Often, systems cannot easily be described by their parts or the sum of their parts — an everyday example is the brain. How do we study these systems? And how do physicists contribute to this work? Dr. Maria Masoliver is a postdoctoral scholar in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Calgary, specializing in complexity science and computational neuroscience. In this video Maria chats with E Thompson, an undergraduate student in math and physics, about her path into neuroscience research via physics and the wonders of interdisciplinary work.

• Mentor: Dr. Maria Masoliver, post-doctoral researcher in complexity science and computational neuroscience.
• Host: Ea E Thompson, PhD student in mathematics at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and a University of Calgary Math and Physics Alumnus.
• Produced and edited by: Dr. Davor Curic, University of Calgary

The PAM Talks gratefully acknowledges support from the University of Calgary Graduate Student Association Quality Money grant program.

Dr. Claudia Gomes da Rocha, an Associate Professor and theoretical condensed matter physicist at the University of Calgary, is in conversation with Jane Cohen-Wallis, an engineering physics undergraduate student from Queen's University. They discuss choosing a research path, their experiences with physics, how computers are integral to physics research, and what condensed matter physics even is.

The PAM Talks team is working hard on preparing our continued line-up of Season 2 interviews. While you wait, you can listen to these "Season 1.5" epsiodes, which will be audio versions of our original PAM Talks youtube series.

Dr. Gomes da Rocha has been an important supporter of the PAM Talks, acting as a mentor to this team both during this interview and as this project has evolved. At the time of recording Dr. Gomes da Rocha was an Assistant Professor but has since been promoted to Associate Professor. The whole PAM Talks team congratulates her on reaching this milestone and celebrates her ongoing career success.

• Mentor: Dr. Claudia Gomes da Rocha, Associate Professor and Associate Head EDI, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Calgary, and full member of the Hotchkiss Brain Institute.
• Host: Jane Cohen-Wallis, undergraduate student, Queen's University
• Produced and edited by: Dr. Davor Curic, University of Calgary

The PAM Talks gratefully acknowledges support from the University of Calgary Graduate Student Association Quality Money grant program.

Dr. Shohini Ghose wears many hats! She is Professor of Physics and Computer Science at Wilfrid Laurier University and Chief Technology Officer of the Quantum Algorithms Institute. Her research focuses on quantum superposition and entanglement, uncovering their applications in computing and information processing. Beyond her scientific achievements, Dr. Ghose is a champion for equity, diversity, and inclusion in STEM. She serves as an NSERC Chair for Women in Science and Engineering and leads impactful programs as the Research and Programs Director of the Laurier Centre for Women in Science. In her award-winning book, Her Space, Her Time, Dr. Ghose brings to light the stories of pioneering women in physics and astronomy, inspiring readers with their remarkable journeys. In this interview, hosted by MSc student Gabby Gelinas, we explore how quantum computing is shaping our world and learn about Dr. Ghose's efforts to honor the trailblazers of the past while paving the way for future generations of women in physics.

• Mentor: Dr. Shohini Ghose, Professor of Physics and Computer Science at Wilfrid Laurier University and Chief Technology Officer of the Quantum Algorithms Institute. NSERC Chair for Women in Science and Engineering. Research and Programs Director of the Laurier Centre for Women in Science.
• Host: Gabby Gelinas, MSc student, University of British Columbia
• Edited and produced by: Becky Booth, PhD candidate, University of Calgary

The PAM Talks gratefully acknowledges support from the University of Calgary Graduate Student Association Quality Money grant program.