That's what I call Science!

This week we chat with Jo Watkins, CEO of Australian Earth Science Education (AusEarthEd), a national not-for-profit bringing Earth and Environmental Science to classrooms around the country. From metro Perth to remote communities in the NT, Jo and her team are delivering hands-on STEM education through school incursions, teacher PD, and curriculum-aligned resources.We talk about Jo's journey from science teacher to education leader, the challenges of engaging students in Earth science, and what it takes to grow a grassroots program into a national success.Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodThank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week! Host: Dr Hannah Moore (@HannahClareMoore)Media & Promotion: Emma Hamasaki (@EmmaHamasaki)

In this episode, we travel beyond our solar system to learn about the weird and wonderful world of exoplanets — planets orbiting stars far beyond our Sun.  Our expert guest, Dr Erica Thygesen from the University of Tasmania, takes us on a tour through how we discover these alien worlds, where they're hiding, and just how many we've found so far.But finding exoplanets is just the beginning… Tracking them is a whole other challenge. We dive into the science of ephemeris refinement — the process of nailing down a planet's orbit so we can predict exactly when to spot it next. Perfect timing is everything when you're trying to catch a glimpse of a distant world! Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodThank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week! Host: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)Co-Host: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)Production: Richard Siu (Insta: richard.siu.photography)Media & Promotion: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)

Ever wondered what it's like to do science underwater? In this episode, marine biologist and scientific diver Dr Jennie Smith joins co-host Hannah Moore and host Dr Olly Dove to talk all things scientific diving. Jennie is a Junior Research Fellow at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS), where she recently completed her PhD on the role of lobsters in controlling pest sea urchins in Tasmania's coastal waters.Jennie shares what it's really like to collect data under the sea, the training and challenges involved in scientific diving, and how this kind of research helps protect Tasmania's marine ecosystems. She also reflects on her journey from studying butterflies in the Amazon to managing lobsters in a “lobster hotel,” and her love of diving, outreach, and ocean life.Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodThank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week! Host: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)Co-Host: Dr Hannah Moore (insta: @hannahclaremoore)Production: Dr Meredith Castles (@MeredithCastles)Media & Promotion: Zi Yi Kho. 

In this episode, we dive deep (literally) into underwater volcanology with Associate Professor Rebecca Carey, a world-renowned volcanologist and researcher at the University of Tasmania. Co-host Dr Hannah Moore (also one of Rebecca's past PhD students) and host Dr Olly Dove speak with Rebecca about her upcoming 2025 voyage aboard the RV Investigator to Tonga, where she and her team will study the aftermath of the catastrophic 2022 Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai eruption. The discussion unpacks how underwater eruptions are studied and what new discoveries might await on the seafloor.Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodThank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week! Host: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)Co-Host: Hannah Moore (@HannahCMoore)Production: Hannah Moore (@HannahCMoore)Media & Promotion: Katya Bandow (@katyabandow)

This week is a big one for our regular host, Olly, as she celebrates her 100th episode hosting That's What I Call Science!To celebrate the milestone, Olly has invited her dad, Frederick Dove, onto the show to talk about his own career interviewing people across the world as a broadcaster on the BBC World Service. The two also talk about the drug that caused Fred's disability, Thalidomide, and the effects it had across the world. Don't miss this special bring-your-dad-to-TWICS episode! Show theme music: Kevin MacleodThank you for the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week! Host: Dr Olly Dove (@olly_dove)Production: Dr Olly Dove (@olly_dove)Media & Promotion: Emma Hamasaki (@EmmaHamasaki)

This week we're joined by forest ecologist, tree climber, and science tour guide Yoav Daniel Bar-Ness, founder of Giant Tree Expeditions. From climbing the world's tallest flowering plant to mapping Hiroshima's atomic survivor trees, Yoav has spent decades exploring the lives and legacies of trees across the globe. In this episode, we explore how Tasmania's towering forests can tell powerful stories and how Yoav is using science tourism to reconnect people with these extraordinary landscapes. Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week!  Host: Dr Hannah Moore (@HannahClareMoore)Production: Dr Simin Salarpour (@SalarpourSimin)Media & Promotion: Ella Burgun 

