Podcast Episodes

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“Knowledge is Power”: the Ins and Outs of Science Journalism 

In this episode of Science Journal, we spoke to Professor Christina Paschyn, professor of health and science journalism at Northwestern University in Qatar, and professor Scheherazade Safla-Gafoor about science journalism, the training that goes behind it, and the challenges that science journalists face. Tune in to hear about harmful clickbait science articles and the importance of extensive research and peer-reviewed articles in science journalism.

The Story of Interactive Entertainment and How Video Games Came to Rule the World

In this episode, join us on a deep dive to talk about interactive entertainment and how video games have over the past few decades become one of the largest segments in consumer entertainment. Learn about how video games have managed to dominate the world through a mix of technological innovation, ingenuity, and upward oriented progress.

Social Media and The Art of Content Creation with Ali Raza

In this episode, the Science Journal Team is in communication with Ali Raza, a social media content creator on Instagram and YouTube. Ali Raza shares with us the techniques that have led him to become a mainstream social media influencer. He tell us his process for content creation, how we grew and sustained a dedicated audience and what advise he has for other budding content creators.

A Fireside Chat with Latif Nasser

In this episode, the Science Journal team spoke with Latif Nasser, a science journalist and researcher. He hosted the well-received WNYC Radiolab podcast, The Other Latif, where he investigated the story of Guantanamo Bay detainee Abdul Latif Nasir. Latif Nasser also produced and hosted the Netflix show Connected, where he visits interesting places, speaks with scientists and others to explore how seemingly unnoticeable things are connected. Latif Nasser shared illuminating insights from his journey of content creation

Our Verdict on Don’t Look Up - the Netflix Film and its Social Commentary

Don’t Look Up, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence is one of the biggest films on Netflix. In this episode, the Science Journal team is joined by our guest Ezra Nkala to talk about the film. Is it a good movie? How does the film portray journalism? Why don’t critics like it? What does it tell us about ourselves and human beings and the world we inhabit? Join us on this episode to find out.

A Look Back at Expo Dubai 2020 Featuring CNNArabic Journalist Samya Ayish

In this episode, the science journal team spoke to Samya Ayish, a reporter at CNNArabic in Dubai, about the Dubai expo, which took place from October 2021 until March 2022. We discussed the main themes of Expo 2020, which included innovation, technology, education, and climate change. We also discussed the reporting practices during an event of that scope and how to overcome the challenges involved.

Science Journal at the Wise Summit: A Chat with QUYSC Research Assistants- Ruba Ali & Shahad AlKhair

In this episode, the Science Journal team participated in the WISE Summit 2021, a biannual education forum that brings together innovators and scholars from all around the world to promote debate, and critical thinking and initiate purposeful action. We spoke to Qatar University Young Scientist Center’s research assistants and Qatar University engineering graduates Ruba Ali and Shahad AlKhair about the workshops they host for students and their educational and pedagogical practices for educating the youth about science.

Science Journal at the Wise Summit: A Chat with Senior UNICEF advisor- Naza Alakija

In this episode, the science journal team participated in the Wise Summit, a biannual education forum that brings together innovators and scholars from all around the world to promote debate, critical thinking and initiate purposeful action. We spoke to senior UNICEF advisor and founder of the Sage Foundation, Naza Alakija, about several global issues, particularly climate change and the education of women across the world.

Science Journal at the Wise Summit: A Chat with TIME’s 2020 Kid of the year - Gitanjali Rao

In this episode, the science journal team participated in the Wise Summit, a biannual education forum that brings together innovators and scholars from all around the world to promote debate, critical thinking and initiate purposeful action. We spoke to Gitanjali Rao, an inventor, scientist, author, and STEM promoter from Colorado about her inventions, her process, and her experience.

Season 2 Episode 3: The Age of NFTs

In this episode, the Science Journal team is joined by digital artist Fairuz Yosef to discuss NFTs. Why are people forking over millions of dollars for images that you can download from the internet for free? Listen to the episode to find out how we created our very own NFT. All proceeds from the sale of our NFT will go to the Qatar Red Crescent. You can find our NFT “Starry Night Redux” by clicking here.

