AMSEcast: Recent Episodes
American Museum of Science and Energy
Produced from the American Museum of Science and Energy, AMSEcast invites guests from the world of science, literature, and technology to share unique perspectives from the realm of the highly trained and curiously minded.
On this episode of AMSEcast, host and American Museum of Science and Energy executive director Alan Lowe sits down with Mike Pitts to discuss the history of Rapa Nui, commonly referred to as Easter Island. Although not everything can be discerned about the story of this complex and history-rich island, much of the picture can be painted!
On this episode of AMSEcast, host and American Museum of Science and Energy executive director Alan Lowe discusses the science of life with Philip Ball, taking an in-depth dive into Ball's newest book, How Life Works: A User's Guide to the New Biology.
On this episode of AMSEcast, host and American Museum of Science and Energy executive director Alan Lowe sits down with Jason Clark of the USPTO to discuss the history and the relevance of trademarks, patents, and copyrights for inventions in America to celebrate America's big 250th birthday!
On this episode of AMSEcast, host and American Museum of Science and Energy Executive Director Alan Lowe sits down with award-winning journalist Jeffrey Stern to discuss his widely successful book, "The Warhead: The Quest to Build the Perfect Weapon in the Age of Modern Warfare."
On this episode of AMSEcast, host and American Museum of Science and Energy executive director Alan Lowe sits to chat with Paul Cantonwine, author of "The Never-Ending Challenge of Engineering: Admiral H.G. Rickover in His Own Words" to discuss the creation of the nuclear navy through the eyes of H.G. Rickover, and what his mentality might be like in today's ever-changing world.
On this episode of AMSEcast, host and AMSE executive director Alan Lowe discusses the science of a presidency with Andrew Busch, the associate director and professor at the Institute of American Civics at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The episode goes in depth to analyze the behaviors of not only the American political system, but also its presidents, and how they have operated throughout different political climates and times in history.
On this episode of AMSEcast, host Alan Lowe sat down with Lawrence Townsend to discuss the past, present, and future of America's nuclear navy, including what our advancements in technology throughout the country might mean going forward.
On this episode of AMSEcast, host Alan Lowe welcomes Charles Oppenheimer, entrepreneur and grandson of J. Robert Oppenheimer, for a wide-ranging conversation on nuclear energy, global security, and the legacy of one of the 20th century's most influential scientists.
Oppenheimer discusses the mission of the Oppenheimer Project, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing his grandfather's values through increased international cooperation on nuclear technology. He explains the organization's dual focus: expanding the beneficial uses of nuclear fission (especially clean energy) and reducing the risks posed by nuclear weapons. Emphasizing "energy abundance," he argues that nuclear power can play a major role in addressing climate change and global poverty if financing and project risks can be overcome.
The conversation explores persistent public misconceptions about nuclear safety, the challenges emerging economies face in adopting nuclear energy, and the growing appetite among investors to fund large-scale nuclear projects. Oppenheimer also outlines his advocacy for renewed international arms control dialogue, particularly among the United States, China, and Russia.
The episode concludes with reflections on the 2023 film Oppenheimer, including Oppenheimer's thoughts on Cillian Murphy's portrayal of his grandfather and recommended readings for those who want to continue pursuing historical understanding.
AMSEcast launches a new series exploring America's nuclear navy and Oak Ridge's vital role in its history and future.
From helping shape the legacy of Admiral Hyman G. Rickover to supplying nuclear fuel for today's fleet, Oak Ridge has long stood at the center of U.S. naval nuclear power. As the American Museum of Science and Energy prepares a new exhibit at the Wilcox K-25 Interpretive Center, this episode sets the stage.
Our inaugural guest, Geoffrey deBeauclair, is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and a 30-year Navy veteran who commanded a ballistic missile submarine and later led the Newport Division of the Naval Undersea Warfare Center. He shares his journey into the Navy's Nuclear Power Program, the demanding training and qualification process, and what it means to command a submarine at sea.
Geoff offers a rare look inside daily life underwater, from relentless drills and rotating watch schedules to crew traditions, leadership challenges, and staying connected with family during long patrols.
It's a compelling introduction to the people, discipline, and mission behind America's nuclear navy.
Author Michelle Shocklee discusses her novel The Women of Oak Ridge and the personal, historical, and emotional paths that led her to the story of the Secret City during the Manhattan Project. Growing up near Los Alamos and coming from a World War II family shaped her long-standing connection to the era, but a chance encounter with a reader ultimately sparked her discovery of Oak Ridge. Shocklee describes her deep research process, drawing on oral histories, archival photographs, museum resources, and firsthand accounts to authentically portray life inside a city built on secrecy. She explains how she weaves history into fiction by grounding the narrative in the lived experiences of her characters, particularly women whose wartime work reshaped their futures. The conversation highlights the challenges of secrecy, segregation, and stress faced by Oak Ridge residents, as well as the lasting impact of women entering the workforce during the war. Ultimately, Shocklee reflects on Oak Ridge as both a hidden chapter of history and a powerful source of human resilience and transformation.
In this episode of AMSEcast, host Alan Lowe welcomes back science journalist and NASA senior science writer James Riordon to discuss his new book Crush: Close Encounters With Gravity. Riordon explores the fascinating science of gravity, from Isaac Newton's groundbreaking laws to Albert Einstein's revolutionary theory of general relativity. The conversation dives into how gravity shapes everything from the structure of Earth to the behavior of black holes and gravitational waves. Riordon also explains the strange effects of weightlessness on the human body, the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy, and the possibility of exotic phenomena like wormholes. Blending history, physics, and cutting-edge discoveries, this episode offers an accessible look at one of the universe's most fundamental forces and the scientists who helped us understand it.
In this episode of AMSECast, Dr. Samantha Schrell explores the fascinating and often mysterious world of actinides—rare, radioactive elements with powerful applications in medicine, energy, space exploration, and national security. She explains what makes actinides unique, why they are difficult to study, and how elements like californium play a critical role in starting nuclear reactors and powering space missions. Dr. Schrell also discusses Oak Ridge National Laboratory's long-standing leadership in producing and researching heavy actinides through the High Flux Isotope Reactor. The conversation highlights the mission of the Glenn T. Seaborg Institute: building a pipeline of scientists and engineers trained to work in this highly specialized field. Through fellowships, collaboration across national labs, and cutting-edge research, the Institute is ensuring the future of actinide science. Ultimately, the episode reveals how curiosity, expertise, and education drive innovation at the atomic edge.
This episode explores how science education becomes an act of resilience, hope, and nation-building in Ukraine. From the creation of the country's first national science museum to mobile science labs traveling near the front lines, the Junior Academy of Sciences of Ukraine demonstrates how curiosity can endure even amid war. The guest traces a personal journey from law and political science into science education, driven by a commitment to Ukraine's future. Listeners learn how museums, labs, competitions, and business incubators form an educational "vertical" that guides children from first wonder to real-world innovation. The conversation highlights international collaboration, UNESCO recognition, and the global importance of engaging young minds in science. Ultimately, it's a powerful reminder that investing in knowledge is investing in peace, progress, and possibility.
In this wide-ranging conversation, Ahmed El-Mokadem explores the deep ideas behind mathematics' most mysterious numbers, revealing how concepts like zero, infinity, irrational numbers, and imaginary numbers challenge both logic and philosophy. He traces how constants such as π, e, the golden ratio, and the Feigenbaum constants appear universally across nature, physics, biology, and technology—suggesting they are discovered features of reality rather than human inventions. El-Mokadem highlights how mathematics repeatedly expands its own boundaries, from accepting imaginary numbers to assigning meaning to divergent infinities through Ramanujan's work. He shows that even chaos follows hidden numerical order, and that numbers long viewed as paradoxical often turn out to be indispensable. Throughout, mathematics emerges not as cold abstraction, but as a living language that reveals structure, mystery, and beauty in the universe. The discussion ultimately invites listeners to see math as a bridge between human curiosity and the deep order of the cosmos.
From Oak Ridge, Tennessee, AMSEcast host Alan Lowe sits down with geologist and paleontologist Dr. Jan Zalasiewicz, chair of the Anthropocene Working Group and author of How to Read a Rock. Their conversation explores how rocks and minerals form and what they reveal about Earth's history, from the rock cycle and earthquakes to ancient climates recorded in stone. Jan explains how life, human activity, and materials like bricks and concrete have reshaped geology, and how coal, oil, and gas fit into Earth's carbon cycle. The discussion also looks outward to the Moon and Mars, where rocks offer clues to planetary history and the possibility of past life. Guest Bio Dr. Jan Zalasiewicz is a geologist and paleontologist and an emeritus professor of paleobiology at the University of Leicester. He serves as chair of the Anthropocene Working Group, which has played a leading role in advancing the idea of the Anthropocene as a new geologic epoch shaped by humanity's impact on Earth. A prolific and widely published author, Jan explores how rocks, fossils, and landscapes record the planet's deep history. His books include The Cosmic Oasis: The Remarkable Story of Earth's Biosphere, Discarded: How Technofossils Will Be Our Ultimate Legacy, and How to Read a Rock: Our Planet's Hidden Stories, which is the focus of today's conversation. Show Notes: * (1:34) The difference between a rock and a mineral * (2:38) How minerals form rocks * (4:51) How limestone and marble are formed * (6:33) Identifying faults based on rock strata and surface landscapes * (8:51) What rocks say about the structure and atmosphere of ancient Earth * (10:43) How materials can survive millennia without changing * (12:56) The ways animals and plants can affect the Earth's geology * (15:28) How concrete and bricks are created * (18:53) How hydrocarbons are formed * (21:47) What we've learned about the Moon and Mars from their samples * (25:15) What's next for Jan Zalasiewicz
Links Referenced * The Cosmic Oasis: The Remarkable Story of Earth's Biosphere https://www.amazon.com/Cosmic-Oasis-Remarkable-Earths-Biosphere/dp/0198845871/ * Discarded: How Technofossils Will be Our Ultimate Legacy https://www.amazon.com/Discarded-Technofossils-Will-Ultimate-Legacy/dp/0192869337/ * How to Read a Rock: Our Planet's Hidden Stories https://www.amazon.com/How-Read-Rock-Planets-Stories/dp/1588347281
What if I told you that, no matter where you are or what you are doing, about 100 trillion neutrinos are passing through your body every second? Well, you might first respond, as I did, by asking what is a neutrino, and then wondering why we seem to have no awareness at all of their presence. I mean, if were one or two particles, sure, you might miss them, but 100 trillion every second? I needed to learn more so I spoke on our podcast, AMSEcast, with Alan Chodos and James Riordon about their fascinating book, Ghost Particle: In Search of the Elusive and Mysterious Neutrino.
Robert Hettich who serves as the Corporate Fellow and Leader of the Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry Group of the Biosciences Division at Oak Ridge National Lab, and as a Joint Faculty Member in the Microbiology Department at the University of Tennessee. Bob is an internationally recognized leader in the field of microbiomes. Now, you might have heard of microbiomes especially in regard to the biome or family of bacteria, that lives in your digestive system - our growing understanding of that symbiotic relationship has made prebiotics and probiotics for digestive health a big business
In this episode of AMSEcast, host Alan Lowe sits down with William Harris, President and CEO of Space Center Houston, to explore the past, present, and future of human space exploration and what it means for American innovation. As the official visitor center for NASA's Johnson Space Center, Space Center Houston serves as the public gateway to human spaceflight. William shares how the center uses historic artifacts, immersive experiences, and cutting-edge STEM programming to demystify space exploration and inspire the next generation of innovators. From Apollo and the Space Shuttle to Artemis, Mars, and the James Webb Space Telescope, this conversation dives deep into how humans have made the impossible possible, often with limited technology but unlimited curiosity. William also discusses workforce development, diversity in innovation, the power of failure, and why STEM truly is for everyone. If you're fascinated by space, innovation, education, or the future of exploration, this episode offers a powerful reminder of what humans can achieve when curiosity, collaboration, and courage come together. Highlights: (00:00) Introduction to Amse Cast (00:46) Guest Introduction: William Harris (01:44) Exploring Space Center Houston (03:12) Key Exhibits and Artifacts (06:24) STEM Education Initiatives (08:57) Innovation Gateway Programs (16:40) The Legacy of the Space Shuttle (18:56) Artemis and the Future of Space Exploration (23:18) Unmanned Missions and Their Impact (35:14) Conclusion and Future Plans
Ghost Particle explores the neutrino, one of the most abundant yet elusive particles in the universe, tracing its journey from a theoretical fix to puzzling nuclear reactions to a cornerstone of modern physics. The book explains how neutrinos helped preserve fundamental laws like conservation of energy and reveals how decades of ingenious experiments finally confirmed their existence. The authors guide readers through discoveries such as neutrino "flavors," oscillations, and the surprising realization that neutrinos have mass—challenging the Standard Model of particle physics. Cutting-edge research is connecting neutrinos to cosmic phenomena, including supernovae, the interior of the Sun, and the structure of the galaxy itself. Neutrinos may unlock answers to some of the universe's deepest mysteries, from the imbalance between matter and antimatter to the nature of dark matter and dark energy.
Around 66 million years ago, an asteroid that was perhaps 9 miles wide struck the Earth, an impact that led to the extinction of the dinosaurs. What if an asteroid that large or even larger was headed toward Earth today? We've seen this scenario in books and in movies like Armageddon, but I wanted to get some expert input, so I spoke on our podcast, AMSEcast, with Robin Andrews, about his book, How to Kill an Asteroid: The Real Science of Planetary Defense.
Alan Lowe interviews Larry Dubinski, President and CEO of The Franklin Institute, as part of a series celebrating 250 years of American innovation. He joins AMSEcast to discuss the institute's 1824 origins, its mission to inspire curiosity in science and technology, and its deep ties to Benjamin Franklin's legacy. He highlights major exhibits, including the National Memorial, the Hamilton Collections Gallery, and historic patent models, and online series like Ingenious and The Road to 2050. Dubinski emphasizes fostering lifelong learning, diverse voices, and bold leadership to sustain innovation. Episode Highlights * (1:16) When The Franklin Institute was established and its mission * (1:58) Why Benjamin Franklin still looms large over so many subjects * (2:48) How Franklin's story is preserved and presented at the institute * (3:33) Why the Baldwin 60000 steam locomotive is such a great engineering innovation * (6:47) Exploring the museum's artifacts in "Ingenious: The Evolution of Innovation" * (8:23) Why the U.S. has such an ability for creating new technologies and creative problem solving * (9:06) How we can continue being leaders and innovators for the next 250 years
Guest Biography Larry Dubinski is the President and CEO of The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, one of the nation's oldest and most respected centers for science education. Since taking the helm in 2014, he has led major initiatives that expand the institute's reach, modernize its exhibits, and deepen its role in inspiring curiosity about science and technology. Under his leadership, The Franklin Institute has continued to honor Benjamin Franklin's legacy while showcasing cutting-edge innovation and educational programming. A champion of lifelong learning and public engagement in STEM, Larry brings both vision and passion to the advancement of science education. Links Referenced * The Franklin Institute: FiHome | The Franklin Institute https://fi.edu/
Alan Lowe talks with Richard Munson about his book Ingenious: A Biography of Benjamin Franklin, Scientist. Munson's book aims to highlight Franklin's often overlooked scientific achievements. He describes Franklin's rise from a penniless runaway to a successful printer whose curiosity fueled his scientific breakthroughs. Franklin's experiments helped define core electrical concepts and led to inventions like the lightning rod, reflecting his Enlightenment commitment to reason and inquiry. His scientific fame later boosted his diplomatic mission in France, where his celebrity status helped secure essential support for American independence. Episode Highlights * (1:18) How Benjamin Franklin's printing success allowed him to pursue science * (4:59) The role of Poor Richard's Almanac in Franklin's life * (7:27) What was known about electricity before his experiments and how he advanced it * (9:35) Benjamin Franklin's invention of the lightning rod * (11:22) What motivated Franklin to be constantly active * (16:55) His role in America's future alliance with France * (17:45) Why so many biographers have pushed Benjamin Franklin's scientific work to the side * (19:40) What Richard Munson is working on now
Guest Biography Richard Munson is an award-winning author and longtime leader in environmental and clean-energy innovation. His career spans influential roles in nonprofits, academia, business, and on Capitol Hill, including serving as a director at the Environmental Defense Fund. A prolific writer, Munson explores the intersection of technology, sustainability, and public policy in works such as Tech to Table: 25 Innovators Reimagining Food. His latest book, Ingenious: A Biography of Benjamin Franklin, Scientist, examines the scientific curiosity and innovations of one of America's most iconic founders. Munson returns to AMSEcast to share fresh insights into Franklin's legacy and the power of science-driven problem-solving. Links Referenced * Tech to Table: 25 Innovators Reimagining Food: https://www.amazon.com/Tech-Table-Innovators-Reimagining-Food/dp/1642831905 * Ingenious: A Biography of Benjamin Franklin, Scientist: https://www.amazon.com/Ingenious-Biography-Benjamin-Franklin-Scientist-ebook/dp/B0CTXNJL6Y * Power Corrupts: Cleaning Up America's Biggest Industry: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Corrupts-Cleaning-Americas-Industry/dp/1538199394
Author Simon Cordrey discusses the early days of the railroad and how that changed America.
Author Jay Feldman and Alan Lowe, Director of the AMSE Foundation discuss his book, When the Mississippi Ran Backwards.
