Theodora thinks that being a marine biologist will be glamorous - swimming in pristine blue oceans with charismatic megafauna. But, the reality is quite different. In this silly story about the trials and tribulations of underwater exploration, a budding scientists comes to embrace the uncomfortable and serendipitously meets her research subjects during a yearly orgy.

Theodora Mautz is a graduate student in marine biology at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UCSD. On evenings and weekends, she moonlights as an 80 year old with hobbies such as classical singing, knitting, and watching old movies.

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

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".

What happens when a number changes the way you see yourself? Hui Xin unpacks the science or lack thereof behind quantifying our biology as her and her family grapple with their biometric data in different ways.

Hui Xin Ng is a graduate student in the Cognitive Science department at UCSD.

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

Ashley's neuroscience lab course that she created was going well... until the COVID pandemic hit. As classes moved online, she had to come up with a creative solution to continue teaching neuroscience using hands on learning. Her solution taught her a lot about online learning, but also about the joys and challenges of sending her students live research subjects.

Ashley Juavinett is an Associate Teaching Professor at UC San Diego and science writer. She is also an organizer of SASSY.

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

Hello ya'll. SASSY is creating a podcast channel where we can upload our recordings of live storytelling from scientists. We can't wait to share these stories with you! Subscribe if you want to get updates on our next shows and if you are a fan of hearing personal narratives.

Music was "Edgeworthia" by Chad Crouch, from Free Music Archive with license CC BY-NC.