In today's episode, we take a walk down an unusual road: the pathway inside our own brains. Dr James Crane tells Olly about his work in neuroanatomy, how neural pathways and hormones can lead to avoidance behaviour, and how we even go about studying what's in our heads to begin with. Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodThank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week! Host: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)Production: Richard Siu (Insta: richard.siu.photography)Media & Promotion: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)

From marsupial reproductive biology to microscopic anatomy - aka histology - the scale of Dr Jamie Chapman's work in how bodies function has gotten progressively smaller over the years.What hasn't gotten smaller is Jamie's big-picture look at the teaching of histology within Australian medical degrees. In today's episode, Jamie tells Olly and Meredith about histology's place within the curriculum, as well as how technology and flexible learning opportunities can help students thrive.   Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodThank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week! Host: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)Co-Host: Dr Meredith Castles (@MeredithCastles)Production: Ryan SmithMedia & Promotion: Zi Yi Kho

In today's episode, Dr. Sam Rose opens the operating curtains to give us a glimpse into her journey of becoming a doctor. Dr Sam tells Olly and Tegan about how she went from high school to medical school to becoming a paediatric advanced trainee! She talks about the highs and the lows of becoming a doctor and what her future as a doctor for kids might look like!Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodThank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week! Host: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)Co-host: Tegan Clark (Insta: scientist.tegan)Production: Hannah Moore (@HannahCMoore)Media & Promotion: Katya Bandow (Insta: @katyabandow)

In this episode, we dive into the journeys of two Tassie scientists—TWICS's own Dr. Meredith Castles and Dr. Jane Younger—who have been selected as part of Science & Technology Australia's prestigious Superstars of STEM program. This initiative is designed to elevate the visibility of women and non-binary people in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, equipping them with media and leadership skills to become role models for future generations.Meredith and Jane share their unique paths into STEM, the impact they hope to make as Superstars, and why representation in science communication is more crucial than ever. They also discuss the challenges women in STEM face, the power of mentorship, and how we can inspire the next generation of scientists.Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Dr Olly Dove (@olly_dove)Co-Host: Dr Meredith Castles (@MeredithCstles)Production: Dr Simin Salarpour (@SalarpourSimin)Media & Promotion: Emma Hamasaki (@EmmaHamasaki)

In this episode of That's What I Call Science, hosts Dr. Olly Dove and Emma Hamasaki interview Ann Kristin Lund Johansen from the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies. Originally from Norway and having studied in the UK before coming to Tasmania, Ann Kristin discusses her PhD research on the drivers of ice mass loss in East Antarctica. She explains the importance of studying ice mass loss for accurate sea level rise projections, her use of Full Stokes equations in her research, and how her international academic journey has shaped her scientific perspective. Beyond her scientific work, Ann Kristin shares her passion for dance, outdoor activities, and poetry, highlighting how these artistic pursuits complement her scientific research.Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Dr Olly Dove (@olly_dove)Co-Host: Emma HamasakiProduction: Ryan SmithMedia & Promotion: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)

“Education, perhaps more than anything else, is a passport to a better life” beautifully sums up the work and aim of the Peter Underwood Centre for Educational Attainment. In today's episode, Kate and Tegan sat down with Georgia Sutton who is the Manager of the Children's University Tasmania, a program under the Peter Underwood Centre that provides informal learning opportunities to schools and communities across Tasmania. Georgia talks about the important work delivered by the Children's University and how it fosters important skills like confidence and curiosity. We also dive into how young people across Tasmania are engaging in STEM and what the future of education in Tasmania could look like. Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodThank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week! Host: Dr Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)Co-Host: Tegan Clark (@scientist.tegan)Production: Dr Simin Salarpour (@SalarpourSimin)Media & Promotion: Zi Yi Kho

In this episode of That's What I Call Science, host Dr. Olly Dove interviews regular co-host Emma Hamasaki about her diverse career path. Emma shares her journey from studying marine science at the University of Tasmania to becoming a passionate science communicator involved with projects like Redmap and Curious Climate. She discusses her work with the Centre for Marine Socioecology, her experience performing at TedX, and her current role with the Greens party. This episode offers listeners insight into the intersection of science, communication, and politics through Emma's personal and professional experiences in lutruwita/Tasmania.Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Dr Olly Dove (@olly_dove)Co-Host: Emma HamasakiProduction: Richard SiuMedia & Promotion: Katya Bandow (@katyabandow)

