LAB LIFE: Recent Episodes
Air Force Materiel Command
Supersonic flight. GPS. Space food. Big developments come out of the Air Force Research Laboratory. Lab Life brings you behind the scenes with the Air Force scientists, engineers and professionals who are developing tomorrow’s technology, today.
On this episode of Lab Life, we're joined by the Director of SpaceWERX Arthur Grijalva to discuss the importance of investing in low Earth orbit technologies, partnering with academia and industry and above all else, how the team is already shaping the United States Air and Space Force's future in the stars.
Dr. Richard Vaia of the Air Force Research Laboratory, Dr. Jess Tice of Northrop Grumman, and Dr. Anna Balazs of the University of Pittsburgh join the podcast with special guest co-host, Dr. Branden Brough the Director of the National Nanotechnology Coordination Office, to discuss nanotechnology.Nanotechnology is the understanding and control of matter at the nanoscale (about 10, 000 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair!), where unique phenomena enable novel applications. We celebrate National Nanotechnology Day on October 9th which pays homage to the nanometer scale, 10 –9 meters.The National Nanotechnology Initiative is a U.S. Government research and development initiative. Over thirty Federal departments, independent agencies, and commissions work together toward the shared vision of a future in which the ability to understand and control matter at the nanoscale leads to ongoing revolutions in technology and industry that benefit society.
Dr. Andrew Gillman, an AFRL Materials Research Engineer; Mr. Nate Ames, executive director of The Ohio State University's Center for Design and Manufacturing Excellence; and Dr. Michael A. Groeber, an Ohio State University professor join the podcast to discuss the power of partnerships. Their collaboration led to a robotic black blacksmithing system, which uses incremental forming, a heat-assisted metalworking process that permits users to manufacture small lots of customized manufactured parts.
Dr. Alex Alaniz joins the podcast to discuss the buzz around Chat GPT, the creation of his own Albert Einstein chatbot and his thoughts on artificial intelligence and wargaming.
We dive back to a conversation with Dr. Craig Przybyla, a recent AFRL Inspire Speaker, to discuss the Engineering Scientist Exchange Program, why ceramics are a hot topic in aerospace and his work in our AFRL Materials and Manufacturing Directorate.
Ms. Karen Roth joins the podcast to discuss open innovation, community partnerships and her role as Chief Engineer of the AFRL Information Directorate in Rome, New York.
Dr. Lisa Rueschhoff and Dr. Matthew Dickerson from AFRL's Materials and Manufacturing Directorate discuss the power of polymers, high temperature ceramics and the impact materials research has on our everyday lives.
Dr. Lloyd Tripp discusses aerospace physiology and his work within AFRL’s 711th Human Performance Wing. Listen as we navigate through Dr. Tripp’s fascinating 45 year career, including work with AFRL's Research Altitude Chambers and the only human rated centrifuge owned by the Department of Defense.
Colonel Janelle Jackson, Deputy Director and Detachment 14 Commander of the Air Force Office Scientific Research (AFOSR), joins the podcast to discuss AFOSR's worldwide operations and the engineers, actors and family members who inspired her education and career.
Join us as we launch into 2023 with Major General Heather Pringle, AFRL Commander. We discuss prior year successes, current priorities, Department of the Air Force Vanguards, Digital Thread and more in this episode.
Dr. Dan Berrigan and Dr. Lauren Ferguson join the podcast to discuss digital transformation, AFRL's Google pilot initiative and the mantra "collaborate to innovate."
Dr. John Welter of AFRL’s Materials and Manufacturing Directorate joins the podcast to discuss nondestructive evaluation of aircraft and more.
Lt Col Saleem Razvi and Capt Mitchell Cochell join the podcast to discuss Air Force Rugby and the importance of being "Fit to Live."
Dr. Tulsi Patel, a National Research Council Fellow at AFRL, joins the podcast to discuss nanoelectronics, quantum, neuromorphic computing, how art can influence science and the Air Force Women in Science and Engineering's literary group - LitWISE.
DeliaRae Jesaitis and Stephen Colenzo join the Air Force Research Laboratory's podcast to discuss hackers, the space domain and the event that brings both together...Hack-A-Sat.
As our lives become increasingly dependent on technologies that lie deep in space and the commercialization of space accelerates above us…we must do what it takes to secure our universe. In its 3rd year, Hack-A-Sat is designed to inspire the world’s top cybersecurity talent to develop the skills necessary to help reduce vulnerabilities and build more secure space systems. #HackASat3
Nils Sedano, Technical Advisor for AFRL’s Liquid Engines Branch joins the podcast to discuss the influence of AFRL technologies throughout United States Air Force and Space Force history, aerospike engines and what makes Southern California testing culture so unique.
