scholarships, Graduate Study Aid, Resources and Tips for Int’l High School students.
In particular, we discuss the following with her:
- Introduction to International Financial Aid
- College Cost
- Applying for Merit Scholarships
- Tips for High Schoolers
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introducing Aparna Chandrasekharan, 10X Int’l School []
- Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
- Int’l Financial Aid Introduction []
- College Cost? []
- Applying for Merit Scholarship []
- Resources []
- Getting Scholarships []
- Aid for Graduate Study in the US []
- Does the Major Matter? []
- Closing Thoughts []
Our Guest: Aparna Chandrasekharan is the Head of College Placements at 10X International School in Bengaluru, India. Previously, Aparna was EducationUSA Advisor in Chennai, India. Aparna graduated with Bachelor’s degree in Botany from Ethiraj College, Chennai India, and Masters in Social Work from Tata Institute of Social Sciences.
Memorable Quote: “I would ask them [college applicants] to be more open minded, explore liberal arts and science colleges, which are known to give more scholarships generally. And also look at some public universities like Colorado State University has a $12,000 Scholarship for international students, Michigan State University has a somewhat similar scholarship.” Aparna Chandrasekharan.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.
Recommended Episodes: College Experiences
Calls-to-action:
- Follow us on Instagram.
- To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email podcast@almamatters.io.
- Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations:Apple Podcasts, Spotify.

Dean Nicola Foote of Frederick Honors College, University of Pittsburgh: Joint Degree Programs, BPhil for Independent Research, and Social Innovation.
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Dean Nicola Foote discovered Honors education, when she came to the US after getting her PhD in History from University College London. She found that Honors education allowed students to explore different disciplines in addition to being part of a community.
Three years ago, Dean Foote became the Dean of Frederick Honors College University of Pittsburgh.
On this Podcast, Dean Foote introduces the Frederick Honors College, BPhil & Experiential Programs, Undergraduate Research, Scholarships, How to Apply, and Career Opportunities.
In particular, we discuss the following with him:
- Dean Nicola Foote’s Background
- Frederick Honors College
- Student Requirements
- Career Opportunities
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Introducing Dean Foote, Frederick Honors College University of Pottsburgh []
- Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
- Background []
- Frederick Honors College []
- Program Highlights []
- Experiential Programs []
- UG Research Process []
- Types of Research []
- Applying to Honors College []
- HC Student Body Profile []
- Program Size []
- Scholarships []
- Career Opportunities []
- Advice for High Schoolers []
Our Guest: Dr. Nicola Foote is the Dean of the Frederick Honors College University of Pittsburgh. Dean Foote is a Distinguished English Professor, writer and novelist.
Memorable Quote: “And then most significantly, what I'm most proud of is that we also offer a BPhil degree. And we're one of only a handful of universities anywhere in the world that offer that it's the highest research distinction available to an undergrad.” Dean Foote.
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.
Similar Episodes: College Experiences
Calls-to-action:
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- To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email podcast@almamatters.io.
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