Superheroes of Science

What is Far-UVC technology, and How it Can Be Used to Make our Indoor Environments Healthier?

27 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today we chatted with John Rajchert about the application of using far UVC technology to make indoor environments healthier. Rajchert is a native of S...

Understanding Quantum Physics

13 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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. P...

What is the Mars Perseverance Rover Doing Now?

24 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Briony Horgan, Associate Professor of Planetary Sciences at Purdue University, is working to determine whether we are alone in the Universe, or if lif...

AI Bias and Ethical Concerns

04 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Lindsay Weinberg is a clinical assistant professor in the John Martinson Honors College at Purdue University, and the Director of the Tech Justice...

How Machine Learning and A.I. Models Work

19 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

From “writing code” without knowing code to training models, Professor Tianyi Zhang discusses how Machine Learning and A.I. models work and what t...

Who should study Cybersecurity?

28 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 Sc...

Understanding nuclear power.

08 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

From how nuclear power works to safety in the industry, Dr. Hitesh Bindra explains nuclear energy.  Hitesh is an Associate Professor at Purdue Univer...

Understanding AI and Computer Vision with Raymond Yeh

23 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Raymond Yeh is an assistant professor in the Department of Computer Sciences at Purdue University. His research is at the intersection of machine lear...

Being Curious Leads a Computer Scientist to Automated Algorithm Analysis

08 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Andres Bejarano began his career wanting to make video games. Today Andres is a computer scientist who is an Assistant Professor of Practice. He resea...

Fostering Collaborations: Institutes Driving Interdisciplinary Solutions for a Sustainable Future

14 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 w...

Harnessing the Power of Green Infrastructure for Sustainable Stormwater Management

28 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Nicole Chavas (President + Chief Operating Officer) and Lucy Kopchak (Associate Engineer) join us to discuss green infrastructure and sustainable engi...

How do architects design science laboratories?

14 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

What is Data Science and How is it Used?

30 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 inter...

The Dark Side of the Moon: and other misconceptions...

16 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Conservation of Valuable Land Through a Land Trust

03 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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...

The Quest to Discover Dark Matter

22 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 Ma...

Exploring Ancient Volcanoes: Unveiling Insights from the Past

21 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Disha Okhai researches ancient volcanoes to learn about the patterns and processes that provide valuable information about how magma accumulates, move...

Demystifying Severe Storms and Tornadoes: Separating Fact from Fiction

09 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This exciting crash course on tornado formation is led by Professor Dan Dawson, aka “Tornado Dan,” renowned research scientist from Purdue Univers...

Demystifying Severe Storms and Tornadoes: Separating Fact from Fiction

09 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This exciting crash course on tornado formation is led by Professor Dan Dawson, aka “Tornado Dan,” renowned research scientist from Purdue Univers...

Frozen Quest: A Geochemist's Antarctic Expedition Searching for Knowledge

24 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Geochemist Marissa Tremblay recently returned from a field research excursion in Antarctica. She describes the extreme cold environment as well as the...

Understanding Drug Discovery: Finding the Cure for the Flu

11 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Drug Discovery is a very interdisciplinary field of research. Imrul Shahriar, Ph.D. Candidate with the Low Research Laboratory at Purdue Institute for...

Moons of the Milky Way: The Ingredients for Life

26 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Michael Sori (Purdue University Planetary Geophysics & Surface Processes) discusses bodies in our solar system that have ice, underground oceans, ...

Using Weather Balloons for Scientific Research and Education

23 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this informative episode, Brandon Pearson, the Director of NearSpace Education, explains the myriad uses of weather balloons and how they contribut...

What to Expect and do During a Total Solar Eclipsed

08 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Rafael Lang from Purdue University Physics and Astronomy explains to us that “ a particle solar eclipse is something you see, a total solar ecli...

Learning from Seismic White Noise

27 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What was once considered background seismic white noise or ambient waves is now a valuable learning tool about the environment. Elita Li is investigat...

CubeSats: The Future of Space Exploration

29 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Agrivoltaics: Pairing Agriculture with Solar Farms for a Cleaner Environment

23 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Paul Mathewson, Science Program Director for Clean Wisconsin, joined us to discuss some current initiatives related to solar energy and address se...

Explore Titan: A World Like No Other

07 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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. T...

