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SciChronicles

SciChronicles

By: Kayla Burgher and Risa Schnebly
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Welcome to SciChronicles, the podcast where biologists from all walks of life share fascinating stories from their personal and professional journeys. In each episode, we dive into the experiences, challenges, and breakthroughs that shaped their careers and impacted their personal lives. You'll hear stories from researchers from different stages in their careers and get a behind-the-scenes look into what it's like to be a scientist. So, whether you're considering pursuing science yourself, or just curious about who scientists are, take a listen and join us as we explore the human side of science, one story at a time.

Featuring StorySlam pieces originally told at the Arizona State University School of Life Sciences.

© 2026 SciChronicles
Biological Sciences Science
Episodes
  • Unexpected Skills from an Unplanned Detour with Nolina Doud
    Apr 1 2026

    On this episode of SciChronicles, we welcome Nolina Doud, a History and Philosophy of Science Ph.D. Candidate at Arizona State University who studies the outcomes of conservation and sustainability education. Noli shares the story of her time working at a winery before starting her PhD and the unexpected lessons she learned which helped prepare her for being a scientist. She joins SciChronicles co-hosts Kayla Burgher and Risa Aria Schnebly to discuss the story brainstorming process, non-linear career trajectories, and the importance of social skills in science.

    Please consider subscribing, if you haven't already, so you do not miss future episodes. This podcast is produced and edited by Kayla Burgher and Risa Aria Schnebly, with support from the Center for Biology and Society at Arizona State University.

    If you are interested in crafting a story to share on SciChronicles, please fill out this interest form to learn more and connect with the hosts, Risa and Kayla.

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    30 mins
  • Asking for Help with Diego Olivo
    Jan 29 2026

    SciChronicles is back – this time, with a new format! You'll still hear stories from scientists about their experiences in science and life, but now we'll feature only one storyteller per episode. We'll also incorporate interviews with the storytellers so you can hear more about their stories, the writing process, and how their views on storytelling in science have changed.

    For this episode, please welcome back Diego Olivo, who was previously featured on our episode "Salamanders and Scientific Legacies." Diego is a Biology Ph.D. Candidate at Arizona State University who studies viruses in animals, such as ducks. In his story, Diego opens up about feeling a little in over his head with his science, and how he overcame this feeling by learning to ask for help when needed. He joins SciChronicles co-hosts Kayla Burgher and Risa Aria Schnebly to talk about imposter syndrome, the challenges of story writing, and how storytelling skills can be useful in many areas of life.

    Please consider subscribing, if you haven't already, so you do not miss future episodes. This podcast is produced and edited by Kayla Burgher and Risa Aria Schnebly, with support from the Center for Biology and Society at Arizona State University.

    If you are interested in crafting a story to share on SciChronicles, please fill out this interest form to learn more and connect with the hosts, Risa and Kayla.

    Show More Show Less
    22 mins
  • Salamanders and Scientific Legacies
    Jun 1 2025

    This episode of SciChronicles, hosted by Kayla Burgher, features the journeys of two scientists, Diego Olivo and Sofia Salazar, who share stories about seeking support, guidance, and role models as they shape their identities as scientists.

    Diego Olivo is a Biology Ph.D. Candidate at Arizona State University who studies viruses in animals, such as ducks. In his story, Diego opens up about feeling a little in over his head with his science, and how he overcame this feeling by learning to ask for help when needed.

    Sofia Salazar, is a Ph.D. Candidate in the Evolutionary Biology program at Arizona State University who studies mite populations in the sky islands of Southern Arizona. In her story, "Standing on the Shoulders of Giantessess", Sofia shares how discovering women role models in science helped her find her home as a Latina woman in the field of acarology (i.e., the study of mites).

    Please consider subscribing, if you haven't already, so you do not miss future episodes. This podcast is produced and edited by Kayla Burgher and Risa Aria Schnebly, with support from the Center for Biology and Society at Arizona State University.

    If you are interested in crafting a story to share on SciChronicles, please fill out this interest form to learn more and connect with the hosts, Risa and Kayla.

    Show More Show Less
    21 mins
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