Alan Lowe is joined in this episode of AMSEcast by Dr. Robin Andrews, volcanologist, science journalist, and author of How to Kill an Asteroid. Dr. Andrews explores how modern planetary defense blends cutting-edge detection networks, such as NASA's NEO Surveyor, with active deflection efforts like the DART mission, which successfully shifted an asteroid's orbit. He also delves into theoretical approaches, including gravity tractors and even nuclear options as last-resort strategies. While comets remain a tougher, faster-moving threat, advances in technology continue to make catastrophic impacts increasingly unlikely. Driven by a deep passion for the solar system's tangible wonders, Dr. Andrews continues to write and follow groundbreaking missions like NASA's Europa Clipper. About Dr. Robin Andrews: Dr. Robin Andrews is an experimental volcanologist, science journalist, and award-winning author whose work has appeared in Scientific American, National Geographic, The New York Times, and The Washington Post, including front-page stories in the latter two. He has frequently appeared on television programs such as Good Morning America and BBC News, and was awarded the 2022 David Perlman Award for Excellence in Science Writing by the American Geophysical Union. Robin's books include Super Volcanoes: What They Reveal about Earth and the Worlds Beyond and How to Kill an Asteroid: The Real Science of Planetary Defense, blending rigorous science with engaging storytelling. Show Highlights: * (1:29) Where asteroids and comets come from and how they may pose a threat to Earth * (3:11) How large asteroids have to be to cause significant city-wide or nation-wide damage * (4:31) How big an asteroid has to be reach planet-killer status * (5:48) How we know where asteroids are and their threat levels to the Earth * (7:34) How the 2024 YR4 asteroid was discovered * (9:17) What the Near-Earth Object Surveyor is and its current status * (11:33) Where we can see the impacts of past asteroids that have hit the Earth * (14:01) What the composition of asteroids and comets teaches us about planetary defense * (15:56) DART's success in tests for combating asteroids * (18:26) The use of nuclear devices in deterring asteroids * (22:43) Possible future tools for planetary defense * (25:15) How an internationally coordinated planetary defense strategy would work * (28:26) Planning for the aftermath of an asteroid strike * (31:26) The effectiveness of these strategies against a comet * (33:44) What's next for Dr. Robin Andrews
Links Referenced: * Super Volcanoes: What they Reveal about Earth and the Worlds Beyond: https://www.amazon.com/Super-Volcanoes-Reveal-Worlds-Beyond-ebook/dp/B08X2Z29MN * How to Kill an Asteroid: The Real Science of Planetary Defense: https://www.amazon.com/How-Kill-Asteroid-Science-Planetary/dp/1324050195
Michele J. Gelfand is the John H. Scully Professor of Cross-Cultural Management Professor of Organizational Behavior and Psychology at Stanford Graduate School of Business. Her book, RULE MAKERS, RULE BREAKERS: How Tight and Loose Cultures Wire Our World takes readers on a journey through a variety of human cultures, exploring unique a multi-faceted glimpse into the world around us and ourselves.
Host Alan Lowe continues AMSEcast's exploration of 250 years of American innovation with Smithsonian experts Harold Wallace Jr., Dr. Eric Hintz, and Tim Pula. Together, they trace invention from Benjamin Franklin's experiments to modern breakthroughs, highlighting the Smithsonian's exhibitions, collections, and hands-on learning at Spark!Lab. The discussion spans collaboration with the Library of Congress, the role of failure in creativity, and how patents shape (but don't define) innovation. The guests also reflect on nuclear technology's history and social impact, and share how listeners can connect with the Lemelson Center and its nationwide Spark!Lab network inspiring inventors of all ages. Guest Bio Harold Wallace Jr., curator of the electricity collections, holds an MA and a PhD from the University of Maryland and specializes in the history of electric light and power. Dr. Eric Hintz, acting director of the Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation, earned his MA and PhD from the University of Pennsylvania and curates exhibits on invention and creativity. Tim Pula, interpretive exhibits inventor for Spark!Lab, designs hands-on activities that inspire visitors of all ages to explore the process and spirit of invention. Show Highlights * (3:13) How the Smithsonian shares Franklin's contributions for the understanding of electricity and innovation * (6:24) How the Lemelson Center uses examples of American inventors as part of their work and research * (7:57) The back-and-forth of learning from shared collections * (9:55) The inventions and ideas explored at Spark!Lab * (11:08) The artifacts used to tell the Edison story * (14:58) How failure factors into the discussion of innovation at the Lemelson Center * (17:42) The processes inventors followed to become innovative in their fields * (22:42) Patent models in the electrical collection of the Smithsonian Institute * (26:11) How the Lemelson Center and Spark!Lab approaches the patent process * (30:33) How the evolution of nuclear technology is represented * (35:20) How to learn more about the offerings from the Smithsonian, Lemelson Center, and Spark! Lab
Links Referenced * Wallops Station and the Creation of an American Space Program: https://www.amazon.com/Wallops-Station-Creation-American-Program/dp/1018138579 * Inventing for Sports: https://scholarlypress.si.edu/store/all/inventing-for-sports/ * American Independent Inventors in An Era of Corporate R&D: https://www.amazon.com/Independent-Inventors-Corporate-Invention-Innovation/dp/0262542587 * Does America Need More Innovators: https://www.amazon.com/America-Innovators-Lemelson-Invention-Innovation/dp/0262536730 * Lemelson Center: https://invention.si.edu * Smithsonian main website: https://www.si.edu/ * American History Museum: https://americanhistory.si.edu/ * Smithsonian Collections Search Center: https://collections.si.edu
Dr. Robert Hettich is a pioneer in bioanalytical mass spectrometry. In this episode of AMSEcast, he describes how microbiomes form, vary across the body, and influence digestion, immunity, and overall health. Dr. Hettich also explains metaproteomics, the study of microbial proteins, to reveal how microbes function beyond their genes as well as their applications from human health to environmental cleanup and bioenergy. Inspired by his daughter’s experience with Crohn’s, Robert Hettich is especially focused on microbiomes’ links to inflammatory and neurological diseases, including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Guest Bio Dr. Robert Hettich is a corporate fellow at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and leader of its Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry Group in the Biosciences Division. He also serves as joint faculty in the Microbiology Department at the University of Tennessee. Earning his BS from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and a PhD in Analytical Chemistry from Purdue University, Dr. Hettich joined ORNL in 1986 and has since become a pioneer in microbiome and mass spectrometry research. Widely published and honored with multiple awards, he is recognized for advancing our understanding of complex microbial systems and their impact on health. Show Highlights * (1:45) What is a microbe? * (2:57) What is a microbiome? * (3:31) When microbiomes begin to develop in the body * (5:42) How microbiomes differ throughout the body * (7:51) The role of probiotics and prebiotics in microbiomes * (10:03) The effect of anti-microbial medication on microbiomes * (12:05) What metaproteomics is and what tools are required for it * (16:03) The role of microbiomes in development or materials, fuel, and other resources * (18:42) What Dr. Robert Hettich is most concerned about for his research
Links Referenced * Dr. Robert Hettich’s email address: hettichrl@ornl.gov
Dr. Colwell shares her insight on the progression of women in science through the years. Framed by her own experiences we learn about her incredible work.
Railroads have shaped America’s growth, technology, and daily life for nearly two centuries. In this episode of AMSEcast, Alan talks with Dr. Albert Churella of Kennesaw State University about how innovations such as the automatic knuckle coupler, Westinghouse’s air brake, and the move from steam to diesel transformed safety and efficiency. Dr. Churella explains how signaling, centralized traffic control, and GPS-based Positive Train Control modernized operations. While U.S. passenger service lags Europe, its freight rail system leads the world in ton-miles, fuel efficiency, and low emissions. Albert also previews his forthcoming book on Conrail, reflecting on the railroad industry’s resilience, its economic impact, and its enduring relevance today. About Dr. Albert Churella Dr. Albert Churella is a leading scholar of transportation history and policy with a particular focus on railroads. He earned both his MA and PhD from The Ohio State University and now serves as a professor at Kennesaw State University. Albert’s research explores how railroads shaped American economic growth, technology, and public policy, linking the past to today’s transportation challenges. His work combines rigorous scholarship with a clear, engaging style that reaches beyond academic audiences. In addition to his extensive publications, Albert is widely regarded as an expert who makes the complex history of railroads accessible and relevant to modern readers. Show Highlights * (1:40) When the first train operated in the United States * (14:13) America’s addition of the air brake and the automatic coupler * (28:12) When track signals came into use * (40:05) Are trains high-tech now? * (45:04) The transition from steam to diesel and where the advancement was developed * (58:29) Why railways are still important in the US * (1:02:52) What Dr. Albert Churella is working on now
Links Referenced * The Pennsylvania Railroad three-volume series: + https://www.amazon.com/Pennsylvania-Railroad-Building-1846-1917-American/dp/081224348X + https://www.amazon.com/Pennsylvania-Railroad-1917-1933-Railroads-Present/dp/0253066352 + https://www.amazon.com/Pennsylvania-Railroad-Decline-1933-1968-Railroads/dp/0253069475
Author Richard Ellis speaks about his latest book The Quest for the Cosmic Dawn. A breakdown of the earliest moments of our celestial cosmic soup.
Author and historian Jay Feldman joins host Alan Lowe to discuss When the Mississippi Ran Backwards, his gripping account of the 1811–1812 New Madrid earthquakes. Alan and Feldman explore the quakes’ massive impact, including over 2,000 tremors felt across 1.5 million square miles, and the deep historical context behind them. He explains the ancient origins of the Reelfoot Rift, Tecumseh’s eerie quake prophecy, and how early steamboat travel intersected with disaster. Feldman also recounts a horrific crime against an enslaved teenager, exposed by the quakes, and touches on ongoing seismic risk today. He also discusses reflections from his new memoir. Guest Bio Jay Feldman is an author, historian, and storyteller with a uniquely diverse background. Before turning to writing full-time, he worked as a musician and ran a music store specializing in vintage stringed instruments. He also founded Baseball for Peace, an organization promoting international understanding through sports, and has written for both television and the stage. Feldman is the author of Manufacturing Hysteria: A History of Scapegoating, Surveillance, and Secrecy in Modern America and When the Mississippi Ran Backwards: Empire, Intrigue, Murder, and the New Madrid Earthquakes, which explores one of the most powerful and overlooked natural disasters in U.S. history. Show Highlights * (4:32) When the earthquakes occurred and how many there were * (9:23) The creation of the Reelfoot Rift and how it became the source of the quakes * (12:38) What makes intraplate earthquakes different from other kinds * (13:57) Why the Mississippi River ran backwards at the height of the quake * (16:11) The creation of Reelfoot Lake * (17:54) The legend of Tecumseh’s prophecy about the earthquakes * (21:55) How the Roosevelt family was involved with the event * (27:55) The crime that was revealed in the wreckage of the earthquakes * (32:44) Seismic activity in the area today
Links Referenced * Manufacturing Hysteria: A History of Scapegoating, Surveillance, and Secrecy in Modern America: https://www.amazon.com/Manufacturing-Hysteria-History-Scapegoating-Surveillance/dp/0307388239 * When the Mississippi Ran Backwards: Empire, Intrigue, Murder, and the New Madrid Earthquakes: https://www.amazon.com/When-Mississippi-Ran-Backwards-Earthquakes/dp/0743242793
Alan Lowe speaks with Dr. Simon Cordery about the transformative role of railroads in American history. From the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in 1828 to a national network by 1916, Cordery details how rail shaped commerce, industry, and infrastructure. He also explores regulation, from early oversight efforts to the 1980 Staggers Act, which revitalized the struggling industry. The conversation touches on Amtrak’s dependence on subsidies, the challenges of expansion, and the promise of high-speed rail. Cordery also previews his book on Albert Pullman, a largely forgotten innovator behind the Pullman Company’s early success and a symbol of overlooked entrepreneurial ambition. Guest Bio Dr. Simon Cordery is Chair of the History Department at Iowa State University and a leading scholar of American labor and transportation history. He previously served as department chair at Western Illinois University and Monmouth College. Dr. Cordery has authored several acclaimed books, including Mother Jones: Raising Cain and Consciousness and The Iron Road in the Prairie State: The Story of Illinois Railroading. His forthcoming work, Gilded Age Entrepreneur: The Curious Life of American Financier Albert Benton Pullman, explores the overlooked legacy of the elder Pullman brother and offers fresh insight into the entrepreneurial spirit of 19th-century America. Show Highlights * (2:14) When railroads first arrived in America and how quickly they spread * (6:18) Changes in the business world that supported and continued railroad expansion * (7:16) The impact of government oversight as the industry develops * (14:47) When deregulation of the railroad industry occurred and the effects it had * (19:46) The effects railroads had on labor organization and the labor market in America * (22:32) How railroad expansion affected how we keep time throughout the U.S. * (24:28) The effect of digital technology on the American railroad industry * (31:47) Is high-speed rail a profitable enterprise? * (35:23) Simon Cordery’s upcoming book, Gilded Age Entrepreneur: The Curious Life of American Financier Albert Benton Pullman
Links Referenced * Mother Jones: Raising Cain and Consciousness: https://www.amazon.com/Mother-Jones-Raising-Consciousness-Biography/dp/0826348106 * The Iron Road in the Prairie State: The Story of Illinois Railroading: https://www.amazon.com/Iron-Road-Prairie-State-Railroading-ebook/dp/B017SJ126Q * Gilded Age Entrepreneur: The Curious Life of American Financier Albert Benton Pullman: https://www.amazon.com/Gilded-Age-Entrepreneur-American-Financier-ebook/dp/B0DVMQHYWP
Alan talks with historian Walter Borneman about his book MacArthur at War: World War II in the Pacific. They examine General Douglas MacArthur’s early career, his leadership in the Philippines, and his strategic command from Australia. Borneman discusses MacArthur’s evolving coordination with the Navy, his key role in island-hopping operations, and his push to reclaim the Philippines. They also explore MacArthur’s late awareness of the atomic bomb, his post-war leadership as Supreme Commander in Japan, and his legacy as a pioneering military strategist and symbol of American resolve during World War II. Guest Bio Walter Borneman is an award-winning historian and author with a passion for bringing pivotal moments in American history to life. He earned his history degree from Western State College of Colorado and a law degree from the University of Denver. Borneman is the author of several acclaimed books, including The Admirals: Nimitz, Halsey, Leahy, and King and Polk: The Man Who Transformed the Presidency and America. Show Highlights * (1:22) Why MacArthur assumed the role of Field Marshal in the army of the Philippines * (7:36) The evolution of MacArthur’s role in Australia and the Pacific Command * (12:24) MacArthur’s role in formulating and then implementing the island-hopping plan * (15:07) Why Walter thinks the Battle of Leyte Gulf may have been the greatest victory ever won by the United States Navy * (17:39) MacArthur’s role in planning the invasion of the Japanese home islands * (20:05) When he learned about the atomic bomb and his views on its use in the war * (22:13) Why he was appointed the supreme commander of the Allied powers in Japan * (25:22) How Walter Boneman would define MacArthur’s legacy in World War II * (27:20) What Walter is working on next
Links Referenced * The Admirals: Nimitz, Halsey, Leahy, and King: https://www.amazon.com/Admirals-Nimitz-Halsey-King-Five-Star-ebook/dp/B007ME5GYC * Polk: The Man Who Transformed the Presidency and America: https://www.amazon.com/Polk-Man-Transformed-Presidency-America-ebook/dp/B0026772GK/ * MacArthur at War: World War II in the Pacific: https://www.amazon.com/MacArthur-War-World-II-Pacific-ebook/dp/B0151YQV20/ * American POTUS: https://americanpotus.org/
Given the centrality of uranium to the story of the Manhattan Project, the creation of Oak Ridge, and the ongoing nuclear renaissance, I thought it would be good to learn more about that element, so I spoke on our podcast, AMSEcast, with Tom Zoellner about his fascinating book, Uranium: War, Energy, and the Rock that Shaped the World. I started by asking why uranium is so unique and so suited to creating the chain reactions that are central to both nuclear energy production and the workings of nuclear weapons.