Biomedical Engineering: Designing the least invasive medical procedures

20 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Minimally invasive surgeries are ideal for reducing recovery time for patients. Biomedical engineers play an important role in figuring out the design...

Shooting Stars: Could They be From Other Planets?

10 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

From space weathering to lunar soils, Dr. Michelle Thompson, Purdue University EAPS,  is actively furthering our knowledge about the universe. She no...

Can you x-ray a goldfish? A discussion with a veterinary radiologist.

28 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Where are the ingredients in your medicine coming from?

15 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Getting the Green Light: How a research program is chosen for NASA funding

24 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

How is a research program chosen for funding by NASA? As various scientific field campaigns are implemented, some of the campaigns reach the scientifi...

Heliophysics and Solar Eclipses with NASA HEAT

10 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 o...

World Water and Wetlands: Looking at the Present and Considering the Future

01 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

There are many variables that play a role in understanding the impacts of water as it relates to the development of different environments. Kayla Cott...

What a Chemist has to do with an OLED TV

10 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 wavelengt...

Chaos of the Weather: An Interview with a Meteorologist

14 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

They found water on Mars! Will they find life?

04 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Brad Garczynski, PhD Candidate in the Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences at Purdue University, researches Martian rocks with the...

Exploring new energy needs: Environmentally responsible energy products

16 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Doug Schmitt is the Professor and Stephen and Karen Brand Endowed Chair of Unconventional Energy at Purdue University. Dr. Schmitt provides insigh...

Sequencing genes to understand the instructions for life: All about the -omics

09 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

 Dr. Tommy Sors, Assistant Director of the Purdue Institute of Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Disease (PI4D), explains the role that STEM pr...

Going green from the roof down: Green Roof install

25 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Green roofs are utilized to create habitat, promote health and well-being, reduce stormwater runoff, protect buildings, and conserve energy! John Alec...

Designing the Wastewater Treatment Infrastructure of the Future

11 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Wastewater has become a commodity and it's being used in many different ways around the globe! Most wastewater infrastructure throughout the United St...

YOU are Wired to Learn Through Stories

28 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Studies have shown that when students are connected with their peers, the process of learning new things becomes easier. Collaborative opportunities w...

Ancient Pollen, Dinosaur Tracks, Volcanic Ash Beds: Clues to the Past for Geophysicists

15 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Understanding and Preventing Invasive Species

28 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Do your favorite pastimes involve water? Boaters, anglers, water gardeners, even classroom aquariums carry the potential to spread invasive species. G...

Respectfully Blending Indigenous Knowledge with Western Science

14 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

How do we blend Indigenous knowledge with Western science in a respectful way, and ensure that members of Indigenous communities are included in the d...

What’s up with microplastics, pharmaceuticals in the water, and where are they coming from?

01 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 P...

What is the Richter Scale and how a logarithmic scale works

11 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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, an...

Avoiding Injury: Is it just soreness or something more serious?

10 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 possibl...

Top Tips from Purdue Registered Dietitian for Positive Nutrition Changes

03 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

How much of the brain do we use? What are some important things we need to know about our brain?

20 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Using artificial or high intensity sweeteners: Can they help with my nutritional goals?

09 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

‘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 artificia...

The Density of Water and Measuring Hypoxia in the Great Lakes: Looking into Water Quality

06 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

While hypoxia, or the reduced amount of oxygen available in a body of water, is a naturally occurring phenomenon, human impact can make hypoxia worse....

Martian minerals? How do we know what’s there?

15 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Did you ever wonder how scientists know what rocks are on Mars? Dr. Roger Wiens, PI of the SuperCam instrument on the Perseverance Rover that just lan...

What is Climate Change and how do we really know?

02 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Cziczo is not only a friend of the Science from the Experts show on Superheroes of Science, he is an atmospheric scientist whose publications have...

What are aerosols, where are they, and why we should care

25 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Aerosols can be naturally existing or man-made, and both types of aerosols exist in our atmosphere. Alexander Laskin, Professor of Analytical Chemistr...

Cryptography and Number Theory: From Password Encryption to Secret Codes

20 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Did you know that a 6 digit passcode takes less than 1 day to crack, while a 10 digit passcode can take several years? Just do not use a phone number,...

Bioenergy, Biomass, and What is in a Barrel of Petroleum?

