Interviews with Technical People

Today we are joined by Renske Cox and Maarten van Pel, of 4x4electric.  They are now at the halfway point of their journey to drive from the Netherlands to South Africa and back, in an electric vehicle charged with solar.  They share their many insights from the journey so far, and give us an interesting look ahead into their journey, and also the really interesting technology that is powering it.You can also follow their journey at their instagram page and their youtube page.

We are joined by Brice Peters, superintendant of Station Sciences at Duke Energy Corp.  We discuss many aspects of how a nuclear power plant operates.

Today we are joined by Matt Ferraro, head coffee roaster for Black and White coffee.  Join us as we dive us into the various aspects of how coffee goes from a green seed to a delicious beverage.  Follow Matt on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/mattferraro/Follow Black and White coffee at https://www.instagram.com/blackwhiteroasters/and at https://www.blackwhiteroasters.com/

Thats right!  Interviews with Technical People is going to the theater with Carrie Cole, associate professor of integrative theatre studies in the Department of Theater, Dance, and Performance at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.  We discuss a wide variety of topics related to what goes into putting on shows, from personnel selection to fight choreography to unique effects for sci-fi shows.  

Today we are joined by Cris Hazzard, the Hiking Guy himself, founder of HikingGuy.com.  This website provides turn-by-turn guides to various hikes in the southwestern United States and beyond, and Cris shares how he started the website, how it has grown, and the importance of getting outside.  And of course, we discuss the technology that goes into keeping us informed and safe in the outdoors.For more info on Cris, you can check out his website hikingguy.com/, and can also check out his youtube page.

What is a spinal implant?  How are they made?  In this episode, we go all into the devices that are designed to fuse vertebrae together, how they are made (via 3D printing), what they are made out of (Titanium alloys), and all of the various fascinating aspects of building these medical devices.  Ben Lewson is the engineering manager at the company Nexxt Spine, a manufacturer of these devices.Nexxtspine.com

Today we are joined by dr. Peter Heuer, a PhD Physicist working on plasma physics and hydrogen fusion for terrestrial energy production.

Today we are joined by Dr. Gisele Calderon, PhD, a research associate at the Hakim lab at Baylor University College of Medicine, where she is working to develop several new technologies related to women's health.  In particular, we discuss the work being done to develop vaginal stents to promote healing of the vaginal tissue after surgery or from vaginal stenosis.  We also discuss her groundbreaking work in developing a "vagina on a chip", a laboratory vaginal analog using real vaginal cells that can be used as a testbed for new therapeutics.Follow her team's outreach instagram @ https://www.instagram.com/somosgyn/

Today we are joined by Seth Rodebeck for an in-depth discussion about Chatbots.   We explore this fascinating topic, starting with the question "what is a chatbot" and developing their relevance to the world and the internet.   We also learn how the chatbots that Seth develops interact with the cultural concept of Omotenashi in Japan.For more info on Seth, check out his LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-rodebeck/

Today we are joined by Dr. Doug Chrisey, a modern renaissance man that has published in a wide variety of scientific fields, including materials science and engineering, Biomedical engineering, and physics.  In particular, he takes us through his experiences in the applications of 3d printing of bio materials and tissue, as well as his work in superconductors.  Dr. Chrisey's Tulane Profile:https://sse.tulane.edu/pep/faculty/chriseyA summary of Dr. Chrisey's publications:https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=BB4LmmkAAAAJ&hl=en

Yes, you read that right.  Today's episode features Rabbi Daniel Levine, with whom we dive into several topics related to modern-day Judaism.  Ranging from what it means to be Jewish, to the origins of modern Jewish thought, religion, and culture, we dive into this technical and fascinating conversation.  Daniel grew up as an Orthodox Jew spending several years in Yeshiva (Jewish seminary) and receiving Smicha (Rabbinical degree), living in Israel along the way. Today he identifies as a Jewish pluralist. He also received a BA and MA in Jewish history from UCLA. He has written hundreds of articles about Judaism, the Jewish community, and Israel - and currently serves as the Senior Jewish Educator for Orange County Hillel.For more info on Daniel, you can follow him on Social Media:https://www.instagram.com/rabbidaniellevine/https://www.facebook.com/daniel.levine.31https://www.instagram.com/dlevine21/