Alan Lowe speaks with Dr. Margaret Weitekamp of the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum about its transformation ahead of America’s 250th anniversary. They explore how new exhibits, immersive storytelling, and iconic artifacts like the Wright Flyer, Space Shuttle Discovery, and Neil Armstrong’s spacesuit bring aviation and space history to life. Weitekamp discusses the museum’s role as both a public institution and research center, preserving innovations from early flight to modern space exploration. She also reflects on international collaboration, private sector contributions, and how triumph and tragedy alike shape our understanding of humanity’s journey beyond Earth. Guest Bio Dr. Margaret Weitekamp is the curator and department chair of the space history department at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum. She holds a BA from the University of Pittsburgh and earned her MA and PhD in history from Cornell University. A former Mellon Fellow in the humanities, she also served as the American Historical Association’s NASA Aerospace History Fellow at NASA Headquarters. Since joining the museum in 2004, she has led major curatorial efforts and became department chair in 2019. Dr. Weitekamp is a widely published author, including Space Craze and Spaceships: An Illustrated History of the Real and the Imagined. Show Highlights * (2:09) The goals of the renovation and when it’s going to be completed * (6:28) The Udvar-Hazy Center * (8:09) What Margaret Weitekamp does at the National Air and Space Museum * (10:49) Key moments of American flight innovation documented at the museum * (18:50) Artifacts on display that tell the story of American innovation in getting to the moon * (22:12) The space shuttle’s impact on our understanding of Earth and space * (25:58) How the museum communicates with NASA about adding to their collection * (29:32) The role of international competition versus collaboration in forwarding innovation * (32:48) The private sector’s role in space innovation and how the museum interacts with it * (34:57) How satellites are used and what American innovations have contributed to them * (38:35) The way the Air and Space Museum teaches about unmanned missions like Voyager * (41:13) What we’ve learned from past mistakes, such as the Challenger explosion * (44:59) What’s made the biggest impression on Margaret since she’s been at the museum * (47:11) What we should keep in mind when looking at the next 250 years of space innovation * (49:51) How to follow what’s going on at the National Air and Space Museum
Links Referenced * Spaceships: An Illustrated History of the Real and the Imagined: https://www.amazon.com/Spaceships-2nd-Illustrated-History-Imagined/dp/1588347265/ * Space Craze, America’s Enduring Fascination With Real and Imagined Space Flight: https://www.amazon.com/Space-Craze-Americas-Fascination-Spaceflight/dp/1588347257 * National Air and Space Museum: https://airandspace.si.edu
Kathleen Carlucci, director of the Thomas Edison Center at Menlo Park, joins AMSEcast to discuss Edison’s lasting impact on American innovation. From his early love of telegraphy to his system-wide inventions in sound, light, and film, Edison redefined how ideas were developed and assembled skilled teams in the world’s first “invention factory.” Carlucci highlights his resilience, collaborative spirit, and ability to turn failure into progress. Visitors to the Center can explore original artifacts, interactive exhibits, and hands-on demonstrations that bring Edison’s legacy to life, reminding us that with perseverance, innovation is within anyone’s reach. Guest Bio Kathleen Carlucci is the Director of the Thomas Edison Center at Menlo Park, where she leads efforts to preserve and share the legacy of one of America’s greatest inventors. With degrees in history and secondary education, she combines her passion for storytelling with a strong background in management and customer service. Kathleen has played a key role in enhancing the museum experience through engaging tours, educational programs, and community outreach. Her work ensures that visitors of all ages connect with Thomas Edison’s innovations and are inspired by his enduring message of curiosity, perseverance, and the power of hands-on learning. Show Highlights * (1:14) Edison’s process for thinking up ideas and bringing them to fruition * (2:40) How Edison overcame hearing loss to accomplish so much * (3:42) Edison’s improvements to the telegraph and telephone * (6:36) How Edison organized and staffed his Menlo Park lab * (9:51) Why he moved to West Orange, NJ, and what became of Menlo Park * (12:28) Edison’s work with light bulbs, motion picture technology, and batteries * (19:03) What Edison would do when he hit a wall on a project * (20:39) Lessons from Menlo Park that future innovators should learn * (22:43) What a tour of the Thomas Edison Center at Menlo Park includes
Links Referenced * Thomas Edison Center at Menlo Park: https://www.menloparkmuseum.org/
Dr. Josh Levy is a historian of science and technology at the Library of Congress. In this episode of AMSEcast, he highlights key figures and artifacts from all across America’s innovation history. From Samuel Morse’s early telegraph designs to George Washington Carver’s advocacy for sustainable farming, Levy reveals stories of invention and resilience. He also discusses aviation pioneer Lt. Thomas Selfridge and Claude Shannon’s groundbreaking work in information theory. Josh and Alan finish with Gladys West, whose geoid calculations became foundational for GPS. Her later recognition reflects how major technological advances often depend on unsung, collaborative contributions across generations. Guest Bio Dr. Josh Levy is the historian of science and technology in the Manuscript Division at the Library of Congress, where he helps uncover and share the stories behind key figures in American innovation. He holds a Ph.D. in History from the University of Illinois and brings years of teaching experience at both high school and college levels, including the University of South Florida, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and the College of Micronesia. Since joining the Library of Congress in 2020, Dr. Levy has curated collections that illuminate the complex, collaborative nature of scientific and technological breakthroughs. Show Highlights * (1:50) What led Samuel Morse to invent the telegraph * (4:03) Morse’s letter regarding the telegraph * (7:36) Booker T. Washington and George Washington Carver * (8:47) Carver’s letter to John Washington, Booker T. Washington’s brother * (12:02) Alfred Graham Bell’s interest in aviation * (15:02) Thomas Selfridge * (17:28) Claude Shannon, the Father of the Information Age * (18:46) Shannon’s schematic of Theseus, the maze-solving robotic mouse * (20:11) Gladys West’s impact on GPS technology
Links Referenced * Library of Congress website: https://loc.gov * For specific questions about manuscripts at the Library of Congress: https://ask.loc.gov/manuscripts
Alan is joined by Peter Armstrong, president of Mystic Seaport Museum, to continue our celebration of 250 years of American innovation. Peter reflects on his 25 years in museum leadership and shares insights into Mystic’s long shipbuilding history. The museum, the largest maritime museum in the U.S., features historic vessels like the Charles W. Morgan, clipper ships, and a converted diesel-electric steamboat. From Fresnel lenses to nuclear submarines, Peter highlights how the museum preserves maritime heritage while embracing modern innovation. Guest Bio Peter Armstrong has been president of Mystic Seaport Museum since 2020, the largest maritime museum in the United States. With over 25 years in museum leadership, Peter previously served as senior director of museum operations and education at the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation. Before moving to the U.S., he held key roles at the UK’s National Museum of Arms and Armor, which includes iconic sites like the Tower of London. Peter brings a deep passion for history, education, and preservation to every project, making him a leading voice in connecting heritage with innovation. Show Highlights * (1:30) How Mystic became a hub for shipping and shipbuilding * (3:02) What you can see and do at the Mystic Seaport Museum * (5:55) What makes whaling ships and clipper ships different from any other types of ships * (9:26) When and how steamboat technology made its way to the United States * (14:00) How the Fresnel lens revolutionized lighthouses * (15:34) Where America builds its ships today * (17:53) Where you can learn more about the Mystic Seaport Museum
Links Referenced * Website: https://mysticseaport.org
AMSEcast continues celebrating 250 years of American innovation with Curtis Gregory. A park ranger at the George Washington Carver National Monument, Curtis sits down with Alan to share Carver’s inspiring journey from enslavement to becoming a pioneering scientist and educator who transformed Southern agriculture. Known for promoting peanuts and sweet potatoes as sustainable crops, Carver created hundreds of uses for them! Beyond his lab, he educated rural farmers through lectures, pamphlets, and the innovative Jesup Wagon. His legacy endures in food security and agricultural education. Visitors can explore his story at the Carver Monument in Diamond, Missouri. Guest Bio Curtis Gregory is a longtime park ranger at the George Washington Carver National Monument in Diamond, Missouri, where he has shared Carver’s legacy with visitors for nearly 20 years. With deep knowledge and passion, Curtis brings to life the story of George Washington Carver—scientist, educator, and agricultural innovator—highlighting his contributions to sustainability, food security, and education. As a dedicated steward of this historic site, Curtis helps connect the past to the present, inspiring new generations through Carver’s enduring impact. We’re thrilled to have Curtis join us on AMSEcast to celebrate the remarkable life and innovations of one of America’s greatest minds. Show Highlights * (2:00) How George Washington Carve went from being born a slave to a professor by 30 * (6:53) The state of agriculture in the South when Carver arrived at Tuskegee * (8:25) What led him to the peanut in the first place * (10:45) George Washington Carver’s innovations with the sweet potato * (15:51) His impact on agriculture in the South and nationwide * (17:12) What to expect at the George Washington Carver National Monument
Links Referenced * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GeorgeWashingtonCarverNM/ * X: https://twitter.com/gwcarvernps * Website: https://www.nps.gov/gwca/index.htm
Alan speaks with Dr. Guru Madhavan at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, DC, as we continue our series marking 250 years of American innovation. Guru, a leader at the National Academy of Engineering, explores the Academy’s Civil War origins, its lasting role in advising the U.S. government, and its influence on everything from compass design to pandemic response. He discusses how innovation must balance bold ideas with long-term systems like sanitation and maintenance. Calling for a “deep time” perspective, Guru urges us to value resilience, inclusivity, and the often-unseen foundations that truly sustain progress. Guest Bio Dr. Guru Madhavan is the Norman Augustine Senior Scholar and Senior Director of Programs at the National Academy of Engineering. With a background in biomedical engineering (MS, PhD) and an MBA from the State University of New York, he previously led innovations in the medical device industry before turning his focus to national science and engineering policy. He is the acclaimed author of Applied Minds: How Engineers Think and Wicked Problems: How to Engineer a Better World. A valued member of AMSE’s National Advisory Committee, Guru was honored with the 2024 AMSE Foundation National Excellence Award for his outstanding contributions. Show Highlights * (1:54) An introduction to the National Academy of Sciences * (7:59) Lincoln’s impact on the sciences in the United States * (11:06) How Vannevar Bush’s principles from Science: The Endless Frontier are implemented * (19:30) The impact the arts are having on STEM * (20:13) How the National Academies have supported and encouraged innovation * (24:10) Guru’s list of most important American innovations * (30:23) The frameworks and institutions that have supported America’s innovations * (37:51) The United States and the ideology of innovation * (43:27) Using deep time to gain perspective on innovation
Links Referenced * Applied Minds: How Engineers Think: https://www.amazon.com/Applied-Minds-how-Engineers-Think/dp/039335301X * Wicked Problems: How to Engineer a Better World: https://www.amazon.com/Wicked-Problems-Engineer-Better-World/dp/0393651460
AMSEcast celebrates 250 years of American innovation with Dr. Andrew Hammond, historian and curator at the International Spy Museum. Hammond explores the evolution of intelligence and espionage, from trial-and-error codebreaking by pioneers like the Friedmans to today’s cutting-edge technology. He highlights cryptographic breakthroughs, spy tools, and covert communication methods like one-time pads and suitcase radios. The conversation traces the U.S.’s rise as a global intelligence leader, fueled by Cold War innovation and British collaboration. Stories like the CIA’s Glomar Explorer mission illustrate the secrecy and complexity of spycraft. Hammond also hosts SpyCast, sharing these stories with a global audience. Guest Bio Dr. Andrew Hammond is the historian and curator at the International Spy Museum in Washington, DC. He has held teaching positions and fellowships at esteemed institutions, including the British Library, the Library of Congress, and the 9/11 Memorial Museum. A veteran of the Royal Air Force with assignments to the British Army and Royal Navy, he brings deep expertise in intelligence and national security. Dr. Hammond is also a fellow at the Global National Security Institute and the author of the upcoming book Struggles for Freedom: Afghanistan and US Foreign Policy Since 1979. Show Highlights * (1:52) About the International Spy Museum * (5:01) How the U.S. has found information about adversaries in the past * (10:54) Tools that can be found in the museum * (14:03) The difference between a spy and an agent * (17:04) Popular examples of field weapons and how the museum documents them * (19:17) Sabotage tools developed in the U.S. and used by American spies * (25:53) How the Enigma machine helped crack German and Japanese codes in WWII * (29:05) How men and women are represented at the museum * (36:22) Spycraft innovations that have made it into public life * (43:31) SpyCast, the museum's official podcast
Links Referenced * Struggles for Freedom: Afghanistan and US Foreign Policy Since 1979: https://www.amazon.com/Struggles-Freedom-Afghanistan-Foreign-Policy/dp/1474405460 * SpyCast: https://www.spymuseum.org/podcast/
We continue to celebrate 250 years of American innovation with Don Bennett, Deputy Associate Director of the U.S. Mint’s Manufacturing Directorate. He joins Alan on this episode of AMSEcast to talk about the Mint’s history, operations, and cutting-edge advancements. With facilities in Philadelphia, Denver, West Point, and San Francisco, the Mint produces coins using robotics, high-speed presses, and laser die processing. Don discusses the importance of physical currency, the American Innovation Dollar Coin Program, and upcoming designs for the nation’s 250th anniversary. This episode is made possible with support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Guest Bio Don Bennett is the Deputy Associate Director of the U.S. Mint’s Manufacturing Directorate, bringing over 30 years of experience in manufacturing, supply chain management, and process improvement. Before joining the Mint in 2008, he held key roles at Oasis Corporation and Pinnacle Data Systems. At the Mint, Don helps oversee coin production across multiple facilities, ensuring efficiency and innovation in minting processes. His expertise spans high-speed manufacturing, precision engineering, and operational strategy. Passionate about both the art and science of coin production, Don plays a vital role in shaping the future of U.S. currency while preserving its rich history. Show Highlights * (1:21) Where the U.S. Mint fits in the organization of the government and its components * (3:24) How the U.S. Mint relates to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing * (3:40) How often new coins are created and old ones revised * (4:42) The major innovations in how the U.S. has produced coins over time * (6:21) The U.S. Mint’s American Innovation Dollar Program * (8:44) How the U.S. Mint is commemorating the 250th birthday of America
What you didn't know about the Presidents and the scientific process is on exhibit at AMSE.
Welcome to the AMSE Science Report. Today we speak with Mark Miodownik about his terrific book, It’s a Gas: The Magnificent and Elusive Elements that Expand Our World. A fascinating conversation began by asking a very basic question – what is a gas?
Award-winning science writer Dava Sobel returns to AMSEcast to discuss her latest book, The Elements of Marie Curie. She and host Alan explore Curie’s groundbreaking research, her struggles against societal barriers, and her enduring impact on science and women in STEM. From her discovery of polonium and radium to mentoring future pioneers like Ellen Gleditsch and Marguerite Perey, Curie’s legacy shaped cancer treatment and scientific research. Sobel also highlights Curie’s daughter, Irène Joliot-Curie, and her Nobel-winning work on artificial radioisotopes. Tune in for a fascinating look at one of history’s greatest scientific minds. Guest Bio Dava Sobel is an award-winning science writer known for bringing history and scientific discovery to life. She has authored acclaimed books including Longitude, Galileo’s Daughter, The Glass Universe, A More Perfect Heaven, as well as the play And the Sun Stood Still. In her latest work, The Elements of Marie Curie: How the Glow of Radium Lit a Path for Women in Science, Sobel explores Curie’s groundbreaking research, resilience, and lasting impact on women in STEM. Returning to AMSEcast, she joins host Alan to discuss Curie’s legacy and the challenges she overcame in pursuit of scientific discovery. Show Highlights * (1:25) What led Marie Curie to a life of science * (6:28) Marie Curie’s Nobel Prizes * (11:47) Her role in creating a radium standard and why that’s important * (13:31) Madame Curie’s pioneering role in the use of radiation for medical therapies * (15:00) Her role as mentor and teacher to other to other women in science * (20:54) Curie’s reception in the United States * (22:04) Her daughter’s scientific legacy * (28:23) What’s next for Dava Sobel
Links
- The Elements of Marie Curie: How the Glow of Radium Lit a Path for Women in Science: https://groveatlantic.com/book/the-elements-of-marie-curie/
With support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, AMSEcast is celebrating 250 years of American innovation with expert interviews. CEO of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and executive publisher of Science, Dr. Sudip Parikh joins Alan on this episode to explore the forces shaping scientific progress. He highlights interdisciplinary collaboration, the impact of immigration on innovation, and the need for clear communication in securing research funding. Dr. Parikh also discusses the evolution of U.S. science policy, the role of private investment, and the importance of modernizing dissemination methods. He stresses inspiring future scientists and reducing financial barriers in STEM to sustain American leadership in research and discovery. Guest Bio Dr. Sudip Parikh is the 19th CEO of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and executive publisher of the Science family of journals, a role he assumed in January 2020. With a background in journalism and materials science from the University of North Carolina and a PhD in macromolecular structure and chemistry from the Scripps Research Institute, Dr. Parikh has built a distinguished career at the intersection of science and policy. He has served as a science advisor to the Senate Appropriations Committee, vice president at Battelle, and senior VP at DIA Global, shaping science policy and innovation. Show Highlights * (2:01) What Dr. Parikh thinks are the primary instigators of innovation and the primary obstacles * (6:20) The role of immigration in bringing new ideas to the United States * (8:20) Sudip’s experience gathering support for scientific innovation when working in Washington, D.C. * (12:55) Specific policies from Washington that helped spur innovation * (16:06) How to strike a balance between disruptive innovations while maintaining our infrastructure and systems * (17:43) Dr. Parikh’s role as the publisher of the Science family of journals in bringing new ideas to the table versus making small changes * (20:18) What processes will have to change for Science and other journals moving forward * (22:15) The best ways to inspire that next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators
Executive Officer of the National Academy of Engineering, Dr. Al Romig joins this special edition of AMSEcast, recorded at the National Academy of Sciences Building in Washington. Dr. Romig has led a distinguished career including leadership roles at Sandia National Lab, Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works, and now as Executive Officer of the National Academy of Engineering. He and Alan discuss key innovations from national laboratories and the Skunk Works. He also discusses the importance of risk-taking to foster innovation and why he’s skeptical about the future of American innovation. It’s not a totally negative outlook. Dr. Roming still thinks the U.S. can thrive by emphasizing talent cultivation, investment in R&D, and a culture that embraces failure as part of success. Guest Bio As executive officer of the National Academy of Engineering, Al Romig is the chief operating officer responsible for the program, financial, and membership operations of the Academy, reporting to the president. Before joining the Academy, he was vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company Advanced Development Programs, better known as the Skunk Works®. Dr. Romig spent most of his career at Sandia National Laboratories, operated by the Lockheed Martin Corporation. He joined Sandia as a member of the technical staff in 1979 and moved through a succession of R&D management positions before his appointment as executive vice president in 2005. He served as deputy laboratories director and chief operating officer until 2010, when he transferred to the Skunk Works. Dr. Romig is a fellow of ASM International, TMS, IEEE, AIAA, and AAAS, and was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 2003 and the Council of Foreign Relations in 2008. He was awarded the ASM Silver Medal for Materials Research in 1988. He earned BS (1975), MS (1977), and PhD (1979) degrees in materials science and engineering from Lehigh University. Show Highlights * (1:59) The innovations that Al saw during his time with Sandia * (9:04) How to inspire a culture of innovation at a lab * (10:27) The history of Skunk Works * (18:29) Explaining Al's role at the National Academy of Engineering * (23:27) The challenges American innovation will face in the future * (27:22) Where Al thinks we'll see the most innovation in the coming years
Tom Zoellner, award-winning writer and Chapman University professor, joins AMSEcast to discuss his book Uranium: War, Energy and the Rock that Shaped the World. He and Alan discuss the discovery of uranium, its radioactive nature, and its historical impact. Once dismissed as worthless by miners, uranium became vital to energy and warfare. The U.S. uranium rush peaked in the 1950s but has since declined. Today, uranium enrichment is expanding in the U.S., with major players like Orano investing in Oak Ridge. Guest Bio Tom Zoellner is an award-winning writer and the author of nine books, including Uranium: War, Energy and the Rock that Shaped the World. His work has appeared in The Atlantic, Time, and Scientific American, among other publications. A former staff writer for The Arizona Republic and The San Francisco Chronicle, Tom brings deep expertise in history, science, and investigative journalism. He currently teaches at Chapman University and serves as editor at large for the Los Angeles Review of Books. Show Highlights * (1:28) Why is uranium radioactive and what does that mean? * (3:09) How uranium was discovered * (5:51) The American uranium rush * (9:13) Where the uranium used in the Manhattan Project came from * (11:17) How uranium supplies and facilities that use them around the world are controlled * (13:35) How the nation of Georgia became the crossroads for uranium smuggling * (15:29) Where uranium is currently being enriched and how it affects national security * (18:02) What’s next for Tom Zoellner
Links Referenced * Uranium: War, Energy and the Rock that Shaped the World: https://www.amazon.com/Uranium-Energy-Rock-Shaped-World/dp/0670020648
Alan takes a trip to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History to speak with Nicole Webster, the Manager of School and Teacher Programs, and Jennifer Collins, Learning Experience Manager for Exhibits and Initiatives. Broadcasting from the museum itself, the discussion revolves around its fascinating history, impressive collections, and impactful educational initiatives. With over 4 million annual visitors on-site and 10 million online, the museum is a hub of scientific knowledge and public engagement. Nicole and Jennifer explain the intricacies of the museum's exhibits, educational programs, and the invaluable roles of interns and volunteers. Listen now to learn about the important role of education and outreach, both in-person and virtual, in inspiring the next generation of scientists. Guest Bios Jennifer Collins is the Learning Experience Manager, Exhibits and Initiatives at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. As the lead of the museum’s Science Liaison program, she helps foster communication and collaboration between education and the different science departments in service of our audiences. Jennifer also provides training to volunteers, educators, and youth in a suite of content and skill areas, with a particular expertise in the process and nature of science. Nicole Webster is the Manager of School and Teacher Programs at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Since 2011, Nicole has worked with the Smithsonian in various educational roles. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Education at George Washington University. Show Highlights * (1:38) The story of the National Museum of Natural History * (3:46) What are the most popular pieces in the Museum’s collections * (6:20) How Smithsonian staff learn from the collections * (7:34) How does the National Museum of Natural History curate its exhibits? * (9:26) The importance of the Museum’s education initiative * (13:51) Breaking down the Museum’s scientific liaison program * (15:23) Internships with the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History * (18:23) The role of volunteers at the Museum
Links Referenced * AMSEcast: https://amsecast.libsyn.com/ * Natural History Museum: https://naturalhistory.si.edu
Materials scientist and BBC presenter Dr. Mark Miodownik joins AMSEcast to discuss his latest book, It’s a Gas. He explores the hidden world of gases, from steam’s role in electricity production to methane’s surprising history. The conversation spans George Washington’s scientific curiosity, oxygen’s life-saving importance, and the chemistry of scent. Mark also unpacks the science of hot air and hydrogen balloons, noble gases, and carbon capture technology’s potential to combat climate change. Looking ahead, he envisions a future of sustainable materials and repairable goods. Guest Bio Dr. Mark Miodownik is a professor of materials and society at University College London where he directs the Institute of Making and founded the Plastic Waste Innovation Hub. With a PhD from Oxford in turbine jet engine alloys, he has worked as a materials engineer across the UK, US, and Ireland. A passionate science communicator, Mark presents BBC programs and podcasts, and is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering. Awarded an MBE for his contributions to materials science and broadcasting, he’s also the bestselling author of Stuff Matters, Liquid Rules, and his latest book, It’s a Gas. Show Highlights * (2:57) Why steam gas is still important for life in the 21st century * (4:24) What natural gas is and how it was eventually harnessed * (8:28) George Washington’s experiments with natural gas * (10:02) The importance of oxygen and how it’s produced and distributed * (14:32) How oxygen is distributed in hospitals * (17:47) How scented gases are created, captured and distributed as perfumes * (23:38) How hot air ballooning got started and how it works * (29:05) The role noble gases play in our daily lives and how they were discovered * (32:33) Strategies for capturing carbon dioxide * (38:36) Which form of gas technology Mark thinks has had the biggest effect on civilization * (41:16) What Dr. Mark Miodownik is working on next
Links Referenced * Stuff Matters: Exploring the Marvelous Materials that Shape Our Man-Made World: https://www.amazon.com/Stuff-Matters-Exploring-Marvelous-Materials/dp/0544483944 * Liquid Rules: The Delightful and Dangerous Substances that Flow Through Our Lives: https://www.amazon.com/Liquid-Rules-Delightful-Dangerous-Substances/dp/0358108454 * It’s a Gas: The Sublime and Elusive Elements that Expand Our World: https://www.amazon.com/Its-Gas-Sublime-Elusive-Elements/dp/0358157153 * Mark's website: https://markmiodownik.net
Keith Houston, author of the book, Empire of the Sum: The Rise and Reign of the Pocket Calculator joined us to recently to speak on our podcast AMSEcast. We talked about counting and ciphering from the earliest days of humanity up to the momentous creation of those wonderful pocket devices in the 1970’s. One of the historic models we spoke about was the TI 81 that became a worldwide sensation for Texas Instruments.
