AMSEcast

By American Museum of Science and EnergyScience Education

AMSEcast episodes

November 20, 2024Finding Balance Between Tightness & Looseness with Dr. Michele Gelfand
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
49 min
November 06, 2024How Windell Oskay is Inspiring a New Generation of Mad Scientists
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
30 min
November 04, 2024 AMSE Science Report with guest Luis Elizondo
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.
5 min
November 04, 2024 AMSE Science Report Dava Sobel
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
5 min
November 04, 2024 AMSE Science Report with Ian McNeely
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.
5 min
October 30, 2024The Many Technological Advancements of Asad Madni
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
1 hr 1 min
October 23, 2024On the Hunt for UFOs with Luis Elizondo
Alan is joined by Luis 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 Luis 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, Luis 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. Luis' 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
57 min
October 09, 2024The University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge from the Dawn of the Atomic Age to the Present
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
1 hr 3 min
October 01, 2024 AMSE Science Report with author Seirian Sumner
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.
5 min
October 01, 2024 AMSE Science Report Sally Adee, author of We Are Electric: Inside the 200 Year Hunt for Our Body's Bioelectric Code, and What the Future Holds
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.
5 min

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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…

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