Superheroes of Science

Today we chatted with John Rajchert about the application of using far UVC technology to make indoor environments healthier. Rajchert is a native of Sydney Australia with an impressive background in electrical engineering.  He has worked for years making buildings safe and efficient. Today he is a Co-founder and CEO of Lit Thinking and discusses what Far-UVC technology is and how it works. 

We wanted to know a few things about Quantum materials. Who better to ask than Erica W. Carlson, Ph.D., a Professor of Physics at Purdue University. Prof. Carlson holds a BS in Physics from the California Institute of Technology (1994), as well as a Ph.D. in Physics from UCLA (2000). A theoretical physicist at the Purdue Quantum Science and Engineering Institute, Prof. Carlson researches electronic phase transitions in quantum materials. In 2015, she was elected a Fellow of the American Physical Society "for theoretical insights into the critical role of electron nematicity, disorder, and noise in novel phases of strongly correlated electron systems and predicting unique characteristics." Prof. Carlson has been on the faculty at Purdue University since 2003, where she was recently named a "150th Anniversary Professor" in recognition of teaching excellence.  She is a founding member of Innovation in Quantum Pedagogy and its Relation to Culture (IQ-PARC).  Her latest work popularizing science can be found at youtube.com/@TheQuantumAge .  

Briony Horgan, Associate Professor of Planetary Sciences at Purdue University, is working to determine whether we are alone in the Universe, or if life once existed on other planets such as Mars. She explains what the Perseverance Rover is doing on Mars, (like looking for ancient microbial life!), and talks about the samples and data that Perseverance is collecting. Briony also discusses a future NASA mission that will focus on returning samples to Earth (Mars Sample Return).   

Dr. Lindsay Weinberg is a clinical assistant professor in the John Martinson Honors College at Purdue University, and the Director of the Tech Justice Lab. Her research and teaching are at the intersection of science and technology studies, media studies, and feminist studies, with an emphasis on the social and ethical impacts of digital technology.    

From “writing code” without knowing code to training models, Professor Tianyi Zhang discusses how Machine Learning and A.I. models work and what they are. He is an Assistant Professor at Purdue University researching Human and Computer Interaction.

In an era of increasing cyber threats, Eugene H. Spafford forges our future in the area of cybersecurity.  Dr. Spafford is a Professor of Computer Science in Purdue University's College of Science. He explains ethical hacking, social engineering, and the role of cybersecurity professionals in our lives.  

From how nuclear power works to safety in the industry, Dr. Hitesh Bindra explains nuclear energy.  Hitesh is an Associate Professor at Purdue University's School of Nuclear Engineering.

Raymond Yeh is an assistant professor in the Department of Computer Sciences at Purdue University. His research is at the intersection of machine learning and computer vision. Specifically, his research focuses on developing algorithms to learn effective and explainable models ranging across several domains including audio, vision, language, and multi-agent systems.   

Andres Bejarano began his career wanting to make video games. Today Andres is a computer scientist who is an Assistant Professor of Practice. He researches making natural looking A.I. images and teaches classes at Purdue University.  Automated Algorithm Analysis serves as a powerful tool that enhances the efficiency of computer programs, benefiting humanity in multifaceted ways. At its core, it acts as a digital detective, scrutinizing the inner workings of software to determine how quickly tasks can be accomplished. This vital capability ensures that programs run swiftly and effectively, saving time and resources. The significance of Automated Algorithm Analysis is felt across numerous domains, from healthcare, where it accelerates diagnostic processes, to finance, where it streamlines complex transactions. It aids developers in crafting more efficient software and empowers educators to instill critical problem-solving skills in future computer scientists. Ultimately, this technology plays a pivotal role in our daily lives, making the digital world more responsive, intelligent, and beneficial for all.

We had the privilege of sitting down with Dr. Matt Huber, the Director of the Institute for a Sustainable Future. Join us as we delve into the inner workings of this influential institute, exploring its crucial role in shaping a sustainable future. As we navigate the landscape of academia, our conversation takes an intriguing turn toward understanding the tenure process for professors. Dr. Huber sheds light on the intricate journey of how a professor attains tenure, unraveling the criteria, challenges, and significance of this milestone in an academic career.  

