In this episode of Y Life Science, we talk with Dr. Leigh Johnson, curator of the Bean Life Science Museum herbarium, about how plant species are named and classified. Using the genus Navarretia as a case study, Dr. Johnson explains how herbaria support research on plant diversity, species boundaries, and evolution.

This episode was recorded on November 14, 2025

Dr. Sam St. Clair and graduate student, Ryan Pienaar discuss their ecological research, specifically looking at fires in both desert and forest ecosystems. They talk about how their studies have identified factors in both systems.

This episode was recorded on April 18, 2025

Sylvia and Leah team up with Dr. Jani Radebaugh and Emma Gosselin to uncover how Earth’s sand dunes—specifically those in Alaska—help scientists decode landscapes on other planets. A quick dive into the surprising ways our world mirrors worlds far beyond.

This episode was recorded on April 18, 2025

Dr. Matthew Madsen and Janetta Teichert talk with Sylvia and Leah about range management and their research with the native shrub, Winterfat.

This episode was recorded on April 15, 2025

Bean Museum student hosts, Sylvia and Leah sit down with Dr. Blaine Griffen and students, Bailey Marlow (grad student) and David Neu (undergrad) to discuss their research with native and invasive crab species. They also discuss the human impact we have on our oceans and our stewardship responsibilities.

This episode was recorded on April 9, 2025.

In this episode, Sylvia and Katy visit with Dr. John Sproul and student researcher, Rachel Christensen. John and Rachel share their research with ground beetles and how they find them and sequence their genomes. Discussion topics range from Darwin jokes to museum collections and fly fishing. Mentioned in this episode is a book called, "The Feathered Thief" by Kirk Wallace Johnson.

This episode was recorded on November 25, 2024.

Dr. George Handley (george_handley@byu.edu), professor of comparative literature is joined by students, Becca Black and Julia Morgan as they visit with host, Sylvia Duke about the environmental humanities. This episode explores various connections with science and the humanities, spiritual connections with nature, and how we can make a difference in not just loving our earth but taking care of it.

Instagram: byu.ges

Stewardship Lab: 139 SCOB (700 N 500 E, Provo)

This episode was recorded on November 13, 2024.

Dr. Robert Johnson (botanist) and Dr. Shawn Clark (entomologist) discuss the day to day work they do managing the plant and insect collections at the Bean Museum. In this episode they talk about their research interests and why they love the work that they do.

This episode was recorded on November 7, 2024.