Join TWICS's three co-managers on a bus-turned-restaurant in a Hobart pub on a sunny day.  With relaxing ambient pub sounds, Anna Abela and Dr Olly Dove chat with Dr Kate Johnson about her experience doing postdoctoral research in Switzerland and a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowship in Barcelona, Spain. Hear the challenges and highlights of Kate's experience so far plus advice to ECRS considering applying for fellowships and conducting research overseas. Share in the joy of a rare in-person reunion of Olly, Anna and Kate!Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Dr Olly Dove (@olly_dove)Co-Host: Anna Abela (@annaoabela)Production:  Hannah Moore (@HannahCMoore)Media & Promotion: Emma Hamasaki (@EmmaHamasaki)

The United Nations Climate Change Conference is the biggest climate conference in the world, bringing together Government officials, scientists, industry groups and civil society to solve the climate crisis. So how did a PhD student find herself travelling to Azerbaijan to fight for climate justice at COP29? In this episode, Olly sits down with Tegan Clark to discuss her journey to COP29. She takes us behind the scenes of what it's actually like to attend the biggest climate conference as a young person. Tegan also discusses her work with IncludeHer and advocating for better representation of diverse scientists in the Australian curriculum. Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Dr Olly Dove (@olly_dove)Production: Dr Meredith Castles (@MeredithCastles) 

Imagine having a little version of the cosmos living on your computer. In this week's Ep we're chatting about Active Galactic Nuclei (or AGN) with theoretical astrophysics PhD candidate, Georgia Stewart. Active Galactic Nuclei are some of the most powerful phenomena in the Universe but they also take millions of years to evolve

After years of working in the media industry and navigating the highs and lows of journalism, Tia Ewen navigated her way to science communication. In this episode, Dr Olly Dove and Georgia Stewart sit down with Tia as she takes us behind the scenes in the newsroom, navigating her way through the media industry, her love and passion for science and how she eventually ended up in the classroom. Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Dr Olly Dove (@olly_dove)Co-Host: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)Production: Dr Simin Salarpour (@SalarpourSimin)Media & Promotion: Zi Yi Kho

Sustainability, scicomm, and soccer: just three of the many hats of Dr Emily Flies! With an interdisciplinary career traversing a myriad of -ologies, Emily now works in exploring how connecting with nature can be a leverage point for healthy and sustainable communities. She's also an award-winning science communicator and the founder of Tasmania's Inspiring Women in STEMM Fellowship Program, so make sure you tune in today to hear about her exciting career journey and fantastic outreach. Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)Production: Richard SiuMedia & Promotion: Katya Bandow (@katyabandow)

Join us as we explore climate action, coastal resilience, and… eels! This week, Dr. Malcolm Johnson shares his passion for climate adaptation, coastal resource management, and unique research on the fascinating freshwater eels of Tasmania. From working in the Huon Valley to community projects in the Philippines and CNMI, Malcolm's journey highlights the power of local action in tackling global issues. Dive into the science of resilience and conservation—plus, discover why eels deserve a closer look! Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod Host: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)Co-Host: Emma HamasakiProduction: Hannah Moore (@HannahCMoore)Media & Promotion: Emma Hamasaki (@EmmaHamasaki)

Don't you just hate it when you're out for a lovely swim in the ocean when all of a sudden your stomach starts rumbling? Well, thanks to one researcher at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, we might be closer to understanding what snacks are out there in the waters of lutruwita/Tasmania!Micah Landon-Lane joins Olly for today's episode, in which he tells her all about sea grapes: seaweed with the appearance of grapes and the potential for deliciousness. Alongside his PhD, Micah also advocates for living wages for PhD candidates, including being a founder of the group Fair Go for PhDs. Tune in to hear all about it!Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Dr Olly Dove (@olly_dove)Production: Dr Meredith Castles (@MeredithCastles)Social Media: Ella Burgun (@ebburgun)