Part of our mission at the AMSE Foundation is to tell the story of the Manhattan Project and to do that, we must discuss the horrible conflict that led to that massive effort to build the atomic bomb. With that in mind, I spoke on our podcast, AMSEcast, with Saul David, author of Crucible of Hell: The Heroism and Tragedy of Okinawa, 1945. Saul explains, Okinawa, for many reasons, was seen as a natural stepping stone to an invasion of the Japanese home islands.
Dr. Ashley Stowe is the director of the Oak Ridge Enhanced Technology and Training Center (ORETTC) at Y-12 National Security Complex, and he joins AMSEcast to discuss his career and the mission of Y-12. With a PhD in chemistry and an MBA, Dr. Stowe leads efforts to support nuclear deterrence, fuel the nuclear navy, and advance global security. Opened in 2023, ORETTC trains first responders using cutting-edge technologies like virtual reality to simulate nuclear scenarios. Upcoming projects include a second facility with advanced capabilities and tools like immersive LED volumes and holographic tables, ensuring effective training, workforce development, and leadership in global nuclear security. Guest Bio Dr. Ashley Stowe is the director of the Oak Ridge Enhanced Technology and Training Center (ORETTC) at Y-12 National Security Complex, a role he has held since 2021. Joining Y-12 in 2007, Dr. Stowe has served in various leadership positions, including senior development chemist, Googin Fellow, and director of the Nuclear Forensics and Detection Initiative. He also led CNS’s university and minority-serving institution partnership programs. Dr. Stowe holds a PhD in chemistry from Florida State University and an MBA from the University of Tennessee. An accomplished researcher and adjunct professor, he is widely recognized for his contributions to nuclear science. Show Highlights * (0:35) Introducing Dr. Ashley Stowe * (1:40) How Ashley began his journey to Y-12 * (3:49) Y-12’s overall mission and how it’s operated * (7:22) How people who receive ORETTC training are chosen and where they find trainers * (9:54) The technology used during training at ORETTC * (11:00) The types of facilities ORETTC is training to address during emergencies * (14:23) How Ashley evaluates the effectiveness of training * (20:15) Steps students and others can take to follow in Ashley’s footsteps * (25:12) What’s next for ORETTC * (28:58) ORETTC’s LED volume
Link Referenced * Ashley Stowe email: ashley.stowe@pxy12.doe.gov
Katie McKissick, author of the book DNA is You: The Marvelous Science Behind Your One-Of-A-Kind-Ness is our guest on this episode of The AMSE Science Report. Our wide ranging conversation looks at the mechanisms of DNA and how it shapes our lives.
Keith Houston is the author of Empire of the Sum: The Rise and Reign of the Pocket Calculator. He joins Alan on this episode of AMSEcast to discuss the history of calculating. From the ancient Lebombo bone to mechanical calculators, Keith covers the evolution of calculating tools. This includes modern milestones like John Napier’s logarithms, the HP-35 scientific calculator, and the TI-81’s impact on U.S. classrooms. Keith also discusses his forthcoming book, Face With Tears of Joy. In this book, he explores the history, culture, and governance of emojis. Guest Bio Keith Houston is the author of many books. In Empire of the Sum: The Rise and Reign of the Pocket Calculator, he explores the story behind this revolutionary tool. Keith is also the creator of the Shady Characters blog where he covers the history of punctuation and typography. He is working on a new book that dives into the history of emojis. Show Highlights * (1:55) When humans started counting * (4:37) How the abacus and counting board advanced our ability to calculate * (6:28) The creation of the algorithm * (11:13) Why the Curta stands out in the evolution of the calculator * (18:00) Why the Pocketronic from Texas Instruments was so groundbreaking * (25:44) How the HANDY-LE fits into the story of calculating * (26:30) HP’s role in revolutionizing calculating with the HP-35 * (29:05) How the TI-81 was able to be found in classrooms around the world * (34:15) America’s reaction to calculators in the classroom setting * (36:17) What’s next for Keith Houston
Links Referenced * Shady Characters: https://shadycharacters.co.uk/ * Shady Characters: The Secret Life of Punctuation, Symbols, and Other Typographical Marks: https://www.amazon.com/Shady-Characters-Punctuation-Symbols-Typographical/dp/0393064425 * The Book: A Cover-to-Cover Exploration of the Most Powerful Object of Our Time: https://www.amazon.com/Book-Cover-Cover-Exploration-Powerful/dp/1324086351/ * Empire of the Sum: The Rise and Reign of the Pocket Calculator: https://www.amazon.com/Empire-Sum-Reign-Pocket-Calculator/dp/0393882144 * Face With Tears of Joy: https://www.amazon.com/Face-Tears-Joy-Natural-History/dp/1324075147
Alan Lowe, Executive Director of the American Museum of Science and Energy, launches AMSEcast Conversations with a compelling discussion on Jay Hakes’ book, The Presidents and the Planet: Climate Change Science from Eisenhower to Bush. The panel, featuring Hakes alongside energy experts David McCollum and Charles Sims, traces the origins of modern climate science to the 1950s work of Roger Revelle and Dave Keeling. The panel explores the evolution of climate science, the challenges of political resistance, and the growing urgency of action in the face of today’s visible climate impacts. Their discussion emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and persistence in addressing global climate challenges. Guest Bio Jay Hakes is an accomplished author and energy policy expert whose latest book, The Presidents and the Planet: Climate Change Science from Eisenhower to Bush, explores the intersection of science and leadership. Previously, Jay authored Energy Crises: Nixon, Ford, Carter, and Hard Choices in the 1970s. He served for 13 years as Director of the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum in Atlanta and was Administrator of the Energy Information Administration during the Clinton administration. Jay also worked under President Obama as Director of Research and Policy for the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Commission, bringing deep expertise to critical energy challenges. David McCollum is a leading expert in energy and environmental policy, serving as part of the distinguished R&D staff in the Mobility and Energy Transitions Analysis Group at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). He also holds a joint faculty appointment at the University of Tennessee’s Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs in Knoxville. David’s work focuses on the critical intersections of energy systems, transportation, and sustainability, bringing valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of transitioning to a low-carbon future. His expertise bridges research and policy, making him a key voice in addressing global energy and climate issues. Charles Sims is an expert in energy and environmental policy, currently serving as the director of the Center for Energy, Transportation, and Environmental Policy at the University of Tennessee (UT) in Knoxville. He holds the TVA Distinguished Professorship of Energy and Environmental Policy at UT's Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs and is also an associate professor in the Department of Economics. Charles' work focuses on the economic and policy implications of energy systems and environmental challenges, offering valuable insights into the complex relationship between energy, transportation, and sustainable development. Show Highlights * (2:49) When scientists realized that climate was changing and human activities were the major cause * (4:35) The Keeling Curve * (7:18) Why the public’s perception of climate change has shifted over the years * (17:14) Eisenhower’s introduction to climate change and its impact on Atoms for Peace * (20:49) JFK’s awareness of the climate change issue * (26:38) How climate change factored into decisions made during LBJ’s Great Society * (31:20) President Nixon and climate change * (38:23) The failed marriage between climate science and nuclear power * (41:36) Facing climate change on an international scale * (48:42) How to test sources on climate change and the importance of good communication * (54:16) Are there any positive outlooks on climate change at this point in time?
Links Referenced * The Presidents and the Planet: Climate Change Science from Eisenhower to Bush: https://www.amazon.com/Presidents-Planet-Climate-Politics-Eisenhower/dp/0807181900 * Energy Crises: Nixon, Ford, Carter, and Hard Choices in the 1970s: https://www.amazon.com/Energy-Crises-Choices-Environment-America/dp/0806168528
Dr. Michael Muthukrishna, Associate Professor at LSE, joins Alan to explore his book, A Theory of Everyone. It reveals how cultural evolution—our “software” of beliefs, language, and logic—shaped humanity's unique trajectory. He explains the "laws" of energy and innovation: energy abundance fuels cooperation and progress, while innovations like the steam engine drive efficiency and competition. Michael highlights the "paradox of diversity," where fresh ideas thrive amid aligned communication and norms. He links societal challenges like division and inequality to resource scarcity and calls for leveraging technologies like AI and startup cities to foster collaboration, sustainable innovation, and global progress. Guest Bio Dr. Michael Muthukrishna is an Associate Professor of Psychological and Behavioral Science at the London School of Economics, with a unique academic foundation in software engineering and psychology from the University of Queensland, and advanced degrees from the University of British Columbia. He has held prestigious roles at Harvard, Yale, and the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research. Recognized for his groundbreaking work, Michael has received accolades like the 2024 Excellence in Quantitative Methods Research Award and a John Templeton Foundation grant. He is the author of the acclaimed book, A Theory of Everyone, which redefines how we understand human evolution and progress. Show Highlights * (2:24) What A Theory of Everyone entails * (12:14) The fundamental “law” of energy * (20:31) The “law” of innovation * (22:47) COMPASS - the seven secrets of innovation * (26:22) The paradox of diversity * (30:20) How humans’ big heads have affected our evolution * (38:11) The next level of human cultural evolution * (46:25) The necessary steps to the next stage of tying societies back together * (52:10) How to protect the engine of growth amidst negative circumstances * (54:23) What’s next for Michael Muthukrisha
Links Referenced * A Theory of Everyone: The New Science of Who We Are, How We Got Here, and Where We’re Going: https://www.amazon.com/Theory-Everyone-Science-where-Going/dp/026204837X
Alan, an ant enthusiast since childhood, is joined by Susanne Foitzik, author of Empire of Ants: The Hidden Worlds and Extraordinary Lives of Earth’s Tiny Conquerors. She explains that while queens start colonies and lay eggs, they don’t control the colony. Worker ants take on specialized roles like brood care and foraging, with older ants handling riskier tasks. Ants communicate through pheromones and use impressive navigation skills. Some species, like the Argentine and fire ants, thrive in new environments due to human transport, forming super colonies. Susanne’s current research focuses on how ants regulate labor division and how parasites impact their behavior and longevity. Guest Bio Dr. Susanne Foitzik is a professor of evolutionary biology, Vice Dean of the biology faculty, and Acting Director of the Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolutionary Biology at Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz, Germany. She has held academic positions at Ludwig Maximilian University, the University of Regensburg, and as a postdoctoral fellow at Colorado State University. With a doctoral degree in biology and a habilitation in zoology, Susanne is widely published and the author of Empire of Ants: The Hidden Worlds and Extraordinary Lives of Earth’s Tiny Conquerors, a captivating exploration of ant behavior and ecology. Show Notes * (2:12) How many species of ants there are * (3:46) The role of ant queens and how they’re made * (5:55) The different functions ants take on in the colony * (9:01) How nests are created * (11:02) How ants communicate and navigate * (16:01) How certain ants have developed the ability to maintain livestock and how they do it * (19:01) Ants’ more aggressive behaviors * (22:34) What turns ants into “zombies” * (25:34) The social immune system of ants * (28:42) Invasive species of ants * (32:39) Understanding ant-tink * (34:31) What Susanne is working on now
Links Referenced * Empire of Ants: The Hidden Worlds and Extraordinary Lives of Earth’s Tiny Conquerors: https://www.amazon.com/Superpowers-Six-Legs-Hidden-Lives/dp/1615197125
A few thoughts about the technological development and advancement over the past 25 years.
Following the horrific devastation wreaked by Hurricane Helene, I was so heartened to see many in our community and around the nation come together to help those who had lost everything.
I had spoken a while back on our podcast, AMSEcast, with Eric Jay Dolin about his book, A Furious Sky: The 500 Year History of America’s Hurricanes. We talked about some of those storms, including the Galveston, Texas, Hurricane of 1900. The people there had been encouraged to think a hurricane could not do any serious damage to their island home due to a deeply flawed understanding of how those storms work. The results were horrendous. Eric and I also spoke about how modern technologies help us predict and track these monster storms.
Dr. Rita Colwell is a pioneering scientist and professor at the University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins who has made groundbreaking contributions to microbiology and public health. She joins AMSEcast to discuss her experiences being the first woman to lead the National Science Foundation as well as her advanced research on Vibrio bacteria and cholera while founding CosmosID to improve rapid pathogen detection. During the 2001 anthrax attacks, she led a cross-agency effort to identify the spores, revolutionizing DNA sequencing techniques. Overcoming sexism early in her career, Dr. Colwell's achievements are detailed in A Lab of One’s Own. Guest Bio Rita Colwell is a Distinguished University Professor with an appointment in the University of Maryland Institute for Advanced Computer Studies.
Colwell is one of the world’s leading researchers of cholera—a waterborne disease estimated by the World Health Organization to strike three to five million people annually, many of them young children. Her efforts to track and predict cholera outbreaks are multi-faceted, combining bioinformatics with the pioneering use of satellite imaging. She was one of the first scientists to employ remote sensing for disease prediction, as well as recognize the impact of climate change on the waterborne microbial world.
Show Notes
- (0:35) About Dr. Rita Colwell
- (1:52) Dr. Colwell’s irritation at people saying we need to interest more women in science
- (2:49) How Rita dealt with overt sexism and still found the determination to keep moving forward
- (3:56) What lead Dr. Colwell to marine biology and focus on Vibrio
- (6:20) How she ended up at the University of Maryland
- (9:31) Rita’s groundbreaking work on cholera and obstacles in getting her findings accepted
- (15:03) How long it took the professional world for her findings to be accepted
- (18:49) Dr. Colwell’s work as the director of the National Science Foundation
- (21:39) The role she played in the response to the 2001 anthrax attacks
- (26:03) The prospects for women in the business world
- (28:58) The cost of persistent sexism
- (30:41) Rita’s thoughts on how to advance women in the science and business worlds
- (33:40) What’s next for Dr. Colwell
Links Referenced * A Lab of One’s Own: One Woman’s Personal Journey Through Sexism in Science: https://www.amazon.com/Lab-Ones-Own-Personal-Journey/dp/1501181270
Whether you like to have an occasional drink or are a teetotaler, you will enjoy a conversation I had on our podcast, AMSEcast, with Camper English about his book Doctors and Distillers: The Remarkable Medicinal History of Beer, Wine, Spirits, and Cocktails. Camper’s book is a fascinating look at how, over the centuries, many alcohols and various things we add today to cocktails originally had medicinal purposes.