11 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Professor Tim Donohue from University of Wisconsin-Madison joins us to discuss Bioenergy. Donohue explains the importance of thinking about bioenergy-...

What is Environmental Health? Looking at endocrine disrupting chemicals, health disparities, and environmental racism

04 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Most all diseases include some kind of environmental component according to Dr. Sarah Evans, Assistant Professor of Environmental Medicine and Public ...

The Fourth Industrial Revolution: The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Effect

27 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Deep learning was such an unpopular field of research in 2012 that there were only 3 labs in the world doing any research. Only in the last decade hav...

How Anthropologists Know What You Ate and Where You Came From!

20 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

When a crime takes place, it seems natural that collecting DNA evidence would be a necessary part of the investigation. But what happens if there isn’...

How Scientists Measure Radioactive Isotopes

13 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Ryan Ickert, senior research scientist with the Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences at Purdue University, describes how radio...

Sea Level Rise in North American Coastal Regions: Impacts upon Coastal Aquatic Ecosystems

31 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. David A. Padgett is an Associate Professor of Geography and Director of the Geographic Information Sciences Laboratory at Tennessee State Universi...

Wildfire Recovery: How to Become Fire-adapted

23 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Ronnie Schumann, Associate professor in the Department of Emergency Management and Disaster Science at the University of North Texas, tells us tha...

The Real Story Behind Asian giant hornets known as Murder Hornets or Halloween Hornets

16 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The story of the Asian giant hornet, or murder hornet, starts with an email: “I found a bug...what is it”? Dr. Gwen Pearson runs the Human Insect ...

Mapping the Guts of Volcanoes: A Collaborative Effort

02 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What do the guts of a volcano look like? According to Jonathan Delph, Assistant Professor in the Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Scienc...

Using Deep Learning and Blockchain Technologies to Improve Cybersecurity

26 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Advancements in technology are creating infinite opportunities for improvements to cybersecurity. Jin Wei-Kocsis, Assistant Professor of Computer and ...

The process of visualizing data: why we need it and how it provides insight to big data

19 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Data is all around us! What can we do to make this data meaningful and understandable without making it complicated and overwhelming? Vetria Byrd, Ass...

Quantum Mechanics Explained: Wave Mechanics are all Around You

13 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Tillmann Kubis, the Katherine Ngai Pesic & Silvaco Research Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Purdue University, explains ...

How Fireworks are Made

22 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Explore the science that goes into firework displays with Paul Smith, Director of Lecture Demonstrations for the Department of Chemistry at Purdue Uni...

How to Help Prevent Hackers from Stealing Your Information

18 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Do you know all the ways you can be hacked? Dr. Ida Ngambeki, Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer and Information Technology and Executi...

Good plants, bad rap: Invasive species and the Bradford Pear. What can we do?

09 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

While some invasive species like the Bradford pear tree can seem like a good thing, (trees ARE good for the environment!), they are considered invasiv...

Plant Propagation 101

07 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Horticulture helps us improve the environment, strengthen community, use environmental solutions to solve real-world problems, and bring beauty to the...

Understanding the Science Behind MRI Technology

24 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What is MRI? Is it an invasive procedure? How do the risks of getting an MRI compare to the risks involved with getting an X-ray? Deva Chan, Assistant...

Researching the Kiss of Death

17 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Proteins perform a lot of different jobs within our cells. As proteins either age or mutate, they can begin to cause problems for the cells. The ubiqu...

Looking for Alien Life: Goldilocks Planets and Alien Smog

03 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Are there habitable planets outside of our solar system? Dr. Ravi Kopparapu, Planetary Scientist at NASA Goddard, explains that almost every star in o...

What a PAINS! Medicinal chemistry and the challenges of developing cancer drugs.

30 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What is medicinal chemistry? Delmis Hernandez, PhD candidate (focusing in organic chemistry) in the Department of Chemistry at Purdue University, desc...

Metal Clouds and Exoplanet Science

26 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What might clouds on other planets, even planets outside our own solar system, look like?  Alexandria Johnson, Assistant Professor of Practice and Re...

What does it take for a farm to be considered organic? Why does organic food cost more?

19 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Brian Bates, owner of Bear Creek Organic Farm, suggests thinking about organic farming in terms of an overall broad system that includes biodiversity,...

