AZ Opportunity Podcast

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Latest Episodes:

Regents' Grant Spotlight: Reducing Cancer Risk for Arizona Firefighters Jul 15, 2025

Welcome back to another episode of the AZ Opportunity Podcast, a production of the Arizona Board of Regents — bringing you the highlights and higher education headlines from across Arizona’s public university system.

In this episode, we spotlight a groundbreaking Regents’ Research Grant that’s tackling a critical issue facing Arizona’s firefighters: exposure to toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS. Regents' Grants are a board-led grant initiative that brings together Arizona's public university researchers, state government agencies and community organizations to tackle pressing challenges facing our state.

Join us as we explore how a powerful collaboration between ABOR, the University of Arizona, Arizona State University and the Arizona Fire Chiefs Association is working to reduce cancer risk among first responders. The study investigates whether simple lifestyle changes, and even blood and plasma donations, can help reverse the damage caused by PFAS exposure.

You’ll hear from Dr. Jeff Burgess of the U of A as he shares early findings and insights from the research conducted in collaboration with Dr. Floris Wardenaar of ASU. Plus, members of the Goodyear Fire Department join the conversation to talk about their own experiences with cancer in the line of duty and their leadership in bringing this study to life for their community.

Additional resources for those interested in learning more:

Background on the firefighters Regents’ Research Grant: https://www.azregents.edu/news-releases/new-abor-regents-research-grant-seeks-reduce-cancer-risk-arizonas-firefighters
Presentation of the preliminary results of the study at ABOR’s June board meeting: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/md471htaqqpj7blysbbr6/AAyqKySN-87VfNqRGHU5lKY?dl=0&e=3&rlkey=7ywn73asa30m4wri4qvmdz03q&st=o1wkcra8
Bio on Dr. Jeff Burgess: https://publichealth.arizona.edu/directory/jeff-burgess
More information on the Regents’ Grant program: https://www.azregents.edu/regents-grants

Stay informed, inspired and connected to the future of Arizona’s public universities by visiting azregents.edu and learn more about ABOR’s AZ Opportunity mission by visiting azopportunity.com.

AZ Opportunity News Digest - 7.1.25 Jul 01, 2025

The AZ Opportunity Podcast, a production of the Arizona Board of Regents — bringing you the highlights and higher education headlines from across Arizona’s public university system. In this news digest, we cover:

The Arizona Senate’s unanimous confirmation of Regent Lee Stein.

Arizona’s selection for a national initiative supporting postsecondary education for justice-impacted students.

Highlights from the Future of Arizona series in Yuma, focusing on sustainable agriculture and research collaboration.

A new Regents’ Grant-funded partnership with ADOT to improve safety for inexperienced drivers.

University spotlights include:
ASU was ranked fourth among public universities in the U.S. for developing the next generation of digital and AI-ready leaders.
NAU’s new online certificate in Election Administration.
U of A’s accelerated three-year MD pathways to address the state’s physician shortage.

Stay informed, inspired and connected to the future of Arizona’s public universities by visiting azregents.edu and azopportunity.com.

AZ Opportunity Trailer Jul 01, 2025

Welcome to the AZ Opportunity Podcast, a production of the Arizona Board of Regents. The AZ Opportunity Podcast is the official source for the latest news, activities and updates on how Arizona’s public universities are preparing tomorrow\'s workforce, advancing innovation and research, expanding access to education, and driving Arizona\'s economy.

AZ Opportunity is the board’s long-range vision and is rooted in the principle that public higher education remains the best investment an individual student – or state – can make in our shared future. Whether you\'re a student, faculty member, policymaker, business leader or simply someone in the community passionate about higher education, this podcast channel will bring you on in the news you want to know about higher education in the state of Arizona.

Tune in for conversations with university leaders from Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University and the University of Arizona; business and community partners from across Arizona and the nation; learn about insights into academic innovation and stay up to date on the news stories that are shaping Arizona’s public university system.

So stay inspired and subscribe to the AZ Opportunity Podcast today through whatever platform you use to listen to podcasts and make sure you check out azregents.edu and azopportunity.com to follow along.

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