Discovering Academia

#058 - Su Zhucheng: Chinese Tea Culture & Science

Today we talk with Professor Su Zhucheng, Director of the Tea Science department at Zhejiang Agriculture & Forest University. His work explores the intersection of tea science and culture, looking into both social and quality outcomes of different tea processing methods in the broader tea industry economy. In this episode, we talk broadly about the importance of tea in China, from its history dating back over 2000 years to the younger generation’s relationship with tea. We also talk about the various distinctions of tea, with 6 different types of tea and the 5 factors that are used to assess tea. Lastly, we touch on the health benefits of tea; from its antioxidant properties and energy to how the college is working with industries to use tea derivatives in consumer products such as skincare and packaged food.
 
See more episode notes, resources & photos on our website: Su Zhucheng — Discovering Academia
 
This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only.  Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

#057 - 彭骞: Rural Chinese Revitalization & Our Experience in Guilin

彭骞 (Peng Qian) is a Professor at Guilin University of Tourism and a member of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), specializing in rural revitalization. He has been instrumental in the re-development of Daoshan Village, a small farming community south of Guilin. His work focuses on integrating ecological sustainability and cultural preservation with economic growth. Peng has helped boost local tourism and agriculture through initiatives like the Longgen Cultural Festival, which promotes the village’s rich history and high-quality produce. He also collaborates with Guilin University to support local talent and infrastructure development. 
 
See more details and photos from our trip on our website: 彭骞 (Peng Qian) — Discovering Academia
 
 
This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only.  Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

#056 - Barnabas Seyler: Benefits of Urban Green Spaces & Ethnobotany in China

Today we talk with Barnabas Seyler, a researcher of public horticulture and ethnobotany in Chengdu, China. His research focuses on the positive effects of urban green spaces on human health as well as identifying and understanding plants through local cultures. In this episode we discuss urban greening and how environmental education improves urban communities’ relationships with nature. Barnabas highlights the importance of ethnobotany, and how researching plants with native communities can shed light on new applications from food to medicine.
 
For more information, see our website here.
 
 
This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only.  Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

#055 - Jesse Gates: Linguistics, Cultural Understandings & the Stau Language

Today we talk with Jesse Gates, Post-Doc at Nankai University studying Linguistics. His work focuses on Trans-Himalayan languages, particularly Horpa languages such as Stau, looking at both static and evolutionary linguistics. In this episode we explore the complexities of linguistics, from phonetics & morphology to anthropological studies of social structures & language use. Jesse Gates underscores how a deep understanding of linguistics can serve as a systematic framework for language acquisition broadly and enhance one’s appreciation for the interconnectedness of language & society.
 
For more information, see our website here. 
 
This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only.  Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

#054 - Herman Cappelen: Philosophy, Conceptual Engineering & Artificial Intelligence

Today we talk with Herman Cappelen, Professor and Chair of Philosophy at the University of Hong Kong. His research explores a variety of topics centered around conceptual engineering and the interplay of linguistics, philosophy and societal perceptions. In this episode we talk about language, linguistic norms, translation, global language unity and the essence of intention in communication. We also touch on the idea of original thought and discuss where artificial intelligence plays into our understanding of cognition and ethics.
For more information, see our website here.
 
 
This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only.  Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

#053 - Vivian Lou: Caring for an Aging Population & Creating Harmony among Chinese Generations

Today we talk with Vivian Lou, a Professor in the Department of Social Work and Social Administration at The University of Hong Kong, serving as the Director of the Sau Po Centre on Ageing. Her research looks into the social impacts of aging from family caregiving to mental health of caregivers and age targeted crimes. In this episode we talk about the importance of holistic care solutions for the elderly as family dynamics evolve with urbanization and how prioritizing elderly care benefits an entire society. Professor Lou sheds light on the importance of spiritual wellbeing as a coping method for the realities of aging and the significance of intergenerational relationships in creating harmony with an aging population.
 
See our website for more details
 
 
 
This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only.  Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

#052 - Bayden Russell: Oysters, Aquaculture in Hong Kong & Restoring Ecosystems

Today we talk with Bayden Russell, Associate Director of the Swire Institute of Marine Science and Associate Professor at the University of Hong Kong. His research focuses on ecosystem restoration and conservation through nature-based solutions. In this episode we talk about Hong Kong’s unique history of oyster reefs and farming and the potential use for oysters and other “filter feeds” in ocean conservation efforts. Professor Russell explains the difference between ecological functions and the potential for marine systems to sequester carbon. He also highlights the complexity of our fragile ecosystems and how we can better coexist with them. 
 
 
This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only.  Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

#051 - Ashok Venkitaraman: Understanding Cancer, Genetic Predispositions & the Future of Cancer Treatments

Today we talk with Ashok Venkitaraman, Professor of Medicine at the National University of Singapore School of Medicine as well as Director of the Cancer Science Institute of Singapore and NUS Centre for Cancer Research. His research focuses on two main questions, what makes certain people more susceptible to cancer over others, and how can we delay cancer evolution in different tissues. In this episode we talk about the role of certain “chromosome custodian” genes that play a key role in safeguarding DNA integrity. Professor Venkitaraman expresses his optimism about the future of cancer research and the possibilities for both more holistic and targeted treatments.
 
See more details about this episode on our website.
 
 
This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only.  Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

50 Episode Update & The Future of Discovering Academia

In today's episode, Brent and Keller reflect on the first 50 episodes of Discovering Academia. After podcasting for one year now, they highlight the mission of Discovering Academia, their travel across Europe & Asia during 2023, and what the future holds for the podcast. If you like the work they are doing, please reach out via podcast@discoveringacademia.com with any suggestions, comments, or to potentially join the team in a social media/production assistant role. 

#050 - Ben Leong: Digital Communication & How the Internet Works

Today we talk with Ben Leong, an Associate Professor of Computing at the National University of Singapore as well as the Director for the Centre for Computing for Social Good and Philanthropy and the AI Centre for Educational Technologies. His research looks into computer communication networks and protocols, which are the foundation for the world wide web. In the episode we discuss the basics of various communication protocols like IP and TCP and the understated role these protocols play in data security and efficiency. As we wrap up, Professor Leong shares his views on AI and how new technologies can be leveraged to create more personalized education for individual students and encourages students to focus on generating skills that will power the future economy. We hope you enjoy.
 
See website for more episode details here.
 
 
This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only.  Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.