STEMcast - McGill iGEM

STEMcast - McGill iGEM

di STEMcast
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STEMcast Episode 42 | Learning to Learn: Exploring how Artificial and Biological Systems Learn with Prof. Andrew Saxe
What does it really mean to understand how something learns, whether it's a child, a brain, or a neural network? In today’s episode, we sit down with Prof. Andrew Saxe, Professor of Theoretical Neuroscience & Machine Learning at University College London, to explore how mathematics can help us understand learning processes in all kinds of networks. We dive into the two-way street between how and what we learn, examining the way learnable content and the learning process shape each other. Our conversation anchors itself in Prof. Saxe’s early projects on language development in infants, current interests in knowledge generalization, and future aims for experimentalist-theorist collaborations, and we can’t wait for you to give it a listen! In this episode, we cover: (1:13) Motivations behind studying the learning process (5:24) When did neuroscience and psychology come into the picture? (8:06) Projects and people that defined his trajectory (12:33) Simple mathematical models give rise to complex dynamics. Why focus on simplicity? (15:16) Current and future focus points of the lab? (in the era of LLMs…) (20:27) Sparse reward problems in learning processes (21:46) How hierarchy helps us learn (24:12) How our experience shapes our language structure (29:02) Lab’s Three Axes of Learning (34: 35) Invariant manifolds and network initialization schemes (36:50) The manifold hypothesis (39:50): Cross talk between theorist and experimentalist (41:26) The NeuroAI research program Further reading (papers, books and more) Read more about Prof. Andrew Saxe, his Theory of Learning Lab and his 2025 Blavatnik Finalist Award A mathematical theory of semantic development in deep neural networks (2019) What makes language learnable? Dive into Noam Chomsky’s work to learn more. How Deep Neural Networks Learn Compositional Data: The Random Hierarchy Model (2023) The Story of Your Life (mistakenly called “The Story of You” during the episode) Simon Kirby and how our learning capabilities are crucial for structuring our language Saddle-to-Saddle Dynamics Explains A Simplicity Bias Across Neural Network Architectures (20250) Scaling Learning Towards AI (introduces LeCun and Bengio’s AI Set) Episode host and producer: Sabrina Du Contact: igem@mcgill.ca
S1 · E42
19 lug 2026
43:33
STEMCast Ep. 43 | The Science of the Small: Exploring nanoscale capillaries and their applications with Prof. Radha Boya
Have you ever heard of graphene, the world's thinnest material made of a single-layer of carbon atoms? Early in her career, Prof. Radha Boya asked herself, “if we can create a material that is a single-atom thin, can we create an empty space that is also a single-atom thin?” In today’s episode, we discuss the (now very established) results of this thought experiment - nanoscale channels - with Prof. Boya, a Professor of Nanoscience at the University of Manchester who was recently recognized as a Finalist in the 2026 Blavatnik Awards for Young Scientists in the UK. She co-developped these atomic-scale capillaries, which have opened up a diversity of research opportunities, from modelling neuronal synapse formation to enabling alternative forms of reservoir computing. Join us in this exciting conversation about the science of the small! In this episode, we cover: (1:11) Introduction to Prof. Boya’s research (7:57) Discovering science as a career option (11:20) Stepping stones towards her professional career: creating one-atom-thin empty spaces (15:46) Interesting applications of nanoscale capillaries: replicating biological learning processes (21:27) On the ingredients for cellular memory… (25:09) Future directions of the field (28:09) Mimicking whole-neuron signatures with nanoscale capillaries Further reading (mostly papers in this episode) Prof. Boyda Radha’s group Long-term memory and synapse-like dynamics in two-dimensional nanofluidic channels Molecular transport through capillaries made with atomic-scale precision Direct imaging elucidates ionic memory in two-dimensional nanochannels with Prof. Aleksandra Radenovic Episode host and producer: Sabrina Du Contact: igem@mcgill.ca
E43
25 lug 2026
40:23
STEMcast Episode 41 | "From Controller to Contributor": How gaming is contributing to cutting-edge research with Profs. Jerome Waldispuhl and Attila Szantner
What if playing a video game could help advance scientific discovery? Welcome back to STEMcast: Beyond the Lab! Today we invited Professors Attila Szantner (Department of Computer Science at McGill and CEO and co-founder of Massively Multiplayer Online Science) and Jerome Waldispuhl (Department of Computer Science at McGill University and Canada Research Chair (CIHR Tier 1) in Biomedical Citizen Science) to explore how video games are being used to advance scientific research. From improving microbial phylogenies through Borderlands Science to uncovering the unique problem-solving strategies of expert players, we discuss the growing role of citizen science, the strengths of humans and computers in tackling complex challenges, and how millions of gamers are contributing to discoveries in biology and beyond. Join us as we examine the future of research powered by play!
