Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Rocks for Jocks
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
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| Glacier Recession with Andy Jones, PhD Candidate | 20 Dec 2025 | 00:36:59 | |
Andy's recent paper discussed: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adx9442 Substack: https://substack.com/@rocksforjocks In this episode, I host Andy Jones, a PhD candidate in Geoscience at the University of Wisconsin Madison. We focus on Andy's recently published research in California’s Sierra Nevada, where glaciers are disappearing for the first time in 30,000 years! We cover the formation, recession, and climatic impact of glaciers. Andy also talks about glacier studies in the Tropical Andes, emphasizing the need for climate action. Listen and follow “Rocks for Jocks” on Substack!
Music: 368 by Dyalla | |||
| Geotech Talks with Marshall Pontrelli, PhD | 16 Nov 2025 | 00:51:43 | |
This month, I bring back Marshall Pontrelli, a fan-favorite former guest and graduate school coworker! We talk about Marshall's research on geotechnical engineering, site response, and earthquake hazard mapping. We also get into Marshall’s thoughts on the peer review process and the application of scientific thinking to broader contexts. Subscribe on Substack: https://rocksforjocks.substack.com 00:00 Welcome and Intro 02:01 Marshall's Graduate School Research 08:31 Mexico City Earthquake Study 16:37 Geological Mapping and Hazard Analysis 28:43 Depth to Bedrock, Shear Wave Velocity, and Cone Penetration Tests 41:48 Design-Build vs. Design-Bid-Build 49:29 Reflections on Scientific Thinking Music: 368 by Dyalla | |||
| Mapping Earthquake Hazards with Christina Sanon, PhD Candidate | 03 Mar 2025 | 00:44:39 | |
This week, I reunite with Christina Sanon, a researcher and PhD candidate at Tufts University, to discuss her journey and recent research developments! Christina discusses a recent seminar and her ~groundbreaking~ earthquake research. We also talk about water diplomacy, a recent Maine Earthquake, and the practical applications of Christina’s projects. Subscribe to hear more scientists discuss climate and natural hazards research projects! 00:00 Intro and Water Diplomacy 06:00 PhD Journey and Career Aspirations 16:54 Earthquake Loss Estimation Project 22:40 Understanding Hazard Maps and Soil Amplification 28:14 Real-World Earthquakes and Damage State Probabilities 35:14 Communicating Science Effectively Music: 368 by Dyalla | |||
| Navigating Physical Therapy with Matt Curran | 17 Feb 2025 | 00:37:00 | |
In this episode of Rocks for Jocks, I chat with Dr. Matt Curran, a recent doctorate in physical therapy. Together, we talk through aspects of the physical therapy field, including the differences between hospital and outpatient settings, nerve repair, and cadaver dissections. Matt shares what it’s like working with patients of different age groups, his research on post-stroke rehabilitation, and his transition into home care. If you like the episode, please subscribe and share it with a friend! 00:00 Intro and Matt's Journey 09:16 Cadaver Dissections and Unique Cases 21:38 Clinical Experiences and Working in Hospitals 26:45 Transition to Home Care 35:09 Reflections and Advice for Upcoming PTs | |||
| Dissecting Medical School with Aidan Bailey | 03 Feb 2025 | 00:40:48 | |
I welcome back Aidan Bailey, a close friend and first-year MD/PhD student at Wayne State University! Aidan shares his experiences in medical school, reflecting on his study strategies, dissecting cadavers, and balancing extensive coursework. He discusses the structure and goals of the MD/PhD program, the value of both degrees, & his future research plans. Our conversation also touches on life in Detroit, highlighting its vibrant culture and sports! 00:00 Intro and Guest Background 01:20 Med School Journey Begins 08:32 Anatomy Lab and Clinical Skills 15:38 Favorite Professors & Classes 18:50 Program Structure and Classmates 30:29 Choosing the Right Advisor 32:30 Benefits of an MD-PhD 37:40 Life in Detroit
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| 2025 Los Angeles Wildfires with Dr. Peter Sousounis | 20 Jan 2025 | 00:27:08 | |
I interview Peter Sousounis, an atmospheric scientist who now works as a climate and catastrophe modeling consultant. We discuss the recent January 2025 Los Angeles, California Wildfires, global catastrophe modeling, and the rising impacts of secondary perils (like smoke damage). Peter explains the factors contributing to winter wildfires in California and highlights the broader implications on human health and insurance in the region. 00:53 Introducing Dr. Peter Sousounis 04:36 Catastrophe Modeling 08:46 Winter Wildfires 14:48 Mitigate and Prepare 22:15 Future Outlook
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| Climate History using ocean cores with Dr. Danielle LeBlanc | 06 Jan 2025 | 00:37:49 | |
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Danielle LeBlanc, a researcher at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Danielle and I discuss her journey from studying petroleum engineering to her PhD research on ocean sediments. Danielle explains why she studies sediment components to understand Earth's climate history, ice sheet dynamics, and ice-rafted debris. She also talks about the challenges of her research and offers advice for rising scientists. If you like this episode, please subscribe and share it with friends! 04:30 Paleoclimate Research 08:14 Isotopes Explained 14:59 Laurentide Ice Sheet 26:42 Career Reflections and advice 32:34 Opportunities for Future Scientists Note: the cosmic flux consists of high-energy particles originating from both our sun and other sources in space. Danielle also discusses "sun rays," which she uses here to refer to ultraviolet rays. Ultraviolet rays consist of lower energy particles relative to cosmic rays (or radiation), which consist of higher energy particles. Music: 368 by Dyalla Disclaimer: all opinions are our own and not representative of any companies or organizations. | |||
| Climate Change: Natural Cycles vs. Human Impacts | 23 Dec 2024 | 00:14:30 | |
In this episode of Rocks for Jocks, I explore the frequently asked question: “isn't the climate always changing?”. I break down the components of climate change, distinguishing between natural cycles and human-caused impacts. Learn about solar radiation, greenhouse gases, airborne particles, climate feedbacks, and tipping points! Very fun! I also go into some details about Earth's orbital patterns, using animations from NASA to help understand long-term climate trends. Listen and subscribe for an in-depth discussion on driving our planet's climate! 00:00 Intro 01:29 Climate Forcings 03:24 Feedbacks and Tipping Points 04:38 Solar Radiation 06:59 Orbital changes 12:08 Human impacts Sources:
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| BONUS: MrBeast's Business & the Leaked Memo | 09 Dec 2024 | 01:09:21 | |
In this bonus episode of Rocks for Jocks, we leap into the world of MrBeast, the world’s most popular YouTuber. Alex and his guest, Colin Vergilio, discuss MrBeast's impressive rise, his business strategies, and the recent internal memo that reveals how his company operates. We cover his astonishing statistics, including over 50 billion views, 500 employees, and nearly $700 million in annual revenue. Wow! We also explore the ethical implications and challenges of running such a massive digital empire. Don't miss this inside scoop of one of the most influential media figures today!
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| Iceland's Latest Volcanic Eruptions | 27 Nov 2024 | 00:12:01 | |
In this special episode of Rocks for Jocks, I discuss the recent volcanic eruptions in Iceland near the town of Grindavík! With live video streams and data from the Icelandic Meteorological Office, viewers get an in-depth look at magma flow, earthquake patterns, and the impact on local attractions like the Blue Lagoon. The video includes hazard maps, GPS data on ground deformation, and gas pollution trends. Despite massive disruptions, tourists can definitely keep visiting if they stay in the safe zones. Perhaps more importantly, today I learned how to use a camera! While it can definitely be enjoyed with audio-only, the video should be available on Spotify and YouTube. If you’re listening on any other platforms and notice you’re able to see video as well, please let me know! 00:09 Recent Volcanic Eruptions 00:48 Impact on Iceland and the Blue Lagoon 04:11 Volcanic Defenses & Tourism 06:23 Analyzing Maps and Figures 11:01 Live Streams and Visuals Sources:
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| Climate Change: what are Asymmetric Risks? | 18 Nov 2024 | 00:09:41 | |
Welcome back to Rocks for Jocks! Today's episode is all about climate change, uncertainty, and the wild ride of asymmetric risks. Stick around to see why every tenth of a degree matters in this high-stakes climate game. Subscribe and join us on the journey towards a greener future! Cover image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Polar_bear_watches_USCGC_Healy_230922-D-GO191-1035.jpg | |||
| Iceland: Earthquakes and Geysers! | 04 Nov 2024 | 00:09:44 | |
Welcome to the latest episode of Rocks for Jocks! Today, we jump into the fascinating earth science discoveries I learned about during my trip to Iceland. I discuss Iceland's position on the mid-Atlantic Ridge, witness the breathtaking sights of a national park, and discover how magma, hot springs, and geysers interplay to create stunning natural features. Listen here! 00:00 Introduction and Iceland Trip Overview 01:43 Exploring Iceland's Tectonic Activity 03:23 The Formation of Iceland's Landscapes 06:13 Geysers and Their Mechanisms 09:17 Conclusion and Upcoming Topics | |||
| Seismic Site Effects with Ellie Meyer and Maggie Roberts, PhD Students | 05 Oct 2025 | 00:43:38 | |
Today’s interview is with not one, but TWO researchers from the Tufts Geohazards Research group! I host Maggie Roberts and Ellie Meyer, PhD students learning about how Earthquake shaking waves affect structures at the surface. Maggie and Ellie discuss methodologies using HVSR measurements, the limitations of traditional VS 30 models, and human-reported seismic data. Subscribe on Substack: https://rocksforjocks.substack.com 00:00 Welcome Back 04:44 Ground motion Geohazards Research 07:43 Challenges and Progress in Earthquake Research 23:45 HVSR pros and cons 31:34 Human Data in Earthquake Studies 36:43 Future Goals for HVSR Models 40:22 Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Benefits Music: 368 by Dyalla | |||
| Wind Energy Innovations with CEO Rob Baxter | 21 Oct 2024 | 00:31:12 | |
In this episode, I interview Rob Baxter, CEO and founder of CBC Wind Energy. We talk about the mechanical resilience, environmental impacts, and minimal infrastructure of CBC’s wind turbines, which are especially useful in disaster relief areas. Rob also shares insights on the broader role of renewables in diversified energy portfolios and offers advice for entrepreneurs in the energy space. 01:18 Innovative turbine designs 06:58 Cost and Efficiency of CBC's turbines 12:26 Optimal and extreme conditions 20:00 Environmental impacts & challenges 28:06 Advice for renewable energy entrepreneurs | |||
| Spacewalks | 07 Oct 2024 | 00:09:20 | |
Privately funded Spacewalks! What are they? Why do they matter? Are they good or bad? Let's find out! Spacewalks are when astronauts leave their shuttle in outer space and are completely reliant on their spacesuits to keep living. Listen here to learn more! Sources:
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| Laura Huepenbecker: Flora, films, and farms | 23 Sep 2024 | 00:41:28 | |
Today, we're sharing a conversation with Laura Huepenbecker. With notable contributions to several professional movie and podcast productions, Laura continues to be a leader in the environmental media space. We talk about Laura’s experiences on a farm set for 3 years, soil research, and sheep pupils! | |||
| Book review: The Theory of Everything, part 3 | 09 Sep 2024 | 00:20:33 | |
Alex jumps into the third and final part of his summary and review of Stephen Hawking's 'The Theory of Everything’. Lecture 6 covers the concept of time using thermodynamic, psychological, and cosmological arrows. Lecture 7 explores the search for a unified theory and its philosophical impacts (we promise no more big words). Cover image: NASA/JPL-Caltech/University of Wisconsin, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons | |||
| Book review: The Theory of Everything, part 2 | 26 Aug 2024 | 00:24:35 | |
In this episode, I dabble in lectures 3 through 5 of Stephen Hawking’s book, ‘The Theory of Everything’. We are talking Hawking’s shocking explanations of stars, black holes, and the Big Bang! Hawking tells a joke about the pope. I explain surface area using a baseball as an analogy — sports! I even ruminate briefly on how I imagine an infinite universe. 00:00 Intro 00:54 Lecture 3 09:13 Lecture 4 14:50 Lecture 5 Cover image from NASA's Scientific Visualization Studio, public domain (https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/14619 ). | |||
| Adel Asadi, PhD — Machine learning, mining, and more | 12 Aug 2024 | 00:45:00 | |
In this episode, I interview Adel Asadi, PhD, who talks about his journey from Iran to Stanford University. Adel shares details from his academic career, including his achievements in mining, machine learning, and geohazards. He also offers a glimpse into his ongoing postdoctoral work and entrepreneurship at Stanford. 00:00 Introduction and Education 04:28 PhD Research: mining, remote sensing, geohazards 26:26 Postdoc vs. Industry 41:58 Plans and Advice | |||
| Rocks for Jocks Trailer | 09 Aug 2024 | 00:01:21 | |
| Book Review: The Theory of Everything, part 1 | 29 Jul 2024 | 00:14:18 | |
In this episode of 'Rocks for Jocks', I recap and discuss the first part of Stephen Hawking's book 'The Theory of Everything'. The book, despite its brevity and easy-to-understand language, has a lot information to go over. In this episode, I get through lectures 1 and 2 out of 7. 00:00 Overview & key takeaways of 'The Theory of Everything' 02:38 Lecture 1 06:45 Lecture 2 | |||
| Climate Change Impacts and GHGs | 15 Jul 2024 | 00:13:16 | |
Today I explore the main impacts of climate change, a topic often covered in introductory earth science courses. I also talk about the basics of greenhouse gases like CO2 and methane, explaining how they trap heat and alter global weather patterns. 00:00 Defining Climate and Change 01:53 Major Impacts 06:04 Major Causes 10:46 Greenhouse Gases 13:02 Final Thoughts Sources: https://climate.nasa.gov/vital-signs/global-temperature/?intent=121 | |||
| Christina Sanon -- Engineering and Machine Learning, Part 2 | 03 Jul 2024 | 00:24:19 | |
In this episode, I continue my conversation with Christina, a PhD candidate at Tufts University. We talk further about Christina’s dissertation, the challenges she faced, and advice for rising engineers. 00:00 Christina's Dissertation 04:13 Fragility Functions & Empirical Data 08:48 Project Hurdles 16:14 Future Plans & Advice 23:56 Final Thoughts | |||
| Seismicity, Site Response, & Nuclear Weapons with Jeremy Salerno | 14 Jul 2025 | 00:39:58 | |
In this episode of Rocks for Jocks, I reunite with a grad school colleague, Jeremy Salerno! We talk about Jeremy's research on earthquake waves and site response during our time In the Geohazards Research Lab at Tufts University. I worked in the lab for 2 years, where I also overlapped with prior Rocks for Jocks guests, Christina Sanon and Marshall Pontrelli! Jeremy and I talk about detecting seismic activity, monitoring nuclear weapons testing, and his roles working with different companies and defense projects. Rate this podcast 5 stars, and send it to a friend! 00:00 Intro 03:57 Field Work and Data Collection 06:21 Nuclear Monitoring and Seismic Sensors 12:30 Earthquake Waves, Resonance, and Site Response 20:08 Using data for Earthquake Engineering 23:01 Ambient Noise & Soil Vibration Analysis 23:31 Unexpected Earthquakes and Thesis work 29:08 AI in Coding and Professional Use 33:31 Classes and their Impact Music: 368 by Dyalla | |||