Harmful Impacts of Road Salt and Possible Alternatives

12 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Monika Bleszynski, Research Scientist and Adjunct Professor at the University of Denver, discusses some of the harmful impacts of road salt along ...

Understanding droughts. Yes, there are going to be more!

05 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Yadu Pokhrel is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Michigan State University. In this episode, Pokhrel...

Why You Have Body Odor: The Science Behind Sweating, Deodorant and Antiperspirant.

29 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Lindsey Britt is a Product Formulator for Procter & Gamble where she creates (and patents!) beauty products. Currently, Britt is the lead formulator f...

Owl’s response to stimulus inspires hearing test for infants

22 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Avinash Bala, Research Associate at the University of Oregon and Founder of Perceptivo, noticed something about the way owls responded to unexpect...

Regenerative farming: Reducing carbon emissions, increasing nutrient density, creating healthy soil

15 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Rick Clark, 5th generation farmer from Williamsport, Indiana, is taking a systematic approach to regenerative farming. Improving soil health by suppor...

How to Save the Honey Bees, Their Life Cycles, and Hive Management

08 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Honey bees will be foraging for food this spring and you can help! Anne Morningstar, Co-owner, Co-founder, Lead Beekeeper and Brand manager of Bear Cr...

Geography in the Modern World, Geospatial Technology, GIS and Story Maps

01 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Kathy Lamb Kozenski, the Executive Director of the Geography Educators Network of Indiana, explains that geography is more than just making a map; it ...

Using machine learning to track player stats in major league baseball

22 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Kristen Mori, a Machine Learning Engineer with the Houston Astros, joins us for this episode. Kristen explains what machine learning is and how it’s...

Making Sense of Misinformation, Disinformation, Fake News, Memes, Twitter Bots, and Intent in Social Media.

16 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Matthew DeVerna, Ph.D. student, from the Observatory on Social Media (OSoMe) at Indiana University discusses many aspects of “misinformation”. The...

Dr. Jill Newton discusses mathematics in cultures around the world, what Mathematicians look like and career possibilities.

06 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jill Newton, Associate Professor of Mathematics Education at Purdue University joins us to discuss her career path that led her to become a professor ...

Cultural Anthropologist, Andrew Flachs, discusses ways people create the environments and GMO seeds

14 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Andrew Flachs, Assistant Professor of Anthropology at Purdue University, has returned to discuss ways people impact the environment. Andrew shows ...

Understanding humanity: Dr. Andrew Flachs explains the four areas of anthropology

08 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Andrew Flachs is an Assistant Professor of Anthropology at Purdue University. In this part one of a two-part interview, Andrew explains the four a...

How astrophysicists use these wave bands of the electromagnetic spectrum to study neutron stars, pulsars, black holes, and other things in the universe.

30 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Dimitrios Giannios, Associate Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Purdue University uses different wavelengths of light from the electromagnetic spe...

Treating brain tumors and improving quality of life for cancer patients

16 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Tiffany Lyle, Assistant Professor of Veterinary Anatomic Pathology at Purdue University, speaks about the importance of the blood-brain barrier and wa...

Erica Carlson describes how electrons can demonstrate states of matter.

09 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Erica Carlson, theoretical physicist and 150th Anniversary Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Purdue University. Carlson discusses conductors, supe...

The role of machine learning in the quest for drug free therapy to treat pain and inflammation

05 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Matthew Ward, Research Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Purdue University and Adjunct Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine at the ...

Catherine Searle discusses native and invasive species, and disease ecology

02 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Catherine Searle, Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Purdue University, researches disease ecology. Searle discusses nati...

Dr. Chris Uyeda discusses catalysts, catalytic reactions, and transition metals.

26 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Chris Uyeda, Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Purdue University, researches catalysts and catalytic reactions that are useful to ...

Discovering proteins and searching for a treatment to Parkinson’s

20 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Seema Mattoo, Assistant Professor in Biological Sciences at Purdue, researches prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and Fic proteins. Mattoo explains ...

NASA Ambassador Explains Blue Moon, Blood Moon, Harvest Moon, New Moon, and Why to Learn Coding

06 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Tony Rice, NASA Ambassador for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, discusses the moon. He discusses phases of the Moon and leads into some of the back...

How websites and social media are manipulating you with Dark Patterns

28 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Colin Gray is an Assistant Professor in the computer graphics technology department in Purdue Polytechnic Institute. He is the program lead for user t...