We are joined by our old friend Helen Hernandez, who founded the company KAL Research Initiatives as her platform to work with the rare disease community.  We dive into some of the challenges facing the rare disease community, and also go through several examples.  Follow Helen on Twitter twitter.com/Hg_ChemistryCheck out KAL Research Initiatives website: www.kalresearchinitiatives.com/

Today we are joined by Dr. Allison Feibus, a urology resident at UF Health: Jacksonville.  Join us as we dive into what it means to be a urologist, and how modern urologists perform their surgical procedures.  In particular, we discuss the Da Vinci "robot", a surgical tool that enables robotic surgery controlled by a surgeon on a console.  Urologists were among the first to adopt this tool, and it is an interesting glimpse into the state-of-the-art of surgical techniques, as well as a preview of what future surgical innovations will look like.  Follow Dr. Feibus on twitter: twitter.com/allisonfeibusInterested in urology?  Check out the American Urological AssociationCheck out some videos below on the Da Vinci Robot, amazing technology:Da Vinci Surgery: How it WorksDa Vinci Robot Stitches a Grape Back Together

Today we are joined by Vince Romanin, CEO of Gradient, a company developing an innovative new wall-mounted heat pump system that aims to address climate change in three key ways: by replacing fossil-fuel based heating mechanisms with electrical-based heating, by using less harmful refrigerants, and finally by mitigating the effects of climate change (more extreme temperature) by providing climate control to our buildings.  All of this, while focusing on the consumer and placing the wall-mounted heat pumps in a unique form factor that gives users their windows back.  Listen in as Vince patiently walks us through our questions on thermodynamics and how heat pumps work, and as we learn about this tremendous opportunity to both combat climate change and mitigate its effects.Check out Gradient's website here: https://www.gradientcomfort.com/If this kind of innovation sounds interesting to you, they are hiring!  https://boards.greenhouse.io/gradientcomfortYou can also follow the team on social mediaWhen you're done listening to the episode, be sure to spend at least 10 hours staring at the Sankey diagram on http://energyliteracy.com/.  This is the one that we talk about toward the end of the show that tracks the energy flow of the entire nation in one convenient plot.

Buckle your seatbelt for another math-heavy episode.  Today we are joined by Dr. Paul "Connor" Whitaker, who dives into his research into group theory and its application to atomic physics.  

Today we welcme our former professor and depertment head, and current associate dean of the Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Dr. Terry Oswalt!  Dr. Oswalt is a renowned astronomer, and he catches us up on the current state of astronomical research, developments, and strategies, including his own research on binary stars and planet hunting.  John also has the chance to ask his burning question.... why do planets have magnetic fields?  Dr. Oswalt's Faculty Profile:https://faculty.erau.edu/Terry.OswaltA summary of Dr. Oswalt's work:https://news.erau.edu/headlines/nsf-grant-advances-search-for-ancient-stars-and-student-career-options

In this Episode we are joined by Dr. Daniel Codd, who takes us through the variety of technologies that he has worked on throughout his diverse career.  He explains how he was able to use his mechanical engineering and design background in applications ranging from Medical Devices to Renewable Energy and Advanced Manufacturing. Dr. Codd is currently an associate professor at the University of San Diego.Further info about Dr. Codd can be found here:https://www.sandiego.edu/engineering/faculty-and-staff/biography.php?profile_id=1725Check out some of Dr. Codd's publications here

Today we are joined by the one and only Dr. Gordon Patterson, professor of history at the Florida Institute of Technology and one of the world's experts on the history of Mosquito control, especially in Florida.  We talk about Mosquitoes, the long quest to control them, and how Dr. Patterson found a treasure trove of information about the history of this campaign right here in Florida.  Plus, a bonus conversation about what its like to teach humanities to a bunch of engineers.More information on professor Patterson:Master Teachers https://now.fit.edu/2019/03/12/six-faculty-members-named-master-teachers/#.XUBRfuhKiUkTeaching philosophy   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPBu5GC4hf0Photo Credit: Gordon Patterson