For example, monks in the Middle Ages were at the center of research on agriculture and the distillation of alcohol. One thing they produced for medicinal uses can be found today in many bars.
Renowned author and science historian, Joel Levy, shares his expertise on consciousness, intelligence, and the delicate dance between nature and nurture. Through his latest work, "Psychology for Busy People," the discussion traverses psychology's extensive history, from its origins to contemporary challenges and applications. Joel offers captivating perspectives on thought experiments, the core of consciousness, the nature-nurture debate, and the subtleties of mental health. Tune in as Alan and Joel guide us through the intriguing and complex realm of psychology. Show Highlights (00:00) Introduction (01:39) The ancient roots of psychology (13:26) Joel Levy explores the concept of consciousness (20:40) The topic shifts to the various forms of intelligence (28:51) Insights into social psychology and group dynamics (36:16) Developmental psychology and the process of learning (45:48) Defining mental illness and approaches to treatment (54:18) Conclusion Guest Bio: Joel Levy is a renowned author and expert in the fields of psychology and science history. With a prolific portfolio of work, including titles such as "The Infinite Tortoise: The Curious Thought Experiments of History’s Great Thinkers," and "Meltdown: Stories of Nuclear Disaster," Joel's writings explore the intersections of science, history, and the human psyche. His latest book, "Psychology for Busy People," simplifies the complex world of psychology, making it accessible to a broad audience. Links Referenced: * The Infinite Tortoise: The Curious Thought Experiments of History’s Great Thinkers: https://www.amazon.com/Infinite-Tortoise-Experiments-Historys-Thinkers-ebook/dp/B01J3RCYCW * Scientific Feuds: From Galileo to the Human Genome Project: https://www.amazon.com/Scientific-Feuds-Galileo-Genome-Project/dp/1847735142/ * Meltdown: Stories of nuclear disaster and the human cost of going critical: https://www.amazon.com/Meltdown-Stories-nuclear-disaster-critical-ebook/dp/B0CTQBQPJP/ * Freudian Slips: https://www.amazon.com/Freudian-Slips-Psychology-Need-Know-ebook/dp/B00DSPK2AWPsychology in a Nutshell: https://www.amazon.com/Why-We-Do-Things-Psychology/dp/1782437851
Ridge, Tennessee. Our home of Oak Ridge got its start as a major part of the monumental Manhattan Project, the nation’s successful effort to build the first atomic bomb and end World War II. We talk a lot at AMSE and the K-25 Atomic History Center about the history of the Project, the science and engineering behind it, and the role of Oak Ridge and other locations in its successful outcome. But what is hard to teach is the atmosphere that surrounded that work. Our nation was at war, our soldiers and marines, our sailors and airmen, fighting and dying on the battlefields of Europe and Africa, on the islands of the Pacific, on the vast oceans, in the skies. Every family in America was touched by this war, a war against powers of fascism and militarism, of genocide and oppression.
And we were quite concerned that Nazi Germany was far ahead of us in the effort to build the atomic bomb. It became our focus to beat them in that race, and concurrently to do what we could to sabotage their efforts. I spoke on our podcast, AMSEcast, with award-winning author, Sam Kean, about his terrific book on this topic titled The Bastard Brigade: The True Story of the Renegade Scientists and Spies Who Sabotaged the Nazi Atomic Bomb. Here is Sam.
I have a fundamental question for you – what is life? For something seemingly so basic, it is quite hard to define. The Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Carl Zimmer, took on that topic in his book Life’s Edge: The Search for What It Means to Be Alive. I spoke with Carl on our podcast, AMSEcast, and, among other indicators of life, he raised one that was a bit surprising – life is defined, in part, by decision making, and not just for us creatures who have brains.
Dr. Michele Gelfand is a cultural psychologist and author of Rule Makers, Rule Breakers. She joins us to discusses how “tight” and “loose” cultures shape societies. Tight cultures, like Japan’s, respond to threats with strict rules and order, while looser ones, like the U.S., allow greater flexibility. Gelfand suggests a balanced “Goldilocks” approach, adjusting strictness and flexibility to suit each environment's needs, from families to organizations. She also explores online accountability, recommending "nudges" to promote civility, and sees AI as a potential tool for managing biases and promoting understanding. Guest Bio Michele Gelfand is a Professor of Organizational Behavior at the Stanford Graduate School of Business and Professor of Psychology by Courtesy at Stanford University. Gelfand uses field, experimental, computational, and neuroscience methods to understand the evolution of culture--as well as its multilevel consequences for human groups. Her work has been cited over 20,000 times and has been featured in the Washington Post, the New York Times, the Boston Globe, National Public Radio, Voice of America, Fox News, NBC News, ABC News, The Economist, De Standard, among other outlets.
Gelfand has published her work in many scientific outlets such as Science, the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Proceedings of the Royal Society B, Psychological Science, Nature Scientific Reports, PLOS 1, the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Academy of Management Review, Academy of Management Journal, Research in Organizational Behavior, Journal of Applied Psychology, Annual Review of Psychology, American Psychologist, Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, Current Opinion in Psychology, among others. She has received over 13 million dollars in research funding from the National Science Foundation, Department of Defense, and the FBI.
As a native New Yorker, Michele is now a California transplant. She is married to Todd Betke and has two daughters, Jeanette and Hannah, two birds (Bonnie and Theo) and a Portuguese water dog, Pepper.
Show Notes * (1:47) What is culture? * (4:08) The age that we start learning norms * (10:01) What makes a person or nation a tight versus a loose culture * (15:12) How the movement of people affect looseness and tightness dynamics * (17:57) How changes in attitudes occur * (20:59) Tightness doesn’t mean a lack of creativity * (24:26) The Goldilocks Approach * (30:49) Avoiding becoming too tight or too loose * (32:55) Applying the Goldilocks Approach on social media * (35:56) The disrupting force technology can have on loose and tight cultures * (38:19) AI’s ability to understand culture * (41:11) What’s next for Dr. Michele Gelfand * (45:00) How to follow Michele’s work
Links Referenced * Values, Political Action, and Change in the Middle East and the Arab Spring: https://www.amazon.com/Values-Political-Action-Change-Middle/dp/019026909X * Rule Makers, Rule Breakers: How Tight and Loose Cultures Wire Our World: https://www.amazon.com/Rule-Makers-Breakers-Tight-Cultures/dp/1501152939 * Personal website: michelegelfand.com
In this episode, Alan talks with Windell Oskay, co-founder of Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories. Windell discusses updating Make: The Annotated Build-it-Yourself Science Laboratory, a childhood favorite of his, to inspire today’s young scientists. They highlight the importance of hands-on learning, creativity, and safety, especially in electrical experiments. Windell is also the author of Open Circuits: The Inner Beauty of Electronic Components, which explores the hidden beauty inside electronics, showcasing intricate cross-sections of devices from vacuum tubes to smartphones. Additionally, he shares insights into quantum computing and his company’s work creating pen plotters for artists. Guest Bio Windell Oskay, co-founder of Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories, holds a PhD in Physics from the University of Texas at Austin and a BA in Physics and Mathematics from Lake Forest College. Before launching his company, Windell worked at Stanford Research Systems and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories creates electronics and robotics kits and runs a popular DIY blog. In addition to updating the Make: The Annotated Build-it-Yourself Science Laboratory, Windell authored Open Circuits: The Inner Beauty of Electronic Components, a book that reveals the hidden beauty inside electronics. Show Notes * (1:31) What inspired Windell to update and annotate the Build-It-Yourself Science Laboratory * (4:03) Why Windell thinks it’s important for kids to do hands-on science activities * (7:10) How parents and teacher should approach the book from a safety perspective * (11:21) Activities in the book related to atomic science * (15:08) How Windell prepared the pieces in Open Circuits and what the most challenging aspects were * (18:14) What passive components are and why Wendell started with them * (21:04) How components fit into phone cameras and other devices * (26:32) Where to learn more about Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories
Links Referenced * Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories: https://www.evilmadscientist.com/ * Make: The Annotated Build-it-Yourself Science Laboratory: https://www.amazon.com/Annotated-Build-Yourself-Science-Laboratory/dp/1457186896 * Open Circuits: The Inner Beauty of Electronic Components: https://www.amazon.com/Open-Circuits-Beauty-Electronic-Components/dp/1718502346
Welcome to the AMSE Science Report. Are we alone in the universe? Many people are now taking a fresh look at that question thanks to recent revelations about unidentified aerial phenomena or UAPs, and those revelations have been spearheaded by the important work of Luis Elizondo. Lue recently joined me on our podcast, AMSEcast, to talk about his New York Times bestselling book, Imminent: Inside the Pentagon’s Hunt for UFOs. In a truly incredible, candid, eye-opening conversation, we spoke about several characteristics that distinguish these seemingly inexplicable vehicles. Here is part of our conversation about the ability of these UAPs to achieve instantaneous and hypersonic velocities.
Dava Sobel is an American writer of popular expositions of scientific topics. Her books include Longitude, about English clockmaker John Harrison; Galileo's Daughter, about Galileo's daughter Maria Celeste; and The Glass Universe: How the Ladies of the Harvard Observatory Took the Measure of the Stars about the Harvard Computers.
Taken from Wikipedia
Welcome to The AMSE Science Report. I spoke on our podcast, AMSEcast, with Ian McNeely, about his fascinating book titled Reinventing Knowledge: From Alexandria to the Internet. At our institutions in Oak Ridge we focus every day on the collection and use of knowledge, so it was fascinating to talk with Ian about how knowledge has been viewed and transmitted throughout the ages.
Alan Lowe sits down with the renowned Dr. Asad Madni. Dr. Madni shares his extraordinary journey as an engineer, inventor, and entrepreneur, detailing his groundbreaking contributions to fields like digital signal processing, MEMS technology, and artificial intelligence. From revolutionizing the Naval fleet with the Transline Analyzer to advancing automotive safety with MEMS gyroscopes, Dr. Madni's innovations have left an indelible mark on modern technology. Listen in as he discusses career insights, the future of AI, and the importance of creativity, ethics, and continuous learning in engineering and beyond. Guest Bio Dr. Asad Madni is an internationally renowned engineer, inventor, and entrepreneur. A native of India, Asad studied electronics at the RCA Institutes in New York, and then electrical engineering at UCLA, where he obtained his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He then received his PhD from California Coast University, and the senior executive program postgraduate credential from the MIT Sloan School of Management. He quickly rose up to leadership roles in engineering and business, serving as the CEO of Systron-Donner Corporation, and CEO and President of BEI Technologies. In 2011, he began serving as a distinguished adjunct professor and distinguished scientist at UCLA. Throughout his career, Asad has invented several devices that have had a tremendous impact on our world. He holds 28 patents and has received many prestigious honors including the 2022 Royal Academy of Engineering Prince Philip medal, the 2023 John Fritz medal, and induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2024. Show Notes * (2:13) What drew Dr. Madni to science and engineering * (4:44) Art, engineering, and how they’re connected * (7:14) How Dr. Madni created the first standalone communications systems analyzer * (12:44) When Dr. Madni realized he could make that system into reality * (19:55) The gyroscope and revolutionizing the auto industry * (31:21) Contributions to the Hubble Telescope from Dr. Madni * (34:03) Dr. Madni’s thoughts on the development of AI * (44:12) Dr. Madni’s path to financial success and business advice for aspiring scientists and engineers * (54:22) Virtues that should be instilled into bright, young minds
Alan is joined by Lou Elizondo, former military intelligence officer and author of Imminent: Inside the Pentagon’s Hunt for UFOs. Lou shares his journey from joining JROTC to his work in the Pentagon's classified UFO program. He describes Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) with extraordinary capabilities like hypersonic speeds and movement without visible propulsion, raising national security concerns. Lou explains that UAP sightings date back to the 1950s, and the government once stigmatized discussions to avoid panic. Now, bipartisan efforts push for transparency, supported by emerging legislation and international cooperation on UAP research. Guest Bio Lou Elizondo is a former military intelligence officer who served in various classified roles, including a key position in the Pentagon's UFO program. After his resignation in 2017, Lou became an advocate for transparency about Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs), revealing shocking insights into advanced aerospace technologies observed by military pilots. His New York Times bestselling book, Imminent: Inside the Pentagon’s Hunt for UFOs, uncovers the hidden world of UAP investigations and challenges our understanding of reality. Lou's work has sparked global conversations about science, security, and the future of human knowledge. Show Highlights * (1:29) What led to Luis’ career in military and intelligence services * (5:26) What remote sensing is * (11:03) How Luis’ became in involved with UAPs from a military perspective * (25:09) How Luis’ deals with the lack of acceptance of the data * (29:42) What led Louis to resign from the Pentagon * (34:04) Observable traits of UAPs based on famous filmed cases * (40:48) Why the government’s attitude toward public transparency is changing * (46:03) Next steps for people as UAPs are more openly discussed * (52:56) The importance of keeping an open mind moving forward
Links Referenced * Imminent: Inside the Pentagon’s Hunt for UFO’s https://www.amazon.com/Imminent-Pentagons-Investigating-UAPs_Featured-Experience/dp/0063235560
Alan Lowe, director of the American Museum of Science and Energy (AMSE) introduces a live audience to the first-ever AMSEcast Conversation. Held in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, the event featured a panel of experts discussing the historical significance of the Military Industrial Educational Complex and the book Critical Connections. The panel, which included Lee Riedinger, Ray Smith, and William Bugg, explored the development of Oak Ridge and the University of Tennessee (UT) during the 1940s. Guest Bios Lee Riedinger has held numerous leadership positions during his distinguished career at the University of Tennessee (UT). He has served as the Director of the UT-ORNL Science Alliance, Head of the Department of Physics and Astronomy, and Vice Chancellor for Research. Additionally, Lee has held key roles at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), including Deputy Director for Science and Technology, and Associate Laboratory Director for University Partnerships. His contributions have strengthened the collaboration between UT and ORNL, fostering groundbreaking research and educational initiatives. Al Ekkebus has a long history with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where he previously served as Head of the Research Library and Assistant to the Laboratory Director. He is currently the outreach leader for Neutron Science at ORNL, where his work supports the lab’s scientific community. Al was a crucial research assistant for the book Critical Connections, adding his extensive knowledge to the project. Ray Smith, the City of Oak Ridge’s official historian, has dedicated years to documenting the rich history of the city. For over a decade, he has written a weekly newspaper column on Oak Ridge’s history and contributed significantly to preserving its legacy. Before retiring in 2017, Ray worked at the Y-12 National Security Complex, where he was a key figure in chronicling its historical significance. William “Bill” Bugg is a retired high-energy physicist and former Head of the Physics Department at UT, where he served from 1959 until 2006. An Oak Ridge High School graduate from the class of 1948, Bill’s personal and professional journey has been deeply intertwined with Oak Ridge’s scientific community, making him a living testament to the city’s storied past. Show Notes * (04:19) Guest introductions * (06:13) UT and Oak Ridge as they were in 1940 * (10:03) The role UT played in the construction of Oak Ridge during the Manhattan Project * (19:48) How Oak Ridge was able to continue existing after WWII * (21:00) The role Dr. Hertel played in continuing the connection between UT and ORNL * (23:48) Who Bill Pollard was and his central role in the relationship between UT and ORNL * (32:35) Alvin Weinberg’s role in making connections between ORNL and UT * (35:32) The role politicians and other political servants played in connecting ORNL and UT * (41:18) How their partnership has benefited the lab and the university * (45:23) What’s in the immediate future for UT and ORNL * (48:38) The connection between UT and Y-12 * (50:54) Q & A * (59:58) What the panelists think is missing from the partnership between UT and ORNL
Seirian Sumner speaks to us about her terrific book Endless Forms: The Secret World of Wasps. In this Science Report we learn why wasps often have a bad reputation.
The growing understanding of electricity over the past 200 years has dramatically changed our understanding of the universe, including, you might say, the universe inside our bodies. I had the pleasure of speaking on our podcast, AMSEcast, with Sally Adee, author of We Are Electric: Inside the 200 Year Hunt for Our Body’s Bioelectric Code, and What the Future Holds. In this fascinating book, Sally explores the ways our bioelectrical makeup is central to our lives. Still, our understanding of the electricity in our bodies, and how the nervous system works, are relatively recent discoveries.
