In this heartfelt story, a Kalle shares how a small companion helped her navigate the challenges of grad school, heartbreak, and illness. With the unexpected loss of her pal, Kalle must navigate grief the only way she knows how, with science.

Kalle Liimatta is a 5th year grad student in the Biomedical Sciences program at UCSD.

This story was performed at the Stage Room for the June 11th, 2025 SASSY show with the theme "Adaptation".

Justin was just hitting his stride. Excelling in classes, conducting exciting research. But then, everything stopped. Justin's story is about how roadblocks can sometimes turn in to opportunities to adapt and come out stronger than before.

Justin Meyer is a Professor in Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution at UCSD.

This story was performed at the Stage Room for the June 11th, 2025 SASSY show with the theme "Adaptation".

In a bid to get into her dream graduate school, Bethany majored in Physics. The only problem: Physics 1. Bethany reflects on what it really means to study physics—and why failing once doesn’t mean you’re not meant for the work.

Bethany Walkinshaw-Campbell is a PhD student at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and a scientist for the US Navy.

This story was performed at the Stage Room for the June 11th, 2025 SASSY show with the theme "Adaptation".