We are joined by Joseph Prezioso, a multimedia photojournalist and photographer who has been on the front lines of some of the most significant events of our nation for the past few years.  In this episode we start with a discussion of camera technology, accessories, history, and technique, and move on to some of Joseph's experience photographing a huge range of events, including various protests, the January 6 storming of the United States Capitol, sporting events, and sea turtle releases.  Join us as we discuss the joys, struggles, and dangers of being a modern photojournalist.Follow Joseph on Twitter: https://twitter.com/preziosonews

Today we are joined by Christian Griffith, who shares his remarkable story of how he got to "know the internet" back in the 90's, and how it led him to a career in digital strategy.  We learn about how things like branding, search engine optimization, and digital content can harmonize to maximize visibility for people looking to use the internet as a tool for their business to thrive.  In addition, we learn how Christian himself uses this craft to share his own story, which has involved running from coast to coast in Run2Heal, health and fitness endeavors, and his own company "Live for a Living".To learn more about Christian's Story, visit his page at run2heal.org

Today we are joined by Erin Hughes, PE, a forensic structural engineer.  In this episode we learn all about forensic structural engineering, or the study of how failures occur in buildings.  From hurricanes and tornadoes to house-flipping gone wrong, Erin walks us through how this field of engineering is carried out.  We also get a bonus conversation about amphibious buildings, or houses that float during floods so that they are not inundated with water.

Today we are joined by Anthony Worthington.  The title is "Manufacturing Engineering", but in reality we covered a variety of topics based on his prior experience, ranging from underwater drones to medical devices to mattress engineering.  Join us as we hear about his experiences as an engineer across several industries, and the lessons he has learned along the way.

Today we are joined by our very own James Havu.  Join us as we discuss asset management, how modern roads and highways are managed and maintained, how data is collected, and how decisions are ultimately made to keep roads smooth.  James also shares his personal story of his path to go from planetary science to geophysics, and later becoming a transportation engineer, and the arduous process of studying for the professional engineer exam.  

Today we are joined by Matthew Gorban.  Matt is a 3rd year physics PhD candidate at Baylor University using computational general relativity to investigate the strange and fascinating physics of black holes, wormholes, and warp drives. He also researches the unusual nature of the quantum vacuum with a focus on the Casimir effect,*or the physical manifestation of nothingness*.   We discuss these topics and much more in today's show.

Today we are joined by Dr. Hakeem Oluseyi.  Join us as we discuss topics including the scale of the known universe, what minimum level math should be taught to all people, his research into James Webb, and his journey to become a well-known science communicator featured on several television programs.  He will also soon be releasing his new book entitled "A Quantum Life: My Unlikely Journey from the Street to the Stars"

In this episode, we are joined by Chris Baker, founder of University Wafer, Inc, a company that provides semiconductor wafers to businesses, universities, and laboratories. Join us as Chris shares the origin and mission of University wafer, and weighs in on a variety of topics related to the semiconductor industry. For more information about his company, check them out at their website:https://www.universitywafer.com/

For this episode we are joined by Sascha Deri and Seth Lockman of bluShift Aerospace. Tune in as they discuss their recent launch of Stardust 1.0, a launch vehicle featuring a unique bio-derived fuel. We also discuss the joys and challenges of launching from Aroostook county in northern Maine in January, and much more.More information about bluShift found at: blushiftaerospace.com/Video of the launch found at: https://youtu.be/n0wkjy2dP-E

Today we are joined by Dr. Onur Danaci, who tells us about his career as a researcher in the field of quantum computers and quantum optics. Get ready for a very physics-heavy show, and also be ready to learn about this up-and-coming technology.You can follow Onur on social media as well:https://www.instagram.com/onur_babeuf/https://twitter.com/onur_danaci

In this episode we are joined by Dorna Schroeter, an educator and author, for a conversation about sustainability and biomimicry. Join us as we discuss topics ranging from the origins of 20th century behaviors and habits that recently impacted our planet, to better understanding the fundamental operating principles of our planet and the role that we can play. Information for additional reading and research:The Biomimicry Institute: https://biomimicry.org/AskNature https://biomimicry.org/asknature/TBI Youth Design Challenge https://biomimicry.org/youthdesignchallenge/Drawdown https://www.drawdown.org/Ecological Footprint https://www.footprintnetwork.org/resources/footprint-calculator/Ecological Footprint for young people https://kids.lovetoknow.com/kids-activities/carbon-footprint-calculator-kidsNatural Services http://www.fao.org/ecosystem-services-biodiversity/en/Earth Overshoot Day https://www.overshootday.org/ and https://www.overshootday.org/newsroom/past-earth-overshoot-days/Mushroom packaging https://ecovativedesign.com/news/goodbye-mushroom-packaging Dorna's website https://anideafromnature.com/FaceBook https://www.facebook.com/AnIdeaFromNaturePodcast Cover Art courtesy of Dorna Schroeter