In this episode, Alan engages in a captivating conversation with Dr. John Rather, a renowned scientist with an extensive career spanning astronomical research and government positions. Dr. Rather breaks down his groundbreaking work on a new cosmological model which challenges our conventional understandings of the universe's structure, dark matter, dark energy, and the flow of time. The discussion also explores Dr. Rather's fascinating journey in science, key influences, and his innovative theories on 5D space-time, quantum entanglement, and universal consciousness. Guest Bio Dr. John Rather has a proven history of mobilizing scientists, engineers, and leaders in physical and biogenetic sciences to achieve high-leverage, strategic advantages for industry and government. Early in his career, Dr. Rather achieved excellence in hands-on research work at the Oak Ridge and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories and the National Radio Astronomy Observatory. In his mid-30s, he progressed to senior management positions that included two Vice Presidencies in the aerospace industry. Subsequently, he held Senior Executive Service appointments in the U.S. Government that required deep, comprehensive knowledge of science and technology. After a decade in medical and microelectronic research in an academic setting, he founded RCIG in 2006. Show Notes * (3:31) - What led Dr. Rather to writing his new book, Rethinking the Universe: Cosmology with a New Twist (Literally!) * (5:16) - How Dr. Rather became interested in science * (8:15) - What is cosmology * (17:45) - Defining spin in cosmology * (23:29) - Möbius and the 5D Universe * (26:35) - Explaining the redshift * (29:34) - Dr. Rather’s thoughts on the flow of time * (36:00) - Dark matter and dark energy in the world of cosmology * (41:22) - Unpacking quantum entanglement * (44:38) - Human consciousness vs. universal consciousness * (49:55) - Advice for aspiring engineers and scientists
Links Referenced * Rather Creative Innovations Group: https://www.rciginc.com/ * Sisyphus Energy: https://sisyphusenergy.com/ * Rethinking the Universe: Cosmology with a New Twist (Literally!): https://www.amazon.com/Rethinking-Universe-Cosmology-Twist-Literally/dp/B0CH2BPGX7
Alan Lowe interviews Dr. Aditi Gurkar, assistant professor at the University of Pittsburgh’s Aging Institute. Dr. Gurkar discusses her transition from medical doctor to becoming a leading researcher in aging, driven by her grandfather’s cancer diagnosis. She explains the critical difference between chronological and biological age, highlighting how aging impacts both physical and functional health. Dr. Gurkar also emphasizes the importance of early healthy habits, the value of in-person social connections, and the potential for delaying biological aging through targeted interventions while advocating for societal changes to support longer, healthier lives. Guest Bio Dr. Aditi Gurkar is an assistant professor at the University of Pittsburgh’s Aging Institute and a leading researcher in the field of aging. Originally from Mumbai, India, Dr. Gurkar initially aspired to become a medical doctor but shifted her focus to scientific research after a transformative experience in genetic counseling. Inspired by her grandfather's battle with cancer, she pursued a PhD in cancer biology before realizing that aging is the primary risk factor for many diseases. Her work emphasizes the importance of early healthy habits and social connections in delaying biological aging, with a focus on developing interventions to promote longer, healthier lives. Show Notes * (1:52) What led Aditi to decide to study science * (5:33) Aditi’s advice to young women thinking about a career in STEM * (6:43) Why Aditi decided to focus on aging * (8:54) Chronological vs. biological aging * (10:12) Why our bodies age * (10:47) What happens to our bodies as we age * (13:11) Tips for aging well and enjoying being older * (15:38) Can the aging process be reversed?
Links Referenced * Gurkar Lab: http://agresearchlab.com/ * Twitter: https://x.com/healthspan_aug
Noted physicist John Butterworth discusses the world of particle physics, including the findings made in recent years regarding the Higgs Boson. Here’s Jon explaining what the Higgs Boson is.
Kate Winkler Dawson, author of American Sherlock: Murder, Forensics, and the Birth of American CSI is an amazing resource. The Sherlock she is talking about is the incredible Oscar Heinrich who utilized for the first time many of the forensic tools and methods we know today. Kate noted that when Heinrich first started using those tools they were not trusted by many people, including those serving on juries.
Noted sci-fi writer, Andy Weir, author of books such as The Martian, Project Hail Mary, and Artemis discusses which science fiction writers had influenced him the most.
Andrew Knoll talks about his terrific book, A Brief History of Earth: Four Billion Years in Eight Chapters. To start I asked Andy to explain how we know our planet came into existence about 4.6 billion years ago. He explained how that is calculated using meteorites and an element we know a lot about in Oak Ridge, Uranium.
I recently spoke with my good friend, Guru Madhavan, on our podcast, AMSEcast. Guru, the Norman R. Augustine Senior Scholar and Senior Director of Programs at the National Academy of Engineering, was in Oak Ridge to accept the AMSE Foundation’s inaugural National Award of Excellence given at our annual Gala. In our conversation we focused on his newest book titled Wicked Problems: How to Engineer A Better World.
Alan talks with David Sloan Wilson, renowned biologist and author, to explore the broader applications of Darwin's theory beyond genetics to cultural and personal evolution. Wilson argues against conflating evolution with Social Darwinism and highlights cooperation as a crucial trait for societal progress. He emphasizes the need for experimental and inclusive decision-making and discusses how failure drives improvement, the impact of cultural interventions, and the role of religion in fostering community. Wilson also critiques traditional economic models and explains his aim to integrate evolutionary science into global cooperation. Guest Bio David Sloan Wilson is a distinguished evolutionary biologist with a doctorate from Michigan State University. His impressive academic career spans institutions such as Harvard University, the University of Washington, and the State University of New York Binghamton, where he is now Distinguished Professor Emeritus. David founded the Evolution Institute and co-founded the nonprofit ProSocial World, including the New Paradigm Coalition Initiative. He is an award-winning author known for his influential works, including This View of Life, Evolution for Everyone, The Neighborhood Project, and his novel Atlas Hugged. David’s research and writing explore the applications of evolutionary theory to society and culture. Show Notes * (2:21) - What the evolution paradigm is * (4:22) - How the evolution paradigm is seen in cultures and how it differs from Social Darwinism * (6:56) - The special conditions necessary for the evolution paradigm to be effective * (11:51) - The importance of a common goal for cooperation to work when people have conflicting opinions * (14:11) - How failure is handled under the evolution paradigm * (16:16) - Applying the evolution paradigm to education * (26:17) - How the evolution paradigm applies to faith and religion * (37:13) - How the cooperative approach works when it comes to national economics * (39:20) - How individuals express themselves when they don’t agree with the larger group * (44:07) - Wilson’s novel, Atlas Hugged
Links Referenced * ProSocial World: https://www.prosocial.world * New Paradigm Coalition Initiative: https://www.prosocial.world/community/new-paradigm-coalition * This View of Life: Completing the Darwinian Revolution: https://www.amazon.com/This-View-Life-Completing-Revolution/dp/1101870206 * Evolution for Everyone: How Darwin’s Theory Can Change the Way we Think About Our Lives: https://www.amazon.com/Evolution-Everyone-Darwins-Theory-Change-ebook/dp/B000OI0GCA * The Neighborhood Project: Using Evolution to Improve my City, One Block at a Time: https://www.amazon.com/Neighborhood-Project-Using-Evolution-Improve-ebook/dp/B0047Y0FHS * Atlas Hugged: https://www.amazon.com/Atlas-Hugged-David-Sloan-Wilson-ebook/dp/B0C3GCWVMQ * Email: mailto:hello@prosocial.world
In this episode, Mr. Lowe interviews Mr. Kean about his 2010 book, The Disappearing Spoon: and Other True Tales of Madness, Love, and the History of the World from the Periodic Table of the Elements. Mr. Kean begins by deciphering the complex origins of the table in the 1860s and early 1870s and perfected by Russian chemist Dimitri Mendeleev. Since its development and evolution over the past 150 years, the Periodic Table of the Elements continues to be one of the most important achievements to science. This conversation helps illustrate the usefulness of understanding the basic science of the Periodic Table, and characteristics of its elements, when researching and studying history.
In this Science Report we speak with Giulio Boccaletti about his book, Water: A Biography which shows how water has helped shape our lives and our civilizations. This has always been the case as seen vividly in the example of ancient Egypt and the mighty Nile River.
Our home of Oak Ridge, and indeed all East Tennessee, is a hotbed of innovation. To learn more about the history of innovation and how it has been cultivated in the past, I spoke on our podcast, AMSEcast, with Jon Gertner about his book, The Idea Factory: Bell Labs and the Great Age of American Innovation. We discussed some of the amazing breakthroughs that Bell Labs produced - just to name a few, those included the transistor, semiconductors, integrated circuits, lasers, photovoltaic cells, fiber optic and satellite communications, even modern information theory.
Jon shared how Bell Labs approached its work to produce such an incredible number of breakthroughs with real world applications.
Doctor Sal David is a graduate of Edinburgh and Glasgow University's were obtained his masters and PhD degrees in history. He's an award winning author now of 15 books, including just for example, history such as The Indian Mutiny 1857 and Victorious Wars The Rise of Empire, as well as three historical novels. He is also a sought after broadcaster, as well appearing often on channels such as the BBC and that barometer of true success, Netflix, and he is a popular lecturer and history tour guide. On top of all that and more. He served as Professor of Military History at the University of Buckingham for some 12 years. Today we're going to talk with Sal about his extraordinary book titled Crucible of Hell The Heroism and Tragedy of Okinawa, 1945.
On this episode Sally Adee, a science and technology journalist based in London joins us. Sally has written for publications like the Economist, the New York Times and BBC Future, and was the technology, features and news editor at New Scientist. Today we're going to talk with her about her wonderful book, We Are Electric The New Science of Our Bodies, Bioelectric Code and What the Future Holds.
In this episode of AMSEcast, we explore the historical use of alcohol for medical purposes. Camper English, an accomplished writer and educator on cocktails and spirits, joins Alan to discuss how ancient peoples and monks utilized drinks like beer, wine, and spirits to treat illnesses such as digestive issues, bruising, malaria, and scurvy. Camper shares fascinating insights from his book, "Doctors and Distillers: The Remarkable Medicinal History of Beer, Wine, Spirits, and Cocktails," including the origins of carbonated water. Finally, Camper shares his innovative method for making clear ice cubes, enhancing the aesthetic of modern cocktails. About Camper English Camper English is a celebrated writer and speaker specializing in cocktails and spirits. With over 15 years of experience, he has contributed to more than 50 international publications including Popular Science, Saveur, Details, Whisky Advocate, and Drinks International. Camper is known for his comprehensive exploration of the technical aspects of mixology, from the history of carbonation to the science behind making clear ice cubes. His expertise has earned him the title of International Cognac Writer of the Year by the Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac and Best Cocktail Writer at the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards. Recognized as one of the 100 most influential people in the global drinks industry, Camper continues to shape the craft cocktail movement with his detailed and nerdy approach to drink science. Show Highlights (00:00) - Introduction to AMSEcast and Camper English (01:43) - The definitive Process of Distillation (02:28) - Alchemy and Distillation (03:56) - The History of Paracelsus (05:45) - The Bizarre Use of Mummies in the Medicine (09:24) - The Role Monks Played in the Development of Distilled Medicine (12:10 ) - The Medicinal Origins of Carbonated Water (16:05) - Louis Pasteur’s Research on Fermentation (19:01) - Absinthe’s Infamous Reputation and Medical Use (23:56) - Medical Uses of Whisky and Bourbon (27:01) - Patent Medicines (29:07) - How Prohibition Affected The Medical Use of Alcohol (33:30 ) - The Julep’s Medical Origins (35:50) - Reflecting On The Medical Benefits of Alcohol Vs. The Risks (37:53) - Directional Freezing For Clear Ice (40:16) - Camper Shares His Future Projects And Interests (42:43) - Closing Thoughts
This episode welcomes award winning science writer Steve Olson. Having written for publications such as Science, The Atlantic, Wired, and Scientific American, just to name a few. Additionally, he has been a consultant writer for organizations like the National Academy of Sciences and the President's Council of Advisors on Science. Continuing his writing acumen Steve includes a collection of books, including Mapping Human History, genes, race, and Our Common Origin. Countdown. Six Kids Vie for glory at the World's Toughest Math Competition. And Anarchy, Evolution, Faith, Science and Bad Religion in a World without God, Eruption the Untold story of Mount Saint Helens and the focus of our discussion today: The Apocalypse Factory plutonium and the making of the Atomic Age.
We’re joined by Dr. Jon Butterworth as we delve into two fascinating books he’s written—Atom Land: A Guided Tour Through the Strange (and Impossibly Small) World of Particle Physic and Most Wanted Particle: Inside the World’s Biggest Experiment. In Atom Land, Jon guides us through the minute world of particle physics, explaining fundamental forces, quarks, and leptons. Most Wanted Particle explores the mission of the Large Hadron Collider, focusing on the quest to find the Higgs boson. Dr. Butterworth shares his involvement with the machine and the importance of basic research for technological and economic advancement. About Dr. Jon Butterworth Dr. Jon Butterworth is a distinguished physicist with undergraduate and graduate degrees from Oxford University. He is a professor of physics at University College London and has served as the head of the Department of Physics and Astronomy. At CERN's Large Hadron Collider, Jon is the scientific adviser for the UK delegation. He received the Chadwick Medal in 2013 for his contributions to high-energy particle physics. In addition to his academic achievements, Jon is a prolific author and blogger, making complex scientific concepts accessible to a broader audience. Show Highlights (2:00) What forces are and how they underly everything
(8:47) What bosons are and how they fit into the Standard Model
(11:33) The importance of symmetry in physics
(13:40) Which concepts Dr. Butterworth found most difficult to present in Most Wanted Particle
(16:39) The mission of the Large Hadron Collider
(20:23) How scientists interpret data from the Large Hadron Collider with certainty
(22:47) What makes the Higgs boson special
(27:01) Why searching for the Higgs boson and other basic research is so important
Links Referenced * Atom Land: A Guided Tour Through the Strange (and Impossibly Small) World of Particle Physics https://www.amazon.com/Atom-Land-Through-Impossibly-Particle/dp/1615193731/ * Most Wanted Particle: Inside the World’s Biggest Experiment https://www.amazon.com/Most-Wanted-Particle-Inside-Physics/dp/161519245X/
In his latest book, Tech to Table: 25 Innovators Reimagining Food, Richard Munson explores how new technologies are revolutionizing agriculture—a traditionally slow-to-modernize industry. In this episode, we explore specific innovations like lab-grown meat and Impossible Foods' use of the heme molecule, along with regulatory challenges these innovations face. We also discuss vertical farming in urban centers and the ability to reduce food spoilage with natural coatings. Along the way, we cover 3D printing food, soil microbe analysis, gene editing for plants, and reducing methane emissions from livestock. About Richard Munson Richard Munson has been a leader in clean energy and environmental issues, holding key positions like Senior Director at the Environmental Defense Fund and coordinator at the Northeast-Midwest Institute. He also serves on the board of the Illinois Environmental Council. Munson is an acclaimed author, known for books such as Tesla: Inventor of the Modern, Cousteau: The Captain and His World, and his latest work, Tech to Table: 25 Innovators Reimagining Food. Richard is also set to release a new biography of Benjamin Franklin, titled Ingenious, focusing on Franklin’s scientific contributions. Show Highlights * (3:18) Using animal cells to create meat and Impossible Foods using the heme molecule to give plants a meaty flavor * (9:18) Vertical farming * (11:32) Addressing food spoilage * (13:14) How robots, satellites, and drone technology is being utilized in agriculture * (16:39) 3D printing in food production * (19:53) Analyzing soil microbes to advance efficiency and sustainability * (21:21) Using gene editing to modify plants and how it differs from genetic engineering * (24:11) Reducing methane production in livestock
Links Referenced * Tesla: Inventor of the Modern https://www.amazon.com/Tesla-Inventor-Modern-Richard-Munson/dp/0393635449 * Cousteau: The Captain and His World https://www.amazon.com/Cousteau-Captain-World-Richard-Munson/dp/0688074502 * Tech to Table: 25 Innovators Reimagining Food https://www.amazon.com/Tech-Table-Innovators-Reimagining-Food/dp/1642831905
The TVA has been tackling some of the South's biggest problems since 1933. What started as a solution to poverty, flooding, and depleted farmlands now works on nuclear power and clean energy. In this episode, Joe Hoagland joins us in the studio to discuss how the TVA got started, what it’s doing now, and where it's going in the future. We delve into TVA’s current energy portfolio, future small modular reactors, and economic development. Joe also discusses the push for nuclear leadership in Tennessee, grid capacity challenges, and the importance of engaging future generations in STEM to support the growing energy sector. About Joe Hoagland Joe Hoagland is the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Vice President of Innovation and Research. He earned his BS in Chemistry from Southern Utah University and an MS and PhD in Physical Chemistry from Washington State University. Joe has been with TVA since 1993, spearheading numerous key initiatives. He is also the Chair of Tennessee’s Energy Policy Council, an adjunct professor at the Howard Baker School at the University of Tennessee, and serves on the board of directors for the American Museum of Science and Energy Foundation. Show Highlights (0:35) Introducing Joe Hoagland (1:37) When TVA was created, what area it covers, and its primary missions (6:31) TVA’s current energy portfolio percentages and how it’s changing (9:51) The amount of electricity TVA distributes every year and how it gets to consumers (13:15) Understanding the TVA flood control system (17:19) The TVA’s focus on economic development (20:07) Joe Hoagland’s role as Chair of the Tennessee State Energy Policy Council (25:03) How energy storage systems are changing (29:16) Energy disruptors the TVA currently faces (37:39) Engaging this and future generations in STEM to be part of the growing energy sector
As part of our STEM of History series, done with support from Humanities Tennessee and the National Endowment for the Humanities, I interviewed Dr. Ernest Freeberg about his book The Age of Edison: Electric Light and the Invention of Modern America. We first talked about why America during Edison’s time was a hotbed of invention.
Thanks to a grant from Humanities Tennessee and the National Endowment for the Humanities, we created a series of interviews at the AMSE Foundation about the connections of science, engineering, and history, suitably called The STEM of History. One guest I interviewed was Steve Olson, the author of many terrific books including Mapping Human History: Genes, Race and our Common Origins.
Dr. John C. Wagner is the director of Idaho National Laboratory and president of Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC. He is responsible for management and integration of a large, multipurpose laboratory whose mission focuses on nuclear energy, national and homeland security, and energy and environmental science and technology.
Kate Winkler Dawson's years of research and thousands of never-before-published primary source materials shapes, American Sherlock to capture the life of the man who pioneered the science our legal system now relies upon–as well as the limits of those techniques and the very human experts who wield them. Host of @buriedbonespod, @tenfoldmorewicked, Wicked Words on @exactlyright. Author of All That Is Wicked and American Sherlock.
This episode of AMSEcast features Dr. Aarathi Prasad talking about silk, a very special and beautiful material. Dr. Prasad explains why people have loved silk for so long and how it's made, mainly by silkworms. She also talks about different kinds of silk from around the world and how silk was used in the past for things like making clothes and even in wars as armor. She also discusses how silk can be used for new, remarkable technologies in the future. The episode helps us learn much about silk's history and what makes it so important and exciting. Dr. Aarathi Prasad is a researcher, broadcaster, and writer who specializes in the intersection of science, history, and culture. She has contributed to major publications and has been involved in groundbreaking research on ancient DNA. Her latest work, "Silk: A World History," examines the impact of silk on human civilization and its potential future applications.
