Sciographiesis a podcast and CKDU 88.1 FM radio show that offers listeners a glimpse into the lives and career paths of those who conduct scientific research for a living. Guests include professors, grad students, and alumni from the Faculty of Science.
The program started in 2018 and will kick off its fourth season on Thursday, September 16 with eight new episodes airing weekly until November 4.
Chris Moore, a developmental psychologist and outgoing Dean of Science, will be the first guest profiled in season four. Dr. Mathai Mammen (BSc’89), an alumnus who led the development of the Johnson & Johnson single-shot COVID-19 vaccine, will be featured in a special alumni episode later this fall.
Listen: Sciographies season four trailer
David Barclay, an associate professor of oceanography, returns as the host of Sciographies. Dr. Barclay interviews guests to uncover the experiences throughout their childhoods, schooling, and university years that ultimately shaped their path to becoming researchers. The episodes also include descriptions of their current research.
“I'm constantly surprised by the unexpected stories and perspectives our guests bring to the microphone: windsurfing out of communist Germany, moving from Lagos to Mississauga as a teenager, or building a dive bar complete with VLTs in an on-campus lab,” says Dr. Barclay, an underwater acoustics specialist and Canadian Research Chair (Tier II) in Ocean Technology Systems.
When and how to listen
New episodes will air on CKDU 88.1 FM in HRM every Thursday at 6PM from September 16 - November 4, 2021. Every episode will be available for streaming on,, , and other podcasting apps the same day. All three previous seasons are also available on those platforms.
Season four lineup
Chris Moore – September 16
A developmental psychologist who studies early childhood development.
Rachel Chang – September 23
An atmospheric scientist who studies aerosols in marine and polar environments.
Boris Worm – September 30
A marine ecologist with a passion for science education and communication.
Melanie Massey – October 7
A PhD candidate in biology who dedicates her spare time to engaging BIPOC youth in science outreach and education.
Dozie Okoye – October 14
An economist who studies the influence of Western education on economic outcomes in Nigeria.
Sherry Stewart – October 21
A clinical psychologist and Canada Research Chair (Tier I) in Addictions and Mental Health.
Katja Fennel – October 28
An oceanographer and Killam Professor who develops biogeochemical models that help us better understand the state of the ocean as the climate changes.
Mathai Mammen – special alumni episode – November 4
Dr. Mathai Mammen (BSc ’89, Chemistry) is the global head of research and development at the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson.