A podcast created by two SIB alumni has been spotlighted in a recent YouTube video by science communicator Angela Collier, titled “The Best Science Podcast Isn’t What You Think.”
From the 9:10 to 9:53 mark of the video, Collier praises This Podcast Will Kill You, hosted by Dr. Erin Welsh and Dr. Erin Allmann Updyke, calling it a fantastic science podcast for its engaging approach to epidemiology, infectious diseases, and public health. Collier highlights the podcast’s ability to blend in-depth research with humor and storytelling, making complex topics accessible and compelling for a wide audience.
Welsh earned her Ph.D. in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, while Allmann Updyke also completed her Ph.D. in Entomology there at the same time. Both were Ph.D. students who worked in Brian Allan's lab, which explores the consequences of global change through the lens of transmission of vector-borne diseases.
Launched in 2017 when the Erins were PhD students at Illinois, This Podcast Will Kill You has grown a dedicated listener base and explores topics ranging from the bubonic plague to Lyme disease, complete with “Quarantini” cocktail pairings for each episode.
Angela Collier’s recognition further underscores the podcast’s influence in science communication, and SIB is proud of its alumni for their outstanding work in making complex scientific topics accessible and engaging to the public.