| Christina Sanon -- Engineering and Machine Learning, Part 1 | 21 Jun 2024 | 00:40:58 | |
In this episode I interviewed Christina Sanon, a Civil & Environmental Engineering PhD candidate at Tufts University. Christina discusses her academic journey, how concrete is used in structural engineering, and her research with earthquake damage data. We talk some specifics about Christina’s methodologies, including remote sensing, the preservation of time-sensitive data, and using machine learning for liquefaction assessment. 01:01 Christina's Academic Journey 07:10 Undergraduate and Master’s 16:15 PhD Coursework and Research 24:09 Liquefaction and Perishable Data 33:57 Manual Data Collection | |||
| East Coast Earthquakes | 07 Jun 2024 | 00:13:41 | |
This episode reviews the recent 4.8 magnitude New Jersey earthquake, its causes, and its implications. I also discuss a few other topics, including tectonic plates and fault lines, the rarity of significant earthquakes on the US East Coast, and different earthquake measurement scales. 00:00 Introduction 01:29 Tectonic Plates and Fault Lines 02:30 Intra Plate Events 03:26 Frequency and Magnitude Relationship 07:11 Earthquake Measurement Scales 10:46 Quakes and CC | |||
| Marshall Pontrelli, PhD -- Trail Crews and Site Response, Part 2 | 24 May 2024 | 00:39:31 | |
In this episode, we discuss Marshall's graduate school projects in seismic site response and geotechnical engineering. In his projects, Marshall studied Mexico City's seismic response after the 2017 earthquake, then extend the application of his findings from Mexico City to New England. We also discuss F-naught, Vs 30, the publication process, and the practical applications of Marshall’s findings. 00:00 Intro 00:36 Exploring the Impact of Mexico City's Geology 06:15 Expanding Dissertation Research 19:20 Research and Publication Plans 35:01 Data and Visualization | |||
| Marshall Pontrelli, PhD -- Trail Crews and Site Response, Part 1 | 10 May 2024 | 00:38:55 | |
In this episode, we discuss Marshall's life ranging from his academic journey to work with trail crews in the White Mountains. We talk about Marshall’s scientific accomplishments and his eventual career path in geotechnical engineering. Lastly, we discuss Marshall’s graduate school experiences, focusing on statistics, mentorship, and practical applications in the professional world. 00:00 Recording During COVID 01:08 High School to Geophysics 20:49 Unveiling the Fault 25:28 Grad School: MATLAB to Geotechnical Engineering | |||
| Book Review: Coming of Age in the Milky Way | 29 Mar 2024 | 00:10:58 | |
This episode takes us on a journey through the history of early astronomy, from ancient astronomers observing the night sky to celestial sphere models. Using chapter 1 of "Coming of Age in the Milky Way" by Timothy Ferris, I discuss the evolution of scientific models, including the details and fabrications of Ptolemy. I consider the changing nature of theories and the endless possibilities for future discoveries.
00:00 Introduction 00:19 Discovering an Old Gem 01:54 Early Astronomy: Celestial Spheres to Ptolemy's Models 05:17 Ptolemy's Legacy: Fabrication and Insight 08:40 Evolution of Scientific Models and Theories | |||
| What are Plate Tectonics? | 15 Mar 2024 | 00:07:45 | |
In this episode I give an overview of plate tectonics by explaining their movements and characteristics. I discuss the different types of plate boundaries, the formation of mountain ranges and volcanoes, and the evidence supporting tectonics, including paleomagnetism, earthquakes, and the distribution of fossils. 00:33 Understanding Tectonic Plates and Their Movements 02:11 Exploring Plate Boundaries and Their Effects 04:51 Evidence Supporting Plate Tectonics Theory | |||
| Liquefaction Losses & Research | 09 Mar 2024 | 00:20:19 | |
In this episode, I introduce my recently published paper, mostly completed during graduate school, titled “National Liquefaction Loss Database and Event-Level Fragility Functions”, published in the journal, Earthquake Spectra.