Mr. Timothy Sakulich, the Executive Director of the Air Force Research Laboratory, joins the podcast to discuss problem solving, the art of subtraction and what makes Scandinavian crime fiction so captivating.
Dr. Monica Allen, a principal research electronics engineer with the Air Force Research Laboratory, enlightens listeners on the world of photonics and plasmonics.
Dr. Leonard Lightfoot joins the podcast to discuss 5G, microelectronics and the value of challenging yourself when opportunity knocks.
As a program element monitor (PEM) for two multi-million-dollar portfolios, Dr. Lightfoot advocates for the relevance and necessity of Sensor technologies and capabilities research, such as for secure and trusted microelectronics systems. He received the 2022 Black Engineer of the Year Award (BEYA) in STEM for Professional Achievement
Join us as we launch into 2022 with Major General Heather Pringle, AFRL Commander. General Pringle discusses space, digital transformation, climate, China, COVID-19, human capital and more in this episode.
Dr. Leah Rowe joins the podcast for a special double feature. Part one focuses on Dr. Rowe's work as an AFRL Research Psychologist focusing on adaptive training. Part two jumps forward one year to a second interview with Dr. Rowe as she supports the mission by working outside of AFRL through the Entrepreneurial Opportunities Program.
Dr. Emily Heckman discusses discovering galaxies, astrophysics, printed electronics and the power of theater.
AFRL's magical Elf on the Shelf R.O.S.A. (Roving Organizational Surveillance Assistant) join the podcast to discuss her work on the Hypersleigh and systems such as D.E.E.R. and G.I.F.T..
Learn more about her work by following #AFReseachLabElf on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Visit www.afresearchlab.com/stem for STEM resources.
Dr. Alexis Lewis of the National Science Foundation, Dr. Benji Maruyama of the Air Force Research Laboratory, and Dr. Eric Stach of the University of Pennsylvania join the podcast to discuss autonomous research and how open-source software can enable scientists to expedite research.
Col. Nathan Diller, AFWERX Director, joins the podcast to discuss how the AFWERX and SpaceWERX missions are crucial to forming the Air Force and Space Force of tomorrow. As an innovation arm of the Department of the Air Force and powered by the Air Force Research Laboratory, AFWERX transitions agile, affordable and accelerated capabilities by teaming innovative technology developers with Airmen and Guardian talent.
Ms. Corinne Sedano, an AFRL Group Lead for Chemical Propulsion - Flight Programs, joins the podcast to discuss her work at NASA, satellite propulsion and AFRL's Advanced Spacecraft Energetic Non-Toxic (ASCENT) green propellant.
Dr. Brad Barrett joins the podcast to discuss meteorology, storm chasing and his work as a program officer at the Air Force Office of Scientific Research's Southern Office of Aerospace Research and Development (SOARD) in Santiago, Chile.
Mr. John Henry Williams joins the podcast to discuss bunker busters, discovery downtime and what it takes to become a materials detective.
Dr. Stacy Manni, an International Program Officer for the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, joins the podcast from Santiago, Chile. Dr. Manni reflects on her experiences on September 11, 2001 and how it changed her career trajectory in the fields of chemistry and scientific diplomacy.
Dr. Kelly Hammett joins the podcast to discuss lightsabers, directed energy and the United States Space Force.
Dr. Joanna Hinks joins us for our first "Lab Bite" to explain how GPS works. "Lab Bites" are short bite-sized looks into topics that didn't make it into a feature length episode. Dr. Hinks also joined us on Episdoe 31: What's a Vanguard.
Dr. Michael Gregg, AFRL Aerospace Systems Director, joins the podcast to discuss hypersonics, rotating detonation engines and cars.
Dr. Robert Fugate discusses his astounding career in physics, astrophotography and how he gained the title “Father of Laser Guide Star Adaptive Optics.”
Dr. Jack Drummond discusses moons orbiting asteroids, adaptive optics and why astronomy is known as the queen of the sciences.
Dr. Kamran Ghiassi, an AFRL senior research chemist and team lead, discusses satellite propulsion, STEM outreach and teamwork.