E41
2 giu 2026
1:06:00
STEMcast Episode 40 | “We are all made of stardust”: Learning about Early Planetary Formation with Prof. Paola Pinilla
In today’s show, we welcome Prof. Paola Pinilla, Associate Professor in exoplanets at University College London. Together, we peer into her journey from a kid in Bogotá (Columbia) dreaming about the stars to her role as a Principal Investigator studying early planetary formation in London. Her research on protoplanetary discs, formed from dust and gas around young stars, helps us understand how the planetary systems and organic molecules behind life first emerged, earning her the prestigious 2026 Blavatnik Award. From the complexity of protoplanetary discs to the importance of following your curiosity, this conversation is filled with nuggets of wisdom for scientists in every field. In this episode, we cover: (01:25) Questions that drive her research: How did the Earth form? How did our solar system form? (3:00) Prof. Pinilla’s past scientific breakthroughs: pressure bumps and planet embryos (6:55) Non-scientific stepping stones towards those scientific achievements (13:51) Fitting in a scientific community (19:19) What pushes Prof. Pinilla to dream bigger and bigger? (21:40) Diving into Prof. Pinilla’s research: What are protoplanetary discs? (25:59) How the diversity of protoplanetary discs leads to the diversity of exoplanets (28:22) What methodologies does Prof. Pinilla’s group use? (33:32) New research directions: Recreating the physical conditions of early planetary formation (36:12) Creation and delivery of organic compounds to the inner disc (40:30) We are made of the same stuff: stardust. Further reading Read more about Prof. Paola Pinilla and her 2026 Blavatnik Award Read the paper we discussed in Nature Astronomy (way to form organic matter in protoplanetary) Her initiative on Mothers in Astromnomy Episode host and producer: Sabrina Du and Kenza Rtel Bennani Contact: igem@mcgill.ca
E40
13 mag 2026
42:18
STEMcast Episode 39 | “Curiosity is Edgework”: Channeling our Curiosity in Research with Profs. Dani Basset and Perry Zurn
Welcome back to STEMCast: Beyond the Lab! In our most interdisciplinary episode to date, we invited Professors Perry Zurn (Department of Philosophy at the American University) and Dani Basset (Department of Bioengineering at the University of Pennsylvania) to discuss their individual research careers and their most prominent topic of collaboration: curiosity. Join us as we learn everything from mathematical models of curiosity to social dilemmas that could benefit from them! In this episode, we cover: (01:38) Dani’s scientific curiosities (4:15) Perry’s scientific curiosities (7:24) How did you both start working together? (9:31) Defining curiosity: a type of edge work? (16:19) How does living in an information-dense age affect how we channel our curiosity? (18:49) Differences in collective curiosity and inequity in scientific research (24:00) Curiosity archetypes that will help us tackle ethical dilemmas (29:37) Mathematics of network modeling and its pitfalls (32:19) Fuzzy nodes and marbles (not) in the brain! (42:21) Questions that you guys are looking forward to working on in the future Further reading Read more about Prof. Dani Bassett Read more about Prof. Perry Zurn Book: Curious Minds: The Power of Connection Episode host and producer: Sabrina Du and Isabelle Guo Contact:igem@mcgill.ca
E39
9 gen 2026
46:37
Episode 38 | Education, Math and Drag! Exploring How Queer Identity and STEM Intersect with Kyne Santos
This week on STEMcast, we interview Kyne Santos, renowned math communicator and drag queen, known familiarly on TikTok and Instagram as OnlineKyne. With short content math videos, Kyne explores the mathematical world at all educational levels, all while dressed fabulously in drag! In this episode, we learn more about Kyne, his introduction to both the math and drag worlds, and how he uses his platform to expand access to education. We discuss the importance of scientific communication, the overlaps of art and science, and how queerness and gender interact with the STEM world. To top it off, we throw in our own experiences with synthetic biology, education in iGEM and our own experiences navigating STEM spaces as queer individuals. Tune in for personal stories, humour and new insights into how queer identity and STEM can intersect!
E38
5 ott 2025
25:50
STEMcast Episode 37 | Empowering Diverse Voices in STEM - a STEMcast Special
This week on STEMcast, we interview three professionals doing impressive technical and advocacy work across academia and industry, and ask them about their experiences with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in a panel-style format. You'll hear from Aflah Hanafiah, a graduate student researching epigenetics and a prominent advocate working to uplift LGBTQIA+ voices in academia; Mel Rees, an oil and gas systems operator with expertise in the energy sector, who also shares a passion for advocacy and promoting inclusivity in STEM; and Anmol Nagpal, the CEO and co-founder of a start-up specializing in therapeutics for genetic neurological disorders, and a passionate advisor in the biotech start-up sphere.Tune in for inspiring stories, insights on current DEI challenges, and discussions on how we—as students and professionals—can help shape a future where all voices are empowered in STEM spaces.