My goal is to simplify and explain the scientific concepts behind the paper, starting with the basic understanding of liquefaction as a natural phenomenon and its impact on infrastructure. We walk through different sections of the paper, including the abstract, introduction, data collection and methodology, highlighting the process of creating a dataset for historical liquefaction in the U.S. and predicting future events. I discuss the development of the liquefaction loss database, the construction of fragility functions to predict losses, and the limitations and potential improvements of the study. This presentation aims to make scientific papers more accessible and interesting to a wider audience, while also providing insights into the research process and findings on liquefaction-induced damages and losses.
00:00 Introduction to the Paper and Its Accessibility
00:47 Understanding Liquefaction: The Phenomenon Explained
02:41 Diving Into the Paper: Abstract and Introduction
04:59 Data Collection and Analysis: The Core of the Research
14:34 Methodology and Fragility Functions: Predicting Liquefaction Losses
16:38 Limitations and Conclusions: Reflecting on the Study
Paper: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/87552930231194550
Data: https://doi.org/10.17603/ds2-exeg-dy75
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| Article Review: "Mining through the Valleys of Death" | 07 Mar 2024 | 00:07:22 | |
Today we’re discussing an article called “Mining through the Valleys of Death” by the newsletter, Climate Tech Venture Capital. The article goes through topics including the importance of mining in the transition to renewable energies, highlighting the increased demand for rare earth elements, and the impact on supply chains. The article also touches on the concept of the 'valley of death' in mining projects and suggests methods to make mining processes more efficient and sustainable. Article link: https://www.ctvc.co/mining-through-the-valleys-of-death/ | |||
| Aidan -- Rare Diseases, Physics, and Med School | 19 Feb 2024 | 00:51:09 | |
An interview with my friend, Aidan, about his work in academia and research. Our conversation covers Aidan’s academic and professional journey, starting from his high school years where he showed an interest in biology, to his experiences in college, graduate school, and his work in the professional world. Aidan shares insights about his research work in disease processes, his time in a lab during grad school, his shift into industry work in biotech for drug discovery, and his aspirations for further education in MD-PhD programs, with hopes to eventually run his own clinic and research lab for rare diseases. | |||
| Brian -- Film, Plumbing, and Social Media | 05 Feb 2024 | 00:22:11 | |
A chat with with Brian about his experience and passion for film and media, as well as his work in marketing for a plumbing company. Brian discusses his approach to content creation, including video testimonials, education videos, and the impact of AI and technology on the film industry. | |||
| The Science of Podcasts with Sydney DeMets, PhD Candidate | 16 Jun 2025 | 00:49:42 | |
This week, I host Sydney DeMets, PhD candidate at the University of Washington, to talk about her research on podcast networks! We chat about the polarization within podcasting spaces, the influence of moderate shows on bridging political divides, and the gender disparity in podcast hosts and guests. My favorite part was Sydney highlighting how guests spread across different shows in a similar way to the diffusion of viruses! Sydney also gives some podcast recommendations and reflects on potential future research directions. If like this episode, please send it to a friend, and rate it 5 stars on Spotify & Apple Podcasts! 00:00 Intro 04:11 The Influence of Podcasts on Public Opinion 07:28 Methodology and Findings 16:13 Challenges and Surprising Discoveries 36:20 Concerns About Information Veracity 41:26 Future of Podcast Moderation 46:34 Podcast Recommendations
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| Colin Vergilio -- Venture Capital and Life, Part 2 | 27 Jan 2024 | 00:36:07 | |
Part 2 of a conversation between two friends, Alex and Colin, discussing Colin's career, academic background, and his experience in the venture capital industry. We also talk about the importance of finance education, entrepreneurship, and the role of venture capital in funding startups. | |||