Dr. Kathleen Dipple, an AFRL alternative navigation research scientist, joins the Lab Life podcast to discuss the power of gold nanoparticles, alternative navigation techniques and how important it is to find a supportive community in the workplace.
AFRL Space Vehicles experts Christina Straight and Evelyn Kent join the podcast to discuss satellite operations, risk posturing and the Air Force Test Pilot School's inaugural Space Test Fundamentals Course.
Major Michael Nayak, now with the Air Force Test Center, returns to the podcast to discuss being a test pilot, risk posturing and how the culture around space testing is beginning to change.
Dr. Moriba Jah, a University of Texas at Austin professor, AFRL Fellow and TED Fellow joins the podcast to discuss space environmentalism, space junk, the future of space tracking and Hogwarts houses.
Dr. Shanee Pacley and Dr. Candice Hatcher-Solis discuss their careers, the Air Force Women in Science and Engineering (AFWISE) resource group, and inspiring women in STEM.
Dr. Candice Hatcher-Solis, a research biological scientist, gives listeners a "Brain 101" with a focus on how memory works. She also discusses her research to advance the field of neuroscience, specifically in the area of brain stimulation.
Dr. Rajesh Naik and Dr. Justin Gallivan discuss AFRL's Biotechnology Challenge, microbes and how to make the perfect cup of coffee.
Dr. Naik is the Chief Scientist of the Air Force Research Laboratory's 711th Human Performance Wing. Dr. Gallivan is the Senior Scientist for Systems and Synthetic Biology in the 711th Human Performance Wing.
Ms. Anissa Lumpkin discusses Hollywood takes on military technology, the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, as well as a Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) initiative.
Air Force Research Laboratory Commander Brig. Gen. Heather Pringle discusses the power of the scientific method, AFRL unicorns, Space Force Guardians, and more.
Leslie Flocken joins us on the podcast to discuss the fascinating wind tunnel work she does with the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory in the UK and the research her team's done to promote safety in the workplace during COVID-19.
Dr. Michael Hayduk joins us to discuss the amazing work at the Air Force Research Laboratory's Information Directorate, the city of Rome, NY, and of course, tomato pie!
Dan Andrews is the K - 12 Science, Techonology, Engineering and Mathematics, aka STEM, Team Lead for Wright Patterson Air Force Base's Education Outreach Program. He joins us to discuss what his work entails, robotics competitions and how important LEGOs are to STEM Education.
Dr. Shawn Phillips joins us to discuss just what really goes down at the Air Force Research Laboratory's Rocket Propulsion Division on Edwards Air Force Base, and he wants you to know it’s definitely not alien related. Listen in to learn about his position as the Deputy Chief of the RPD, his thoughts on the new TV show "Space Force" and his love of writing sci-fi fantasy novels!
Major Camdon Cady and Dr. David Deprospero discuss getting the right information to the right decision maker at the right time. Their team created the Advanced Battle Management System DeviceOne SecureView platform that allows users to remotely access classified networks – from wherever they need – including their homes.
Pre-pandemic we spoke to four Air Force Chief Master Sergeants - CMSgt Stanley Cadell, CMSgt Ian Eishen, CMSgt David Wade and CMSgt Paul Barbee - about staying resilient during tough times and the everyday grind.
We dive beyond the cool names to learn more about Golden Horde, Skyborg and Navigation Technology Satellite - 3 (NTS-3).
Gen Cook, an AFRL biostatistics expert and trained epidemiologist, reflects on watching science unfold in real time during a global pandemic.
Lindsay Bukalew, an AFRL exercise physiologist, discusses how a data-centered approach to injury prevention on the Operational Support Teams is improving Airmen Readiness.
Researchers need to know more than just the science. Maj. Gen. Timothy Kelly and Sabra Tomb, JD talk protecting inventions, licensing and data rights.
Kristen Sims, an AFRL Rocket Propulsion Division project liaison, shares how her service dog Magnus helps accomplish the mission at Edwards Air Force Base, California.
Dr. Timothy Bunning discusses his new role as AFRL's Chief Technology Officer, mentorship, and the inspirational Jacques Cousteau.
Dr. Rajesh Naik, Chief Scientist of AFRL’s 711th Human Performance Wing discusses synthetic biology, human-machine teaming and more.
In this episode of Lab Life, we speak with Sabra Tomb who discusses opera in anechoic chambers, the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) Internship and the Pathways Program.
