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The Vandal Theory

The Vandal Theory

Written by: University of Idaho
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 “The Vandal Theory” podcast asks, “What gets University of Idaho researchers’ brains buzzing ... besides coffee?” These award-winning stories showcase researchers exploring and solving real-world problems. With interviews on all things Vandal, discover the world of U of I research with hosts Leigh Cooper and Danae Lenz.All rights reserved Science
Episodes
  • Coming soon: Season 11 of “The Vandal Theory”

    Coming soon: Season 11 of “The Vandal Theory”
    Feb 23 2026
    A new season of The Vandal Theory returns Monday, March 2, with bold questions and unexpected connections. From decoding what animal migration reveals about life on the move to taking a closer look at the U.S. Constitution, Season 11 dives into the forces that shape our world. You’ll also hear how scientists build fungicides from the ground up to protect Idaho’s signature potatoes — and why beef prices rise and fall with the market. New episodes drop weekly, so follow along wherever you get your podcasts and join us for another season of curiosity-driven discovery at University of Idaho.
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    1 min
  • Episode 10.8: Inside the science driving Idaho’s thriving fish industry

    Episode 10.8: Inside the science driving Idaho’s thriving fish industry
    Nov 17 2025
    Question: How much do you know about where the fish you eat come from? Brian Small (go.uidaho.edu/4oLfkzy) is the director of the University of Idaho Aquaculture Research Institute (go.uidaho.edu/49wNXVx) and a professor of fish physiology in the College of Natural Resources (go.uidaho.edu/4hZSZMq). In this episode, he explains how research on fish nutrition, alternative fish diets and sturgeon caviar supports both the aquaculture industry and conservation efforts. He also shares what it’s like to raise millions of fish in Idaho’s spring-fed waters. Visit our website go.uidaho.edu/thevandaltheory​. Email us at vandaltheory@uidaho.edu. Learn about Idaho’s premier research university, University of Idaho, at uidaho.edu.  Music  “Young Republicans” by Steve Combs (go.uidaho.edu/3U3MNHs) via freemusicarchive.org, not modified (go.uidaho.edu/3Q6LeY5).  “Seaside at Dusk” by Michael Dowdle (go.uidaho.edu/4r1nt4L) via Amphibious Zoo.   Chapters (0:00) Where do the fish you eat come from? (3:38) Getting to know Brian Small (4:11) Inside the Aquaculture Research Institute (7:30) Life as a fish at the hatchery (11:35) Inside the science shaping Idaho’s sustainable aquaculture (17:01) Sturgeon, caviar and conservation (21:08) Why aquaculture matters in Idaho (23:28) Final thoughts
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    26 mins
  • Episode 10.7: From classroom to trading floor — How students learn to lead in finance

    Episode 10.7: From classroom to trading floor — How students learn to lead in finance
    Nov 10 2025
    Question: Did you ever learn about investing in school? Meet Duff Bergquist (go.uidaho.edu/47Ud6rE), Barker Capital Management and Trading Program (go.uidaho.edu/3JGcSLs) director and senior instructor of finance. The Barker program along with its sister club, teach students about investing using real money. The students work with industry partners and alumni to learn about wealth management, risk management and financial analyses. Bergquist walks us through what research means for the Barker students, what life is like for participants and how the Girls Who Invest Program opens new opportunities for women in finance.  Visit our website go.uidaho.edu/thevandaltheory​. Email us at vandaltheory@uidaho.edu. Learn about Idaho’s premier research university, University of Idaho, at uidaho.edu.  Music  “Young Republicans” by Steve Combs (go.uidaho.edu/3U3MNHs) via freemusicarchive.org, not modified (go.uidaho.edu/3Q6LeY5).  “Apricot Twist” by Gregory Joseph Carrozza (go.uidaho.edu/43aRLYv) via Amphibious Zoo.   Chapters (0:00) Did you learn about investing in school? (2:55) Getting to know Duff Bergquist (7:12) What does research look like in Barker? (14:04) How are PNW businesses involved? (15:37) What do competitions in investing look like? (17:52) What is Barker like for the students? (20:52) What is Girls Who Invest? (24:20) Final thoughts
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    27 mins
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