In This Episode:
Do your genetics change which foods you like and dislike? Is there a way we can make those unsatisfying, distasteful foods delicious for the masses? Join us on this episode of the Science Bridge with Dr. Joanne Cole as we dive into the genetics that drive our preferences for different types of food. Can broad population genetics be used to unlock why we all have such different preferences for food, from fruits to meat and veggies and everything in between? Tune in now and find out on the Science Bridge!

[Date recorded]: January 14, 2026

🛠️ Resources & Links Mentioned:

• Jcolelab.com

✨ Connect With Us:

• Follow The Science Bridge Podcast on Instagram & BlueSky

• Project Bridge Colorado Website

• Follow Project Bridge Colorado on Instagram & BlueSky

• Email us at sciencebridgepod@gmail.com if you have any inquiries

In this episode, we sit down with Sam Greenfield, a PhD candidate studying DNA replication in yeast, to explore what happens when cells copy their genetic “book” and certain sections are unexpectedly delayed. Sam uses creative analogies to break down complex molecular biology and explains how these rare replication events may connect to cancer, development, and aging. We also hear about his unconventional path to grad school, from an organic chemistry meltdown to studying extreme microbes and working at a major biorepository. Along the way, we talk career pivots, industry vs. academia, and how to turn scientific curiosity into a career. It’s a fun conversation about persistence, passion, and finding your place in science.

Date Recorded: November 19, 2025

🛠️ Resources & Links Mentioned:

• https://www.mcclurelabdna.org/

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-greenfield-0219251b6/

• https://www.goldengooseaward.org/01awardees/thermus-aquaticus

• ATCC

🎙️ Other episodes you may like:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4LEl2fkT06Ru8e4Jg2fPtF?si=899ff8969f584a8c

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3rrD3M7oP4NDJ1dMFJYUVd?si=24ff8092502444be

✨ Connect With Us:

• Follow The Science Bridge Podcast on Instagram & BlueSky

• Visit our Linktree here

• Project Bridge Colorado Website

• Follow Project Bridge Colorado on Instagram & BlueSky

• Email us at sciencebridgepod@gmail.com if you have any inquiries

  
  

🎵 Credits:

• Hosts: Lauren Dunn and Jon Woodward

• Editor: Breanna Bishop

• Music By: Jeff Westcott

• Cover Art By: Johnathan Biffar

  
  

Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guests and hosts and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Science Bridge, Project Bridge Colorado, or CU Anschutz Medical Campus. The information provided is for entertainment and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for specific guidance.

In This Episode: Have you ever wondered what mysteries underlie one of the most recognizable organelles of the cell, the mitochondria? Ever wanted to know what it's like to apply for faculty leadership positions in academia? Join hosts Jon and Preston as we interview one of the leading faculty and chair of pharmaceutical sciences here at Anschutz, Dr. Blake Hill, as we dive into the cutting protein DRP1 that drives mitochondrial fission, the journey to becoming a department chair, and all things metabolism, only here on The Science Bridge!

Date recorded: 11-4-25

🛠️ Resources & Links Mentioned:

• Hill Lab- https://pharmacy.cuanschutz.edu/research/research-labs/hill-lab

• LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-hill-58b55330/

✨ Connect With Us:

• Follow The Science Bridge Podcast on Instagram & BlueSky

• Project Bridge Colorado Website

• Follow Project Bridge Colorado on Instagram & BlueSky

• Email us at sciencebridgepod@gmail.com if you have any inquiries

🎵 Credits:

• Host(s): Lauren Dunn, Ginny Fogg, Jeremy Fleck, Preston Stafford, Jon Woodward, and Breanna Bishop

• Editor(s): Jade Young

• Music By: Jeff Westcott

• Cover Art By: Johnathan Biffar

Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guests and hosts and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Science Bridge, Project Bridge Colorado, or CU Anschutz Medical Campus. The information provided is for entertainment and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for specific guidance.

In This Episode:

In this episode of the Science Bridge podcast, hosts Lauren Dunn and Jeremy Fleck welcome Cassie Minne, a PhD candidate on the Anschutz campus studying craniofacial biology. Cassie shares insights into her research on how genetic and molecular factors shape the development of the human face, including discussions on conditions like cleft lip and palate. The conversation explores her journey into science, highlighting the influence of mentorship and her passion for RNA biology. Cassie also discusses the broader impact of RNA research, including mRNA vaccines and industry trends. Finally, the episode touches on her commitment to science communication and outreach, especially through the Think Like a Scientist initiative.

Episode recorded on: October 30, 2025

🛠️ Resources & Links Mentioned:

• Cassie's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassandra-minne/

• Fantauzzo lab website: https://www.fantauzzolab.org

• TLaS website: https://tlasprogram.wordpress.com

• Denver DG Alumnae website: https://denver.deltagamma.org

• Cassie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cassieminne?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=MTRmanI3Yms0dWJ2cg==

• An interesting face development video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFY_KPFS3LA

✨ Connect With Us:

• Follow The Science Bridge Podcast on Instagram & BlueSky

• Project Bridge Colorado Website

• Follow Project Bridge Colorado on Instagram & BlueSky

• Email us at sciencebridgepod@gmail.com if you have any inquiries

🎵 Credits:

• Host(s): Lauren Dunn, Ginny Fogg, Jeremy Fleck, Preston Stafford, Jon Woodward, and Breanna Bishop

• Editor(s): Jade Young

• Music By: Jeff Westcott

• Cover Art By: Johnathan Biffar

Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guests and hosts and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Science Bridge, Project Bridge Colorado, or CU Anschutz Medical Campus. The information provided is for entertainment and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for specific guidance.