Join hosts Olly Dove and Emma Hamasaki as they flutter through the 2024 Australian Entomological Society Conference! In this special season finale, we're buzzing with excitement as we explore the latest discoveries in insect science through fascinating conversations with poster presenters. Broadcasting from lutruwita/Tasmania on Edge Radio, this episode showcases cutting-edge research that's creating quite a stir in the STEMM community. From microscopic marvels to groundbreaking discoveries, we're bringing you the best of Australia's entomological expertise!Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod Host: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)Co-Host: Emma HamasakiProduction: Ryan SmithMedia & Promotion: Ella Burgen

Join us for this week's episode, in which Olly and Georgia make their way through the poster session at the Australasian Cytometry Society's annual 2024 conference! Cytometry may not be a word you've heard before, but is all about cells. And, by studying the cells in our bodies, the researchers in today's episode have been making leaps and bounds in medical research in order to help the patients that need them.Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)Co-Host: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)Production: Simin Salarpour (@SalarpourSimin)Media & Promotion: Katya Bandow (@katyabandow) 

Come and chat with two Australians (Dr Kate Johnson and Dr Ella Plumanns Pouton) on a bench in Catalunya, that may or may not be covered in ants! Ella talks about fire and seed banks, shifts in research, moving countries and writing science for the public. After an arts degree, Ella was driven to science through a desire to enact positive change for the natural world, particularly in a changing climate. Ella's PhD revealed the impact of different fire frequencies on the seeds of diverse plant species in Australia, and she now works on rewilding and restoration of biodiversity at the Ecological and Forestry Applications Research Centre (CREAF) in Barcelona, Spain. In this episode you'll hear about Ella's research, publishing in ‘The Conversation', when jargon is useful and when it's not, how much slang Australians use, and more, take a listen! Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Dr Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)Production: Hannah Moore (@HannahCMoore)Media & Promotion: Ella Burgun

Take a journey to the ‘liminal space between water and sky' with Melissa Mai. From the pathways of water and sugar along a pine needle to the magical land of bogs and why they matter. This episode will transport you from a molecule in a leaf to peaty landscapes of Scotland and the USA. Learn about Melissa, her pathway to academia and future aspirations to influence policy or curate museum collections. Join Dr Kate Johnson and Melissa to hear about everything from biophysics to bog butter and bog bodies, there's something for everyone in this episode!Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Dr Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)Production: Ryan SmithMedia & Promotion: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)

This week, Anna and Ella are joined by Monique Mitchelson, a autistic/ADHD clinical psychologist from Brisbane, Australia, with a deep passion for supporting neurodivergent women and girls. Monique discusses her own podcast, The Neurodivergent Woman Podcast with Clinical Neuropsychologist Michelle Livock, a hit show with over a million downloads, as well as her consulting on the National Autism Strategy. We'll dive into how Monique blends her interests in neurodiversity, trauma, and chronic illness with her practice, as well as her own experiences as a neurodivergent woman kicking goals!Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Anna Abela (@annaoabela)Co-Host: Ella Burgun (@ebburgun)Production: Simin Salarpour (@SalarpourSimin)Media & Promotion: Emma Hamasaki (@EmmaHamasaki)

In this episode, Anna and Ella chat to Heidi La Paglia Reid, a proud Autistic, queer and disabled consultant and advocate living Tasmania. With over a decade of experience in the disability and women's rights sectors, Heidi brings a wealth of knowledge both from her professional roles and her personal journey navigating chronic health conditions and neurodiversity. This episode will dive into her work, explore the challenges she faced, and discuss how she's driving real change through neuro-inclusive training, advocacy, and consultancy.Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Anna Abela (@annaoabela)Co-Host: Ella Burgun (@ebburgun)Production: Dr Meredith Castles (@MeredithCastles)Media & Promotion: Dr Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

In September 2024, the Australian Marine Sciences Association and the New Zealand Marine Sciences Society teamed up to deliver their annual conference, with 900 marine scientists, professionals, and students gathering in Hobart to celebrate all things oceanic.Across the two poster sessions at the conference, Olly met 24 attendees presenting their incredible science. The content was just too good for one episode, so here's Part 2 of our double bill at AMSA-NZMSS 2024!Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)Production: Hannah Moore (@HannahCMoore)Media & Promotion: Katya Bandow (@katyabandow)