Welcome to The AMSE Science Report. What is nothingness? Why is there something rather than nothing? I spoke on our podcast, AMSEcast, with Jim Holt, the author of Why Does the World Exist? An Existential Detective Story, about those mind-bending questions. They have been responded to many ways over the years – answers were found in God, in philosophy, in mathematics. Some say that the universe came into existence due to the laws of quantum physics, but then the whole idea of the nature of laws comes into question.
Welcome to the AMSE Science Report. It seems that we are bombarded every day with a lot of statistics, but for many of us, the meaning of all those numbers, and how they were compiled, can be a bit mysterious. That’s why I was glad to speak on our podcast, AMSEcast, with Charles Wheelan about his book Naked Statistics: Stripping the Dread from the Data. Charles makes the complicated world of statistics quite understandable and relatable. For example, we often hear the terms median and mean, or average. But what is the difference between those terms?
Dr. Eric Jay Dolin wanted to be Jacques Cousteau as a child, but he changed his plans in college when he realized he wasn’t very good at science. Fortunately, he was able to pivot into environmental management, policy, and planning. Eric has written numerous books including A Furious Sky: The Five-Hundred-Year History of America’s Hurricanes. In this episode, Alan talks with Dr. Dolin about the history of studying hurricanes in the United States, the advances that have been made in predicting and tracking them, as well as what we can expect from them in future due to our changing climate. Dr. Eric Jay Dolan attended Brown University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Biology and Environmental Studies. He then completed a master’s in environmental management at Yale and a PhD in environmental policy and planning at MIT. Dr. Dolan has worked with institutions like the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Marine Fisheries Service. However, his true passion is storytelling. Eric has been widely published and is an award-winning author of books such as Rebels at Sea: Privateering in the American Revolution, Leviathan: The History of Whaling in America, and today's featured book, A Furious Sky: The Five-Hundred-Year History of America’s Hurricanes.
Dr. Richard Ellis has been a major part of astronomy since he was an undergrad in the 1960s when he served on committees for the creation of the Hubble Telescope. Since then, he has worked in observatories across the globe and published a book titled When Galaxies Were Born: The Quest for Cosmic Dawn, which explores the moment in the history of the universe when galaxies first emerged from darkness. In this episode Alan talks with Dr. Ellis about his experiences and what he hopes the future will bring for the field of astronomy. Dr. Richard Ellis is a professor of astrophysics at University College London where he studied before earning his doctorate at Oxford. His career includes roles at the University of Durham, Royal Greenwich Observatory, Cambridge, Caltech, and the European Southern Observatory, and as director of the Palomar Observatory. He has received numerous awards, such as the Michael Faraday Gold Medal, the Royal Medal, and the Gruber Cosmology Prize. Dr. Ellis was also made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire. His recent book is When Galaxies Were Born: The Quest for Cosmic Dawn.
In Rivers of Power, geographer Laurence C. Smith explores the timeless yet underappreciated relationship between rivers and civilization as we know it. Rivers are of course important in many practical ways (water supply, transportation, sanitation, etc). But the full breadth of their influence on the way we live is less obvious. Rivers define and transcend international borders, forcing cooperation between nations. Huge volumes of river water are used to produce energy, raw commodities, and food. Wars, politics, and demography are transformed by their devastating floods. The territorial claims of nations, their cultural and economic ties to each other, and the migrations and histories of their peoples trace back to rivers, river valleys, and the topographic divides they carve upon the world. And as climate change, technology, and cities transform our relationship with nature, new opportunities are arising to protect the waters that sustain us.
Beautifully told and expansive in scope, Rivers of Power reveals how and why rivers have so profoundly influenced our civilization and examines the importance this vast, arterial power holds for the future of humanity.
Ben Goldfarb is an independent conservation journalist. The author of Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping The Future of Our Planet, named one of the best books of 2023 by the New York Times, and Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter, winner of the 2019 PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award.
In this intriguing episode of AMSEcast, Alan is Joined by Jim Holt to discuss the captivating question: Why does the universe exist? Jim Holt, an esteemed author known for his explorations into the depths of existence, navigates through the realms of science, philosophy, and mathematics to seek answers. From the possibilities of nothingness to the complexities of cosmic laws and the mysteries behind the Big Bang, this episode offers a comprehensive yet accessible look into the theories and thoughts that deliberate about the universe's very foundation. Join us on a fascinating journey to explore the existential detective story of our cosmos.
Speaking to us during a visit for our Energy and Elements 2024 Gala the Norman R. Augustine Senior Scholar and Senior Director of Programs, National Academy of Engineering spoke to us about his most recent book: Wicked Problems: How to Engineer a Better World.
Dr. Angela Creager is the Thomas Siebel Professor in the History of Science at Princeton University and a member of AMSEF's National Advisory Committee. She spoke with us about her book Life Atomic: A History of Radioisotopes in Science and Medicine.
AMSE Science Report David Rooney
David chairs the Electrical Timekeeping group and acts as pass steward of the Worship- ful Company of Clockmaker. David has authored several books, including Spaces of Congestion and Traffic, Politics and Technologies in 20th Century London Mathematics How It Shaped Our World.
Dan Falk is an award winning freelance writer and broadcaster specializing in science stories, and was a 2011/12 Knight Science Journalism Fellow at MIT.
Acclaimed science journalist and space historian Andrew Chaikin has written extensively about our exploration of space including his book, A Man on the Moon, which became the basis for HBO’s miniseries, From the Earth to the Moon.
I grew up watching the Big Red Machine, the wonderful Cincinnati Reds of the 1970’s, and have kept my love of baseball since those glory days. I was excited to talk on an episode of AMSEcast, our podcast, with Will Carroll about his books The Science of Baseball: The Math, Technology, and Data Behind the Great American Pastime, and The Science of Football: The Math, Technology, and Data Behind America’s Game. One area we talked about was the use of data in sports, including the incredible detail now possible in analyzing each and every baseball pitch.
Remember playing with magnets when you were a kid and wondered what brought the opposite poles together and especially what kept the like poles apart. It turns out the force experienced is one of the most fundamental in the universe – electromagnetism. Along with gravity and the strong and weak nuclear forces, it comprises the foundation for, well, everything. We spoke about this topic on the podcast, AMSEcast, with Alanna Mitchell, author of The Spinning Magnet: The Electromagnetic Force that Created the Modern World – and Could Destroy It.
Welcome to the AMSE Science Report. I’m Alan Lowe, Executive Director of the American Museum of Science and Energy, and the K-25 History Center, both located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. On an episode of our podcast, AMSEcast, I had the pleasure of talking with Bethany Brookshire about her book Pests: How Humans Create Animal Villains. In our discussion Bethany emphasized that defining a creature as a pest, whether it is something smaller like a rat or snake, or larger, like a coyote or an elephant, is based in large part on our culture. It is a subjective perspective, and because of that, Bethany argues that we can examine and change our views - if not eliminating our fears, at least gaining respect for many so-called pests. Here is Bethany:
Today I want to discuss mathematics! I’m sure some of you love math and see not only its usefulness but also its beauty. I have not counted myself among that number. Ever since bouts with trigonometry and calculus, I have steered as clear as possible from math. But as the executive director of two museums devoted to teaching STEM, I feel hypocritical in not embracing the last part of that acronym. So I calculated that by talking to experts on our podcast, AMSEcast, about this topic, I would find a new appreciation of math and that was indeed the case when I spoke to Raphael Rosen about his book, Math Geek: From Klein Bottles to Chaos Theory, a Guide to the Nerdiest Math Facts, Theorems, and Equations.
Renowned author and science historian, Joel Levy, shares his expertise on consciousness, intelligence, and the delicate dance between nature and nurture. Through his latest work, "Psychology for Busy People," the discussion traverses psychology's extensive history, from its origins to contemporary challenges and applications. Joel offers captivating perspectives on thought experiments, the core of consciousness, the nature-nurture debate, and the subtleties of mental health. Tune in as Alan and Joel guide us through the intriguing and complex realm of psychology.
Peter Alagona is a professor of environmental studies, with an affiliation in Geography, at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He received his Ph.D. from UCLA and completed postdoctoral fellowships at Harvard and Stanford. His work explores what happens when humans share their space and resources (habitats) with other species: how we interact with non-human creatures, how we make sense of these interactions, why we fight so much about them, what we can learn from them, and how we might use these lessons to foster a more just, humane, and sustainable society.
Working at Oak Ridge National Laboratory McCarthy works on the integration and deployment of next-generation fission technology, from concept to industry and regulatory adoption.
Dr. Andrew Knoll is a professor of Natural History and Earth and Planetary Sciences at Harvard University, renowned for his research on the evolution of life and Earth's surface environments. His work, particularly focused on the Archean and Proterozoic eons, delves into paleontology, biogeochemistry, and the critical transitions in life's history, such as the rise of eukaryotic organisms and complex life forms. Additionally, Dr. Knoll explores the causes and effects of mass extinctions and the development of early microbial life. His expertise extends to astrobiology, where he contributes to Mars exploration, applying his understanding of Earth's ancient life to the search for life on other planets. Through his research and publications, Dr. Knoll plays a pivotal role in advancing our comprehension of life's intricate history on Earth and beyond.
Join us for a thrilling journey into the future of science with Dr. Paul Kearns, Director of Argonne National Laboratory, on this episode of AMSEcast. Discover Argonne's historic contributions to nuclear energy, biosciences, and quantum computing, and delve into how they're tackling global challenges like climate change.This episode is not just a conversation; it's a gateway to the future of scientific exploration and discovery. Join us for an insightful and inspiring journey through the world of scientific innovation with a true visionary in the field.
Explore the fascinating world of genetics with Katie McKissick, as she takes us on a journey through the wonders of genetics in this episode of AMSEcast. Using her unique blend of expertise and humor, Katie walks us through the complex fundamental elements of genetic structure, including DNA and RNA, and through the fascinating mechanisms behind genetic traits and inheritance. Join us for an entertaining learning experience!
A pediatric surgeon for over three decades Catherine Musemeche is also the award winning author of Hurt The Inspiring Untold Story of Trauma, Small Life and Death on the Frontlines of Pediatric Surgery. Our discussion covers her book is Lethal Tides, Mary Seers and the marine scientist who helped win World War Two.
Ben Goldfarb is a conservation journalist who's writing has appeared in publications like The Atlantic, National Geographic and The New York Times, among many others, is also the author of the award winning book we're going to discuss today titled Eager The Surprising Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter.
Charles King is a professor of international affairs and government at Georgetown University. His writings and commentary have been featured in The New York Times, Foreign Affairs, NPR, the BBC and CNN. He is an award-winning author of multiple books. Today we discuss his most recent work, Gods of the Upper Air.
A professor of environmental studies at the Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences at Brown University, Laurence Smith is the author of over 150 articles and essays. Today we discuss his book, Rivers of Power, how our Natural Force, Race, Kingdoms Destroyed civilizations and Shapes Our World.
An award winning writer who has contributed to the Smithsonian, Time and Vanity Fair Mark Wortman has also contributed to NPR and the History Channel. He's taught at several universities, including his alma mater, Princeton, and he served as an advisor for the film The Millionaires Unit, U.S. Naval Aviators in the First World War. He's the author of several terrific books, including 1941 Fighting the Shadow War A Divided America in a World at War, The Millionaires Unit, The Aristocratic Flyboys Who Fought the Great War, and American Airpower. The Bonfire, the Siege and Burning of Atlanta, and the book we're going to discuss today, Admiral Hyman Rickover, engineer of power.
Ray Smith a Historian, Author, Newspaper Columnist and Photographer in Oak Ridge, TN and Alan Carr, Senior Historian/Program Manager at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Both men sit down with Executive Director and AMSEcast host: Alan Lowe to discuss the Manhattan Project and its long term benefits.
As President of the East Tennessee Economic Counsel (ETEC) Tracy works to create economic growth by engaging business and public policy leaders towards opportunities created by our region’s federal assets while enriching public and private investments.
Working to advance fusion science and engineering Rick Lee works at the DIII-D National Fusion Facility operated by General Atomics for the Dept. of Energy. Sharing a passion for fusion Rick leads several outreach teams for students.
As Deputy for Laboratory Operations Dr. Alan Icenhour until recently retiring coordinated overall operations and support functions at ORNL: facilities operations; environment, safety, and health; business operations; security; human resources; communications; and technology transfer.
Morgan Giuggio is a Nuclear Engineer at Radiant Nuclear - responsible for shielding design and implementation for the portable micro modular reactor, Kaleidos. Morgan primarily utilizes serpent, mcnp, and Attila4MC to conduct the necessary analyses, and inform her design decisions. Additionally, Morgan educates children of all ages in the ways on innovative nuclear design.
In this episode of the AMSE's Science Report we speak with Dr. Karen Lloyd, an associate professor of microbiology and head of the Lloyd Lab at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville about her research into the very smaller of organisms in our planet's subsurface.
Caroline Anderson is Manager for Outreach at the Fusion Industry Association. In previous work she coordinated economic empowerment and conflict resolution programs in the Middle East and North Africa. She also worked at a think tank in Washington D.C. that specializes in international conflict resolution, foreign trade policy, and security. Caroline graduated with honors from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she earned degrees in Economics and Peace, War & Defense. She lives in Washington, DC.
The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History is congressionally chartered to represent all aspects of nuclear history and science. It is an intriguing place to learn the story of the Atomic Age, from early conception, the Manhattan Project and Cold War, to today's peaceful uses of nuclear technology. Jennifer Hayden has been a port of this museum since 2013 beginning in communications and marketing. Today Jennifer shares her first hand experience as President & Chief Executive Officer at National Museum of Nuclear Science & History.
This interview was recorded live at the Nuclear Science Week Expo at the Fleet Science Center in San Diego, CA.
An instructor and researcher in artificial intelligence and advanced statistical techniques applied to process diagnostics, condition based maintenance, and prognostics at the University of Tennessee.
This interview was recorded live at the Nuclear Science Week Expo at the Fleet Science Center in San Diego, CA.
A nuclear engineer at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. She is campaign manager for the 252-Californium Campaign and was involved with the discovery of Tennessine.
This interview was recorded live at the Nuclear Science Week Expo at the Fleet Science Center in San Diego, CA.
Today we hear from the award-winning science writer Brian Clegg about his terrific book titled Ten Days in Physics that Shook the World: How Physicists Transformed Everyday Life. We can take for granted how our lives have benefited from revolutionary changes in physics over the past 150 years. Our growing knowledge of fields from thermodynamics and electromagnetism to superconductivity and information theory have made our lives very different from generations past.
Teaching at the University of Oregon with a specialty cultural and intellectual history and how institutions have been impacted by the spread of ideas Ian McNeely has written several books. Today we discuss a book written with his wife, Lisa Wolverton titled, Reinventing Knowledge from Alexandria to the Internet.
With twenty years as an editor at Military Review at the US Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth Dennis Giangreco has written many award-winning books on U.S. military and political history. Here we'll discuss the books, Hell to Pay: Operation Downfall and the Invasion of Japan and Truman and the Bomb: The Untold Story.
A professor of science at Harvard University and was the longest serving chair of Harvard's Depart- ment of Astronomy and founded Harvard's Black Hole Initiative. Today, he is director of the Institute for Theory and Computation in the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics and serves as the head of the Galileo Project.
Currently teaching public policy at Dartmouth College Dr. Charles Wheelen has created the organization Unite America. Having written for The New York Times, the Economist and The Wall Street Journal and a number of books. We're going to discuss today, Naked Statistics Stripping the Dread from the Data for All.
Once holding the title of "curator of timekeeping" David Rooney has served in museums since the mid-nineties. David chairs the Electrical Timekeeping group and acts as pass steward of the Worshipful Company of Clockmaker. David has authored several books, including Spaces of Congestion and Traffic, Politics and Technologies in 20th Century London Mathematics How It Shaped Our World.
Will Carol serves as the director of bio Analytics at Northstar as an advisory board member for Long Ball Labs and lead writer of Under the Knife and past years, he's held a number of roles in institutions like GM, Cox Media, Bleacher Report and Sports Illustrated. He's the author of Saving the Pitcher Preventing Pitcher Injuries and Modern Baseball The Juice The Real Story of Baseball's Drug Problems. And the two books are going to discuss today The Science of Baseball, the Math technology and data behind the Great American pastime and the science of football, the math technology and data behind America's Game.
Nina Kraus is the Hugh Knowles professor of communication Sciences, neurobiology and otolaryngology at Northwestern University with her B.A. from Swarthmore College and her Ph.D. in neuroscience from Northwestern.
Nina directs the Brain Bolts Laboratory. She's written over 400 articles and is the author of the book We're going to discuss today of Sound Mind how Our Brain Constructs a Meaningful Sonic World.
Dr. Lydia Kang is a physician with degrees from Columbia University and the New York University School of Medicine, but making me feel extraordinarily lazy. On top of all that, she is a prolific author of young adult fiction, poetry and nonfiction, and with the latter with nonfiction. She has written several books, including Pseudoscience A Strange History of How Not to Think Quackery, A Brief History of the Worst Cures for Everything, and the book we're going to discuss today that she co-wrote with Nate Peterson, titled Patient Zero A Curious History of the World's Worst Diseases.
With a PhD in Applied Physics from Stanford, additional degrees from Harvard and Tufts, Richard Meserve has served as chairman of the International Nuclear Safety Group of the International Atomic Energy Agency as well as an appointee from the Secretary of Energy's Commission of America's Nuclear Future. Discussing a spectacular and expansive career it's an honor to share this conversation on this episode of AMSEcast.
Trained at Wake Forest School of Medicine in Physiology and pharmacology Dr. Bethany Brookshire is an award winning science writer, podcast host and recent MIT Knight Science Journalism Fellow. Our topic today is her recent book, Pest: How Humans Create Animal Villain's.
A full-time professor of agriculture at the University of Delaware. Award winning author Dr. Douglas Tillerman sits down to discuss one of nature's majestic trees and the subject of his co-authored book, The Nature of Oaks, The Rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Trees.