Learn more about opportunities at:
AFRL Student Opportunities: https://afresearchlab.com/careers-and-opportunities/students-and-faculty/
ORISE: https://orise.orau.gov/stem/internships-fellowships-research-opportunities/index.html
Pathways Program: https://www.opm.gov/about-us/careers-at-opm/students-recent-graduates/
In this episode, we speak with Jake Helinski who hypes his time in the Premier College Intern Program (PCIP) and his AFRL journey in the Palace Acquire (PAQ) program.
Learn more about opportunities at:
AFRL Student Opportunities: https://afresearchlab.com/careers-and-opportunities/students-and-faculty/
Pathways Program: https://www.opm.gov/about-us/careers-at-opm/students-recent-graduates/
From developing tactical glow sticks to improving search and rescue kits, Army veteran and entrepreneur Nick Ripplinger shares how he partnered with the Air Force Research Laboratory to light the way for the warfighter.
In this episode, Dr. Fries and Dr. Sjoberg explain the science behind novel viruses and discuss how the United States School of Aerospace Medicine monitors influenza, providing the Centers for Disease Control with critical data for the development of the flu vaccine.
Darrell Phillipson's life has taken him from active duty Air Force service to a stint in financial planning, moonlighting as a literary mascot and now to his role as vice director at the Air Force Research Laboratory's 711th Human Performance Wing. There's something to be said for diversity of experience on the path to becoming a leader. Listen to this episode to learn more about his fascinating life and career.
Astronaut, geologist, and the most recent living man to have walked on the moon, Dr. Harrison "Jack" Schmitt, joins us today to speak on the Apollo 17 mission, geology and the future of space travel.
On this episode of The Lab Life podcast, the Air Force Research Laboratory's Alex Garcia and Capt. Josh Lee talk about networked weapons, guidance systems and what their teams are doing to keep the fight 'unfair.'
To submit questions or feedback for our podcast, email lablifepodcast@gmail.com.
Visit us online at www.afresearchlab.com
Are you ready to dive into a world so small, it has its own field of study? Air Force Research Laboratory 1st Lt. Kaitlin Poole joins the podcast from Rome, NY to shed some light on the wonderfully intriguing world of quantum networking.
In this episode of the Lab Life podcast, we come to you LIVE from the 2019 Air Force Association Air, Space and Cyber conference. Senior leaders from across the Air Force visited the Air Force Research Laboratory’s podcast booth to share what the future of science and technology for the service looks like to them.
Listen to hear senior leader thoughts on the future of Air Force S & T from leaders including:
-Matthew Donovan, then Acting Secretary of the Air Force -Dr. Will Roper, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics -Gen. Arnold W. Bunch Jr., Air Force Materiel Command Commander -Lt. Gen. Robert McMurry, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Commander -Maj. Gen. William Cooley, Air Force Research Laboratory Commander -Maj. Gen. Carl Schaefer, Air Force Materiel Command Deputy Commander ...and many more!
Dr. James Christensen, an Advanced Development Project Lead at the Air Force Research Laboratory, found a way to not only get inside of an aircraft's wing, but he managed to have a C-130 wing delivered to his cubicle, too!
Listen in on that and more on this episode of The Lab Life podcast!
In this episode of the Lab Life podcast, we talk to Kevin Schmidt, a mountain climbing researcher looking into how oxygen deprivation effects your cognitive functions at altitude.
To learn more about the Air Force Research Laboratory, visit www.afresearchlab.com or follow us on social media at @AFresearchlab.
To leave feedback on this show and offer suggestions for future episodes, email us at lablifepodcast@gmail.com.
Brittany Fouts is a Biomedical Engineer who oversees major projects that keep Airmen safe in the skies above. Learn more about how this junior researcher is making a major impact for our Air Force on this episode of the Lab Life podcast.
To learn more about the Air Force Research Laboratory, visit www.afresearchlab.com or follow us on social media at @AFresearchlab.
To leave feedback on this show and offer suggestions for future episodes, email us at lablifepodcast@gmail.com.
In his episode of the Lab Life podcast, Air Force Research Laboratory Chief Intrepreneur, Ryan Helbach talks about his unique job title and how to achieve your job related dreams!
To learn more about the Air Force Research Laboratory, visit www.afresearchlab.com or follow us on social media at @AFresearchlab.
To leave feedback on this show and offer suggestions for future episodes, email us at lablifepodcast@gmail.com.
In this episode of the Lab Life podcast, Dr. Rick Graves explores the world of digital engineering where aircraft are "zeros" and "ones".
