The Evidence-to-Impact Podcast

The Evidence-to-Impact Podcast

The Evidence-to-Impact Podcast brings together academic researchers, government partners and others outside of academia to talk about research insights and real-world policy solutions in Pennsylvania and beyond.

This podcast series is supported by the Pennsylvania State University's Social Science ...

PPIRA in Action: From Microplastics Research to Community Impact
The Evidence-to-Impact Podcast
PPIRA in Action: From Microplastics Research to Community Impact

Recent Episodes

Oct. 13, 2026

PPIRA in Action: From Microplastics Research to Community Impact

We are back! In this new episode of the Evidence to Impact podcast, host Michael Donovan speaks with Dr. Jill Felker, along with student researchers Shantelle Duarte and Vinh Lu, about their work studying microplastics in the Delaware River Watershed and the community impact of their research. The conversation explores how an unexpected discovery of microplastics in environmental samples led to a broader research collaboration through Penn State’s Presidential Public Impact Research Awards (PPIR
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June 25, 2026

Episode 31: One Goal, Many Fields: How Prevention Science Connects Us

In this episode, host Michael Donovan sits down with Patrick O'Neill, a doctoral candidate in Penn State's Human Development and Family Studies program, and Dr. Hayoung Donnelly, a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania, to explore the interdisciplinary world of prevention science. Together, they discuss how prevention science brings together researchers, policymakers, clinicians, and communities around a shared goal: improving health and well-b
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June 2, 2026

Episode 30: Healing in Conversation: Building Connection, Recovery, and Community

In this episode, host Michael Donovan, Associate Director of the Evidence to Impact Collaborative at Penn State, speaks with Bob Lamb, Director of Programs and Partnerships at Be a Part of the Conversation, and Haydn Briggs, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Group Psychotherapist, and Co-Founder of the Philadelphia Area Psychodrama Institute. Together, they explore the critical role that authentic human connection plays in recovery, healing, and family well-being.
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May 13, 2026

Episode 29 Part 2: Building STEM Pathways: Connecting Youth, Education, and Industry

In Part 2 of this episode, Michael Donovan continues the conversation with Dale Kashishian of Health Works Academies and David Garbe of the McKinney Center for STEM Education at the Philadelphia Education Fund on strengthening STEM pathways through deeper collaboration among schools, industry, and policymakers, and aligning education systems with real workforce needs and economic opportunity.
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May 13, 2026

Episode 29 Part 1: Building STEM Pathways: Connecting Youth, Education, and Industry

In Part 1 of this two-part episode, Michael Donovan sits down with Dale Keshishian of HealthWorks Academies and David Garbe of the McKinney Center for STEM Education at the Philadelphia Education Fund to unpack the challenges, and opportunities, of building stronger STEM pathways for young people. From early exposure and hands-on learning to representation, mentorship, and community engagement, this conversation explores what it takes to keep students engaged and help them see a future in STEM.
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March 23, 2026

Episode 28: Beyond the Clinic: How Medical Podcasts Are Educating Today’s Doctors

In this episode of the Evidence to Impact Podcast, host Michael Donovan brings together three experts to explore how podcasts are transforming clinical learning. The guests include Dr. William Calo, Associate Professor of Public Health Sciences and Associate Director of the Penn State Cancer Institute; Dr. Ben Fogel, Professor of Pediatrics at Penn State College of Medicine; and Dr. Paul Williams, Professor of Internal Medicine at Penn State College of Medicine and co-host of The Curbsiders podc