In September 2024, the Australian Marine Sciences Association and the New Zealand Marine Sciences Society teamed up to deliver their annual conference, with 900 marine scientists, professionals, and students gathering in Hobart to celebrate all things oceanic.Across the two poster sessions at the conference, Olly met 24 attendees presenting their incredible science. The content was just too good for one episode, so here's Part 1 of our double bill at AMSA-NZMSS 2024!Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)Production: Hannah Moore (@HannahCMoore)Media & Promotion: Ella Burgun

Out on Bruny Island one rainy and windy night, Edith Shum rested in a cosy cabin after a busy day out in the field. Joined by Olly on her adventure, the two took up the chance while warming themselves by the fire to talk about Edith's past adventures. Having worked in Queensland with sea turtles, Edith now works in Tasmania on exploring how species shape our connection to places in the context of environmental change. Tune in to hear all about it! Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)Production:  Simin Salarpour (@SalarpourSimin)Media & Promotion: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)

We love a good science and sport cross-over. In this episode, Olly and Georgia chat to forensic scientist, Craig Gardner about his dual passion for science and rugby union refereeing. What does it take to solve a crime with science? How do you analyse the evidence and importantly, how do you know you're right? Craig has all the answers for us. Plus, we talk about Craig's other passion; rugby union refereeing. We learn what it's like to referee rugby tournaments around the country and how a scientific mindset can help you in high-pressure situations.Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod Host: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)Co-Host: Georgia Stewart (@georgi1a_stewart)Production: Ryan SmithMedia & Promotion: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)

Space is full of amazing stuff we can't see with the naked eye! Join Olly and Georgia in this episode as they embark on a journey to the distant reaches of the universe with Sophie Young, a first-year PhD student in astrophysics. Sophie shares insights into her award-winning research on Active Galactic Nuclei—the powerful galaxy centres known for emitting massive jets of superheated plasma that can't be seen with the naked eye. We talk about how Sophie's passion for theoretical astrophysics and how she uses powerful supercomputers to study these cosmic jet streams.Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Olly Dove (@olly_dove) & Georgia Stewart (@georg1a_stewart)Production: Meredith Castles (@MeredithCastles)Media & Promotion: Georgia Stewart (@georg1a_stewart)

In August each year, a horde of science communicators arrive in lutruwita/Tasmania, ready to share their work with the public at the Beaker Street Festival. One of the many special events across the festival is the Roving Scientist Bar. With a table per scientist and the public free to move between them, the room quickly fills with the sounds of STEMM-tastic stories being shared. Join Olly and Simin for Part 2 of our Beaker Street double bill, to meet even more of the incredible scientists involved. Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)Co-Host: Simin Salarpour (@SalarpourSimin)Production: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)Media & Promotion: Ella Burgun

In August each year, a horde of science communicators arrive in lutruwita/Tasmania, ready to share their work with the public at the Beaker Street Festival. One of the many special events across the festival is the Roving Scientist Bar. With a table per scientist and the public free to move between them, the room quickly fills with the sounds of STEMM-tastic stories being shared. Join Olly and Georgia in Part 1 of our Beaker Street double bill, as they meet some of the incredible scientists involved. Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)Co-Host: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)Production: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)Media & Promotion: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)

Unsurprisingly, we love science communication here at That's What I Call Science, as do the hosts of the Let's Talk SciComm podcast at The University of Melbourne. Naturally, we thought this made for a perfect chance to have a crossover episode!Join Olly as Let's Talk SciComm co-hosts and science communicator extraordinaires Jen Martin and Michael Wheeler tell her all about their exciting show as well as their own personal experiences and adventures in scicomm.Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod Host: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)Production:  Ryan SmithMedia & Promotion: Dr Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

In this episode, we catch up with Anna, a co-manager and founding member of TWICS. After switching gears from tech to communications, Anna opens up about her late ADHD diagnosis and what it means to live and work with neurodiversity. And we get a peek into what's been happening behind the scene at TWICS! Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod Host: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)Production: Ryan SmithMedia & Promotion:Katya Bandow (@katyabandow)

