The ULearning Podcast with Elizabeth Shaha

Welcome to the finale of Season 2 of the ULearning podcast! In this episode, we're joined by Mikayla Redden, one of the incredible librarians at New College's DG Ivey Library, to explore the foundations of academic research. Mikayla discusses what makes a strong research question, how to engage with sources effectively, and the role of critical thinking in the research process. Whether you're just getting started or looking to strengthen your research skills, this episode offers practical insights to support your academic success.
Guest: Mikayla ReddenHost and Creator: Elizabeth ShahaProducer: Lilo Miller
 
 
 

Welcome to Season 2, Episode 7 of ULearning! Today, we're joined by Dr. Marci Prescott-Brown to explore one of U of T's most valuable academic resources: the Writing Centre. The Writing Centre can have a significant impact on students' academic success, yet many students either aren't sure what services it offers or assume it's only for those who are struggling with writing. Whether you're a new student preparing for your first university writing assignment or a returning student looking to strengthen your writing skills, this is an episode you'll want to save and revisit.
 
Guest: Dr. Marci Prescott-Brown
Host and creator: Elizabeth Shaha
Producer: Lilo Miller

Welcome to Season 2, Episode 6 of ULearning! Today, we're joined by Professor Diane Horton and Dr. Milena Pandy, the Computer Science Learning Strategist, to talk about the University of Toronto's Computer Science program. Whether you're a current Computer Science student or thinking about pursuing the program in the future, this episode is for you. In this episode, we'll explore what engaged learning looks like in Computer Science and share insights to help students build effective study habits, navigate challenges, and thrive in the program.
The In the Loop podcast for CS students 
The "Mentorship, Work, Research & Project Opportunities” page 
The CS student groups page
Guests: Professor Diane Horton and Dr. Milena Pandy
Host and creator: Elizabeth Shaha
Producer: Lilo Miller
 

Welcome to Season 2, Episode 5 of ULearning! We are chatting with Professor Elli Weisbaum from the Department of Buddhism, Psychology and Mental Health Program (BPMH), with a joint appointment to the Department of Psychiatry, in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine. Together, we explore how mindfulness practices and neuroscience can work hand in hand to support student well-being, resilience, and academic success.
 
If you are a current undergrad at U of T who is passionate about any of these topics please enroll. 
2026-2027 Courses to list:
NEW372H1 – The Architecture of Wellness: Braiding Indigenous & Buddhist Teachings
NEW271H1 – The Happy Mind: Scientific Perspective on Wellness
BPM433 – Advanced Exploration of Buddhist Psychology & Practice
Guest: Professor Elli Weisbaum
Host and creator: Elizabeth Shaha
Producer: Lilo Miller

Welcome to Season 2, Episode 4 of ULearning! Join us as we chat with Associate Professor Kris Quinlan from the Department of Chemistry about studying life sciences at the University of Toronto. Having taught more than 20,000 students over the past 20 years, Kris shares insights on first-year chemistry and what students can expect in CHM135. If you're planning to study life sciences, this episode is a great place to start.
 
Guest: Associate Professor Kris Quinlan
Host and creator: Elizabeth Shaha
Producer: Lilo Miller
 

Welcome to Season 2, Episode 3 of ULearning! We are joined by Professor Robert Gazzale. Professor Gazzale joins as the Principal of New College. He is also a Teaching Stream Professor Department of Economics. In addition to frequently teaching the department’s primary intro course, ECO101, he previously served as its Associate Chair of Undergraduate Studies. Whether you're thinking about pursuing Economics or are already studying it, this episode provides insights into the opportunities, challenges, and experiences that await you in U of T's Economics program.
 
Guest: Professor Robert Gazzale
Host and creator: Elizabeth Shaha
Producer: Lilo Miller

Welcome to Season 2, Episode 2 of ULearning! We are joined by Kelci Archibald, Lead Coordinator, Career Education at Career Exploration and Education (CxED). Careers aren't linear, and neither is learning. Join us as we unpack how to navigate your career journey, make informed decisions about your future, and embrace uncertainty. And yes, we'll dive into the growing impact of AI on career exploration and career success.
 
Guest: Kelci Archibald
Host and creator: Elizabeth Shaha
Producer: Lilo Miller

Welcome to Season 2, Episode 1 of ULearning! We are joined by Elicia Giannone, Project Manager of U of T Wayfinder, who leads the development of Navi. Navi is a virtual chatbot created to support students at U of T (tri-campus). You will learn how Navi can help you navigate U of T resources in ways that are practical, relevant, and distinct from tools like ChatGPT. This episode is especially helpful for incoming students, current students, and those who support them. Navi: https://prod.virtualagent.utoronto.ca/
Guest: Elicia Giannone
Host and creator: Elizabeth Shaha
Producer: Lilo Miller

Welcome to Episode 6 of ULearning! We’re joined by John Hannah, Director of the Centre for Learning Strategy Support, to explore the evolution of learning strategy work at U of T. In this episode, John shares stories from his career, reflects on the growth of the field, and offers insights into how learning support continues to shape student success in an ever-changing academic landscape.
Guest: John Hannah
Podcast Host: Elizabeth Shaha
Producer: Michelle Qadir

Welcome to Episode 5 of ULearning! We are joined by Paige Schneider, a fresh U of T graduate from the Class of 2025, to talk all things university learning. Paige shares her experience of discovering learning strategy support, the go-to strategies that fueled her success, and what it’s really like to navigate the U of T landscape. Her insights as a recent student are packed with tips and inspiration to help you make the most of your own learning experience.
Guest: Paige Schneider
Podcast Host: Elizabeth Shaha
Producer: Michelle Qadir