In this episode of You Teach, We Learn, Dr. Michael Schumacher and Professor Patty Lamberti join hosts Jessica Mansbach and Polina Pine to explore how they approach difficult and timely topics in the classroom. From fostering civil discourse and empathy to using anonymous message boards and multimedia tools, they share candid insights about helping students navigate sensitive conversations. This conversation highlights the importance of authenticity, care, and creating space for students to engage meaningfully with the world around them.

Dr. Michael J. Schumacher’s teaching and research are situated at the intersection of Criminal Justice and Global Studies. His work explores the factors that lead individuals to engage in politically contentious—particularly violent—forms of criminal behavior. Employing a range of methodological approaches, Dr. Schumacher examines the individual, social, and structural logics that underpin such acts of violence.

Dr. Patricia Lamberti is the Program Director of Multimedia Journalism within the School of Communication at Loyola University Chicago. She has served in a full-time role at Loyola since 2008. Prior to her academic career, Dr. Lamberti worked as a journalist, where she focused on covering social justice issues. She currently teaches a variety of communication courses.

Access to the transcripts here: Episode 1 transcripts

In this episode, Dr. Katrina Binaku (Chemistry) and Dr. Elizabeth Bayley (English) join hosts Jessica Mansbach and Polina Pine to discuss how Ignatian Pedagogy shapes their teaching at Loyola University Chicago. They reflect on themes of care for the whole person, reflection, context, and action, sharing how they integrate these values into both lab and literature classrooms. From addressing social justice in science to exploring belonging through stories, this episode offers a rich conversation about student engagement, empathy, and the transformative power of education.

Dr. Katrina Binaku, an Advanced Lecturer at Loyola University Chicago, has been a full-time faculty member since 2013. While her academic interests continue to center around air pollution and statistical analysis, her current focus is on undergraduate teaching.

Dr. Elisabeth Bayley serves as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of English at Loyola University Chicago.

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In this episode, hosts Jessica Mansbach and Polina Pine welcome Dr. Anthony Deldin (Applied Health Sciences) and Dr. Kevin Pietro (Dietetics) to explore how they bridge research, theory, and real-world practice in their teaching at Loyola University Chicago. They discuss bringing Jesuit values like cura personalis (care for the whole person) into kinesiology, biomechanics, and nutrition education — from addressing student stress to fostering ethical and compassionate health practices. The conversation dives into how they design flexible, student-centered classrooms, the challenges of peer assessment, and their commitment to helping students grow both professionally and personally.

Dr. Anthony Deldin is the Interim Chair and an Associate Professor in Applied Health Science. He teaches courses that help students understand how to improve human performance, including Kinesiology, Biomechanics, Movement Anatomy, Motor Control, and Strength and Conditioning. Dr. Deldin is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with Distinction from the National Strength and Conditioning Association and an EXOS Sports Performance Specialist. His research interests focus on tracking training loads and muscle performance in college athletes. He also studies functional testing for athletes returning to sports and monitors pre- and post-season testing for Loyola student athletes.

Dr. Kevin Pietro is an Assistant Professor and the Program Director for Applied Health Science. He focuses on improving dietetics education. His goal is to create a learning environment where students become caring, compassionate, and effective dietitians, preparing them well for their future careers.   

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In this inspiring episode, Dr. Lauren Schwer, educator, minister, and spiritual director at Loyola University Chicago, joins Jessica and Polina to explore the power of the Jesuit mission in higher education. Together, they discuss Ignatian spirituality, cura personalis, team teaching, and how Loyola’s mission shapes both the classroom and athletics — creating a culture of inclusion, justice, and holistic care.

Dr. Lauren Schwer is the Director of Ignatian Spirituality. She is a trained educator, dedicated minister, and experienced spiritual director. Her main focus is the spiritual growth of faculty and staff. She helps them see themselves as key to the university’s mission. Dr. Schwer coordinates The Spiritual Exercises for students, faculty, and staff. She also teaches the All Things Ignatian staff seminar, leads mission-focused work in the Athletic Department, and offers various retreat opportunities.

Access to the transcripts here: Episode 4 transcripts

In this uplifting episode, Dr. Jennifer Armstrong, Clinical Associate Professor at Arrupe College, shares her journey from CPS classrooms to Loyola University Chicago. She reflects on empowering students through storytelling, public speaking, and building confidence, while highlighting the importance of community, inclusion, and supporting every student’s growth — both in the classroom and in life.

Dr. Jennifer Armstrong is a Clinical Associate Professor, Communication at Arrupe College.

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