Summary: In this episode, host Ashar interviews Dr. Kiyoko Gotanda, Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Brock University, whose research focuses on the intersection of ecology, evolution, and behavior. Kiyoko shares her unique journey; from a ballet dancer to a researcher, emphasizing the importance of creativity in scientific inquiry. The conversation explores contemporary evolution, including the impact of human activities and colonialism on species adaptation, and more.

Kiyoko Gotanda Bio:

I am a former professional ballet dancer who is now a researcher in the fields of evolution, behaviour, and ecology. After dancing with ballet companies such as the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago and Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montreal, I hung up my pointe shoes and went to McGill University for my BSc. I received my PhD from McGill University, and was a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Cambridge and Université de Sherbrooke. I am currently an assistant professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Brock University. My third passion after science and dance is photography, which bridges the gap between my interests in art and science.

Transcript PDF

Links:

https://www.kiyokogotanda.com

https://www.pidgephotography.com