To learn more about the Air Force Research Laboratory, visit www.afresearchlab.com or follow us on social media at @AFresearchlab.
To leave feedback on this show and offer suggestions for future episodes, email us at lablifepodcast@gmail.com.
Just in time for the 50th Anniversary of the Lunar Landing, we bring you some Air Force space history from the lab!
In this episode of Lab Life, Air Force Research Laboratory historian Kevin Rusnak helps separate fact from fiction as he explains all of the behind-the-scenes work the Air Force did to help get man on the moon.
To learn more about the Air Force Research Laboratory, visit www.afresearchlab.com or follow us on social media at @AFresearchlab.
To leave feedback on this show and offer suggestions for future episodes, email us at lablifepodcast@gmail.com.
This episode of the Lab Life podcast features Maj. Gen. William "Bill" Cooley, Air Force Research Laboratory commander, who speaks about his career as a technologist and several areas of interest to AFRL, including biology, human genetics, materials science, high energy laser systems, GPS, space vehicles and more. Cooley also speaks about his vision of AFRL as a central hub for the "science and technology ecosystem" and what got him interested in physics when he was a young lieutenant.
To learn more about our work, visit www.afresearchlab.com. If you have suggestions or inputs for current or future episodes, send us an email at lablifepodcast@gmail.com.
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In this episode, we speak with Dr. Joe Lyons, an industrial organizational psychologist at the Air Force Research Laboratory about human-machine interaction, trust and whether robots will take over the world.
To learn more about our work on human-machine interaction and autonomy, visit www.afresearchlab.com. If you have suggestions or inputs for current or future episodes, send us an email at lablifepodcast@gmail.com.
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On this episode of the podcast, Dr. Dan Berrigan, a digital manufacturing research team lead at the Air Force Research Laboratory returns to the podcast to talk about the origins of AFRL Inspire, a one-day, TED Talk-like event that showcases the inspiring work of AFRL researchers in a live, dynamic environment.
If you’re interested in how to cook an aircraft, the psychology of a hero or breaking the biological kill chain, check out previous AFRL Inspire talks on our YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/c/AFResearchLab
To learn more about this year's event on April 16 at the Dayton Convention Center in Dayton, Ohio, follow along on our social media pages and the web for information on attending the show live in person.
www.afresearchlab.com www.facebook.com/AFresearchlab www.twitter.com/afresearchlab
To submit questions or feedback for this episode, send an email to lablifepodcast@gmail.com.
On this episode of the podcast, Dr. Dan Berrigan, a digital manufacturing research team lead at the Air Force Research Laboratory joins us to talk digital manufacturing, teaching robots and Star Trek. Dr. Berrigan is an engaging guest with lots of great ideas for the Air Force. You don't want to miss this!
To learn more about Dr. Berrigan's work, visit our website at www.afresearchlab.com. To submit questions or feedback for this episode, send an email to lablifepodcast@gmail.com.
www.facebook.com/AFresearchlab www.twitter.com/afresearchlab
Caylee Dymond, an Air Force Research Laboratory researcher focused on personnel recovery, joins the podcast to discuss the upcoming “AFRL Inspire,” a one-day TED Talk-like event that showcases the inspiring work of AFRL researchers. If you’re interested in how to cook an aircraft, the psychology of a hero or breaking the biological kill chain, check out previous AFRL Inspire talks on our YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/c/AFResearchLab
To learn more about this year's event on April 16 at the Dayton Convention Center in Dayton, Ohio, follow along on our social media pages and the web for information on attending the show live in person.
www.facebook.com/AFresearchlab www.twitter.com/afresearchlab
The Air Force Research Laboratory's Lab Life podcast brings you stories from the people in the labs creating the next generation of science and technology for the Air Force.
In this episode we chat with John Hoffman, Information Security Manager at the AFRL whose jobs is to keep Department of Defense supercomputers safe. He shares stories on the amazing capabilities of supercomputers, including flight testing and how the computers have been used to rapidly determine antibiotic treatment for Anthrax.
To submit questions or feedback for this episode, send an email to lablifepodcast@gmail.com.
The Air Force Research Laboratory's Lab Life podcast brings you stories from the people in the labs creating the next generation of science and technology for the Air Force.
The Air Force Research Laboratory's Lab Life podcast brings you stories from the lab, covering technology of yesterday, today and the future.
Welcome to the Air Force Research Laboratory's Lab Life podcast, where we interview the scientists and engineers behind the Air Force's cutting-edge technology of today and the future.