In this episode of Meet the PhDs, I am joined by Anna Herran, a PhD candidate in History exploring the links between memory, identity, and statehood in twentieth-century East Central Europe and the Baltic region.

We discuss her comparative research on Czech and Estonian experiences of statehood, the role of collective memory, national holidays, and how historical narratives travel within diaspora communities.

A thoughtful conversation about how we remember the past - and why it still matters today.

In this episode, I speak with with Dr. Kate Henry - productivity coach, independent scholar, and PhD graduate - about how academics can thrive without burning out.

Kate shares her own PhD journey, what inspired her to move into coaching, and the strategies she uses to help scholars build sustainable, well-being - centered approaches to writing, research, and long-term projects.

Whether you are just starting your PhD, deep in dissertation writing, or navigating life after academia, this conversation offers practical insights and inspiration to keep moving forward with clarity, purpose, and balance!

🔗 Learn more about Kate’s work: katehenry.com

In this episode of Meet the PhDs, I sit down with President Michael Schaepman, President of the University of Zurich and internationally recognized researcher in remote sensing and Earth observation. Our conversation goes beyond science to explore what it means to lead one of Europe’s top universities in a rapidly changing world.

Professor Schaepman reflects on his path from scientific discovery to university leadership, sharing insights into building communities of collaboration, guiding institutions through uncertainty, and balancing academic excellence with social responsibility. We discuss how leaders can inspire innovation while staying grounded in values, and how universities can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of research, education, and society.

Whether you are curious about academic leadership, the intersection of science and policy, or the challenges of guiding large institutions, this episode offers a thoughtful and inspiring look at leadership in action.

Thank you so much, President Schaepman!