Nicole Chavas (President + Chief Operating Officer) and Lucy Kopchak (Associate Engineer) join us to discuss green infrastructure and sustainable engineering. Due to climate change, cities are seeing an increase in stronger storms with heavier rainfalls. Traditional infrastructure (gray infrastructure) is not equipped to handle significant increases in stormwater, and new, innovative ways to manage stormwater are needed.  Greenprint Partners https://www.greenprintpartners.com/  

Specializing in designing science laboratories, Marilee is a registered architect and Senior Laboratory Planner at HED, one of the oldest and largest architecture and engineering firms in the country.   

Ever wonder where some A.I. programs their data? Farhan Shaikh (VP of Data and Digital Solutions at Jacobs) discusses Data Science. Jacobs is an international company working to make the world smarter, more connected, and more sustainable. Farhan explains what kind of data Jacobs and others collect and how that data is used. We discuss types of data being collected, why data is being collected, what a person would need to know if they go into data science.  

Ben Taylor is a Project Manager at ACRES Land Trust in Northern Indiana. He joins us today to discuss the details of what a Land Trust is and his role in conservation and saving valuable lands for the future.   

Dr. Rafael Lang from Purdue University Physics and Astronomy is an eternal optimist. As iny scienteest has to be. He is on a quest to discover Dark Matter. Dark matter is a mysterious and invisible substance that makes up a significant portion of the total matter in the universe. Unlike ordinary matter, which includes everything we can see and detect with telescopes and other instruments, dark matter does not emit, absorb, or reflect light or other forms of electromagnetic radiation.

Disha Okhai researches ancient volcanoes to discover just what happened to better understand what might be happening on volcanoes today and the future.

This exciting crash course on tornado formation is led by Professor Dan Dawson, aka “Tornado Dan,” renowned research scientist from Purdue University Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences and master of all things tornado-related. In this insightful episode, Dr. Dawson unravels misconceptions surrounding these natural wonders and provides a clear and concise look at the science that underpins them.

Geochemist Marissa Tremblay recently returned from a field research excursion in Antarctica. She describes the extreme cold environment as well as the science that is looking to reveal the secrets of the rocks there. Specifically, what was the temperature like 3 million years ago in Antarctica? Listen to Marissa's first recording with Superheroes of Science describing the work of a noble gas geochemist: https://purdue.libsyn.com/episode-10-marissa-tremblay

Drug Discovery is a very interdisciplinary field of research. Imrul Shahriar, Ph.D. Candidate with the Low Research Laboratory at Purdue Institute for Drug Discovery, walks us through the process of drug discovery: from the many fields of science involved to the proteins used to deliver the medicine to the correct cells. Imrul is actively researching ways to stop the influenza virus.

Dr. Michael Sori (Purdue University Planetary Geophysics & Surface Processes) discusses bodies in our solar system that have ice, underground oceans, tides, and space exploration. We converse about various moons that have some of the basic ingredients for life.

In this informative episode, Brandon Pearson, the Director of NearSpace Education, explains the myriad uses of weather balloons and how they contribute to our understanding of the world around us. Join us on a journey of scientific exploration as we uncover the invaluable data these balloons provide. Once airborne, weather balloons become invaluable tools for gathering crucial data. They carry a variety of instruments and sensors that measure temperature, humidity, pressure, and wind speed at different altitudes. These measurements help us study atmospheric patterns, climate changes, and weather forecasting with greater accuracy.

Dr. Rafael Lang from Purdue University Physics and Astronomy explains to us that “ a particle solar eclipse is something you see, a total solar eclipse is something that you experience”. Through a discussion, we learn what to expect before, during, and after a total solar eclipse. Professor Lang explains why we have solar eclipses and the importance of them.