Urban tree ecophysiologist Dr Christoph Bachofen tells us how plants, chemistry, physics and art are intertwined through the lens of city trees. Join Christoph and Dr Kate Johnson to learn how trees and humans experience the urban environment and find out answers to questions such as; why would a student walk around Geneva with a high-tech backpack? How do trees alter the environment in cities? Do dense buildings heat or cool cities? Will you be able to hear from trees in the future?Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod Host: Dr Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)Production: Simin Salarpour (@SalarpourSimin)Media & Promotion: Ella Burgun 

Have you ever used a FitBit? Quit an addiction using an app? Did you wonder why they are so successful at helping people change their behaviours? These technologies are called ‘Persuasive Technologies', applications specifically designed using behavioural psychology to help people alter the things they do. Our guest this week is researching how to make sure technology designers make more effective apps in the future by studying what works and what doesn't work so well. Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)Co-Host: Dr Meredith Castles (@MeredithCastles)Production: Dr Meredith Castles (@MeredithCastles)Media & Promotion: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)

Ever been faced with technology problems you have no idea how to fix? Error messages popping up, got another call to fix your nan's remote control, your new smart tv making you feel…not so smart? Our guest this week is researching how you approach these different tech problems and model a way to make future tech problems easier to solve. Join us to find out how this is being done.Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)Co-Host: Dr Meredith Castles (@MeredithCastles)Production: Dr Meredith Castles (@MeredithCastles)Media & Promotion: Emma Hamasaki (@EmmaHamasaki)

The online world is full of great content to consume. But for every piece of useful information, there are innumerable sources of harmful and disturbing content that can be accessed. Content that is not just harmful to the consumer but to the people being exploited in the creation of it. What is standing between that harmful content and the person trying to access it? The answer is not much. Our guest, Dr Joel Scanlan who is a Cyber Security expert, and his colleagues have developed a ChatBot AI that attempts to act as a conscience for those consumers. Popping up to steer them in the right direction.Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)Co-Host: Dr Meredith Castles (@MeredithCastles)Production: Dr Meredith Castles (@MeredithCastles)Media & Promotion: Katya Bandow (@katyabandow)

Each year, Science in the Pub Tasmania's Inspiring Women in STEMM Fellowship not only recognises incredible women working in STEMM in Tasmania, but also provides the chance for them to conduct outreach in their home community.In today's episode, Olly hears from the 2024 fellows, Ella Smalley, Esmat Sarafraz, and Saranya Viswanathan, as they tell her all about their incredible projects.It's safe to say that she was left feeling more than just a little inspired, and there's a good chance you will, too. Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)Production: Simin Salarpour (@SalarpourSimin)Media & Promotion: Anna Abela (@annaoabela) and Ella Burgun

Welcome, listeners, to Part 4 of our mini-series recorded on the CSIRO research vessel (RV) Investigator!There's a lot of water out there in the ocean, and the scientists in today's episode are determined to understand as many drops of it as they can. With robust equipment, they can collect water from thousands of metres below sea level. What they do with the water after that, you'll just have to tune in to find out! Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)Production: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)Media & Promotion: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)

Welcome, listeners, to Part 3 of our mini-series recorded on the CSIRO research vessel (RV) Investigator!You've likely learnt long ago to keep electronics as far away from water as possible. But, in this week's episode, we're going to hear from two teams that use a whole lot of technology right in the middle of the ocean.From seeing never-before mapped seafloors to making sure everyone aboard can work to the best of their technological ability, these teams are the unsung heroes of ocean science, so join us as we hear their stories. Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)Production: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)Media & Promotion: Emma Hamasaki (@EmmaHamasaki)

Welcome, listeners, to Part 2 of our mini-series recorded on the CSIRO research vessel (RV) Investigator!Have you ever tried your hand at a lucky dip? What about hook-a-duck? In this week's episode we're going to hear about the deepest lucky dip possible: scooping rocks with a net on the bottom of the ocean. Chief Scientist Professor Jo Whittaker tells us about how this is possible, and is joined in the episode by fellow geologists and the crew on board who help facilitate the work. And, afterwards, join Olly as she's taken on a tour of the ship's galley and stores!Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)Production: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)Media & Promotion: Dr Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

