Students on a Floating Rock

007: Taking Learning Beyond the Classroom

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 15:30:25 +0000

On today’s episode we have Will Dow-Kenny, a neuroscience graduate from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York. He's joining us today to talk about doing applied research, his experience as a student athlete, and his post-graduation plans.

Please note, this episode was recorded in summer 2025 and so minor details may have changed. Since the time of recording, Will has joined the Nijmegen Devils hockey team in the Netherlands.

006: Art as Science Communication

Wed, 20 May 2026 16:37:27 +0000

On today’s episode we have Aysha McConkey, a Bachelor of Environmental Studies graduate, junior biologist, and wildlife artist. She’s joining us today to talk about the importance of co-op placements during her academic journey, various types of local wildlife conservation efforts, and the synergy between art and science to mobilize knowledge.

Learn more about Aysha’s projects at her website and follow her on Instagram at @AyshaMcConkeyArt.

Please note, this episode was recorded in summer 2025 and so minor details may have changed since the time of recording.

References from the episode:

Protecting BC’s Wildlife: How Aysha McConkey’s co-op experience shaped her future, UFV Today
The invasive strawberry blossom weevil, Anthonomus rubi Herbst (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), uses Dasiphora fruticosa for reproduction in British Columbia by Aysha B. McConkey, Yonathan Uriel, Jade Sherwood, Warren Wong, Tracy Hueppelsheuser, and Michelle T. Franklin
Aysha’s Richmond Mural at No 7. Road Pier parks washroom building

005: Amplifying Voices From Behind the Scenes

Mon, 04 May 2026 16:12:46 +0000

On today’s episode we have Jeff Mijo-Burch, University of the Fraser Valley alumni and CHASI Communications & Design Specialist. He’s joining us today to talk about his academic and career journeys, amplifying and uplifting marginalized voices through knowledge mobilization, and opportunities for growth by utilizing effective communication.

Please note, this episode was recorded in summer 2025 and so minor details such as dates have changed since the time of recording.

004: Realistic and Self-Compassionate Physical Activity for Postpartum Women

Sun, 22 Mar 2026 16:23:17 +0000

On today’s episode we have Megan Filiatrault, a Bachelor of Kinesiology student at the University of the Fraser Valley. She’s joining us today to talk about her research project with Dr. Iris Lesser, and how qualitative research has informed her work with postpartum women on realistic and self-compassionate physical activity goals.

Please note, this episode was recorded in summer 2025 and so minor details have changed since the time of recording.

References from the episode:

UFV’s 2025 Community Service Award: Examining the Impact of Postpartum Weight Retention on Physical Activity, Body Image, and Self-Compassion by Megan Filiatrault
Archway Community Services’ Best for Babies program
Mother’s Moving Forward: A postpartum guide to being physically active by Corliss Bean, PhD and Iris Lesser, PhD
The research paper—MomBod: Exploring body-related perceptions and the influence of physical activity imagery among postpartum women by Iris A. Lesser, Megan Filiatrault, Amanda Wurz, and Taniya S. Nagpal—has since been published since the time of recording

003: In the Business of Innovation and Positive Change

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 15:00:12 +0000

On today’s episode of Students on a Floating Rock, we are happy to have Durgesh, Dueen, Mel, and Sargun of Enactus UFV as our guests. They’re joining us to talk about what Enactus is, the variety of projects they’re working on, and their experiences at the 2025 Regional and National competitions.

Learn more about Enactus UFV at ufv.ca/business/enactus-ufv and follow them on Instagram @_enactusufv_

002: Learning How to be Settled in Uncertainty

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 16:39:16 +0000

Students on a Floating Rock is happy to have Dr. Anna Griffith, an associate professor of Theatre, and Changemaker Curriculum developer as our guest for the second episode. She’s joining us today to talk about how changemaking is already woven into the fabric of UFV, an introduction to UFV’s new social innovation certificate, and how students can benefit from changemaking-informed curriculum. And did we mention that Innovation 100 is being taught as a scenario-based roleplaying game?

001: What Really is Changemaking Anyway?

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 21:55:54 +0000

So what really is changemaking anyway? For our first episode, Students on a Floating Rock is thrilled to have the amazing Dr. Martha Dow, an associate professor of sociology at the University of the Fraser Valley; director of the Community Health and Social Innovation hub; and Senior Advisor Changemaking. She’s joining us to talk about what role changemaking has at UFV, and what that could mean for students.