What was once considered background seismic white noise or ambient waves is now a valuable learning tool about the environment. Elita Li is investigating everything from traffic patterns to falling windmills by looking into these waves. Dr. Yunyue Elita Li is the Mary J. Elmore New Frontiers Associate Professor in Data Science in EAPS and (by courtesy) Mathematics at Purdue University. 

In the past, only large, well-funded organizations could afford to build and launch satellites. But CubeSats are making it possible for anyone with a good idea and some basic engineering skills to put a satellite in space. Brandon Pearson is the Director of NearSpace Education sits with us to explain further CubeSats. CubeSats are small, cube-shaped satellites that are increasingly being used for a variety of space exploration missions. They are relatively inexpensive to build and launch, and they can be used to study the Earth's atmosphere, monitor the environment, and even test new technologies.

Dr. Paul Mathewson, Science Program Director for Clean Wisconsin, joined us to discuss some current initiatives related to solar energy and address several misconceptions about this alternative energy source. We also learned about agrivoltaics, where several crops can be farmed together while utilizing land space for solar farms.

Discover the wonders of Titan, the second-largest moon in our Solar System! Start your outer space journey and explore an alien world like no other. Titan is unique – its atmosphere, clouds, and vast oceans are made of methane instead of water.

Minimally invasive surgeries are ideal for reducing recovery time for patients. Biomedical engineers play an important role in figuring out the design requirements needed for developing useful devices for both physicians and other end users. Creasy Clauser, Research Manager for Cook Medical, describes the role of a Biomedical Engineer from identifying problems to developing prototypes that limit risk in the operating room and beyond.

From space weathering to lunar soils, Dr. Michelle Thompson, Purdue University EAPS,  is actively furthering our knowledge about the universe. She not only knows about meteors and meteorites, she teaches professionals how to handle and research these interstellar objects. We caught up with her to learn about what these “Shooting Stars” are and where they come from.

Before x-rays were used for medical purposes, they were used for entertainment. X-rays are part of the electromagnetic spectrum and are utilized in a variety of radiography procedures that are currently taught to aspiring veterinary students. Liane Shaw, Diagnostic Imaging Senior Instructional Veterinary Nurse at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, describes the use of x-rays within these procedures and gives us a crash course in the history and properties of x-ray waves.

We all take medicine at some time or another, but what do we know about how these medicines are made? We asked Joe Topczewski, a chemist who has been part of both academia and industry, about pharmaceuticals: how they are made, how they become available, and how they are regulated. We learned that there is a lot of freely available information on federal government pages regarding most pharmaceuticals that are accessible to the general public.

How is a research program chosen for funding by NASA? As various scientific field campaigns are implemented, some of the campaigns reach the scientific research community and program scientists like Ken Jucks, Program Scientist at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Programs selected through peer-review for funding by NASA focus on answering science questions that are important to society, and that include the development of a solid, scientific approach toward answering these questions. The role of a NASA Program Scientist is to discover appropriate field campaigns from the research community that are happening during a time when NASA can organize funding to support the campaigns. NASA is divided into a number of different Mission Directorates. The DCOTSS Campaign was funded as part of the Science Directorate (earth science division) to provide an opportunity that might enhance the capability of scientists to better understand the current state of the Earth system and to enable continual improvement in the prediction of future changes.

The Sun is both a natural laboratory for plasma physics and the focus of the field of study known as Heliophysics. Heliophysics involves the physics of how the Sun actually works. Dr. Michael Kirk, P.I. of the NASA Heliophysics Education Activation Team, defines the state of matter known as plasma, and explains how studying the Sun helps us better understand satellites, radio signals, GPS signals, and many other technologies that affect our life every day. Solar eclipses, including the upcoming annular solar eclipse (October 2023) and total solar eclipse (April 2024), are also discussed.        NASA HEAT Homepage https://science.nasa.gov/science-activation-team/nasa-heliophysics-education-activation-team    NASA Eclipses Home https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/eclipses/home/ 

There are many variables that play a role in understanding the impacts of water as it relates to the development of different environments. Kayla Cotterman is an Environmental Scientist with the Lochmueller Group who studies the impact to wetlands for groups wanting to develop. Cotterman discusses variables such as water usage, storm water, runoff, and historic rain events. Factors such as these are taken into consideration when advising engineering firms about the construction of buildings, so that they will be able to withstand the environment in which they are being built.  

