If My Research Had a Soundtrack…
Eleven professors pair their research with a song—and explain why it fits.
Their research is serious. The soundtrack? Not always. Eleven professors pair their scholarship with a song—and reveal why it captures the spirit of their work.
Charles Willow, Ph.D.
Management scholar exploring how AI adapts across industries
“I Know What You Want”—Busta Rhymes & Mariah Carey
“This song showcases the versatility, compatibility, and applicability of AI. It moves from a reggae groove to R&B to contemporary rap—much like AI, which evolves across a diverse range of industries.”
Anne C. Deepak, Ph.D.
Social work scholar focused on human rights and climate justice
“Endless Tree”—Valerie June
“It reflects the idea that we’re all connected—even when we disagree—and the possibility of building ‘a world where we could all be free.’”
David Hamilton Golland, Ph.D.
Historian of 20th-century America exploring race, labor, politics, and pop culture
“Don’t Stop Believin'”—Journey
“As the author of a history of Journey, the choice was easy. At every stage of my career I’ve faced hurdles, but I’ve never stopped believin’ in myself, and that’s what I try to instill in my students.”
Kiameesha Evans, DrPH
Public health scholar focused on social justice and health equity
“What’s Going On?”—Marvin Gaye
“Public health is about ensuring everyone has access to the conditions needed to be their healthiest selves. In this work, we’re always asking, ‘What’s going on?’ By examining injustice and disparities, we can work toward a system that’s equitable, inclusive, and accessible for all.”
Débora Machado Nunes, Ph.D.
Macroeconomist studying gender inequality and public policy in Latin America
“Pagu”—Rita Lee & Zélia Duncan
“‘Pagu’ honors a Brazilian artist and activist who challenged injustice and rejected limiting stereotypes about women. That spirit reflects my work: using data and policy to confront inequality. The song is also upbeat and danceable—and that matters to me. If I can’t dance to it, it’s not my revolution.”
Michael Phillips-Anderson, Ph.D.
Rhetorical theorist studying how public discourse shapes active citizenship
“Talkin’ Bout A Revolution”—Tracy Chapman
“My teaching and writing examine how people make arguments to change their worlds. This song is a reminder that we need to listen to the voices of people working for social change, and work to make the world more just.”
Sheri Anderson, MFA
Theater director and scholar focused on Broadway musicals
“What I Did For Love”—A Chorus Line
“The song isn’t about romantic love, but a love of performing. Despite ‘the sweetness and the sorrow’ of life in the theater, there are no regrets in pursuing that passion.”
Erik Raj, Ph.D.
Speech-language pathologist exploring how games and technology support communication and learning
“Ground Theme” (Super Mario Bros. Theme)—Koji Kondo
“It’s playful, energetic, and instantly recognizable, which feels like a perfect match for my work at the intersection of gaming and education. It’s just so rad—and reflects how games can spark smiles, engagement, and meaningful learning.”
Susan Marshall, Ph.D.
Mathematician studying number patterns hidden in geometric shapes
“Opalite”—Taylor Swift
“In ‘Opalite,’ things seem like they’ll never work out—and then suddenly they do. That’s what re- search can feel like: You hit a wall, and then everything finally clicks.”
Nikita Burrows, Ph.D.
Chemistry education researcher studying hands-on, project-based labs
“Workout”—Kes featuring Nailah Blackman
“When you listen to ‘Workout,’ you get into a rhythm—and that’s the feeling I want students to have when they’re doing chemistry.”
Pedram Daneshgar, Ph.D.
Plant ecologist studying how climate change and invasive species shape coastal forests
“Vacation”—Dirty Heads
“The lyric ‘I’m on vacation every single day ’cause I love my occupation’ perfectly sums up how I feel about teaching and research.”