| Colin Vergilio -- Venture Capital and Life, Part 1 | 27 Jan 2024 | 00:28:04 | |
A conversation between two friends, Alex and Colin, discussing Colin's career, academic background, and his experience in the venture capital industry. We also talk about the importance of finance education, entrepreneurship, and the role of venture capital in funding startups. | |||
| Planets, Meteorites, & Paleoclimate with Professor Roger Fu | 02 Jun 2025 | 00:43:02 | |
This week, I had the privilege to interview Professor Roger Fu from Harvard's Earth and Planetary Sciences department. We cover planet formation in our early solar system, harvesting samples from meteorites, tectonic plate motion, paleoclimate research, and science funding in Boston! Professor Fu has a really unique perspective from his time studying astronomy in Chile and also leading research projects in university settings. If you like the episode, please subscribe and rate the episode wherever you're listening, and send it to a friend! 00:00 Intro 01:57 Astronomy in Chile 12:38 Planetary Formation 15:21 Meteorites and Magnetic Fields 20:34 Paleoclimate Research 33:04 NASA’s Influence 35:29 Engaging Students and the Public Music: 368 by Dyalla | |||
| Teaching Comp Sci with David Zabner, PhD Candidate | 19 May 2025 | 00:54:02 | |
I host David Zabner, 4th year PhD Candidate at Tufts University to tell me all about his research — improving Computer Science education! I start with an intro about why this subject specifically can be so challenging to teach and learn, then David tells me about his background and different research projects he’s done to improve education at different levels. He emphasizes the importance of interactive and practical learning, comparing it to learning a second language. Enjoy, thanks for listening, and send this episode to a friend! 00:00 Intro & Background 06:15 Learning Theories and Teaching Methods 11:49 Challenges in Computer Science Education 36:31 Impact of Large Language Models 41:08 Future Projects Music: 368 by Dyalla | |||
| Ancient Earth with Amanda Calhoun, PhD Candidate | 28 Apr 2025 | 00:25:03 | |
In this episode, I host Amanda Calhoun, PhD candidate in the Earth and Planetary Sciences program at Harvard! In one project, Amanda uses carbon isotopes to uncover signs of ancient life. In another project, Amanda uses pyrite (fool’s gold!) to understand Earth’s oxygen history. Listen to hear about the history of both our atmosphere and life itself! 00:00 Intro and Overview 02:46 Research Projects Explained 05:41 Fieldwork and Sample Collection 12:35 Goals & Implications of projects 15:27 Origins of Life, Applications, and Environmental Impact 21:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Music: 368 by Dyalla | |||
| Why Science Funding Matters | 14 Apr 2025 | 00:17:36 | |
Today is a solo episode with your host, Alex Chansky! I talk about why I do this show — in addition to some personal reasons, this channel is a great opportunity to make scientific research more accessible and understandable to the public! This is especially important in recent months as research funding cuts are proposed and our country’s top research institutions are cutting people & projects. So why is science funding important? Listen to find out more! 00:00 Why I do this show 01:20 Why Public Understanding of Science matters 05:36 Current Funding Threats 08:51 Long-term Funding cut impacts 15:30 Ask Some Questions Music: 368 by Dyalla | |||
| Water Diplomacy & Uncertainty with Catherine Knox, PhD Candidate | 31 Mar 2025 | 00:43:14 | |
In this week’s episode, I host Catherine Knox, PhD candidate at Tufts University, to discuss water diplomacy and decision-making! We talk about different ways to think about water management, especially when it stretches across multiple boundaries. Catherine goes on to discuss her work on sea-level rise adaptation in Boston and also how decisions can be made under both uncertainty and ambiguity. For example, me saying “I have no idea what to write next in this description” is uncertainty. Saying “this description is funny” is ambiguous. Listen and subscribe for more great jokes! 02:55 Water Diplomacy and Transboundary Water Management 04:04 Sea Level Rise Adaptation Project 11:14 Regional Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement 17:48 Public-Private Partnerships and Model Applications 23:47 Paper 2: Decision Making under Uncertainty & Ambiguity 38:27 Personal Insights and Future Directions Music: 368 by Dyalla | |||