When you look at a leaf, what color do you see? While a leaf may appear green, it is not necessarily producing green light. The leaf absorbs wavelengths of red light, and reflects the green light that we see. Professor Alexander Wei's research group synthesizes molecules and nanomaterials, and studies how these materials interact with light. Wei discusses luminescence, fluorescence, phosphorescence, and where we can observe these light-related properties in our everyday life. Wei's group is currently focused on designing and developing new materials that produce blue light. There is a current need for blue-light producing materials that can be used with an exciting new technology related to the next generation of flat panel television displays: Organic Light-Emitting Diodes (OLEDs).     Special thanks for support from NSF grant CHE-2204206

Mike Hoffman is the former 16 First Alert Chief Meteorologist of 27 years. Recently retired, he had enough time to sit down with us and discuss chaos as it relates to the weather. Hoffman recalls his years at Purdue, learning about the delay between performing calculations for upcoming weather with a computer model and using the results of those calculations to actually make weather predictions. While computer models today are much better than they used to be, Hoffman comments on the importance of using experience and intuition to determine how correct a computer model might be.

Brad Garczynski, PhD Candidate in the Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences at Purdue University, researches Martian rocks with the Perseverance Rover. Brad and others are using the natural environment we have access to on Earth to make connections and gain a better understanding of observations being made at Jezero Crater on Mars.

Dr. Doug Schmitt is the Professor and Stephen and Karen Brand Endowed Chair of Unconventional Energy at Purdue University. Dr. Schmitt provides insight on growing energy consumption, the increased demand for products made with fewer (or no) greenhouse gas emissions, and challenges associated with the realities surrounding unconventional energy product development.

 Dr. Tommy Sors, Assistant Director of the Purdue Institute of Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Disease (PI4D), explains the role that STEM professionals in all fields play in sequencing genes to understand the instructions for life found in every cell. This field of study is known as genomics, but within this field, there are many other “-omics.” How about the field of study involving RNA copied from DNA made within the cell? Transcriptomics. The field of instructions on how to make proteins? Proteomics. The study of proteins metabolizing within the cell? Metabolomics. Each of these fields creates a flood of information that requires computational science to help scientists better understand the data.

Green roofs are utilized to create habitat, promote health and well-being, reduce stormwater runoff, protect buildings, and conserve energy! John Aleck from LiveRoof joins us to discuss the installation process for green roofs and explain how green roofs are evolving to become more sustainable.

Wastewater has become a commodity and it's being used in many different ways around the globe! Most wastewater infrastructure throughout the United States is nearing the end of its life and communities are looking at rebuilding systems that have been in place for decades. Leisha Pica is with Jacobs Engineering where she serves as both a Global Technology Leader for Wastewater Technology, and a licensed professional civil engineer. Pica works on many projects that seek to transform aging wastewater treatment plants into new, useful, innovative, and cost effective facilities of the future! 

Studies have shown that when students are connected with their peers, the process of learning new things becomes easier. Collaborative opportunities within a classroom tend to help students learn better than when the classroom emphasis is based on a competition model. Curtis Kelly, Professor at Kansai University in Japan, is passionate about using research and trends in brain science to help his students unlock their potential as learners.

Ken Ridgway tells us that in order to understand how the world works, we have to be able to study sedimentary rocks, and looking at an active area now helps us see what might have happened in the past. He sets up camp in active earthquake areas of Alaska and intensively researches the sedimentary rocks to discover clues to the past and make connections to today's world. Ken Ridgway is a researcher and Professor of Geology and Geophysics in the Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences at Purdue University.

