Big developments in nuclear energy are increasingly centered on smaller reactor designs. Dr. Joshua Schlegel explains what a small modular nuclear reactor is, how these smaller reactors differ from traditional plants, how nuclear power works in general, and how decommissioned mine sites could also factor into the picture.

Many of the key materials that make modern technology possible are classified by the U.S. government as critical minerals. Dr. Kwame Awuah-Offei explains why these materials matter for national security and economic stability and why it is vital for the U.S. to improve its domestic supply chain and rely less on other countries. He also explains how Missouri S&T and its Tech Hub are leading national efforts to address this challenge.

Plants don’t talk, but engineers know how to make them tell stories. Dr. Joel Burken explains phytoforensics — a concept developed at Missouri S&T that uses plants to detect and monitor environmental contamination. Along the way, he also explains what environmental engineering is, what environmental engineers actually do, and why their work matters.

Dr. David Bayless helps unpack what engineers actually do and why the field is so important. From different engineering disciplines to research on bioreactors designed for the moon, the conversation explores how engineers tackle big challenges — and how Missouri S&T is leading the way.