E37
2 ott 2025
52:42
STEMcast Episode 36 | “Specialization is for Insects”: Building Neuroscience Foundation Models with Prof. Adrien Peyrache and Prof. Blake Richards
Welcome to the Beyond the Lab series of STEMcast! Today, AI is helping us understand what allowed us to create it in the first place: our brains. Although the intersection of neuroscience and AI is nothing new, tools that leverage this combination are now making their way from the lab and into consumer markets. What are these tools? Why are they better equipped to analyze neural data, and why are researchers launching entrepreneurial ventures to bring them to life? In this episode, Adrien Peyrache and Blake Richards, professors at McGill University’s Montreal Neurological Institute and pioneers in the NeuroAI space, join us to discuss their research careers and what led them to co-found Lamarck Labs, a neurotech company building foundation models for neuroscience. Note: After this episode, this series will be taking a short break. We’re excited to come back in the Fall, refreshed and ready to share more stories beyond the lab. In this episode we cover: (01:27) A rave that lead to Blake’s research origins (04:03) Adrien’s scientific beginnings (09:05) Scientific collaboration: How did they meet and start working together? (14:53) Why are AI systems better at “decoding the brain”? (19:59) Entrepreneurial collaboration: Founding Lamarck Labs (25:58) Why now? Using foundations models in neuroscience (31:35) Applications of foundation models in Lamarck Labs (37:00) What excites and worries both professors about the future of this technology. Further reading/listening Read more about Prof. Adrien Peyrache here Read more about the Peyrache Lab Read more about Prof. Blake Richards here Read more about LiNC Lab Read more about Lamarck Labs here Papers, essays and other media that we mentioned:Paper: Sequential Predictive Learning is a unifying theory for hippocampal representations and replay SuperDataScience Podcast with John Krohn Adrien Peyrache’s Amazing Brain Science Talk Blake Richards’ Amazing Brain Science Talk Host and producer : Sabrina Du Contact: igem@mcgill.ca
E36
11 ago 2025
42:26
STEMcast Episode 35 | Handshakes between Methods and People: Fostering Collaboration at the Flatiron Institute with Prof. Andrew Millis
Welcome to the Beyond the Lab series of STEMcast! With Prof. Andrew Millis, Professor of Physics at Columbia University and co-director of the Center for Computational Quantum Physics at the Flatiron Institute, we dive into the fundamental and fundamentally strange world of quantum mechanics and how it is connected to the world of everyday things. How do collective properties arise from the interaction of individual atoms and electrons? How is the whole different from the sum of its parts? Alongside these questions, we discuss the origins of the Simons Foundation and its internal research division, the Flatiron Institute. Prof. Millis describes the philosophy of philanthropy-driven science at Flatiron, how it differs from traditional academic funding models, and how it fosters a culture of collaboration. Thanks to this culture, the whole can truly go beyond the sum of its parts. Note: At 3:30-4:51, there is a difference in audio quality. Our sincerest apologies! In this episode, we cover: (01:21) What is quantum condensed matter physics? (5:15) Simons Foundation and the Flatiron Institute (12:54) Funding models for long-term projects (16:21) A culture of collaboration at the Flatiron (20:03) Interdisciplinary vs. deep domain expertise (24:25) Sharing a “common language” between fields (30:20) Picking up the basics of mathematics and physics (33:06) Philanthropic funding Further reading/listening Read more about Prof. Andrew Millis Read more about the Simons Foundation Read more about the Flatiron Institute Episode host and producer: Sabrina Du Contact: igem@mcgill.ca
E35
3 ago 2025
38:04
STEMcast Episode 34 | A Lesson in Science History: The Discovery vs. The Discoverer with Prof. Matthew Cobb
Welcome to the Beyond the Lab series of STEMcast! This week, we are joined by Matthew Cobb, Professor of zoology (Professor Emeritus) at the University of Manchester, historian and author. From the discovery of the double helix to the 1975 Asilomar conference on recombinant DNA, we explore various historical events that shaped public perception of the life sciences and talk about how the history of science can help explain disruptive technologies. Through these discussions, Prof. Cobb draws our attention both to the scientist(s) that made the discovery and to the discovery that made the scientist(s). Is there more to the connection that binds the two? Note: Many readings and resources were mentioned during this episode. Please find links to all of them below. In this episode we cover: (01:11) Origin of Prof. Cobb’s research interests (07:29) A Second Hat: Prof. Cobb as a Historian (11:38) Public opinion shaping life sciences discoveries and vice-versa (14:44) Using history to communicate disruptive technologies (21:58) How a scientific background positions you as a historian: His experience with Rosalind Franklin Archives (25:37) Tug-of-war between scientific advancement and ethical concerns (30:22) Protecting ethical science in a publish or perish culture (34:41) Using history to communicate the importance of foundational advances: The Story on PCR and CRISPR (37:39) The discovery versus the individual who discovered: Watson Crick and the discovery of the double helix Further reading/listening Read more about Prof. Matthew Cobb Listen to Prof. Cobb’s 2024 Wilkins-Bernal-Medawar Prize Lecture View annotated copies of Rosalind Franklin’s DNA notebooks Extended show notes Books mentioned: The Double Helix: A Personal Account of the Discovery of the Structure of DNA (James Watson) The Astonishing Hypothesis: The Scientific Search for the Soul (Francis Crick) As Gods: A Moral History of the Genetic Age ((Matthew Cobb) Crick: A Mind in Motion (Matthew Cobb) Episode host and producer : Sabrina Du Contact: igem@mcgill.ca
E34
27 lug 2025
44:10
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