Welcome, listeners, to Part 1 of our mini-series recorded on the CSIRO research vessel (RV) Investigator!In March 2024, Olly headed out to sea and interviewed not 1, not 2, but 26 of the adventurers aboard! Over the next four weeks, you'll be hearing from scientists, staff, crew, and students on the ship.This week, we're starting with the undergraduate students. Led by senior lecturer Dr Pier van der Merwe, the students went to sea to experience life as a marine scientist, undertaking a range of projects, alongside a healthy dose of backgammon and Catan games. Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)Production: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)Media & Promotion: Katya Bandow (@katyabandow)

What does it take to be an Olympian, and where do you go afterwards? In this episode, join Olly and Georgia for a compelling conversation with former Australian Olympic rower turned civil engineer Meagan Volker. Tune in as Meaghan shares the incredible journey that led her to compete in the 2016 Rio Olympics, rowing in the women's eight for Australia. Learn how the discipline and determination ingrained in her as an athlete have propelled her success in her career as an engineer, from road-building projects to irrigation schemes across Tasmania.Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod Host: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)Co-Host:Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)Production: Meredith Castles (@MeredithCastles),  Media & Promotion:  Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)

Explore Dr Anna Matala's extraordinary journey from violinist to pioneering scientist in this compelling episode. From her groundbreaking work in pyrolysis modelling to her pivotal role at Tasmania's Fire Centre and Hydro Tasmania, Dr Matala seamlessly bridges the worlds of fire and water. Discover the fascinating intersections between her passions and the profound impact of her multidisciplinary approach. Tune in to uncover the inspiring insights of this exceptional polymath.Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod Host: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)Co-Host: Simin Salarpour (@SalarpourSimin)Production: Simin Salarpour (@SalarpourSimin)Media & Promotion: Emma Hamasaki (@EmmaHamasaki)

Join us in this engaging episode as we delve into the fascinating world of mathematical modelling with David Horsley, a portfolio optimisation analyst at Hydro Tasmania. From statistical models of climate change to stochastic optimisation for hydro scheduling, David shares insights from his extensive experience. With a PhD in Applied Maths from UTAS and previous work on NASA's Space Geodesy Project, his expertise is unparalleled. Discover how David navigates the intersection of mathematics and nature, all while enjoying the beauty of Tasmania's outdoors.Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)Co-Host: Simin Salarpour (@SalarpourSimin)Production: Dr Meredith Castles (@MeredithCastles)Media & Promotion: Dr Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

How do you build a storm? Dr Courtney Quinn's maths journey has taken her all over the world, and she has combined this passion with her fascination of extreme weather events. She's now an expert in the field of dynamical systems where she models the complexities of atmospheric and large-scale weather systems. In this episode, Olly and Georgia discover what goes into the mathematical building blocks of a cyclone and how the rate of changes of our climate can affect these large weather systems. Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)Co-Host: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)Production: Simin Salarpour (@SalarpourSimin)Media & Promotion: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)

The hot, dry Mediterranean, the depths of the tropics and the computer screen, Dr Helena Vallicrosa works in a range of environments to understand how chemical elements, the building blocks of the earth, cycle through ecosystems. The ‘annoying kid' who always asked questions, a lack of representation in science meant that Helena didn't always think a career in science was available to her. Now Helena uses ‘big data' to find patterns and answer big questions about where plants can live and why in the complex landscape of a changing climate. Listen to hear Helena break-down her research, motivations as a scientist, and a career in science (academia vs industry) into their core elements.Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Dr Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys), Production: Ryan SmithMedia & Promotion: Dr Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)

In this episode, Olly and Sarah explore the world of electromagnetics with expert guest Dr Antony Lui. Antony's career in research has focused on applications related to electromagnetic theory, including medical diagnosis, and antennas for sensing and communications.Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)Co-Host: Sarah LydenProduction: Simin Salarpour (@SalarpourSimin)

Join Olly in Sarah in this episode as they talk to engineer and chemist Tim Jessup about Jetpacks, Mass-spectrometers and applying the scientific method to creating the ultimate brownie recipe.Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)Co-Host: Sarah LydenProduction: Ryan SmithMedia & Promotion: Katya Bandow (@katyabandow)