Rust Belt Science

In this episode of Rust Belt Science, host Maggie Fink and Shahir Rizk speak with Michelle Jewell, a science communicator and shark researcher at the Southeast Climate Adaptation Science Center. They discuss Michelle's journey from growing up in Flint, Michigan, to her passion for marine biology and sharks. The conversation delves into the anatomy and behavior of sharks, common misconceptions about these creatures, and the importance of science communication in addressing climate change. Michelle emphasizes the need for community engagement and co-production in research, as well as the challenges of effectively communicating scientific concepts to the public. The episode concludes with fun shark facts and advice for young scientists.

In this conversation, Mike Dennin, a professor at UC Irvine, discusses his multifaceted roles in academia, the evolution of UC Irvine, and the challenges faced by students in the current educational landscape. He emphasizes the importance of holistic education, particularly for science students, and the need for effective science communication. Dennin also shares insights on engaging with conspiracy theories and the intersection of science and religion, advocating for open-mindedness and understanding in scientific discourse. The conversation concludes with recommendations for fostering curiosity and valuing diverse perspectives in education.

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Josh Shrout shares his journey from engineering to microbiology, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, research methodologies, and the fascinating behaviors of bacteria, particularly in biofilms. He discusses his unique approach to lab work, the social behaviors of bacteria, and the concept of altruism within microbial communities. The conversation also touches on personal insights, including the challenges of imposter syndrome and the joy of pursuing curiosity in science.

In this episode, hosts Maggie Fink and Shahir Risk kick off Season Two of Rust Belt Science, discussing their transition to a new recording location at Indiana University South Bend. They share personal updates, including their current reading materials and teaching experiences, while reflecting on the challenges and excitement of the new academic year. The conversation also touches on the upcoming guests and topics for the season, emphasizing a desire to explore the intersection of science and the human experience.

In this episode of Rust Belt Science, hosts Maggie Fink and Shahir Rizk talk with Dr. Adam Jaffee, a biochemist whose work explores the invisible forces that power life — from the movement of electrons to the moments of insight that spark scientific discovery.

Dr. Jaffee shares his journey through the world of bioenergetics, reflecting on how chemistry and creativity intersect in the lab and in the classroom. The conversation ranges from the molecular choreography of energy transfer to the broader question of what drives scientists to keep asking “why.” Along the way, Dr. Jaffee offers a candid look at collaboration, mentorship, and the joy of finding meaning in the details of science.

Join us for an inspiring discussion that reminds us how curiosity — like energy itself — never disappears, it just transforms.

In this episode of Rust Belt Science, we sit down with Dr. Lee Haines to explore the fascinating world of malaria research. Dr. Haines walks us through her recent paper on repurposing existing drugs to combat malaria—an approach that could fast-track new treatments in the face of rising resistance. We also dive into her unexpected fieldwork with monkey populations and what primate behavior can teach us about disease transmission and control. From the lab bench to the jungle canopy, this is science at its most adventurous and urgent.

In this episode of Rust Belt Science, we sit down with Dr. Louis Muglia—physician-scientist, visionary leader, and passionate advocate for interdisciplinary research. Together, we explore how the spirit of Renaissance thinking—where science, art, philosophy, and curiosity intersect—can help reignite wonder and push the boundaries of modern discovery.

Dr. Muglia shares insights from his own cross-disciplinary journey, discusses the value of integrating diverse fields to solve complex problems, and reflects on how embracing a broader view of science can empower communities, This conversation is an invitation to reimagine how we think, learn, and innovate.

What if the future of life could be written—not in words, but in proteins? In this episode of Rust Belt Science, authors Shahir Rizk and Maggie Fink talk about their new book, The Color of North: The Molecular Language of Proteins and the Future of Life. Together, they unpack how proteins act as a hidden code shaping everything from the cells in our bodies to the possibilities of synthetic biology.

We dive into how their collaboration blends hard science with human narrative, why the language of proteins matters now more than ever, and how this molecular perspective could transform medicine, agriculture, and even how we define life itself.

In this episode of Rust Belt Science, we journey into the deep cosmos with astronomer Roman Gerasimov to explore how ancient stars hold the secrets of the universe's past. Gerasimov, whose work focuses on the chemical composition of some of the oldest known stars, explains how these stellar relics act like time capsules—preserving the fingerprints of cosmic events from billions of years ago. We discuss what the early universe was made of, how heavier elements formed, and why the Milky Way’s outer halo might be the key to understanding galaxy formation. From brown dwarfs to stellar archaeology, this conversation shines light on how we piece together the story of everything—from hydrogen to humanity.

In this episode of Rust Belt Science, we tackle a topic that hits close to home for many in the scientific community: impostor syndrome. From graduate students to seasoned researchers, feelings of self-doubt and the fear of being “found out” are surprisingly common in science. We explore the psychological roots of impostor syndrome, how it manifests in academic and research environments, and what individuals and institutions can do to create healthier, more supportive spaces. Tune in for a candid conversation, personal stories, and insights on overcoming the inner critic and reclaiming confidence in your work.