Today we are joined by Dr. Norah Ashoura. Norah is a scientist who specializes in T cell-based cancer immunotherapy. Join us as we discuss this exciting field, which holds great promise for the future of cancer treatment. We dive into the details for how immunotherapy actually works, and what goes into developing new treatments. For a primer on the topic, check out this other brief video of Norah explaining the topic!

Today we are joined by Anne Carter, James' boss at the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) and an engineer that has owned her own business, worked in manufacturing and for a public utility. Anne shares her remarkable story with us that spans many years, and shares some valuable advice gained along the way.

Today we are joined by Andrew Wit, who makes us question everything we thought was true about buildings. Join us as Andrew, an associate professor at Temple University's School of Art and Architecture, explains his research into new materials, production methods, and intelligent systems. We also discuss the new book that he co-edited, "Towards a Robotic Architecture", and go through how robots can be increasingly integrated into our lives.Check out his book "Towards a Robotic Architecture" hereCheck out his website wit-o.us for a great summary of his work to dateAnd of course follow him on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/andrewjohnwit/

Today we are joined by Dr. Wade Dauberman. We discuss his research into Alzheimer's disease, and get his recent perspective on COVID-19 and the future of technology in the biological sciences. We also discuss his thoughts on Education and science outreach.

Today we are joined by Aaron Funk. Come learn about how chemical microwave digesters and synthesizers work, learn what a magnetron is, and hear Aaron's remarkable story of his journey from humble beginnings in West Virginia to Chemistry PhD.Show notes: Educate yourself of how Magnetrons workListen to the Christmas Song "Rusty Chevrolet"Follow Aaron on Instagram @CallMeTheDrFunk

Today we are joined by Da’Vel Johnson of the National Weather Service

Today we are joined by Dr. Carmen Lau, a Veterinary Pathologist. Carmen details how necropsies are performed, in which the cause of death of an animal is determined by autopsying it and performing subsequent biopsies. On a regular basis, Carmen performs these procedures on animals of all shapes and sizes, and shares many of these stories on the show. She also discusses her path through veterinary school, how she wound up doing veterinary pathology, and her thoughts on the future of the field. Join us for this incredible discussion and be prepared to learn things you never knew you needed to know!

Today we are joined by Jeff Behary. Over the course of the episode, we truly discuss the past, present, and future of a wide array of topics related to the multitude of projects Jeff has undertaken throughout his career. We dive into the topics of X-rays, UV radiation sources, high-voltage physics, lightning, and metal working. For this episode specifically, Jeff was kind enough to assemble detailed Show Notes to provide background and visual aid for these topics. We highly recommend that you review these notes and photos during or after the show to help bring these concepts to life. Be sure to also peruse the rest of his website for a plethora of interesting information.Cover photo is taken from Figure 4 of Jeff's Notes, showing photography of current streams created by a high frequency coil. Photo Credit to Jeff Behary.

Today we are joined by Tim Robertson, an animator developing video games at Electronic Arts. Tim takes us through the history of animation and how it is used to develop modern games. He also gives us a glimpse of how future games are becoming an ever more immersive part of our daily experience. You will not want to miss this show.Don't forget to follow Tim at https://twitter.com/TimJRobertsonWhen you're done, remember to take our survey:https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TZ5N7J3

Today we are joined by Dan Smith. Dan is currently the weekend evening meteorologist and weekday reporter for 13abc Action News in Toledo, covering everything Mother Nature has to throw at the Midwest. Join us for a great conversation on Dan's path to becoming a meteorologist, while getting a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at what goes into the weather reports that we often see on the evening news. You can follow Dan on his facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/DanSmithWeather/And on Twitter:https://twitter.com/DanSmithWeather?s=20Remember to take our survey afterwards to give us suggestions for future shows:https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HSG5GVR