As a Bell Laboratory alumni rose to lead the Semiconductor Electronics and Solid-State Electronics Research Departments today's guest has been Dean of multiple disciplines at Harvard as well as an international representative of the sciences at large. With numerous publications we will Now we discuss his co-authored book, titled The Genesis of Techno Scientific Revolutions Rethinking the Nature and Nurture of Research.
Celebrated scientific and historic author and podcast host Sam Kean shares his thoughts on a variety of topics from several of his books. Todays primary focus will be a wild one: The Icepick Surgeon, Murder, Fraud, Sabotage, Piracy, and other dastardly Deeds perpetrated in the name of Science.
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This week's guest: Kit Chapman. The AMSE Science Report delves into the latest issues of science and engineering, featuring interviews and discussions with scientists, engineers, science policy experts, and others. Tune in every Saturday morning this summer on WUOT.
The AMSE Science Report delves into the latest issues of science and engineering, featuring interviews and discussions with scientists, engineers, science policy experts, and others. Tune in every Saturday morning this summer on WUOT.
The AMSE Science Report delves into the latest issues of science and engineering, featuring interviews and discussions with scientists, engineers, science policy experts, and others. Tune in every Saturday morning this summer on WUOT.
Tune in to WUOT every Saturday morning at 9:35am, during Weekend Edition, as we bring you the latest from American Museum of Science and Energy’s science series, the AMSE Science Report.
Allen is a journalist, playwright and writer. She started her career as an award winning journalist in Canada at the Financial Times and the Globe and Mail. After 17 years in journalism, she turned to sign writing, where again, her efforts have been award winning. She has contributed to articles in publications such as National Geographic and The New York Times. She has written the following books, Seasick The Global Ocean and Crisis, a book. She's also turned into a play Malignant Metaphor for Confronting Cancer Myths, a Memoir Franklin's Lost Ship, The Historic Discovery of HMS Erebus. Invisible Plastic. What happens when your garbage ends up in the ocean, dancing at the Red Sea, tracking the world's environmental hotspots and the truly fascinating book we will discuss today, the Spinning Magnet, the Force That Created The Modern World and Could Destroy It.
Robert is a forensic engineer and a member of the National Academies of both Forensic and Professional Engineers, an adjunct professor of technology who has also served over the years as vice president of technology and engineering for several transportation companies. Robert now has entered the world of writing historical novels with his wonderful novel, The Armageddon Secret.
a discussion of Jaime's book, The Possibility of Life, Science, Imagination and Our Quest for Kinship in the Cosmos
Dana has a Ph.D. in Animal cognition and has written both fiction and nonfiction for kids in publications such as Highlights for Children and the Canadian Wildlife Federation's Wild magazine. But now she's published a book for all of us Big Kids, too, titled The Beekeeper's: How Humans Change the World of Bumblebees.
Widely published and working as a research science associate at UT-Austin's Institute for Geophysics Marcy works with field science teams that travel all around the world. Today, we discuss her book, Roadside Geology of Tennessee.
A neuroscientist, researcher, award winning author and a senior teaching fellow at Imperial College, London, Stefano's attendance of the 64th Lindau Nobel Laureate meeting in 2014 was part of the inspiration to his latest book, Nobel Life: Conversations with 24 Nobel laureates on their life stories, advice for future generations and what remains to be discovered.
After obtaining her Ph.D. from MIT, a 2016 fellow of the American Geophysical Union, 2018 member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and in 2021, she was elected to the National Academy of Sciences. As a professor she also serves as the principle investigator for NASA's mission to the asteroid psyche. Today we discuss her book latest book, Portrait of the Scientist as a Young Woman.
Dr. Angela Creager is the Thomas Siebel Professor in the History of Science at Princeton University and a member of AMSEF's National AdvisoryvCommittee. She spoke with us about her book Life Atomic: A History of Radioisotopes in Science and Medicine.
In this episode of AMSEcast we speak with David Kaiser author of "How the Hippies Saved Physics: Science, Counterculture, and the Quantum Revival.
This episode features Jim Rogers. With a background at NASA, NOAA, U.S. Air Force and the Defense Intelligence Agency we welcome the computing and facilities director for the National Center for Computational Science at Oak Ridge National Laboratory to discuss the ever-expanding world of exascale super computers.
Having graduated Harvard and MIT with studies in physics and post- doctoral work at CERN. Gino is a professor of physics and the author of four books discussing the greater world of physics including the topic of our discussion today, the Pope of Physics, Enrico Fermi and the Birth of the Atomic Age.
On this episode of AMSEcast we talk with acclaimed science journalist and space historian Andrew Chaikin. Our discussion revolves around his writing about our exploration of space including his book, A Man on the Moon, which became the basis for HBO’s miniseries, From the Earth to the Moon.
This episode of AMSEcast features Dan Levitt, an award-winning maker of science and history documentaries for organizations such as National Geographic, Discover, Science, and the History Channel. We discuss his first and most excellent book, What’s Gotten Into You.
Stephen Heard is aProfessor of Biology at the University of New Brunswick, Canada, where he teaches courses in ecology, evolution, and entomology. In this episode of AMSEcast we discuss Heard's book, Charles Darwin’s Barnacle and David Bowie’s Spider: How Scientific Names Celebrate Adventurers, Heroes, and Even a Few Scoundrels.
Steve Brusatte, a paleontologist and evolutionary biologist at the University of Edinburgh, joins us to discuss his book, The Rise and Reign of the Mammals.
From his sailboat, Rocinante, author and biologist Bill Streever talks with us about his books detailing amazing stories of weather, wind, heat, cold, and the depths of the ocean.
Award-winning journalist, broadcaster and author Dan Falk discusses the connections between the great bard, William Shakespeare, and the Scientific Revolution, as detailed in his book, The Science of Shakespeare.
A professor in the history of science and technology at the University of Warwick, James Poskett joins us to discuss his book, Horizons: A Global History of Science.
The chief editor of Jane's Inter- national Defense Review, and head of Jane's America's News, Dan Wasserbly spoke to us about his book, The 300, and the critically important but frightening world of missile defense.
An award-winning British science writer and public speaker who has written over 40 popular science books and a growing range of novels.
Creativity in its many guises is the topic of our conversation with Pulitzer- Prize winning journalist and author, Matt Richtel.
Dr. Kimberly Budil talks with about the vitally important work she oversees as the Director of the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory including recent fusion experimentation and break- through known as "fusion ignition."
A member of the National Academy of Engineering and the Silicon Valley Engineering Hall of Fame, Dr. Chandrakant Patel serves as HP’s Chief Engineer and Senior Fellow.
An internationally respected biomedical systems engineer and author, Dr. Guru Madhavan is the Norman R. Augustine Senior Scholar and senior director of programs at the U.S. National Academy of Engineering. This conversation runs a wide path.
We chat with the author of THE GREAT INDOORS: THE SURPRISING SCIENCE OF HOW BUILDINGS SHAPE OUR BEHAVIOR, HEALTH, AND HAPPINESS
The Hugh and Hazel Darling Chair in Law at Pepperdine University, Pulitzer Prize winning Edward J. Larson is one of the world's foremost scholars on evolution and Darwin. He joined us on AMSEcast to discuss his books Evolution: The Remarkable History of A Scientific Theory;Evolution’s Workshop: God and Science on the Galapagos Islands; andSummer for the Gods: The Scopes Trial and America’s Continuing Debate Over Science and Religion.
In this episode Mr. Lowe and Mr. Olson focus their discussion on Olson’s book, Mapping Human History, Genes, Race, and Our Common Origins. Their conversation ranges broadly over the intersection of genetics and the story of human history. Olson’s work shows how historians can benefit from marshalling the tools of genetics, and how in turn geneticists can at times better analyze their findings with a sound knowledge of history. We begin to understand how the complexity of human history and human biology can literally be mapped to common origins.
A professor in Behavioral Ecology at University College London, Seirian Sumner focuses her research on social insects, and is especially passionate about the world of wasps. She talks with us about her book, Endless Forms: The Secret World of Wasps.
Kai Bird is the executive director and distinguished lecturer at the CUNY Graduate Center’s Leon Levy Center for Biography. The author of best-selling books such as The Good Spy: The Life and Death of Robert Ames and The Outlier: The Unfinished Presidency of Jimmy Carter, Kai spoke with us about the Pulitzer Prize winning book he co-authored with the late Martin J. Sherwin, American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer.
Kai Bird is the executive director and distinguished lecturer at the CUNY Graduate Center’s Leon Levy Center for Biography. The author of best-selling books such as The Good Spy: The Life and Death of Robert Ames and The Outlier: The Unfinished Presidency of Jimmy Carter, Kai spoke with us about the Pulitzer Prize winning book he co-authored with the late Martin J. Sherwin, American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer.
A discussion showing casing how science fiction mirrors real life or perhaps the other way around.
Steve Brusatte is an American paleontologist who teaches at the University of Edinburgh. Widely published in journals such as Scientific American and Science, Steve served as the paleontology advisor on the very successful Jurassic World film franchise. We spoke with him about his terrific book, The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs: A New History of a Lost World.
"Dinosaurs diversified and some became colossal and so much bigger really than anything else that had ever lived at that point in time and those dinosaurs still are the biggest animals that have ever lived on land."
Michael Hiltzik is a Pulitzer-Prize winning author and journalist who writes for the Los Angeles Times. We spoke with him about his books Dealers of Lightning: Xerox Parc and the Dawn of the Computer Age; Colossus: Hoover Dam and the Making of the American Century; Big Science: Ernest Lawrence and the Invention that Launched the Military-Industrial Complex; and Iron Empires: Robber Barons, Railroads, and the Making of Modern America.
"The whole idea of “Big Science” which required so much funding really started with [Ernest] Lawrence and his work at the Manhattan Project and it survived and then continues really to this day through the big labs and these big projects." M. Kiltzik
For 15 years, Linda Deck has served as the Director of the Bradbury Science Museum in Los Alamos, New Mexico. Prior to her service there, she was, among other roles, Director of the Idaho Museum of Natural History, and Exhibit Developer and Project Manager at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.
An award-winning historian and biographer, Matthew Parker spoke with us on AMSEcast about his book Panama Fever: The Epic Story of One of the Greatest Human Achievements of All Time - the Building of the Panama Canal.
Randy Cerveny is a professor of geographical sciences at Arizona State University, and Rapporteur on Extreme Records for the World Meteorological Organization. He talks with us about all kinds of fascinating weather.
A staff scientist and cosmochemist at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Greg Brennecka joined us on AMSEcast to talk about his terrific new book, Impact: How Rocks from Space Led to Life, Culture and Donkey Kong.
Giulio Boccaletti, an inter- nationally acclaimed expert on geophysical and ecological science, discusses his book, Water: A Biography, which examines the fascinating history of the connection between water and human society.
Simon Garfield joins us to talk about the fascinating worlds of maps and timepieces, based on his terrific books On the Map: A Mind-Expanding Exploration of the Way the World Worksand Timekeepers: How the World Became Obsessed with Time.
A journalist of fifteen plus years, Kurczy’s work has appeared in The Christian Science Monitor, The Economist, The New York Times to name a few. Work and wanderlust have provided Stephen the chance to travel extensively and research a number of topics, including the fascinating basis of our discussion, The Quiet Zone.
Jon Gertner, author of The Idea Factory: Bell Labs and the Great Age of American Innovation, joins us for a wonderful discussion of the world-changing technologies that Bell Labs helped create in the 20thcentury.
Grandson of President Harry S. Truman. Clifton, the oldest of the Turman grandchildren, he also portrays his grandfather on stage in the one-man-play, “Give ’em Hell, Harry.” Clifton has written books on his grandfather’s family and legacy.
An award-winning environmental journalist published in National Geographic magazine, Politico, and Discover magazine. She is a professor and teaches journalism classes at the University of Florida. The book, Rain, which has garnered much acclaim, is our topic today.
Dr. Alan Icenhour, Deputy for Laboratory Operations at Oak Ridge National Laboratory discusses his role facilitates isotope production, enrichment technology, and the operation of ORNL’s nuclear facilities. He has also been senior technical adviser to the National Nuclear Security Administration and served as a Naval office on a nuclear submarine.
Jack A. Riggs served for 20 years in the U.S. Congress, including 13 years as staff director of the House Subcommittee on Energy and Power. A Senior Fellow at the Aspen Institute from 1995 to 2006 he directed its Program on Energy and Environment.
A journalist, author, and a fellow of the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities at the University of Virginia, Earl Swift's seven books have punctuated a diverse writing career through hundreds of newspaper features and magazines. Today’s conversation revolves around the book, Across the Airless Wilds.
On this episode we discuss the incredible efforts of East Tennesseans and the inhabitants of the former “Secret City” during the Manhattan Project, World War Two, and beyond. Dewaine Speaks, and Ray Smith, they are long time associates, both authors and historians on their own. In this discussion we dive into the characters, efforts, and vitalization of a region and the nation.
After studying engineering at Cambridge University, Paul Sen became an award-winning television and film producer of science programs such as Triumph of the Nerds and Gravity and Me. He is the author of Einstein’s Fridge: How the Difference Between Hot and Cold Explains the Universe.
Associate Professor at the University of Tennessee – Knoxville, Department of Microbiology College of Arts & Sciences. Dr. Lloyd’s Deep Subsurface biosphere research is vital to determining where and how subsurface microorganisms exist, consume and produce energy on the fringes of survivability.
Professor and Mellon Chair in History of Art, Science, and Folk Practice at the Warburg Institute, John Tresch is the author of The Reason for the Darkness of the Night Edgar Allan Poe and the Forging of American Science. This book peels back the curtains on Poe’s life as someone whose life has been surrounded and formed by his passion and fascination for the sciences. A debunker and sometimes fraudster himself, science was always Poe’s first mistress.
Author of Math Geek: From Klein Bottles to Chaos Theory, a Guide to the Nerdiest Math Facts, Theorems, and Equations, Rosen is a science communications associate at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory and was inspired to write while working at the San Francisco Exploratorium.
The author of Extraordinary Insects The Fabulous, Indispensable Creatures Who Run Our World, shares the marvels of the insect world.
In this episode, Ryan North, author of How to Invent Everything, and the creator and author of Dinosaur Comics, along with haven written for the comic series of Adventure Time and Marvel Comics' The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, while his works have won multiple Eisner Awards and Harvey Awards, manages to drop in to chat about the wonders of having the ability to invent everything.
Allen Packwood OBE is a Fellow of Churchill College at Cambridge University and Director of the Churchill Archives Centre. He has authored and edited many publications related to Churchill and has lectured extensively in the United Kingdom and the United States. IN this conversation with American Museum of Science and Energy Director, Alan Lowe discuss one of their favorite Brits, Winston Chruchill.
Nathalia Holt, Ph.D. is the New York Times bestselling author of The Queens of Animation: The Untold Story of the Women who Transformed the World of Disney and Made Cinematic History, two other books, and numerous publications.
The son of a physicist and electrical engineer, at 15, he began working as a computer programmer for Sandia National Laboratories. In 2016 Andy Weir received the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer for his story the Martian.
Author of the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, The First Scientific American: Benjamin Franklin and the Pursuit of Genius (2006), Joyce E. Chaplin has written three other nonfiction books and finds herself at Harvard University as the James Duncan Phillips Professor of History.
Paul Bookout has been a manager at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center since the early 2000s with extensive work in deep space habitats and rocketry, including the Space Launch System currently being developed by NASA.
An award-winning journalist and historian, Denise talks with us about her wonderfully insightful book The Girls of Atomic City, which was a New York Times bestseller in its first week of publication.
A noted professor of radio astronomy and astroparticle physics and led the inter- national effort that gave the world the first-ever image of a black hole. His new book is Light in the Darkness: Black Holes, the Universe, and Us.
Susan, who spends most of her time writing in her restored chicken shed and running her four companies and works as a faculty member at the College of William and Mary along with lecturing regularly on writing, education joins Alan to discuss her literary efforts.
Emily Gibson is a historian of science and technology and
a science policy analyst at NSF in Alexandria, Virginia. She
is currently writing a book on the history of the agency.
New York Times best-selling author of the Kopp Sisters series and, where our conversation begins, nonfiction titles include The Drunken Botanist, Wicked Plants, and Flower Confidential and host Alan Lowe chat about the fascinating world of plants and their many sciences.
Los Alamos National Laboratory Director Thom Mason shares
his early influences and discusses how experiments progress into the commercial market. Along the way there's some talk of physics, supercomputing, and the betterment of humanity.
Dr. Radenbaugh is a planetary scientist and professor at Brigham Young University. She has teamed up often with NASA on projects such as the Cassini Mission to Saturn’s moon, Titan. On this episode of AMSEcast, she discusses her research and her thoughts on Earth and other amazing planets.
Richard Rhodes is the author of twenty-six books including The Making of the Atomic Bomb, which won a Pulitzer Prize in Nonfiction, a National Book Award, and a National Book Critics Circle Award; Dark Sun: The Making of the Hydrogen Bomb, which was shortlisted for a Pulitzer Prize in History; and two further volumes of nuclear history. His latest book, Energy: A Human History, was published by Simon & Schuster in May 2018.
During this episode of AMSEcast, Mr. Rhodes shares his thoughts on his various works, the drive required to write such authoritative volumes, and what's coming next.
Author Sam Kean shares his insight on the Manhattan Project, the Periodic Table, and so much more.
Dr. Thaller showcases a vast array of topics below, upon, and far, far above this fair planet. Equipped early with a deep enjoyment for the sciences Michelle's natural curiosity and joie de vivre is rivaled only by her ability to translate intricate scientific concepts thus helping to unravel the universe's greater mysteries in the here and now.
Director of Oak Ridge National Laboratory since 2017, Dr. Zacharia oversees the incredible work being done at that institution that is changing our world for the better. He talks with us on this episode of AMSEcast about his path to Oak Ridge, the fascinating efforts underway at the lab today, and what the future holds.
The author of, "The Perfectionists: The Story of Precision", "The Map that Changed the World", "Krakatoa", and many more; shares his thoughts on the people and ideas in his tremendous body of work.