Do your favorite pastimes involve water? Boaters, anglers, water gardeners, even classroom aquariums carry the potential to spread invasive species. Greg Hitzroth is an Aquatic Invasive Species Outreach Specialist with the Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant and Illinois Natural History Survey. Greg helps us to better understand the meaning behind invasive species, and provides many best practice guidelines for preventing the spread of invasive species while still enjoying the water.     Prevention campaigns:  http://www.transportzero.org/  Promotes both Be A Hero – Transport Zero (boaters and anglers) and Be A Hero - Release Zero (aquariums, water gardens, classrooms, etc.)  Water garden, classroom and aquarium resources: http://takeaim.org/  Aquarium brochures: http://takeaim.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Whats_In_Your_Aquarium_Animal_Brochure.pdf   http://takeaim.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Whats_In_Your_Aquarium_Plant_Wallet_Card.pdf Water garden brochures: http://takeaim.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Whats_In_Your_Water_Garden_Animal_Brochure.pdf http://takeaim.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Whats_In_Your_Water_Garden_Plant_Wallet_Card.pdf

How do we blend Indigenous knowledge with Western science in a respectful way, and ensure that members of Indigenous communities are included in the decision making, classroom teaching, and current policies at the University level? Traditionally, many underrepresented groups have been left out of the US educational system. Purdue University has been very proactive in reaching out to Native American students and their communities in order to build partnership, trust, and make positive connections. Dr. Ken Ridgway is a Professor of Geology and Geophysics in the Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences at Purdue University. Dr. Ridgway's research group meets with members of Native communities to find out what their needs are, asking questions like “What's important for your community and how can we accomplish this in a respectful way?” When done in a mindful and respectful way, scientific research can help to preserve the culture of these communities. Dr. Ridgway explains that as Native American graduate students succeed and find careers at the University level, this is how we slowly change American Universities to better represent all of society. 

Microplastics are small plastics that end up in our environment. But how do they get there and what kind of issues do they create?  Sarah Zack is a Pollution Prevention Extension Specialist at the University of Illinois and with the Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant program. Sarah joins up to discuss and explain what science currently understands about microplastics. We also discussed pharmaceuticals in the water and ways to reduce our impact on environmental issues. 

Dr. Nowack returns to help us understand just how a logarithmic scale works.  In today's episode, we discussed the Richter Scale, Powers of Ten, and How Babies Count. Dr. Robert Nowack is a Professor of Geophysics in the Dept. of Earth Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences at Purdue University.

The start of a new year can be an exciting time for setting goals related to personal health and fitness. These goals may include starting, or possibly continuing, an exercise or fitness routine. Scott Lawrance, Clinical Professor in the Department of Health and Kinesiology and Director of Athletic Training Education at Purdue University, cautions us to be wary of programs that promise everything and reminds us that building sustainable habits requires a long-term commitment. One of the biggest benefits to establishing a routine that works for you? Maintaining that routine requires much less effort than what was needed at the beginning!

Looking to make a change in your health? We found an expert and discussed nutrition, goals, diets, and advice for safely making changes to your daily routine that can lead to long-term positive habits. Adam Huffield is a Registered Dietitian, Certified Athletic Trainer, Certified Strength, and Conditioning Specialist, and a Senior Lecturer in the Departments of Nutrition Science and Health and Kinesiology at Purdue University. 

Did you realize that the brain is like plastic and continues to change throughout your life? Dr. Ginger Campbell, Host of Brain Science podcast, joins us to discuss the 5 6 Things YOU Need to Know about YOUR Brain. Campbell takes us through a variety of interesting facts about the brain before discussing what we have learned through neuroscience. The interview closes with a discussion of some of the common misconceptions about the brain including the amount of brain-power we use and the left-brain /right brain.    Text ‘BrainScience' to 55444 to receive a handout of brain facts from Dr. Campbell!

‘Tis the season for holiday treats! While it can be fun to indulge, it's always a good idea to be mindful of our daily sugar intake. Can artificial sweeteners help us with our nutritional goals throughout the holiday season? Susie Swithers, Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs in the College of Health and Human Sciences and Professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences at Purdue University, gives an overview of different types of artificial sweeteners and discusses potential long term effects from using these sweeteners over regular sugar.