Today we are joined by Dan Gorman. Dan is getting his PhD in U.S. history from the University of Rochester, studying religion and culture in the 19th and 20th centuries. As an Andrew W. Mellon Digital Humanities Fellow at Rochester, he introduces us to the wide world of digital humanities, and shows us how historians are applying modern technology to historical studies. If you found Dan's conversation interesting, you can follow him on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-gorman-jr-81a1353aAfter you listen, remember to take our survey to tell us how we can improve.https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DRQJQ8B

Buckle your seatbelt... this episode is jam packed with information. We are joined by Mike Renoe, the VP of Engineering for Takeout Central, a community-first restaurant delivery service located in Chapel Hill, NC. Mike leads a team of talented multi-platform engineers, and works across the various elements of the business in order to align technology goals with the overall business goals. We start out by discussing Mike's role as VP of engineering, from hiring new engineers to overseeing the product that they are designing. As the episode goes on, we dive into a wide range of topics covering software security, management strategies, the future of american innovation, virtual reality, augmented reality, and life after engineering. You may need to listen to this episode twice to fully receive all of the information, but its well worth the effort.Remember to take our survey afterwards to provide feedback and tell us how we are doing.

We are joined by Zach Eichholz, the sustainability program manager and resiliency planner for the City of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This show covers an enormous number of topics, and also set a record for the longest show we have recorded so far, so feel free to split it into smaller chunks for your listening pleasure! However, it covers some very important topics revolving around climate change, sustainability, and renewable energy. We learn about some of the ways cities large and small are incorporating more sustainable practices. As a city on a barrier island in Florida, we also get a unique glimpse into a community that is uniquely threatened by sea level rise, and the steps that they are taking to mitigate its effects and consequences. We also get to hear about some of the CliFi (Climate Fiction) works that Zach has written, which help to spread awareness for climate action in an encouraging and hopeful manner. You can follow Zach on Linkedin here and can get more information about his published books.Finally, remember to take our survey to provide us with feedback on this episode, and on the podcast in general. We want your honest answers! p.s., the largest port in the world by cruise passenger traffic is the Port of Miami.

We are joined by Jeremy Harmon, a commercial pilot who flies to islands on the coast of Maine, and also a certified flight instructor specializing in tail wheel and float planes. Jeremy owns and operates a flight school called "Higher Ground Aviation", and also flies for Penobscot Island Air. We discuss a wide range of aviation topic related to small planes, flying in Maine, and the evolution of aviation techniques. Bonus conversation about how to find aviation fuel for your float plane on Maine lakes!More info on Jeremy's Flight School can be found at:http://highergroundaviationllc.com/andhttps://www.facebook.com/highergroundaviationAfter you have listened, please take our brief survey to provide feedback and help us improve the show going forward.

We are joined by an old friend, Marie Henderson. Marie is a science team member on the Mars Science Laboratory mission, taking pictures with the Curiosity Rover from the surface of Mars and analyzing the images while pursuing a Ph.D. in Planetary Science at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. We discuss topics ranging from the Mars Curiosity rover to lunar volcanism. Plus, bonus conversation about the astronaut application process!After you have listened, please take our brief survey to provide feedback and help us improve the show going forward.

We are joined by Suresh Singh, a technical writer for a company that manufactures ground support equipment for the airline industry. We discuss the ins and outs of the business, and get into the fun details of how these vehicles are designed, tested and used. Plus, a bonus conversation about toilets on airplanes.After you have listened, please take our short survey to provide feedback and help us improve the show going forward.

We came up with the idea of launching this podcast as we realized we did not know much about the work that our friends did, but we also knew that they were doing very interesting things. This developed into an idea to start a show that could provide a platform to learn about science and technology through conversations with people. The goal is both to educate and to entertain. To increase awareness for the great problems and opportunities that we face, and the ways in which science and engineering are providing unique solutions. We also wish to show the importance and impact of these topics to everyday people. Finally, we aim to get some perspective on how someone arrives at the position and career that they are in. All through an engaging conversation! We will release a new episode roughly every two weeks, with each one having a new guest and therefore a new topic to discuss. We hope you tune in to follow along on our journey.