Welcome to season 2!

What does it mean to taste something? How does our perception of taste even start? Come join us on a dive into the unexpected complexity in the structure of the taste bud!

In this episode, we follow Dr. Courtney Wilson’s non-traditional journey as she discusses her path to becoming an assistant research professor in the Cell & Developmental Biology program at CU Anschutz Medical Campus. Her passion in art and science helped her find this specific research niche where she utilizes novel methodologies to map out the structure of human taste buds, helping to uncover their functions. Discover the latest on human taste with us as Dr. Wilson outlines its importance to our quality of life and the future of research on this important yet understudied field!

[Date recorded]: 10/21/25

🛠️ Resources & Links Mentioned:

✨ Connect With Us:

• Follow The Science Bridge Podcast on Instagram & BlueSky

• Project Bridge Colorado Website

• Follow Project Bridge Colorado on Instagram & BlueSky

• Email us at sciencebridgepod@gmail.com if you have any inquiries

🎵 Credits:

• Host(s): Deviyani Rao, Lauren Dunn, Ginny Fogg, Jeremy Fleck, Preston Stafford, Jon Woodward

• Editor(s): Lauren Dunn

• Music By: Jeff Westcott

• Cover Art By: Johnathan Biffar

Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guests and hosts and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Science Bridge, Project Bridge Colorado, or CU Anschutz Medical Campus. The information provided is for entertainment and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for specific guidance.

Let your interests take you where they may, despite the foreseeable challenges ahead.

In this episode, Dr. Edward (Ed) Evans discusses his path to becoming a postdoctoral fellow in Dr. James DiGregori’s lab. From roots in math and chemistry, Dr. Evans talks about how his passion in one field led him into disease prevention research where he had to become an expert in a whole new field. Dr. Evans now studies DNA mutations in myelodysplastic syndromes and shares his aspirations of wanting to dedicate himself as a professor in the near future.

[Date recorded]: 10/7/25

🛠️ Resources & Links Mentioned:

✨ Connect With Us:

• Follow The Science Bridge Podcast on Instagram & BlueSky

• Project Bridge Colorado Website

• Follow Project Bridge Colorado on Instagram & BlueSky

• Email us at sciencebridgepod@gmail.com if you have any inquiries

🎵 Credits:

• Host(s): Deviyani Rao, Lauren Dunn, Ginny Fogg, Jeremy Fleck, Preston Stafford, Jon Woodward

• Editor(s): Preston Stafford

• Music By: Jeff Westcott

• Cover Art By: Johnathan Biffar

Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guests and hosts and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Science Bridge, Project Bridge Colorado, or CU Anschutz Medical Campus. The information provided is for entertainment and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for specific guidance.

In This Episode: We sit down with Dr. Tonya Brunetti to explore her path into science and how she uses computational tools to make sense of complex biological data, especially data revealing how the immune system works. She shares what first sparked her interest in bioinformatics, the methods she relies on to decode large datasets, and the ways she applies bioinformatic approaches to deepen our understanding of biology. We also discuss her unique role within the university, where she partners with researchers across disciplines to help them interpret and translate their data into meaningful scientific insights.

Recorded on: Sep. 17th 2025

🛠️ Resources & Links Mentioned:

• Tonya’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonya-brunetti-a4a299b0/

• Tonya’s GitHub: https://github.com/tbrunetti

✨ Connect With Us:

• Follow The Science Bridge Podcast on Instagram & BlueSky

• Project Bridge Colorado Website

• Follow Project Bridge Colorado on Instagram & BlueSky

• Email us at sciencebridgepod@gmail.com if you have any inquiries

🎵 Credits:

• Host(s): Deviyani Rao, Lauren Dunn, Ginny Fogg, Jeremy Fleck, Preston Stafford, Jon Woodward

• Editor(s): Jade Young, Lauren Dunn

• Music By: Jeff Westcott

• Cover Art By: Johnathan Biffar

Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guests and hosts and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Science Bridge, Project Bridge Colorado, or CU Anschutz Medical Campus. The information provided is for entertainment and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for specific guidance.

In This Episode: Join us as we sit down with Dr. Deviyani Rao for her very own episode! Devi has been an instrumental part of Project Bridge CO for many years and the driving force behind this podcast. Hear about her passion for science communication, where her journey is taking her in her post doc, and her life beyond the bench. This isn’t farewell, it is see you later!

Recorded on: September 11th 2025

🛠️ Resources & Links Mentioned:

• Association of Science Communicators

• SciCommers

• National Science Policy Network

✨ Connect With Us:

• Follow The Science Bridge Podcast on Instagram & BlueSky

• Project Bridge Colorado Website

• Follow Project Bridge Colorado on Instagram & BlueSky

• Email us at sciencebridgepod@gmail.com if you have any inquiries

🎵 Credits:

• Host(s): Deviyani Rao, Lauren Dunn, Ginny Fogg, Jeremy Fleck, Preston Stafford, Jon Woodward

• Editor(s): Jade Young

• Music By: Jeff Westcott

• Cover Art By: Johnathan Biffar

Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guests and hosts and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Science Bridge, Project Bridge Colorado, or CU Anschutz Medical Campus. The information provided is for entertainment and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for specific guidance.