Season 2 Episode 2: The Cryptocurrency Rage

In this episode, the Science Journal team investigates the world of cryptocurrencies and tries to understand the origins of cryptocurrencies, where they stand now, and where they are headed in the future. How can one buy cryptocurrencies and why is Elon Musk tweeting about them? That and more on this episode on our podcast.

Season 2 Episode 1: Science Journalism in the Global South

In this episode of Science Journal Podcast, Dr. An Nguyen, a former science journalist and current professor at Bournemouth University in the United Kingdom joins us for a discussion about science journalism in the global south. Dr. Nguyen highlights the importance and implications of conducting science journalism in the global south, while also shedding light on the challenges that science journalists may face.

Episode 10: From Zoom to Classroom

In this episode, the science journal interviewed Michael McDonough, an emergency managing professional about the restrictions that universities in Qatar put in place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and we discussed what measures to keep in mind when transitioning from online classes back to in-person classes. We spoke to college students from all over the world about their experiences going back to university.

Episode 9: Traveling in times of Covid-19: Vaccines, quarantines, staycations, and more

In this episode of Science Journal, we discuss our experiences with traveling during the pandemic. We highlight the hurdles we face while traveling, the role of vaccines in easing travel, and options such as staycation and quarantine-free holidays.


Episode 8: #ScienceSimplified: STEM News by Qatar Middle School Children

In this episode of the Science Journal Podcast, we speak to Tayyibah Kazim and Areesha Lodhi about their experience in teaching science journalism to middle school children in Qatar alongside Professor Anto Mohsin and Professor Jairo Lugo-Ocando. This was part of a community outreach project on science communication. The output of the project was STEM News articles published as a supplement of the Gulf Times newspaper. A digital copy of this can be found on the Science Journal website.


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Episode 7: #VaccinatedCheck

In this episode, we interview Maham Qadri, Janessa Acuna, and Lujaina Al Jabri to talk about their vaccination experience. Our guest expert Dr. Ibrahim Al Busaidi provides more information about COVID-19 vaccines and debunks some of the vaccine myths including a vaccine expiry date.


Episode 6: Democratizing Science: Scientific Communication in the age of Covid-19.

In this collaborative episode with the Not Your Daily Stories, Nadia and Roja interview Molecular Biologist Dr. Rana Dajani about how science should be communicated with the rest of society. They explore with Dr. Dajani the effective ways of communicating science with society while also highlighting how the coverage of other important diseases has been impacted by the saturation of Covid-19 news in media.


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Episode 5: Ways of Learning: Students’ Perspective on Consuming Knowledge

In this episode of the Science Journal podcast, the research team engages in a conversation about the different ways they consume knowledge inside and outside the classroom. They share their experiences on learning the sciences in school and discuss the roles of technology and language in teaching and learning. They highlight some difficulties they face in the classroom, the drawbacks of the conventional education system, and suggest some ways for a more effective learning.


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Episode 4: A Look into Science History and Science Journalism with a Science Historian

In this episode of the Science Journal podcast, Dr. Jorg Matthias Determann joins us for a discussion about science history and its documentation by scholars. He discusses the role of science history in the Muslim world and its relevance in the modern era. He also gives us insight into how journalists should approach the sciences in historical context.


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Episode 3: A Conversation with a Science and Health journalism Academic

Our guest in this episode is Prof. Jairo Lugo-Ocando who is a Professor in Residence and the Director of Executive and Graduate Education at Northwestern University in Qatar (NU-Q). He discusses the role of science and health journalism in the Global South, his background as a former journalist, and how this experience has influenced his scholarly works as an academic

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Episode 2: Journalism Residency in the Covid-19 Pandemic

In this episode of Science Journal, you’ll hear about the Journalism and Strategic Communication Residency program at Northwestern University in Qatar (NU-Q). NU-Q Journalism Professor Mary Dedinsky explains how the Covid-19 pandemic has changed the program for students. you’ll also listen to two NU-Q students: Shafaq Zia about her JR experience in 2020 and Roja Pande abu=out her JR plan in 2021. Throughout this episode, we learn how journalists are increasingly able to work remotely during these trying times and the importance of reporting on science.


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Episode 1: Science Journalism in the Covid-19 Era 

This first episode of Science Journal introduces you to five research assistants and a professor all working together to explore the difference of science journalism in the Covid-19 Era.